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Gm O , y\ZAH n Jt IX OT O ]^7^o
AN
BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL
DICTIONARY,
CONTAINING
AN ACCOUNT OF THE
LIVES, CHARACTERS, AND WRITINGS
OF THE
.MOST EMINENT PERSONS IN NOnTH AMERICA TROM ITS FIRST
DISCOVERY TO THE PRESENT TIME,
AND A SUMMARY OF THE
HISTORY OF THE SEVERAL COLONIES
AND OF
THE UNITED STATES,
BY \V ILL! AM ALLEN,' a.m»
Tr7.T.T.,. '...,....
Quique sui memores alios fecere merendo. virc.
PUBLISHED
BY WILLIAM HILLIARD, AND FOR SALE AT HIS BOOKSTORE
IN CAMBRIDGE,
Hilliard & Metcalf, printers.
1809. <•
DISTRICT OF MASSACHUSETTS, to wit;
•♦^.xvy* ^^ ^"^ BEMEMBERED, that Oil the twctity seventh day of July,
S «) in the thirty fourth year of the independence of tlie United States
^ s E A L. ^ of America, W i l l i a m A i, l e n of the said district has deposited in
'T-^-^-J-^ jjiis office the title of a book, the rig-ht whereof he claims as au-
thor, in the words following, to wit ; " An Amei-ican biographical and histor-
" ical dictionaiy, containing an account of the lives, characters, and writings
" of the most eminent persons in Nortli America from its first discovery to the
" present time, and a summary of the history of the several colonies and of the
" United States, by William Allen, a. m, Quique sui memores fecere
*' merendo Virgil."
In confoi-mity to the act of the congi-ess of the United States, entitled,
" an act for the cncovn-agement of learning by securing the copies of maps,
" charts, and books to tlie authors and proprietors of such copies diu"ing the
" times, therein mentioned ;" and also to an act, entitled, " an act supple-
•* mentary to an act, entitled, an act for tlie encouragement of learning by se-
" cui'ing the copies of maps, charts, and books to the authors and proprietors
" of such copies d'lring the times, therein mentioned ; and extending the ben-
" fits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving, and etching historical and
*♦ other prints."
W S «nTIAW ^'^^^^^ "f *^^ district
W. b. bttA W, ^^ Massachutetu,
PREFACE.
THE following work presents itself to the public with no
claims to attention, but such as are founded upon the interest,
which may be felt in the lives of Americans. Finding himself
a few years ago in a literary retirement, with no important duties,
which pressed immediately upon him, the author conceived the
plan of this dictionary. He was desirous of bringing to the
citizens of the United States more information, than was gener-
jiUy possessed, respecting the illustrious men of former times,
the benefactors and ornaments of this country, who have passed
away. He persuaded himself, that if he could collect the
fragments of biography, which were buried in the mass of A-
merican historj^, or scattered amidst a multitude of tracts of va-
rious kinds, and could fashion these materials into a regular
form, so as to place before the eye our great and good men, if
not in their full dimensions, yet in their true shape, he should
render an acceptable service to his countrymen. This work
with no little labor he has now completed ; and the inexperienced
artist, in his first essay, can hope only, that his design will be
commended. He wishes chiefly, that as the images of departed
excellence are surveyed, the spirit, which animated them, may
be caught by the beholder.
As an apology however for the deficiences and errors of va-
rious kinds, which may be found in the work, a full exposition
ot his plan, and some representation of the difficulty of executing
it seem to be necessary.
It was proposed to give some account of the persons, who
first discovered the new world ; of those, who had a principal
agency in laying the foundations of the several colonies ; of those,
who have held important offices and discharged the duties ot
them with ability and integrity ; of those, who have been con-
spicuous in the learned professions ; of those, who have been
remarkable for genius and knowledge, or who have written any
IV PREFACE.
thing, ik'scning of rtmcmbrance ; oflhc liislinguishccl iiicnd.%
ot literature aiul science ; of the statesmen, the patriots, and he-
roes, w ho have contended for American Uherty, or aic^ed in the
establishment of our civil institutions; and ot all, whose lives,
bright with Christian virtue, might furnish examples, which
should be wordiy of imitation. It was determined to enlarge
this \\ide liehl by giving as complete a list, as could be made,
ol the writings of each person, and by introducing die first min-
isters of the principal towns for the purpose of illusti-ating the
history of this country. The design included also a very com-
pendious history of the United States, as w^ell as of each sepa-
rate colony and state, for the satisfaction of the reader, v/ho
iright wish to view the subjects of the biographical sketches in
connexion with the most prominent facts relating to the country,
in which they lived. In addition to all this, it was intended to
annex such references, as would point out the sources, from
which information should be derived, and as might direct to
more copious intelligence, than could be contained in this work.
Such were the objects, which the author had in view, when he
commenced an enterprise, of whose magnitude and difficulty he
was not sufficiently sensible before he had advanced too far to
be able to retreat. The modern compilers of similar works in
Europe have little else to do but to combine or al)ridge the labors
of their predecessors, and employ the materials previously col-
lected to their hands. But in the compilation of this work a
new and untrodden field was to l)e explored. It became neces-
sary not only to examine the whole of American history, in or-
der to kn-Av who have taken a conspicuous part in the transac-
tions ol this couiitr}' ; but to supply from other sources the im-
perfect accounts of general historical writers, by a recurrence
to the reteiences it will be seen, that much toil has been encoun-
tered. But though the authorities may seem to be unnecessari-
ly multiplied, yet there has been some moderation in introduc-
ing them, for in many instances they do not by any means ex-
hibit the extent oi the researches, which have been made. It
could not be expected or wished, that newspapers, pamphlets,
ai;d other p-roductions should !)e referred to for undisputed dates
and sir.gle facts, which they have afibrded, and which have been
imbotlieo with regular accounts. The labor liowever of search-
ing lor information has frequendy been less, than that of com-
jraring diflerent statements, endeavoring to reconcile them when
they disagreed, adjusting the chronology, combining the inde-
pendent lacts, and forniing a consistent whcle of what existed
(.nly in disjointed parts. Sometimes the miiid has been over-
PREFACE. V
•whelmed by the variety and abundance of intelligence ; and
sometimes the author has prosecuted his inquiries in every di-
rection, and found only a barren waste.
While he represents these circumstances to the candid reader,
he indulges the belief, that the necessary imperfections of this
work will be somewhat shielded from the severity of criticism.
In surveying it he perceives, that a just proportion between the
several articles has not always been presers'ed, that some names
have been overlooked, and that some are introduced, which
might have given place to others, that have been intentionally
omitted. Though a smaller type has been used, than was orig-
inally designed, and one hundred and forty pages added to the
proposed number, yet there has been such an unexpected accu-
mulation of materials, as to render it necessaiy not only greatly
to abridge many articles, but entirely to exclude accounts of
about two hundred persons, which had been prepared.
For the large space, which is sometimes occupied in describ-
ing the last hours of the persons, of whom a sketch is given,
the following reasons are assigned. In the lives of our fellow
men there is no period so important to them and so interesting
to us, as the period, which immediately precedes their dissolu-
tion. To see one of our brethren at a point of his existence,
beyond which the next step will either plunge him down a prec-
ipice into an abyss, from which he will never rise, or will ele-
vate him to everlasting glory, is a spectacle, which attracts us not
merely by its sublimity, but because we know, that the flight of
time is rapidly hastening us to the same crisis. We wish to see
men in the terrible situation, which inevitably awaits us ; to
learn what it is, that can support them, and can secure them.
The gratification of this desire to behold what is great and av/ful,
and the communication of the aids, which may be derived from
the conduct of dying men, have accordingly been combined in
the objects of this v//'/.-: ^^^.>
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AN
AMERICAN
BIOGRAPHICAL AND HISTORICAL
DICTIONARY.
XTLBBOT (Hull), a respectable minister of CharleS"
town, Massachusetts, was graduated at Harvard college in the
year 1720. His ordination took place Feb. .5, 1724, Alter con-
tinuing near 60 years in the ministry, he died June 17, 1782, aged
80. He publislied the following sernaons ; on the artillery elec-
tion in Boston, 1735 ; on the rebellion in Scotland, 1746 ; against
profane cursing and swearing, 1747.
ADAMS (John), a poet, was the only son of tlie Hon. John Ad-
ams of Nova Scotia, and was graducited at Hc%i'vard college in 1721.
He was settled in the ministry at Newport, Rhode Island, April 1 1,
1728, in opposition to the wishes of the Rev. Mr. Clap, who was
pastor. Mr. Clap's friends formed a new society, and Mr. Adams
Was dismissed in about two years. He died at Cambridge in January
1740 in the 36th year of his age, deeply lamented by his acquaint-
ance. His funeral was such, as indicates the high estimation, in
ivhich he was held. He was much distinguished for his learning,
genius, and piety. As a preacher he was much esteemed. A
Small volume of his poems was published at Boston in 1745, which
contains imitations and paraphrases of several portions of scripture,
translations from Horace, and the whole book of Revelation in he-
toic verse, together with original pieces. The versification is re-
markably harmonious for the period and the country. Mr. Ad-
ams' productions evince a lively fancy and breathe a pious strain.
They prove him possessed of some of the impoitant requisites
of a good poet. — Massa.Mag.for Ajir. 1789 ; Backus' Abr. 158 ;
Pref. to his poems,
ADAMS (Eliphalet), an eminent minister of New London,
Connecticut, was graduated at Harvard college in 1694. He was
ordained Feb. 9, 1709, and died in April 1753 in the 77th year of
his age. He published a sermon on the death of Rev. Jame»
Noyes of Stonington j election sermon, 1710 j a discourse occa«
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^ ADA.
sioned by a distressing slorm, prfcached March 3, 1717 ; a thanks-
giving sermon, 1721; a sc"nion on the dcala ol gov. Saltonstall,
1724 ; at the onlinaiion of Rev. William Ea^er, Lebanon, May
87, 1725 ; at the ordination ol" Rev. Thonius Clap, Windham,
1726 ; and a discourse before a society oi young men, 1727.
ADA.MS (Amos), minister of Roxbiny, Massachusetts, was
graduated at Harvard college in 1752. He w.is ordain< d as suc-
cessor to Rev. Mr. Peabody Sep. 12, 1753, and died at Dor-
chester Oct. 5, 1775, in the 48th year ot his age. His son. Rev.
Thomas Adams, was ordained in Bostoi» as minister lor Camden,
South Carolina ; where, alter a residence of 8 years, he died Aug.
16, 1797.
Mr. Adams in early life devoted himself to the service of his
Redeemer, and he continued his benevolent labors as a preacher of
the gospel with unabating vigor till his death. He was iervent in
devotion, and his discourses, always animated by a lively and ex-
pressive action, were remarkably calculated to Warm the heart.
He was steadfast in his principles and unwearied in industry.
He published the following sermons ; on the death of Mrs. Lu-
cy Dudley, 1756 ; at the artillery election, 1759 ; on the gener-
al thanksgiving for the reduction of Quebec, 1759 ; at the ordina-
tion of Mr. Samuel Kingsbury, EdgarVown, Nov. 25, 1761 ; utihe
ordination of Mr. John Wyeth, Gloucester Feb. 5, 1766 ; the
only hope and refuge of sinners, 1767 ; two discourses on relig-
ions lii)ertv, 1767 ; a concise and historical view of New England
m two discourses on the general fast April 6, 1769, which was re-
ptiblished in London in 1770 ; a sermon at the ordination of Mr.
Jonathan Moore, Rochester, Sep. 25, 1768 ; at the ordination of
"Mr. Caleb Prentice, Reading, Oct. 25, 1769, He preached a
sermon at the Dudlcian lecture of Harvard college in 1770, enti-
litled, diocesaTi episcopacy, as founded on the supposed episcopacy
of Timothv and Titus, subverted. This work is a specimen of the
learnir.g oi' the writer. It is lodged in manuscript in the library of
the college.
ADAMS (Joseph), a minister remarkable for longevity, was
graduated at Harvard colle e in 1710, was settled at Newington,
New Hampshire, in 1715, and died in 1783 aged 93. He preach-
ed till just before his death.
He published a sermon on the death of John Fabian Esq. 1757 ;
and a sermon on the necessity of rulers civil and ecclesiastical
exerting themselves against the growth of impiety, 1760. — Be!'
hinfi's- .V. //. iii. 304.
ADAMS (ZAnniEL), minister of Lunenburg, Massachusetts,
Tvas born in BruiiUree, now Quincy, Nov. 5, 1739. His fuher
was the uncle of John Adams, late president of the United States.
He was graduated at Harvard college in 1759, having made, while
in that seminary, great proficiency in learning, and njuch improved
ADA. 3
tKe vigorous powers of mind, with wliich he was endued. He
was ordained Sep. 5, 1764, ana died March 1, 1801, in the 62nd
year ot his age, and the 37th ot his ministry.
Mr. Adams was eminent as a preacher of the gospel, often ex-
plaining the most important aoctrines in a rational and scrip-
tural manner, and eniorcing them with plainness and pungen-
cy. His language was nervous, and whiie in his public per-
formances he gave instruction he also imparted pleasure. In
his addresses to the throne of grace he was remiarkable for perti-
nency of thought and readiness ot utterance. Though by bodily-
constitution he was liable to irritation, yet he treasured no ill will
in his bosom. His heart was easily touched by the attlictions of
others and his sympathy and benevolence prompted hiin to aaminis-
ter relief, when in his power. He was considered as a man ot up-
rightness, who feared God, and who was a real partaker ot the
faith Oi the gospel.
He was frequently called to preach on public occasions, and he
did not disappoint the expectations of his hearers. He published
a sermon on the nature, pleasures, and advantages of church music,
1771 ; on christian unity, 1772 ; the election sermon 1782 ; on
the 19th of April, 1783 ; at the ordination of Rev. Enoch Whip-
ple, 1788 .— Whitney's fun . serm .
ADAMS (Samuel), governor of Massachusetts, and a most dis-
tinguished patriot in the American revolution, was born in Boston
of a reputable family Sep. 27, 1722. He was graduated at Har-
vard college in 1740. When he commenced master ol arts in
1743, he proposed the following question for discussion, Whether
it be lawful to resist the supreme magistrate, it the commonwealth
cannot otherwise be preserved ? He maintained the afiirmalive,
and thus early showed his attachment to the liberties of the people.
Early distinguished by talents as a writer, his first attempts were
proofs of his filial piety. By his efforts he preserved the estate of
his father, which had been attached on account of an engagement
in the land bank bubble. He Avas known as a political writer dur-
ing the administrution of Shirley, to which he was opposed, as he
thought the union of so much civil and military power in one man
was dangerous. His ingenuity i wit, and profound argument are
spoken of with the highest respect by those, who were cotenipora-
ry with him. At this early period he laid the foundation of public
confidence and esteem.
Tn 1765 he was elected a member of the general assembly of
Massachusetts in the place of Oxenbridge Thacher Esq. deceased.
He was soon chosen clerk, and he gradually acquired influence in the
legislature. This was an eventful time. But Mr. Adams pos-
sessed a courage, which no dangers could sh;.ke. He was undis-
mayed by the prospect, which struck terror into the hearts of ma-
ny. He was a member of the legislature near ten years, and b«?
4 ADA.
was the soul, wliich animated it to the most important resolutions.
No mwi did so much. He pressed his measures with ardor ; yet
he was prudent ; he knew how to bend the passions of others to
his purpose.
When the charter was dissolved, he was chosen a nvember of
the provinriiil convention. In 1774 he was elected a member of
tile general congress. In this station, in which he remained a
number ot years, he rendered the most impoivant services to his
couutiy. His eloquence was adapted to the times, in wliich he
lived. The energy ol his language corresponded witli the firm-
ness and vigor of his mind. His heart glowed with the feelings
of a patriot, and his elofjuence was simple, majestic, and persua-
sive. He was one of the most cfhcient members of congress. He
possessed keen penetration, unshaken fortiiude, and jjermauent de-
cision. Ciordon speaks of him in 1774 as having for a long time
whispered to his confideniial friends, that tliis country musit
be independent, In the last act of state of the British government
in Massachusetts he was proscribed wixh John Hancock, when a
general pardon was offered to all, who had rebelled. This act was
atriot.
In 1776 he united with Franklin, J. Adams, Hancock, Jefferson,
and a liost ot worthies, in deckiring the United States no longer
an appendage to a ntonarchy, but free and independent.
When the constitution of Massachusetts was adopted he was
chosen a member of the senate, of which body he was elected pres-
ident. He was soon sent to the western countries to quiet a dis-
turbance, which was rising, and he was successful in his mission.
He was a member of the convention for examining the constitution
of the United States. He made objections to sever;*l of its provis-
ions, but his principal ol>jection was to that article, which rendered
the several states amenable to tl\e courts of the nation. He thought
this reduced them to mere corporations ; that the sovereignty of
each would be dissolved ; and that a consolidated government, sup-
ported by an army, would be tin-, consequence. The constitution
was afterwards altered in tliis point and ui most otlier respects ac-
cording to his wishes.
In 1789 he was chosen lieutenant governor, and was contin-
ued in this office till 1794, when he was elected governor, as suc-
cessor to Mr. Huicock. He Avas anntially replaced in the chair
of the first magistrate of Massachusetts till 1797, when his age and
infirmities induced him to retire from public life. He died Oct,
2, 1803, in the 82nd year of his age.
The leading traits in the character of Mr. Adams were an un-
conquerable love of lilierty, integrity, firmness, and decision. Some
acts of his administration as chief magistrate were censured,
though all allowed his motives were pure. A division in politicai
ADA. 5
sentiments at that time existed, and it has since increased. When
he differed trom the majority he acted with great independence.
At the close of the war he opposed peace with Great Britain, un-
less the northern states retained their full privileges in the fisheries.
In 1787 he advised the execution of the condign punishment, to which
the leaders of the rebellion in 1786 had been sentenced. He was
opposed to the treaty with Great Britain made by Mr. Jay in 1794,
and he put his election to hazai'd by avowing his dislike of it. He
was censured for his conduct ; but he undoubtedly had a right to
express his opinion, and his situation made it his duty to point out
to the people what he conceived to be causes of danger.
Mr. Adams was a man of incorruptible integrity. Attempts
were probably made by the Bxitish to bribe him. Gov. Hutchinson,
in answer to the inquiry, why Mr. Adams was not taken oft' from
his opposition by an office, writes to a friend in England, " Such is
the obstinacy and inflexible disposi'ion of the man, that he never
can be conciliated by any office or gift whatever."
He was poor. While occupied abroad in the most important
and responsible public duties, the partner of his cares supported
the family at home by her industry. Though his resources wene
very small ; yet such was the economy and dignity of his house,
that those, who casually visited him, found nothing mean, or lUibe-
coming his station. His country, to whose interests he had devot-
ed his life, permitted him to remain poor ; but there were not
wanting a few friends, who showed him their regard. In this hon-
orable poverty he continued to a very late period of his life ; and
had not a decent competency fallen into his hands by the very afflic-
ting event of the death of an only son, he must have depended for
subsistence upon the kindness of his friends, or the charity of the
public.
To a majestic countenance and dignified manners there was add-
ed a suavity of temper, which conciliated the affection of his ac^
quaintance. Some, who disapproved of his political conduct, lov-
ed and revered him as a neighbor and friend. He could readily
relax from severer cares and studies to enjoy the pleasures of pri-
vate conversation. Though somewhat reserved among strangers,
yet with his friends he was cheerful and companionable, a lover of
chaste wit, and remarkably fond of anecdote. He faithfully dis-
charged the duties arising from the relations of social life. His
house was the seat of domestic peace, regularity, and method.
Mr. Adams was a christian. His mind was early imbued with
piety, as well as cultivated by science. He early approached the
table of the Lord Jesus, and the purity of his life witnessed the sin-
cerity of his profession. On the christian sabbath he constantly
went to the temple, and the morning and evening devotions in his
family proved, that his religion attended him in his seasons of re^
tlrement from the world. The last production of his pen was m
favor of christian truth. He died in the faith of the gospel.
6 ALB.
He was a sage and a patriot. The independence of the United
States of America is ptriiapb to Ijc ulti ibuicu as much to his exer-
tions, as to the exertions oi any one man. '1 liouj^h he was called
to strugi^le with adversity, he was never discoiu-aged. He was
consistent and hrm unuer the cruel neg.ect oi a friend and the ma-
lignant rancor ol an enemy ; comforting himself in the uarkest sea-
sons with reflections upon the wisdom and goodness of God.
His writings exist only in tiie perishable columns of a newspaper
or pamphlet. In his more advanced years, in the year 1790, a lew
letters passed between him and Mr. John Adams, then vice presi-
dent of the Unitetl St.ites, in which the principles of government
are discussed, and there seems to have been some difference of sen-
timent between tliose eminent patriots and statesmen, who had toil-
ed together through the revolution. This correspondence was
published in 1800. An oration, wfiich Mr. Adams delivereil at the
state nouse in Philadelphia Aug. 1, 1776, was published. The ob-
ject is to support American independence, the declaration of which
by congress had been made a short time before. He opposes kingly
government and heretlitary succession with warmth and energyr.
Not long before his death he addressed a letter to Paine, express-
ing his disaprobation of that unbeliever's attempts to injure the
cause of christianitv.— /"//arAer's strmon ; Suliivan's c/iaractcr of
him in fiublic fiafiers ; AeiA* Cyclojixdia ; PolyaJithos, iii. 73 — 82 ;
Gordon, i. 347, 410 ; Brissct, .Mauv. VoyA. 151.
ALBER r (PiK.uRE Antonie), rector of the French protest-
ant episcopal church in New York, was the descendant of a highly-
respectable family in Lausanne, Switzerland. About the year
1796 he was invited to receive the charge of the church in the
city of New York, which was founded by the persecuted Huguenots
after the revocation of the Ci.ict of Nantes. He died July 12, 1806,
in the 41st ye.'.r ol his age.
He was an accomplished gentleman, an erudite scholar, a pro-
found theologian, and a most eloquent preacher. A stranger, of
unobtrusive manners and invinciljle modesty, he led a very retired
life. His worth however could not be concealed He was esteem-
ed and beloved by all, who had formed any acfiuaint..nce with him.
— .V, Y. Herald ; Musna. Miss. Mag. iv. 78.
ALDEN (John), a magistrate of Plymouth colony, was one of
the first company, which settled New England. He arrived in
1620, and his life was prolonged tdl Sep. 12, 1687, when he died
aged about 89 years. He was a very worthy und useful man, of
great humility, and cmiiK-nt for the sanctity of his life. He was
an assistant in the administration of every governor for 67 years.
A professed disciple of Jesus Christ, he lived in accordance with
his profession. In his last illness he was patient imd resign-
ed, fully believing that God, who had imparted to him the love of
excellence, wo\i1(! pi'rfect the work, which he had beQ;un,undwoulj\
render him completely holy in heaven.— fn>icc'* ^nn. 85.
ALE. 7
ALEXANDER (James), secretary of the province of New
York, and many years one of the council, arrived in ttie colony in
1715. He was a Scotch gentleman, who was bred to the law.
Gov. Burnet was particularly attached to him. Though not distin-
guished for his talents us a public speaker, he was at the head of his
profession for sagacity und penetration. Eminent for his knowl-
edge, he was also communicative and easy of access. By honest
practice and unwearied application to business he acquired a great
estate^ He died in the beginning of 1756. — S?mth's J\'',J. 436 ;
Smith's .¥. Y. 152.
ALEXANDER (William), commonly called lord Stirling,
a major general in the American anny, was a native of the city
of New York, but spent a considerable part of his life in New
Jersey, He was considered by many as the rightful heir to
the title and estate of an earldom in Scotland, of which country his
father was a native ; and although, when he went to North Britain
in persuit of this inheritance, he failed of obtaining an acknowledg-
ment of his claim by government ; yet among his fiiends and ac-
quaintances he received by courtesy the title of lord Stirling.
He discovered an early fondness for the study of mathematics and
astronomy, and attained great eminence in these sciences.
In the battle on Long Island Aug. 27, 1776, he was taken pris-
oner, after having secured to a large part of the det.ch.roent an op-
portunity to escape by a bold attack with four hundred men upon a
corps under lord Cornwallis. His attachment to Washington was
proved in the latter part of 1777 by transmitti; g to him an account
of the disaffection of gen. ConAvay to the commander in chief. In
the letter he said, " Sucli wicked duplicity of conduct I shall always
think it my duty to detect."
He died at Albany Jan. 15, 1783 aged 57 years. He Avas a
brave, discerning, and intrepid officer.— M///er, ii. 390 ; Holmes^n.
358, 469 ; Marshall iii. ^fote Ab. v.
ALLEN (John), first minister of Dedham, Massachusetts, was
born in England in 1596, and was driven from his native land dur-
ing the persecution of the ptiritans. He had been for a number of
years a faithful preacher of the gospel. Soon after he arrived in
New England he was settled pastor of the church in Dedham
April 24, 1639. Here he continued till his death Aug. 26, 1671,
in the 75th year of his age. He was a man of great meekness and
humility, and of considerable distinction in his day. Mr. Cotton
speaks of him Avith respect in his preface to Norton's answer to
Apollonius.
He published a defence of the nine positions, in which, with Mr.
Shepard of Cambridge, he discusses the points of church disci-
pline ; and a defence of the Synod of 1662 against Mr. Chauncy
under the title of Animadversions upon the Antisynodalia, 4to,
1664, This woi'k is reserved in the New England library. The
8 ALl..
two last sermons, which he preached, were printed after his deatii.
— il/wtfTm/. iii. 132 ; Prentiss* J'un. serm. on Haven.
ALLKK (rnoMAs), minister of Charlestown, Massachusetts,
was horn at Norwich in England in 1608, and was educated at
Cambiidge. He was afterwards minister of St. Edmond's in Nor-
wich, hut was silenced by bishop Wren about the year 1636 for
refusing to read the book of sports, and conform to other impo^i-
fions. In 1633 he fled to New England, and was the same year
installed in Charlestown, where he was a pious, faithful preacher
of the gospel till about 1651, when he returned to Norwich, and
continued the exercise ot his ministry till 1662. He afterwards
preached to his church on all occasions that offered till his death
Sep. 21, 1673, aged 65. He was a very pious man, greatly beloT-
ed, i»nd an able, practical preacher.
He published an invitation to thirsty sinners to come to their
Savior; the way of the Spirit In bringing souls to Christ; the
glory of Christ set forth, with the necessity of faith in several
sermons ; a chain of scripture chronology from the creation to
the death of Christ in 7 periods. This was pruned in 1 658, and was
considered as a very learned and useful work. It is preserved in
the New England library, established by Mr. Prince, by whom,
the authors quoted in the book are written in the beginning of it in
his own hand. Mr. Allen wrote also with Mr. Shepard in 1645 a
prefiice to a tre.itise on liturgies, £cc. composed by the latter. He
contends, that only visible saints and believers should be received
to communion. — Ma^al. iii. 215 ; JVoncon. Memor.i. 254 ; iii.
11, 12.
ALLEN (James), minister in Boston, came to this country in
1662, recommended by Mr. Goodwin. He had been a fellow of
Kew college, Oxford. He v/as at this time a young man, and pos-
sessed considerable talents. He was very pleasing to many of the
church in Boston, and an attempt was made to settle him as assist-
ant to Mr. Wilson and Mr. Norton. He was ordained teacher of
the first church Dec. 9, 1668, as colleague with Mr. Davenport,
who was at the same time ordained pastor. After the death of Mr.
Davenport he had for his colleague Mr. Oxenbridge, and after his
i:N (William), chief justice of Pennsylvania before
the revolution, was the son of William Allen, an eminent mer-
chant oi l^hiladelphia, who died in 1725. He was much distin-
guished as a iricna to literature. He patronized sir Benjamin West,
the painter. By his counsels and exertions Dr. Franklin was much
assisted in establishing the college of Philadelphia. He published
the American crisis, London, 1774, in which he suggests a plan
*' for restoring the depcndance of America to a state of perfection."
His principles seem to have been not a little arbitrary.— iWiT/er 'a
rctroftficctj ii. 352 ; Proud'a liist. of Petinaylvania, ii. 188.
ALLEN (Moses), minister of Midway, Georgia, and a distin-
guished friend of his country, was bom in Northampton, Massa-
chusetts, Sept. 14, 1748. He was educated at the college in New
Jersey, where he was gi'aduated in 1776, and was licensed by the
presbytery of New Brunswick Feb. 1, 1774, and recommended by
them as an ingenious, prudent, pious man. In March following he
preiched first at Christ's church parish, about 20 miles from
Charleston, in South Carolina. Here he was ordained Mai'ch 16,
1775, by the rev. Mr. Zubly, Mr. Edmonds, and William Tennent.
He preached his faiewell sermon in this place June 8, 1776, and
was soon afterwards established at Midway, to which place he had
been earnestly solicited to remove.
The Biitish army from Florida under gen. Provost dispersed
his society in 17 7S, and burned the meeting house, almost every
dweding house, and the crops of rice then in stacks. In Decem-
ber, when Savannah was reduced by the British troops, he was tak-
en prisoner. The continental ollicers were sent to Sunbury on pa-
role, but Mr. Allen, who was chaplain to the Georgia brigade, was
denied that privilege. His warm exhortations from the pulpit,
and his animated exertions in the field exposed him to the partic-
ul u" resentment of the British. They sent him on board the pris-
on ships. Wearied with a confinement of a number of weeks in a
loathsome place, and seeing no prospect of relief, he determined to
attempt the recovery of his liberty by throwing himself in the river,
and swinniiing to an adjacent point ; but he v/as drowned in the at-
tempt on the evening of February 8, 1779, in the 31st year of his
age. His l)ody was washed on a ncigiiboring island, and was found
by some of iiis friends. They requested of the captain of a Brit-
ish vessel some boards to make a coftin, but could not procure
them.
ALL. a
Mr. Allen, notwithstanding his clerical function, appeared
among- the foremost in the day of battle, and on all occtisions sought
the post of danger as the post of honor. The friends oi independ-
ence admired him for his popular talents, his courage, and his
many virtues. The enemies of independence could accuse nim of
nothing more, than a vigorous exertion ot all his powers in defend-
ing what he conscientiously believed to be the rights oi his injured
country .
Though a brave man, he was also a christian. The following
letter, addressed to the trustees of Midway in 177r,will somewhat
exhibit his character. '' You have the enemy on your borders ;
you are in more imminent danger, and therefore stand in greater
need of the preached word to comfort God's chosen people and to
awaken sinners from their state of security. I shall not leave this
people [of Christ's church parish] in so distressed e acco nplished. As he had not raised the men, he was
admitted to act as an assistant to colonel Alien. They reached the
lake opposite Ticonderoga on the cvcinng of the 9th of May, 1775.
With the utmost difficulty boats were procured, and 83 men were
landed near the garrison. The approach of day rendering it dan-
gerous to wait for the rear, it was determined immediately to
proceed. The commander in chief now addressed his men, rep-
resenting that they had l)een for a number of years a scourge to
arbitrary power, and famed for their valor, and concluded with
saying, " I now propose to advance before you, and in person
conduct you through the wicket gate, and you, that will go with
me voluntarily in this desperate attempt, poize your firelocks."
At the head of the centre file he marched instantly to the gate,
where a sentry s uipped his gun at him and retreated through the
covered way ; he pressed forward into the fort, and formed his
men on the parade in such a manner as to face two opposite bar-
racks. Three huzzas awaked the garrison. A sentrv, who asked
qur\ricr, pointed out the apartments of the commanding officer ;
and Allen with a drawn sword over the head of captain De la Place,
who was undrcss'ed, demanded the surrender of the fort. " By
■what authority do you demand it ?** inquired the astonished com-
mander. " I demand it," said Allen, " in the name of the great
Jehovaii and of the continentMl congress." The summons could
not be disobeyed, and the fort with its very vahrablc stores and 49 prie-
ALL. 13
fners was immediately surrendered. Crown Point was taken the
same day, and the cupture of a sloop of Wi^r soon uftei wards made
Allen and his brave party complete masters oi lake ChampUdn.
In the fall of 1775 he was sent twice into Canada to observe the
dispositions of the people, and attach them, if possible, to the
American cause. During this last tour colonel Brown met him,
and proposed an attack upon Montreal in concert. The proposal
was eagerly embraced, and colonel Allen with 110 men, near 80
of whom were Canadians, crossed the river in the night of Sept.
24. In the morning he waited with impatience for the signal
from colonel Brown, who agreed to cooperate with him ; but he
waited in vain. He made a resolute defence against an attack of
500 men, and it was not till his own party was reduced by deser-
tions to the number of 31, and he had retreated near a mile, that
he surrendered. A moment afterwards a furious savage rushed
towards him, and presented his firelock with the intent of killing
him. It was only b) rruking use of the body of the officer, to
whom he had given his sword, as a shield, that he escaped de-
struction.
He was now kept for some time in irons and treated with great
cruelty. He was sent to Englind as a prisoner, being assured that
the halter would be the reward of his rebellion, when he arrived
there. After his arrival about the middle of Dec. he was lodged
for a short time in Pendennis castle, near Falmouth. On the 8th
of Jan. 1776 he was put on board a frigate and by a circuitous route
carried to Halifax, Here he remained confined in the gaol
from June to October, when he Avas removed to New York. Dur-
iniv the passage to this place, captain Burke, a daring prisoner,
proposed to kill the British captain and seize the frigate ; but col-
onel Allen refused to engage in the plot, and was probably the
means of preserving the life of captdn Smith, who had treated
him very politely. He was kept at New York about a year and a
half, sometimes imprisoned, and sometimes permitted to be on
parole. While here, be had an opportunity to observe the inhuman
manner, in which the American prisoners were treated. In one
of the churches, in which they were crowded, he saw seven lying
dead at one time, and others biting pieces of chips from hunger.
He calculated, that of the the prisoners taken at Long Island and
fort Washington, near 2000 perished by hunger and cold, or in
consequence of diseases occasioned by the impurity of their
prisons.
Colonel Allen was e>:changed for colonel Campbell May 6, 1778,
and after having repaired to head quarters, and oflered his services
to general Washington in case his health shoidd be restored, he
returned to Vermont. His arrival on the evening of the last of
May gave his friends great joy, and it was announced by the dis-
charge of cannon. As an expression of confidence in his patriot-
14 ALL.
ism and military talents he was very soon appointed to the com-
mand of the state inililia. It does not appear however, that his
intrepidity was ever aijain brought to the test, though liis patriot-
ism was tried by an unsuccesslid attempt of the British to bribe
him to attempt a union of Vermont with Canada. He died sud-
denly at his estate in Colchester Feb. 13, 1789.
General Allen possessed strong powers of mind, but they nev-
er felt the influence of education. Though he was brave, hu-
mane, and generous ; yet his conduct does not seem to have been
much influenced by considerations respecting that holy and mer-
ciful Being, whose character and whose commands are disclosed
to us in the scriptures. His notions with regard to religion were
such, as to prove, that those, who rather confide in their own wis-
dom than seek, instruction from heaven, may embrace absurdities,
which would disgrace the understiinding of a child. He believed,
with Pythagoras, that man ivfter death would transmigrate into
beasts, birds, fishes, I'cptiles, kc, and often informed his friends,
that he himself expected to live again in the form of a large white
horse.
Besides a number of pamphlets in the controversy with New
York, he published in 1779 a narrative of his observations during
his captivity, which has Ijeen lately reprinted ; a vindication of
the opposition of the inhabitants of Vermont to the government
of New York, and their right to form an independent state, 1779 ;
and Allen's theology, or the oracles of reason, 1786, This last
Avork was intended to ridicule the doctrine of Moses and the
prophets. It would be unjust to bring against it the charge of
having effected great mischief in the world, for few have had
the patience to read it. 'llleii'a narrative ; Boston weeklij maga-
zine^ vol.1'; Hardie's biogrii/ihy ; Holmes* annals^ ii. 329 ; JI7/-
liams* Vermont ; Chronicle^ March 5, 1789 ; Alamhall's life of
Wdafiing-ton, ii. 203 ; iii. 24 ; Gordon, ii. 13, 160.
ALLISON (Francis, d. d.), assistant minister of the first pres-
byterian church in Philadelphia, was born in Ireland in the year
1705. He received an early classical education in the north of
that kingdom at an academy under the particular inspection of the
bishop of Raphoe, and afterwards completed his studies at the
miiversity of Glasgow. He came to this country m 1735, and
was soon appointed pastor of a presbytcrian church at New Lon-
don in Chester county, Pennsylvania. Here about the year 1741
his solicitude for the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom and
his desire of engaging young men in the work of the ministry
and of pro-.noting public happhicss by the diffusion of religious
liberty and learning induced him to open a public school. There
was at this time scarcely a particle of learning in the middle
states, and he generally instructed all, tliat came to him, without
fee or reward.
AME. 1S<
About the year 1747 an academy was established in Philadel-
phia, and Dr. Allison was invited to take the oversight and instruc-
tion of it. In 1755 he vv'as elected vice provost of the college,
which had but a short time before been established, and professor
of moral philosophy. He was also minister in the first presby-
terian church. In the discharge of the laborious duties, which
devolved upon him, he continued till his death. He died Nov,
28, 1777,
Besides an unusually accurate and profound acquaintance with
the Latin and Greek classics, he was well informed in moral phi-
4osophy, history, and general literature. To his zeal for the diffu-
sion of knowledge Pennsylvania owes much of that taste for solid
learning and classical literature, for which many of her principal
characters have been so distmguished.
The private virtues of Dr. Allison conciliated the esteem of all,
that knew him, and his public usefulness has erected a lasting mon-
ument to his praise. For more than 40 years he supported the
ministerial character with dignity and reputation. In his public
services he was plain, practical, and argumentative ; warm, animat-
ed, and pathetic. He was greatly honored by the gracious Re-
deemer in being made instrumental, as it is believed, in the salva-
tion of many, who heard him. Indefatigable in study through the
whole of his useful life, he acquired an unusual fund of learning,
which rendered his conversation remarkably instructive, and qual-
ified him for the superintendence of youth, and increased his use-
fulness in the ministry.
He was frank and ingenuous in his natural temper ; warm and
zealous in his friendships ; catholic in his sentiments ; a friend to
civil and religious liberty. His benevolence led him to spare no
pains nor trouble in assisting the poor and distressed by his advice
and influence, or by his own private liberality. It was he, who
planned and was the means of establishing the widows' fund, which
was remarkably useful.
He often expressed his hopes in the mercy of God unto eternal
life, and but a few days before his death said to Dr. Ewing, that he
had no doubt, but that according to the gospel covenant he should
obtain the pardon of his sins through the great Redeemer of man-
kind, and enjoy an eternity of rest and glory in the presence of God.
He published a sermon delivered before the synods of New York
and Pennsylvania May 24, 175 8, entitled, peace and unity recom-
mended. dsseml)lz/'s miss. mag. i. A57 — 361; Millcr^s retrosfiect.^
ii. 342 ; Holmes' life of Sdles, 98,99.
AMERICUS (Vesputius), or more properly Amerigo Ves-
pucci, a Florentine gentleman, from whom America derives its
name, was born in 145 1 of a ve^y ancient family. His father, who
was an Italian merchant, brought him up in this business, and his
profession led him to visit Spain and other countries. Being enii-
16 AME.
ncntly skilful in all the sciences subservient to navigation, and poS-
scssiiij; ail tiilcipiisin}^ spirit, he became desirous ot seeing the
new woilil, which Ci^lumbus iuid uiscovered in 14^2, He accor-
dini;;iy entered as a mercUant on board ttie small lleet ot" tour ships^
C(piipped by the merchants of Seville and sent out under the com-
mand of Ojeda. Tne enterprise was sanctioned by a royal license.
According to Vespucci's own account he sailed from Cadiz May
20, 14'J7, and returned to the same port October 15, 1498, having
discovered the coast of Pariaund passed as fur as the gulph of Mex-
ico. If this statement is correct, Americus saw the continent be-
fore Columbus ; but its correctness is controverted, and the voy-
age of Ojeda is generally supposed to have been made in 1499.
\'espucci dates the comm«ncement of his second voyage under
the auspices of Ferdinand and Isabella, in which he had the com-
mand of six vessels, May 11, 1499. He proceeded to the Antilla is-
lands, and tiienceto the coast of Guiana and Veniiezuela, and return-
ed to Cadiz in Novemb. 1 500. He retired to Sevihc, receiving little
acknowledgement fron^the Spaniards for his services, and was deep-
ly atYecied by their ingratitude. Emanuel, king of Portugal, who
■was jealous of the success and glory of Spain, having been uiform-
ed of his dissatisfaction, invited him to his kingdom, and gave him
the command of three ships to make a third voyage of discovery.
He sailed from Lisbon May 10, 1501, and ran •. own the coasts
of Africa as far as SieiTa Leone and the coast of Angola, and then
passed over to Brazil in South America and continued his discove-
ries to the south as far as Patagonia. He then returned to Sierra
Leone and the coast of Guinea, and entered again the port of Lis-
bon Sep. 7, 1502.
King Emanuel, highly gratified by his success, equipped for him
six ships, with which he sailed on his fourth and last voyage May-
ID, 1503. It was his object to discover a western passage to the
Molucca islands. He passed the coasts of Afiica, and entered the
bay of All Saints in Brazil. Having provision for only 20 months,
and being detained on the coast of Brazil by bad weather and con-
trary winds five months, he formed the resolution of returning to
Portugal, where he arrived June 14, 1504. Ashe carried home
Aviih him considerable quantities of the Brazil wood, and otiier ar-
ticles of value, he was received with joy. It was soon after this pe-
riod, that he wrote an account of his four voyages. The work was
dedicated to lienc II, duke of Lorraine, who took the title of king
of Sicily, and who died Dec. 10, 1508. It was prolwbly published
«bo\it the year 1507, for in that year he went from Lisbon to Se-
ville, and king Ferdinand appointed him to draw sea charts with the
title of chief pilot. He died at the island of Tercera in 1 5 U aged
about 63 years.
As he published the first book and chart, descriliing the new
^orldj'ajid a^ he claimed the honor of first discovering the conti-
AME. 17
ncnt, the new world has received from him the name of America.
His pretensions however to this first discovery do not seem to be
well supported against the claims of Columbus, to whom the hon-
or is uniformly ascribed by the Spanish historians, and who first
saw the continent in 1498. Herrera, who compiled his general
history of America from the most authentic records, says, that
Americus never made but two voyages, and those were with Oje-
da in 1499 and 1501, and that his relation of his other voyages was
proved to be a mere imposition. This charge needs to be confirm-
ed by strong proof, for Vespucci's book was published within ten
years of the period, assigned for his first voyage, when the facts
must have been fresh in the memories of thousands. Besides the
improbability of his being guilty of falsifying dates, as he was ac-
cused, which arises from this circumstance ; it is very possible,
that the Spanish writers might have felt a national resentment
against him for having deserted the service of Spain. But the
evidence against the honesty of Vespucci is very convincing. Nei-
ther Martyr nor Benzoni, who were Italians, natives of the same
country, and the former of whom was a contemporary, atti'ibute to
him, the first discovery of the continent. Martyr published the
first general history of the new world, and his epistles contain an
account of all the remarkable events of his time. All the Spanish
historians are against Vespucci. Herrera brings against him the
testimony of Ojeda as given in a judicial inquiry. Fonseca, whQ
gave Ojeda the license for his voyage, was not reinstated in the di-
rection of Indian affairs until after the time, which Vespucci as-
signs for the commencement of his first voyage. Other circum-
stances might be mentioned ; and the whole mass of evidence it is
difficult to resist. The book of Americus was probably published
about a year after the death of Columbus, when his pretensions
could be advanced without the fear of refutation from that illustri-
ous navigator. But however this controversy may be decided,
it is well known, that the honor of first discovering the continent
belongs neither to Columbus nor to Vespucci, even admitting the
relation of the latter ; but to the Cabots, who sailed from England.
A life of Vespucci was published at Florence by Bandini, 1745, in
which an attempt is made to support his pretensions.
The relation of his four voyages, which was first published about
the year 1507, was republished in the Novus Orbis, fol. 1555.—.
Mbreri, diet, historique ; JVenu and gen. biog. dictionary ; Hardie ;
Robertson's S. America., \. JVote xxii ; Holmes' annals., 1.22 ; Jler-
rera, i. 221 ; Prince, introd. 80—82.
AMES (Fisher, ll.d.), a distinguished statesman, and an elo-
quent orator, was born at Dedham, Massachusetts, in which town
his father was a respectable physician. He was graduated at Har-
vard college in 1774, and after a few years commenced the study
of the laAv in Boston. He began the practice of his profession in
18 AME.
his native village ; but his (jxpoiisive mind could not be confined IQ
the iiivfsiii^aiion of the luw. Risbg into lite about the period of
the Ameriuui revolution and Uking a most affectionate interest i^
the concerns ot liis country, he felt himself strongly attracted tq
politics. His researches into tlie science of government were ex-
tensive and profound, and he began to l>e known by political discust-
sAons, published in the newspapers. A theatre soon presented fo^
tiie display ot liis extraordinary ulents. He was elected arpembei;
of the convention of his native sUte, which considered and ratified
tl^c federal constitution ; and his speeches in this convention were
indications of his future eminence. The splendor of his talents
burst torth at once upon his country.
When the general government of the United States cominence(|
its operations in 1789, he appeared in the national legislature as,
the first representative of his district, and for eight successive
years he took a distinguished part in the national councils. He wag
a principal speaker in the debates on every important question.
Towards the close of this period his health began to fail, but his in-
disposition could not prevent Idni from engaging in the discussion,
relating to the appropriations, necessary for carrying into effect th^
British treaty. Such was the effect of his speech of April 28, 1796ii
tjiat one of the memlicrs of the legislature, who was opposed tft,
Mr. Ames, rose and objected to taking a vote at that time, as thej^
had been carried away by the impulse of oratory.
After his return to his family, frail in health and fond of retire*
raent, he remained a private citizen. For a few years however h^
■^vas persviadcd to become a member of the council. But though
he continued chiefly in retirement, he operated far around him by;
his writinj^s in the public papers. A few years before liis death he
was cliosenprcsident of Harvai'd college, but the infirm state of his
health induced him to decline the appointment. He died on the
momingof July 4, 1808.
Mr. Ames possessed a mind of a great and extraordinary clwfr
actcr. He reasoned, but he did not reason in the form of logic.
By striking allusions more than by regular deductions he compel-
led assent. The richness of his fancy, the fertility of his inventiorv^
and the abundance of his thoughts were as remarkable as the just-
ness and strength of his understanding. His political luiracter
may be known from his writings, and speeches, and measures.
He was not only a man of distinguished talents, whose public
career was splendid, but he was amiable in private life and endeared
to his acquaintance. To a few friends he unveiled himself with-
out reserve. They found him modest and unassuming, untainted
with ambition, simple in manners, correct in morals, and a model
of every social and personal virtue. The charms of his convet-
•i^xiQu. were unequalled.
AME. 10
rie enterttuned a firm belief iii Christianity, and his belief Avas
Ibunded upon a thorough investigation of the subject. He read
inost of the best writings in defence of the christian religion) but
Jiis mind was satisfied by a view rather of its internal than its ex-
ternal evidences. He thought it impossible, that any man of a
fair mind could read the old testament and meditate on its con-
tents without a conviction of its truth and inspiration. The sub-
lime and correct ideas, which the Jewish scriptures convey of God,
connected with the fact that all other nations, many of whom were
superior to the Jews in civilization and general improvement, re-
inamed in darkness and error on this fundamental subject, formed
in his view a conclusive argurhent. After reading the book of
t)euteronomy he expressed his astonishment, that any man, versed
in antiquities, could have the hardihood to say, that it was the pro-
duction of human ingenuity. Marks of divinity, he said, were
stamped upon it. His views of the doctrines of religion were gen-
erally Calvinistic. An enemy to metaphysical and controversial
theology, he disliked the use oftechiiical and sectarian phrases. The
term trinity however he frequently used with reverence, and in a
manner, which implied his belief of the doctrine. His persuasion
of the divinity of Christ he often declared, and his belief of this
truth seems to have resulted from a particidar investigation of the
subject, for he remarked to a friend, that he once read the evan-
gelists with the sole purpose of learning what the Savior had said
of himself.
He was an admirer of the common translation of the Bible. He
said it was a specimen of pure English ; and though he acknowl=
edged, that a few phrases had grown obsolete, and that a few passage
es might be obscurely translated, yet he should consider the
adoption of any new translation as an incalculable evil. He la-
mented the prevailing disuse of the Bible in our schools. He
thought (hat children should early be made acquainted with the
important truths, which it contains, and he considered it as a prin-
cipal instrument of making them acquainted with their own lan^
guage m its purity. He said, " I will hazard the assertion, that
ho man ever did or ever will become truly eloquent, without being
a constant reader of the Bible, and an admirer of the purity and
sublimity of its language."
He recommended the teaching of the assembly's catechism ^
not perhaps because he was perfectly satisfied with every expres-
sion, but because, as he remarked, it was a good thing on the whole,
because it had become venerable by age, because our pious
ancestors taught it to their chikh'en with happy effect, and because
he was opposed to innovation, unwilling to leave an old, experienced
path for one new and uncertain. On the same ground he approved
the use of Watts' version of the Psalms and Hymns. No unin^
spired man, in his judgment, had succeeded so well as Watts in
Mniting with the sentiments of piety the embellishments of poetryu!,
20 AMH.
Mr. Ames made a public profession of religion in the first
congregational church in Dcclham. With this church he regularly
communed till precluded by indisposition from attending public
worship. His practice corresponded with his profession. His
life was regular and irreproachable. Few, who have been placed
in similar circumstances, have been less contaminated by intercourse
with the world. It is doubted, whether any one ever heard him
utter an expression, calculated to excite an impious or impure
idea. The most scrutinizing eye discovered in him no disguise or
hypocrisy. His views of himself however were humble and
abased. He was often observed to shed tears, while speaking of
his closet devotions and experiences. He lamented the coldness
of his heart and the wanderings of his thoughts while addressing
himself to his Maker or meditating on the precious truths, which
he had revealed.
In his last sickness, when near his end, and when he had just
expressed his belief of his approaching dissolution, he exhibited
submission to the divine will and the hope of the divine favor.
" I have peace of mhid," said he. " It may arise from stupidity ;
but I think it is founded on a belief of the gespel." At the same
time he disclaimed every idea of meriting salvation. " IVIy hope,"
said he, " is in the mercy of God, through Jesus Christ."
Mr. Ames' speech in relation to the British treaty, which was
delivered April 28, 1796, is considered as a fine specimen of
eloquence. He published an oration on the death of Washington
in 1800, and he wrote much for the newspapers. His political
writings were published in 1809, in one volume, 8vo. — Panofilist
for July 1808; Dcxter's fun. eulogy in the Repertoryy July B ;
Marshall's life of Washing to7i, v. 203.
AMHERST (Jefferv, lord), commander in chief of the Brit-
ish army at the conquest of Canada in 1760, was born in Kent,
England, Jan. 29, 1717. Having early discovered a predilection
for the military life, he received his first commission in the army
in 1731, and was aid de camp to general'Ligonier in 1741, in which
character he was present at the battles of Dettingen, Fontenoy,
and Rocoux. He was afterward aid de camp to his royal highness,
the duke of Cumberland, at the battle of LaflTeldt. In 1758 he
received orders to return to England, l)eing appointed for the A-
merican service. He sailed from Portsmouth March 16th as ma-
jor general, having the command of tlie troops destined for the
siege of Louisburgh. On the 26th of July following he captured
that place, and without farther difficulty took entire possession of
the island of Cape Breton. After this event he succeeded Aber-
erombie in the command of the army on North America. In 1759
the vast design of the entire conquest of Canada was formed.
Three armies Avcre to attack at near the same lime all the strong
holds of the French in that country. They were commanded by
AND. 21
Wolfe, Amherst, and Prideaux. General Amherst in the spring
transferi'cd his head quarters from New Vork to Albany; but it
was not till the 22d of July, that he reached Ticonderoga, against
which place he was to act. On the 27th this place fed into his
hands, the enemy having deserted it. He next took Crown Point,
and put his troops in winter quarters about the last of October.
In the year 1760 he advanced against Canada, embarking on lake
Ontario, and proceeding down the St. Lawrence. On the 8th of
September M. de Vaudreuil capitulated, surrendering Montreal
and all other places within the government of Canada.
He continued in the command in America till the latter end of
1763, when he x'eturned to England. In 1771 he was made gov-
ernor of Guernsey, and in 1776 he was created baron Amherst of
Holmsdale in the county of Kent. In 1778 he had the command
of the army in England. In 1782 he received the gold stick from
the king ; but on the change of the administration the command of
the army and the lieutenant generalship of the ordnance were put
into other hands. In 1787 he received another patent of peerage,
as baron Amherst of Montreal. On the 23d of January 1793 he
was again appointed to the command of the army in Great Britain;
but on the 10th of February 1795 this veteran and very deserving
officer was superseded by his royal highness, the duke of York,
the second son of the king, who was only in the thirty first year of
his age, and had never seen any actual service. The government
upon this occasion with a view lo soothe the feelings of the old gen-
eral offered him an earldom, and the rank of field marshal, both of
which he at that time rejected. The office of field marshal how-
ever he accepted on the 30th of July, 1796. He died at his seat ia
Kent August 3, 1797, aged eighty years. — Wat kins ; Hardie ;
Hohnes* anrialsy li. 226 — 246,498; Marshall,!. 44:2 — 470; Minoty
ii. 36. ,
ANDRE (John), aid de camp to sir Henry Clinton, and adju-
tant general of the British army in Ameiica during the late war,
was born in England in 1741. He Avas in early life a merchant's
clerk, but obtained a commission in the army at the age of seven-
teen. Possessing an active and enterprising? disposition and the
most amiable and accomplished manners he soon conciliated the
esteem and friendship of his superior officers, and rose to the rank
of major.
After Arnold had intimated to the British in 1780 his intention of
delivering up West Point to them, major Andre was selected as the
person, to whom the matviring of Arnold's treason and the ar-^
rangements for its execution should be committed. A correspon-
dence was for some time carried on between them under a mer-
cantile disguise and the feigned names of Gustavus and Anderson ;
and at length to facilitate their communications the Vulture sloop
of war moved up the North river and took a station convenient foi"^
22 AND.
the "purpose, but not so near as to excite suspicion. An interview
Was ajjrced on, and in the nitjht of September the twenty first 1780
he was taken in a l)oat, wliicli was dispatched for the purpose, and
carried to the beach without the posts of both armies under a pass
for Joim Anderson. He met general Arnold at the house of a
Mr. Smith. While the conference Avas yet unfinished, day
light approached ; and to avoid the danger of discovery it was
proposed, that he should remain concealed till the succeed-
ing night. He is understood to have refused to be carried
within tiic American posts, but the promise made him by Arnold
to respect this objection was not observed. He was carried within
them contrary to his wishes and against his knowledge. He con-
tinued with Arnold the succeeding day, and when on the following
liight he proposed to return to the Vulture, the boatman refused to
carry him, because she had diu'ing the day shifted her station in
consequence of a gun having been moved to the shore and brought
to bear upon her. This embarrassing circumstance reduced him
to the necessity of endeavouring to reach New York by land.
Yielding with reluctance to the urgent representations of Arnold,
he laid aside his regimentals, v^hich he had hitherto worn under asur-
tout,andputon a plain suit of clothes; and receiving a pass from the
American general, authorizing liim, under the feigned name of John
Anderson, to proceed on the public sen'ice to(the White Plains or low-
cr,if he thought proper, he set out on his retuni. He had passed all
the guards and posts on the road without suspicion,and was proceed-
ing to New York in perfect security, when, on the twenty third of
September, one of the three niilitia men, who were employed with
others in scouting parties between the lines of the two armies, spring-
ing suddenly from his covert into the road, seized the reins of
his bridle and stopped his horse. Instead of producing his pass,
Andre, with a want of self possession, which can be attributed only
to a kind providence, asked the man hastily, where he belonged, and
being answered, "to below," replied immediately, " and so do I.'*
He then declared himself to be a British officer, on urgent business,
and begged that he might not be detained. The other two militia
men coming up at this moment, he discovered his mistake ; but
it was too late to repair it. He offered a purse of gold and a val-
uable watch, to which he added tlie most tempting promises of
ample reward and permanent provision from the government, if
they would permit him to escape ; but his offers were rejected
without hesitation.
The militia men, whose names were John Paulding, David Wil-
liams, and Isaac VauAvert, proceeded to search him. They found
concealed in his boots exact returns, in Arnold's hand writing, of
the state of the forces, ordnance, and defences at West Point and
iw dependencies, critu al remarks on the works, and an estimate of
the men ordinarily employed in them, with other interesting papers.
AND. 83
Aridi^ waSs carried before lieutenant colonel Jatneso?!, the officer
commanding the scoutijig parties on the lines, and, regai'dless of
Himselt and only anxious for the safety of Arnold, he still main-
tained the character, which he had assumed, and requested Jame-
son to inform his commanding officer, that Anderson was taken.
An express was accox'dingly dispatched, and the traitor, thus be-
coming acquainted with his danger, escaped.
A board of general officers, of which major general Greene was
president, and the two foreign generals, La Fayette and Steuben^ were
njembers, was called to report a precise state of the case of Andi^,
t«:ho had acknowledged himself adjutant general of the British ar-
my, and to determine in what character he was to be considered,
£ftid to what punishment he was liable. He received from the board,
^very mark oi indulgent attention ; and from a sense of justice, as
well as of delicacy, he was informed on the first opening of the ex-
amination, that he was at perfect liberty not to answer any interrogato-
i;y, which might embarrass his own feelings. Buthe disdained every,
evasion, and frankly acknowledged every thing, which was material
to his condemnation. The board, which met on the twenty ninth of
September, did not examine a single witness, but, founding theic
report entirely upon his own confession, reported that he camet
within the description of a spy and ought to suffer death. The
execution of this sentence was ordered on the day succeeding that>
on which it was rendered.
The greatest exertions were made by sir Henry Clinton, tq
whom Andre was particularly dear, to rescue him from his fate.
It was first represented that he came on shore under the sanction
of a flag ; but Washington returned an answer to Clinton, in Avhich
l)e stated, that Andre had liimself disclaimed the pretext. An in-
tjprview was next proposed between lieutenant general Robertson
and general Greene ; but no facts, which had not before been con-
sidered, were made known. When every other exertion fEuledj
a, letter from Arnold, filled with threats, was presented.
Andre w^s deeply affected by the mode of dying, which the laws of
war had decreed to persons in his situation. He wished to die an
a soldier and not as a criminal. To obtain a mitigation of his sen-
tence in this respect, he addressed a letter to general Washington,
replete with all the feelings of a man of sentiment and honor. The
<;ommander in chief consulted his officers on the subject ; but as
Andre unquestionably came under the description of a spy, it was
thought, that the public good required his punishment to be in the
usual way. The decision however, from tenderness to Andre, was
not divulged. He encountered his fate on the second of October
with a composure, dignity, and fortitude, which excited the admi-
ration and interested the feelings of all, who were present. He ex-
hibited some emotion, when he first beheld the preparations at the
fiital spot;, apd inquired, « must I die in this manner ? " Ha sojs* y
24 AND.
aftcnvartls added, " it will be but a momentary pang ;" and being
asked, illie hacUny request to make before he left the world, he
answered, " none, but that you will witness to the world, that I
die like a brave man."
While one weeps at the ignominious death of a man so much
esteemed and beloved, it would have given some relief to the pain-
ed mind, if he huddled more like a christian and less like a soldier.
The sympathy, excited among the American officers by his fate,
was as universal, as it is unusual on such occasions ) and proclaims
alike the merit of him, who suffered, and the humanity of those,
who inflicted the punishment. In a letter, written at the time by
colonel Hamilton, the character of Andre is thus elegantly drawn.
»* There was something singularly interesting in the character and
fortunes of Andre. To an excellent understanding, well improved
by education and travel, he united a peculiar elegance of mind and
manners, and the advantages of a pleasing person. It is said he
possessed a pretty taste for the fine arts, and had himself attained
some proficiency in poetry, music, and painting. His knmvledgc
appeared without ostentation, and embellished by a diffidence, that
rarely accompanies so many talents and accomplishments, which
left you to suppose more than appeared. His sentiments were el-
evated and inspired esteem ; they had a softness, that conciliated
affection. His elocution was handsome, his address easy, polite,
and insinuating. By his merit he had acquired the unlimited con-
fidence of his general, and was making rapid progress in military
rank and reputation. But in the height of his career, flushed with
new hopes from the execution of a project, the most beneficial to
his party, that could be devised, he is at once precipitated from
the summit of prosperity, sees all tne expectations of his ambition
blasted, and himself ruined. The character I have given of him is
drawn partly from what I saw of him myself, and partly from in-
ibrmation. I am aM'are, that a man of real merit is never seen in
so favorable a light as through the medium of adversity. The
clouds, that surround him, are so many shades, that set off his
good cjualities. Misfortune cuts down little vanities, that in pros-
perous times serve as so many spots in his virtues, and gives a tone
to humanity, that makes his worth more amiable." ^Inn. Keg^I tcr
/or 1781, r>9 — 46; Marshall, iv. 277 — 286; Gordo//, iii. 481 — 490;
Strdman, ii. 249 — 253 ; Holmes, ii. 438 ; Hardic ; Penns. Gaz.for
Oct. 25, 1780; Ramsau,n. 196 — 201.
ANDROS (Edmund), governor of New England, had some
command in New York in 1672, and in 1674 was appointed gover-
nor of tliat province. He continued in this office till 1 682, exhibit-
ing in this government but little of that tyrannical disposition,
which he afterwards displayed. He arrived at Boston Dec. 20,
1686, Willi a commission from king James for the t!;ovemment of
New England. He made high professions of regard to the public
AND. 25
gocxJ, directed the judges to administer justice according to the
custom of the place, ordered the established rules with respect to
rates and taxes to be observed, and declared, tl\at all the colony-
laws, not inconsistent with his commission, should remain in full
force. By these professions he calmed the apprehensions, which
had agitated the minds of many ; but it was not long before the
monster stood forth in his proper shape.
His administt ation was most oppressive and tyrannical. The
press was restrained, exorbitant taxes were levied, and the congre-
gational ministers were threatened to be deprived of their support
for nonconformity. Sir Edmund, knowing that his royal master
was making great progress towards despotism in England, v/as ve-
ry willing to keep equal pace in his less important government.
It was pretended, that all titles to land were destroyed ; and the
farmers were obliged to take new patents, for which they paid large
fees. He prohibited marriage, except the parties entered into bonds
with sureties to be forfeited in case there should afterwards appear
to have been any lawful impediment. There was at this time but
one episcopal clergyman in the country ; but sir Edmund indulg-
ed the hope of receiving a supply, and he wrote to the bishop of
London, intimating for the encouravrement of those, who might
be persuaded to come to this country, that in future no marriage
should be deemed lawful, unless celebrated by ministers of the
church of England. With four or five of his council he laid what
taxes he thought proper. The fees of office were raised to a most
exorbitant height.
The whole of his proceedings were such as to show, that he was
perfectly disposed to follow all the capricious and arbitrary meas-
ures of his weak and bigotted master, king James H. At length
the spirit of the people could no longer b"ook submission. Hav-
ing sought in the wilds of America the secure enjoyment of that
civil and religious liberty, of which they had been unjustly depriv-
ed in England, they were not disposed to see their dearest rights
wrested from them without a struggle to retain them. Animated
withthe love of liberty, they were also resolute and courageous in its
defence. They had for several years suffered the impositions of a
tyrannical administration, and the dissatisfaction and indignation,
which had been gathering during this period, were blown into a
flame by the report of an intended massacre by the govei'nor's
guards. On the morning of the 18th of April 1689 the inhabi-
tants of Boston took up arms, the people poured in from the coun-
try, and the governor with such of the council, as had been most ac-
tive, and other obnoxious persons about fifty in number, were seiz-
ed and confined. The old magistrates were restored, and the next
month the joyful news of the revolution in England reached this
country, and quieted all apprehension of the consequences of what
had been done. After having been kept at the castle till February
26 APR
following-, sir Edmund was sent to England for trial. The general
court about the same time dispatched a committee of several gen-
tlemen to substantiate the charges against iiim. '
The government was reduced to a most perplexing dilemma.
If they condemned sir Edmund's administration, the sentence
might be drawn into a precedent, and they might seem to encour-
age insurrection and rebellion in future jxeriods, when circumstan-
ces did not render so desperate an expedient necessary. On the
other hand, if they should approve of tlie administration of Andros
and censure the proceedings of tlie colonists, it would imply a rep-
robation of tlic very measure, which had i)een pursued in bringing
about the revolution in England. It was therefore considered pru-
dent to dismiss the business without coming to a final decision.
The people were accordingly left hi the full enjoyment of their
freedom ; and sir Edmund, in pualic estimation guilty, escaped
without censure.
In 1692 he was appointed governor of Virginia, as successor to
lord EfTmgham. This eveni was very surprising, and it was ac-
counted for only on the supposition, that the English ministry was
composed of torics. He is not however represented as a bad gov-
ernor of Virginia. He died in London Feb. 1714, at a very ad-
vanced age.
His narrative of his proceedings in New England was published
in 1691. — /futchinson,!. 353,387 — 395 ; ii. 208 ; Douglass, ii. 247 y
272, 369 ; Holmes,\. 418,475 ; ii. 12, 89 ; Hardie.
APPLETON (Nathaniel, d.d.), minister of Cambridge,
Massachusetts, was born at Ipswich, December 9, 1693. His fa-
ther was the honorable John Appleton, one of the king's council,
and for tvcnty years judge of probate in the county of Essex, and
his mother was the eldest daughter of president Rogers. He was
graduated at Harvard college in 1712. Afier completing his edu-
cation, an opportunity presented of entering into commercial busi-
ness on very advantageous terms with an uncle in Boston, who was
an opulent merchant ; but he resolved to forego erery worldly ad-
\Tintagc, that he might promote the interest of the Redeemer's
kingdom. Soon after he begun to preach he was invited to suc-
ceed the reverend Mr. Brattle in the ministry at Cambridge, and was
ordained October 9, 1717. On this occasion Dr. Incrci'se Mather
preachfd the sermon and gave tlie charge, and Dr. Cotton Mather
gave the right hand of fellowship. He was the same year elected
a fellow of Harvard college, which ofifice he sustained above 60
years, faithfully consulting and essentially promoting the interests
of the institution. In 1771 the university conferred On him the
degiec of doctor of divinity, an honor, which had been conferred
upon but one person previously to this, and that was the reverend
Increase Mather, about eighty years before. Degrees have since
hccomt more frequent and less honorable. The usefulness of
APP. 27
Dr. Appleton was diminished for a few of his last years through
the infiriTUties of age, but did not entirely cease except with his
life. He received the reverend Mr. Hiiliard as his colleague in
J783. After a ministry of more than sixty six years, he died Feb.
9, 1784, in the nhiety first year of his age. This country can fur-
nish tew instances of more useful talents, and more exemplary
piety, exhibited for so long a time and with such great success.
During his ministry two thousand one hundred and thirty eight
persons were baptized, and seven hundred and eighty four admitted
members of the church.
Dr. Appleton was as venerable for his piety as for his years.
His whole character was patriarchal. In his dress, in his manners,
in his conversation, in his ministry, he resembled the puritan min-
isters, who first settled New England. He lived from the close of
one century to near the close of another, and he brought down with
him the habits of former times. His natural temper was cheer-
ful, but his habitual deportment was grave. Early consecrated to
God, and having a fixed predilection for the ministry, by the union
of good sense with deep seriousness, of enlightened zeal with con-
summate prudence, he was happily fitted for the pastoral office.
He preached with great plainness and with primitive simplicity.
In oi'der to accommodate his discourses to the meanest capacity
he frequently borrowed similitudes from familiar, sometimes from
vulgar objects ; but his application of them was so pertinent and
liis utterance so solemn, as to suppress levity and silence criticism.
Deeply sensible of the fallen state of man, he admired^the wisdom,
holiness, and mercy, which are displayed in the plan of redemp-
tion through.-a glorious Savior. From the abundance of his heart,
filled with the love of God, he spake with such fervor, as was fit-
ted to inspire his hearers with pious sentiments and affections.
He possessed the learning of his time. The scriptures he read
in the originals. His exposition, preached in course on the sab-
bath, com.prehended the whole new testament, the prophecy of
Isaiah, and some of the other prophets. It was chiefly designed to
promote practical piety ; but on the prophetical parts he discover-
ed a continued attention, extent of reading, and depth of research,
which come to the share of but very few. In his preaching he
carefully availed himself of special occurrences, and his discours-
es on such occasions were peculiarly solemn and impressive.
With the fidelity and plainness of a christian minister, he admin-
istered reproofs and admonitions, and maintained with parental ten-
derness and pastoral authority the discipline of the church. By
his desire a committee was appointed, and continued for many
years, fo'r inspecting the manners of professing chiistiiaUs. So
great was the ascendency, which he gained over his people by his
discretion and moderation, by his condescension and benevolence,
by his fidelity and j)iety, that they regarded his counsels as oracu-
lar.
28 ARC.
In controversial and difficult cases he was often applied to
for advice at ecclesiastical councils. Impartial yet pacific, lirm yet
conciliatory, he was peculiarly qualified for a counsellor, and in
that character he ni,.teriully contributed to the unity, the peace,
and order of the churches. Witii the wisdom of the serpent he
happily united tlic innocence of the dove. In his religious princi-
ples he was a Calvinist, as were all his predecessors in the minis-
try, Hooker. Stone, Shepard, Mitchel, Oakcs, Gookin, and Brat-
tle. But towards those of diflerent principles he was candid and
catholic.
His own example enforced the duties, which he enjoined upon
others. He was humble, meek, and benevolent. He was ready
at all times to relieve the distressed, and through life he devoted a
tenth part of his whole income to pious and charitable uses. He
was ever a firm friend to the civil and religious liberties of man-
kind, and was happy in living to see the estal)lishment of peace and
independence in his native land. He deserves honorable re-
membrance for his exertions to send the gospel to the Indians.
Under his many heavy trials he was submissive and patient. When
his hifirmitics had in a great measure terminated his usefulness,
he expressed his desire to depart and be with Christ. Ht at length
calmly resigned his spirit into the hands of its Redeemer.
His pul)lications are the following ; the wisdom of God in the
ref'.cmption of man, 1728 ; a sermon at the artillery election,
1733 ; on evangelical aiid saving repentance, 1741 ; discourses on
Romans viii. 14, 1743 ; funeral sermons occasioned by the death
of president Leverett, 1724 ; of the honorable Francis Foxcroft,
1728 ;^of president Wadsworth, 1737 ; of reverend John Han-
cock, 1752; of the honorable Spencer Phips, 1757; of Henry
Fiynt, esq. 1760; of reverend Dr. Wiggleswoith, 1765; of
president Holyoke, '769; sermons at the ordination of reverend
Josiah Cotton, 1728 ; of reverend John Sergeant, 1735 ; of rev-
erend John Sparhawk, 1736; of reverend Matthew Bridge, 1746;
of reverend O.Peabody jun. 1750 ; of reverend Stephen Badger,
1753 ; a sermon at the general election, 1742 ; at the convention
of ministers, 1743 ; two discourses on a fast for public calamities,
particularly for the destruction of the court house, 1748 ; on the
difference between a legal and evan'j:elical justification, 1749; at
the Boston 1 -cure, 1763 ; against profane swearing, 1765 ; a
thanksgiving sermon for the conquest of Canada, 1760 ; for the re-
peal of the stamp act, 1766 — Holtnct'' history of Cambridge ; Col-
lectiona of (hr hiftf. nocieti/^ vii. 37, 3 9 — 63 ; x. 158 ; American he-
rald, Frh. 2 3. 1784; Indcprndcnt chronicle, March 4, 1784.
ARCHDALF (John), governor of C Tolina, was appointed to
this office by the proprietors, after lord Ashley had declined ac-
cepting it. He arrived in the summer of 1695. The settlers re-
ctivcd him with universal joy. The colony had been in much confu-
ARG. 29
sioti, bixt order was now restored. The assembly was called, and the
governor by tne discreet use oi'his extensive powers settled almost ev-
ery public concern to the satisfaction of the people. The price of lands
and the form of conveyances wei'e settled by law. Magistrates
were ap.jointed for hearing all causes, and determining all differ-
ences between the settlers and the Indians, Public roads were or-
dered to be made and water passages cut. The planting of rice, which
has since become the great source of the opulence ot Carolina, was
introduced. A captain of a vessel from Madagascar on his way to
Great Britain anchored off SuUxvan's island and made a present to
the governor of a bag ot seed rice, which he had brought from the
east. This rice the governor diviaed among some of his friends,
who agreed to make an experiment. 'I'he success equalled their
expectation, and from this small begimiing arose the staple com-
modity of Carolina.
He continueci, it is believed, but five or six years in his government.
After his return to London, he published a work entitled, a new de-
scription of that fertile and pleasant province of Carolina with a
brief account of its discovery, settling, and the government there-
of to this time, with several remarkable passages during my time;
1707. Holmeti' annals, ii. 23, 26 ; Heivatt, i. I 19, 129 — 131.
ARG AL (Samuel), deputy governor of Virginia, came to that
colony in 1609 to trade and to fish tor sturgeon. The trade was
in violation of the laws ; but as the wine and provisions, which he
brought, were much wanted, his conduct was connived at, and he
continued to make voyages for his own advantage and in the ser-
vice of the colony. In 1613 he arrived at the island, now called
Mount Desart, in the District of Maine, for the purpose of fishing,
and having discovered a settlement of the French, which was made
two years before, he immediately attacked it and took most of the
settlers prisoners. Gilbert de Thet, a Jesuit father, was killed in
the engagement. This was the commencement of hostilities be-
tween the French and English colonists in America. Captain Ar-
gal soon afterwards sailed from Virginia to Acadie and destroyed,
the French settlements of St. Croix and Port Royal. The pretext
for this hostile expedition in time of peace was the encroachment
of the French on the rights of the English, which were founded on
the prior discovery of the Cabots. Argal on his return subdued
the Dutch settlement at Hudson's river. In 1614 he went to Eng-
land and returned in 1617 as deputy governor. On his arrival he
found the public buildings at James Town fallen to decay, the mar-
ket place and streets planted with tobacco, and the people of the
colony dispersed in places, which they thought best adapted for
cultivating that pernicious weed. To restore prosperity to the
colony captain Argal introduced some severe regulations. He
prohibited all trade or familiarity with the Indians. Teaching
30 ARN.
thein the use of arms was a crime to be punished by death. He
ordered, tlmt all gocxis should be sold at an athMUce of 25 per cent,
and fixed tiic price of tobacco at three shillings per pound. None
could sell or buy it at a different prict: under the penalty of three
years' imprisonment. No man was permitted to fire a gun, be-
fore a new supply of ammunition, except in self defence, on pain
of a year's sla\ery. Absence from church on Sundays or holidays
was punished by confinement for the night and one week's slavery
to the colony, and on a repetition of the offence the punishment was
increased.
The rigorotis execution of these laws rendered him odious in
the colony, and the report of his tyranny and his depredations upon
the revenues of the company reaching England, it was determined
to recal him. Lord Delaware was directed to send him home to
answer the charges brought against him ; but as his lordship did
not reach Virgin ja, being summoned away from life while on his
passage, the letter to him fell into the hands of Argal. Perceiving
from it that the fine harvest, which now occupied him, would be
soon ended, he redoubled his industry. He multiplied his acts of
injvislice, and before the arrival of a new governor in 1619 set sail
in a vessel, loaded with his effects. He was the partner in trade
of the earl of Warwick, and by this connexion was enabled to de-'
fraud the company of the restitution, ^vhich they had a right to ex-
pect. Nothing more is known of Argal, except that in 1620 he
commanded a ship of war in an expedition against the Algerines,
and that in 1 623 he was knighted by king James.
His character, like that of most, who were concerned in the gov-
ernment of Virginia, is differently drawn ; by some he is repre-
sented as a good mariner, a man of pulilic spirit, active, industrious,
careful to provide for the people, and to keep them constantly em-
ployed ; and by others he is described as negligent of the public
business, selfish, rapacious, passionate, arbilrarv, and cruel, push-
ing his unrighteous gains in every way of extortion and oppression.
He was, without cpiestion, a man of talents and ait, for he so foil-
ed and peiplcxed the company, that they were never able to bring
him to any accoimt or punishment.— i?f//t77fl/?'s hiog. ii. 51 — 63 ;
Holme If* annals,!. 179, 191 ; Smith; Utith ; Harcliv ; Marshall^ \.
56, 107.
ARNOLD (Benedict), a major general in the American ar-
my, and infamous for descrlir.g the caiise of his country, was early
chosen captain of a volunteer company in New Haven, Connecticut,
where he lived. After hearing of the battle of Lexington he im-
mediately marched with his company for the American head quar-
ters, and reached Cambridge April 29, 1775,
He immediiitfly waited on the Massachusetts committee of safe-
ty and informed them of the defenceless state of Ticonderoga.
The committee appointed him a colonel, and commissioned him to
ARN. 31
raise four hundred men, and to take that fortress. He proceeded
dh'ectly to Vermont, and when he arrived at Castleton was attend-
ed by one servant only. Here he joined colonei Alien, and on May
10th the fortress was taken.
In the full of 1775 he was sent by the commander in chief to
penetrate through the wilderness of the District of Maine into Ca-
nada. On the 1 6th of September he commenced his march with
about one thousand men, consisting of New England infantry, some
volunteers, a company of artillery, and three companies of riflemen.
One division was obli,a;ed to retm-n, or it would have perished by-
hunger. After sustiuning almost incredible hardships he in six
weeks arrived at Point Levi, opposite to Quebec. The appear-
ance of an army, emerging from the wilderness, threw the city in-
to the greatest consternation. In this moment of surprise Arnold
might probably have become master of the place, but the small
crafts and boats in the river were removed out of his reach.
It seems that his approach was not altogether unexpected. He
had imprudently, a number of days before, sent forward a letter to
a friend by an Indian, who betrayed him. A delay of several days
on account of the difficulty of passing the river was inevitable, and
the critical moment was lost.
On the 14th of November he crossed the St. Lawrence in the
night ; and, ascending the precipice, which Wolfe had climbed
before him, formed his small corps on the height near the memo-
rable plains of Abraham. With only about seven hundred men,
one third of whose muskets had been rendered useless in the march
through the wilderness, success could not be expected. After pa-
rading some days on the heights near the town, and sending two
Qags to summon the inhabitants, he retired to Point aux Trembles,
twenty miles above Quebec, and there waited the arrival of Mont-
gomery, who joined him on the first of December. The city was
immecUately besieged, but the best measures had been taken for
its defence. On the morning of the last day of the yeai' an assault
was made on the one side of the city by Montgomery, who was kill-
ed. At the same time colonel Arnold, at the head of al>out three
hundred and fifty men, made a desperate attack on the opposite side.
Advancing with the utmost intrepidity along the St. Charles through
a narrow path, exposed to an incessmt fire of grape shot and mus-
ketry, as he approached tne first barrier he received a musket ball
in the leg, which shattered the bone ; and he was carried off to the
camp. Though the attack was unsuccessful, the blockade of Que-
bec was continued till M:ty 1776, when the army, which was in no
condition to risk an assault, was removed to a more defensible
position. Arnold was compelled to relinquish one post after
another, till the 18th of June, when he quitted Canada. After ihis
period he exhibited great bravery in the command of the Americaa
fleet on lake Charaplain.
S2 ARN.
In August 1777 he relieved fort Schuyler under the command
of colonel Guiiscvoort, which was invested by colonel St. Leger
with an aruiy oi irom fifteen to eignteen hundred men. In the
battle neurStiilw-itcr, Sepieniuer the ninetccntii, lie conducted him-
self with his usual intrepidity, being engaged incessantly for four
hours. In the ..ction of October the seventh, utter the British had
been driven into the lines, Arnold pressed forward antl under a
tremendous fire assaulted the works throughout their whole extent
from right to left. The inti-enchmcnts were at length iorced, and
■with a few men he actually entered the works ; but his horse be-
ing killed, and he himself badly wounded in the leg, he found it ne-
cessary to withdraw, and as it was now almost darK. to desist from
the attack.
Being rendered unfit for active service in consequence of his
wound, after the recovery of Philadelphia he was appointed to the
command of the American garrison. When he entered the city^
he made the house of governor Penn, the best house in the city,
his head quarters. This he furnished in a very costly manner, and
lived far beyond his income. He had wasted the plunder, which
he had seized at Montreal in his retreat from Canada ; and at Phi-
ladelphia he was determined to make new acquisitions. He laid
his hands on every thing in the city, which could be considered as
the properly of those, who were unfriendly to the cause of his coun-
try. He was charged wiiii oppression, extortion, and enormous
charges upon the public in his accounts, and with applying the pub-
lic money and property to his own private use. Sucli was his con-
duct, that he drew upon himself the odium of the inhabitants not
only of the city, but of the province in general. He was engaged
in trading speculations and had shares in several privateers, but was
unsuccessful.
From the judgment of the commissioners, who had been ap-
pointed to inspect his accounts, and who had rejected above half
the amount of liis demands, he appealed to congress ; and they ap-
pointed a committee of their own body to examine and settle the
business. The committee confirmed the report of the commis-
sioners, and thought they had allowed him more, thiui he had any
right to expect or demand. By these disappointments he became
irritated and he gave full scope to his resentment. His invectives
against congress were not less vinh^it, tlian those, which he hud be-
fore thrown out against the commissioners. He was however soou
obliged to abide the judgment of a court martial upon the charges,
exhibited against him by the executive of Pennsylvania, and he was
subjected to the mortification of receiving a reprimand from Wash-
ington. His trial commenced in June 1773, but such were the de-
lays occasioned by the movements of the array, that it w.snot con-
cluded until the 26th of January 1779. The sentence of a repri-
mand was approved by congress, and was soou afterwards carried
into execution.
ARN. 33
Such was the humiliation, to which genei'al Arnold was reduc-
ed in consequence of yielding to the temptations of pride and van-
ity, and indulging himself in the pleasures of a sumptuous table
and expensive equipage.
From this time probably his pi'oud spirit revolted from the cause
aggagc, for which he had written, Avcre transmitted to him.
During the exertions, which were made to rescue Andre from the
destruction, which threatcncil him, Aniold had the hardihood to
interpose. He appealed to the humanity of the commander in
chief, and then sought to intimidate him by stating the situation of
many of the principal characters of South Carolina, who had for-
feited their lives, but had hitherto been spared through the clem-
ency of the British general. This clemency, he said, could no
longer in justice be extended to them, should major Andre suffer.
Arnold was made a brigadier general in the British service ;
which rank he preserved ijiroughout the war. Yet he must have
been held in contempt and detestation by the generous and honor-
able. It was impossible for men of this description, even when
acting with him, to forget that he was a traitor, first the slave of
his rage, then purchased with gold, and finally secured by the
blood of one of the most accomplished officers in the British
army. One would suppose, that his mind could not have been
much at ease ; but he had jiroceeded so far in vice, that perhaps
his reflections gave him but little trouble. " I am mistaken," says
Washington in a private letter, " if at this time Arnold is under-
going the torments of a lucntal hell. He wants feeling. From
some traits of his character, Avhich have lately come to my
knowledge, he seems to have been so hacknied in crime, so lost
to all sense of honor and shame, that while his faculties still enable
him to continue his sordid pursuits, there will be no time for
remorse."
Arnold found it necessary to make some exertions to secure the
attachment of his new friends. With the hope of alluring many
of the discontented to his standard, he published an address to
the inhabitants of America, in which he endeavoured to justify his
conduct. He had encountered the dangers of the field, he said,
from apprehension, that the rights of his country were in danger.
He had acquiesced in the declaration of independence, though he
thought it precipitate. But the rejection of the overtures, made
by Great Britain in 1778, and the French alliance had opened his
eyes to the ambitious views of those, who would sacrifice the
happiness of their country to their own agp;randizement, and had
made him a ronlirnicd loyalist. He artfully mingled assertions,
that the principal memberi of congress held the people iu sove-
reign contempt.
ARN. SS
This was followed in about a fortnight by a proclamation, ad-
dressed " to the oflicers and soldiers of the continental army, who
have the real interest of their country at heart, and who are deter-
mined to be no longer the tools and dupes of congress or of
France." To induce the American officers and soldiers to desert
the cause, which they had embraced, he represented that the corps
of cavalry and infantry, which he was authorized to raise, would
be upon the same footing with the other troops in the British
service ; that he should with pleasure advance those, whose valor
he had \vitnessed ; and that the private men, who joined him,
should receive a bounty of three guineas each, besides payment at
the full value for horses, arms, and accoutrements. His object
was the peace, liberty, and safety of America. " You are promised
liberty," he exclaims, " but is there an individual in the enjoyment
of it saving your oppressors .'' Who among you dare speak or
write what he tliinks against the tyranny, which has robbed you of
your property, imprisons your persons, drags you to the field of
battle, and is daily deluging your country with your blood ?"— -
" What," he exclaims again, " is America now but a land of wid-
ows, orphans, and beggars ? As to you, who have been soldiers in
the continental army, can you at this day want evidence, that the
funds of your country are exhausted, or that the managers have
applied them to their private uses ? In either case you surely can
no longer continue in their service with honor or advantage. Yet
you have hitherto been their supporters in that cruelty, which
with equal indifference to yours as well as to the labor and blood
of others, is devouiing a coimtry, that froiu the monaent you quit
their colors will be redeemed from their tyranny."
These proclamations did not produce the effect designed, and in
all the hardships, sufferings, and irritations of the war Arnold
remains the solitary instance of an American officer, who aban-
doned the side first embraced in the contest, and turned his SAVord
upon his former companions in arms.
He was soon dispatched by sir Henry Clinton to make a diver-
sion in Virginia. With about seventeen hundred men he arrived
in the Chesapeak in January 178 1, and being supported by such a
naval force, as was suited to the nature of the service, he committed
extensive ravages on the rivers and along the unprotected coasts.
It is said, that while on this expedition Arnold inquired of an
American captain, whom he had taken prisoner, what the Ameri-
cans would do with him, if he should fall into their hands. The
officer replied, that tliey would cut off his lame leg and bury it
with the honors of war, and hang the remainder of his body in
gibbets.
After his recal from Virginiahe conducted an expedition agains't
his native state of Connecticut. He took fort Trumbidi Sep'puv
ber the sixth with inconsiderable loss. On the other side of the
36 ASH.
harbor lieutenant colonel Eyre, who commanded another detach'-
tnent, made an asj^iult on fort Griswold, and with the greatest
difficulty entered the works. An officer of the conquering troops
asked, who commanded. " I did," answered colonel Ledyard,
" but you do now," and presented him his sword, wliich was in-
stantly plunjjccd into his own bosom. A merciless slaughter com-
menced upon the brave garnson, who had ceased to resist, until
the greater part were either killed or wounded. After burning the
to\vn and the stores, which were in it, and thus thickening the lau-
rels, with which his brow was adorned, Arnold returned to New
York in eight days.
From the conclusion of the war till his death general Arnold re-
sided chiefly in England. He died in Gloucester place, London,
June 14, 1801. His character presents little to be commended.
His daring courage may indeed excite admiration ; but it was a
courage without reflection and without principle. He fought brave-
ly for his country and he bled in her cause ; but his country owed
him no returns of gratitude, for his svibsequcnt conduct proved,
that he had no honest regard to her interests, but was governed by-
selfish considerations. His progress from self indulgence to trea-
son was easy and rapid. He was vain and luxuriovis, and to gratify
his gicftly desires he must ^"esort to meanness, dishonesty, and ex-
tortion. These vices brought with them disgrace ; and the con-
tempt, into which he fell, awakened a spirit of revenge, and left
him to the unrestrained influence of his cupidity and passion.
Thus from the high fame, to which his bravery had elevated him,
he descended into infamy. Thus too he furnished new evidence
of the infatuation of the human mind in attaching such value to the
reputation of a soldier, which may be obtained while the heart is
unsound and every moral sentiment is entirely depraved. — 4nnuaL
register for 1781, 37 — .49,73 ; Marshall's life of Washington, \\.
371 — 290 ; Warren's history of the American ivar ; Holmes' annals,
ii. 340, 460 ; 5/f(/wa/2, i. 138, 336 ; ii. 247 ; Gorrfo77, ii. 3, 12 8,
165, 463 ; iii. 480 ; iv, 1 15, 178 ; Jmer. jnuseum, ix. 144.
ASHLEY (.Ionathan), minister of Decrfield, Massachusetts,
was graduated at Yale college in 1730, and was ordained in 1738.
He died in 1780 in the 68th year of his age. He possessed a
strong and discci-ning mind and lively imagination, and was a pun-
gent and energetic preacher. He proclaimed the doctrines of
grace with a pathos, which was the cflcct, not merely of his assent to
their divine authority, Imt of a deep sense and lively view of their
irnportance and excellency. — He published a sermon on visible
saints, vindicating Mr. Stoddard's sentiments respecting church
membership ; a sermon at the ordination of reverend John Norton,
Deerficld, 1741 ; the greatdutyof charity, a sermon, Boston, 1742 ;
a letter to Williiim Cooper, 1 74,' Redeem, captives C->th ed. 215.,
BAG. 37
BACKUS (Charles, d. d.)» ^^ eminent minister, was born in
Norwich, Connecticut, in 1749. He lost liis parents in his child-
hood, but, as he early discovered a love of science, his friends as-
sisted him to a liberal education. He was graduated at Yale col-
lege in 1769. His theological education was under the reverend
Dr. Hart of Preston. In 1774 he was ordained to the pastoral
charge of the church in Somers, and he remained in this town till
his death, Dec. 30, 1803, after a faithful ministry of more than 29
years.
In the last year of his I'esidence at college the mind of Dr. Back-
us was impressed by divine truth, and although his conduct had not
been immoral he was deeply convinced of his sinfulness in the
sight of God. He was for a time opposed to the doctrines of the
gospel, particularly to the doctrine of the atonement, and of the
dependence of man upon the special influences of the Holy Spirit
to renew his heart. But at length his pride was humbled, and he
was brought to an acquaintance with the way of salvation by a cruci-
fied Redeemer. From this time he indulged the hope, that he was
reconciled unto God. He was a humble and exemplary christian.
Under the afflictions of life he quietly submitted to the will of his
Father in heaven. He was a plain, evangelical, and impressive
preacher. He knew the worth of immortal souls, and he taught
with the greatest clearness the way of salvation thi'ough faith in the
Redeemer, and enforced upon his hearers that holiness, without
which no man can see the Lord. During his ministry, which was
blessed to the everlasting good of many, there were four seasons
of peculiar attention to religion among his people. Dr. Backus
was eminent as a theologian. His retired situation, and his emi-
nence as an instructor drew around him many, who were designed
for the christian ministry. Near fifty young men were members
of his theological school, most of whom are now pastors in the
churches. In his last sickness he had much of the divine presence.
The last words, which he was heard to whisper, were " glory to
God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
In his short journal, which he left behind him, he says, " as I
have looked round on my felloAV christians, I have ever accounted
myself as among the chief of sinners, and have found it much easier
to maintain a charitable hope for them than for myself.^I hope
that amidst all my wickedness I have not forgotten the weight of
my charge. Since I have been in the ministry, I have had at sea-
sons clearer views of my ovrn corruptions and of my absolute de-
pendence on sovereign grace, than at any former period of my life.
I hope, that now I knoAV in whom I have believed."
He published a century sermon, 1801, and a volume of sermons
on regeneration. — Connecticut evani^. magazine, iv.
BACKUS (Isaac), a distinguished baptist minister of Massa-
chusetts, was born at Norwich in Connecticut, January the twenti-
38 BAG.
cth, 1724. In 1741, a year memorable for the revival of religion,
which took place through this country, his altenlion was first
arrested by the concerns of another world, and he was biought, as
he believed, to the knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. In
1746 he commenced preaching the gospel, and April 13, 1748 he
was ordained lirst minister of a congregational church in Titicut
precinct, in the town of Middleborough, Massachusetts. This
society was formed in February 1743 in consequence of disputes
with regard to the settlement of a minister. The meml)ers of it
wished for a minister of different sentiments from the man, who
was settled, and as they could not obtain a dismission from the
church by an ecclesiastical council, at the end of five years they
withdrew without this sanction, and formed a church by themselves
in February 1748. INIr. Backus was soon ord:uned their minister.
The society, however, was not permitted now to rest in peace, for
they were taxed with the other inhabitants of the town for the
purpose of building a new meeting house for the first church.
In 1 749 a number of the members of INIr. IJackus' church altered
their sentiments with regard to baptism, and obtained an exemp-
tion from the congregational tax ; and he at length united with
them in opinion. He was bajitized by immersion in August 1751.
For some years afterwards he held comnmnion with those, who
were baptized in infancy, but perceiving that this implied an
acknowledgment, that baptism by sprinkling was valid, which he
could not admit, he withdrew from this intercourse with christians
of other denominations. A baptist church was formed January
16, 1756, and he was installed its pastor June 23 of the same year
by ministers from Boston and Relioboth. In this relation he
continued through the remainder of his life. He died November
20, 1806, in the 60th year of his ministry and the 83d year of
his age. He had been enabled to preach until the spring before
his death, when he experienced a paralytic stroke, which deprived
him of speech, and of the use of his limbs.
Mr. Backus was a plain, evangelical preacher. His sermons
were stored with scripture truths. To his exertions the baptist
churches in America owe not a little of their present flourishing
condition. He was ever a zealous friend to the equal rights of
christians. When the congress met at Philadelphia in 1774, he
was sent as an agent from the baptist churches of the Warren
association to support their claims to the same equal liberties,
which ought to be given to every denomination. On the 14th of
October he had a conference with the Massachusetts delegation
and others, at which he contended only for the same privileges,
which were given to the churches in Boston ; and he received
the promise, that the rights of the baptists should be regarded.
On his return, as a report had preceded him, that he had been
attemptii);^ to break up the union of the colonies, he addressed
BAC. 39
himself to the convention of Massachusetts Dec. 9, and a vote
was passed, deelaring his conduct to have been cori'ect. When
the convention of Massachusetts in 1779 took into consideration
the constitution ot that state, the subject of the extent of the civil
power in regard to religion naturally presented itself, and in the
course of debate the perfect correctness of the baptist memorial,
which was read at Philadelphia, was called in question. In
consequence of which Mr. Backus published in the Chronicle of
Dec. 2, 1779 a narrative of his proceedings as baptist agent, and
brought arguments against an article in the bill of rights of the
constitution of Massachusetts. He believed, that the civil author-
ity had no right to require men to support a teacher of piety,
morality, and religion, or to attend public worship ; that the church
ought to have no connexion with the state ; that the kingdom of
the Lord Jesus was not of this Avorld, and was not dependent on
the kingdoms of this world ; and that the subject of religion
should be left entirely to the consciences of men.
The publications of Mr. Backus are more numerous, than those
of any other baptist writer in America. He published a discourse
on the nature and necessity of an internal call to preach the ever-
lasting gospel, 1754; true faith will produce good works, a discourse
on faith, with some remarks on Mr. Sandeman's writings, 1767 ;
a discourse, shewing that believers only are the matter of Christ's
visible church, that Christ instituted none but particular churches,
to be composed of persons capable of giving an account of the
work of regeneration, that the power of approving and ordaining
ministers belongs to the church, the officers in ordination acting
not by inherent power but by the appointment of the church, and
that civil and ecclesiastical power should be kept distinct, 1773 ;
a number of pieces in the newspapers on the principles of toleration,
&c. and a number of sermons and tracts, whose titles have not
been ascertained. Some of the principal ministers of the baptist
persuasion requested him in 1771 to write a history of their
churches. He yielded to their importunity, and from that period
devoted much time to the examination of the records of the united
colonies, which are deposited at Plymouth, and of the colonies of
Plymouth, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. After
having pursued his researches in various directions, he published
in 1777 the first volume of his church history of New England,
containing an account of the religious affairs of the country and of
the oppressions therein, with a pailicular history of the baptist
churches in the five states of New England. The second volume,
of this work was published in 1784, and the third in 1796. An
abridgment of the whole, brought down to 1804, was published in
that year, when the author was 80 years of a^e.
Little can be said in commendation of this church history of
NcAv England. It contains indeed a great many facts, for which
40 BAC.
the public is indebted to the patient industry of the writer, and it
must be a very valuable work to tlie baptists, as it pre'sents a minute
account of almost every church of that denominaiion in New Eng-
land. But these facts are combined without much attention to the
connexion, which out^ht to subsist between them, and the author
shows himself too much under the inlluencc of the zeal of party.
Yet he seems to have been a pious, good man. He adhered to the
great religious principles of the fathers of New England, and con-
tended earnestly for what are called the doctrines of the reformation.
He embraced from his heart the calvinistic construction of the
scriptures. A few months before his death he wrote to a friend,
" when God first called me to preach the gospel, he said, my grace
is sufficient for thee ; and I have ever found it so." — Mussa. baptist
missionary magazine., i. 287, 288 ; Backus' church Mstory, lii, 139—
141 ; Backus' abridgment., 209, 214.
BACON (N.\thaniel), an insurgent in Virginia, was educated
at the Inns of court in England, and after his arrival in this country
was chosen a member of the council. He was a young man of
fine accomplishments, of an interesting countenance, and of
impressive eloquence. The trade with the Indians in 1676 being
somewhat interrupted, the people complained, and were disposed
to throw the blame upon the government. These murmurings
were echoed by Bacon, and while he complimented the people, for
their discernmeni of the causes of their troubles, he suggested that
better measures might be adopted, and that he could open again the
avenues to trade . He proposed to lead ihem against the Indians. The
ears of the multitude were soothed by his promises and delighted
with his oratory, and they unanimously elected him their general.
He sent for a commission to governor Berkeley, but was ordered to
dismiss his men with the threat of otherwise being declared a rebel.
Intoxicated with the command given him, Bacon soon afterwards
marched to James Town at the head of six hundred volunteers, an^
presented himself at the door of the house, in which the assembly
was sitting, and offered his claims for the commission, which he de-
sired. The governor refused to consent to any of his demands,
and bared his breast to the insurgents, telling them to proceed to
violence, if their courage wovild permit them. But the assembly,
the members of which were less firm, prepared a commission, con-
stituting Bacon general of the forces, and with much difficulty per-
suaded the governor to sign it. As soon, however, as the new gen-
eral had removed to such a distance, as to enable the assembly to
deliberate in safety, the governor was directed to issue a proclama-
tion against Bacon, declaring him a rebel, and requiring his follow-
ers to surrender him, and disperse themselves. Instead of obeying
this order tiicy marched back to James Town, and obliged the gov-
ernor to flee. Bacon soon called a convention, and it was agreed to
require of the people a new oath of obedience to the general, and un-
BAI. 41
der pretence of the governor's abdication he issued writs for a new
assembly. A civil war now commenced, and several skirmishes
took place, in which a number of persons were killed. One of
Bacon's captains burned James ToAvn, and the country was threat-
ened with the greatest evils ; when, in the midst of these increasing
calamities, Bacon died suddenly in January 1677. Peace and order
were soon afterwards restoi'ed. This rebellionf cost the colony one
hundred thousand pounds, and it gave the colonists an instructive
lesson on the advantages of obedience to law. — Keith's hist, of Vir-
ginia, 156— 162 ; Holmes' annals, i. 436; Chalmers, i. 332— 335 ;
Beverly, 105 ; Wynne, ii. 222, 223 ; Marshall, i. 198 — 201.
BAILY (John), an excellent minister in Boston, was born Feb.
24, 1644 in Lancashire, England. From his earliest years his
mind seems to have been impressed by the truths of religion.
While he was yet very young, his mother one day persuaded him
to lead the devotions of the family. When his father, who was a
very dissolute man, heai'd of it, his heart was touched with a sense
of his sin in the neglect of this duty, and he became afterwards an
eminent christian.
After having been carefully instructed in classical learning, he
commenced preaching the gospel about the age of 22. He soon
went to Ireland, where by frequent labors he much injured his
health, which was never perfectly restored. He spent about 14
years of his life at Limerick, and was exceedingly blessed in his
exertions to turn men from darkness to light. He was governed
by the single desire of promoting the glory of his master in ad-
vancing the interests of holiness. Yet, while in this place as well
as previously, he was persecuted by men, who were contending for
form and ceremony in violation of the precepts and the spirit of the
gospel.
While he was a young man he often travelled far by night to
enjoy the ordinances of the gospel, privately administered in dis"
senting congregations, and for this presumptuous offence he was
sometimes thrown into Lancashire jail.
As soon as he began to preach, his fidelity was tried, and he suf-
fered imprisonment because in hisjconscience he could not conform
to the established church.
While at Limerick a deanery was offered him, if he would con-
form, with the promise of a bishopric upon the first vacancy. But
disdaining worldly things, when they came in competition with
duty to his Savior and the purity of divine worship, he rejected the
offer in true disinterestedness and elevation of spirit. But neither
this proof, that he was intent on higher objects than this world pre-
sents, nor the blamelessness of his life, nor the strong hold, which
he had in the affections of his acquaintance, could preserve him
from again suffering the hardships of inaprisonment, while the pa-
6
4^ BAI.
pists in the neighborhood enjoyed liberty and countenance. When he
Avas before the judges, he s/ul to them, "if 1 had been drinking, and
gaining, und carovising at a tiivern with niy company, my lords, I
presume that would not luive procured uiy behig thus treated as an
ofTendcr. Must praying to God, and preaching of Christ with a
comirany of christians, Avho are. peaceable and inoffensive and a&
serviceable to his majesty and the government as any of his sub-
jects ; must this be a greater ciimc :" The recorder answered,
" we will have you to know it is a greater crime." His Hock of-
ten Htstcd and prayed for liis release ; but he was discharged on
this condition only, that he should depart from the country Avithin
a limited time.
He came to New England about the year 1683, and continued
near 14 years his benevolent attempts to teach his fellow men the
way to heaven. He died at Bosvon Dec. 16, 1697.
He was a- man eminent for piety, of great sensibility of con-
science, and very exemplary in his life. It was his constant desire
to be patient and resigned under the calamities, which were ap-
l)ointetl him, and to fix his heart more upon things above. On a
certain occasion he thus expressed himself; " O that I might not
be of the mimbLr of them, that live without love, speak without
feeling, and act without life 1 O that Ood wovild make me his hum-
l)le, and upright, and faithful servant 1" The holy scriptures were
very dear to him, as they are to every good man ; and as evidence
•of his regard to the word of God, we have the following passage in
his diary ; " Jan. 11. I finished the reading of the bible in my
lamily as formerly. O, 'tis a dear book ; 'tis always new. At the
begiiming of every chapter, 'tis good to say. Lord, open my eycs»
that I may see wonders out of thy law ! And when we shut it up,
to say, I have seen an end of all perfection, but thy law is exceed-
ing broad. O how terrible are the threatenings, how precious arc
the promises, how serious are the precepts, how deep are the pro-
phecies of this book !"
' His ministry was very acceptable in different places, and he was
a warm and animated preacher. But with all his faithfulness and
goodness, he saw many disconsolate hours. He was distressed
with doubts respecting himself, but Ins apprehensions only attach-
ed him the more closely to his Redeemer. In his diary not long
before his death, he wrote thus ; " 1 see more into the great mys-
tery of our justification by faith merely of i^jrace. There is no
respect in it to this or that ; but Jesus Christ, having wrought out a
redemption for us, and by his active and passive obedience procured
a sufficient righteousness, and made a tender of it in his gospel, it
i)ecomcs mine by my acceptance of it, and relying on it alone for
salvation. And shall I not accept of it ? God forbid. I see there
are two thinv^s, wherein I cannot easily exceed, namely, in ascrib-
ing to the grace of God its freeness and richness in man's salva-
BAL. 43
tioiij and in ascribing to the righteousness of Christ man's justifica-
tion."
In liis last sickness he suffered under a complication of disorders ;
but he did not complain. His mind wus sooti\cd iii dwelling upon
the sufferings of his Savior. At times he was agitated with feurs, tho*
they had not respect, as he said, so much to the end, as to what
he might meet in the way. His last words Avere, speaking of Christ,
*' O, what shall I say ? lie is altogether lovely. His glorious an-
gels are come for me 1" He then closed his eyes, and his spirit
passed into eternity. He published man's chief end to glorify God,
a sermon preached at Watertown, 1689.— 'Midditton's biografihia
e-uangelicayiw. 101 — 105 ; JVo7iconformisi's memorial,!. 331 — 335;
Mat her^ s funeral sermon ; Magnalia, iii. 224 — 238.
BALDWIN (Ebenezer), minister of Dcinnury, Connecticut,
was graduated at Yale college in 1763, and was tutor in that sem-
inary from 1766 to 1770. He was ordained as successor of the
reverend Mr. Warner and Mr. White, September 19, 1770, and
died suddenly October 1, 1776, aged 31 years. He was a man of
great talents and learning, a constant and unwearied student, grave
in manners, and an able suppoi'ter of the sound doctrines of the gos-
pel. He left a legacy of about 300 pounds to his society, which is
appropriated to the support of religion. Robbins' century sermon.
BALDWIN (Abraham), president of the university of Georgia
and a distinguished statesman, was graduated at Yale college in
1772, and Avas afterwards tutor in that seminary from 1775 to 1779.
When the general system of education through the state of Geor-
gia was adopted by the legislature in 1785, he was placed at the
head of it. He Avas a member of the gi'and convention, Avhich held
its session from May 25, to September 17, 1787, and fram.ed the
constitution of the United States. To that instrument his name
is affixed as one of the deputies from Georgia. He Avas aiterAvardg
a senator from this state in the councils of the nation. Pie died
at Washington in the beginning of March 1807.
BANISTER (John), a botanist of Virginia, Avas an English-
man, who settled in that province toward the latter end of the sev-
enteenth century. He devoted himself to the investigation of the-
plants of that part of America. He collected and described plants,
and drew the figures of the rare species. He become a victim to
his favorite pursuit. In one of his exciu'sions he fell from the rocke
and perished. His botanical friends did honor to his memory by
calling a plant of the decandrous cixssBanisteria. — Miller^ s retros.-
jiect., i. 141.
BARCLAY (Henry, d. d.), an episcopal clergyman in New
York, was a native of Albany, and received a liberal educaticn at
Yale college, where he Avas graduated in 1734. Soon after leaving
•college he Aventto England, Avhere he- received orders in the church,
and Avas appointed missionary to the INIoIiawk Indians. .Having
44 BAK.
served in this capacity for some years with but little success
he was called to the city of New York, uiul appointed rector
of Trinity church. In this respectable station he continued till his
deuth, which took place in \765.^Mller's retros/iect, li. 356.
BARD (John), a learned physician, was bom in Burlington, New
Jersey, Feb. 1, 1716. His father, Peter Bard Esq, who was a na-
tive of France, came to Maryland in 1703 as a merchant, whence he
soon after removed to New Jersey, in which colony he was for ma-
ny years a member of the council and a judge of the supreme
court.
Mr. Bard received his early education under the care of Mr. An-
nan of Philadelphia, one of the most eminent teachers on the con-
tinent. Having evinced a predilection for the study of physic, he
was at the age of seventeen or eighteen bound an apprentice to the
celebrated Dr. Kearsely, with whom he continued till 1737. He
now ehgaged in business, and soon acquired a large share of prac-
tice, and became much respected. In 1743 he was induced by ur-
gent applications from New York to remove to that city to supply
the loss of several eminent physicians. Here he continued till with-
in a few months of his death. In tiic year 1795, when the yellow
fever had put to flight a number oi^^ physicians, who were in the
meridian of life, the veteran Dr. Bard, though verging towards his
eightieth year, remained at his post. He did not relinquish his at-
tendance upon his patients till May 1798, when he removed to his
estate at Hyde Park, near Poughkcepsie. Here he continued in the
enjoyment of perfect health, till he felt a paralytic stroke, which in
a few days occasioned his death. He died March 30, 1799, in the
eighty fourth year of his age.
Dr. Bard was eminent in his profession, and his practice was ve-
ry extensive. Soon after the close of the war with Great Britain
upon the reestablishment of the medical society of the state of New
York, he was elected its president, and he was placed in the chair for
six or seven successive years. He possessed a singular ingenuity
and quickness in discriminating diseases; yet he did not presump-
tuously confide in his penetration, but was remarkably particular in
his inquiries into the circumstimces of the sick. Ever desirous of
removing the disorders, to which the human frame is subject, his
anxiety and attention were not diminished, when called to visit the
indigent, from whom he could not expect compensation. His
conduct through his whole life was marked by the strictest honor
and integrity. In conversation he was polite, affable, cheerful, and
entertaining. To his pupils he was not only an instructor, but a fa-
ther.
In the early part of his life he devoted much attention to polite
learning, in which he made grc:\t proficiency. He possessed a
correct and elegant taste, and wrote with uncommon accuracy and
precision j yet either the almost complete occupation of Iiis time
BAR. 45
by active duties, or his modesty and diffidence of his talents pre-
vented him from ever publishing any work. — Hardie's biogra/ihical
dictionary.
BARNARD (John), minister of Marblehead, Massachusetts,
~.vas born in Boston November 6, 168 1. His parents were remark-
able for their piety, and they took particular care of his education.
He was graduated at Harvard college in 1700. In the former part
of his coUegial course the sudden death of two of his acquaintance
impressed his mind and led him to think of his own departure from
this world ; but the impression was soon effaced. However, before
he left that institution he was brought to repentance, and he resolved
to yield him.self to the commands of God. In 1702 he united him-
self to the north church in Boston under the yjastoral care of the
reverend Drs. Increase and Cotton Mather. The same year he be-
gan to preach. In 1705 he was invited to settle at Yarmouth, but
he declined accepting the invitation. He was employed for some
time as an assistant to Dr. Colman.
Being fond of active life, he was appointed by governor Dudley
one of the chaplains, who accompanied the army to Port Royal in
1707 to reduce that fortress. In an attempt to take a plan of the
fort a cannon ball was fired at him, that covered him with dirt with-
out doing him any injury. It only diverted him from his purpose.
In 1709 at the solicitation of captain John Wentworth, afterwards
liutenant governor of New Hampshire, he sailed with him to Bar-
badoes and London. While he was in this city the affair of Dr.
Sachevercl took place, of which he would often speak. He became
acquainted with some of the famous dissenting ministers, and re-
ceived some advantageous offers of settlement, if he Vv'ould remain
in England. He might have accompanied lord Wharton to Ireland
as his chaplain, but he refused to conform to the articles of the na-
tional church. Soon after this he returned to seek a settlement in
his own country.
The new north church in Boston, was built for him and he preached
the dedication sermon May 23, 1714, expecting soon to be ordained
according to mutual agreement; but a more popular candidate, Mr.
Webb, being invited at the request of Dr. Cotton Mather, the peo-
ple chose him for their pastor. Of this transaction he could not
speak with calmness to the day of his death. He was ordained
minister of Marblehead July 18, 1716, as colleague with the rever-
end Mr. Cheever. In 1762 he received the reverend Mr. Whit-
well as his assistant. The last sermon which he preached, was de-
livered January 8, 1769. He died January 24, 1770, in the eighty
ninth year of his age.
Mr. Barnard was eminent for his learning and piety, and was fa-
mous among the divines of America. During the latter part of
his life, when he retained a vigor of mind and zeal uncommon at so
advanced an age, he v/as reo-arded as the father of the rlmrches.
40 BAR.
His form was vcmarkably erect, and lie never bent under the infir-
jiulies of eighty cii^ht years. His counlenance was grand, his
mien majestic, and there was a dit^nity iii his whole deportment.
His presence restramed the imprudence and lolly ot yomh, and
when the aged saw him, they arose and stood up. He added a know-
•ledge oi" the Hebrew to his other theoloj^ical attainments ; he was
well acquainted with the mathematics ; and he excelled in a skill
for naval architecture. Several draughts of his, tne amusement of
leisure hours, were commendetl by master ship buildei*s. When
he first went to IVIarblehead, and for some years afterward, there
Avas not one trading vessel belonging to the town. It was through
his exertions, that a commercial improvement soon took place.
Having taken great pains to learn " the mystery of the fish trade,"
he directed the people to the best use, which they could make of
the advantages of tlieir situation. A young man was first persuad-
ed to send a small cargo to Barbadoes, and his success was so en-
couraging, that the people were soon able in their own vessels to
transport their fish to the West Indies and Europe. In 1767 there-
were tlurty or forty vessels, belonging to the town, employed in the
foreign trade. When Mr. Barnard first went to Marblehead,
there was not in the place so much as one proper carpenter, nor
mason, nor tailor, nor butcher.
By prudence in the management of his affairs he acquired con-
siderable property, but he gave tythes of all he possessed. His
charity was;of a kind, which is worthy of imitation. He was not dis-
posed to give much encouragement to comnion beggars, but he
sought out those objects of benevolent attention, who modest-
ly hid their wants. The poor were often fed by him, and the
widow's heart was gladdened, while they knew not whereto return
thanks, except to the merciful Father of the wretched. In one
kind of charity he was somewhat peculiar. He generally support-
ed at school two boys, whose parents were unable to meet this ex-
'pense. By his last will he gave two hundred pounds to Harvard
-college. He left no children. In his sickness, which terminated in
his death, he said Avitli tears flowing from his eyes, "my very soul
bleeds, when I remember my sins ; but I trust I have sincerely re-
pented, and that Gqd will accept me fur Christ's sake. His right-
•cousness is my only dcpendance."
The publications of Mr. Barnard are numerous and valuable.
They show his theological knowledge, and his talents as a writer.
His style is plain, warm, and energetic. The doctrines, which
i>e cnlcrces, are tlie same, which were embraced by the fathers
of New England. He published a sermon upon the death
-of the reverend Mr. Curwiu of Salem, 1717 ; upon the death of
his colleague, the reverend Mr. Cheevei-, 1724; two discourses
iuldressed to ynnig persons, to which is added a sermon I'.pon the
icarthquakcj 1727 ; a volyme of sermons on the confirmation gf the
BAR. 47
christian religion, on compelling men to come in, and on the saints
victory and rewards, 1727 ; judgment, mercy, and faith the weigh-
tier matters of the law, a sermon, 1729 ; on the certainty of ther
birth of Christ, 1731 ; election sermon, 1734; a zeal for good
works excited and directed, a sermon, 1742 ; the imperfection of
the creature and the excellency of the divine commandment illus-
trated in nine sermons, 1747 : januacoelestis, or theniystery of the
gospel in the salvation of a sinner opened and explained in several
discourses, 1750 ; a version of the psalms, 1752 ; a proof of Je-
sus Christ's being the ancient promised Messiah, a Dudleian lec-
ture sermon, and the first one, that was published, 1756 ; the true
divinity of Jesus Christ, evidenced in a discourse at a public lecture
in Boston, 1761 ; a discourse had at the ordination of the reverend
Mr. Whitwell, a charge, and an address to the people, annexed to
Mr.T. Barnard's ordination sermon, 1762, His version of the psalms,
which he published when he was about seventy years of age, he fond-
ly hoped Avould be sung in all the New England churches ; but it
was never used beyond the limits of the town, in which it was com-
posed. The labors of Watts had rendered it unnecessary. A letter
from Mr. Barnard to president Stiles,written in 1767, giving a sketch
of the eminent ministers of New England, is published in the Mas-
sachusetts historical collections.- — WhittveWs funeral sermon ; Col-
lections of the historical society^ viii. 66 — 69 ; x. 157 167 ; Holmes*
annals, ii. 296, 297.
BARNARD (Edward), minister of Haverhill Massachusetts,
was the son of the reverend John Barnard of Andover. He was
graduated at Harvard college in 1736, was oi'dained April 27, 1743,
and died January 29, 1774, aged fifty four years. He was a man
of distinction and of worth. He published an election sermon,
1766, and a convention sermon, 1773.
BARNARD (Thomas), minister in Salem, Massachusetts, was
graduated at Harvard college in i732. He was ordained pastor of
a church in NcAvbury January 31, 1739. He was installed as min-
ister of the first church in Salem September 17, 175 5, and died in
1776, aged sixty two years. He possessed a high reputation. His
son, the reverend Dr. Barnard, is now minister in the same town,
though not of the same society.
He publised a sermon at the ordination of the reverend Edward
Barnard, 1743 ; at the ordination of the reverend Mr. Bailey of
Portsmouth, 1757 ; a sermon before the society for encouraging in-
dustry, 1757; artillery election sermon, 1758; a sermon at the or-
dination of reverend William Whitwell, 1762; general election
sermon, 1763. — Collections of the historical societi/, vi. 273.
BARRY (John), first commodore in the American navy, died at
Philadelphia in September 1803. He espoused with ardor the
oause of liberty earlv in 1775, and with boldness of enterprise
supported the interests of his country during the war. He- was
48 BAR.
a patriot of integrity and unquestionable bravery. His naval
achievements a few years before his death reflect honor on his
memory. The camagc of war did not harden his heart into cru-
elty. He had the art of commanding Avithout supercilious haugh-
tiness, or wanton severity. Another trait in his character was a
punctilious observance of the duties of religion. — Gazette of the
United States, SefU. 20, 1803.
BARTR AM (John), an eminent botanist, was born near the vil-
lage of Darby in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in the year 1701.
His grandfather of the same name accompanied William Penn to
this countiy in 1682.
This self taught genius early discovered an ardent desire for the
acquisition of knowledge, especially of botanical knowledge ; but
the infant state of the colony placed great obstacles in his way. He
liowcver surmounted them by intense application and the resources
of his own mind. By the assistance of respectable characters he
obtained the rudiments of the learned languages, which he studied
with extraordinary success. So earnest was he in the pursuit of learn-
ing, that he could hardly spare time to eat ; and he might often have
been found with his \ictuals in one hand and his book in the other.
He acquired so much knowledge of medicine and surgery, as to ad*
minister great assistance to the indigent and distressed in his neigh-
borhood. He cultivated the ground as the means of supporting a
large family ; but while ploughing or sowing his fields, or mowing
meadows, he was still pushing his inquiries into the operations of
nature.
He was the first American, who conceived and carried into effect
the design of a botanic garden, for the cultivation of American
plants, as well as of exotics. He purchased a fine situation on the
banks of the Schuylkill about five miles from Philadelphia, where
he laid out with his own hands a large garden. He furnished it
with a variety of the most curious and beautiful vegetables, collected
in his excursions from Canada to Florida. These excursions were
made principally in autumn, when his presence at home was least
demanded by his agricultural avocations. His ardor in these pur-
suits was such, that at the age of seventy he made a journey into
East Florida to explore its natural productions. His travels among
the Indians were frequently attended with danger and difficulty.
By his means the gardens of Europe were enriched with elegant
flowering shrubs, with plants and trees, collected in diflercnt parts
of our country from the shore of lake Ontario to the source of the
river St. Juan.
He made such proficifencv in his favorite pursuit, that Linnaeus
pronounced him "the greatest natural botanist in the world."
His eminence in natural history attracted the esteem of the most
d'stinguishcd men in America and Europe. vv.(} he corresponded
with many of them. By means of the friendshi]) of sir Han?
BAS. 49
31oane, Mr. Catesby, Dr. Hiil, Linnseus, and others he was furnish-
ed -with books and apparatus, which he much needed, and which
gi'eatly lessened the difficuhies of his situation. He in return sent
them what was new and curious in the productions of America.
He was elected ;a member of several of the most eminent societies
and academies abroad, and was at length appointed American bot-
anist to his Britannic majesty, Geort^e HI, in which appointment he
continued till his death in September 1777, in the seventy sixth
year of his age.
Mr. Bartram was an ingenious mechanic. The stone house, in
which he lived, he built himself, and several monuments of his
skill remain in it. He was often his own mason, carpenter, black-
smith, &c. and generally made his own farming utensils.
His stature was rather above the middle size^ his body was erect
and slender ; his complexion was sandy ; his countenance was
cheerful, though there was a solemnity in his air. His gentle man-
ners corresponded with his amiable disposition. He was modest,
liberal, charitable ; a friend to social order ; and an advocate for the
abolition of slavery. He gave freedom to a young African, whom
he had brought up ; but he in gratitude to his master continued in
his service. Though temperate, he kept a plentiful table ; and an-
nually on new year's day he made an entertainment, consecrated to
friendship and philosophy.
He was born and educated in the society of ft lends. The follow-
ing distich was engraved by himself on a stone in the wall over the
front window of his own apartment.
'Tis God alone, the almighty Lord,
The holy One by me ador'd.
John Bartram^ 1770.
He left several children. John, his youngest son, succeeded him
as proprietor of his botanic garden ; btit it is now chiefly under
the superintendence of another son, Mr. William Bartram, who
accompanied his father in many of his botanical tours, and who is
well known by his book, entitled, travels through N. and S. Caroli-
na, E. and W. Florida, &c. published in 1791.
Several of Mr. Bartram's communications in zoology were pub-
lished in the philosophical transactions between the years 1743 and
1749. He published observations on the inhabitants, climate, soil,
&c. made in his travels from Pennsylvania to Onondago, London,
1751 ; description of East Florida, 4to, 1774. — Rees' cyclofioediay
American edition ; Monthly a?ithology, y. 231 ; Miller's retrcs/ieciy
i. 515 ; ii. 367.
BASS (Edward, d. d.), first bishop of Massachusetts, was born
at Dorchester Nov. 23, 1726, and was graduated at Harvard col-
lege in 1744. For several years afterwards he was the teacher of
a school. From 1747 to 1751 he resided at Cambridge, pursuing
liis theological studies, and occasionally preaching. In 1752 at the
7
So BAY.
request of the episcopal society in Newburyport he went to Eng-
land for orders, and was ordained May 24, by bishop Sherlock. In
1796 nc was unanimously elected by the convention of the proies-
tant episcopal churches of Massachusetts to the office of bishop, and
was consecrated May 7, 1797 by the bishops of Pennsylvania, New
York, and Maryland. Sometime -iter, the episcopal churches in
Rhode Island elected him tlieir bishop, and in 1803 a convention
of the churches in New Hampshire put themselves under his juris-
diction. He died Sep. 10, 1803, humble and resigned. He was a
Kound divine, a critical scholar, an accomplisiied gentleman, and an
exemplary christian. — Collections of the historical society, ix. 188.
BAYARD (John), a friend to his country, and an eminent
Christian, was born Aug. 11, 1738, on Bohemia manor in Cecil
county, Maryland. His father died without a will, and being the
eldest son he became entitled by the laws of Maryland to the whole
real estate. Such however was his affection for his twin brother,
younger than himself, that no sooner had he reached the age of
manhood, than he conveyed to him half the estate. After receiv-
ing an academical education under the reverend Dr. Finley, he
was put into the compting house of Mr. John Rhea, a merchant of
Philadelphia. It was here, that the seeds of grace began first to
take root, and to give promise of those fruits of righteousness,
which afterwards abounded. He early became a communicant of
the presbytcrian church under the charge of Mr. Gilbert Tennent.
Some years after his marriage he was chosen a ruling elder, and he
filled this place with zeal and reputation. Mr. Whitefield, while
on his visits to America, became intimately acquainted with Mr.
Bayard, and was much attached to him. They made several tours
together. On the 8th of January, 1770, Mr. Bayard lost his only-
brother. Dr. James A. Bayard, a man of promising talents, of pru-
dence and skill, of a most amiable disposition and growing reputa-
tion. The violence of his sorrow at first produced an illness, which
confined him to his bed for several days. By degrees it subsided
into a tender melancholy, which for years after would steal across
his mind, and tinge his hours of domestic intercoui'se and solitary
devotion with pensive sadness. When his brother's widow died,
he adopted the children, and educated them as his own. One of
them is Mr. Bayard, a senator of the United States from Delaware.
At the commencement of the revolutionary war he took a decid-
ed part in favor of his country. At the head of the second battalion
of the Philadelphia militia he marched to the assistance of Wash-*
ington and was present at the battle of Trenton. He was a mem-
ber of the council of safety, and for many years speaker of the le2:is-
lature. In 1777, when there was a report that colonel Bayard's
house had been destroyed by the British army, and that his servant,
who had been entrusted with his personal property, had gone oft'
with it to the enemy, Mr. William Bell, who had served his ap-
BAY. 51
prenticeship with colonel Bayard, and accumulated several thousand
pounds, insisted that his patron sliouid receive one hail ot his estate.
This generous oft'er was not accepted, as the report was without
foundation. Reiterated afflictions induced a deep depression of
mind, and for some time he was no longer relieved by the avoca-
tions of business. In 1785 however he was appointed a member
of the old congress, then sitting in New York, but in the ioUowing
year he was left out of the delegation. In 1788 he removed to New
Brunswick, where he was mayor oi the city, judge of the court of
common pleas, and a ruling elder of the church. Here he died
Jan. 7, 1807, in the 69th year of his age.
At his last hour he was not left in darkness. That Redeemer,
whom he had served with zeal, was with him to support him and
give him the victory. During his last illness he spoke much of his
brother, and one night, awaking from sleep, exclaimed, " my dear
brother, I shall soon be with you." He addressed his two sons,
" my dear children, you see me just at the close oi life. Death has
no terrors to me. What now is all the world to me ? I would not
exchange my hope in Christ for ten thousand worlds. I once en-
tertained some doubts of his divinity ; but, biessed be God, these
doubts were soon removed by inquiry and Reflection. From that
time my hope of acceptance with God has rested on his merits and
atonement. ' Out of Christ God is a consuming fire." As he ap-
proached nearer the grave, he said," I shall soon be at rest ; I shall
soon be with my God. Oh glorious hope ! Blessed rest ! How
precious are the promises of the gospel 1 It is the support oi my
soul in my last moments." While sitting up, supported by his two
daughters, holding one of his sons by the hand, and looking intent-
ly in his face, he said, " my christian brother !" Then turning to
his daughters he continued, " you are my chrititian sisters. Soon
will our present ties be dissolved, but more glorious bonds "
He could say no more, but his looks and arms, directed towards
heavejT, expressed every thing. He frequently commended him-
self to the blessed Redeemer, confident of his love ; and the last
words, which escaped from his dying lips, were, " Lord Jesus,
Lord Jesus, Lord Jesus." — Evang. intelligencer^ i. 1 — 7, 49 — 57,
BAYLEY (Matthias), remarkable for longevity, died about
the year 1789 at Jones' creek, a branch of the Pedee, in North Car-
olina, aged one hundred and thirty six years. He was baptized,
when he was one hundred and thirty four. His eye sight remained
good, and his strength was very remarkable til{ his death.-^./^»im-
can museum^ vii. 206.
BEACH (John), an episcopal clergyman and writer, was gradu-
ated at Yale college in 172 1, and was for a number of years a con-
gregational minister at Newtown in Connecticut. Through his
acquaintance with the reverend Dr. Johnson he was induced to em-
brace the episcopal persuasion. In 1732 he went to England fop
5-2 BEL.
orders, and on his return was employed as an episcopalian mission-
ary at Reading in Connecticut.
He published an appeal to the unprejudiced in answer to a sermon
of reverend Mr. Dickinson, 1757 ; also about the year 1745 a ser-
mon on Romans vi. 23, entitled, a sermon shewing that eternal life
is God's free gin, bestowed upon men according to their moral be-
havior. In this he opposed with much zeal some of the calvinistic
doctrines, contained in the articles of the church, which he had
joined. The reverend Jonathan Dickinson wrote remarks upon it
the following year in his vuidication of God's sovereign free grace,
which called forth a reply from Mr. Beach, entitled, God's sove-
reignty and his universal love to the souls of men reconciled, in the
form of a dialogue, 1747. He wrote also a reply to Mr. Dickin-
son's second vindication. Mr. Beach was a bold and distinguished
advocate of those doctrines, which arc denominated arminian. What-
ever may be said of his argument in his dispute with Mr. Dickin-
son, he evidently yields to his antagonist in gentleness and civility
of manner.
Another controversy, in which Mr. Beach was engaged, was res-
pecting episcopacy. He published in 1749, in answer to reverend
Mr. Hobart's first address, a calm and dispassionate vindication of
the professors of the church of England, to which Dr. Johnson wrote
a preface and Mr. Caner an appendix. He seems to have had high
notions of the necessity of episcopal ordination. His other publica-
tions are, the duty of loving our enemies, 1738 ; an inquiry into
the slate of the dead, 1755 ; a sermon on the death of the reverend
Dr. Johnson, 1772 — Chandler^ s UJe of Johnson^ 62, 126.
BELCHER (Saml'El), first minister of that parish in Newbury,
Massachusetts, which is called Newbury Newtown, was graduated
at Harvard college in 1659. He was ordained November 30, 1698.
The time of his death has not been ascertained ; but it was after
the year 1712, He was a good scholar, a judicious divine, and a
holy and humble man. He published an election sermon, 1707. —
Coll. hist. soc. X. 168.
BELCHER (Jonathan), governor of Massachusetts and New
Jersey, was the son of the honorable Andrew Belcher of Cambridge,
one of his majesty's council in the province of Massachusetts Bay,
and was born about the year 1618. His father took peculiar care
in regard to the education of this son, on whom the hopes of the
family were fixed. He was graduated at Harvard college in 1699.
While a member of this institution his open and pleasant conversa-
tion, joined with his manly and t!;enerous conduct, conciliated the
esteem of all his acquaintance. Not Jong after the termination of
his collegial course, he visited Europe, that he might enrich his
mind by his observations upon the viious manners and characters
of men, and might return, furnished with that useful knowledge,
which is gained by intercourse ^ith the world.
BEL. 53
During an absence of six years from his native country he was
preserved from those follies, into which inexperienced youth are
frequently drawn, and he even maintained a constant regard to that
holy religion, of Avhich he had early made a profession. He was
every where treated with the greatest respect. The acquaintance,
which he formed with the princess Sophia and her son, afterwards
king George II, laid the foundation of his future honors. After his
return from his travels he lived in Boston in the character of a mer-
chant with great reputation. He was chosen a member of the coun-
cil, and the general assembly sent him as an agent of the province
to the British court in the year 1729.
After the death of governor Burnet, he was appointed by his
majesty to the government of Massachusetts and New Hampshire
in 1T30. In this station he continued eleven years. His style of
living was elegant and splendid, and he was distinguished for hos-
pitality. By the depreciation of the currency his salary was much
diminished in value, but he disdained any unwarrantable means of
enriching himself, though apparently just and sanctioned by his
predecessors in office. He had been one of the principal merchants
of New England, but he quitted his business on his accession to the
chair of the first magistrate. Having a high sense of the dignity
of his commission he was determined to support it even at the ex-
pense of his private fortune. Frank and sincere, he was extreme-
ly liberal in his censures both in conversation and letters. This
imprudence in a public officer gained him enemies, who were deter-
mined on revenge. He also assumed some authority, which had
not been exercised before, though he did not exceed his commis-
sion. These crnses of complaint, together with a controversy
respecting a fixed salary, which had been transmitted to him from
his predecessors, and his opposition to the land bank company final-
ly occasioned his removal. His enemies were so inveterate and so
regardless of justice and truth, that as they were unable to find real
grounds for impeaching his integrity, they forged letters for the
purpose of his ruin. On being superseded, he repaired to court,
wliere he vindicated his character and conduct, and exposed the
base designs of his enemies. He was restored to the royal favor,
and Avas promised the first vacant government in America. This
vacancy occurred in the province of New Jersey, where he arrived
in 1747, and where he spent the remaining years cf his life. In
this province his memory has been held in deserved respect.
When he first arrived in this province, he found it in the utmost
confusion by tumults and riotous disorders, which had for some
time prevailed. This circumstance, joined to the unhappy contro-
versy between the two branches of the legislature, rendered the
first part of his administration peculiarly difficult; hut by his firm
and prudent measures., he surmounted the difficulties of his situa-
tion. He steadily pursued the interest of the province, endeavor-
54 BEL.
ing to distinguish and promote men of worth without partiality.
He enlar^ied the charter of Princeton college, and was its cliief pat-
ron and benefactor. Even under the growing infirmities of age
he applied himself with his accustomed assiiluity and diligence to
the high duties of his office. He died at Elizabeth Town August
31, 1757, aged seventy six years. His body was brought to Cam-
bridge, Massachusetts, where it was entombed.
Governor Belcher possessed uncommon gracefulness of pers(xi
and dignity of deporti. ent. He obeyed the royal instructions on
the one hand and exhibited a real regard to the liberties and happi-
ness of the people on the other. He was distinguished by his un-
shaken integrity, by his zeal for justice, and care to have it equally
distributed. Neither the claims of interest, nor the solicitations of
friends could move him from what appeared to be his duty. He
seems to have possessed, in addition to his other accomplishments,
that piety, whose lustre is eternal His religion was not a mere
formal thing, which he received from tradition, or professed in con-
formity to the custom of the country, in which he lived ; it was re-
al and genuine, for it impressed his heart, and governed his life.
He had such views of the majesty and holiness of God, of the strict-
ness and purity of the divine law, and of his own unworthiness and
iniquity, as made him disclaim all dependence on his own righteous-
ness, and led him to place his whole hope for salvation on the mer-
its of the Lord Jesus Christ, who appeared to him an all sufficient
and glorious Savior. He expressed the huml)lest sense of his own
character and the most exalted views oi the rich, free, and glorious
grace, ofTcred- in the gospel to sinners. His faith worked by love,
and produced the genuine fruits of obedience. It exhibited
itself in a life of piety and devotion, of meekness and humili-
ty, of justice, truth, and benevolence. He searched the holy
sciiptures with the greatest diligence and delight. In his family
he maintained the worship of God, himself reading the volume,
of truth, and addressing in prayer the Majesty of heaven and of
earth as long as his health and strength would possibly admit. In
the hours of retirement he held intercourse with heaven, carefully
redeeming time from the business of this world to attend to the
more important concerns of another. Though there was nothing
ostentatious in his rcli;^ion, yet he was not ashamed to avow his at-
tachment to the gospel of Christ, even when he exposed himself to
ridicule and censure. When the reverend Mr. Whitefield was at
Boston in the year 1740, he treated that elociucnt itinerant with the
gre.itcst respect. He even followed him as far as ^^'orcester, and
requ( sted him to continue his faithful instructions and pungent ad-
dresses to the conscience, desiring him loi-fiare ntilher mimstfrsnor
rulerfi. He was indeed deeply interested in the progress of holi-
ness and religion. As he approached the termination of his life, he
often expressed his desires to depart, and to enter the world of glc,-
BEL. 55
i'y,.^Surr*s funeral sermon ; Hutchinson^ ii. 367—397 ; Holmes.*
annals^ ii. 224 ; Smith's JV. Jersey, 437, 438 ; Belknafi's JV. Hamfi-
ahirey ii. 95, 96, 126, 165 — 180 ; Whit efie Id's journal for 1743 j
Marshall, i. 299 ; Minot's Mass i. 61.
BELCHER (Jonathan), chief justice of Nova Scotia, was the
soft of governor Belcher of Massachusetts, and was graduated at
Harvard college in 1728. He wus bred to the law and gained some
distinction at the bar in England. He was then appointed lieuten-
ant governor of Nova Scotia, where he was also commander in
chief. His last appointment was that of chief justice. His death
took place in March 1776.
BELKNAP (Jeremy, d. d.), minister in Boston, and eminent
as a writer, was born in Boston June 4, 1744. He received the
rudiments of learning in the grammar school of the celebrated
Mr. Lovel, and was graduated at Harvard college in 1762. He ex-
hibited, at this early period, such marks of genius and taste, and
such talents in writing and conversation, as to excite the most pleas-
ing hopes of his future usefulness and distinction. Having upon
his mind deep impressions of the truths of religion, he now applied
himself to the study of theology, and he was ordained pastor of the
church in Dover, New Hampshire, February 18, 1767. Here he
passed near twenty years of his life with the esteem and affection
of his flock, and respected by the first characters of the state. He
was persuaded by them to compile his history of New Hampshire,
which gaineu him a high reputation. In 1786 he was dismissed
from his people.
The presbyterian church in Boston, becoming vacant by the re-
moval of the reverend Mr. Annan, and having changed its establish-
ment from the presbyterian to the congregational form, soon invit-
ed him to become its pastor. He was accordingly installed April
4, 1787. Here he passed the remainder of his days, discharging
the duties of his pastoral office, exploring various fields of litera-
ture, and giving his efficient support to every useful and benevo-
lent institution. After being subject to frequent returns of ill health,
he was suddenly seized by a paralytic affection, and died June 20,
1798, aged 54 years.
Dr. Belknap in his preaching did not aim at splendid diction, but
presented his thoughts in plain and perspicuous language, that all
might understand him. While he lived in Boston, he avoided con-
troversial subjects, dwelling chiefly upon the practical views of the
gospel. His sermons were filled with a rich variety of observations
on human life and manners. He was peculiarly careful in giving
religious instruction to young children, that their feet might be
early guided in the way of life. In the afternoon preceding his
death he was engaged in catechising the youth of his society.
In the various relations of life his conduct was exemplary. He
was a member of many literary and humane societies, whgse inter-
56 BEL.
ests he essentially promoted. Wherever he could be of any ser-
vice he freely devoted his lime and talents. He was one of tlie
founders of the Massachusetts historical society, the design of which
he was induced to form in consequence of his frequent disappoint-
ment from the loss of valuable papers in prosecuting his historical
researches. He had been taught the value of an association, whose
duty it should be to collect and preserve manuscripts and bring to-
gether the materials for illustrating the history of our country, and
he iiad the happiness of seeing such an institution incorporated in
1794.
As an author Dr. Belknap sustains a high reputation. Before
the revolution he wrote much in favor of freedom and his country.,
and he afterwards gave to the public many fruits of his labors and
researches. His last and most interesting work, his American bi-
ography, he did not live to complete. For this work the public
voice pronounced him peculiarly qualified, and it was hoped, that
he would extend it through the successive periods of his country's
history. He was a decided advocate of our republican forms
of government, and ever was a warm friend of the constitution of
the United States, which he considered the bulwark of our national
security and happiness. He was earnest in his wishes and prayers
for the government of his country, and in critical periods took an
open and unequivocal, and, as far as professional and private duties
allowed, an active part.
The following extract from some lines, found among his papers,
expresses his choice with regard to the manner of his death, and the
event corresponded with his wishes.
When faith and patience, hope and love
Have made us meet for heaven above^ '
How blest the privilege to rise,
Snatch'd in a moment to the skies !
Unconscious to resign our breath,
Nor taste the bitterness of death.
Dr. Belknap published a sermon on military duty, preached at
Dover, 1773 ; a serious address to a parishioner upon the neglect
of public worship; a sermon on Jesus Christ, the only foundation,
preached before an association of ministers in New Hampshire ;
election sermon, preached at Portsmouth, 1784; history of New
Hampshire, the first volume in 1784, the second in 1791, and the
third in 1792 ; a sermon at the ordination of the reverend Jedidiah
Morse, 1789 ; a discourse delivered at the request of the historical
society, October, 1792, being the completion of the third century
frcm Columbus' discovery of America ; dissertations upon the
character and resurrection of Christ, 12mo; collection of psalms and
hymns, 1795 ; convention sermon, 1796 ; a sermon on the national
fast, May 9, 1798 ; American biography, first volume in 1794, the
second in 1798 ; the foresters, an American tale, being a sequel to
BEL. 57
the history of John Bull the clothier, 12mo. He published also seve-
ral essays upon the Airican trade, upon civil and religious liberty,
upon the state and settlement ot this country in periodical papers ;
in the Columbian raas^azine printed in Philadelphia ; in the Boston
magazine, 1784 ; in the historical collections ; and in newspapers.
Two of his sermons on the institution and observation of the sab-
bath were published in 1801. — Collections of historical society, vi. x
— xviii ; Columbian centinel, June 25, 1798 ; Rees'cyclofioedia, Phil,
edit.; Miller's recrospcct, ii. 142; Polyanthos, i.l— -12 ; Hardie^s
biografihy.
BELLAMONT (Richard, earl of), governor of New York,
Massachusetts, and New Hampshire, was appointed to tnese offices
early in May 1695, but did not arrive at New York until May 1698.
He had to struggle with many difficulties, for the people were di-
vided, the treasury was unsuppiied, and the fortifications were out
of repiiir. Notwithstanding the care of government, the pirates,
who in time of peace made great depredations upon Spanish ships
and settlements in America, were frequently in the sound, and were
supplied with provisions by the inhabition delineated, 1750 ; three sermons or. the divinity oi Christ,
the millennium, and the wisdom of God iii the permission of sin,
60 BEL.
1758 ; dialot^ues ou Thcron and Aspasio by Paulinus ; essay on
the glory of the gospel ; a vindication of liis sermon on tlie wis-
dom of God in the permission of sin ; the law a schoolmaster, a
sermon; the gre..t evil of sin ; election sermon, 1762, Besides
these he pul)lished several small pieces on creeds and confessions ;
on the covenant of grace ; on churcn covenanting ; and in answer
to objections made against his writings. The lollowing are the
titles of some of these ; the half way covenant, a dialogue, 1769;
a second dialogue concerning the halfway covenant, 1769; the
inconsistency of renouncing llie half way covenant and retaining
the half way practice ; that there is but one covenant, against the
l-everend Moses Ma{hev.-—>Bencdici'ii funeral sermon ; Brainerd's
life, 21, 41, 43, 55.
BELLINGHAM (Richard), governor of Massachusetts, was
a native of England, where he was bred a lawyer. He came to
this country in 1634, and in the following year was chosen deputy
governor. In 1641 he was elected governor in opposition to Mr.
Winthrop by a majority of six votes ; but the election did not seem
to be agreeable to the general court. He was rechosen to this of-
fice in 1654, and after the death of governor Endicot was again elect-
ed in May 1665. He continued chief magistrate of Massachusetts
during the remainder of his life. He died Dec. 7, 1672, aged
eighty years.
Governor Bellingham lived to be the only surviving patentee
named in the charter. He was severe against those, who were call-
ed sectaries ; but he was a man of incorruptible integrity, and it is
mentioned as rather a remarkable circumstance, that he never took
a bribe. In the ecclesiastical controversy, which was occasioned in
Boston by the settlement of the reverend Mr. Davenport, he was
an advocate of the first church. Though a lawyer, his will was
drawn up in such a manner, that the general court were obliged
to make a disposition of his property themselves. — Hutchinson*e
hist. Mas.farhusetts, i. 41, 43, 97, 253, 258, 269 ; Mai's hist. J\cii'
England, i. 390 ; Mather's magnalia, ii. 18 ; Hobnes' annals, i. 414.
BENEZRT (Anthony), a philantlirophist of Philadelphia, was
born at St. Quintins, a town in the province of Picardy, France, Jan.
31, 1713. About the time of his birth the persecution against the
protestants was carried on with relentless severity, in consequence
of which many thousands found it necessary to leave their native
country, and seek a shelter in foreign lands. Among these were
his parents, who removed to London in Feb. 1715, and afier re-
maining there upwards of sixteen years came to Philadelphia inNov.
1731. During their residence in Great Britain they had imbibed
the religious opinions of the society of friends, and they were re-
ceived into that body immediately after their arrival in this country.
In the early part of his life Benezet was put an apprentice to a
merchant ; but soon alter his marriage in 1722, when his affairs
BEN. 6i
were in a prosperous situation, he left the mercantile business, that
he might engage in some pursuit, which was not so adapted to
excite or to promote a worldly spirit, and which would afford him
more leisure for the duties of religion and for the exercise of
that benevolent spirit, for which during the course of a long life he
was so conspicuous. But no employment, which accorded per-
fectly with his inclination, presented itself till the year 1742, when
he accepted the appointment of instructor in the friends' English
school of Philadelphia. The duties of the honorable, though not
very lucrative office of a teacher of youth, he from this period
continued to fulfil with unremitting assiduity and delight and with
very little intermission till his death. During the two last years
of his life his zeal to do good induced him to resign the school,
which he had long superintended, and to engage in the instruction
of the blacks. In doing this he did not consult his worldly interest,
but was influenced by a regard to the welfare of that miserable
class of beings, whose minds had been debased by servitude. He
wished to contribute something towards rendering them fit for the
enjoyment of that freedom, to which many of them had been res-
tored.
So great was his sympathy with every being capable of feeling
pain, that he resolved towards the close of his life to eat no animal
food. This change in his nvxle oftiving is supposed to have been
the occasion of his death. His active mind did not yield to the
debility of his body. He persevered in his attendance upon his
school till within a £e\v days of his decease. He died May 3, i784,
in the seventy second year of his age.
Such was the general esteem, in which he was held, that his
funeral was attended by persons of all religious denominations.
Many hundred negroes followed their friend and benefactor to the
grave, and by their tears they proved, that they possessed the sen-
sibility of men. An officer, who had served in the army during
the war with Great Britain, observed at this time " I would
rather be Anthony Benezet in that coffin, than George Washington
with all his fame."
He exhibited uncommon activity and industry in every thing,
which he undertook. He used to say that the highest act of char-
ity was to bear with the unreasonableness of mankind. He gener-
ally wore plush clothes, and gave as a reason for it, that after he
had worn them for two or three years, they made comfortable and
decent garments for the poor. So disposed was he to make him-
self contented in every situation, that v/hen his memory began to
fail him, instead of lamenting the decay of his powers, he said to a
young friend, " this gives me one great advantage over you, for
you can find entertainment in reading a good book only once ;
but I enjoy that pleasure as often as I read it, for it is always new
to me/' Few men, since the days of the apostles, eve i- lived a more
62 BEN.
disinterested life ; yet upon his death bed he cxprcsseil his desire
to live a little longer, " that he mi^ht \mn^ down «t//." '1 he lust
time ne ever walked across his room was to take from his desk six
dollars, which he gave to a poor widow, whom he had long assisted
to maintain. In his conveisalion he was afi'able and unreserved ;
in his manners gentle and concili..thig. ior t;ie acquisition of
wealth he wanted neither abilities nor opportunity ; but he made
himself contented with a little, and with a competency he was lib-
eral beyond most of those, wiiom a bountilul providence had en-
cumbered with riches. By his will he devised his estate, after the
decease of his wife, to certain trustees lor the use of the African
school.
During the time the British army was in possession of Philadel-
phia he was indefatigable in his endeavors to render the situation of
the persons, wlio suffered from captivity, as easy as possible. He
knew no fear in the presence of a lellow man, however dignified
by titles or station ; and such was the propriety and gentleness of
his manners in his intercourse with the gentlemen, who command-
ed the British and German troops, that when he could not obtain
the object of his requests, he never failed to secure their civilities
and esteem.
Though the life of Mr. Benezet was passed in the instruction of
youth, yet his expansive benevolence extended itself to a wider
sphere of usefulness. Giving but a small portion of his time to
sleep, he employed his pen both day and night in writing books on
religious subjects, composed chiefly with a view to inculcate the
peaceable temper and doctrines of the gospel in opposition to the
spirit of war, and to expose the fli.grant injustice of slavery, and
fix the ctamp of infctmy on the traffic in human blood. His writ-
ings contributed much towards meliorating the condition of slaves,
and undoubtedly had influence on the public mind in effecting the
complete prohil/uion of thi-.t trade, which until the year 1808 was a
Wot on the American national character.
To disseminate his publications and increase his usefulness he
held a correspondence with such persons in various parts of Eu-
rope and America, as united with him in the same benevolent
design, or would be likely to promote the objects, which he was
pursuing. No ambitious or covetous views impelled him to his
exertions. Regarding all mankind as children of one common
Father and members of one great family, he was anxious that op-
pression and tyranny should cease, and that men should live together
in mutual kindness and aff"ection. He himself respected and he
wished others to respect the sacred injunction, " do unto others as
you would that they should do unto you."
On the return of peaco in 1783, apprehending that the revival
of commerce would be likely to rcne%v the African slave trade,
which during the war had been in some measure obstructed, he
BER. 63
addressed a letter to the queen of Great Britain to solicit her in-
fluence on tne side of humanity. At tne ciose of this letter he
says, " I hope thou wilt kindly excuse the freedom used on this
occasion by an ancient man, whose mind for more than forty years
past has been much separated from the common course of the
world, and long- painfully exercised in the consideration of the
miseries, under which so large a purt of mankind, equally with us
the objects of redeeming love, are suffering the most unjust and
grievous oppression, and who sincerely desires the temporal and
eternal felicity of the queen ami her royal consort."
He published, am'-ng other tracts, a caution to Great Britain and
her colonif s in a short representation of the calamitous stati. of the
enslaved negroes in the British dominions, 1767; some historical
account of Guinea, with an inquiry into the rise and progress of
the slave trade, 1771 ; observations on the Indian natives of this
continent, 1784. — Hardie's biography ; New and general biog. dic-
tionary ; American museum.) ix. 192 — 194 ; Reen' cyclo/ioedia.
BERKELEY (George), bishop of Cloyne in Ireland, and a dis-
tinguished benefactor of Yale college, was born March 12, 1684
at Kilcrin in the county of Kilkenny, and was educated at Trinity
college, Dublin. After publishing a number of his works, which
gained him a his^h reputation, he travelled four or five years upon
the continent. He returned in 1721, and a fortune was soon be*
queathed him by a lady of Dublin, the " Vanessa" of Swift. In
1724 he was promoted to the deanery of Derry, worth eleven hun-
dred pounds per annum.
Having for some time conceived the benevolent project of convert-
ing the savages of America to Christianity by means of a college
to be erected in one of the isles of Bermuda, he published a propos-
al for this purpose at London in 1725, and offered to resign his
own opulent preferment, and to dedicate the rem^iinder of his life
to the instruction of youth in America on the subsistence of a hvm-
drtd pounds a year. He obtained a grant of 10,0001. from the
government of Great Britain, and immediately set sail for the field
of his labors. He arrived at Newport, Rhode Island, in February
1729 with a view of settling a correspondence there for supplying
his college with such provisions, as might be wanted from the
northern colonies. Here be purchased acountry seat and farm, in the
neighborhood of Newport, and resided about two years and a half.
His res'dence in this country had some influence on the progress
of literature, particularly in Rhode Island and Connecticut. The
presence and conversation of a man so illustrious for talents, learn-
ing, virtue, and social attractions could not fail of giving a spring to
the literary diligence and ambition of many, who enjoyed his ac-
quaintance.
Finding at length, that the promised aid of the ministry towards
his new college would fail him, dean Berkeley returned to England.
U BER.
At his dcprrturc he distributed the books, which he had brouglft
with him, amonf.; the clergy of Rhode Island. He embarked at
Boston in September 1731. In the following year he published
his minute philosopher, a work of great ingenuity and merit, which
he wrote, while at Newport. It was not long bctore he sent as a
gift to Yale college a deed of the farm, which h^ held in Rhode
island; the rents of wiic.h he directed to be appropriated to the-
maintenance of the three I -est classical scholars, who should reside
at college at least nine months in a year in each of the three years
between their first and second degrees. All surplusages of mon-
ey, arising from accidental vacancies, were to be distributed in Greek
and Latin books to such undergraduates, as should make the best
composition in the Latin tongue upon such a moral theme, as should
be given t! em. He also made a present to the library of Yale
college of near one thousand volumes. When it is considered,
that he was warmly attached to the episcopal church, and that he
came to Americ i for the express purpose of founding an episcopal
college, his munificence to an institution, under the exclusive di-
rection of a difl'erent denomination, must be thought worthy of
high praise.
It was in the year 1733, that he was made bishop of Cloyne, and
from this period he discharged with exemplaiy faithfulness the
episcopal duties, and prosecuted his studies with unabating dili-
gence. On the 14th of January 175 3 he was suddenly seized by a
disorder, called the palsy of the heart, and instantly expired, being
near sixty nine years of age.
Bishop Berkeley, while at Cloyne, constantly rose between three
and four in the morning. His favorite author was Plato. His
character, though marked by enthusiasm, was singularly excellent
and amiable. Ho was held by his acquaintance in the highest esti-
mation. Bishop Atterbury. after being introduced to him, exclaim-
ed, " so much understanding, so much knowledge, so much in-
Bocence, and such humility I did not think had been the portion of
any but angels, till I saw this gentleman." It is well known, that
bishop Berkeley rejected the commonly received notion of the ex-
istence of matter, and contended, that what arc called scnsii.le ma-
terial objects are not external but exist in the mind, and are merely
impressions made upon our mind by the immediate act of God.
These peculiar sentiments he supported in his work, entitled, the
principles of human knowledge, 1710, and in the dialogues between
Hylas and Philonous, 1713. Besides these works, and the minute
philosopher, in wliich he alt^icks the free thinker with great inge-
nuity and effect, he published also, arithmclica absque algebra aut
Euclide demonstrata, 1707 ; theory of vision, 1709 ; de motu,
1721 ; ;in essay towards preventing the ruin of Great Britain,
1721 ; the analyst, 1734 ; a defence of free thinking in mathe-
matics, 1735 ; the querist, 1735 ; discourse addressed to magis-
BER. 65
.twtes, 1736 ; on the virtues of tar water, 1744 ; maxims concern-
ing patriotism, 1750. — •Chandler's lije of Johnson^ 4,7— &0 ; Miller's
retrosfiectf'u, 549 ; Rees'' cyclojicedia ; Holmes' annals j'n. 193,
BERKLEY (William), governor of Virginia, was bom of an
ancient family near London and Avas educated at Merton college,
Oxford, of which he was afterwards a fellow. He was admitted
master of arts in 1629. In 1630 he travelled in different parts of
Europe. He succeeded sir John Harvey in the government of
Virginia about the year 1639. This gentleman had conducted in
f>o arbitrary a manner, that the inhabitants of Virginia seized him
and sent him home a prisoner. King Charles restored him, but
very soon afterwards recalled him, and appointed in his stead a
more just and worthy man, sir William Berkley. On his arrival he
found the country engaged in an Indian war, which much interrupt-
ed its prosperity. The war v/as occasioned by the encroachments
of governor Harvey in the pjrants of land, which he had given.
Tlic natives had massacred about 500 of the colonists, and w^cre
still carrying on the work of destruction. But sir Wijliam with a
party of horse surprised the aged Oppecancanough, and brought
him prisoner to James Town. The Indian emperor was a man of
dignified sentiments. One day, when there was a large crowd in
his room gazing at him, he called for the governor, and said to him,
" if it had been my fortune to have taken sir William Berkley pris-
oner, I should have disdained to have made a show of him to my
people." About a fortnight after he was taken, a brutal soldier
shot him through the back, of which wound the old man soon died.
A firm peace was soon afterwards made with the Indians.
During the civil war in England governor Berkley took the side
of the king, and Virginia was the last of the possessions of England,
which acknowledged the authority of Cromwell. Severe laws v/ere
made against the puritans, though there were none in the colony ;
commerce was interrupted ; and the people were unable to supply
themselves even with tools for agriculture. It was not till 1651, that
Virginia was subdued. The parliament had sent a fleet to reduce
Barbadoes, and from this place a small scpiadron was detached un-
der the command of captain Dennis. The Virginians by the help
of some Dutch vescels, which were then in the port, made sucji
resistance, that he was obliged to have recourse to other means
besides force. He sent word to t^vo of the members of the council,
that he had on boai^d a valuable cargo belonging to them, which
they must lose, if the protector's authoi'ity was not immediately
acknowledged. Such dissensions now took place in the colony,
that Sir WiUiam and his friends were obliged to submit on the
terms of a general pardon. He however remained in the country,
passing his time in retirement at his own plantation, and observing
■with satisfaction, that the parliament made a moderate use of its
9
o6 BEH.
success, and that none of the Virghiia royalists were persecuted
for their resistunce.
After the death of governor Matthews, who was appointed by
Cromwell, the people apphcd to sir William to resume the gov-
ernnicnt; but he declined complying with their request unless
they would submit themselves again to the authority of the king.
Upon their consenling to do this, he resumed his former authority
in Jaimary 1659 ; and khig Charles II was proclaimed in Virgin-
ia before his resloraiion to the throne of England. The death of
Cromwell, in the mean time, dissipated from the minds of the col-
onists the fear of the consequences of their boldness. After the
restoration governor Berkley received a new commission and was
permitted to go to England to pay his respects to his majesty. Dur-
ing his absence the deputy governor, whom he had appointed, in
obedience to ijis orders collected the laws into one body. The
church of England was made the established religion, parishes
were regulated, and, besides a mansion house and glebe, a yearly
stipend in tobacco, to the value of eighty pounds, was settled on
the minister. In 1662 governor Berkley returned to Virginia, and
in the following year the laws were enforced against the dissenters
from the establisliment, by which a number of them were driven
from the colony. During Bacon's I'ebellion he exhibited a suitable
regard to the dignity of his station, and a firm resolution to support
his authority. Pcice was afterwards preserved not so much by
the removal of the grievances, which awakened discontent, as by
the arriv il of a regiment from England, which remained a long
time in the country
In 1677 sir William was induced, on account of his ill state of
health, to return to England, leaving colonel JefTereys deputy gov-
ernor. He died soon after his arrival, and before he had seen the
king, after an administration of near forty years. He was buried
at Twickenham July 13, 1677. The assembly of Virginia declar-
ed, that he had been an excellent and Avell deserving governor.
The following extract from his answer in June 1671 to inquiries of
the committee for the colonics is a curious specimen of his loyalty.
" We have forty eight parishes and our ministers are well paid,
and by my consent should be better if they would pray oftener and
preach less ; but, as of all other commodities, so of this, the worst
arc sent us, and we have few, that we can boast of, since the perse-
cution in Cron)weil's tyranny drove divers worthy men hither.
Yet I thank Cod, there arc no free schools, nor printing ; and I
hope we shall not have these hundred years. For learning has
bro'i ;ht disobedience, and heresy, and sects into the world, and
printuighasdiN'ulgcd them and libels against the best government."
He published the lost )idy, a tragi-comcdy, 1639 ; a discourse
and view of '^'irginia, 1663. — Keith's /liatoryqf Hrifinia, 144 — 162 ;
1V'/nn.\ ii. 216 — 224 ; Holinex* annals, i. 373 440 ; C/uilmers, i
S36, 337 ; Wood's .tt.'i^ncc OxoJiicnscs, ii. 586.
BER. 67
BERKLEY(NoRBORNE,baronde Botetourt), one of the last gov-
ernors of Virginia, while a Britisii colony, obtained the peerage
of Botetourt in 1764. In July 1768 he WdS appointed governor of
Virginia in the place of general Amherst, He died at Williams-
burg October 15, 1770, in the fifty third year of his age. At his
death the government, in consequence of the resignation of the
honorable John Blair, devolved upon the honorable William Nelson
until the appointment in December of lord Dunmore, then gover-
nor of Nev*r York.
"Lord Botetourt seems to have been highly and deservedly respect-
ed in Virginia. His exertions to promote the interests of William
and Mary college were zettlous and unremitted. He instituted an
annual contest among the students for two elegant golden medals
of the value of five guineas ; one for the best latin oration on a giv-
en subject, and the other for superiomy in mathematical science.
For a long time he sanctioned by his presence morning and evening
prayers in the college. No company, nor avocation prevented his
attendance on this service. He was extremely fond of literary
characters. No one of this class, who had the least claims to res-
pect, was ever presented to him without receiving his encourage-
ment. — Miller's retrospect, n. ^72, ; Boston gazette, JVoveviber 12,
1770.
BERNARD (Francis), governor of Massachusetts, arrived in
the province from New Jersey as successor to governor Pownall,
August 3, 1760, and continued at the head of the government nine
years. His administration was during one of the most interesting
pei'iods in American history. He had governed New Jersey two
years in a manner very accepttible to that province, and the first
part of his administration in Massachusetts was very agreeable to
the generid court. Soon after his arrival Canada was surrendered
to Amherst. Much harmony prevciiled for two or three years,
but this prosperous and happy commencement did not continue.
There had long been two parties in the state, the advocates for the
crown, and the defenders of the rights of the people. Governor
Bernard was soon classed with those, who were desirous of
strengthening the royal authority in America ; the sons of liberty
therefore stood forth iniiformly in fepposition to him. His indis-
cretion in appointing Mr. Hutchinson chief justice instead of giving
that office to colonel Otis of Barnstable, to whom it had been prom-
ised by Shirley, proved very injurious to his cause. In conse-
quence of this appointment he lost the influence of colonel Otis,
and by yielding himself to Mr Hutchinson, he drew upon hirh the
hostility of James Otis, the son, a man of great talents, who soon
became the leader on the popuifir side. The laws for the regula-
tion of trade, and the severities of the officers of customs was the
first thing, which greatly at'itated the public mind ; and sifterwards
tlie stamp act increased the energy of resistance to the scheme^ of
63 BEV.
tyranny. Governor Bernard possessed no talent For conciliating ; he
was for accomplibliins^ niinislcriiil purposes by force ; and the spirit
of freedom j^athcred strent^th from the open manner, in which he
attempted to crush it. His speech to the general court after the
repeal of the stamp act was by no means calculated to assuage the
angry passions, whicii had lat< ly been excited. He was the prin-
cipal means of brin:;ing the troops to Boston, that he might over-
awe the people ; and it was owing to him, that they were contin-
ued in t!ie town. This measure had been proposed by him and
Mr. Hutchinson long before it was executed. While he professed
himself a friend to the province, he was endeavoring to undermine
its constitution, and to obtain an essential alteration in the charter
by transferring from the general couit to the crown the right of
electiu,; the council. His conduct, though it drew upon him the
indignation of the province, was so pleasing to the muiistry, that he
was created a baronet March 20, 1769. Sir Francis had too little
command of iiis temper. He could not conceal his resentments,
and he could not restrain his censures. One of his last public
measures was to prorogue the general court in July, in conse-
quence of their refusing to make provision for the support of the
troops. The general court however, before they were prorog-
ued, embraced the opportunity of drawing up a petition to liis ma-
jesty for the removal of the governor. It was found necessary to
recal him, and he embarked August 1, 1769, leaving Mr. Hutchin-
son, the lieutenant governor, commander in chief. There were
few. who lamented his departure. He died in England June
1779.
If a man of greater address and wisdom had occupied the place
of sir Fr tncis, it is vei-y probable our revolution would not have
taken place so soon. But his arbitrary principles, and his zeal for
the authority of the crown enkindled tlie spirit of the people, while
his representations to the ministry excited them to those measures,
which hastened the separation of the colonies from the mother
country.
From the letters of governor Bernard, which were obttined and
transmitted to this country by some secret friend, it appears that
he had very little regard to the interests of liberty. His select
letters on the trade and government of America, written in Boston
from 1763 to 1768, were published in London in 1774. His other
letters, written home in confidence, were publislied in 1768 and
1769.— -Minot's history of Masmchusctts, i. 73 — 222; Gordon., i,
139,272 — 274 ; Marshall, ii. 96, lit ; Holnus' annals., ii. 283,
29 1 ; Adams' JY. England, 241.
BEVERLY (R.), a native of Virginia, published a history of that
colony at London in 1705 in four parts, embracing the first set-
tlement of Virginia and the government thereof to the time, when
It was written ; the natural productions and conveniences of the
BLA. 69
country, suited to trade and improvement ; the native Indians, their
religion, laws, and customs ; and the state of the country as to the
policy of the goverment and the improvements of the land. An-
other edition was published with Gribelin's cuts, 8vo, 1722.
This work in the historical narration is as concise and unsatisfacto-
ry, as the history of Stith is prolix and tedious,
BLAIR(James), first president of William and Mary college,
Virginia, ?.nd a learned divine, was born and educated in Scotland,
where he obtained a benefice in the episcopal church. On account
of the unsettled state of religion, which then existed in that kingdom ,
he quitted his preferments ?.nd went into England near the end of
the reign of Charles II. The bishop of London prevailed on him
to go to Virginia, as a missionary, about the year 1685 ; and in
that colony by his exemplary conduct and unwearied labors in the
work of the ministry he much promoted religion, and gt.ined to
himself esteem and reputation. In 1689 he was appointed by the
bishop ecclesiastical commissary, the highest office in the church,
which could be given him in the province. This appointment
however did not induce him to relinquish the pastoral office, for it
was his delight to preach the gospel of salvation.
Perceiving that the want of schools and seminaries for literary
and religious instruction would in a great degree defeat the exer-
tions, which were making, in order to propagate the gospel, he
formed the design of establishing a college at Williamsburg.
For this purpose he solicited benefactions in this country, and by
direction of the assembly made a voyage to England in 1691 to ob-
tain the patronage of the government. A charter was procured
in this year with liberal endowments, and he was named in it as the
first president ; but it does not appear, that he enrered on the du-
ties of his office before the year 1729, from which period till 1742 he
discharged them with faithfulness. The college however did not
flourish very greatly during his presidency, nor for many years af-
terwards. The wealthy-farmers were in the habit of sending their
sons to Europe for their education. After a life of near sixty years
in the ministry, he died in a good old age August 1, 1743, and went
to enjoy the glory, for which he Avas destined.
Mr. Blair was for some time president of the council of the col-
ony, and rector of Williamsburg, He was a faithful laborer in
the vineyard of his Master, and an ornament to his profession and
to the several offices, which he sustained.
He published, our Savior's divine sermon on the mount explain-
ed and the practice of it recommended in divers sermons and dis-
courses, 4a'o1. 8vo, London, 1742. This work is spoken of with
high approbation by Dr. Doddridge, and by Dr. Williams in his
christian xtreachev.^Introd. to the abovh work ; Miller's rctvosfiecty
ii. 335. 336, ; iN'eiv and gen. biog. diet. ; Burnetts hist, vion tivics^
ii. 119, I20f folio ; Keit/!, 168,
70 BLA.
BLAIR (Samuel), a learned minister in Pennsylvania, was a
native of Ireland. He came to America very early in lite, and was
one of Mr. Tennent's pupils in his academy at Neshaminy. About
the year 1745 he himseliopened an academy at Fog's manor, Chester
county, with particular rctcrence to the study of theology as a science.
He also took the pastoral charge of the church in this place ; but
such was his zeal to do good, that he did not confine himself to his
own society, but often dispensed the precious truths of heaven to
destitute congregations. He died, it is believed, in 1751, and his
brother in a few years succeeded him in the care of the church.
Mr. Blair was one of the niost learned and able, as well as pious,
excellent, and venerable men of his day. He was a profound di-
vine and a most solemn and impressive preacher. To his pupils
he was himself an excellent model of pulpit eloquence. In his
life he gave them an admirable example of christian meekness, of
ministerial diligence, of candor, and Catholicism, without a derelic-
tion of principle. He was eminently serviceable to the part of the
country, where he lived, not only as a minister of the gospel, but
as a teacher of human kiwwledgc. From his academy, that school
of the prophets, as it was frequently called, there issued forth ma-
ny excellent pupils, who did honor to their instructor both as schol-
ars and christian ministers. Among the distinguished characters,
who received their classical and theological education at this sem-
inary, were the reverend Samuel Davies, reverend Dr. Rodgers of
New York, and the reverend Messrs. Alexander Cummings, James
Finley, Hugh Henry, and a number of other respectable clergy-
man. The former of these pupils, after being informed of his
sickness, wrote respecting hiin to a friend the following lines.
O, had you not the mournful news divulg'd.
My mind had still the pleasing dream indulg'd ;
Still fancied Blair with hei'.lth and vigor bless'd,
With some grand purpose lab'ring in his breast,
In studious thought pursuing truth divine,
Till the f\dl demonstration round him shine ;
Or from the sacred desk proclaiming loud
His master's message to the attentive crowd,
While heavenly truth with bright conviction glares,
And coward error shrinks and disappears.
While quick remorse the hardy siiuier feelsi
And Calvari/s balm the l)lceding conscience heals.
It is not known that he published any tiling excepting a narrative
of a revival of religion in several parts of Pennsylvania, 1744.—
Miller'fi retrospect^ li. 343 ; Massa. misHVjitary vmi^uzine^'xn. 362 ;
DavifH life.
BLAIR (John), an eminent minister in Pennsylvania, was or-
dained to the pastoral charge of three congrcgi^tions in Cumber-
BLA. 71
land county as early as 1742. These were frontier settlements and
exposed to depredations in the Indian wars, and he was obliged to
remove. He accepted i< call from Fo;^'s manor in Chester county
in 1757. This congregation had been favored with the ministry
of his brother, the reverend Samuel Bkir ; and here he continued
about nine years, besides discharging the duties of the ministry,
superintending also a flourishing grammar school, and preparing
many young men for tiie ministry. When the presidency of New
Jersey cullege became vacant, he was chosen professor of divinity
and had for some time the charge of that seminary before the arriv-
al of Dr. Witherspoon. After this event he settled at Wallkill ia
the state of New York. Here he laoored a while with his usual
faithfulness, and finished his earthly course Dec. 8, 1771, aged
about fifty one years.
He was a judicious and persuasive preacher, and through his
exertions sinners were converted and the children of God ed-
ifibd. Fully convinced of the doctrines of grace, he addressed
immortal souls with that warmth and power, which left a wimess
in every bosom. Though he sometimes wrote his sermons in lull,
yet his common mode of preaching was by short notes, comprising
the general outlines. His labors were loo abundant to admit of
more ; and no more was necessary to a mind so richly stored, and
so constantly impressed with the great truths of religion.
For his large family he had amasse<.i no fortune, but he left them
what is. infinitely better, a religious education, a holy example, and
prayers, which have been remarkably answered.
His disposition was uncommonly patient, placid, benevolent, dis-
interested, and cheerful. He was too mild to indulge bitterness or
severity, and he thought that truth required little else than to be
fairly stated and properly understood. Those, who could not rel-
ish the savor of his piety, loved him as an amiable and revered him
as a great man. Though no bigot, he firmly believed that the
presbyterian form of government is the most scriptural, and the
most favorable to religion and happiness.
In his last sickness he imparted his advice to the congregation,
and represented to his flxmily the necessity of an interest in Chiist.
A few nights before he died he said, " directly I am going to glory.
My master calls me ; I must be gone." He published a few oc-
easional sermons and tracts in defence of important truths. — Evan-
gelical intelligencer^ i. 241 — 244.
BLAIR (John), one of the associate judges of the supreme
court of the United States, died at Williamsburg in Virginia Au-
gust 31, 1800, in the sixty ninth year of his age.
He was a judge of the court of appeals in Virginia in 1787, at
which time the legislature of that state, finding the judiciary sys-
tem inconvenient, established circuit courts, the duties of which
they directed the judges of the court of appeals to perform.
72 BLA.
These judges, aii^ou^ whose names are those of Blair, Pendlctou,
and Wythe, remonstrated and declared tlve act unconstitutional.
In the same year, 1787, he was a member of the general conven-
tion, which formed the constitution of the United States. I'o that
instrument the names of Blair and Madison are afiixed as the
deputies from Virginia. In September 1789, when the govern-
ment, which he had assisted in cstablisliing, had commenced its
operation, he was appointed l)y Washington an associate judge of
the supreme court, of which John Jay was chief justice.
Judge Blair was an amiable, accomplished, and truly virtuous
man. He discharged with ability and integrity the duties of a
mimbcr of the highest and most important public trusts ; and in
these as well as in the several relations of private life his conduct
was so uprigiit and so blameless, that he seldom or never lost a
friend or tnadi. him an enemy. Even calumny, which assailed
Washington, slirimk from his friend, the unassuming and pious
Blair. Through life he in a remarkable manner experienced the
truth of our Sa^ ior's declaration, " blessed are the meek, for they^
shall inherit the earth ;" and at death he illustrated the force of
the exclamation, " let me die the death of the righteous, and let
my last end be like \)\.s"—Clayfioole.'.s cluilii advertincr.^ Philadcljikiay
Sefi. 12, 1800; MarnhaWs Ufc of Washington^ \. 2\6.
BLAKE (James), a preacher, was a native of Dorchcsterj Mas-
sachusetts, and was graduated at Harvard college in the year 1769.
While a member of the university he was distinguished by the
sweetness of his temper, the purity of his morals, and the cor-
rectness of his conduct. He conciliated the love of his fellow
students, and the high iipprnbation of his instructors. Alter pur-
suing fcr some time his theological studies under the care of the
reverend Mr. Smith of Weymouth, he began with reluctance at a
very early period the important work of the ministry. He died
November 17, 1771, being near twenty one years of age.
A small volume of his sermons, which was published by Ms
friends after his death, displays a strength of mind and a knowledge
of theoretical and practical divinity vei y uncommon in a person so
young. His sermons also indicate a warmth of pious feeling hon-
orable to his character. — Preface to ///.s snwnons j Collections /list,
soc. ix. 189.
BLAND (Richard), a political writer ofVirginia, was a principal
member of the house of burgesses at the close of the year 1770.
He pul)lished in 1766 an inquiry into the rights of tlu; British col-
onics, in answer to a pamphlet published in London in the pre-
ceding year, entitled, regulations lately made concerning the
colonics, and taxes imposed on them considered. This was one
of the three prod\ictions of Virginia during the controversy with
Great Britain ; the other writers were Arthur Lee, and Jefferson
-'—Jrff('rnon\'i votes^ qim'y xxiii.
BLA. 73
BLAND (Theodoric), a worthy patriot and statesman, was a
native of Virginia, and descended from an ancient and respectable
family in that state. He was bred to the science of physic, but
upon the commencement of the American war he quitted the
practice, and took an active part in the cause of his country. He
soon rose to the rank of colonel, and had the command of a
regiment of dragoons. While in the army he frequently signalized
himself by brilliant actions. In 1779 he was appointed to the
command of the convention troops at Albemarle barracks in Vir-
ginia, and continued in that situation till some time in 1780, when
he was elected to a seat in congress. He continued in that body
three years, the time allowed by the confederation. After the
expiration of this term he again returned to Virginia, and was
chosen a member of the state legislature. He opposed the adoption
of the constitution, believing it to be repugnant to the interests of
his country, and was in the minority, that voted against its ratifica-
tion. But when it was at length adopted, he submitted to the
voice of the majority. He was chosen to represent the district, in
which he lived, in the first congress under the constitution. He
died at New York June 1, 1790, while attending a session of con-
gress, in the forty ninth year of his age.
When the subject of the assumption of the state debts was
debated in March 1790, he made a speech in favor of the assump-
tion, differing in respect to this measure from all his colleagues,
In his speech he expressed his attachment to the constitution as
amended, though he wished for more amendments, and declared
his dread of silent majorities on questions of gi'eat and general
concern. He was honest, open, candid ; and his conduct was such
in his intercourse with mankind, as to secure universal respect.
Though a legislator, he was not destitute of a genius for poetry.
—-Gazette of the United States for Ajiril \7y and June 5, 1790.
BLEECKER (Ann Eliza), a lady of some literary celebrity in
New York, was the daughter of Mr. Brandt Schuyler, and was born in
October 1752. From early life she Avas passionately fond of books.
In 1769 she was married to John I. Bleecker Esq, and she lived a
number of years in great tranquillity and happiness at Tomhanic, a
beautiful solitary village eighteen miles above Albany. The ap-
proach of the enemy from Canada in 1777 drove her from her re-
treat and interrupted her enjoyment ; domestic afflictions cast a
gloom over her mind ; and po>3sessing an excessive sensibility,
though not vmacquainted with religious consolations, she was una-
ble to support the weight of her troubles. After the peace she
revisited New York in the hope of seeing her old acquaintance and
reviving the impressions of past days ; but the dispersion of her
friends, and the desolation, which every where presented itself to
her sight, overwhelmed her. She returned to her cottage, where
she died November 23, 1783.
10
74 BLI.
She was the friend of the aged and infirm, and her kindness and
benevolence to the poor of the village, where she lived, caused her
death to be deeply lamented. After her death, some of her writ-
ings were collected and published in 1793 under the title of the
posthumous works of Ann Eliza Bleecker in prose and verse. To
this work are prefixed memoirs of her life, written by her daugh-
ter, Margaretta V. Faugeres. There is also added to the volume a
collection of Mrs. Faugeres' essays. — Hardy's biogra^thkal diction-
07 y.
BLINMAN (Richahd), first minister of New London, Con-
necticut, was a native of Great Britain, and Avas minister at Cheps-
tow in Monmouthshire. On his arrival in this country in 1642 it
was his intention to settle with his friends, who accompanied him,
at Green's harbor near Plymouth. But some difficulty arising in
that place, he removed to cape Ann, which the general court in
the year above mentioned established a plantation and called
Gloucester. He removed to New Loudon in 1648. Here he
continued in the ministry about ten years, and was then succeeded
by Mr. Gershom Bulkley. In 1658 he removed to New Haven,
and after a short stay in that town returned to England. Having
lived to a good old age, he happily concluded at the city of Bristol
a life spent in doing good.
A short time before his death he published in answer to Mr.
Danvers a book entitled, an essay tending to issue the controversy
about infant baptism, 8vo, 1674 — Mather's magnalia, iii. 213;
.Yo7ico?iformist's memorial, iii. 177 ; Collections hist. soc. ix. 39 ;
ll77ithro/i's journal, 244 ; Trumbull's Connecticut, i. 293, 310,
314, 522.
BLOWERS (Thomas), minister in Beverly, Massachusetts,
was born at Cambridge August 1 , 1677. His mother was the sister
of the honorable Andrew Belcher. He was graduated at Harvard
college in 1695, and was ordained pastor of the first church in
Beverly October 29, 1701. He died June 17, 1729, in the fifty
second year of his age. He was a good scholar, and an excellent
minister ; of sincere and ardent piety ; of great meekness and
sweetness of temper ; of uncommon stability in his principles and
steadiness in his conduct. He was a vigilant, prudent pastor, and
a close, pathetic preacher. He published a sermon on the death
of reverend Joseph Green of Salem village, \t\S.-^Mw England
Kvcckly journal June 23, 1729 ; FoxcrofCsfun. sermon.
BOGARDUS (EvERARDUs), the first minister of the reformed
Dutch church in New York, came early to this country, though
the exact time of his arrival is not known. The records of this
church begin with the year 1639. He was ordained and sent forth,
it is believed, by the classis of Amsterdam, which had for a num-
J)er of years the superintendence of the Dutch church in New
Netherlands, or the province of New York. The tradition is, that
BOL. 75
Mr. Bogardus became blind and returned to Holland some time
before the surrender of the colony to the British in 1664. He
was succeeded by John ahd Samuel Megapolensis. — Christian's
magazine J JVeio ForXr, i. 368.
BOLLAN (William), an agent for the province of Massachu-
setts in Great Britain, was sent about the year 1746 to solicit a
reimbursement of the expenses jn the expedition against cape
Breton in 1745. He was intimately acquainted with the public
affairs of the province, and his address and assiduity were conspic-
uous. He remained for many years in this station. In 1762 he
was dismissed, and Mr. Jasper Mauduitwas appointed in his place.
The reasons for this dismi-ssion were dissatisfaction with his con-
duct in making some deductions from the money, which was
granted in 1759, as a reimburseinent to tl>e province, and in neg-
lecting to correspond with the general court. The desire of
avoiding expense by appointing a person resident in England and
the circunrtstance, that Mr. Bollan was attached to the episcopal
church might also have conspired to introduce into his place a
man less .distinguished for talents and legal infoi-mation. Mr.
Bolian however was some years afterwards made agent of the
council. He died in England in 1776.
He pubUshed a number of political tracts, among which are the
following ; coJoniae Anglicanae illustratae, 1742 ; the ancient right
of the English nation to the American fishery examined and stated,,
1764; the mutual interests of Great Britain and the American
colonies considered, 1765 ; freedom of speech and writing upon
public affairs considered, 1766 ; the importance of the colonies in
North America, and the interest of Great Britain with regard to
them considered, 1766 ; epistle from Timoleon, 1768 ; continued
corruption of standing armies, 1768 ; the free Briton's memorial,
in defence of the right of election, 1769 ; a supplemental memo-
rial, on the origin of parliaments &c. 1 770 ; a petition to the king
in council January 26, 1774, with illustrations intemled to promote
the harmony of Great Britain and her colonies. This petition he
offered as agent for the council of the province of Massachusetts.
— Hutchinsorfs history of Massachusetts^ ii. 436 ; Mhiot's jsaxitinu-
Gtion, H. 109, 1:10.
BOND (Thomas), an eminent physician -of Philadelphia, was
selected in 1763 or 1764 to give clinical lectures in the .medical
school of that city on the cases of disease in the Pennsylvania
hospital. He was at this time an old practitioner. He drew up
about the year 1750 some useful memoirs, which were published
in the medical observations and inquiries, vols. i. and ii. London.—-
Miller's retrospect, i. 312 ; Ramsay's revieiv of medicine, 37.
BORDLEY (John Beale), a writer on agriculture, died at
Philadelphia January 26, 1804, in the seventy seventh year of hi^
age. In the former part of his life he was an inhabitant of Marj*
76 BOS.
land. He was of the profession of the law, but less known at the
bar, than in the magistracy and on the bench, the duties of which sta-
tions he discharged with uprightness and ability. He had also, while
this country was subject to the authority of Great Britain, a seat
at the executive council of the provhjce of Maryland. But he
was not alhu'ed by this office from his duty to his country. He
found oin- revolution necessary to our freedom, and he rejoiced in
its accomplishment.
His habitual and most pleasing employment was husbandry,
which he practised extensively upon his own estate on Wye island
in the bay of Chesapcak. As he readily tried every suggested
improvement, and adopted such as were confirmed by his experi-
ments, and as he added to his example frequent essays upon agri-
cultural sul)jects, he was greatly instrumental in diffusing the best
knowledge of the best of all arts.
He was cheerful in his temper, and was respected and beloved.
In religion he was of the most liberal or free system within the pale
of revelation. In his political principles he was attached to that re-
put)lican form of government, in which the public authority is found-
ed on the people, but guarded against the sudden fluctuations of their
will.
Besides his occasional pieces on agriculture, Mr. Bordley pub-
lished a work entitled, essays and notes on husbandry and rural af-
fairs with plates, Philadelphia, 1799. — Gazette of the U. S.for Feb.
7, 1804.
BOSTWICK (David), an eminent minister in New York,
■was of Scotch extraction, and was born about the year 1720. Af-
ter he began to preach, he was first settled at Jamaica on Long
Island, where he continued till 1756, when he was translated to the
presbyterian society of New York by a synodical decree. The
persons, composing his congregation, were about twelve or four-
teen hundred. In this charge he continued till November 12, 1763,
■when he died in the forty fourth year of his age. His remains
were deposited in the front aisle of his church.
He was of a mild, catholic disposition, of great piety and zeal,
and he confined himself entirely to the proper Inisiness of his of-
fice. He abhorred the frequent mixture of di\ inity and politics,
and much more the turpitude of making the former subservient to
the latter. His thoughts were occupied by things, which are
above, and he wished to withdraw the minds' of his people more
from the concerns of this world. He was deeply grieved, when
some of his flock became, not fci-vent christians, but furious politi-
cians. ■ He preached the gospel, and as his life corresponded with
his preaching, he was respected by good men of all denominations.
His doctrines he derived from the scriptures, and he understood
them in accordance with the public confessions of the reformed
churches.
BOS. 77
lie possessed those gifts, which rendered him popuiar. His dis-
courses were methodical, souncl,,and pathetic, rich in sentiment, and
ornamented in diction. With a strong, commanding voice his
pronunciation was clear, distinct, and deliberate. He preached
without notes with great ease ar.d fluency ; but he always studied
his sermons with great care. With a lively imagination and a
heart deeply afFected by the truths of religion, he was enabled to
address his hearers with solemnity and energy. Few incn could
describe the hideous deformity of sin, the misery of man's apostasy
from God, the wonders of redeeming love, and the glory and riches
of divine grace in so distinct and affecting a manner. He knew
the worth of the soul and the deceitfulness of the human heart, and
he preached with plainness, more intent to impi'ess sinners with
their guilt and to teach them the truths of God, than to attract their
attention to himself. Though he was remarkable for his gentle-
ness and prudence, yet in preaching the gospel he feared no man.
He knew whose servant he was, and with all boldness and impar-
tiality he delivered his message, proclaiming the terrors of the di-
vine law to every transgressor, however elevated, and displaying
the mild glories of the gospel for the comfort and refreshment of
every penitent believer.
A few Tnonths before his death his mind was greatly distressed
by apprehensions respecting the interests of his f.mily, when he
should be taken from them. But God was pleased to give him
such views of his power and goodness, and such cheerful reliance
upon the wisdom and rectitude of his government, as restored to him
peace and calmness. He was willing to cast himself and all, that
was dear to him, upon the providence of his heavenly Fe.thcr. In
this temper he contir.ued to his last moment, when he placidly re-
signed his soul into the hands of his Savior. Such is the compo-
sure and serenity, frequently imparted to christians in the solemn
hour of dissolution.
He published a sermon, preached at Philadelphia befcre a synod-
ical meeting May 25, 1758, entitled, self disclaimed and Christ ex-
alted. It was reprinted In England in 1 776, and received the warm
recommendation of Mr. Gilbert Tenncnt. It is a sei'mon for min-
isters, penetrating into the subtle workings and base motives of th.e
human heart, and presenting the most serious truths, in a manner very
perspicuous and afiectionate. He published also an account of the
life, character, and death of president Davies prefixed to Davies'
sermon on the death of George 11, 1761. After his decease there
was published from his miinuscripts a fair and rational vindication
of tl\e right of infants to the ordinance of baptism, being the sub-
stance of several discourses from Acts ii. 59. It is an able produc-
tion.— il^rfrf/e^on's biog. evang. iv. 414— -4 18 ; Aew and gcv. hioff.
diet. ; Smith'' 8 JVctj Yorky 193 ; Prefarr /•; JJoxf'tfirk'.^ xdndi cation^
78 BOU.
BOUQUET (Henry), a brave officer, was appointed lieutenant
colonel in the British r.rmy in 1756. In the year 1763 he was
sent by general Amherst from Canada with military stores and pro-
visions for the relief of fort Pitt. While on his way he was attack-
ed by apowcrlui body of Indians on the 5th and 6th of August, but
by a skilful manoeuvre, supported by the determined bravery of
his troops, he defeated them, and reached the fort in four days Irom
the action. In the folloAvin,^ year he was sent from Canada on an
expedition against the Ohio Indians, and in Octol)er he reduced a
body of the Shawanese, Delawares,and other Indians to the necessi-
ty of making terms of peace at TuscaraAvas. He died at Pensacola
in February 1766, being then a brigadier general.
Thomas Hutchins published at Philadelphia in 1765 an historical
account of the expedition against thq Ohio Indians in 1764, with a
map and plates. — Annual register for 1763, 27 — 31 ; for 1764,
181 -jfor 1766, 62.
BOURNE (Richard), a missionary among the Indians at
Marshpee, was one of the first emigrants from England, who set-
tled at Sandwich. Being a religious man, he officiated publicly on
the Lord's day until a minister, Mr. Smith, was settled ; he then
turned his attention to the Indians at the southward and eastward,
and resolved to bring them to an acquaintance with the gospel.
He went to Marshpee, not many miles to the south. The first ac-
count of him is in 1658, when he was in that town, assisting in the
settlement of a boundary between the Indians and the proprietors
of Barnstable. Having obtained a competent knowledge of tlie In-
dian language he entered on the missionary service with activity
and ardor. On the 1 7th of August 1670 he was ordained pastor of
an Indian church at Marshpee, constituted by his own disciples and
converts , which solemnity was performed by the famous Eliot and
Cotton. He died at Sandwich about the year 1 685, leaving no suc-
cessor in the ministry but an Indian, named Simon Popmonet.
Mr. Bourne is deserving of lionorable remembrance not only for
his zealous exertions to make known to the Indians the glad tidings of
salvation ; but for his regard to their temporal interests. He wisely
considered, that it would be in vain to attempt to propagate christian
knowledge among them, unless they had a territory, where they
might remain in peace, and have a fixed habitation. He therefore,
at his own expense, not long after the year 1660, obtained a deed
of Marshpee from Quachatisset and others to the south sea Indians,
as his people were called. This territory, in the opinion of Mr.
Hawley, was perfectly adapted for an Indian town ; being situated
on the sound, in sight of Martha's Vineyard, cut into necks pf land,
and well watered.
After the death of Mr. Bourne, his son, Shearjashub Bourne Eeq.
succeeded l-.im in the Marshpee inheritance, where he lived till his
death about 1 7~0. He procured from the court at Plymouth a ratifica-
BOU. 79
tion of the Indian deeds, so that no parcel of the lands could be bov\ght
by any white person or persons without the consent of all the said
Indians, not even with the consent of the general court. Thus did
the son promote the designs of the father, Avatching over the inter-
ests of the aborigines.
A letter of Mr. Bourne, giving an account of the Indians in Plym-
outh county and upon the cape is preserved in Gookin.—
Mather's 7nagnalia^ iii, 199 ; Collections hist, soc. i. 172, 196 — 199,
218 ; iii. 188 — 190; viii. 170 ; Gookin ; Morto7i, 192 ; Hutchinson^
i. 166.
BOURNE (Joseph), missionary to the Indians, was the son of
Ezra Bourne Esq. of Mi.rshpee, who was the son of Shearjashub
Bourne Esq, and who succeeded his father in the superintendence
of the Indians. Ezra Bourne was chief justice of the court of com-
mon pleas, and died in September 1764 in the eighty eighth year
of his age.
His son, Joseph Bourne, was graduated at Harvard college in
1722 and wus ordained at Marshpee as successor to Simon Popmo-
net November 26, 1729. He resigned his mission in 1742, com-
plaining much of the ill treatment, which the Indians received, and
of the neglect of the commissioners with regard to his support.
He was succeeded by an Indian, named Solomon Briant ; but he
still took an interest in the cause, in which he was once particubu'ly
engaged, and much encouraged and assisted the late missionary,
Mr. Hawley. Mr, Bourne died in 1767.— -Collections hist. soc. iii.
190 — 191.
BOURS (Peter), episcopal minister in Marblehead, was a na-
tive of Newport, ajid was graduated at Harvard college in 1747.
Alter his settlement at Marblehead, he discharged with faithfulness
the duties of his office nine years, enforcing the doctrines of the
gospel with fervency, and illustrating the truth of what he taught
by his life. He died February 24, 1762, aged thirty six years.
Plis dying words were " O Lamb of God, receive my spirit." —
IVhitivelPs sermon on the death of Barnard.
BOWDOIN (James, ll. d.), governor of Massachusetts, and
a philosopher and statesman, was born in Boston August 18, 1727,
and was the son of William Bowdoin, an eminent merchant. His
father was a native of France, and after the revocation of the edict
of Nantes he fled among the persecuted protestants of that country
first to Ireland, and afterwards to New England in 1 688. He land-
ed at Falmouth, now Portland, in Casco bay, and after continuing
there about two years removed to Boston in 1690. It is remarka-
ble, that the day after his removal all the inhabitants of Casco bay
were cut off by the Indians. He was a stranger, and his property
was small ; but by his enterprise and persevering industry he at
length acquired an immense estate.
so BOW.
Mr. Bowdoin was graduated at Hiirvard college in 1745. Dur-
ing his rciiidence at the university he was distinguished by his ge-
nius and unwearied application to his studies, while his modesty, po-
liteness, and ijenevolence gave his friends assurance, that his talents
would not be prostituted, nor his future eminence employed for the
promotion of unv.orihy ends. When he arrived at the age of
twenty one yours, he came in possession of an ample fortune, left
Iiira by his falhrr, who died September 4, 1747. He was now in
a situation llic most threatening to his literary and moral improve-
ment, for one great motive, which impels men to exertion, could
have no influence upon him, and his great wealth put it completely
in his power to gratify the giddy desires of yotith. But his life
had hitherto been regular, and he now with the maturity of wisdom
adopted a system, which was most rational, pleasing, and useful.
lie determined to combine with the enjoyments of domestic and
liociul life a course of study, which should enlarge and perlect the
powers of his mind. At the age of twenty two years he married a
daughter of John Erving Esq, and commenced a system of literary
and scientific research, to which he adhered through life.
In the year 1753 the citizens of Boston elected him one of their
representatives in the general court, where his learning and elo-
(juencc soon rendered him conspicuous. He continued in this sta-
tion until 1756, when he was chosen into the council, in which body
he was long known and respected. With uniform ability and pa-
ti'iotism he advocated the cause of his country. In the disputes,
which laid the foundation of the American revolution, his writings
and exertions were eminently useful. Governors Bernard and
Hutchinson were constrained to confess, in their confidential letters
to the British ministry, the weight of his opposition to their meas-
ures. Ill 1769 Bernard negatived him, when he was chosen a
member of the council, in consequence of which the inhabitants of
Boston ag.dn elected him their representative in 1770. Hutchin-
son, who in this year succeeded to the governor's chair, permitted
him to take a seat at the council board, because, said he in his
official letters, " his opposition to our measin-es will be less injuri-
ous in the council, than in the house of representatives." In the
year 1775, a year most critical and important to America, he was
chosen president of the council of Massachusetts, ajid he continued
in that oflice the greater part of the time till the adoption of the
state constiuition in 1780. He was president of the convention,
•yiiic'i formed it ; and some of its important articles are the result
of his knowledge of government.
In the year 17^5, after the resignation of Hancock, he was chos-
en governor of Massachusetts, and he was reelected the following
year. In this office his wisdom, firmness, and inflexible integrity
Tcrc con-,i)icu()US. He was placed at the head of the government
(t the most unr'irl.inate neriod after the revolution. The suddenin-
BOW. 81
flux of foreign luxuries had exhausted the country of its specie, while
the heavy taxes of the war yet burthened the people. This stale of
suffering awakened discontent, and the spirit ot disorder was cher-
ished by unlicensed conventions, who arranged themselves against
the legislature. One great subject of complaint was the adminis-
tration of justice. Against lawyers and courts the strongest re-
sentments were manifested. In many instances the judges Avere
restrained by mobs from proceeding in the execution of their duty.
As the insurgents became more audacious from the lenient meas-
ures of the government and were organizing themselves for the
subversion of the constitution, it became necessary to suppress by
force the spirit of insurrection. Governor Bowdoin accordingly
ordered into service upwards of four thousand of the militia, who
were placed under the command of the veteran general Lincoln.
As the public treasury did not afford the means of putting the
troops in motion, a number of the citizens of Boston with the gov-
ernor at the head of the list subscribed in a few hours a sufficient
sum to carry on the proposed expedition. This decisive step res-
cued the government from the contempt, into which it was sink-
ing, and was the means of saving the commonwealth. The dan-
gerous insurrection of Shays was thus completely quelled.
In the year 1787 governor Bowdoin was succeeded by Hancock,
in consequence probably of the exertions of the discontented, who
might hope for greater clemency from another chief magistrate.
He died in Boston, after a distressing sickness of three naonths,
November 6, 1790, in the sixty fourth year of his age.
Governor Bowdoin was a learned man, and a constant and gen-
erous friend of literature. He subscribed liberally for the restor-
ation of the library of Harvard college in the year 1764, when it
was consumed by fire. He was chosen a fellow of the corporation
in the year 1779, but the pressure of more important duties induc-
ed him to resign this office in 1784. He ever felt however an af-
fectionate regard for the interests of the college, and bequeathed it
four hundred pounds, the interest of which was to be applied to the
distribution of premiums among the students for the encourage-
ment of useful and polite literature. The American academy of
arts and sciences, incorporated at Boston May 4, 1780, at a time
when our country was in the deepest distress, was formed vmder
his influence, and was an object of his constant attention. He was
chosen its first president, and he continued in that office till his
death. He was esteemed by its members as the pride and orna-
ment of their institution. To this body he bequeathed one hun-
dred pounds and his valuable library, consisting of upwards of twelve
hundred volumes upon every branch of science and in almost every*
language. He was also one of the founders and the president of
the Massachusetts bank, and of the humane society of Massachu-
setts. The literary character of Governor Bowdoin gained him
11
82 BOY.
those honors, which are usually conferred on men distinguished for
their literary attainments. He was constituted doctor of laws by
the university of Edinburgh, and was elected a member of the roy-
al societies of London and Dublin.
He was deeply convinced of the truth and excellence of Chris-
tianity, and it had a constant effect upon his life. He was for
more than thirty years an exemplary member of the church in
Brattle street, to the poor of which congregation he bequeathed a
Iiundred pounds. His charities were abundant. He respected
ihe injunctions of the gospel of Jesus Christ, which he professed.
He knew the pleasures and advantages of family devotion, and he
conscientiously observed the christian sabbath, presenting himself
habitually in the holy temple, that he might be instructed in relig-
ious duty, and might unite with the worshippers of God. In his
dying addresses to his family and servants he recommended the
christian religion to them as of transcendent importance, and as-
sured them, that it was the only foundation of peace and happiness
in life and death. As the hour of his departure approached, he
expressed his satisfaction in the thought of going to the full enjoy-
ment of God and his Redeemer.
Governor Bowdoin published a philosophical discourse, publicly
addressed tc the American academy of arts and sciences in Boston
November 8, 1780, when he was inducted into the office of presi-
dent. This is prefixed to the first volume of the memoirs of the
academy. In this work he also published several other produc-
tions, which manifest no common taste and talents in astronomical
inquiries. The following are the titles of them ; observations up-
on an hypothesis for solving the phenomena of light, with inciden-
tal observations tending to shew the hetcrogeneousness of light,
and of the electric fiuid, by their union with each other ; observa-
tions on light and the waste of matter in the sun and fixed stars
occasioned by the constant efflux of light from them ; observations
tending to prove by phenomena and scripture the existence of an
orb, which surrounds the whole material system, and which may
be necessary to preserve it from the ruin, to which, without such a
counterbalance, it seems liable by that universal principle in matter,
gravitation. He supposes, that the blue expanse of the sky is a
real concave body encompassing all visible nature, that the milky
way and the lucid spots in the heavens arc gaps in this orb, through
which the light of exterior orbs reaches us, and that thus an inti-
mation may be given of orbs on orbs and systems on systems innu-
merable and inconceivably grand. — Thacher*s funeral sermon ;
Loivell*8 eulogy ; Massa. inagazine^ iii. .5—8, 304, 305, 372 ; Uni-
versal asylum^ \. 7 o — 76; Milter^a retrosfiect, ii. Hardie ; Minot's
hint, insurrection ; Marshall^ v. 121.
BOYD (William), minister of Lamington in New Jersey, was
descended from Scottish ancestors, who emigrated to Pennsylvania.
He was born in Franklin county, 1758. At the age of fifteen he
was deprived of his father, but about the same time it pleased the
Father of mercies to express to him his compassion in turning him
from darkness to light. His coUegial education was completed at
Princeton in 1778 under the presidency of Dr. Witherspoon. Af-
ter pursuing the study of theology under the care of Dr. Allison
of Baltimore, he commenced preaching the gospel. Such was his
popularity, that invitations to settle crowded upon him. His tal-
ents would have procured him a conspicuous station, but destitute
of ambition he was afraid of himself. It was his supreme desire
to live a life of piety, and to preach in the apostolic manner ; and
he was apprehensive, that in a city he should be infected by the
corruption of those around him. He therefore preferred a retir-
ed situation, and accepted the call of Lamington. Here he con-
tinued till his death. May 15, 1808. His disease was of the con-
sumptive kind. Being asked if he was willing to leave the world,
he replied, that he had been searching into the evidence of his be-
ing in a state of grace, and that he was satisfied, that he had been
renewed by the Spirit of God, and was therefore willing to submit to
him, knowing that his own time and way are best. A lively faith in
the Redeemer gave him hope and triumph.
Mr. Boyd was a man of unfeigned humility, amiable in the va-
rious relations of life, and remarkable for prudence and moderation
in all his deportment. He was a preacher of peculiar excellence.
Deeply penetrated himself with a sense of the total depravity of
the human heart and of the inability of man to perform any thing
acceptable to God Avithout the influence of the Holy Spirit, he en-
deavored to impress these truths on others. He dwelt upon the
necessity of a divine atonement, and of faith in the Redeemer in
order to justification, upon the riches of divine grace and the en-
couragements of the gospel to the humble and contrite, upon the
dangers of self deception and the false refuges of the wicked.
He was remarkable for a natural facility and perspicuity of expres-
sion. For a few years he wrote his sermons and committed them
to memory, but for the remainder of his life he depended, after
having digested his subject, upon the vigor of his powers. A pen-
etrating eye, natural gestures, a sweet and commanding voice, and
an irreproachable character gave weight and authority to his words.
But his labors, like those of many other good men, were attended
with only a gradual increase of the church, committed to his care.
He was formed no less for society, than for the pulpit, having a
friendly disposition, being animated in conversation, accommo-
dating himself to the tempers of others, and mingling condescen-
sion with dignity. — Evang. intelligencer, May, 1808.
BOYLSTON (Zabdiel, f. r. s.), an eminent physician, who
first introduced the inoculation of the small pox in America, was
bom at Brookline, Massachusetts, in the year 1680. After a good
84 BOY.
private education, lie studied physic under the care of Dr. Cutler,
an eminent physician and surgeon of IJoston, and in a few years
arrived at great distinction in his profession, and accumulated a
handsome fortune. He was remarkable for his skill, his humanity,
iind his close attention to his patients.
In the year 172 1 the small pox prevailed in Boston, and while it
was fatal, like the plague, it carried with it the utmost terror.
This calamity had not visited the town since the year 1702, in
which year as well as in the year 1692 it had proved destructive to
the lives of many, though it was much less mortal, than when it
appeared in the year 1678. On its reappearance, the reverend
Dr. Cotton Mather, who had read in a volume of the philosophical
transactions,put into his hands by Dr.Douglass, two communications
from the east, the one from Timonius at Constantinople and the
other from Pylarinus, the Venetian consul at Smyrna, giving an
account of the practice of inoculation for the small pox, conceived
the idea of introducing this practice in Boston. He accordingly,
on the sixth of June, addressed a letter to the physicians of Boston,
enclosing an abridgment of the communications in the philosoph-
ical transactions, and requesting them to meet and take the subject
into consideration. As this request was treated with neglect, he
•wrote to Dr. Boylston separately on the twenty fourth of June, and
sent him all the information, which he had collected, in the hope
that he would be persuaded to embrace a new and favorable means
for the preservation of human life. Dr. Boylston happily was a
man of benevolence and courage. When there was before him a
promising opportunity for diminishing the evils of human life, he
was not afraid to struggle with prejudice, nor imwilling to encoun-
ter abuse. The practice would be entirely new in America, and it
was not known, that it had been introduced into Europe. Yet he
determined to venture upon it. He firstinoculated, June the twenty-
sixth, his son Thomas of the age of six years and two of his ser-
vants. Encouraged by the success of this experiment he began to
enlarge his practice. The other physicians gave their unanimous
opinion against inoculation, as it would infuse a malignity into the
blood, and the selectmen of Boston forbid it in July. But these
discouragements did not quench the zeal and benevolence, which
were now excited. They might have done it, and prejudice might
have triumphed over an enlightened practice, if the clergy had not
stepped in to aid the project. Six venerable ministers of Boston
gave their whole influence in its favor, and the weight of their char-
acter, the confidence, which was reposed in their wisdom, and the
deep reverence, inspired by their piety, were hardly sufficient to
preserve the growing light from extinction. They were abused,
but they triumphed. During the year 172 1 and the beginning of
1722 Dr. Boylston inoculated two huiidred and forty seven persons in
Boston and the neighboring towns. Thirty nine were inoculated by
BOY. 85
other physicians, making in the whole two hundred and eighty six^
of whom only six died. During the same period, of five thousand
seven hundred and fifty nine persons, who had the small pox in the
natural way, eight hundred and forty four died. The utility of the
practice was now established beyond dispute, and its success en-
couraged its more general introduction in England, in which coun-
try it had been tried upon but a few persons, most or all of whom
were convicts. In the prosecution of his good work Dr. Boylston
was obliged to meet not only the most virulent, but the most dan-
gerous opposition. Dr. Douglass, a Scotchman, violent in his prej-
udices, and bitter and outrageous in his conduct, bent his whole
force to annihilate the practice, Avhich had been introdviced. One
argument, which he brought against it, was that it was a crime,
which came under the description of poisoning and spreading in-
fection, which were made penal by the laws of England. In the
pamphlets, which were published in 1721 and 1722, various kinds
of reasoning are found. The following extracts will give some
idea of the spirit of them. " To spread abroad a mortal contagion,
what is it but to cast abroad arrows and death ? If a man should
wilfully throw a bomb into a town, burn a house, or kill a man,
ought he not to die ? — I do not see how we can be excused from
great impiety herein, when ministers and people, with loud and
strong cries, made supplications to almighty God to avert the judg-
ment of the small pox, and at the same time some have heeu carry-
ing about instruments of inoculation and bottles of the poisonous
humor to infect all, who were willing to submit to it, whereby we
might as naturally expect the infection to spread, as a man to
break his bones by casting himself headlong from the highest pinna-
cle. Can any man infect a family in the town in the morning, and
pray to God in the evening, that the distemper may not spread V*
It was contended, that, as the small pox v/as a judgment from God
for the sins of the people, to endeavor to avert the stroke would
but provoke him the more ; that inoculation was encroachment up-
on the prerogatives of Jehovah, whose right it was to wound and
to smite ; and that as there was an appointed time to man upon
earth, it would be useless to attempt to stay the approach of
death.
The people became so exasperated, that it was unsafe for Dr.
Boylston to travel in the evening. But his cool and determined
spirit, supported by his trust in God, enabled him to persevere.
As he believed himself to be in the way of his duty, he did not
tremble at the apprehension of the evils, which might come upon
him. When his family were alarmed for his safety, he expressed
to them his resignation to the will of heaven. To such a height
was the popular fury raised, that a lighted granado was in the night
thrown into the chamber of Mr, Walter, minister of Roxbury, who
had been privately inoculated in the house of his uncle, Dr. Math-
86 BOY.
cr of Boston. The shell however was not filled with powilci-, but
tvith a mixture of brimstone with bilununous matter.
Had Dr. Boylston gone at this time to England, he might have
accumulated an immense fortune by his skill in treating the small
pox. He did not however visit that country till 1725, when inocu-
lation was common. He was then received with the most flatter-
ing attention. He was chosen a member of the royal society, and
was admitted to the intimacy and friendship of some of the most
distinguished characters of the natien. Of these he used to men-
tion with great respect and affection the reverend Dr. Watts, with
whom he corresponded. After his return to his native country he
continued at the head of his profession, and engaged in a number
of literary pursuits. His communications to the royal society
were ingenious and useful.
After a long period of eminence and skill in his profession, his
age and infirmity induced him to retire to his patrimonial estate iu
Brookline, where he passed the remainder of his days. He had
the pleasure of seeing inoculation universally practised, and of
knowing, that he was himself considered as one of the benefactors
of mankind. He died March 1, 1766, in the eighty seventh year of
his age. The inscription upon his tomb represents, that through a
life of extensive beneficence he was always faithful to his word,
just in his dealings, affable in his manners, and that after a long
sickness, in which he was exemplary for his patience and resigna-
tion to his Maker, he quitted this mortal life m a just expectation
of a blessed immortality.
Dr. Boylston published, some account of what is said of inoculat-
ing or transplanting the small pox by the learned Dr. Emanuel
Timonius and Jacobus Pylarinus, 1721 ; an historical account of
the small pox inoculated in New England, with some account of
the nature of the infection, and some shoi t directions to the inexpe-
rienced, dedicated to the princess of Wales, London, 1726; and
several communications in the philosophical transactions. — J^lasiM-
chusetts magazine^ December 1789,776 — 779 ; Piercers century dis-
course ; Holmes^ annals^ ii. 103 ; Boylston' s hist, account ; Hutch-
insoTty ii. 273 — 276 ; Adams' J^. England,, 195.
BOYLSTON (Nicholas), a benefactor of Harvard college,
died in Boston August 18, 1771, in the fifty sixth year of his age.
His portrait, whicli is an admirable painting, is in the philosophy
chamber of the college. He had been an eminent merchant, and
was about to retire from business to enjov the fruit of his industry,
when he was removed from the earth. He was honest in his deal-
ings, and remarkal)le for his sincerity, having a peculiar abhorrence
of all dissimulation. He bequeathed to the university at Cambridge
fifteen hundred pouiids for laying tiic foundation of a professorship
of rhetoric and oratory. This sum was paid into the college treas-
ury by his executors February 1 1 ,1772 ; and the fund became accu-
BOY. 87
inulaled to twenty three thousand and two hundred dollars before
any appropriation was made. The honorable John Quincy Adams,
son of president Adams, and then a senator of the United States,
was installed the first professor June 12, 1806, with the title of
*' the Boylston professor of rhetoric and oratory in Harvard col-
lege." — Holmes' annals ^ n. Z0\.
BOYLSTON (John), a merchant of Boston, was the second
son of Dr. Zabdiel Boylston He resided for the last years of his
life in England, and died at Bath January 17", 1795, aged eighty
years. He left a large estate, bequeathing much to his native town.
BRACKETT (Joshua, m. d.), president of the New Hamp-
shire medical society, was born in Greenland, New Hampshire,
in May 1733, and was graduated at Harvard college in 1752. He
afterwards pursued the study of theology, and commenced a preach-
er ; but a regard to his health induced him soon to engage in the
study of physic. After a life of patriotism and usefulness he died
at Portsmouth July 17, 1802, in the sixty ninth year of his age, in
full belief of the restoration of all things.
He was much distinguished for his activity and zeal in the cause
of American independence. He was one of the committee of safe-
ty during the revolutionary war. A friend to medical science, he
exerted himself to establish the medical society in New Hampshire,
and gave about one hundred and fifty volumes as the foundation of
its libi'ary. Pie made minutes of important cases occurring in his
practice. He was a man of integrity, mildness, and benevolence.
Such was his regard to the poor, that he never made a charge,
where he supposed the payment would occasion the smallest incon-
venience. His heart could sympathise in the distresses of others.
—.Medical repository .^ second hexade^ i. 2 1 1 — 2 14.
BRADBURY (Theophilus), a judge of the superior court of
Massachusetts, was graduated at Harvard college in 1757. His
early days were devoted with diligence and success to the profes-
sion of the law. He resigned the emoluments, arising from his
practice, for the appointment of a judge, in which station he was
intelligent and faithful in executing the laws. A sudden attack of
disease at length rendered him incapable of discharging the duties
of his office. He died September 6, 1803, aged sixty three years.
'^Columbian eentinel^ September 1 I, 1803.
BRADDOCK (Edward), major general and commander in
chief of the British forces in America, arrived in Virginia with two
regiments from Ireland in February 1755. The plan of military ope-
rations having been settled in April by a convention of the several
governors at Alexandria, he undertook to conduct in person the ex-
pedition against fort du Quesne. Meeting with much delay from
the necessity of opening roads, the general determined to advance
with rapidity at the head of twelve hundred men, leaving the heavy
baggage to the care of colonel Dunbar, who was to follow by slow
88 BRA.
and easy marches. He reached the Monongahela on the eighth ol
July. The succeeding day he expected to invest the fort. He
accordingly made his dispositions in the morning. He was advised
to advance the provincial companies in the front for the purpose of
scouring the woods, and discovering any ambuscade, which might
be lormed lor him. But he held both his enemy and the provincials
in too much contempt to follow this salutary counsel. Three hun-
dred British regulars composed his van, which was suddenly
attacked, at the distance of about seven miles from the fort, by an
invisible enemy, concealed by the high grass. The whole army
was soon thrown into confusion. The brave general exerted his
utmost powers to form his broken troops under a galling fire upon
the very ground, where they were first attacked ; but his efforts
were fruitless. With such an enemy, in such a situation, it was
necessary to have advanced or retreated. All his officers on horse-
back, excepting his aid, the late general Washington, were killed,
and after losing three horses he received a mortal wound. The de-
feated army fled precipitately to the camp of Dunbar, near forty
miles distant, where Braddock, who was brought off the ground in
a tumbril, expired of his wounds. Sixty four out of eighty five
officers, and about half the privates were killed and woxmded, mak-
ing in the whole a loss of about seven hundred men. This disas-
ter resulted from the contempt of good advice. — Marshall, i. 384,
390 — 393 ; ii. 14—19 ; Holmes' annals, xx. 207 ; Collections hist,
soc. vii. 89 — 94 ; Wynne, ii. 37 — 42.
BRADFORD (William), second governor of Plymouth colo-
ny, and one of the first settlers of New England, was born at An-
sterfield, a village in the north of England, in 1588. He was
educated in the practice of agriculture. His paternal inheritance
was considerable ; but he had no better education, than such as
usually falls to the share of the children of husbandmen. At the
age of twelve years his mind was seriously impressed by divine
truth in reading the scriptures, and an illness of long continuance
conspired to preserve him from the follies of youth. His good
impressions were confirmed by attending upon the ministry of
Mr. Richard Clifton. As he advanced in years he was stigma-
tized as a separatist ; but such was his firmness, that he cheerful-
ly bore the frowns of his relatives and the scoffs of his neighbors,
and connected himself with the church, over which Mr. Clifton and
Mr. Rolnnson presided, fearless of the persecution, which he fore-
saw this act would draw upon him. Believing that many practices
of the established church of England were repugnant to the direc-
tions of the word of God, he was fully resolved to prefer the purity
of christian worship to any temporal advantages, which might
arise from bending his conscience to the opinions of others.
In the autumn of 1607, when he was eighteen years of age, he
was one of the company of dissenters, who made an attempt to g«
BRA. 89
over to Holland, where a commerci il spirit had established a free
toleratioij of reiigious opinions ; but the master of the vessel be-
trayed them, and they were thrown into prison at Boston in Lin-
colnshire. In the spring of the next year he made another unsuc-
cessful attempt. At length he effected his favorite object and
joined his brethren at Amsterdam. Here he put himself an ap-
prentice to a French protestant, who taUght him the art of silk dy-
ing. When he reached the age of twenty one years, and came in
possession of his estate in England, he converted it into money,
and engaged in commerce, in whxh he was not successful.
Mr. Bradford, after a residence of about ten years in Holland,
engaged with zeal in the plan of removal to America, which was
formed by the English church at Leyden under the care of Mr.
Robinson. He accordingly embarked for England July 22, 1620,
and on the sixth of September set sail from Plymouth with the
first company. While the ship in November lay in the harbor of
cape Cod, he was one of the foremost in the several hazardous at-
tempts to find a proper place for the seat of the colony. Before a
suitable spot was agreed upon, his wife fell into the sea, and was
drowned. Soon after the death of governor Can'er at Plymouth,
which took place April 5, 1621, Mr. Bradford was elected gover-
nor in his place. He was at this time in the tliirty third year of
his age, and was most conspicuous for wisdom, fortitude, piety, and
benevolence. The people appointed Isaac Allerton his assistant,
not because they could repose less confidence in him, than in Carver,
who had been alone in the command, but chiefly on account of his
precarious health. One of the first acts of his administration was
to send an embassy to Masassoit for the purpose of confirming the
league with the Indian sachem, of procuring seed com for the next
planting season, and of exploring the country. It was well for the
colony, that the friendship of Masassoit was thus secured, for his
influence was extensive. In consequence of his regard for the
new settlers nine sachems in September went to Plymouth, and
acknowledged themselves loyal subjects of king James. In the
same month a party was sent out to explore the bay of Massachu-
setts. They landed under a cliff, supposed to be Copp's hill in
Boston, where they were received with kindness by Obbatine-
wa, who gave them a promise of his assistance against the squaw
sachem. On their return they carried with them so good a report
of the country, that the people lamented that they had established
themselves at Plymouth ; but it was not now in their power to re-
move.
In the beginning of 1622 the colony began to experience a dis-
tressing famine, occasioned by the arrival of new settlers, who
came unfurnished with provisions. In the height of their distress
a threatening message was received from Canonicus, sachem of
Xarraganset, expressed by the pi'esent of a bundle of arrows, bound
12
90 BIIjV.
with the skin ol' a serpent. The goverHor sent back the skin filled
with powder and ball. This prompt andiingcnious reply terminated
the correspondence. The Narragansets were so terrified, that they
even returned the serpent's skin without inspecting its contents.
It was however judged necessary to fortify the town ; and this work
Avas performed by the people, while they were suifering the ex-
tremity of famine. For some time they subsisted entirely upon
fish. In this exigency governor Bradford found the advantage of
his friendly intercourse with the Indians. He made several excur-
sions among them, and procured corn and beans, making a fair
purchase by means of goods, which were brought by two ships in
August, and received by the planters in exchange for beaver. The
whole quantity of corn and beans, thus purchased, amounted to
twenty eight hogsheads. But still more important benefits soon re-
sulted from the disposition of governor Bradford to preserve the
friendship of the natives. During the illness of Masassoit in the
spring of 1623, Mr. Winslow was sent to him with cordials, which
contributed to his recovery. In return for this benevolent atten-
tion the grateful sachem disclosed a dangerous conspiracy, then in
agitation among the Indians, for the purpose of totally extirpating
the English. This plot did not originate in savage malignity, but
was occasioned by the injustice and indiscretion of some settlers in
the bay of Massachusetts. As the most effectual means of sup-
pressing the conspiracy, Masassoit advised, that the chief conspira*
tors, whom he named, should be seized and put to death. This
melancholy work was accordingly performed by captain Standish,
and the colony was relieved from apprehension. When the re-
port of this transaction was carried to Holland, Mr. Robinson in
bis next letter to the governor expressed his deep concem at the
event. •< O that you had converted some," said he, " before you
had killed any ! "
The scarcity, which had been experienced by the planters, was
in part owing to the impolicy of laboring in common and putting
the fruit of their labor into the public store. To stimulate industry
by the prospect of individual acquisition, and thus to promote the
general good by removing the restraints upon selfishness it was
agreed in the spring of 1623, that every family should plant for
themselves on such ground, as should be assigned them by lot.
After this agreement the governor was not again obliged to traffic
with the Indians in order to procure the means of subsistence for
the colony.
The original government of Plymouth was founded entirely up-
on mutual compact, entered into by the planters, before they land-
ed, and was intended to continue no longer, than till they could ob-
tain legal authority from their sovereign. The first patent was
obtained for the colony in the name of John Peirce ; but another
patent of larger extent was obtained of the council for New Eng-
BRA. ai
land January 13, 1630, in the name of William Bradford, his heirs,
associates, and assigns, which confirmed the title of the colonists to
a large tract of land, and gave them power to make ail laws, not
repugnant to the laws of England. In the year 1640, Avhen the
number of people was increased, and new townships were erected,
the general court requested governor Bradford to surrender the pa-
tent into their hands. With this request he cheerfully complied,
reserving for himself no more than his propoi'tion, as settled by u
previous agreement. After this surrender the patent was imme-
diately delivered again into his custody. For several of the first
years after the first settlement of Plymouth the legislative, execu-
tive, and judicial business was performed by the whole body of
freemen in assembly. In 1634 the governor and assistants, the
number of whom at the request of Mr. Bradford had been increased
to five in 1624 and to seven in 1633, were constituted a judicial
court, and afterwards the supreme judicature. Petty offences were
tried by the select men of each town with liberty of appeal to the
next court of assistants. The first assembly of representatives
was held in 1639, when two deputies were sent from each town,
excepting Plymouth, which sent four. In 1649 this inequality was
done away-.
Such was the reputation of Mr. Bradford, acquired by liis piety,
wisdom, and integrity, that he was annually chosen governor, as
long as he lived, excepting in the years 1633, 1636, and 1644,
when Mr. Winslow was appointed, and the years 1634 and 1638,
when Mr. Prince was elected chief magistrate. At these times it
was by his own request, that the people did not reelect him. Gov-
ernor Winthrop mentions the election of Mr. Winslow in 1633,
and adds, " Mr. Bradford having been governor about ten years,
and now by im/tortunity got off." What a lesson for the ambitious,
who bend their whole influence to gain and secure the high offices
of state ! Mr. Bradford strongly recommended a rotation in the
election of governor. " If this appointment," he pleaded, " was
any honor or benefit, others beside himself should partake of it ;
if it was a burden, others beside himself should help to bear it."
But the people were so much attached to him, that for thirty years
they placed him at the head of the government, and in the five
years, when others were chosen, he was first in the list of assistants,
which gave him the rank of deputy governor. After an infirm
and declining state of health for a number of months, he was sud-
denly seized by an acute disease May 7, 1657. In the night his
mind was so enraptured by contemplations upon religious truth and
the hopes of futurity, that he said to his friends in the morning,
" the good Spirit of God has given me a pledge of my happiness
in another world, and the first fruits of eternal glory." The next
day. May 9, 1657, he was removed from the present state of exist-
ence, in the sixty ninth year of his age, greatly lamented by the
people not only in Plymouth, bvit in the nc ighboring colonies.
92 BRA.
Governor Bradford, though not favored witli a learned education^
possessed u strong mind, a sound judgment, and a good memory.
In tne office of chief magistrate he was prudent, temperate, and
firm. He would suffer no person to trample on the laws, or to
distvu'b the peace of the colony. Some young men, who were un-
willing to comply with the order for laboring on the public account,
excused themselves on a Christmas day under pretence, that it was
against their conscience to work. But not long afterwards finding
them at play in the street, he commanded the instruments of their
game to be taken from them, and told them, that it was against his con-
science to suffer tiiem to play, while others were at work, and that if
they had any religious regard to the day they should show it in the
exercise of devotion at home. Tins gentle reproof had the desired
effect. On other occasions his conduct was equally moderate and
determined. Suspecting John Lyforo, who had imposed himself
upon the colony as a minister, of factious designs, and observing
that he had put a great number of letters on board a ship for Eng-
land, the governor in a boat followed the ship to sea, and examined
the letters. As satisfactory evidence against Lyford was thus ob-
tained, a convenient time was afterwards taken for bringing him to
trial, and he was banished.
Though he never enjoyed great literary advantages, governor
Bradford was much inclined to literary pursuits. He was familiar
with the French and Dutch languages, and attained a considerable
knowledge of the Latin and Greek ; but he more assiduously studied
the Hebrew, because, as he said, " he would sec with his own eyes the
ancient oracles of God in their native beauty." He had read much
of hist »ry and philosophy, but theology was his favorite study.
Dr. Mather represents him as an irrefragable disputant, especially
against the anal aptists. Yet he was by no means severe or intoler-
ant. He wished rather to convince the erroneous, than to suppress
their opinions by violence. His disposition was gentle and conde-
scending. Though he Avas attached to the discipline of the con-
gregational churches ; yet he was not a rigid separatist. He per-
ceived, that the reformed churches differed among themselves in
the modes of discipline, and he did not look for a perfect uniform-
ity. His life was exemplary and useful. He was watchful against
sin, a man of prayer, and conspicuous for holiness. His son Wil
liam, born in 1624, was deputy governor of the colony after his
father's death, and died at Plymouth at the age of eighty. Several
of his descendants were members of the council of Massachusetts,
and one of them was deputy governor of Rhode Island and a sena-
tor in the congress of the United States.
Governor Bradford wrote a history of Plymouth people and col-
ony, beginning with the first formation of the church in 1602 and
ending with 1 646. It was contained in a folio volume of 270 pages.
Morton's memorial is an abridgment of it. Prince and Hutchin-
BRA, 93
son had the use of it, and the manuscript was deposited with Mr.
Prince's valuable collection of papers in the library of the old south
church in Boston. In the year 1775 it shared the fate of many
other manuscripts in this place. It was destroyed or carried away
by the barbarians of the British army, who converted the old south
church into a riding school. He had also a large book of copies of
letters, relative to the affairs of the colony, which is lost. A frag-
ment of it however, found in a grocer's shop at Halifax, has been
published by the Massachusetts historical society, to which is sub-
joined a descriptive and historical account oi New England in verse.
If tnis production is somewhat deficient in the beauties of poetry,
it has the more substantial graces ot piety and truth. . He publish-
ed some pieces for the confutation of the errors of the times, par-
ticularly of the anabaptists.— i-'f/Ar^jft/z'* Amer. biog. ii. 217 — 251 ;
Mather^ s magnaiia') ii. 2—5 ; MortorC s memorial^ 15G — 25 1 ; Har-
die's biog. diet. ; Meal's M. England.^ i. 99, 316 ; Prince's annals^
pref. vi, ix, l.;6 ; Hinf/iro/i^ 47 ; Holmes" annals-, i. 210, 370;
Collect, hist. soc. iii. 27, 77.
BRADFORD (William), an eminent printer, came to America
about the year 1680, and landed where Philadelphia now stands, be-
fore the city was luid out, or a house built. He lived the greater
part of his life in New York, and was printer to the government of
that province upwards of fifty years. He died at New York May
23, 1752, in the ninety iourth year of his age, having ever been a
stranger to sickness. He fell into the grave merely from the decay
of the powers of life. While he was remarkable for industry he was
also conspicuous for temperance. Though he attended with dili-
gence to his own concerns, he was in a pecuHar manner the friend
of the poor. — P.-^nnsyl-uania gazette^ May 28, 1752.
BRADFORD (William), an eminent printer and friend of his
country, died at Philadelphia, September 25, 1791, in the seventy
third year of his age. In the war with Great Britain he early es-
poused the cause of his country, and was colonel of a regiment. He
was many years editor of the Pennsylvania journal, and being a
printer, as were his ancestors for three generations, like them he
devoted his press to the interests of liberty. — United States gazette^
October 1, 1791 ; Boston centinel, October 8, 1791.
BRADFORD (William), attorney general of the United States,
was boi-n in Philadelphia September 14, 175 5, and was early placed
under the care of a respectable clergyman a few miles from the city.
His father had formed the plan of bringing him up in the insurance
office, which he then conducted ; but so strongly was the love of
learning implanted in the mind of his son, that neither persuasions,
nor offers of pecuniary advantage could prevail with him to abandon
the hopes of a liberal education. He was graduated at Princeton
college in 1772. During his residence at this seminary he was
greatly beloved by his fellow students, while he ccnfirmed the e^-
S4 BRA.
pectations of his friends and the faculty of the college by giving re-
peated evidence of genius and taste. At the public commencement
he had one of the highest honors of the class conferred upon him.
After continuing at Princeton till the year following, during which
time he had an opportunity of attending the excellent lectures on
theology of the reverend Dr. VVitherspoon, and derived from this
useful teacher much information and general knowledge, he return-
ed to the scenes of his youth, and spent several months under the
instruction of his first preceptor, who strove to prepare him for fu-
ture usefulness in life.
He now commenced the study of the law under the honorable
Edward Shippen, esquire, one of the council of the supreme court
of Pennsylvania and afterwards chief justice of the state, and
he prosecuted his studies with unwearied application. In the spring
of 1776 he was called upon by the peculiar circumstances of the
times to exert himself in defence of the dearest rights of human
nature, and to join the standard of his country in opposition to the
oppressive exactions of Great Britain. When the militia were|call-
ed out to form the flying camp, he was chosen major of brigade to
general Rdberdeau, and on the expiration of his term accepted a
company in colonel Hampton's regiment of regular troops. He
was soon promoted to the station of deputy mvister master general,
with the rank of lieutenant colonel, in which office he continued
about two years till his want of health, being of a delicate constitu-
tion, obliged him to resign his commission and return home. He
now recommenced the study of the law, and in September 1779
was admitted to the bar of the supreme court of Pennsylvania, where
his rising character soon procured him an unusual share of business.
In August 1780, only one year after he was licensed, by the recom-
mendation of the bar and the particular regard of his excellency,
Joseph Reed, esquire, president of the state, he was appointed attor-
ney general of Pennsylvania.
In 1784 he married the daughter of Elias Boudinot of New Jer-
sey, counsellor at law, with whom he lived till his death in the ex-
ercise of every domestic virtue, that adorns human nature. On the re-
formation of the courts of justice under the new constitution of Penn-
sylvania, he was solicited to accept the office of a judge of the supreme
court, which with much hesitation he accepted, and was commis-
sioned by his excellency, governor Mifflin, August 22, 1791. In
this station his indefatigable industry, unshaken integrity, and cor-
rect judgment enabled him to give general satisfaction. Here he
had determined to spend a considerable part of his life ; but on the
promotion of Mr. Edmund Randolph to the office of secretary of
state, as successor of Mr. .Tefierson, he was urged by various public
considerations to accept the office of attorney general of the United
States, now left vacant. He accordingly received the appointment
January 28, 17.'1. But he continued only a short time in this ata-
BRA. 9$
tion, to which he was elevated by Washington. He died August
23, 1795, in the fortieth year of his age, and was succeeded by Mr.
Lee of Virginia. According to liis express desire he was buried
by the side of his parents in the burial ground of the second presby-
terian church in Philadelphia.
Mr. Bradford possessed a mild and amiable temper, and his gen-
teel and unassuming manners Avere united with genius, eloquence,
and taste. As a public speaker he was persuasive and convincing.
He understood mankind well, and knew how to place his arguments
in the most striking point of light. His language was pure and sen-
tentious ; and he so managed most of his forensic disputes, as scarcely
ever to displease his opponents, while he gave the utmost satisfac-
tion to his clients. He possessed great firmness of opinion, yet was
remarkable for his modesty and caution in delivering his sentiments.
Combining a quick and retentive memory and an excellent judg-
ment with great equanimity and steadiness in his conduct and a
pleasing deportment, he conciliated respect and affection. Towards
his country he felt the sincerest attachment, and her interests he
preferred to every selfish consideration. His charities were secret,
but extensive ; and none in distress weie ever known to leave him
with discontent. It is mentioned as a proof of his benevolence, that
he adopted and educated as his own son an orphan child of his ex-
cellency, Joseph Reed, esquire. His friendships were few, but very
affectionate ; and those, who aided him in his first setting out in
life, were never ungratefully forgotten. Though engaged con-
stantly in public business ; yet the concerns of this world did not
make him regardless of the more important concerns of religion.
He firmly believed the christian system, for he had given it a thorough
examination. By its incomparable rules he regulated his whole
conduct, and on its promises he founded all his hopes of future hap-
piness.
In the earlier periods of his life he was not unacquainted
with the walks of poetry, and some of his poetical productions
in imitation of the pastorals of Shenstone were published in the
Philadelphia magazines. They were at the time held in high estima-
tion. He published in 1793 an inquiry how far the punishment of
death is necessary in Pennsylvania, with notes and illustrations ; to
which is added an account of the gaol and penitentiary house of*
Philadelphia, by Caleb Lownes. This work was written by Mr.
Bradford at the request of governor Mifflin, "and was intended for
the use of the legislature in the nature of a report, they having the
subject at large under their consideration. Furnishing a proof of
the good sense and philanthropy of the author, it gained him great
credit. It had much influence in meliorating the criminal laws and
hastening the almost entire abolition of capital punishments not only
in Pennsylvania, but in several other states, where the interests of
humanity have at last prevailed over ancient and inveterate preju-
96 BIt\.
diceSf—Reea' cyclofioedia^ .American edition ; Hardie'a biograjihicai
dictionary ; Marshall., v. 489, 639 ; Gazette of the United Statetf
August 24, 1795.
BRADSTREET (Simon), governor of Massachusetts, was the
son of a noncontbrmist minister in England, and was born at Horblin
in Lincolnshire in March 1603. His father died when he was at
the age of lourteen. But he was soon afterwards taken into the
relii^ious family of the earl of Lincoln, in which he continued about
eight years under the direction of Mr. Thomas Dudley, and among
other offices sustained that of steward. He lived a year at Emanuel
college, Cambridge, pursuing his studies amidst many interrup-
tions. He then returned to the earl's ; but soon accepted the place
of steward in the family of the countess of Warwick. Here he contin-
ued till he married a daughter of Mr. Dudley, and was persuaded to
engage in the project of making a settlement in Massachusetts. He
Avas in March 1630 chosen assistant ol the colony, which was about
to be established, and' arrived at Salem in the summer of the same
year. He was at the first court, which was held at Charlestown on
the twenty third of August. He was afterwards secretary and agent
of Massachusetts, and commissioner of the united colonies. He
was sent with Mr. Norton in 1662 to congratulate king Charles up-
on his restoration, and as agent of the colony to promote its interests.
From 1673 to 1679 he was deputy governor. In this last year he
succeeded Mr. Leveret as governor, and remained in this office till
May 1686, when the charter was dissolved, and Mr. Joseph Dudley
commenced his administration as president of New England. In
May 1689, after the imprisonment of Andros, he was replaced in
the office of governor, which station he held till the arrival of sir
William Phips in May 1692 with a charter, which deprived the
people of the right of electing their chief magistrate. He died at
Salem March 27, 1697, aged ninety four years. He had been fifty
years an assistant of the colony.
Governor Bradstreet, though he possessed no vigorous, nor splen-
did talents, yet by his integrity, prudence, moderation, and piety,
acquired the confidence of all classes of people. When king
Charles demanded a surrender of the charter, he was in favor of
complying ; and the event proved the correctness of his opinion.
He thought it would be more prudent for the colonists to submit to
a power, which they could not resist, than to have judgment given
against the charter, and thus their privileges be entirely cut off". If
his moderation in regard to religious affairs, particularly towards the
anabaptists and the quakers, was not so conspicuous, it was not a fmilt
peculiar to him. His first wife, the daughter of governor Thomas
Dudley, was a woman of distinguished irenius and learning, r.nd
author of a volume of poems.— ..l/a^/i^-r's inaffnalia, ii. 19, 20 ;
HutchincoT^ i. 18, 219, 323; ii. 13, 105 ; HolmrH' annals, ii. 38;
JVeal's A''fw F.nghvirl. i.350; ii. 186; Prince,10\,'2\2 ; Collections
^historical eocicd/, i.229jYi.271,288.
BRA. 97
BRADSTR£ET (Simon), minister of Charlestovvn, Massachu"
setts, was graduated at Harvard coiiege in 1693, and was ordained,
as successor of Mr. Morton, October 26, 1698. He received Mr.
Abbot as his colleague in 1724. After a ministry of more than
forty years, he died December 31, 1741, aged seventy two years.
He was a very learned man, of a strong mind, tenacious memory,
and lively imagination. Lieutenant governor Tailer introduced
him to governor Burnet, who was himself a fine scholar, by saying,
here is a man, Avho can whistle Greek ; and the governor afterwards
spoke of him as one of the first literary characters and best preach-
ers, whom he had met with in America. Mr. Bradstreet was
subject to hypochondriacal complaints, which made him afraid to
preach in the pulpit some years before he di«d. He delivered his
sermons in the deacon's seat, without notes, and tliey were in gen-
eral melancholy effusions upon the wretched state of mankind and
the vanity of the world. He possessed such a catholic spirit, that
some of the more zealous brethren accused him of arminianism ;
but the only evidence of this was his fondness for Tillotson's ser-
mons, and his being rather a practical, than a doctrinal preacher.
He seldom appeared with a coat, but always wore a plaid gown,
and was generally seen with a pipe in his mouth. One of his sons
was minister of Marblehead. A latin epitaph, written by Mr.
Bradstreet upon his predecessor, Mr. Morton, has been preserved
by the Massachusetts historical socwiy.—-Collections hiat^ society^
viii, 75.
BRADSTREET (Simo^n), minister of Marblehead, Massachu-
setts, was the son of the precetling, and was graduated at Harvard
college in 1728. He was ordained successor of Mr. Holyoke Jan-
uary 4, 1738. His death took place October 5, 1771, Mr. Isaac
Story, who married his daughter, having been his colleague four or
five months. He was an excellent scholar, a most worthy and
pious christian, and faithful pastor ; laboring to bring his hearers
to the love of God, the reception of the Savior, and the practice of
holiness. — Collections hist. soc. viii. 75, 76.
BRADSTREET (John), a major general in America appointed
by the king of Great Britain, was in 1746 lieutenant governor of
St. John's, Newfoundland. He was afterwai'ds distinguished for
his military services. It was thought of the highest importance in
the year 1756 to keep open the communication with fort Oswego
on lake Ontario. General Shirley accordingly enlisted forty com-
panies of boat men, each consisting of fifty men, for transporting
stores to the fort from Schenectady, and placed them under the
command of Bradstreet, who was an active and vigilant officer, and
inured to the hardships, to which that service exposed hivn. In
the beginning of the spring of this year a small blockaded post
with twenty five men, at the carrying place, was cut off It be-
3*amc necessary to pass through the country with large squadron's
98 BRA.
of boats, as the enemy infested the passage through the Onondaga
river. On his return from Oswcj^o on the third oi July 1756 col-
onel Bradstreet, who wus upprencuiive of being ambushed, ordered
the several divisions to proceed as near each other as possible. He
was at the head of about three hundred boat men in the first divis-
ion, when at the distance of about nine miles from the fort the ene-
my rose from their ambuscade and att.xked him. He instantly
landed upon a small island and with but six men maintained his
position till he was reinforced. A general engagement ensued, in
which Bradstreet with grc.t gallantry rushed upon a more nume-
rous enemy, and entirely routed them, killing and wounding about
two hundred men. His own loss wi-.s about thirty. He arrived at
Schenectady on the eleventh of July. In the year 1758 he was
entrusted with the command of three thousand men on an expedi-
tion against fort Frontenac, which Wc.s planned by himself. He
embarked at Oswego on lake Ontario and on the evening of the
tv/enty fifth of August landed witliin a mile of the::-fort. On
the twenty seventh it was surrendered to him. Forty piece^
of cannon and a vast quantity of provisioiTs and merchandise, with.
one hundred and ten prisoners, fell into his hands. The fort and
nine armed vessels and such stores, as could not be removed, were
destroyed. In August 1764 he advanced with a considerable force
toward the Indian covmtry, and at Presque Isle compelled the Del-
awares, Shawanese, and other Indians to terms of peace. He was
appointed major general in May 1772. After rendering impor-
tant services to his country, he died at New York October 2 1^
1774 Wynne, n. 59 — 61, 86 — 88; Annual re^ster for 1764,
181 ; Holmes' a7inals, ii. 229 ; Marshall, i. 437,408 ; CoUectiant
hist. sac. .'ii. 150, 155.
BRAINERD (David), an eminent preacher and missionary
to the Indians, was born at Haddam, Connecticut, April 20, 1718.
He lost both his parents, while but a youth. As his mind was ear-
ly impressetl by the truths of religion, he took delight in reading
those books, which communicated religious instruction ; he called
upon the name of God in secret prayer ; he studied the scriptures
with great diligence ; and he associated with several young persons
for mutual encouragement and assistance in the paths of wisdom.
But in all this he afterwards considered himself as self righteous,
as completely destitute of true piety, as governed by the fear of
future punishment and not by the love of God, ns depending for
salvation upon his good feelings and his strict life, without a per-
ception of the necessity and the value of the mediation of Christ.
At this time he would indeed acknowledge, that he deserved nothing
for his best works, for the theory of salvation was familiar to him ;
but while he made the acknowledgment, he did not feel what it im-
plied. He still secretly re'ied upon the warmth of his affections,
7^pon his sincerity, upon some quality in Iiimsclf us the ground of
BRA. 99
acceptance with God, instead of relying upon the I-,ord Jesus,
through whom alone there is access to the Father. At length he
was brought under a deep sense of his sinfulness, and he perceiv-
ed, that there was nothing good in him. This conviction was not
■a sudden perturbation of mind ; it was a permanent impression,
made by the view of his own character, when compared with that
holy law of God, which he was bound to obey. But the discov-
ery was unwelcome and irritating. He could not readily aban-
don the hope, which rested upon his religious exercises. He Avas
reluctant to admit, that the principle, whence all his actions pro-
ceeded, was entirely corrupt. He was opposed to the strictness of
the divine law, wliich extended to the heart us well as w the life.
He murmured against the doctrines, that faith was indispensably
necessai7 to salvation, and that faith was completely thegiitof God.
Me was irritated in not finding any way pointed out, which would
lead him to the Savior, in not finding any means prescribed, by
"which an unrenewed man could of his own strength obtain that,
which the highest angel could not give. He was unwilling to be-
lieve, that he was dead in trespasses and in sins. But these un-
pleasant truths were fastened upon his mind, and they could not be
shaken off. It pleased God to disclose to him his true character
and condition and to quell the tumult of his soul. He saw that hir
schemes to save himself were entirely vain, and must forever be in-
effectual ; he perceived, that it was self interest, which had before
led him to pray, and that he had never once prayed from any
respect to the gloi"y of God; he felt, that he was lost. In this state
of mind, while he was walking in a solitary place in the evening ol
July 12, 1739, meditating upon religious subjects, his mind was
illuminated with completely new views of the divine perfections ;
he perceived a glory in the character of God and in the way of sal-
vation by the crucified Son of the Most High, which was never be-
fore discerned ; and he was led to depend upon Jesus Christ for
righteousness, and to seek the glory of God as his principal objects
In September 1739 he was admitted a member of Yale college,
but he was expelled in February 1742. The circumstances, which
led to this expulsion, were these. There had been great attention
to reFigion in the college, and Mr. Brainerd, whose feelings were
■naturally warm, and whose whole «oul was interested in the prog-
ress of the gospel, was misled by an intemperate zeal, and was
guilty of indiscretions, which at that time were not unfrequent. In
a conversation with some of his associates he expressed his belief,
that one of the tutors was destitute of religion. Being in part
overheard, his associates were compelled by the rector to declare,
respecting whom he was speaking ; and he was required to make
a public confession in the hall. Brainerd thought, that it \ve.s un-
just to extort from his friends what he had uttered in conversations
and that the punishment was too severe. As be refused to j-aakt.
loa BRA.
the confession, and as he had been guilty of going to a separate
meeting after prohibition by the authority of college, he was ex-
pelled. The expulsion was perhaps necessary, as tilings existed ;
but in the circumstances, which led to it, there appears a strong
disposition to hunt up offences against the new lights, as those, who
were attached to the preaching of Mr. Wiiitcfield and Tennent,
were then called. It was not so strange, that a young man should
have been indiscreet, as that he should confess himself to have
been so. Mr. Brainerd afterwards perceived, that he had been un-
charitable and h.id done wrong, and with sincerity and humility he
acknowledged his error and exhil)ited a truly christian spirit ; but
he was never restored and never obtained his degree. Though he
felt no resentment, and ever lamented his own conduct, yet he al-
ways considered himself as abused in the management of this affair^
In the spring of 1742 he went to Ripton to pursue tlie study of
divinity under the care of the reverend Mr. Mills, and at the end
of July was licensed to preach by the association of ministers,
which met at Danbury, after they had made inquiries respecting
his learning, and his acquaintance with experimental religion.
Soon after he began his theological studies, he Avas very desirous
of preaching the gospel to the heathen and frequently prayed for
them. In November, after he was licensed, he was invited to go to
New York, and was examined by the correspondents of the socie-
ty for propagating christian knowledge, and was appointed by them
a missionary to the Indians.
He arrived on the first of April 1743 at Kaunameek, an Indian
village in the woods between Stockbridge, in the state of Massachu-
setts, and Albany, at the distance of about twenty miles from the
former phice and fifteen miles from Kinderhook. He now began
his labors at the age of twenty five, and continued in this place
about a year. At first he lived in a wigwam among the Indians ;
but he afterward built himself a cabin, that he might be alone,
when not employed in preaching and instructing the savages. He
lodged upon a bimdle of straw, and his food was principally boiled
corn, hasty pudding, and samp. With a feeble bodv, and fre-
quent illness, and great depression of mind, he was obliged to en-
counter many discouragements, and to submit to hardships, which
would be almost insupportable bj a much stronger constitution.
But he persisted in his benevolent labors, animated by the hope,
that he should prove the means of illuminating some darkened
mind with the truth, as it is in Jesus. Besides his exertions, which
had immediate reference to the instruction of the savages, he stud-
ied much, and employed much time in the delightful employment
of communing in the wilderness with that merciful Being, who is
present in all places, and who is the sui)port and the joy of all
christians. When the Indians at Kaunameek had agreed to re-
move to Stockbridge and place themselves under the instruction
BRA, 101
oi the reverend Mr. Sergeant, Mr. Brainerd left them and bent
his attention towards the Delaware Indians.
He was ordained at Newark in New Jersey by a presbytery June
12, 1744, on which occasion the reverend Mr. Pemberton of New
York preached a sermon. He soon afterwards went to the new
field of his labors, near the foi-ks of the Delaware in Pennsylvania,
and continued thei-e a year ; in the course of which he made two
visits to the Indians on Susquehannah river. He again built him a
cabin for retirement, but here he had the happiness to find some
white people, with whom he maintained family prayer. After the
hardships of a year's continuance in this place with but little en-
couragement from the eft'ect of his exertions, he visited the In-
dians at Crosweeksung, near Freehold in New Jersey. In this
village he was favored with remarkable success. The Spirit of
God seemed to bring home effectually to the hearts of theignorant
heathens the truths, which he delivered to them with affection and
zeal. His Indian interpreter, who had been converted by his
preaching, cooperated cheerfully in the good work. It was not un*
common for the whole congregation to be in tears, or to be crying
out under a sense of sin. In less than a year Mr. Brainerd bap-
tized seventy seven persons, of whom tliirty eight were adults,
that gave satisfactory evidence of having been renovated by the
power of God ; and he beheld with unspeakable pleasure between
twenty and thirty of his converts seated round the table of the.
Lord. The Indians were at the time entirely reformed in their
lives. They were very liumble and devout, and united in christ-
ian affection. The sudden change, which was produced, was consid-
ered by Mr. Brainerd as the unquestionable effect of divine influ-
ence. How far this opinion was justified by the holy and spotless
lives of his Indian converts is not known. It is possible, that but few
of them were truly religious, and that the greater part were acted
upon by the power of sympathy. But whatever may be the fact with
regard to his real success, his persevering benevolence claims the
highest commendation, and without doubt will be rewarded at that
great day, when every man will reap according as he has sowed.
In the summer of 1746 Mr. Brainerd visited the Indians on the
Susquehannah, and on his return in September found himself worn
out by the hardships of his journey. His health Avas so much
impaired, that he was able to preach but little more. Being advis-
ed in the spring of 1747 to travel in New England, he went as far
as Boston, and returned in July to Northampton, where in the fam-
ily of Jonathan Edwards he passed the remainder of his days. He
gradually declined till October 9, 1747, when, after suffering inex-.
pressible agony, he entered upon that rest, which remaineth for the,
faithful servants of God, in the thirtieth year of his age.
Mr. Brainerd was a man of vigorous powers of mind. While
he was favored with a quick discernment and ready invention, with
102 BRA.
a strong memory and natural eloquence, he also possessed in an
uncommon degree the penetration, the closeness auU force of
thougUt, und the soundness of judgment, which distinguish the
man of talents from him, who subsists entirely upon the learning
of others. His knowledge was extensive, and he added to his other
attainments an intimate acquaintance with human nature, gained not
only by observing others, but by carefully noticing the operations
of his own mind. As he was of a sociable disposition, and could
adapt himself with great ease to the different capacities, tempers^
and circumstances of men, he was remarkably fitted to communi-
cate instruction. He was very free, and entertaining, and useful
in nis ordinary discourse ; and he was also an able disputant. As
a preacher he was perspicuous and instructive, forcible, close, and
pathetic. He abhorred an affected boisterousness in the pulpit,
and yet he could not tolerate a cold delivery, when the subject of
discourse was such, as should warm the heart, and produce an
earnestness of manner.
His knowledge of theology was uncommonly extensive and ac-
curate. President Edwards, whose opinion of Mr. Brainerd was
founded upon an intimate acquaintance with him, says, that " he
never knew his equal, of his age and standing, for clear, accurate
notions of the nature and essence of true religion, and its distinct»
ions from its various false appearances." Mr. Brainerd had no
■charity for the religion of those, who indulging the hope, that they
■were interested in the divine mercy, settled down in a state of se-
curity and negligence. He believed, that the good man would be
continually making progress towards perfection, and that conver-
sion was not merely a great change in the views of the mind and
the affections of the heart, produced by the Spirit of (iod ; but
that it was the beginning of a course of holiness, which through
the divine agency would be pursued through life. From the ar-
dor, with which he engaged in missionary labors, some may be led
to conclude, that his mind was open to the influence of fanaticism.
During his residence at college, his spirit was mdeed somewhat ting-
ed with the zeal of bitterness ; but it was not long before he was
restored to true benevolence and the pure love of tlie truth. From
this time he detested enthusiasm in all its forms. He reprobated
all dependence upon impulses, or impressions on the imagination,
or the sudden suggestion of texts of scripture. He withstood every
doctrine, which seemed to verge towards antinomianism, particularly
the sentiments of those, who thought that faith consists in believ-
ing, that Christ died for them in particular, and who founded their
love of God, not upon the excellence of his character, but upon the
previous impression, that they were the objects of his favor, and
should assuredly be saved. He rebufied the pride and presump-
tion of laymen, who thrust themselves forth as public teachers
and decried human learning and a learned ministry ; he detested
BRA. 103
the spirit, "which generally influenced the separat ista through th^
country ; and he w.is eriiirely opposed to that religion, which was
fond of noise and show, and delighted to publish its experiences
and privileges. Very different from the above was the religion,
which Mr. Brainerd approved, and which he displayed in his own
life. In his character were combined the most ardent and pure
love to God and the most unaffected benevolence to man, an alien-
ation from the vain and perishable pursuits of the world, the most
iiumbling and constant sense of his own iniquity, wliich was a greiat-
er burden to him than all his afflictions, great brokenness of he ait
before God for the coldness of his love and the imperfection of hii
christian virtues, the most earnest breathings of soul after holiness,
real delight in the gospel of Jesus Christ, sweet complacence in ail
his disciples, incessant desires and importunate prayers that men
might be brought to the knowledge and the obedience of the truth,
and that thus God might be glorified and the kingdom of Christ
advanced, great resignation to the will of his heavenly Father, an
entire distrust of his own heart and a universal dependence upon
God, the absolute renunciation of every thing for his Redeemer,
the most clear and abiding views of the things of the eternal world,
a continual warfare against sin, and the most vinwearied exertion of
all his powers in the service and in obedience to the commands of the
Most High. He believed that the essence of true religion consists in
the conformity of the soul to God, in acting above all selfish views
for his glory, desiring to please and honor him in all things, and
that from a view of his excellency, and worthiness in himself to be
loved, adored, and obeyed by all intelligent creatures. When this
divine temper was wrought in the soul by the special influences
of the Holy Spirit, discovering the glory of God in the face of
Jesus Christ, he believed, that the Author of all good could not
but delight in his own image, and would most certainly complete
his own work, which he had begun in the human heart.
The religion of Mr. Brainerd did not consist in speculation ;
but he carried his own principles into practice. Resisting the so-
licitations of selfishness, he consecrated his powers to the high and
benevolent objects, enjoined in the scriptu'^es. It v/as his whole
aim to promote in the most effectual manner the glory of his Re-
deemer. After the termination of a year's fruitless mission at
Kaunameek, where he had suffered the greatest hardships, he was
invitedtobecomethe minister of East Hampton, one of the best par-
ishes on Long Island ; but though he was not insensible to the
pleasures of a quiet and fixed abode, among christian friends, in
the midst of abundance ; vet, witlwut the desire of fame, he pre-
ferred the dangers and sufferings of a new mission among savages.
He loved his Savior, and wished to make known his precious name
among the heathen.
In his last illness and during the approaches of death Mr. Brain-
104 BRA.
crd was remarkably resigned and composed. He spoke oi that
willingness to die, which originates in the desire of escaping pain*
and in the hope of obtaining pleasure or distinction in heaven, as
very ignoble. The heaven, which he seemed to anticipate, con-
sisted in the love and the service of God. " It is impossible," said he,
" for any rational creature to be happy without acting all for God. I
long to be in heaven, praising and glorifying him with the holy an-
gels. — There is nothing in the world worth living for, but doing
good and finishing God's work ; doing the work, which Christ did.
I sec nothing else in the world, that can yield any satisfaction, be-
sides living to God, pleasing him, and doing his whole will. My
greatest comfort and joy has been to do something for promoting
the interests of religion, and for the salvation of the souls of pai'-
ticular persons." When he was about to be separated forever
from the earth, his desires seemed to be as eager as ever for the
progress of the gospel. He spoke much of the prosperity of Zi-
on, of the infinite importance of the work, which was committed
to the ministers of Jesus Christ, and of the necessity, which was
imposed upon them, to be constant and earnest in prayer to God
for the success of their exertions. A little while before his death
he said to Mr. Edwards, " my thoughts have been much employed
on the old, dear theme, the prosperity of God's church on earth.
As I waked out of sleep, I was led to cry for the pouring out of
God's Spirit, and the advancement of Christ's kingdom, which
the dear Redeemer did and suffered so much for ; it is this espec-
ially, which makes me long for it." He lelt at this time a pecul-
iar concern for his own congregation of christian Indians. Eterni-
ty was before him with all its tremendous interests. " 'Tis sweet
to me," said he, " to think of eternity. But Oh, what shall I say
to the eternity of the wicked ! I cannot mention it, nor think of
it. The thought is too dreadful !" In answer to the inquiry, how
he did, he said, " I am almost in eternity ; I long to be there. My
work is done. I have done with all my friends. All the world is
now notliing to me. Oh, to be in heaven, to praise and glorify God
with his holy angels !" At length, after the trial of his patience by
the most excruciating sufferings, his spirit was released from its
tabernacle of day, and entered those mansions, which the Lord Je-
sus hath prepared for all his faithful disciples.
The exertions of Mr. Brainerd in the christian cause were of
short continuance, but they were intense, and incessant, and effect-
ual. One must be either a very good or a very bad man, who can
read his life without blushing for himself. If ardent piety and en-
larged benevolence, if the supreme love of God and the inextin-
guishable desire of promoting his glory in the salvation of im-
mortal souls, if persevering resolution in the midst of the most
pressing discouragements, if checilul self denial and unremitted
Tabor, if humility and zeal for godliness, united with conspicuou*
BRA. 105
ialents, render a man worthy of remembrance ; the name of Brai-
nerd will not soon be forgotten.
He published a narrative of his labors at Kaunameek, annexed
to Mr. Pemberton's sermon at his ordination ; and his journal, or
an account of the rise and progress of a remarkable work of grace
amongst a number of Indians in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, with
some general remarks, 1746. This work, which is very interest-
ing, and which displays the piety and talents of the author, was pub-
lished by the commissioners of the society in ScotUmd, with a pref-
ace by them, and an attestation by the reverend William Teiment
and the reverend Mr. Mc'Knight. His life, written by president
Edwards, is compiled chiefly from his own diary. Annexed to it
are some of his letters and other writings. It is a book, which is
well calculated to enkindle a flame of benevolence and piety in the
breast. — Brainerd's life ; his journal ; Edtvarda^ funeral sermon ;
Middlelon^s biot^rafihia evangelicu., iv- 262 — 264 ; Assembly's mis-'
sionary magazine.) ii. 449 — 452.
BRANDT colonel, a famous Indian chief, was educated under
the care of the reverend Dr. Wheelock, first president of Dart-
mouth college. In the war of the American revolution he attached
himself to the British cause. In 1778 he, with colonel John Butler,
headed a party of one thousand one hundred men, nine hundred
of whom were Indians, and broke up the settlements on the Sus-
quehannah. Wyoming, on the eastern branch of that river, was de-
stroyed with circumstances of horrid treachery and cruelty. Near
two hundred of the whites were killed in one engagement. In July
1779 he attacked the Minisink settlement in New York, and did
much mischief. After the war he resided in upper Canada, He
was a half blooded Indian, chief of the Mohawk tribe, cruel and fe-
rocious. It is said, that he was once under the necessity of killing
one of his sons in order to preserve his own life. He died in up-
per Canada in the year 1807.
He translated into the Mohawk language the gospel of St. Mark
and the liturgy of the English church. This translation was pub-
lished for the benefit of the Indians. John Norton, chief of the six
nations, has translated also into the Mohawk language the gospel
of John, and intends to proceed with Matthew and l^\xk.e.— -Holmes'
annals, ii. 422 ; Panoplist^ iii. 323, 324.
BRATTLE (Thomas), a respectable merchant of Boston,
was graduated at Harvard college in 1 676 and was afterwards treas-
urer of that institution. He was a principal fouiider of the church
in Brattle street, of which the reverend Dr. Colman was the first
minister. His death took place May 18, 1713, in the fifty fixth
year of his age. He was the brother of the reverend William
Brattle. Several of his communications on astronomical subjects
were published in the philosophical transactions.; — Holmes* annah^
ii; 78 J Qolmun's life^ 42.
1-4
y
106 BRA.
BRATTLE (William), minister of Cambridge, Massachusetts^
was born in Boston about the year 1672, and was graduated at Hur-x
vard colie,5e in 1680. He was afterwards for several years a tutor
and a fellow of that seminary. He exerted himselt to iorm his
pupil.s to virtue and the fear of God, punishing vice with the au-
thority of a master, and cherishing every virtvious disposition with
parental goodness. When the small pox prevailed in the college,
he was not driven away in terror ; but with benevolent courage
remained at his post, and visited the sick, both that he might ad-
ininlster to them relief, and might impress upon them those truths,
which were necessary to their salvation. As he had never expe-
rienced the disease, he now took it in the natural way ; for the
practice of inoculation had not been introduced into America. But^
the course of the disorder was mild and he was soon restored to his
usual health.
He was ordained pastor of the church in Cambridge, as succes-
sor of the reverend Mr. Gookin, November 25, 1696, and altera
useful ministry of twenty years died February 15, 1717, in the
fifty fifth year of his age. He was succeeded by the reverend Dr.
Appleton. His funeral was attended on the twentieth of February,
a day memorable for the great snow, which then commenced, and
which detained for several days at Cambridge the magistrates and
ministers, who were iissembled on the occasion. The snow was
six feet deep in some parts of the streets of Boston.
Mr. Brattle was a very religious, good man, an able divine, and
an excellent scholar. Such was his reputation for science, that he
was elected a fellow of the royal society. He was polite and affable^
compassionate and charitable. Having a large estate, he distributed
of his abui>dancc with a liberal hand ; but his charities were secret
and silent. His pacific spirit and his moderation were so conspicuous,
as to secure to him the respect of all denominations. So remark-
able was his patience under injuries, and such a use did he make
of the troubles of life, that he was heard to observe, that he knew
not how he could have spared any of his trials. Uniting courage
Avith his humility, he was neither bribed by the favor, nor overawed
by the displeasure of any man. He was a man of great learning
and abilities, and at once a philosopher and a divine. But he
placed neither learning nor religion in unprofitable specula-
tions, but in such solid and substantial truth, as improves the mind
and is beneficial to the world. The promotion of religion, learning,
virtue, and peace every where within his reach was the great ob-
ject, in which he was constantly employed. As he possessed great
pencft-ation and a sound judgment, his counsel was often sought and
highly respected. Such was his repard to the interests of litera-
ture, that he bequeathed to Harvard college two hundred and fifty-
pounds, besides a much greater sum in othtv cl\antable and pious
legacies. With regard to his manner of preaching, Dr. Colman^i
BRA. 107
comparing him and the reverend Mr. Pemberton, who died about,
the same time, observes ; " they performed the public exercises in
the house of God with a great deal of solemnity, though in a
manner soiriewhat different ; for Mr. Brattle was all caim, and
soft, and melting ; but Mr. Pemberton was all flame, and zeal, and
(earnestness." The death of this good man, after a languishing
disease, was peaceful and serene.
He published a system of logic, entitled, " compendium logicae
secundum principia D. Renati Cartesii plerumque efibrniatum et
catechistice propositum." It waa held in high estimation, and
long recited at Harvard college. An edition ot it was published
in the year 17 5S. —Holmea' hist. Cambridge ; Collections hist. soc.
vii. 32, 55 — 59 J X. 168 ; Holmes' annals, ii. 94; Boston ncius lett'eri
.Vo.67I.
BRATTLE (William), n man of extraordinary talents and
character, was the son of the reverend William Brattle, end was
graduated at Harvard college in 1722. He was a representative
of Cambridge in the general court, and was long a member of the
council. He studied theology and preached with acceptance. His
eminence as a lawyer drew around him an abundance of clients.
As a physician his practice was extensive and celebrated. He was
also a military man, and obtained the appointment of major
general of the militia- Wliile he secured the favor of the gover*
jior of the state, he also ingratiated himself with the people. In
Iiis conduct there were many eccentricities. At the commence-
ment of the American revolution an vmhappy sympathy in the
plans of general Gage induced him to retire into Boston, from
which place he accompanied the troops to Halifax, where he died
in October 1776. His son, the late Thomas Brattle, esquire, of
Cambridge, died Feb. 7, 1801. — Collections hist. soc. vii. 58.
BREARLEY (David), chief justice of the stite of New Jersey,
was graduated at Princeton college in 1781. He was a member
of the convention in 1787 for framing the constitution of the
United States, and his name is affixed to that charter of our liber-
ties. In 1789 he was appointed by Washington a judge of the
federal court for the district of New Jersey. His death took place
in August 1790 at his seat near Trenton. Robert Morris w^s ap-
pointed to succeed him as district judge.
BRECK (Robert), minister of Marlborough, Massachusetts,
was born in Dorchester in 1682, and was graduated at Harvard
college in 1700. He was ordained October 25, 1704. After a
ministry of twenty six years, he departed this life January 6, 1731,
in the forty ninth year of liis age. He was eminent for his ac»
quaintance with the Hebrew.language. He published an election ser-
mon, 1728 ; the danger of falling away, after a profession raade^
1728 ; and a sermon on a sacramental occasion, ]728 .•^—Collections
^'nstorical society, ix. 184 ; x. 170.
108 BRE.
BRECK (Robert), minister of Sprinpjficid, Massachusetts,
was the son ot the reverend Mr. Breck ot Marlborough, and was
graduated at Harvard college in 1730. He was ordained January
27, 1736. After a ministry of forty eight years he died April 23,
1784, in the seventy first year of his age.
His superior intellectual powers were enlarged by an extensive
acquaintance with men and books. He accustomed himself to a
close uianncr of thinking and reasoiiing. By diligent application
he acquired a rich fund of the most useful knowledge. His dis-
position wai remarkably cheerful and pleasant, and his conversation
was entertaining and instructive, sometimes enlivened by humor,
but always consistent with the sobriety of the christian and the dig-
nity ot tiie minister. He was easy of access, hospitable, compas-
sionate and benevolent. His sense of human weakness and de-
pravity led him to admire the gracious provision of the gospel, and
he delighted to dwell upon it in his pul^lic discourses.
His religious sentiments he formeii on a careful examination of
the scriptures. St:c:idy to his own principles, he was yet candid to-
wards those, who differed from him. In his last illness he spoke
in the humblest terms of himself, but professed an entire reliance
on divine mercy through the Mediator, and he resigned himself
to death with the dignity of a christian. He publised a century
sermon, preached at Springfield, wnich contains an historical ac-
count of the town. — Laf hrofi' s funcrcii .sermon.
BRECKEN RIDGE (John), attorney general of the United
States, died at Lexington, Kentucky, December 14, 1806. He
was elected a member of the senate in the place of Mr. Humphrey
Marshall, and took his seat in 1801. In January 1802 he submit-
ted in the senate a resolution to repeal an act of the preceding ses-
sion respecting the judiciary estaljlishment of the United States,
by which sixteen new circuit judges had been created. It was this
resolution, which called forth the most astonishing powers of argu-
ment and eloquence. In 1803 Mr. Breckenridge distinguished
himself by suppoi ting resolutions in relation to Spanish affairs of
a milder complexion, than those advocated by Mr. Ross. After
the resignation of Mr. Lincoln of Massachusetts, he was appointed
attorney general in his place.
BREWSTE'^ (William), one of the first settlers of Plymouth
colony, and a rujing elder of the church, w.'.s l>orn in England in
the year 1560, and was educated at the university of Cambridge,
where his mind was impressed by religious truth, and he was re-
newed by the Spjiit of God. After completing his education, he
entered into the service of Willi -.m Davison, ambassador of queen
Elizabeth in Holland. This gentleman, who was friendly to relig-
ion, possessed the highest regard for Mr. Brewster, and reposed
in him the utmost confidence. He esteemed him as a son. Mr.
Brewster in rcttini proved himself nqt unworthy of the friendship,
BRE. 109
%vhich he had experienced ; for when Davison, who had been ap-
pointed secretary of state, incurred the affected displeasure of the
queen for drawing, in compiitince with her orders, the warrant for
the execution of Mary, he did not forsake his patron. He remain-
ed with him, and gave him what assistance it was in his power to
aftbrd, under the troubles, with which it was the policy of Elizabeth
to overwhelm the innocent secretary ir. the year 1587. \\ hen he
could no longer serve him, he retired to the north of England, among
his oia friends.
His attention was now chiefly occupied by the interests of reli-
gion. His life was exemplary, and it seemed to be his great object
to promote the highest good of those around him. He endeavored
to excite their zeal for holiness, and to encourage them in the prac-
tice of the christian virtues. As he possessed considerable property,
he readily and abundantly contributed tov/ards the support of the
gospel. He exerted himself to procure faithful preachers for the
parishes in the neighborhood. By degrees he became disgusted
with the ianpositions of the prelatical party, and their severity to-
Avards men of a moderate and peaceable disposition. As he discover-
ed much corruption in the constitution, forms, ceremonies, and dis-
cipline of the established church, he thought it his duty to with-
draw from its communion, and to establish with others a separate
society. This new church, under the pastoral care of the aged Mr.
Clifton and Mr. Robinson, met on the Lord's days at Mr. Brew-
ster's house, where they were entertained at his expense, as long
as they could assemble without interruption. When at length the
resentment of the hierarchy obliged them to seek refuge in a for-
eign country, he was the most forward to assist in the removal. He
was seized with Mr. Bradford in the attempt to go over to Holland
in 1607, and was imprisoned at Boston, in Lincolnshire. He was
the greatest sufferer of the company, because he had the most prop-
erty. Having with much difficulty and expense obtained his liber-
ty, he first assisted the poor of the society in their embarkation, and
then followed them to Holland.
He had a large family and numerous dependents ; and his estate
was exhausted. As his education had not fitted him for mechan-
ical or mercantile employments, he wms now pressed with hard-
ships. In this exigency he found a resource in his learning and
abilities. He opened a school at Leyden for instructing the youth
of the city and of the university in the English tongue ; and being
familiar with the Latin, with whicli they were also acquainted, he
found no impediment from the want of a language common to both.
By means of a grammar, which he formed himself, he soon assisted
them to a correct knowledge of the English. By the help of some
friends he also set up a printing press, and published several books
against the hierarchy, w^hicli could not obtain a license for publica-
tion in England,
dlO BRE.
Such was hi« reputation in the church at Leyden, that he was
chosen a rulinjj elder, and he accompanied the members of it, who
came to New Entjland in 1620. He suffered with them all the
hardships, attending the settlement in their wilderness. He partook
■with them of labor, hunger, and watching ; and his bible and his
sword were equally familiar to him. As the church at Plymouth
•was for several years destitute of a minister, Mr. Brewster, who
was venerable for his character and years, frequently officiated as a
preacher, though he could never be persuaded to administer the sa-
craments. According to the principles of the church, the ruling
elder, in the absence of the teaching elder or pastor, was permitted
to dispense the word. No regular minister was procured before the
year 1 629, when Mr. Ralph Smith was settled. Previously to this
•period, the principal care of the church rested upon Mr. Brewster,
who preached twice every Lord's day ; and afterwards he occasion-
ally exercised for the good of the church his talents in teaching.
He died in the peace and hope of the christian April 16, 1644, in
tlie eighty fourth year of his age.
Through his whole life he was remarkably temperate. He drank
nothing but water, until within the last five or six years. During
the famine, which was experienced in the colony, he was resigned
and cheerful. When nothing l)ut oysters and clams were set on
his table, he would give thanks with his family, that they were per-
mitted " to suck of the abundance of the seas, and of the treasures
hid in the sand." He was social and pleasant in conversation, of
a humble and modest spirit, yet when occasion required, coura-
geous in administering reproof, though with such tenderness, as
usually to give no offence. He was conspicuous for his compas-
sion towards the distressed ; and if they were suffering for con-
science sake, he judged them, of all others, most deserving of
pity and relief. He had a pecidiar abhorrence of pride. In the
government of the church he was careful to preserve order and
the purity of doctrine and communion, and to suppress contention.
He was eminent for piety. In his public prayers he was full and
comprehensive, making confession of sin with deep hunulity, and
supplicating with fervor the divine mercy through the mei'its of
Jesus Christ, Yet he avoided a tedious prolixity, lest he should
damp the spirit of devotion. In his discourses he was clear and
distinguishing, as well as pathetic ; and it pleased God to give
him uncommon success, so that many were converted by his min-
istry. At his death he left what was called an excellent library.
It was valued at forty three pounds in silver, and a catalogue of the
books is preserved in the colony records. **
The church at Plymouth, of which Mr. Brewster was ruling
elder, was peculiar for the liberty of" prophesying," or preaching,
•which was allowed even to such private members, as were " gift-
ed." When governor Winthrop visited Plymouth in 1 632, ia the
afternoon's exercise of the Lord's day a question, according to
custom, was propounded, upon which a number of the congrega-
tion expressed their opinions, and the governor of Massachusetts,
being requested, " spoke to it" with the rest. " The preachments
of the gifted brethren," says Dr. Mather, " produced those dis**
couragements to the ministers, that almost all left the colony, ap-
prehending themselves driven away by the neglect and contempt,*
with which the people on this occasion treated them." This
church admitted none to its comnaunion without either a written
or oral declaration of their faith and religious experiences. The-
scriptures were not read in public, nor was the psalm before sing-
ing till in compassion to a brother, who could not read, one of the
elders or deacons was permitted to read it line by line, after it
had been previously expounded by the minister. No children*
were baptized, unless one of the parents was in full communiony
and baptized children were considered as subjects of ecclesiastical'
discipline. While in Holland the Lord's supper was administered'
every sabbath ; but it was omitted in America till a minister was
obtained, and then it was administered only once in a month.—-
Belknap's Amer. biog. ii. 252 — 266 ; Cvllect, hist. soc. iv. 108, 115
— 117; Morton^ 153; MaVa Mvt England^ i. 231 ; JVinthro/t,
44 ; Magnalia^ i. 14 ; Prince^ 89.
BRIANT (Solomon), minister of the church at'Marshpee in
Barnstable, Massachusetts, was ordained not long after the re-"
signatioii of Mr. Bourne in 1742. He was an Indian, and he preach-
ed to his brethren in the Indian dialect. He was a sensible man
and good minister. After his death, which took place May 8, 1775,;
when he was about eighty years of age, he was succeeded by the
reverend Mr. Yi^\i\e.y.— Col! ections hist. soaVjfy, iii, 191.
BRIDGE (Thomas), minister of the first church in Boston,
was graduated at Harvard college in 1675, and was ordained col-
league with the reverend Mr. Wadsworth May 10, 1705. He died
suddenly of an apoplexy Septe"mber26, 17 15, aged fifty eight years.
He was eminent for his christian virtues. While he was upright
in his dealings, and incapable of fraud and deceit, he was also meek
and mild ; his heart was kind ; and he was humble and devout. He
was habitually serious. Though his talents were not conspicuous,
yet his thoughts were always expressed in suitable and manly lan-
guage. In prayer he was emment. His intimate acquaintance
with the scriptures, and the devotional frame of his mind rendered
his supplications to the throne of grace very solemn and interesting.
While he was himself exceedingly desirous of doing good, free from
every particle of envy, he sincerely rejoiced in the usefulness and
respectability of others. He was not desirous of honor, and so
humble was the opinion, which he had formed of himself, that the
expression of his humility sometimes put to the blush those, who
were younq;er- and more desirous of distinction. He was diligent
112 BRI.
in study, but his bible was his library. To this book he devoted
his attention, and he became well acquainted with its important
truths. Such was his moderation, so ijreatly was he desirous of
peace, that it was thought he was sometimes silent when he ought
to have spoken, and that he yielded too much to others.
He published an artillery election sermon, 1705, and a sermon
on choosing good town officers, \7\0.—^Colman* a funeral sermon ;
Collections historical socictij, iii. 257.
BRIGHT (Francis), first minister in Charlestown, Massachu-
setts, was a pupil of the famous Mr. Davenport. He arrived at
Naumkeag, or Salem, in June 1629, in company with Mr. SkeltoR
and Mr. Higginson. Disagreeing in judgment with his two breth-
ren, he removed to Charlestown. After tarrying here a little more
than a year and finding, that tlie people were disposed to carry the
reformation to a greater length, than he thought was necessary,
he returned to England in 1630. He was succeeded by Mr. Wil-
son. — 'Morse and Parish's Jf. E?ig/a7id, 74.- ; Morton, 82 ; Prince,
184, 188.
BRIMSMEAD (William), first minister of Marlborough,
Massachusetts, was educated at Harvard college, but never receiv-
ed a degree. He with others of his class, being displeased with a
vote of the corporation, requiring the students to reside four years at
Cambridge instead of three, left the institulion in 1 647. He was
first employed as a preacher at Plymouth, and afterwards went to
Marlborough, where he preached so early as September 20, 1660,
though he was not ordained till October 3, 1666. He died July 3,.
1701, and was succeeded by the reveiend Mr. Breck. He was nev-
er married. He is represented as a well accomplished servant of
Christ. Tradition says, that he uniformly refused baptism to chil-
dren, who were born on the sabbath. He published the election
sermon, 1681. — Collections hist, society, iv. 47, 122 j ix. 179 j
X. 89.
BROCK (John), minister of Reading, Massachusetts, was
born in England in 1 620, and was distinguished for early piety.
He came to this country about the year 1637. He was graduated
«t Harvard college in 1646, and after residing there two years
longer, engaged in preaching the gospel, first at Rowley, and then
at the isle ot Shoals. He continued at this la^t place till 1662,
when he removed to Raiding, as successor of the reverend Mr.
Hough, though he was not ordained before November 13, 1668.
Here he ministered in holy things till his death June 18, 1688, in
the sixty eighth year of his age. He was succeeded by the rev-
erend Mr. Pierpont.
Mr. Brock was an eminent chiislian, and a laborious, fiiithful
minister, preaching not only on the sabbuh, but frequently on oth-
er days. He establishc' lectures for young persons, iuul for the
members of the church. He often made pastoral visits, and they were
BRO. 113
endered very useful by his happy talents in conversation. He was
so remarkable ior holiness and devotion, that it was said of him by
the celebrated Mr. xVcitchcl, " he dwells as near heaven, as any man
upon earth." He was lull of faith and of the Holy Ghost. Several
remurkable stories are related of the efficacy of his prayers, in
which he frequently had a particular faith, or an assurance of be-
ing heard. When he lived at the isle of Shoals, he persuaded the
people to enter into an agreement to spend one day in every month,
besides the sabbaths, in the worship oi the Lord Jesus Christ. On
one of these days the fishermen, who composed his society, desir-
ed him to put off the meeting, as the roughness of the weather had
for a number of days prevented them from attending to their usual
employment. He endeavored in vain to convince them of the impro-
priety of their request. As most of them were determined to seize the
opportunity for making up their lost time, and were more interested in
their worldly than in their spiritual concerns, he addressed them
thus ; " if you are resolved to neglect your duty to God, and will
go away, I say unto you, catch fish if you can ; but as for you, who
will tarry and worship the Lord Jesus Christ, I will pray unto him for
you, that you may catch fish till you are weary." Of thirty five men
only five remxained with the minister. The thirty, who went from
the meeting, with all their skill caught throu^ the whole day but
four fishes ; while the five, who attended divine service, afterwards
went out and caught five hundred. From this time the fishermen
readily attended all the meetings, which Mr. Brock appointed.
A poor man, who had been very useful with his boat in carrying
persons, who attended public worship, over a river, lost his boat in
a storm, and lamented his loss to his minister. Mr. Brock said to
him, "go home, honest man, I will mention the matter to the Lord;
you will have your boat again tomorrow." The next day, in an-
swer to earnest prayer,, the poor man recovered his boat, which
was brought up from the bottom by the anchor of a vessel, cast up-
on it without design. A number of such remarkable correspon-
dences between the events of providence and the prayers of Mr.
Brock caused Mr. John Allen of Dedham to say of him, " I scarce
ever knew any man so familiar with the great God, as his dear ser-
vant Brock." — Mathrr's mag77alia, IV. 141 — 143; Collect, hist, so-
ciety, vii. 251 — 254 ; Stone^ a funeral sermon on Prentiss ; Fitch*8
sermon at the ordi?iation of Tucke.
BROMFIELD (Edward), an eminent merchant in Boston,
was born in November 1695. His mother was the eldest daugh-
ter of the reverend Mr. Danforth of Roxbury. By means of her
instructions and the instructions of liis grandmother, a daughter of
the reverend Mr. Wilson of Boston, his mind in early life was deeply
impressed by religious truth. His whole life was conscientious,
upright, and holy. He filled several i\nportant trusts, and with
incorruptible integrity sought the public good. He was a rep--
1-5
114 BRO.
resentative of his native town in the general court trom the year
1739 to 1743 ; and he would have been continued, as colleague
with his brother in law, the honorable Thomas Gushing, but he pre-
ferred the humbler station of overseer of the poor, in which office
he remained twenty one years successively. He died z\pril 10,
1756, in the si.vty tirst year of his age. He was eminent for his
christian virtues. In his intercourse with others he was open,
friendly, pleasant, and remaikable for candor. Attached to the an-
cient pi inciples of New England, he loved the most zealous and
awakening ministers ; he worshipped the Most High in his fami-
ly ; he partook of the supper of his Lord and Muster with the
humblest reverence and the most ardent gratitude and love. In
his last sickness so deep was the sense of his unworthiness and guilt,
that he enjoyed little composure till just before his death, when his
apprehensions were in a great measure removed. In his most des-
ponding moments he ever justified the ways of God. — Prince's fu-
neral sermon ; Boston gazette^ Afiril 19, 1756.
BROMFIELD (Edward), a young man of uncommon genius, was
the son of the preceding, and was born in Boston in 1723. He was
graduated at Harvard college in 1742, He lived but a short time
to display his virtues and his talents, for he died August 18, 1746,
aged twenty three yiears. From his childhood he was very amia-
ble and modest. As he grew up, the powers of his mind were un-
folded, and he discovered remarkable ingenuity and penetration,
which were strengthened and increased, as he became acquainted
with mathematical science. His genius first appeared in the use
of the pen, by which with admirable exactness he sketched the ob-
jects of nature. He made himself so familiar with Weston's short
hand, that he was able to take down every word of the professor's
lectures at the college, and the sermons, which were delivered
from the pulpit. He was skilful in projecting maps. As he was
well skilled in music, he for exercise and recreation made with his
own hands an excellent organ, with two rows of keys and several
hundred pipes. The workmansliip exceeded any thing of the kind,
which had been imported from England. He took peculiar pleas-
ure in pursuits, which related to natural philosophy, for he wished
to behold the wisdom of God in his works. He made great im-
provement in the microscopes, which were then used, most accu-
rately grinding the finest glasses, and multiplying to an astonishing
degree the powers of optical instruments. He met with no me-
chanism, which he did not readily improve. But these were only
the amusements of Mr Bromfield. He was engaged in the pur-
suit of higher and more interesting objects, than those, which had
reference only to this earth and could occupy the mind but a few
days. Though from childhood he possessed the virtues, which en-
deared him to his acquaintance ; yet it was not before he reached
the age of seventeen, that he was converted by the influence of the
BUO. 115
divine Spirit from his natural stale of selfishness and iniquity to the
supreme love of his Maker. ¥rom this period the truti.s oi reve-
lation claimed his intense study, and it w^as his constant aim to con-
form his life to the requisitions of the gospel. Nothing interested
him so much, as the character of Jesus Christ and the wonders of
redemption, which he hoped would excite his admiration in the fu-
ture world, and constitute his everlasting blessedness. He left be-
hind him a number of manuscripts, which contained his pious med-
itations, and marked his progress towards perfection. Ihough his
body was feeble, his soul was indefatigable. In his eyes there was
an expression of intellect, which could not be mistaken. Hud his
life been spared, his name might have been an honor to his coun-
try, and philosophy might have been dignified by a connexion with
genuine religion.— Pnwce's account of Brotnjield ; PanopUsty ii.
193—197.
BROOKS (Eleazar), a brigadier general in the late war, was
horn in Concord, Massachusetts, in 1726. Without the advantages
of education he acquired a valuable fund ol knowledge. It was
his practice in early life to read the most approved books, and then
to converse with the most intelligent men respecting them. In
1774 he was chosen a representauve to the general court and con-
tinued twenty seven years in public life, being successively a rep-
resentative, a member of the senate, dnd oi the council. He took a
decided part in the American revolution. At the head of a regi-
ment he was engaged in the battle at White Plains in 1776, and
in the second action near Stillwater October 7, 1777, and dis-
tinguished himself by his cool, determined bravery. From the
year 1801 he secluded himself in the tranquil scenes of domestic life.
He died at Lincoln, Massachusetts, November 9, 1806, aged eighty
years.
General Brooks possessed an uncommonly strong and penetra-
ting mind, and his judgment as a statesuian was treated with re-
spect. He was diligent and industrious, slow in concerting, but
expeditious in performing his plans. He was a firm believer in the
doctrines of Christianity and in his advanced years accepted the of-
fice of deacon in the church at Lincoln. This office he ranked
above all others, which he liad sustained in life. — Steams'' fun. sev'
mon ; Colu7nf:ian centinel, J\''ove?nber 22, 1806; Marshall, iii. 284.
BROWN (Nicholas), an eminent merchant of Rhode Island,
died at Providence May 29, 1791, in the sixty second year his age.
From early youth his attention had been directed to mercantile
pursuits, and by the divine blessing upon his diligence and upright-
ness he acquired a very ample fortune. But although he was rich
he did not make an idol of his wealth. His heart was liberal, iiiul
he listened to every call of humanity or science. The interests of
government, of learning, of religion were dear to him. He loved
his country, and rejoiced in her freedom. The public buikUntrs in
116 BRO.
providence, sacred to religion and science, are monuments of his
liberality. He was an early and constant patron of the college.
In his religious principles he was a baptist, and he was a lover of
good men of all denominations. He was not ashamed of the gos-
pel, nor of the poorest of the true disciples of ihc Redeemer. His
general knowledge and the fruitfulness of his invention furnished
him with inexhaustible funds of entertaining conversation — Utill-
man'syuncrul aermon ; Providence f^azette.
BROWN (Andrew), editor of the Philadelphia gazette, was
bom in Ireland about the year 1744. He came to America in 1773
as a soldier in a British regiment ; but he quitted the service and
settled in Massachusetts, He engaged in the American cause at
the commencement of the war, and displayed great courage in the
battles of Le\ington and Bunker's hill. He was also a useful ofri-
cer in the northern army uniler general Gates. At the close of
the war he established an academy for young ladies in Lancaster,
Pennsylvania, on a very liberal and extensive plan. He afterwards
removed to Philadelphia, where he pursued the same object ; but
as his employment did not well accord with a very irritable temper,
he relmquished it. He now established the Federal gazette, the first
number of which was published October 1, 1788. The present gov-
ernment of the United States had not then commcnccvl, and his paper
was the channel, through which some of the most intelligent friends of
the constitution addressed the public. He pursued his task with inde-
fatigable industry ; but difficulties pressed upon him, and he seemed to
have little prospect of deriving much pecuniary advantage from his
paper, before the city was visited with the yellow fever in 1793.
As ho remained in Philadelphia during the ravages of the pesti-
lerice, and continued his gazette, when the other daily papers were
suspended, he derived from this circumstance an increase of pat-,
ronage, which at length rewarded his labors. His exertions were
not relaxed through his success ; but, changing the name of his
paper to that of the Phihdelphia gazette, and resolving, that it
should not be devoted exclusively to any political sect, but should
be open to discussions from every side, he made it a correct vehi-
cle of important intelligence. The profits of his establishment
were now great, and he ■was in the midst of prosperity, when it
pleased (jod to overwhelm him with ruin. His house took fire by
means of his oflice, which was in one part of it, January 27, 1797,
and in an unsuccessful attempt to rescue his family from the flames,
he was so much burned that he survived but a few days. HisAvife
and three children were the next day committed to a common
grave, and the next Saturday, February 4, 1797, his spirit followed
them into another world. The only survivor of the family was a
son, born in Ireland of a former wife, who bccaine one of the pro*
prietors of the gazette, after the death of his father.— -//«;-c/iV« bio^
t^ra/ihical dictionary s Monthly moifaziTie/or 1797, 71, 73.
BRG. in
BROWN (Moses), a brave officer in the navy of the United
States, died in December 1803, aged sixty two years. Durijng the
last forty eight years of his life he followed the profession of a mar-
iner. In the revolutionary war his reputation gained him the com-
mand of several of the largest private armed ships from New Eng-
land. In these stations he was zealous, brave, and successful. He
was engaged in several severe battles with the enemy, and distin-
guished himself particularly in one with a ship oi superior force.
When the small American navy was establishing a number of
years after the war, the merchants of Newbuiyport built a ship by
subscription for the governmeut, and obtained the command of her
for captain Brown. His advanced age had not impaired his skill,
nor deprived him of his zeal and activity. While he commanded
the Menimac he was as enterprising and successful as formerly.
When the reduction of the navy took place, he was dismissed from
office ; but his finances did not allow him to retire from business,
and he followed till his de.ith his accustomed avocation.— •.A'ew ii.>i^-
land rejiertory^ Jan. 14, 1804,
BROWNE (Arthur), an episcopal clergyman at Portsmouth,
New Hampshire, was a native of Drogheda in Ireland, and was the
son of the reverend John Browne. He was educated at Trinity col-
lege in Dublin, and received the degree of master of arts July 29,
1729. Being ordained by the bishop of London for a society in
Providence, Rhode Island, he went to that place, and remained
there till the year 1736, when he removed to Portsmouth, He
was the first encumbent of the church, which was consecrated in
1734, and is now called saint John's church. He received a salary
as missionary from the society for propagating the gospel in foreign
parts, and continued in this station till his death in 1773, having
just entered the seventy fourth yeav" of his age. He is represented
as having been conspicuous for a benevolent disposition, good ora-
tory, and excellent preaching. His son, Marmaduke Browne, was
oorn in Providence, and after being educated at Trinity college, Dub-
lin, and ordained by the bishop of London, settled at Newport,
Rhode Island, where he died about the year 1771.
Mr. Bi'owne of Portsmouth published a sermon on the day ap-
pointed for the execution of Penelope Kenny, 1739 ; a sermon on
the rebellion in Scotland, 1746 ; a sermon to the free masons, 1748 ;
a fast sermon, 1757 ; a sermon on the doctrine of election, 1757.
He is supposed to have written also remarks on Dr. Maybew's in-
cidental reflections, 1763. dlden's account of religioua societies iti
Portsmouth ; Coll. hist. soc. x. 57, 58, 70,
BROWNE (Abthur, ll.d.), king's professor of Greek in
Trinity college, Dublin, and an eminent political character in Ire*
land, was the son of the reverend Marmaduke BroAvne, rector of
Trinity church, Newport, Rhode Island. He enjoyed in early life
the advantages of a school, established in Newport by dean Eerke-
118 BRY.
ley, and was distinguished by his talents, industry, and siiong desire
of improving his education in some European university. To
gratify this desire his father went to Ireland to make provision for
entering his son at Trinity college ; but alter having eflected his
object, he died soon after his return, in consequence of his suflcr-
ings during a tedious voyage of three months. This melancholy
event frustrated the hopes of young Browne, who, despairing of the
advantages of an European ed\ication, entered Harvard college in 1 77 1 .
He remained however but ashort time at Cambridge ; for some friends
of his father and the society for propagating the gospel in foreign
parts soon afforded him such patronage, that he embarked for Ire-
land, where he was educated according to his desire. He continu-
ed during the remainder of his life connected with Trinity college,
and was the idol of the students. For a length of time he held the
vicar generalship of the diocese of Kildare, and practised in the
courts as an eminent barrister. He was also professor of civil law
in the university, and its representative in the Irish house of com-
mons. He died in the year 1805.
Dr. Browne was blessed with great powers of mind, which he
improved by incessant study and by intercourse with the most dis-
tinguished scholars and the most able and virtuous statesmen of his
day. From every field, where improvement might be found, he
reaped a noble jwrtion. His political life was marked by his zeal-
ous efforts to protect the liberty of the subjects against the encroach-
inents of power and oppression. He was an associate of the oppo-
sition, and supported their leading measures. He was always a
champion of the people. Shortly after the union of Ireland with
Great Britain, he was appointed prime sergeant. He published a
compendious view of civil law, being the substance of a course of
lectures read in the university of Dublin, together with a sketch of
the practice of the ecclesiastical courts, and some useful directions
for the clergy ; Hussen O'Dil, or beauty and the heart, an allegoric-
al poem, translated from the Persian language ; and miscellaneous
sketches, in 2 volumes, 8vo. This last work is written after the
manner of Montaigne. — Monthly mjthology^ ii. 559 — 562.
BRYAN (George), a judge of the supreme court of Pennsyl-
vania, was a native of Dublin in Ireland, and was the eldest son of an
ancient and respectable family. He came to this coimtry in early
life, and lived forty years in Philadelphia. At first he eniragcd ex-
tensively in commercial business ; but it pleased the wise Disposer
of events to defeat his plans, and reduce him to a state of compara-
tive poverty. He afterwards lived more in accordance with ancient
simplicity. He was an active and intelligent man. Previously to
the levoiution he was introduced into public employments. He
was a delegate to the congress, which met in 1765 for the purpose
of petitioning and icmonstrating against the arbitary measures of
Great Britain. In the war, which followed, he took an open and
BUG. 119
active part. After the declaration of independence he was vice
president of the supreme executive council of Pennsylvania, and on
the death of president Wharton in May 1778 he was placed at the
head of the government. When his office, by the limitation of the
constitution, expired in the autumn of 1 779, he was elected a mem-
ber of the legislature. Here, amidst the tumult of war and inva-
sion, when every one was trembling for himself, his mind was oc-
cupied by the claims of humanity and charity. He at this time plan-
ned and completed an act for the gradual abolition of slavery, which
is an imperishable monument to his memory. He thus furnished
evidence, that in opposing the exactions of a foreign power he was
opposing tyranny, and was really attached to the cause of liberty.
After this period he was appointed a judge ot the supreme court,
in which station he continued during the remainder of his life. In
1784 he was elected one of the coimcil of censors, and was one of
its principal members till his death, which took place at Philadel-
phia January 28, 1791.
Besides the offices already mentioned, judge Bryan filled a variety
of public, literary, and charitable employments. Formed for a close
application to study, animated with an ardent* thirst for knowledge,
and blessed with a memory of wonderful tenacity, and a clear, pene-
trating, and decisive judgment, he availed himself of the labors and
acquisitions of others, and brought honor to the stations, which he
occupied. To his other attainments he added the virtue^ of the
christian. He was distinguished by his benevolence and sympathy
with the distressed, by an unaffiicted humility and modesty, by his
readiness to forgive injuries, and by the inflexible integrity of his
conduct. He was superior to the frowns and blandishments of the
world. Thus eminently qualified for the various public offices, in
which he was placed, he was faithful and humble in discharging their
duties, and he filled them with dignity and reputation in the worst
of times, and in the midst of a torrent of unmerited obloquy and op-
position. Such was his disinterestedness, and his zeal for the
good of others, that his own interest seemed to be overlooked. In
the administration of justice he Avas impartial and incorruptible.
He was an ornament to the profession of Christianity, which he
made, the delight of his connexions, and a public blessing to the
state. By his death religion lost an amiable example, and science
a steady h'iend.—Eiuing's Jiin. ser?non ; yJmerican museum, ix. 81
— 83 ; Dunlafi's American advertiser.
BUCKINGHAM (Thomas), minister of the second church in
Hartford, Connecticut, was graduated at Harvard college in 1690.
The time of his settlement has not been ascertahied. He died No-
vember 19, 1731, aged sixty two years. He was one of the most' em-
inent ministers in Connecticut, and was regarded as one of the pil-
lars of the church. His superior abilities were under the direction
of good principles. His conversation was such as was becoming a
120 BUE.
minister of Christ. In his life he imitated his blessed Master, and be-
ing exemplary in piety, having a pie tsant temper, obliging and en-
gaging manners, and many amiable virtues, he conciliated respect
and esteem. So well was he qualified for his ministerial work, that
he would have been highly prized by every orthodox, judicious
congregation in the land.
He published a sermon preached at the election in Connecticut
in 1728, entitled Moses and Aaron. The following passages from
this sermon will give some view of his sentiments, and of the times.
" By the Spirit the elect are brought to possess the good, which Je-
sus Christ hath purchased for them. By him they are convincedi
awakened, humbled, convei'ted, sanctified, led, and comforted." —
"If we look back upon the last year, how many appearances
and indications of his anger were there to be obsen-ed therein ; the
unusual illuminations of the heavens by repeated and almost dis-
continued flashes of lightning, with dreadful peals of thiuider attend-
ing, the scorching heat and drought of the summer, the pinching
cold and length of the winter, stormy winds and tempests, the death
of useful men, and the groaning and trembling of the earth under
our feet." — " Have you not heard some, who have risen fiom among
you, speaking perverse things, blaspheming the constitution and
order of your churches, denying the validity of your ordinations,
and condemning your ministerial acts as so many usurpations, who
imcliurch the best and greatest part of christians, and leave you with
the best of your flocks to uncovenanted mercies, that is in a state of
heathenism, without God and Christ and hope in the world. And
this merely for the sake of a non-agreement with them in a few un-
scriptural rites and notions?" — Edivardu' election ser7)ionUn 1732;
TrumbnW'i Connecticut, i. 498, 519.
BUELL (Samuel, d. d.), an eminent presbyterian minister on
Long Island, was born at Coventry in Connecticut, September 1,
1716, In the seventeenth year of his age, it pleased his merciful
Father in heaven to renew his heart and teach him those truths,
which are necessary to salvation. He was impressed with a sense
of his entire destitution of love to God, ot the incompetency of any
works, which he could perform, to justify him, of the necessity of a
Savior, and of his absolute dependence on divine mercy and influ-
ence. From the depression of mind occasioned by a full conviction
of hi? sin, and a clear perception of his danger, he was relieved by a
view of the wonderful plan of redemption by Jesus Christ, and the
gladness of his heart now v/as proportionate to the thickness of the
gloom, which before hung over his mind.
This change in his character produced a change in his plans of
life. His father was a rich farmer, and he had been destined to ag-
ricultural pursuits ; but the belief, that it was his duty to engage in
labprs, which would most advance the interests of rclij!;ion, and to
extend his usefulness as much as possible, induced him to relinq'iish.
BUE. 151
the eiwployments of husbandry and to attend to the cultivation of his
"mind. He was graduated at Yale college in 1741. While in this
seminary his application to his studies was intense, and his proficien-
cy was such as rewarded his toils. It was here that he first became
acquainted with David Brainerd, with whom he was very intimate,
till death separated them. Their friendship was the union of
hearts, attached to the same Redeemer, having the same exalted
views, and animated by the same spirit.
It Avas his intention to have spent a number of years with Mr.
Edwards of Northampton in theological studies, but the extensive
revival of I'eligion at this period rendering the zealous preaching of
the truth peculiarly important, he immediately commenced those
benevolent labors, which occupied and delighted him through tho
remainder of his life. After being licensed he preached about two
years in different parts of New England, and such was the pathos
and energy of his manner, that almost every assembly was melted
into tears. In November 1 743 he was ordained as an itinerant preach-
er, in which capacity he was indefatigable and very successful. He
was the instrument of doing much good, of impressing the thought-
less, of reforming the vicious, and of imparting to the selfish and
worldly the genuine principles of benevolence and godliness. Car-
rying with him testimonials from respectable ministers, he was ad-
mitted into many pulpits, from which other itinerants were exclud-
ed. While he disapproved of the imprudence of some in those
days, when religious truth was brought home remarkably to the
heart, he no less reprehended the unreasonable opposition of others
to the work of God. During this period his health was much im-
paired, and a severe fit of sickness brought him to the very entrance
of the grave ; but it pleased God, who holds the lives of all in his
hand, to restore his health and prolong his usefulness for yet many
years.
He was led to East Hampton on Long Island by a direction of
providence in some respects extraordinary, and was installed pastor
of the church in that place September 19, 1746. In this retire-
ment he devoted himself with great ardor to his studies. Though
he always had a high opinion of the special aid of the Spirit of God
in preaching, yet he duly estimated the importance of diligent ap-
plication of mind to the duties of the ministry. For a number of
years he wrote all his sermons and preached them without notes.
He was long engaged in writing a work on the prophecies, but the
publication of Newton's dissertations induced him to relinquish it.
He sought the acquisition of knowledge, not that he might have the
Tionor of being reputed a learned man, but that he might increase
his power of usefulness ; and keeping his great object, that of doing
good, constantly in view, he never suffered the pleasures of literary
and theological research to detain him from the field of more ac-
tive exertion, Hf could not shut himself up in his study, whilr*
16
122 BUE.
immortal sovils in his own congregation or in the neighborhood were
destitute 01 instruction and were ready to hear the words of eternal
life. He frequently preached two or thiee times in the course of
*he week in addition to his stated labors on the sabbatli. For a num-
ber of the first years ot his mmistry, he seemed to labor without ef-
fect. His people paid but little attention to the concerns of relig>-
ion. But in 1764 he witnessed an astonishing change. Almoat
every individual in the town was deeply impressed, and the inter-
ests of eternity received that attention, which their transcendent im-
portance dcinands. He had the happiness at one time of admit-
ting into his church ninety nine persons, who, he believed, had
been renewed, and enlightened with correct views of the gospel,
and inspired with benevolent principles of conduct. In the year*
1785 and 179 I also he was favored, through the influence of the Ho-
ly Spirit on the hearts of his hearers, with great success. After
a life of eminent usefulness he died July 19, 1798, in the eighty
second year of his age.
Dr. Buell presents a remarkable instance of disinterested exer-
tion for the good of others. When Long Island fell into the hands
of the British in 1776, he remained with his people, and did much
towards relieving their distresses. As there was at this period but
one minister within forty miles able to preach, the care of all the
churches fell upon him. His natural dispwsition inclined him to
do with his might whatever his hand found to do. He was an ex-
ample of all the christian virtues. He was attached to literature
and science, and was the father and patron of Clinton academy in
East Hampton. His house was the mansion of hospitality. Pos-
sessing a large fund of instructive and entertaining anecdote, his
company was pleasing to persons of every age. In no respect was
he more distinguished, than for a spirit of devotion. He was fully
convinced of the necessity and efficacy of prayer, and amid the pros-
perous and afflictive scenes, through Avhich he passed, it was his de-
light to h 'd intercourse with his Father in heaven. He followed
two wive and eight children to the grave. On these solemn and
affecting occ.sions, such was t'le resignation and support imparted
to hi?"n, that he usually preached himself.
To his unco^ non .md long continued health, the strict rules of
temperance, which he observed, without doubt much contributed.
The day he was eighty years old he rode fourteen miles to preach
the ,'>;ospel and returned in the evening. In his last hours his mind
Avas in perfect peace. He had no desire to remain longer absent
from his Savior. He observed, as the hour of his departure ap-
proached, th a he felt all his earthly connexions to be dissolved.
The world, into which he was just entering, absorbed all his
thoughts ; so that he was unwilling to suffer any interruption of his
most cheering contemplations from the last attention of his friends.
While thcv were endeavoring to prolong the dying flame, l»e wouM
BUL. 123
f^ut them aside with one hand, while the other was raised towards
heaven, where his eyes and his soul were fixed. In this happy state
ot mind he expired.
He published a narrative of the revival of religion among his peo-
ple in 1764, and tourteen occasional discourses, which evince the
vigor of his mind and the ardor of his piety. Among them are fune-
ral sermons on his daughter, Mrs. Conkling, 1782, and on an only
son, named Samuel, who died of the small pox in 1787. — Con.evav.
mag. ii. 14,7 — rlsl, 179 — 182; Daggett's funeral sermon.
BULKLEY (Peter), first minister of Concord, Massachu-
setts, was bom at Woodhill in Bedfordshire, England, January 31,
J 583. He was educated at St. John's in Cambridge and was fellow
of the college. He had a gentleman's estate left him by his father,
the revex'end Dr. Bulkley of Woodhill, v/hom he succeeded in the
ministry. For twenty one years he continued his faithtul labors
without interruption ; but at length, being silenced for nonconform*
ity to some of the ceremonies of tne English church, he came to
New England in 1633, that he might enjoy liberty of conscience.
After residing some time at Cambridge, he began the settlement
of Concord in 1 636 with a number of planters, who had accompanied
him from England. He formed the twelfth church, which had
been established in the colony, and in 1637 was constituted its teach-
er and Mr. Jones its pa&tor. He died in this town March 9, 1659,
in the seventy seventh year of his age. He was succeeded by his
son Edward.
Mr. Bulkley was remarkable for his benevolence. He expended
a large estate by giving farms to his servants, whom he employed
in husbandry. It was his custom, when a servant had lived with him
a certain number of years, to dismiss him, giving Mm a piece of land
for a farm, and to take another in his place. He was familiar
and pleasant in his manners, ihough while subject to bodily paine
he was somewhat irritable, and in preaching was at times consider-
ed as severe. So strict was his own virtue, that he could not spare
some follies, which were thought too inconsiderable to be noticed
In consequence of his pressing importunately some charitable
work, contrary to the wishes of the ruling elder, an unhappy divisi-
ion was produced in the church ; but it was healed by the advice of
a council and the abdication of the elder. By means of this troub-
lesome affair, Mr. Bulkley would say, that he knew more of God,
more of himself, and more of men. He was an excellent scholap,
and was distinguished for the holiness of his life and his diligent
attention to the duties of the ministry. He gave a considerable
part of his library to Harvard college. He was very conscientious
in his obsei'vation of the sabbath. He was averse to novelty of ap-
parel, and his hair was always cut close. Such was his zeal to do
good, that he seldom left any company, without making some seri-
ous remark, calculated to impress the mind When-through in-
124 BUL.
firniity he was iina1)le to teach from house to house, he added to his
usual labor on the L.ord's day that of catechising and exhorting the
youth in the presence of the whole assembly. Such was his rep-
utatioii among the ministers of New England, that he was appoint-
ed one ot the moderators of the synod of 1637. Mr Hooker was
the other. By two wives the number of his children was tifteeu ;
and three of his sons were educated for the ministry.
He published a work entitled, the gospel covenant or the covenant
of grace opened, Sec. London, 1646, 4to, pp. 383. This book was
so much esteemed, that it passed through several editions. It is
composed of sermons preached at Concord upon Zechariah ix. 11,
" the biood ot the covenant." Speaking ot this work, Mr. Shep*
ard of Cambridge s.iys, " the church of God is bound to bless God
for the hoiy, judicious, and learned labors of this aged, and experi-
enced, and precious servant of Jesus Christ." Mr. Buikiey also
wrote Latin poetry, some specimens of which are preset vcd by
Dr. Mather in his history of New England. — Mather's rna.^na/iay
ili. 96 — 98 ; J^eaCa J^cw Kngland^ i. 321 ; J\'cinconJormist's memorialy
last ed. ii. 200 ; Holmes' annalsy'i. 375 ; Collections hist. soc. x. 168 ;
Rifilry's dedication sermon.
BULKLEY (John), one of the first graduates of Harvard col-
lege, was the son of the preceding. He took his degree of A.M.
in 1642. He afterwards went to England, and settled at Ford-
liam, where he continued for several years with good acceptance
and usefulness. After his ejectment in 1662 he went to Wapping
in the suburbs of London, wheie he practised physic several years
with success. He was eminent in learning and equally so in piety.
Though he was not often in his pulpit after his ejectment, he might
truly be said to preach every day in the week. His whole life was
a continued sermon. He seldom visited his patients without read-
ing a lecture of divinity to them, and praying with them. He was
remarkable for the sweetness of his temper, and his great integrity
and charitableness ; but what gave a lustre to all his other virtues
was liis deep humility. He died near the tower in London in 1689 in
the seventieth year of his age, with unusual tranquillity and resig-
nation. Noncon/brmist's memorial^ last editioji, ii. 200 ; James* Ju'
neral sermon.
BULKLEY (Gershom), an eminent niuuster in Connecticut,
was the son of the reverend Peter Bulkley of Concord, Massachu-
set's, and was graduated at Harvard college in 1655. About the
year 1658 he succeeded Mr. Blinman as minister of New Lon-
don. Here he continued till about the year 1666, when he became
pas^o^ of the church in Wethersfield in the place of Mr. Russell,
who had removed to Hadley. He was succeeded at New London
by Mr. Bradstreet. Many years before his death he resigned the
ministry at Wethersfield on account of his infirmities, and Mr.
Rowlandson of Lancaster, Massachusetts, was received as minister..
Mr. Bulkley died in 1713 aged seventy eight years.
BUL. 125
He was a man of cUstinclion in his day, and was particularly em-
inent for his skill iu chemistry. From an inscription upon his
grave stone, it appears that he was regarded as a man of rare abil-
ities and extraordinary industry, excellent in learning, master of
many languages, exquisite in his skill in divinity, physic, and law,
and of a most exemplary and christian life. — I'rumbuWs Connect.,
i, 310, 324, 483, 519 ; Collections hist, societij,^. 155.
BULKLEY (John), first minister of Colchester, Connecticut,
Avas tne son of the reverend Gershom Bulkley. His mother was
the daughter of president Chauncy. He was graduated at Harvard
college in 1699, and was ordained December 20, 1703. His death
took place in June 1731.
Mr. Bulkley was very distinguished as a scholar. While a
member of college he and Mr. Dummer, whowas a member of the
same class, were considered as preeminent in genius and talents.
The palm was given to the latter for quickness, brilliancy, and wit ;,
but Mr. Bulkley was regarded as his superior in solidity of judg-
ment and strength of argument. He carried his researches into the
various departments of the law, of medicine, and theology. His
son, John Bulkley, who was also eminent for his learning, possessed
a high reputation as a physician and lawyer, and when very young
was appointed a judge of the superior court of Connecticut.
Mr. Bulkley was classed by the reverend Dr. Chauncy in 1768
among the three, most eminent for strength of genius and powers
of mind, which New England had produced. The other two were
Mr. Jeremiah Dummer and Mr. Thomas Walter. He published an
election sermon in 1713, entitled, the necessity of religion in soci-
eties. In 1724 he published an inquiry into the right of the abo-
riginal natives to the lands in America. This curious treatise has
within a few years been reprinted in the collections of the histoiicajl
society of Massachusetts. The author contends, that the Indians
had no just claims to any lands, but such as they had subdued and
improved by their own labor, and that the English had a perfect right
to occupy all other lands without compensation to the natives. He
published one other tract, entitled, an impartial account of a late de-
bate at Lyme upon the following points ; whether it be the will of
God, that the infants of visible believers should be baptised ; wheth-
er sprinkling be lawful and sufficient ; and whether the present way
of maintaining ministers by a public rate or tax be lawful, 1729. In
this he gives some account of the rise of the antipedobaptist persua-
sion. — Trumbull's Connecticut^ i. 520; Collections hist . soc.iv. l59 j
X. 155 ; General hist . of Connecticut ^ 173.
BULL (William, m. d.), a physician, eminent for literature
and medical science, was the son of the honorable William Bull,
who was appointed lieutenant governor of South Carolina in 173y
and died in March 1755, aged seventy two years, Mr. Bull, the
son, wi'.s the first native of South Carolina, and probably the first
American, who obtained a degree in medicine. He w?.s a pupil o?
126 BUR.
Bocrhaavc, and in 1 754 defended a thesis de colica pictonum before
the university of Lcyden. He is quoted by Van Swieten as his
fellow student with the title of the learned Dr. Bull. After his re-
turn to this country, his services in civil liie were required by his
fellow citizens. In 1751 he was a memberof the council ; in 1763
he was speaker of the house of representatives, and in 1764 he was
lieutenant governor of South Carolina. He was many years in
this office, and commander in chief. When the British troops
left South Carolina in 1782 he accompanied them to England, where
he resided the remainder of his life. He died in London July 4,
1791, in the eighty second year of his age. — Ramsay's review of
medicine, 42, 43 ; Miller's re(ros/iec(, i. 317 ; ii. 363 ; Genlleman'a
magazine, xxv. 236.
BURGOYNE (John), a British lieutenant general in America,
Was the natural son of lord Buigley. He entered early into the army,
and in 1762 had the command of a body of troops sent to Portugal
for the defence of that kingdon against the Spaniards. After his
Teturn to England he became a privy counsellor, and was chosen a
•member of parliament. In the American war he was sent to Cana-
da in 1775. In the year 1777 he was entrusted with the command
of the northern army, which should rather have been given to sir
Guy Carleton, who was much better acquainted with the situation
of the country. It Avas the object of the campaign of 1777 to open
a communication between New York and Canada, and thus to sever
New England from the other states. Burgoyne first proposed to pos-
sess himself of the fortress of Ticonderoga. With an army of about
four thousand chosen British troops and three thousand Germans
he left St. John's on the sixteenth of June, and proceeded up lake
ChamplaiiH, and landed near Crown Point, where he met the Indians
and gave them a war feast. He made a speech to them, calculated
*o secure their friendly cooperation, but designed also to mitigate
their native ferocity. He endeavored to impress on them the dis-
tinction between enemies in the field and helpless, luiarmed inhab-
itants, and promised rewards for prisoners, but none for scalps.
The attempt to lay some I'estraint upon the mode of w arfare adopted
hy the savages is honorable to the humanity of Burgoyne ; but it
may not be easy to justify the connexion with an ally, upon whom it
was well known no effectual restraints could be laid. He also pub-
lished on the twenty ninth of June a manifesto, intended to alarm
the people of the country, through which he was to march, and con-
cluded it wdth saying, " I trust I shall stand acquitted in the eyes of
God and man in denouncing and executing the vengeance of the
atate tgaiast the wilful outcasts. The messengers of justice and
of wrath await them in the field, and devastation, famine, and every
concomitaiit horror, that a reluctant but indisjiensable prosecution
of military duty must occvsion, will bar the wiy to their return."
On the first of July he proceeded to invest Ticonderoga. where
BUR. 127
general St. Clair was stationed with about three thousand effective
rioik and file, many of whom were without bayonets. The works
were extensive and incomplete, and required ten thousand men for
their delence. The British army was larger, thMi had been ex-
pected. When the investment was almost complete, general St.
Clair called a council of war, and the immediate evacuaticai of the
fort was unanimously advised. Preparations for the r-eti'eat were
accordingly made in the night of the firth of July. Burgoyne the
next morning engaged in the pursuit, and with the grand division of
the army in gun boats and two frigates proceeded to the falls of
Skeensborough ; but meeting with opposition in this place from the
works, whicJi had been constructed, he returned to South Bay,
where he landed. He followed the Americans however from
Skeensborough to fort Edward on the Hudson river, where, after
conducting his army with incredible labor and fatigue through the
wilderness, he arrived on the thirtieth of July. Had he returned
to Ticonderoga, and embarked on lake George, he might easily have
proceeded to fort George, whence there was a waggon road to fort
Edward. But he disliked the appearance of a retrograde motioiXi
though it would have brought lum to the place of his destination
much sooner and with much less difficulty. On his approach gen-
eral Schuyler, who had been joined by St. Clair, passed over to the
west bank of the Hudson, and retreated to Saratoga. Colonel St.
Legei" had been destined to reach Albany from Canada by a differ-
ent route. He was to ascend the St. Lawrence to lake Ontario, and
thence to proceed down the Mohawk. He had accordingly reachetj
th'ihead of this river, and was investing foit Schuvler,formerly call-
ed fort Stanwix, when intelligence of his operations Avas brought to
Burgoyne, wl.o perceived the importance of a rapid movement down
the Hudson in order to aid him in his project, and to effect the junc-
tion of the troops. But this intention could not be executed without
the aid of ox teams, carriages, and provisions. To procure them he
detached lieutenant colonel Baum with about six hundred men to
Bennington, a place about twenty four miles to the eastward of Hud-
son's river, where large supplies were deposited for the northern
American army. But Baum was defeated at Walloon creek, about
seven miles from Bennington, on the sixteenth of August, and col-
onel Breyman, who had advanced to liis assistance with about five-
hundred men, was obliged to retreat. This was the first check,
which the northern army received. This disaster was followed in
a few days by another ; f^r St. Leger, being deserted by his Indian
allies, who were alarmed by the approach of general Arnold and by
a report of the defeat of Burgoyne, ^vas obliged to raise the siege of
fort Schuyler in such haste, that ihe artillery with great part of the
baggage, ammunition, and provisions fell into the hands of the
Americans. As he returned immediately to Canada, Burgoyne
was cut off from the hope of being strengthened by a junction, and
12S fiUR.
the American forces were enabled to concentrate themselves in or-
der to oppose him. General Gates arrived to supersede Schuyler
and to take the command of the northern American army on the
nineteenth of Auijust, and his presence, with the recent events, pro-
cured a vast accession of militia, and inspired them with the hope
of capturing the whole British army. Burgoyne was p.evented
from commencing his march by the necessity of transporting pro-
visions from fort George, and every moment's delay increased the
difficulty of proceeding. Having thrown a bridge of boats over
the Hudson, he crossed that river on the thirteenth and fourteenth
of September, and encamped on the heights and plains of Saratoga.
Gates immediately advanced towards him, and encamped three
miles above Stillwater. Burgoyne was not averrse to a battle. He
accordingly approached, and on the nineteenth a severe engage-
ment took place. The action commenced at about three o'clock and
lasted till night, when the Americans under the command of Arnold
retired to their camp. The loss on the part of the Americans in killed
and wounded was between three and four hundred. The loss of the
British was about six hundred. Burgoyne now found, that the ene-
my, which he had to meet, was able to sustain an attack in open plains
with the intrepidity and the spirit of veterans. As he had given
up all communication with the lakes, he now felt the necessity of a
diversion in his favor by the British army at New York. He accord-
ingly wrote upon this subject in the most pressing manner to sir
William Howe and general Clinton ; but no effectual aid was af-
forded. He was also at this lime deserted by his Indian allies, who
had been disappointed in their hopes of plunder, and whose enthu-
siasm was chilled. These hordes of tlie wilderness, of whom in his
proclamation he boasted, that " he had but to lift his arm and beck-
on i)y a stretch thereof," and they would execute his vengeance,
were now " deaf to every consideration of honor, and unmoved by
any representation made to them of the distress, in which their se-
cession would involve him." DifBculties thickened around him.
His army was reduced to about five thousand men, and they were
limited to half the usual allowance of provisions. As the stock of
forage was entirely exhausted, his horses were perishing in great
numbers. The American army was so much augmented, as to
render him diffulent of making good his retreat.
In this exigency he resolved toexuminc the possibility of advanc-
ing, or of dislodging the Americans, and removing them to a great-
er distance, so as to favor his retreat, if he should be under, the
necessity of resorting to that melancholy expedient. For this pur-
pose he detached a body of fifteen hundred men, which he headed
himself, attended Iiy generals Philips, Reidcsel, and Frazcr. This
detachment, on the seventh of October, had scarcely formed with-
in less than half a mile of the American intrenchments, when a fu-
rious attack was made on its left, by the direction of Gates, who had
BUR. 129
perceived the movements of the British. Arnold soon pressed
luird on the right under Burgoyne, which with the loss of the field
pieces and great p:ut of the artillery corps retreated to the camp.
Tiie Araericans follo\yed and assaulted the works throughout their
whole extent from right to loft. The works were actually forced
towards the close of the day, and colonel Brooks, who had dislodged
the German reserve, occupied the ground, which he had gained.
In this action Burgoync lost a number of his best officers, among
whom were general Fruzer and colonel Breyman, many privates
killed, and two hundi'ed taken prisoners, Avith nine pieces of brass
artiilery and the encampment and cquipjge of the German brigade.
After the disasters of the day he took advantage of the night to
change his position, and to secure himself in the strong camp on the
heights. Apprehensive however of being enclosed on all sides,
he the next evening commenced his retreat to Saratoga, where he
arrived on the morning of the tenth. In his mai'challthe dwelling
houses on his route were reduced to ashes. This movement had been
foreseen, and a force was already stationed in his rear to be ready to
cut off" his retreat. No means of extricating himself from difficulty was
now left him, but to abandon his baggage and artillery, and by ford-
ing the Hudson to escape to fort George through roads impassable
by waggons. Of this last resource he Avas deprived by the precau-
tion of Gates, Avho had posted strong parties at the fords, so that
they could not be passed Avithout artillery. In this dilemma, when
his army was reduced to about three thousand five hundred fighting
men, and there Avas no means of procuring a supply of provisions,
which Avere almost exhausted, he called a council of Avar, and it Avas
unanimously agreed to enter into a convention with general Gates.
The troops of Burgoyne Avere at first required to ground their arms
in their encampments and yield themselves prisoners of Avar ; but
this demand v/as immediately rejected, and the American general
did not think it necessary to insist upon the rigorous terms propos-
ed. The convention Avas signed on the seventeenth of October, and
the British army on the same day marched out of their encamp-
ment with all the honors of Avar. It was stipulated, that they should
be permitted to embark for England, and should not serve against
the United States during the war. The whole number ot prisoners
was five thousand seven hundred and fifty tAvo, Burgoyne's army
in July consisted of upAvards of nine thousand men. The army of
Gates, including tAventy five hundred sick, amounted to thirteen
thousand and tAvo hundred.
The army of Burgoyne Avas escorted to Cambridge, in Massa-
chusetts, Avhere it Avas kept till November of the following year,
Avhen congress directed its removal to ChariotteA'ille in Virginia.
This detention of the troops Avas through fear, that the convention
Avould be broken, and until a ratification of it by the court of Great
Britain. Burgovnc himself had obtained permission to repair to
' ■ 17
ISO BUR.
England on parole, where he arrived in May 1778. He met a very
cool reception, and was denied admission to the presence of his sove-
reign, lie was even ordered imniecliatcly to repair to America
as a prisoner ; but the ill state of his health prevented his compli-
ance. At length he was permitted to vindicate his character ; soon
after Avhich he resigned his emoluments from government to the
amount of upwards of fifteen thousand dollars per annum.
Towards the close of the year 1781, when a majority of parlia-
ment seemed resolved to persist in the war, he joined the opposition,
and advocated a moticm for the discontinuance of the fruitless
contest. He knew that it was impossible to conquer America.
" Passion, prejudice, and interest," said he, " may operate suddenly
and partially ; but when we see one principle pervading the whole
continent, the Americans resolutely encountering difficulty and
denth for a course of years, it must be a strong vanity and presump-
tion in our own minds, which can only lead us to imagine, that they
are not in the right." From the peace till his death he lived as a
private gentleman, devoted to pleasure and the muses. His death
was occasioned by a fit of the gout August 4, 1792. He published
the maid of the oaks, an entertainment ; bon ton ; and the heiress, a
comedy, which were once very popular, and are considered as res-
pectable dramatic compositions.— Gentlejna7i's magazine ; Stedman,
i. 318 — 357; Marshall, ni. 231 — 291, 393; Bardie's and Wat'
fcins^ biog. diet ; Warren's hist, jimer. war, ii. 1—58 ; Holmes' an-
7ials, ii. 383 — 39 1 ; Ramsay, ii. 27 — 56 ; Gordon, ii. 476—490, 538
— 578 ; Annual register for 1777, 141 — 176; /or 1778, 195 — 200;
Coll. hist. soc. ii. 104 — 124.
BURNET (William), governor of several of the American
colonies, was the eldest son of the celebrated bishop Burnet, and
was born at the Hague in March 1688. He was named William
after the Prince of Orange, who stood his godfather. Previously
to his coming to this country, he possessed a considerable fortune ;
but it had been wrecked in the south sea scheme, which reduced ma-
ny opulent families to indigence. In the year 1720 he was appointed
governor of New York and New Jersey in the place of Robert
Hunter, esquire, who succeeded Mr. Burnet as comptroller gene-
ral of the accounts of the customs, a place worth twelve hundred
pounds per annum. He arrived at New York and took upon him the
government of that province September 17, 1720. He continued in
this station till his removal in 1728. None of his predecessors had
fiuch extensive and just views of the Indian affairs, and of the dan-
gerous neighborhood of tlie French, whose advances he was fully
determined to check. He penetrated into their policy, being con-
vinced from their possessing the main passes, from their care to con-
ciliate the natives, and from the increase of their settlements in
Louisiana, that the British colonies had much to fear from their arts
and power. In his first speech to the assembly he expressed his
BUR. i3i
apprekensions and endeavored to awaken the suspicion of the mem-
bers. Agreeably to his desire an act was passed at the first session,
pjrohibiting the sale of such goods to the French, as were suitable
lor the Indian trade. This was a wise and necessary measure ;
for by means of goods, procured from Albany and transported to
Canada by the Mohawk and lake Ontario, the French were enabled
to divert the fur trade from thp Hudson to the St. Lawrence, and
to seduce the fidelity of the Indian allies. But wise and necessary,
as this measure was, a clamor was raised against it by those, whose
interests were affected. The governor however was not prevented
from pursuing his plans for the public welfare. He perceived the im-
poi'tance of obtaining the command of lake Ontario in order to frus-
trate the project of the French for establisliing a chain of forts from
Canada to Louisiana, so as to confine the English colonies to narrow
limits along the sea coast. For tliis purpose he began the erection of
a trading house atOswegoin the country of theSeneca Indians in 1722.
In this year there was a congress at Albany of the sevei'al governors
and commissioners on the renewal of the ancient friendship with
the Indians ; and governor Burnet persuaded them to send a mes-
sage to ihe eastern Indians, threatening them with war, unless they
concluded a peace with the English, who had been much harassed
by their frequent irruptions.
Another cirpumstance, in addition to the act above mentioned, in-
creased the disaffection of the people to the governor. As he sus-
tained the office of chancellor, he paid great attention to its duties.
Though he was not a lawyer, he in general transacted the business
which was brought before him, with correctness and ability. He
had however one failing, which disqualified him for a station, which
sometimes required a patient application of mind. His decisions
were precipitate. He used to say of himself, " I act first, and think
afterward." As some cases were brought before him, in which
the path of justice was not so plain as to be instantly seen, and as the
establishment of the court itself without the consent of the assembly
Ava^ considered as a grievance, Mr. Burnet saw a strong party rise
against him. His services were overlooked and his removal became
necessary. Such was his disinterested .zeal in prosecuting his plan
of opposition to the French, that after they had built a large store-
house and repaired the fort at Niagara in 1 726, he in the following
year, at his own expense, built a fort at Os<\ ego for the protection
of the post and trade. This was a measure of the highest impor-
tance to the colonies.
In the government of New Jersey, which he enjoyed at the same
time with that of New York, no events of magnitude or interest
took place. In the session of the assembly, in the year 1721, a
bill was introduced, which was supposed to have originated with
the governor, entitled, " an act against denying the divinity of our
^avior Jesus Christ, the doctrine of the blessed Trinity, the truth
132 BUR. ■ '
of the holy scripture, and spreading alhcislical boolvs ;" hut it was
rejected,
Mr. Burnet was succeeded in his irovernmcnts by John Mont-
gomerie, esquirr, to whom he delivered the great seal of the prov-
ince of New York April 15, 1728. He left New York with reluc-
tance, for by his marriage with the daughter of Mr. Vanhornc he
had become connected with a numerous family, and he. had formed
a strict intimacy and friendship with several gentlemen of learning
and worth.
Being appointed governor of Massachusetts and New Hampsjiirr,
he reached Boston July 13, 1728, and was received with unusual
pomp. In his speech to the assembly July 24, he made known his
instructions to insist upon a fixed salary, and expressed his inten-
tion firmly to adhere to them. Thus the controversy, which had been
agitated during the administration of his predecessor Shute, was
revived. On the one hand it was contended, that if the support of
the governor depended upon an annual grant, he would be laid
under constraint, and would not act with the necessary independ-
ence and regard to the rights of the king. On the other hand it
was asserted, that the charter gave the assembly a full right to raise
and appropriate all monies for the support of government, and that
an honorable support would always be afforded to a worthy chief
magistrate, without rendering him completely independent of the
people, whose interests he is bound to promote. The governor
pursued the controversy with spirit, but without success ; and the
opposition had an evident effect upon his spirits. A violent coU",
occasioned by the oversetting of his carriage upon the causeway at
Cambridge, when the tide was high, was followed by a fever, which
terminated his life September 7, 1729. He was succeeded by Mr.
Belcher.
Governor Burnet was a man of superior talents, and in many re-
spects of an amiable character. His acquaintance with books and
his free and easy manner of communicating his sentiments made
Jiim the delight of men of letters. His library was one of the richest
private collections in America. His right of precedence in all
companies rendered him the more excusable in indulging his natu-
ral disposition by occupying a large share in the conversation. To
the ladies he made himself peculiarly agreeable.
In his conduct as governor he discovered nothing of an avaricious
spirit, though in order to procure supplies for his family he exceeded
the bounds of the law in demanding fees of masters of vessels.
His controversy with the assembly respected not the amount of his
salary, but only the manner, in which it should be secured to him.
In his disposal of public offices he was sometimes generous, though
^e visually preferred those, who would favor his cause, and displac-
ed some, who opposed him . He removed from his posts INIr. Lynde,
(\ Hiembcr of the house, whose integrity and talents were unquest-
BUR. 133
idncdj merely because he would not vote for a compliance with the
instructions given to the governor. By this measure he lost many
of his friends. It is however highly to the honor of Mr. Burnet,
that an immoral or unfair character was in his view a complete ex-
clusion from office ; and upon this principle only he once gave his
negative to the election of a member of the council.
With regard to his religion, he firmly believed the truth of Christ-
ianity, but he seems not to have possessed all the seriousness, which
would have been honorable to his character, nor that constant sense
of obligation to the Giver of all good, which the christian should
feel. Being invited to dine with an aged gentleman, who had been
a senator under the old charter, and who retained the custom of say-
ing grace sitting, he was asked, whether it would be more agreeable
to his excellency, that grace should be said sittuig or standing. The
governor replied, " standing or sitting, any way or no way, just as
you please." Another anecdote is the following. One of the com-
mittee, who went from Boston to meet him on the borders of Rhode
Island, was the facetious colonel Taller. Burnet complained of the
long graces, which were said by clergymen on the road, and asked
when they woidd shorten. Tailer ansv,'ered, " the graces will in-
crease in length till you come to Boston ; after that they will short-
en till you come to your government of New Hampshii'e, where
your excellency will find no grace at all."' The governor, though
the son of a bishop, was not remarkable for his exact attendance
upon public worhip. Mr. Hutchinson, one of his succcy.sors, who
had a keener sense of what was discreet, if not of Avhat was right,
thinks that he should have conformed more to the customs and prej-
udices of New England. But he had no talent at dissimulation, and
his character presented itself fully to vIcav. He did not appear
better than he really was. He sometimes v.ore a cloth coat, lined
with velvet ; it was said to be expressive of his character. By a
clause in his last will he ordered his body to be buried in the nearest
church yard or burying ground, as he had no attachment to partic-
ular modes and forms.
He published some astronomical observations in the transactions
of the joyal society, and an essc\y on scripture prophecy, wherein
it is endeavored to explain the three periods contained in the twelfth
chapter of Daniel, with arguments to prove, that the first period ex-
pired in 1715. This was published in 1724, 4to, pp. 1G7. — Smith's
/list. A". York, 151 — 173, ed. in 4to; Hutchinson, ii. 332 — 366;
Belknafi's JV. Hampshire, iL 93 — 95 ; Marfihall, i. 290 — 299, 306 ;
Hardie's bicg. diet.; Caiman's life, 196; Johnson's life, 41, 42 ;
Minot, i. 6 1 .
BURR (Jonathan), minister of Dorchester, Massachusetts,
was born at Redgrave in Suffolk, England, about the year 1604.
He gave early indications of an inquisitive, studious, and pious
mind. While he was much attached to I)ookr., tlie bible was pe-
134 BUR.
culiarly his delight, and by means of its instructions, which were fa-
miliar to him from childhood, he was made wise to sdlvalion. Hence
he was conscientious in secret prayer ; his whole deportment was
guarded and serious; and his sabbaths were entirely occupied in the
exercises becoming a day of holy rest. His pious parents observed
with satisfaction the promising disposition of their son ; and being
desirous to consecrate him to the service of God and his church,
determined to bestow upon him a learned education. He was accord-
ingly sent to the university, where he continued three or four years,
when the course of his academical studies was interrupted by the
death of his father. Being compelled by this melancholy event to retire
into the country, he undertook the instruction of a school ; but he
still pursued, with unabated ardor, his design of accomplishing
himself in tiie various branches of knowledge. The awful provi-
dence of Goii, he would remark, by which he was precluded from
those employments and honors in the university, of which he was
very fond, produced an eft'ect, for which he had reason to admire
the divine wisdom. It promoted in him a humility and seriousness,
which rendered him mure fit for the great work of turning many
to righteousness.
Alter having preached for some time at Horninger, near Bury in
Suffolk, he was called to take the charge of a congregation at Reck-
ingshal in the same covmty. Here he approved himself a faithful
minister of the gospel. By an explicit and solemn covenant he
obligated himself to the most conscientious discharge of the high
Aluties, devolved upon him. He often and earnestly prayed, that
whatever he preached to others, he might preach from his own ex-
perience. Yet he not unfrcquently lamented to his friends, "alas!
I preach not what I am, but what I ought to be."
Being silenced in England with many others for resisting the im>-
positions of the prelatical party, and apprehending, that calamities
were in store for the nation, he came to New England in 1639,
willing to forego all worldly advantages, that he might enjoy the.
ordinances of the gospel in their purity. He was admitted a mem-
■ber of the church in Dorchester under the pastoral care of Mr.
Richard Mather on the twenty first of December. He was in a
short time invited to settle as a colleague with Mr. Mather in the
ministry ; but before accepting the invitation a misunderstanding
arose, which made it necessary to ask the advice of the neighboring
churches. A coimcil was accordingly called February 2, 1 640, con-
sisting of governor Winthrop and another magistrate and ten min-
isters. Four days were spent in examining and discussing the af-
fair. It appeared, that Mr. Burr had been suspected of some er-
rors, and being directed to give his opinions in writing to Mr. Ma-
ther, the latter had re])orted the exceptionable expressions and the
erroneous sentiments to the church, without alluding to the quali-
fications, which they mijht receive from other partsof the writing.
BUR. 135
These errors Mr. Burr disclaimed. The council in their result
declared, tiiat both these good men had cuu&e to be humbled foriheir
failings, and advised them to set apartacu*y lor reconciliation. This
was accordingly done. The spirit oi neekness and iove triumph-
ed, the mutual aftection of the miniaters \vas restored, and the peace
of the church was happily reestablished. Mr. Burr, whose faith
had been scmewnat shaken, by means of the discussion was
confirmed in the truth, and he humb'ed hiar.self with many tears.
He and his family were inthis^year taken sick with the smali pcx,
which, as inoculation was not practised, wus a very dangerous dis-
order ; but he happily recovered. On this occasion he renewed
the dedication of himself to God, resolving to act only ibrhis giory
and the good of his brethren, and not to be governed by selfish-
ness ; to live in humility and with a sense of his complete depend-
ence upon divine grace ; to be watchful over his own heart, lest his
reliance should be transferred from the Creator to the creature ;
to be mindful, that God heareth prayer ; and to bend his exertions
with more diligence for the promotion of pious aflFections in him-
self and in his family. He lived afterwards answerably to these
holy resolutions. The most experienced christians in the country
found his ministry, and liis whole deportment breathing much of
the spirit of a better world. The eminent Mr. Hooker, once hear=
ing him preach, remarked, " surely this man will not be long out
of heaven, for he preaches, as if he were there already." He died
after a short sickness August 9, 1641, aged thirty seven years.
Mr. Burr was esteemed both in England and in this country for
his piety and learning. His modesty and self diffidence were un-
commonly great. He could with difficulty imagine, that perform-
ances such as his could be productive of any good. Yet he was
sometimes most happily disappointed. Having been by much impor-
tunity prevailed on to preach at a distance from home, he returned,
making the most humiliating reflections on his sermon. " It must
surely be of God," said he, " if any good is done by so unworthy an
instrument." Yet this sermon was instrumental in the conversion
of a person of eminence, who heard it, and whose future life mani-
fested, that he was a christian indeed. It was his custom on the
sabbath, after his public labors, to retire to his closet, where he sup-
plicated forgiveness of the sins, which had attended his performanc-
es, and implored the divine blessins: upon them. He then spent
some hours in praying with his family and instructing them in the
great truths and duties of religion. When he was desired to re-
lax his excessive exertions to do good, lest he should be exhausted,
he replied, " it is better to be worn cut with the work, than to be
eaten out with rust." He began each day with secret prayer. He then
carefully meditated on a chapter of the bible, which he afterwards,
at the time of domestic worship, expounded to his family and such
neighbors, as wished to be present. A similar course he pursued
136 BUR.
at evening. lie generally spent some tin^c after dinner in praying
with his wife. Immediately before retiring to rest, he employed
half an hour in recollecting and confessing the sins of the day, in
grateful acknowledgments of divine mercies, and in supplications to
be prepared for sudden death. Previously to each celebration of
the Lord's supper, he kept with his wife a day of fasting and prayer,
not merely as a preparative for tliat sacred ordinance, but as a sea-
son for imploring the blessing of God on his family and neighbor-
hood. Absence irom home was irksome to him, particularly as it
deprived him of those opportunities of holding intercourse with
heaven, on which he placed so great a value. But when he jour-
neyed with his friends, he did not fail to edify them by profitable
conversation ; especially by instructive remarks on such objects and
occurrences, as presented themselves to his attention. In the re-
collection of these scenes he was accustomed to inquire, what good
had been done or gained, what useful examples seen, and what val-
uable instructions heard.
While he was indefatigable in his ministerial work, he was not
anxious for any other reward, than Avhat he found in thp service it-
self. If any, who hoped that they had received spiritual benefit
through his exertions, sent him expressions of their gratitude, he
would pray that he might not have his portion in these things.
Nor was he backward to remind his grateful friends, that whatever
good they had received through him, the glory should be ascribed
to God alone. It was in preaching the gospel, that he found his
highest enjoyment in life. In proportion to the ardor of his piety
was the extent of his charity. He sincerely loved his fellow men,
and while their eternal interests pressed with weight on his heart,
he entered with lively sympathy into their temporal afflictions.
Rarely did he visit the poor without communicating what was com-
fortable to the body, as well as what was instructive and salutary to
the soul. When he was reminded of the importance of having a
greater regard to his own interest, he replied, I often think of
those words," he that soweth sparingly shall reap sparingly." For
the general interests of religion in the world he felt so lively a
concern, that his personal joys and sorrows seemed inconsiderable
in comparison. He was bold and zealous in withstanding every
thing, which brought dishonor on the name of God ; but under per-
sonal injuries he was exemplarily meek and patient. When inform-
ed, that any thought meanly of him, his reply was, " I think
meanly of myself, and therefore may well be content, that others
think meanly of me." When charged with what was faulty, he
remarked, " if men see so much evil in mc, what does God see ?"
In his last sickness he exhibited uncommon patience and submis-
sion. He was perfectly resigned to the will of God. Just before
his death, as his faith was greatly tried, and he endured a sharp con-
flict, a nerson, M'ho wc^s standing by, remarked, " this is one of Sa-
BUR. 137
toll's last assaults ; he is a subtle enemy, and would, if it were pos"
sible, deceive the very elect." Mr. Burr repeated the expression*
" if it were possible," and added, " but blessed be God, there is no
possibility." He then requested to be left alone for prayer.
But seeing the company reluctant to depart, he prayed in
Latin as long as he had strength. He then called for his wife,
and steadfastly fixing his eyes upon her said, " cast thy care upon
God, for he careth lor thee." He soon afterwards expired. He
left four children. His eldest son was educated at Harvard college.
His widow married the honorable Richard Dummer, esquire, with
whom she lived happily near forty years. — Mather's magnalia^ iii. 78
—81 ; Panop,list^ Selitembery 1808; lVin(/iro/i's Journal^ 216; Har»
ris' hist, o/" Dorchester in Collect, hist. soc. ix. 173—175.
BURR (Aaron), president of New Jersey college, was a na-
tive of Fairfield in Connecticut, and was born in the year 1714. His
ancestors for a number of generations had lived in that colony, and
were persons of great respectability. He descended, it is believed,
from the reverend Jonathan Burr of Dorchester. He was graduated
at Yale college in 1735. In 1742 he was invited to take the pastoral
charge of the presbyterian church at Newark in New Jersey. Here
he became so eminent as an able and learned divine and an accom-
plished scholar, that in 1748 he was unanimously elected president of
the college, which he was instrumental in founding, as successor to Mr.
Dickinson. The college was removed about this time from Eliza-
bethtown to Newark and in 1757, a short time before the death of
Mr. Burr, to Princeton. In 1754 he accompanied Mr. Whitefield
to Boston, having a high esteem for the character of that eloquent
itinerant preacher, and greatly rejoicing in the success ot his la-
bors. After a life of usefulness and honor, devoted to his Master in
heaven, he was called into the eternal world September 24, 1757,
in the midst of his days, being in the forty third year of his age.
President Burr was a person of a slender and a delicate make,
yet to encounter fatigue he had a heart of steel. To amazing tal»-
ents for the dispatch of business he joined a constancy of mind,
that commonly secured to him success. As long as an enterprise
appeared possible, he yielded to no discouragement. The flourishing
state of the college of New Jei'sey was much owing to his great and
assiduous exertion. It was in a great degree owing to his influence
with the legislature and to his intimacy and friendship with gover-
nor Belcher, that the charter was enlarged in 1746. The first class
was graduated in 1748, the first of year his presidency. When his
services were requested by the trustees of the college in soliciting
donations for the purchase of a library and philosophical apparatus,
and for erecting a building for the accommodation of the students,
he engaged wjih his usual zeal in the undertaking, and every where
met with the encouragement, which the design so fully deserved. A
place being fixed upon at Princeton for the site of the new building,
18
138 BUR.
the superintendence of the work was solely committed to him. Un-
til the spring of 1757, when the college was removed to Newark*
he discharged the duties both of president and pastor of a church.
Few were more perfect in the art of rendering themselves agree-
able in company. He knew the avenues to the human heart, and
he possessed the rare power of pleasing Avithout betraying a design
to please. As he was free from ostentation and parade, no one
tirould have suspected his learning unless his subject required him
to display it, and then every one was surprised that a person so well
acquainted with books should yet possess such ease in conversation
and such freedom of behavior. He inspired all around him with
cheerfulness. His arms were open to good men of every denomi-
nation. A sweetness of temper, obliging courtesy and mildness of
manners joined to an engaging candor of sentiment spread a glory
over liis reputation, and endeared his person to all his acquaint-
ance. Though steady to his own principles he was free from all
bigotry.
In the pulpit he shone with superior lustre. He was fluent, copi-
ous, feublime, and persuasive. Having a clear and harmonious voice,
which was capable of expressing the various passions, and taking a
deep interest in his subjects, he could not fail to reach the heart.
His invention was exhaustless, and his elocution was equal to his
ideas. He was not one of those preachers, who soothe their hear-
ers with a delusive hope of safety, who substitute morality in the
place of holiness, and yield the important doctrines of the gospel
through fear of displeasing the more reputable sinners. He insist-
ed upon the great and universal duty of repentance, as ail were
guilty and condemned by the divine law. He never wished to ad-
minister consolation, till the heart was renewed and consecrated un-
to God. When he saw the soul humbled, he then dwelt upon the
riches of redeeming mercy, and expatiated upon the glories of him,
who was God manifest in the flesh. It was his endeavor to alarm
the thoughtless, to fix upon the conscience a sense of sin, to revive
the disconsolate, to animate the penitent, to reclaim the relapsing,
to confirm the irresolute, and to establish the faithful. He wished
to restore to man the beautiful image of God disfigured by the a-
postasy. His life and example were a comment on his sermons,
and by his engaging deportment he rendered the amiable character
of a christian still more attractive and lovely.
He was distinguished for his public spirit. Amidst his other
cares he studied, and planned, and toiled for the good of his coun-
try. He had a high sense of English liberty and detested despotic
power as the bane of human happiness. He considered the heresy
of Arius as not more fatal to the purity of the gospel, than the po-
sitions of Filmer were to the dignity of man and the repose of
states. But though he had much of that patriotic spirit, which is orna-
mental even to a christian minister, he very cautiously intermcd-
BUR. 139
died with any matters of a political nature, being aware of the invidi-
ous constructions, which are commonly put upon the most unex-
ceptionable attempts, made by men of his profession to promote the
public welfare. He was a correspondent of the Scotch society for
propagating the gospel ; and he thought no labor too great in the
prosecution of an enterprise, which promised to illuminate the
gloomy wilderness with the beams of evangelical truth.
He presided over the college with dignity and reputation. He
had the most engaging method of instruction and a singular talent
in communicating his sentiments. While he stripped learning of
its mysteries, and presented the most intricate subjects in the clear-
est light, and thus enriched his pupils with the treasures of learning,
he wished also to implant in their minds the seeds of virtue and re-
ligion. He took indefatigable pains in regard to their religious in-
struction, and with zeal, solicitude, and parental affection pressed
upon them the care of their souls, and with melting tenderness urg-
ed the importance of their becoming the true disciples of the ho-
ly Jesus. In some instances his pious exertions were attended
with success. In the government of the college he exhibited the
greatest impartiality and wisdom. Though in judgment and tem-
per inclined to mild measures, when these failed, he would resoit
to a necessary severity, and no connexions could prevent the equal
distribution of justice. In no college were the students more nar-
rowly inspected and prudently guarded, or vice of every kind more
effectually searched out, and discountenanced or suppressed. He
secured with the same ease the obedience and love of his paipils.
The year after he took his first degree he resided at New Haven,
and this is the period, when his mind was first enlightened with the
knowledge of the way of salvation. In his private papers he wj ote
as follows ; " this year God saw fit to open my eyes, and shew me
what a miserable creature I was. Till then I had spent my life in
a dream ; and as to the great design of my being had lived in vain.
Though before I had been under frequent convictions, and was
a
14« BUR.
spiritual life. The efRcacy of his religious principles was evinced
by his benevolence and charity. From the grace of God he receiv-
ed a liberal and generous disposition, and from his bounty the pow-
er of gratifying the desire oi doing good.
At the approach of death that gospel, which he had preached
to others, and which discloses a crucified Redeemer, gave him sup-
port. He was patient and resigned, and was cJiocred with the live-
liest hope. The king of terrors was disarmed of Iiis sting.
Mr. Burr married in 1752 a daughter of Jonathan Edwards, hirs
successor in the presidency of the college. She died in 1758, the
year after the death of her husband, in the twenty seventh year of
her age, leaving two children, one of whom was Aaron Burr, late
vice president of the United States, and the other a daughter, who
was married to judge Reeve of Connecticut. She died a numlier of
years ago. Mrs. Burr was in every respect an ornament to her sex,
being equally distinguished for the suavity of her temper, the
gracefulness of her manners, her literary accomplishments, and her
unfeigned regard to religion. She combined a lively imagination,
a penetrating mind, and a correct judgment. When only seven or
eight years of age she was brought to the knowledge of the truth,
as it is in Jesus, and her conduct through life was becoming the gos-
pel. Her religion did not cast a gloom over her mind, but made
her cheerful and happy, and rendered the thought of death trans-
porting. She left a number of manuscripts upon interesting sub-
jects, and it was hoped they would have been made public ; but
they are now lost.
Mr. Burr published a valuable treatise, which displays his talents
in controversial theology, entitled, the supreme deity of our Lord
Jesus Christ maintained in a letter to the dedicator of Mr. Emlyn's
inquiry; reprinted at Boston in 1791. He published also a fast
sermon on account of the encroachments of the French and their
designs against the British colonies in America, delivered at New-
ark January 1, 1755 ; the watchman's answer to the question, what
of the night ? a sermon before the synod of New York, convened
at Newark September 30, 1756 ^ a funeral sermon at the interment
of governor Belcher, September 4, 1757. This was preached but
a few days before his own death, and his exertions in a very feeble
state of health to honor the memory of a highly respected friend,
it is thought, accelerated that event. — Livings fo?i's funeral elo-
gium ; Smith's funeral sermon^ and preface to Burr's sermon on
the death of Belcher ; Miller's retrosfiect, ii. 345 ; Hardie's biog. die-
tionary ; Edwards' life^ afifiendix.
BURRILL (John), speaker of thp house of representatives of
Massachusetts, sustained this office for many years during the ad-
ministration of governor Shute, and acquitted himself in it with
great reputation. He was distinguished for his great integrity, his
ttc^uaUiiuuce with the lorma of parliameiUary proceedings, the di™»
BUR. Ui
uity and authority, with which he filled the chair, and for the order
and decorum, which he maintained in the debates of the house. In
the year 1720 he was chosen a member of the council. He might
have received this honor for a number of the preceding years ;
but he made liimself contented v/ith the station, which he occupied.
He died of the small pox at Lynn December 10, 172 1, in the sixty
fourth year of his age. Besides sustaining the offices above men-
tioned, he was also one of the judges of the county of Essex. To
his other accomplishments there was added an exemplary piety.
The morning and evening incense of prayer to God ascended from
his family &\i2LY.— Henchman's funeral sermon ; Hutchi7i30n's history
of Massachusetts ii. 234.
BURROUGHS (George), one of the victims of the witch-
craft delusion in 1692, was graduated at Harvard college in 1670,
and succeeded Mr. Bayley as a preacher at Salem village in 1681.
After remaining here a few years he left his family, and went to
Falmouth, now Portland, in the district of Maine in 1685, where
he preached till the town was sacked by the Indians in 1690. He
then returned to Salem village, or Danvers. In 1692 he was accus-
ed of witchcraft, and was brought to trial on the fifth of August. In
his indictment it was stated, that by his wicked arts one Mary Wol-
cott was " tortured, afflicted, pined, consumed, wasted, and torment-
ed." The evidence against him was derived principally from the
testimony of the afflicted persons, as those were called, who were
supposed to be bewitched, and from that of the confessing witches.
The spectre of a little black haired man, it was testified, had in»
flicted cruel pains, and appeared as a head conjuror. Two of his
wives had appeared to the witnesses, saying, that he was the cause
of their death, and threatening, if he denied it, that they would ap-
pear in court. Accordingly during his trial the afflicted persons
were thrown into a paroxism of horror by the spectres of his wives,
who were mindful of their engagement. The confessing witches
affirmed, that he had attended witch meetings with them, and com.-
pelled them to th^ snares of witchcraft. He was also accused of
performing such feats of extraordinary strength, as could not be
performed without diabolical assistance, such as carrying a barrel of
molasses through a difficult place from a canoe to the shore, and
putting his fore finger into the muzzle of a large gun, and holding
it out straight. He pleaded his innocence ; but it was in vain. He
had excited prejudices against him, while he lived in Salem, and
he was now doomed to suffer with many others through the infatu-
ation, which prevailed. He was executed on the nineteenth of Au-
gust. At his execution he made a speech assening his innocence,
and concluded his dying prayer with the Lord's prayer, probably to
vindicate his character, as it was a received opinion, that a witch
could not repeat the Lord's prayer without mistake. This last ad»
jlrcss to heaven was uttered with such composure and fcrvencv
142 BUR.
of spirit, as drew tears from the spectatoi"s.— A*ca/'* ^\*. JinglaudyM.
130—134, 144; JIutchinson.,u. 37, 56 ; Coilections Jiiiit.,soc.\i.265,
268; Sullivan's his(. Maine, 209 — 212; Cale/'s more nvomkra of
the invisible "world, fireface, aJid 103, 104.
BURT (John), minister of Bristol, Rhode Island, was graduat-
ed at Harvard college in 1736, and was ordained about the year
1741. He died October 7, 1775, aged fifty eight years. His death
was very singular. Captain James Wallace, a British commander,
had commenced a heavy cannonude upon the town at a time, when an
epidemical sickness was prevailing. Those, who were able, fled
from the town. Mr. Burt, though weak and sick, endeavored to
escape the impending destruction. He was afterwards found dead
in an adjacent field, supposed to have been overcome by fatigue.
No other person was injured in the attack. He was a sound divine
and a venerable servant of Jesus Christ, preaching the true
doctrines of grace. — Account of Bristol ; Warren's hist, war, i. 244.
BUSS (John), remarkable for longevity, died at Durham in
^ew Hampshire in 1736 aged one hundred and eight years. Though
never ordained, he had been a preacher of the gospel for thirty
three years ; he liad also been a practitioner of physic, lie was
remarkably active and vigorous at a very advanced age. — Belknap's
New Hamtishire, iii. 250.
BUTLER (RiciiAKD,) a brave officer during the war of the
American revolution, sustained the office of colonel at the close of
the struggle with great Great Britain. On more than one occasion
he had distinguished himself in a remarkable manner. In the
battle with the Indians near the Miamis villages November 4, 1791,
which terminated in the defeat of St. Clair, he commanded the
right wing of the army with the rank of general. In this engage-
ment he was killed. — MarshalVs life of Washington, v. 329, 332, 334.
BUTLER (Thomas,) a brave officer during the war with Great
Britain, was a brother of the preceding. Three other brothers
fought in the service of their country. In the year 1776 he was a
student at law with the eminent judge Wilson of Philadelphia ;
but early in that year he quitted his studies, and joined the army as
a subaltern. He soon obtained the command of a company, in
•which grade he continued till the close of the revolutionary contest.
He was in almost every action, that was fought in the middle states
during the war. At the battle of Brandywine, September 11,
1777, he received the thanks of Washington on the field of battle,
through liis aid de camp, general Hamilton, for his intrepid con-
duct in rallying a detachment of retreating troq)s, and giving the
enemy a severe fiic. At the battle of Monmouth, June 28, 1778,
he received the thanks of general Wayne for defending a defile in
the face of a heavy liie from the enemy, while colonel Richard
Butler's regiment made !;ood their retreat.
At the close of the war he retired into private life as a farmer.
BYF. 143
And continued in the enjoyment of rural and domestic happiness
fill the year 1791, when he a^ain took the field to meet a savage
foe, that menaced our -western i'rontier. He commanded a battal-
ion in the disastrous battle of November 4, in which his brother
fell. Orders were given by general St. Clair to charge with the
bayonet, and major Butler, though his leg had been broken by a
ball, yet on horse back led his battalion to the charge. It was ynih
difficulty, that his surviving brother, captain Edward Butler, re-
moved him from the field. In 1792 he was continued on the
establishment as a major, and in 1794 he was promoted to the rank
of lieutenant colonel commandant of the fourth sublegion. He
commanded in this year fort Fayette at Pittsburgh, and prevented
the deluded insurgents from taking it more by his name, than by
his forces, for he had but few troops. In 1797 he was named by
president Washington as the officer best calculated to command in
the state of Tennessee, when it was necessary to dispossess some
citizens, who had imprudently settled on the Indian lands. Ac-
cordingly in May he marched with his regiment from the Miami on
the Ohio, and by that prudence and good sense, which marked his
character through life, he in a short time removed all difficulties.
While in Tennessee he made several treaties with the Indians.
In 1802, at the reduction of the army, he was continued as colonel
of a regiment on the peace establishment.
The close of his life was embittered by trouble. In 1803 he
was arrested by the commanding general at fort Adams on the
Mississippi, and sent to Maryland, where he was tried by a court
martial, and acquitted of all the charges, except that of wearing
his hair. He was then ordered to New Orleans, where he arrived
to take the command of the troops October 20. He was again
arrested the next month, but the court did not meet till July of the
next year, and their decision is not known. Colonel Butler died
September 7, 1805, aged fifty one years.— Louisiana Gazelle;
Polyanl/ios, i. 13 — 17 ; Marshall, v. 332.
BYFIELD (Nathaniel), judge of the vice admiralty, and
member of the council of Massachusetts, was the son of the rev-
erend Richard Byfield, pastor of Long Ditton in Sussex, England,
who was one of the divines in the Westminster assembly. He
was bom in the year 1653, and was the youngest of twenty one
children, sixteen of whom sometimes accompanied at the same
lime their pious father to the house of vrorsliip. He arrived at
Boston in the year 1674. Being an eminent merchant, whose
property was very considerable, soon after Philip's war he was one
of the four proprietors and the principal settler of the town of
Bristol in Rhode Island. He lived in this place till the year 1724,
when on account of his advanced age he returned to Boston, where
he died June 6, 1733, in the eightieth year of his age.
Colonel Byfield possessed very considerable abilities, which fit-'
144 BVL.
ted him for the stations, which he occupied. He held a variety 6i
offices both civil and militury. He was speaker of the house of
representatives, was for thirty eight years chief justice of the
court of common pleas for lirislol county, and two years tor Suf-
folk, was many years a member of the council, and was judge of
the vice admiralty from the year 1703. His spirit was active and
vigorous, his courage unshaken by any danger, and his constancy
such as was not easily discouraged by difficulties. He was well
formed for the exercise of authority^ his very looks inspiring respect.
He possessed a happy elocution. He loved order, and in his fami-
ly the nicest economy was visible. He was conspicuous for piety,
having a liberal, catholic spirit, and loving all good men, hov.cver
they diffci'ed from him in matters of small importance. For forty
years he constantly devoted a ccrtiiin proportion of his estate to
charitable purposes. In one year he was known to give away sev-
eral hvmdreds of pounds. He had a steady and unshaken faith in
the truths of the gospel, and he died in the lively liope of the
mercy of God through a glorious Redeemer.
He published a tract, entitled, an account of the late revolution
in New England, with the declaration of the gentlemen, merchants,
and inhabitants of Boston, 8;c. 1689. — -C/iauncy's yun. sermon;
IVeeklij news letter^ number 1533 ; Hiitchhison, ii. 2 1 1.
BYLES (MATHKit, D. D.), muiister of Boston, was descended
from a respectable ^amily and was born in thattown March 26, 1706.
His father was a native of England and died within a year after the
birth of his son. By his mother's side he descended from the rev-
erend Richard Mather of Dorchester and the reverend John Cotton
of Boston. In early life he discovered a taste for literature, and he
was graduated at Harvard college in 1725. After pursuing his lit-
erary and theological studies for some time he commenced preach-
ing. He was ordained the first pastor of the church in HoUis street,
Boston, December 20, 1733. It was not long before he attained
considerable eminence in his profession, and he became known by
his publication of several pieces in prose and verse. His poetical
talents he considered only as instruments of innocent amusement,
and never permitted them to withdraw his attention from m.orc
serious and profitable objects. He never attempted any great pro-
duction in verse ; but sounded his lyre only in compUance with
occasional inclination.
Dr. Byles continued to live happily with his parish in the useful
discharge of ministerial duties until the late revolution began to
create distrust and animosity between the different parties, that
existed in the country prior to the war. Falling under the impu-
tation of being a tory, he was in 1776 separated from his people by
the jealousy and violence of the times, and he was never afterwards
reunited to them. He was accused of attachment to Great Brit-
ain. The sui)stance ot" the charges against him was, that he con-
BYL. 145
linucd in Boston with his family during the siege ; that he ptayed
for the king and the safety of the town ; and that he received the vis-
its of the British officers. In May 1777 he was denounced in town
meeting as a person inimical to America ; after which he waS
obliged to enter into bonds for his appearance at a public trial before
a special court on the second of June following. He was pronounced
guilty and sentenced to confinement on board a guard ship, and irt
forty days to be sent with his family to England. When brought
before the board of war, by whom he was treated respectfully, his
sentence seems to have been altered, and it was directed, that he
should be confined to his OAvn house, and a guard placed over him
there. This was accordingly done for a few weeks, and then the
guard was removed. A short time afterwards a guard was again
placed over him, and again dismissed. Upon this occasion he ob-
served in his own manner, that he was guarded, reguarded, and dis-
regarded. He was not again connected with any parish. In the
year 1783 he was seized with a paralytic disorder, and he died July
5, 1788, aged eighty two years.
Dr. Byles was in person tall and well proportioned. He possess*
ed a commanding presence, and was a graceful speaker. His voice
was strong, clear, harmonious, and susceptible of various modula-
tions, adapted to the subject of his discourse. He was remark-
able for the abundance of his wit in common conversation, and
for the smartness of his repartees. He possessed an uncommon
talent in making puns, some of which are at the present day fre-
quently repeated in social circles. His imagination was fertile, and
his satire keen. His wit was a dangerous instrument, in the use of
which he was not always prudent, and it is thought, that he was not
sufficiently regardful of the consequences of the severe remarks, in
which he sometimes indulged himself.
His literary merit introduced him to the acquaintance of many
men of genius in England ; and the names of Pope, Lansdowne,
and Watts are found among his correspondents. From the former,
he received a copy of an elegant edition of the Odyssey in quarto.
Dr. Watts sent him copies of his works as he published them. In
his preaching he was generally solemn and interesting, though
sometimes his sermons gave indications of the peculiar turn of
his mind. On being asked, why he did not preach politics, he
replied ; " I have thrown up four breast works, behind which I
have intrenched myself, neither of which can be forced. In the
first place I do not understand politics ; in the second place, you
all do, every man and mother's son of you ; in the third place, you
have politics all the week, pray let one day in seven be devoted to
religion ; in the fourth place 1 am engaged in a work of infinitely
greater importance. Give me any subject to preach on of more
consequence than the truths I bring to you, and I will preach on it
the next sabbath."
19
U6 BYL.
The following extracts from one of his sermons will show what
were the reli.^ious sentiments, wiiich he embraced and enforced up-
on his hearers, " We perceive," said he," that conversion is out of
our own power. It is impossible for us to convert ourselves, or for
all the angels hi heaven to do it for us. To convince you of this, let
the natural man make tne experiment. Try this moment. Try and
see whether you can brintj your hearts to this, to renounce all hap-
piness in every tiling but the favor of God ; to let God order for
you ; to have no will of your own ; to be swallowed up and ravish-
ed with his will, whatever it is. Can you renoimce every mortal
idol ? Can you leave this world and all the low delit^ht*! of it, and
go to a world, where you will have none of them ; l)Ut the love of
God will swallow you up ? These things are so far distant from an
unrenewed heart, that they look like wild paradoxes to it."—" The
enmity between God and us is irreconcilable, but by ('hrist. Out
of him God is a consuming fire. False notions of the divine jus-
tice and mercy could never bring us truly to him ; and true ones
would only drive us farther from him. So that set Christ aside, and
there can be no conversion. We learn also the honors of the Ho-
ly Ghost. He is the agent, who performs this work. One reason,
that men fall short of this saving change, is the not acknowledging
him, as they ought. Did men regard the operation of the Holy
Spirit more, there would be more frequent converts. Men arc
apt to trust to their oAvn strength, when they set about the work of
conversion. They rob the Spirit of God of his glorjr, and so it all
romes to nothing. He it is, who makes this great change in men.
He must be the almighty God then ; and we should honor him as
so."
Dr. Byles was twice married. His first wife was the niece of
governor Belcher, and his second the daughter of lieutenant gov-
ernor Tailcr. His son, the reverend Mather Byles, is now rector
of Trinity church, St. John's, New Brunswick.
He published a number of essays in the New England weekly
journal, which are marked by one of the letters composing the word
cELoiZA ; a poem on the death of George I, and the accession
of George H, 1727 ; a poetical epistle to his excellency, governor
Belcher, on the death of his lady, 1736. A number of his miscel-
laneous poems were collected and printed in a volume. Among the
sermons, which he published, are the following ; the character of
the upright man, 1729 ; on the nature and necessity of conversion,
1732, the third edition in 1771 ; the flourish of the annual spring,
1739 ; artillery election sermon, 1740 ; on setting our affections
on things above, 1740 ; funeral sermon on Mrs. Dummei-, 1752 ;
on William Dummer, tsquii"e, 1761 ; on John Gould, esquire, 1772 ;
a sermon at the Thursday lectul'e, 175 1 ; on the earthquake, 1755 ;
a thanksgiving sermon for the success of the British arms, 1760 ;
on the present vileness of the body and its future glorious change,
second edition, l77l.—-'Polyanthos,iv. 1—10.
BYR. 147
BYRD (William), a native of Virginia, died about the middle
of the last century. He was liberally educated in Great Britain,
and possessed a very ample estate. Yew persons in America ever
collected so large and valuable a library, as he left. He was a very
ardent friend to the diffusion of knowledge, and freely opened his
library for the use of all, who sought information. He published
several small tracts. — Miller, ii. 361.
CABOT (John), a Venetian, who first discovei'ed the continent
of America, was perfectly skilled in all the sciences requisite to
form an accomplished mariner. He had three sons, Lewis, Se-
bastian, and Sanctius, all of whom he educated in a manner best
calculated to make them able seamen. Encouraged by the suc-
cess of Columbus, who returned in 1493 from his first voyage, he
was determined to attempt the discovery of unknown lands, par-
ticularly of a northwest passage to the East Indies. Having
obtained a commission from king Henry VH, empowering him
and his three sons to discover unknown lands, and to conquer and
settle them, and giving him jurisdiction over the countries, which
he should subdue, on condition of paying the king one fifth part of
all the g
CAD. 149
which affords the clearest proof of his sagacity. It is supposed,
that he was the first, who noticed the variation of the magnetic nee-
dle, and he published, navigatione nelle parte settentrionale, Venice,
1583, folio. He published also a large map, which was engraved
by Clement Adams, and hung up in the privy gallery at Whitehall j
and on this map was inscribed a Latin account of the discovery of
Nevvfoundland.-j-^e/Xrwc/z'a Jmer. biog. i. 149 — 158 ; Massa,
magazineyU. 467 — 471; Hakluyt/i. 226,268,274 ; Campbell's lives
admirals, i. 419 ; Hees' cyclofigdia.
CADWALLADER ( ),an eminent physician of Philadel-
phia, published about the year 1740 a treatise on the iliac passion,
in which he explodes the then common practice of giving quicksil-
ver and drastic purges, and recommends in their place mild cathar-
tics with the occasional use of opiates. Before this there were but
few publications on medical subjects in America. Dr. Boylston
had written on the small pox, and his treatise was perhaps the ear-
liest one, which was published.. — Ra7nsay's review of medicine, 36.
CALEF (Robert), a merchant of Boston, was distinguished
about the time of the witchcraft delusion by his withstanding the
credulity of the times. After the reverend Dr. Cotton Mather
had published a work, entitled, the wonders of the invisible world,
from which it appears, that he was by no means incredulous with
regard to the stories then in circulation, Mr. Calef published a
book on the opposite side, entitled, more Avonders of the invisible
world, London, 1700. As he censured the proceedings of the
courts respecting the witches at a time, Avhen the people of the
country in general did not see their error, he gave great offence.
But he is thought to be faithful in his narration of facts. He died
in 1720.— 'Huichinson, ii. 54 ; Collections hist, sac. iii. 300.
CALLENDER (Elisha), minister of the first baptist church in
Boston, was the son of the reverend Ellis Callender, who was min^
ister of the same church from 1708 till 1726. In early life the
blessings of divine grace were imparted to him. He was graduated,
at Harvard college in the year 1710. At his ordination, which took
place May 21, 1718, the reverend Drs. Increase and Cotton Math-
er, and the reverend Mr, Webb, though of a different denomination^
gave their assistance. He was very faithful, and successful in the
pastoral office till his death March 31, 1738. He was succeeded
by the reverend Mr. Condy. A few days before his death he said j
" when I look on one hand, I see nothing but sin, guilt, and dis-
couragement i but when I look on the other, I see my glorious
Savior, and the merits of his precious blood, which cleanseth from
all sin. I cannot say, that I have such transports of joy, as some
have had ; but through grace I can say, I have gotten the victory
over death and the grave." The last words, which fell from his
lips, were, " I shall sleep in Jesus." His life was unspotted ; his
opnvfi'sation was always affable, religious, and dignified ; and his
15.0 CAL.
end was peaceful and s&rene.-—L'ackus' church history of Aew Engm
land, iii. 124; Backus' abridgment^ 157; Boston eveninif fwsl,
J/iril 3, 1738.
CALLENDER (John), an eminent baptist minister and writer
in Rhode Island, was a nephew of the reverend Elishu Callender of
Boston and was graduated at Harvard college in 1723. He was
ordained colleague with elder Pcckom as pastor of the church at
Newport October 13, 1731. This was the second baptist church
in America. It was lounded in the year 1644. Mr. Callender died
January 26, 1748, in the forty second year of his age. He was a
man of very considerable powers of mind, and was distinguished
for his candor and piety. He collected many pr.pers relating to the
history of the baptists in this country, which were used by Mr. Back-
us. He published in 1739 a historical discourse on the civil and
religious affairs of the colony of Rhode Island ke. from the settle-
ment in 1638 to the end of the first century. This is but a small
work ; yet it is the only history .of Rhode Island, which has been
written, and it is honorable to its author. He published also a ser-
mon at the ordination of the reverend Jeremiah Condy, Boston,
February 14, 1739, and a sermon on the death of the reverend Mr.
Clap of Newport, 1745. — Backus' church history of JVciv England^
iii. 229.
CALVERT (Geoiige), baron of Baltimore, founder oi the prov-
ince of Maryland, Avas descended from a noble family in Flanders,
and v/as born at Kipling in Yorkshire, England, in 1582. After
taking his bachelor's degree at Trinity college, Oxford, in 1597,
he travelled over the continent of Europe. At his return to Eng-
land in the beginning of the reign of James I, he was taken into the
oflPice of sir Robert Cecil, secretary of state, by whose favor he was
made clerk of the privy council, and received the honor of knight-
hood. In 1619 he was appointed one of the principal secretaries
of state in the room of sir Thomas Lake. His great knowledge of
public business and his diligence and fidelity conciliated the regard
of the king, who gave him a pension of a thousand pounds out of
the customs. In 1624 he became a Roman catholic, and having
disclosed his new principles to the king resigned his ofBce. He
was continued, however, a member of the privy coimcil, and was
created baron of Baltimore in the kingdom of Ireland in 1625, at
which time he represented the university of Oxford in parliament.
While he was secretary of the state he was constituted by patent
proprietor of the southeastern peninsula of Newfoundland, Avhich
he named the province of Avalon. He spent twenty five thousand
pounds in advancing his plantation, and visited it twice in person ;
but it was so annoyed by the French, that, though he once repulsed
and pin-sucd their ships and took sixty prisoners, he was obliged to
abandon it. Being still inclined to form a settlement in America,
M'liither he might retire with his family and friends of the same re-
CAL. 151
llijious principles, he made a visit to Virginia, the fertility and ad-
vantages of which province had been highly celebrated, and in
which he had been interested as one ot the adventurers. But
meeting with an unwelcome reception on account of his religion,
and observing, that the Virginians had not extended their planta-
tions beyond the Patowmac, he fixed his attention upon the territory
northward of this river, and as soon as he returned to England, ob-
tained a grant of it from Charles I. But owing to the tetdous
forms of public business, before a patent was completed he died at
London April 15, 1632, in the fifty first year of his age. After
his death the patent was again drawn in the nume of his eldest son
Cecil, who succeeded to his honors, and it passed the seals June 20,
1632. The country was called Maryland in honor of Henrietta
Maria, the queen consort of Charles I. From the great precision
of this charter, the powers, which it confers upon the proprietor,
and the privileges and exemptions, which it grants to the people, it
is evident, that it was written by sir George himself. The liberal
code of religious toleration, which it established, is very honorable
to him, and was respected by his son, who carried his design into
execution.
Sir George was conspicuous for his good sense and moderation.
All parties wei'e pleased with him. Not being obstinate in his
opinions he took as much pleasure in hearing the sentiments of oth-
ers, as in delivering his own. In his views of establishing foreign
plantations he thought, that the original inhabitants, instead of be-
ing exterminated, should be civilized and converted ; that the gov-
ernors should not be interested merchants, but gentlemen not con-
cerned in trade ; and that every one should be left to provide for
himself by his own industry without dependence on a common
interest.
He published carmen funebre inD. Hen. Untonum, 1596 ; par-
liamentary speeches ; various letters of state ; the answer of Tom
Tell Troth, the practice of princes and the lamentation of the
kirk, 1642. He also wrote something respecting Maryland, but
it is thought it was never printed. — ^ielkna/i's Jmer. biog. ii. 363—
368 ; Biog. Brit. ; Hardie's biog. diet. ; Rees ; IVood's Athena
Ozon.i. 566 ; Keith, 142.
CALVERT (Leonard), the first governor of Maryland, was
the brother of Cecilius Calvert, the proprietor, who sent him to
America as the head of the colony in 1633. After a circuitous
voyage he arrived, accompanied by his brother George Calvert, and
about two hundred persons of good families and of the Roman
catholic persuasion, at point Comfort in Virginia February 24, 1634,
On the third of March he proceeded in the bay of Chcsapeak to
the northward, and entered the Patowmac, up which he sailed
twelve leagiies, and came to an anchor under an island, v/hich he
n'amed St. Clement's. Here he fired his cannon, erected a cross,
152 CAL.
and took possession " in the name of the Sa\i6r of the world and of
the king of England." Tlienee he went fifteen leagues higher to
tlie Indian town of Patowmac on the Virginia side of the river, now
called New Marlborough, where he was received in a friendly man-
ner by the guardian regent, the prince of the country being a minor.
Thence he sailed twelve leagues higher to the town of Piscataway
on the Maryland sidcj where he found Henry Fleet, an Englishman,
who had resided several years among the natives, and was held by
them in great esteem. This man was very serviceable as an
interpreter. An interview having been procured with the Wero-
wance, or prince, Calvert asked him, whether he was willing, that a
settlement should be made in his country. He replied, " I will
not bid you go, neither will I bid you stay ; but you may use your
own discretion." Having convinced the natives, that his designs
were honorable and pacific, the governor now sought a more suit-
able station for commencing his colony. He visited a creek on the
northern side of the Patowmac about four leagues from its mouth,
where was an Indian village. Here he acquainted the prince of the
place with his intentions, and by presents to him and his principal
men conciliated his friendship so much, as to obtain permission to
reside in one part of the town until the next harvest, when, it was
stipulated, the natives should entirely quit the place. Both parties
fcntered into a contract to live together in a friendly manner. After
Calvert had given a satisfactory consideration, the Indians readily
yielded a number of their houses, and retired to the others. As
the season for planting corn had now arrived, both parties went to
work. Thus on the twenty seventh of March 1634 the governor
took peaceable possession of the country of Maryland, and gave to
the town the name of St. Mary's, and to the creek, on Avhich it was
situated, the name of St. George's. The desire of rendering jus-
tice to the natives by giving them a reasonable compensation for
their lands is a trait in the character of the first planters, which will
always do honor to their memory.
The colony had brought with them meal from England ; but
Ihcy found Indian corn in great plenty both at Barbadoes and Vir-
ginia, and by the next spring they were able to export a thousand
bushels to New England and Newfoundland, for which they receiv-
ed in return dried fish and other provisions. The Indians also
killed many deer and turkies, which they sold to the English for
knives, beads, and other small articles of traffic. Cattle, swine, and
poultry were procured from Virginia. The province M'as estab-
lished on the broad foundation of security to property, and of free-
dom in religion. Fifty acres of land were granted in absolute fee
to every emigrant, and Christianity was established without allowing
preeminence to any particular sect. This liberal policy rendered
a Roman catholic colony an asylum for those, who were driven
from New England by the persecutions, which were there experi-
enced from protestants^.-
CAM. li(S
The goternor built a house at St. Mary's for himself and his
successors, and superintended the aflFairs of>the country, till the
civil war in England, when the name of a papist became so obnox-
ious, that the parliament assumed the government of the province,
and appointed a rtew governor. Of Leonard Calvert no further ac-
count has been procured.
Cecilius Calvert, the proprietor, recovered his right to the prov-
ince upon the restoration of king Charles II in 1660, and within a
year or two appointed his son Charles the goveraor. He died
in 1676 covered with age and reputation, and v/as succeeded by his
son Bdknafi'sAmer. biog. ii. 372—380 ; Holmes* annals^ ii. 274 ;
Univ. hist. xl. 468 ; Europ. settlements^ ii. 228 ; Brit, emfi. in
America., i. 324- — 330 ; Morse's geog,
CAMPBELL (John), first minister of Oxford, Massachusetts,
was a native of Scotland, and was educated at Edinburgh. He
came to this country in 1717. He was ordained pastor of Oxford,
a town settled by French protestants, March 11, 172 1. He contin-
ued faithfully to discharge the duties of his sacred office, until his
death, March 25, 1761, in the seventy first year of his age, and the
forty second of his ministry. He was succeeded by the reverend
Joseph Bowman, who had been a missionary among the Mohawk
Indians. — Whitnexfs history of Worcester, 84.
CANER (Henry, d.d.), minister of king's chapel in Boston,
was graduated at Yale college in 1724. In the following year he
began to read prayers in an episcopal church at Fairfield in Con-
necticut. In 1727 he went to England for ordination, and was ap-
pointed missionary for that town. His occasional services at Nor-
walk promoted the interest of the church ; and it was not long be-
fore he had a respectable congregation there as well as at Fairfield.
Having been chosen rector of the first episcopal church in Boston,
he was inducted into this office April 1 1,1747. Here he continued,
till the commencement of the American revolution obiic^cd him to
retire from Boston. He left the church March 17,1775. From
this period he resided, it is believed, in England till his death, which
took place at the close of the year 1792, when in the ninety third
year of his age.
He published a sermon on Matthew vii. 28, 29, entitled, the true
nature and method of christian preaching. He supposes the ser-
mon on the mount was addressed to the disciples, and concludes
frdm this circumstance, that " when we preach to christians, we
are not to spend time in exhorting them to believe, for that their
very profession supposes they do already ; but to press and persuade
them to live as becomes christians, to be found in the practice of all
moral duties." Mr. Jonathan Dickinson, in his vindication of God's
sovereign, free grace, answers this sermon, and endeavors to show,
that Christ and his apostles, even when in their preaching they ad-
.20
154 CAR.
dressed themselves to professing christians, dwelt much upon re-
pentance and faith, as well as moral duties.
Mr. Caner published also funeral sermons on the death of Cherries
Apthorp, esquire, 1758; on the death of Frederic, prince of Wales,
1751 ; on the death of the reverend Dr. Cutler, 1765 — Chandler's
life of Johnson^ 62 ; Collections hint. sac. iii. 260 ; Columbian ccnti-
nel,Feb. 13, 179S.
CARLETON (Guy), lord Dorchester, a distinguished British
officer in America, was appointed a brigadier general in this coun-
try in 1766. He was made major general in 1772. At the close
of the year 1774 a commission passed the seals, constituting him
captain general and governor of Quebec. When Canada was in-
vaded by Montgomery in 1775, Carleton was in the most imminent
danger of being taken prisoner upon the St. Lawrence after the
capture of Montreal ; but he escaped in a boat with muflled pad-
dles, and arrived safely at Quebec, which he found threatened
by an unexpected enemy. Arnold, though he had been repuls-
ed by colonel Maclean, was yet m the neighborhood of the city,
waiting for the arrival of Montgomery previously to another
attack. General Carleton with the skill of an experienced officer
took the necessiU'y measures for the security of the city. His first
act was to oblige all to leave Quebec, who would not take up arms
in its defence. When Montgomery approached, his summons was-
treated with contempt by the governor, whose intrepidity was not
to be shaken. By his industry and bravery Carleton saved the city.
After the unsuccessful assault of the last of December, in which
Montgomery was killed, he had nothmg more immediately to ap»-^
prehend. In may 1776 he obliged the Americans to raise the
siege, and it was not long before he compelled them to withdraw
entirely from Canada. In October he recaptured Crown Point ;
but as the winter was advancing, he did not attempt the reduction of
Ticonderoga, but returned to St. John's. In the beginning of the
next year he was superseded in his command by Burgoyne, who
was entrvrstcd with the northern British army. Carleton's experi-
ence, and abilities, and services were such, as rendered him worthy
of the command, which was given to another. Though he imme-
diately asked leave to resign his government, he yet contributed all
his power to secure the success of the campaign.
In the year 1782 he was appointed,, as successor of sir Henry
Clinton, commander in chief of all his majesty's forces in America.
He arrived at New York with his commission in the beginning of
May. After the treaty was signed he delayed for some time the
evacuation of the city from regard to the safety of the loyalists ^
but on the twenty fifth of November 1783 he embarked and with-
drew the British ships from the shores of America. He died in
England at the close of the year 1808 in the eighty fourth year of
his age.
CAR. 155
General Carlcton was a brave and an able officer, and he rendered
important services to nis country. Though he was not conciliating
in his manners, and possessed the severity of the soldier, yet his hu-
manity to the American prisoners, whom he took in Canada, has
been much praised. In excuse for the litttle attention, which he
paid to the honorable burial of Montgomery, it can only be said, that
he regarded him as a rebel.— ^Stedman, i. 133 — 142, 232, 318 ;
jinnuaL register, xvii. 189 ; xix. 2—16 ; 151 — 135 ; xx. 2 — 6,
141__144 ; Warren's hist, revolution^ ii. 2, 3 ; iii. 2 17, 252, 311.
CARRIER (Thomas), remarkable for longevity, died at Colches-
ter, Connecticut, May 1 6, 1735, aged one hundred and nine years. He
was born in the west of England and I'emoved thence to Andover,
Massachusetts. His wife suffered at Salem in the witchcraft delu-
sion. He had lived at Colchester about twenty years, and was a
member of the church in that town. His head in his last years was not
bald, nor his hair gray. Not many days before his death he travel-
led on foot to see a sick man six miles, and the very day before he
died he was visiting his neighbors. — JVew England weekly journal^
June 9, 1735.
CARTIER (James), a French navigator, who made important
discovei'ies in Canada, was a native of St. Malo. After the voyage of
the Cabotsthe French learned the value of their discoveries, and in
a few years began the cod fishery upon the banks of Newfoundland.
In 1524 John Verazzani, a Florentine, in the service ot France, rang-
ed the coast of the new continent from Florida to Newfoundland.
From a subsequent voyage in 1 525 he never returned, and it is sup-
posed, that he was cut to pieces and devoured by the savages. His
fate discouraged other attempts to discover the new world till the
importance of having a colony in the neighborhood of the fishing
banks induced Francis I to send out Cartier in 1534. He sailed
from St. Malo on the twentieth of April in this year with two ships
of sixty tons and a hundred and twenty two men. On the tenth of
May he came in sight of Bonavista on the Island of Newfoundland ;
but the ice obliged him to go to the south, and he entered a harbor
at the distance of five ileagues, to which he gave the name of St.
Catherine. As soon as the season would permit he sailed north-
ward, and entered the straits of Bellis'e. In this voyage he vis-
ited the greater part of the coast, which surrounds the gulph of St.
Lawrence, and took possession of the country in the name of the
king ; he discovered a bay, which he called baye des Chaleurs,
on account of the sultry weather, which he experienced in it ; he
sailed so far into the great river, afterwards called the St. Law-
rence, as to discover land on the opposite side. On the fifteenth of
August he set sail on his return, and arrived at St. Malo on the
fifth of September.
When his discoveries were known in France, it was determined
to make a settlement in that part of America, which he had visited.
Accordingly in the following year he received a more ample com-
156 CAR.
mission, and was equipped with three vessels. When he was ready
to depart, he went to the cathedral church with his whole company,
and the bishop gave them his benediction. He sailed May 19, 1535.
He experienced a severe storm on his passage, butin July he reach-
ed the destined port. He entered the gulph as in the preceding
year, being accompanied by a number of young men of distinc-
tion. He sailed up the St. Lawrence and discovered an island,
which he named Bacchus, but which is now called Orleans, in the
neighborhood of Quebec. This island was full of inhabitants, who
subsisted by fishing. He went on shore and the natives brought
him Indian corn for his refresliment. With his pinnace and two
boats he proceeded up the river as far as Hochelaga, a settlement
upon an island, which he called Mont-royal, but which is now called
Montreal. In this Indian town were about fifty long huts, built
■with stakes, and covered with bark. The people lived mostly by
fishing and tillage. They had corn, beans, squashes, and pumpkins.
In two or three days he set out on his return, and arrived at port de
St. Croix, not far from Quebec, on the fourth of October. Here
he passed the winter. In December the scurvy began to make its
appearance among the natives, and in a short time Cai'tier's compa-
ny were seized by the disorder. By the middle of February, of
one himdred and ten persons fifty were sick at once, and eight or
ten had died. In this extremity he appointed a day of humiliation.
A crucifix was placed on a tree, a procession of those, who were
able to walk, was formed, and at the close of the devotional exer-
cises, Cartier made a vow, that " if it should please God to permit
him to return to France, he would go in pilgrimage to our lady of
Roquemado." The sick were all healed by using a medicine,
which was employed with success by the natives. This was a de-
coction of the leaves and bark of a tree. The liquor was drunk
every other day, and an external application was made to the legs.
Charlevoix says, tlie tree was that, which yielded turpentine, and
Dr. Belknap thinks it was the spruce pine. In May he set sail on
his return to France, and arrived at St. Malo July 6, 1536.
At the end of four years another expedition was projected. Fran-
cois de la Roque, lord of Roberval, was commissioned by the king
as his lieutenant governor in Canada ; and Cartier was appointed
his pilot with the command of five ships. Cartier sailed in 1540 or
1541, and a few leac(ues above St. Croix in the river St. Lawrence,
he built a fort, which he called Charlebourg. In the spring of 1542,
he determined to return to France, and accordingly in June arrived
at St. John's in Newfoundland on his way home. Here he met
Roberval, who did not accompany him in his voyage, and who had
been detained till this time. He was ordered to return to Canada,
but he chose to pui"r,ue his voyage to France, a.id sailed out of the
harbor privately in the night. Roberval attem]>ted to establish a
cojony, but it was soon broken up, and the French did not establish
CAR. 137
themselves permanently in, Canada till aCter the expiration of half
a century.
Cartier published memoirs of Canada after his second voyage.
The names, which he gave to islands, rivers, &c. are now entirely
changed. In this work he shows, that he possessed a good share
of the credulity or the exaggeration of travellers. Being one day
in the chase he says, that he pursued a beast, which had but two
legs, and which ran with astonishing rapidity. This strange ani-
mal was probably an Indian, clothed with the skin of some wild
beast. He speaks also of human monsters of different kinds, of
which accounts had been given him. Some of them lived without
ea.ting.-—Belkna/i*s Jmer. biography, i. 159 — 184 ; Charlevoix, hist,
de la nowvelle France, introd. xx ; i. 8 — 22, edit. 4to ; Hakluyt, iii.
186, 201 — 240 ; Holmes' annals, \. 84 — 86, 89, 92 ; Priiice, introd.
89, 90, 93 ; Purchas, i. 931, 932 ; v. 1605 ; Forster's voy. 437—
448 ; Univer. hist, xxxix. 407.
CARVER (John), first governor of Plymouth colony, was a
native of England, and was among the emigrants to Leyden, who
composed Mr. Robinson's church in that place. When a removal
to America was contemplated, he was appointed one of the agents
to negotiate with the Virginia company in England for a suitable
territory. He obtained a patent in 1619, and in the following year
came to New England with the first company. Two vessels had
been procured, the one called the Speedwell and the other the May-
flower, which sailed from Southampton, carrying one hundred and
twenty passengers, on the fifth of August 1620. As one of the
vessels proved leaky, they both put into Dartmouth for repairs.
They put to sea again August 21, but the same cause, after they
had sailed about a hundred leagues, obliged them to put back to
Plymouth. The Speedwell was there pronounced unfit for the
voyage. About twenty of the passengers went on shore. The
others were received on board the Mayflower, which sailed with
one hundred and one passengers besides the ship's officers and crew,
on the sixth of September. During the voyage the weather was
unfavorable, and the ship being leaky the people were almost con-
tinually wet. One young man died at sea, and a child was bom, the
son of Stephen Hopkins, which was called Oceanus, On the ninth
of November, they discovered the white, sandy shores of cape Cod.
As this land was northward of Hudson's river, to which they were
destined, the ship was immediately put about to the southward ; but
the appearance of breakers and the danger from shoals, together
with the eagerness of the women and children to be set on shore
induced them to shift their course again to the north. The next
day the northern extremity of the cape was doubled, and the ship
was safely anchored in the harbor of cape Cod. As they were with-
out the territory of the south Virginia company, from whom they had
jreceivecl tlie charter, which was thus rendered useless, and as they
158 CAR.
perceived the absolute necessity of government, it was thought
proper beiore they landed, that a political association should be
formed, entrusting all powers in the hands of the majority. Ac-
cordingly after solemn prayers and thanksgiving a written instru-
ment vv^as subscribed on the eleventh of November 1620 by forty
one persons out of one hundred and one, the whole number of pas-
sengers of all descriptions on board. Mr. Carver's name stood
first, and he was unanimously elected governor for one year. Gov-
ernment being thus regularly established on a truly republican
principle, sixteen armed nicn were sent on shore the same day to
procure wood and make discoveries. They returned at night, hav-
ing seen no house nor a human benig. The next day was Simday,
and it was observed as a day of rest. While tl'.ey lay in this har-
bor, during the space of five weeks, a number of excursions were
made by the direction of the governor. In one of them Mr. Brad-
ford's foot was caught in a deer trap, which was made by bending a
young tree to the earth, with a noose under ground, covered with
acorns. But his companions disengaged him from his unpleasant
situation. An Indian burying ground was discovered, and in one
of the graves were found a mortar, an earthern pot, a bow and ar-
rows, and other implements, all of which were carefully replaced.
A more important discovery was a cellar, filled with seed corn in
cars, of which they took as much as they could carry away, after
reasoning for sometime upon the morality of the action, and resolv-
ing to satisfy the owners, when they should find them. In other
expeditions a number of bushels of corn were obtained, the acquisi-
tion of which at a time, when it was much needed, they regarded
as a peculiar favor of divine providence. In six months the own-
ers were remunerated to their entire satisfaction.
On Wednesday, the sixth of December, govenior Carver him-
self, with nine of the principal men, well armed, and the same
number of seamen, set sail in the shallop to make further discove-
ries. The weather was so cold, that the spray of the sea froze on
their coats, till they were cased with ice, like coats of iron. They
coasted along the cape, and occasionally a party was set on shore.
At the dawn of day on Friday, December the eighth, those, who
"Were on the land, were surprised by the sudden war cry of the na-
tives, and a flight of arrows. They immediately seized their arms,
and on the first discharge of musquetry the Indians fled. Eighteen
arrows were taken up, headed either with brass, deer's horns, or
birds' claws, which they sent as a present to their friends in Eng-
land. As they sailed along the shore, they were overtaken by a
storm, and the rudder being broken and the shallop driven into a
cove full of breakers, tlicy all expected to perish. By much exer-
tion, however, they came to anchor in a fair sound under a point of
land. While they weie divided in opinion with respect to landing
at this place, ihv severity of the weather compelled them to go on
CAR. 159
shore. In the morning of Saturday they found themselves on a
small uninhabited island, which has ever since borne the name of
Clarke's island from the mate of the ship, the first man, who stepped
upon it. As the next day was the christian sabbath, they appro-
priated it to those religious purposes, for which it was set apart.
On Monday, December the eleventh, they surveyed the bay, and
went ashore upon the main land at the place, which they called
Plymouth, and a part of the very rock, on which they first set their
feet, is now in the public square of the town, and is distinguished by
the name of the forefathers' rock. The day of their landing, the
twenty second of December in the new style, is at the present age
regarded as an annual festival.
As they marched into the country they found corn fields, and
brooks, and an excellent situation for building. With the news of
their success they returned to their company, and on the sixteenth
of December the ship came to anchor in the harbor. The high
ground on the southwest side of the bay was pitched upon as th©
site of the contemplated town, and a street and house lots were
immediately laid out. It was also resolved to plant their ordnance
upon a commanding eminence,^ which overlooked the plain. Be-
fore the end of December they had erected a storehouse with si
thatched roof, in which their goods were deposited under a guard.
Two rows of houses were begun, and as fast as they could be cov-
ered, the people, who were classed into nineteen families, came
ashore, and lodged in them. On the last of December tiie public
services of religion were attended for the first time on the shore,
and the place was named Plymouth, both because it was so called
in captain Smith's map, published a few years before, and in re-
membrance of the kind treatment, which they had received from
the inhabitants of Plymouth, the last port of their native country,
from which they sailed. The severe hardships, to which this com-
pany were exposed in so rigorous a climate, and the scorbutic '
habits contracted by living so long on board the ship caused a great
mortality among them, so that before the month of April near one
half of them died. Governor Cai'ver was himself dangerously iU
in January. On the fourteenth of that month, as he lay sick at the
storehouse, the building took fire by means of the thatched roof,
and it was with difficulty, that the stock of ammunition was preserved.
By the beginning of March he was so far recovered of his first ill-
ness, that he was able to walk three miles to visit a large pond, which
had been discovered from the top of a tree by Francis Billington,
whose name it has since borne. None of the natives were seen be-
foi'e the sickness among the planters had abated. The pestilence,
which raged in the country four years before, had almost depopulat-
ed it. On the sixteenth of March a savage came boldly into the
town alone, and to the astonishment of the emigrants addressed
them in these words, " welcome, Englishmen ! Welcome Eng-
160 CAR.
lishmen V His name was Samoset, and he was sagamore of Mo-
ratiggon, distant five days' journey to the eastward. He had learned
broken English of the fishermen in his country. By him the gov-
ernor was informed, that the place, where they now were, was called
Patuxet, and though it was formerly populous that every human
being had died of the late pestilence. This account was con-
firmed by the extent of the deserted fields, the number of graves,
andtheremnantsof skeletons, lying on the ground. Being dismissed
■with a present, he returned the next day with five of the Indians,
■who lived in the neighborhood, and who brought a few skins for
trade. He was sent out again in a few days and on the twenty sec-
ond of March returned with Squanto, the only native of Patuxet
then living. Having been carried olT by Hunt in 1614 he escaped
the pestilence, which desolated his country. He had learned the
English language at London, and came back to his native country
with the fishermen. They informed the planters, thut Masassoit,
the sachem of the neighboring Indians, was near with his brother,
and a number of his people ; and within an hour he appeared on
the top of a hill over against the English town with a train of sixty
men. Mutual distrust prevented for some time any advances upon
either side ; but Mr. Winslow being sent to the Indian king with a
copper chain and two knives, with a friendly message from the gov-
ernor, the sachem was pleased to descend from the hill, accompa-
nied by twenty men unarmed. Captain Standish met him at the
brook at the head of six men with musquets, and escorted him to
one of the best houses, where three or four cushions were placed
on a green rug, spread over the floor. The governor came in,
preceded by a drum and trumpet, the sound of which greatly de-
lighted the Indians. After mutual salutations, the governor kissing
his majesty's hand, refreshments were ordered. A league of
friendship was then agreed on, which was inviolably observed for
above fifty years. The articles of the treaty Avere the following,
" that neither he nor his should injure any of ours ; that if they did
he should send the offender, that we might punish hin^ ; that if our
tools were taken away, he should restore them, and if ours did any
harm to any of his, vre would do the like to them ; that if any un-
justly warred against him, we would aid him, and if any warred
against us he should aid us ; that he should certify his neighbor
confederates of this, that they might not wrong us, but be compris-
ed in the coiiditions of peace ; that when their men came to us they
should leave their bows and arrows behind them, as we should leav«
our pieces, when we came to them ; that in doing thus king JameS
would esteem him as his friend and ally." After the treaty, the
governor conducted Masassoit to the brook, where they embraced
each other and parted.
The next day, March the twenty third, a few laws were enacted,
and Mr. Carver was confirmed as governor for the following year.
CAR. IGl
In the beginning of April twenty acres of land were prepared for
the reception of Indian corn, and Samoset and Squanto taught the
emigrants how to plant, and dress it with herrings, of which an im-
mense (jiuintity came into the brooks. Six acres were sowed with
barley and peas. While they were engaged in this labor on the
fifth of April, the governor came out of the field at noon, complaining
of a pain in his head, caused by the heat of the sun. In a few hours
it deprived him of his senses, and in a few days put an end to his
life to the gi*eat grief of the infant plantation. He was buried Avith
all the honors, which could be paid to his memory. The men
•were under arms, and fired seveial volUes over his grave. His wife,
overcome by her loss, survived him but six Aveeks.
Governor Carver was distinguished for his prudence, integrity,
and firmness. He had a good estate in England, which he spent in
the emigration to Holland and America. He exerted himself to
promote the interests of the colony, he bore a large share of its
sufferings, and the people confided in him as their friend and fa-
ther. Piety, humility, and benevolence were eminent traits in his
character. In the time of the general sickness, which befel the
colony, after he had himself recovered, he was assiduous in attend-
ing the sick and performing the most humiliating services for them
without any distinction of persons or characters. He was succeed-
ed in the office of governor by Mr. Bradford. One of his grand-
sons, who lived in Marshfield, reached the age of one hundred and
two years. The broad sword of governor Carver is deposited in
the cabinet of the Massachusetts historical society in Boston. — Bel-
knafi's Amer. biographif., ii. 179 — 216 ; Prince.^ 66 — 104 ; Holmes'
annals, i. 200 — 203, 207 — 210 ; Hardie's diog. diet. ; Purchas,v.
1842—1850 ; Morton, i. 33 ; Univers. hist, xxxix. 272 ; JVeal's
JV. England, i. 99 ; H. Jdams' A*. England, 15.
CARVER (Jonathan), an enterprising tra\^Iler, was a native
of Connecticut, and was bom in 1732. He lost his father, who was
a justice of the peace, when he was only five years of age. He was
intended for the profession of medicine, which he quitted for a mil-
itary life. In the French war he commanded an independent com-
pany of provincials in the expedition carried on acioss the lakes
against Canada. He served with reputation till the peace of 1763.
After this he formed the resolution of exploring the most interior
parts of North America and of even penetrating to the Pacific ocean
over that broad part of the continent. Which lies between the forty
third and the forty sixth degrees of north latitude. As the English
had come in possession of a vast territory by the conquest of Cana-
da, he wished to render this acquisition profitable to his country,
while he gratified his taste for adventures. He believed, that the
French had intentionaUy kept other nations ignorant of the interior
parts of North America. He hoped to facilitate the discovery of a
north west passage, or of a communication between Hvidson's bay
162 CAR.
and the Pacific ocean. If he could effect the establishment of a.
post on the straits of Annian, he supposed he should thus open a
channel for conveyins; intelligence to China and the English settic-
mcnls in the East Indies with greater expedition, than by a tedious
voyage by the cape of Good Hope, or the straits of Magellan.
With these views he set out from Boston in 1766, and in Sep-
tember of that year arrived at Michiliiniakinac, the most interior
English post. He applied to the governor, Mr. Rogers, to furnish
him with a proper assortment of goods, as a present tor the Indians
living in the track, which he intended to pursue. Receiving a sup-
ply in part, it was promised that tlie remainder should be sent to
him, when he reached the. falls of St. Anthony in the river Missis-
sippi. In consequence of the failure of the goods he found it ne-
cessary to return to la Prairc la Chien in the spring of 1 767. Being
thus retarded in his progress westward, he determined to direct ins
course northward, that by finding a communication between the
Mississippi and lake Superior, he might meet the traders at the
grand portage on the nortliwest side of the lake. Of them he in-
tended to purchase the goods, which he needed, and then to pursue
his journey by the way ot the lakes la Pluye, Dubois, and Ouini-
pique to the he ids of the river of the west. He reached lake Supe-
rior before the traders had returded to Michillim ikinac, but they
coidd not furnish him with goods. Thus disappointed a second time,
he continued some months on the north and east borders of lake
Superior, exploring the bays and rivers, which empty themselves
into that large l)ody of water, and carefully observing the natural
productions of the co\mtry, and the customs and manners of the in-'
habitants. He arrived at Boston in October 1768, having been ab-
sent on this expedition two years and five months, and during that
time travelled near seven thousand miles.
As soon as he had properly digested his journal and charts, he
went to England to publish them. On his arrival he presented a
petition to his majesty in council for a reimbursement of the sums,
which he had expended in the service of government. This was
Teferred to the lords commissioners of trade and plantations, by
whom he was examined in regard to his discoveries. Having obtaia-
cd permission to publisli his pa^^ers, he disposed of them to a booksel-
ler. When they were almost ready for the press, an order was issued
from the council board, requiring him to deliver into the plantation
office all his charts and journals, with every paper relating to the
discoveries, which he had made. In order to obey this command
he was obliged to repurchase them from the bookseller. It wa»
not until ten years after, that he published an account of his travels.
Being disappointed in his hopes of preferment, he became clerk of
the lottery. As he sold his name to a historical compilation, which
Was published in 1779 in folio, entitled, the new universal traveller,
attaining an account of all the empires, kingdoms, and states in the
CAR. 163
known world, lie was abandoned by those, whose duty it was to sup-
port him, and he died in want of the common necessaries of life in
1780, aged forty eight years.
Captain Carver published a tract on the culture of tobacco ; and
travels through the interior parts of Nortli America in the years
1766, 1767, and 1768, London, 8vo, 1778. An edition of this work
was published at Boston in 17 97 .-—Introduction to. Ms travels j J\''eitf
and general ■diog. diet. ; Wat kins.
CARY (Thomas), minister in Newburyport, Massachusetts, was
the son of Samuel Cary, esquire, of Charlestown,and was boi'n Oc-
tober 18, 1-745. He was graduated at Harvard college in 1761.
After leaving the university, he was employed as an instructer of
youth. While preparing more immediately for the sacred office
of a minister of the gospel, he resided in Haverhill, where he enjoy-
ed the counsels and instructions of the reverend Mr. Barnard, a
man of distinction, whom he highly respected and affectionately
loved. He was ordained as successor of the reverend Mr. Lowell,
pastor of the first church in Newburyport, May 11, 1768. One
third of the church and congregation, being dissatisfied with the
choice of Mr. Cary, were formed into a separate society ; but such
was the prudence and integrity of his conduct, that they acknowl-
edged his life and conversation to be in accordance with the gospel)
which he preached. For near twenty years he was enabled to per-
form all the duties of the ministerial office, but in the forty third
year of his age, it pleased God by a pitralytic stroke to remove him
from his public labors. After this event, the reverend Mr. An-
drews was ordained as his colleague December 10, 1788. From
this period until about two years before his death Mr. Cary was so
•far restored to health, as to be able occasionally to perform the pub-
lic offices of religion. He died November 24, 1808, in the six-
ty fourth year of his age.
Mr. Cary possessed a strong and comprehensive mind, which was
highly cultivated by reading, observation, reflection, and prayer.
His sermons were plain, forcible, sententious, and altogether practi-
cal. He was not ashamed to be called a rational Christian, Though
'he read writers on all sides of theological questions ; yet those were
his favorite authors, who treated the doctrines and duties oi Christ-
ianity in a rational manner. (.'andid towards those, who differed
from him in opinioi^, he sincerely respected the free and honest in^
quirer after truth. His feelings were keen and his passions strong ;
but it was the great business of his life, and the subject of his earn-
est prayers, to reduce them to the government of reason and the
gospel. In the various relations of life he conciliated respect and
esteem. To his 'brethren in the ministry he was a generous friend,
a wise counsellor, and a most pleasant and improving associate.
He excelled in the charms of conversation. He was esteemed
v-ery highly in love for his public labors j for sound and fervent^dse
164 CAS.
votion, for judicious, impressive, pathetic, and edifying discourses.
Between him and his people there subsisted an uncommon harmony
and affection. During his long debility the religion, which he
preached, was his support and solace. In the leisure, which was
now afforded him, he took a peculiar interest in attending to the
ecclesiastical history of his country ; and the fruits of his studies
were conspicuous in his conversation. As his disorder increased
upon him, he sunk into a state of insensibility, and without a strug-
gle of nature his spirit returned to God, who gave it.
He published two sermons on the importance of salvation ; a ser-
mon preached at Charlestown from Matthew xii. 20 ; a sermon at
the funeral of the reverend Dr. Webster of Salisbury, 1796; the
right hand of fellowship at the ordination of the reverend James
Beattic in Salisbury ; the charge at the ordination of the reverend
Abraham Moore in Newbury ; a sermon on the last day of assem-
bling in the old meeting house in Newburyport, September 27,
1801.-— ylndrerjs\funeral sermon ; Pariofilisf, Dec. 1808.
CASWELL (Richard), governor of North Carolina, received
an education suitable for the bar, and was uniformy distinguished
as a friend to the rights of mankind. He possessed a sensibility,
which impelled him to relieve the distress, which he witnessed.
Whenever oppressed indigence called for his professional assist-
ance, he afforded it without the hope of any other reward, than the
consciousness of having exerted himself to promote the happiness
of a fellow man.
Warmly attached to the liberties of his country, he -vras appointed
a member of the first congress in 1774, and he early took arms in
resistance to the arbitrary claims of Great Britain. He was at the
head of a regiment in 1776, when it became necessary to oppose a
body of loyalists composed of a number of the ignorant and disor-
derly inhabitants of the frontiers, styling themselves regulators, and
of emigrants from the highlands of Scotland. This party of about
fifteen hundred men was collected in the middle of February under
general M'Donald. He was pursued by geneial Moore, and on the
twenty seventh he found himself under the i.ecessity of engaging
colonel Caswell, who was intrenched with about a thousand minute
men and militia directly in his front, at a place called Moore's creek
bridge. This was about sixteen miles distant from Wilmington,
where M'Donald hoped to join general Clinton. But he wna de-
feated and taken prisoner by Caswell with the loss of seventy mei.
in killed and wounded, and fifteen hundred excellent rillcs. This
victory was of eminent service to the American cause in North
Carolina.
Mr. Caswell was president of the convention, which formed the
constitution of North Carolina in December 1776, under which
constitution he was governor f''om April 1777 to the year 1780, and
from 1785 to 1787. At the time of his death he was president ©f
CAT. 165
the senate, and for a number of years he had held the commission
of major general. He died at Fayetteville November 20, 1789.
In his character the public and domestic virtues were united.
Ever honored with some marks of the approbation of his fellow cit-
izens, he watched with unremitted attention over the welfare of the
community, and anxiously endeavored also to promote the felicity
of its members in their separate interests. While the complacency
of his disposition and his equal temper peculiarly endeared him to
his friends, they commanded respect even from his enemies. Of
the ancient and honorable society of freemasons in North Carolina
he had for a number of years been grand master. — Martin's funeral
Qration ; Gazette of the United States, i. 307, 340 ; Hardie's biog.
diet. ; Marshall's lije of Washington, i. 380 ; Gordon, ii. 209 ; Earn.'
aaij^ i. 254.
CATESBY (Mark, f. r. s.), an eminent; naturalist, was bom in
England at the close of the year 1679. Having an early and a
strong propensity to the study of nature, he determined to gratify
his taste by exploring a part of the new world. As some of his
relations lived in Virginia, he was induced first to visit that prov-
ince, where he aiTived April 23, 1712. Here he remained seven
years, observing and admiring the various productions of the
country, and occasionally sending dried specimens of plants to his
correspondents in Great Britain, and pai-ticularly to Dr. William
Sherard. His collections, however, as yet had no reference to the
work, which he afterwards published. On his return to England in
1719 he was encouraged by the assistance of several of the nobility,
and of some distinguished naturalists to revisit America with the
professed design of describing, delineating, and painting the most
curious objects of nature. He arrived at South Carolina, which was
selected as the place of his residence. May 23, 1722 ; and having
first examined the lower parts of the country in occasional excur-
sions from Charleston, he afterwards went into the interior and re-
sided for some time at fort Moore upon Savannah river, three
hundred miles from the sea. From this place he made several
visits to the Indians, who lived still higher up the river in the more
mountainous regions ; and he also extended iiis researches through
Georgia and Floi'ida. In his travels he generally engaged one of
the savages to be his companion, who carried for him his box, con-
taining conveniences for painting, and the specimens of plants,
which he collected. Having spent near three years upon the con-
tinent, he visited the Bahama islands at the invitation of the gover-
nor, and residing in the isle of Providence he prosecuted his plan,
and made various collections of fishes and submarine productions.
Returning to England in 1726, he was well received by his
patrons ; but the great expense of ]irocuring en-gravings induced
him to learn from Joseph Goupy tlie art of etching. He then re-
tired to Hoxton, where he devoted his time to the completion of
166 CHA,
his great work, which he published in numbers of twenty plants
each. The figures were etched by himself from his own paintings,
and the colored copies were done tmder his own inspection. Al-
though his attention was principally devoted to pUmts, yet most of
his plates exhibit some subject of the animal kingdom. The first
number appeared towards the close of the year 1730, and the first
volume, consisting of one hundred plates, was finished in 1732 ; the
second in 1743 ; and the appendix of twenty plates in 1748. Of
each number a regular account, written by Dr. Cromwell Mortimer,
secretary of the royal society, was laid before the society as it ap-
peared, and printed in the philosophical transactions. The whole
,work is entitled, the natural history of Carolina, Florida, and the
Bahama islands, in French and English, containing the figures of
birds, beasts, fishes, £cc. colored after the life, and a map of the
countries. It contains descriptions of many curious a-n' that the salvation of one soul was of more value than the con-
quest of an empire, and that kings ought not to think of extending
their authority over idolatrous nations, except for the purpose of
subjecting them to Jesus Christ."
He published an account of his ilrst voyages in 1 6 1 3 in 4to, and
a continuation in 1620 in 8vo. He published an edition of these
in 1632 in one volume, entitled, les voyages de la Nouvelle France
occidentale, ditte Canada, 4to. This work comprises a history of
New France from the first discoveries of Verazzani to the year
1631. There is added to it a treatise on navigation and the duty of
a good mariner, and an abridgment of the christian doctrine in
Huron and French.-— CAam/2/az>i'« voyages ; Charlevoix., Mat. de la
nouvelle France^ fastes chronol. xxviii — xxx ; i. Ill, 141— «198 ;
Belknafi's Amer. biog.i. 322—345; Universal hist, xx-sia.. 410—
426 ; Furchas^ Jiilgrims, i. 933 ; v. 1605 — 1645 ; Harris' voyages,
i. 811 — 815 ; .Churchill., iii. 798— 8.15 ; Holmes' annalsy i. 147 —
150, 163, 175, 25.1, 285 ; Chalmers, i. 586.
CHANDLER (Thomas Bradbury, d, d.), an eminent epis-
copalian minister and writer, was a native of Woodstock in Con-
necticut, and was graduated at Yale college in 1745. There was
with many in the year 1748 an expectation of an episcopal estab-
lishment in this country, when men of talents could indulge the
.hope of becoming dignitaries in the church. The bait of prefer-
ment was at this time offered to Dr. Stiles. Whether the
xircumstances of the times had an insensible influence over the
mind of Mr. Chandler or not, it was in the year 1748, that he was
proselyted to episcopacy. He soon went to England, and took
orders in the established church. On his return to this country,
he became rector of St. John's church at Elizabethtown in New
Jersey, where he long maintained a lugh character both for erudi-
tion and talents. He was .honored with the degree of doctor of
divinity by the university of Oxford. During the last ten years of
his life he was aftlicted with a disorder, which madetrial.of all Ins
patience. But he was resigned to the will of God. His hope of
final deliverance from sin, and from the evils connected with it,
rested upon the incarnation and sufferings of the eternal Son of
the Father. He was even cheerful under the heavy troubles,
which were laid upon him. His respectable and useful life termi-
nated about the middle of July 1790, when he was sixty five years
of age.
Dr. Chandler was a zealous friend of the episcopal church, and
he wrote much in favor of it. He was engaged in a controversy
on the subject with the reverend Dr. Chauncy of Boston. He
published an appeal to the public in behalf of the church of
JEngland in America, 1767 ; a defence of his appeal, 1769 ; 9.
172 CHA.
further defence of his appeal, 1771 ; a sermon, preached before
the corporation lor the relief of the widows and children of epis-
copal clergymen, 1771 ; an examination of the critical commenta-
ry on Seeker's letter to VV'alpole concerning bishops in America,
1774. He also prepared for the press a life of the reverend Dr.
Johnson ; but the revolution arrested its publication. It was
printed at New York in the year 1805, fifteen years after his death.
— Miller's retrosficct, ii. 356; h cadi's funeral sermon; General hist,
of Connecticut, 158 ; Memoirs of Thomas Hollis, i. 435, 436.
CHANLER (Isaac), a baptist minister, was born in Bristol,
England, in 1701, and came to South Carolina in 1733. He set-
tled as pastor of a baptist church on Ashley river in 1736, where
he continued till his death in 1749. He was succeeded by the
reverend Oliver Hart, who remained till 1780, when he removed
to New Jersey. Mr. Chanlcr published a sermon on establish-
ment in grace, preached at Charleston in 1740 by the desire of
Mr. Whitefield at the commencement of a course of lectui'es by
ministers of different denominations. Besides several smaller
works, he published also the doctrines of glorious grace imfolded,
and practically improved, 4to, 1744. — Miller, ii. 365 ; Backus*
abridgmcjit, 248.
CHARDON (Peter), a Jesuit missionary, was employed for
many years among the Indians upon lake Michigan. He began his
labors as early as 1697, and continued them for twenty five or thirty
years. He presided over the mission at the village of Pouteautamis
upon the river St. Joseph, and he labored also among the SaUis at
the southern extremity of green Bay, or baye des Puans, as it was
called by the French. He was acquainted with almost all the lan-
guages of the Indians, who inhabited the lakes. — Charlevoix, hist,
dc la nouv. France, iii. 292, 295 ; Lettres edif. et cnrietiscs, xi. 372
— 378.
' CHARLEVOIX (Peter Francis Xavier de), a historical
writer, who lived a number of yeai*s in Canada, was born at St. Quin-
tin in France in 1684, and entering intothesociety of Jesuits taught
the languages and philosophy v.ith great reputation. Before the
year 1720 he had resided some time in Quebec, and was connected,
it is believed, with the college in that place. By order of the king
he made a voyage to Canada in 1 720, where he arrived in Septem-
ber. From Quebec he passed u^) the St. Lawrence, and through
the lakes to Michillimakinac ; thence down lake Michigan, and the
Illinois and Mississippi rivers to New Orleans, from which place
he returned, touching at St. Domingo, to France in 1722. During
this period he collected facts for his history of Canada, and kept a
journal, which he afterwards published, annexed to his hiiloi7. Af-
ter his arrival in his native country, he had a principal concern for
twenty four years in the jomn.d des Trcvoux. He died in 1761,
aged seventy eight years. He published in French the history of
CHA. 173
Christianity in Japan,3 vol. 1715, 8vo; the life of Mary, 1724,12mo;
the history of St. Domingo, 2 vol. 1731, 4to ; the history and gen-
eral description of Japan, 2 vol. 1736, 4to, and 9 vol, 12 mo, compris-
ing all that is valuable in Koempfei-'s history of that country ; a gen-
eral history of New France, 3 vol. 1744, 4to, and 6 vol. 12 mo ; and
a history of Paraguay, 3 vol. 1756, 4lo. His works were well re-
ceived, but the history of New France, or Canada, is considered as
peculiarly valuable, as he himself visited thff country, which he de-
scribed, and paid particular attention to the manners and customs
of the Indians. He has added something upon botany and other
parts of natural history ; but on these subjects a perfect confidence
is not placed in his accuracy. His style is deficient in precision.
He was diffuse both in conversation and writing.— ^Nouveau diet,
historique, edit. 1804 ; Aikiii's and Alcholson's gen. biog.
CHAUMONOT (Joseph), a Jesuit missionary among the In-
dians of North America, was an Italian. He labored with indefati-
gable zeal for more than half a century among the natives of Cana-
da. He was among the Hurons, who lived north of lake Erie, as
early as 1642, and in the following year spent some time with a
tribe to the south east, which v/as called the neutral nation, because
they did not then engage in the war between the Iroquois and the
Hurons. From the latter they derived their origin. In the yeai'
1655, when he was the oldest missionary in New France, he visited
the Onondagas at their request, and made a number of converts,
some of whom were the principal men of the tribe. This mission
however was soon abandoned, though it was afterwards resumed. A-
bout theyear 1 670 he established the mission of Loretto three leagues
north cast from Quebec, where he collected a number of Indians
of the Huron tribe. The Hurons resided originally northward of
lake Erie, and it was in consequence of the wars, in which they
wcre engaged with other tribes, that they were induced to go down
the St. Lawrence. The name of Hurons was given them on ac-
count of the manner, in which they dressed their hair. As they
cut it for the most part very short, and turned it up in a fantastical
way, so as to give themselves a frightful appearance, the French
cried out, when they first saw them, " quelles hures 1" What wild
boars' heads 1 They were afterwards called Hurons. Champlain-
calls them Ochasteguins ; but tlieir true name is Yendats,with the
French pronunciation. Their descendants, the Wyandots, who
live on the south western side of lake Erie, are now under the care
of the reverend Joseph Badger, a missionary from New England^
who has been with them two or three years with the most flattering
prospects of rescuing them from barbarism. Chaumonot compos-
ed a grammar of the Huron language. — Charlevoix., hist. nouv.
France, i. 183, 243,320—329, 334,^^4.28 ; Univ. Mst, xxxix. 457 ;
Lrftres edlf. ct curiencc;, xxiii. 213 — 215.
174 CHA,
CHAUNCY (Charles), the second president of Harvard col»
lege, was born in Hertfordshire, England, in 1589. He was at
Westminster school, which adjoined to the parliament house, at
the very time, when the gun powder plot was to have taken effect,
and must have perished, if the scheme had been executed. After
leaving Westminster, he was admitted a student of Trinity college,
Cambridge, and in proper time was honored with the degree of
bachelor of divinity. ^He was soon chosen professor of Hebrew ;
but the vice chancellor. Dr. Williams, wishing to bestow this office
upon a kinsman, Mr. Chauncy was chosen professor of Greek. He
went from the university an eminent preacher of the gospel. He
was first settled in the ministry at Marstow, but afterwards be-
came vicar of Ware in the beginning of 1627, in which place his
success in the conversion and edification of souls was remarkably
great. He had at this time serious objections to the discipline and
to some of the articles of the established church, and in about two
years he began to suffer for his nonconformity to the inventions of
man in the worship of God. In 1 629 he was charged with asserting
in a sermon, that idolatry was admitted into the church, that the
preaching of the gospel would be suppressed, and that much athe-
ism, popery, arminianism, and heresy had crept into the church ;
and after being questioned in the high commission court his cause
was referred to Dr. William Laud, the bishop of London, his ordi-
Jiary, who required him to make a submission in Latin. He was
again brought before the same court in 1635, when Laud was arch-
bishop of Canterbury. The crime, of which he was now accused$
was opposing the making of a rail round the communion table of his
'Church as an innovation and a snare to men's consciences. He was
•pronounced guilty of contempt of ecclesiastical government and of
■raising a seism, and was suspended from his ministry till he should
onake in open court a recantation, acknowledging his great offence,
-and protesting that he was persuaded in his conscience, that kneel-
ing at the sacrament was lawful and commendable, and that the rail
set up in the chancel, with the bench for kneeling, was a decent
and convenient ornament, and promising never to oppose eithej*
that, or any other laudable rite or ceremony prescribed in tlie
church of England. He was sentenced to pay the costs of suit,
■which were great, and to imprisonment till he complied with the
order of court. His fortitude failed him in the midst of his suffer-
ings, and contrary to his conscience he made the recantation on the
eleventh of February. For his weakness and folly he ever reproach-
ed himself. He soon repented of his submission, and before he
came to New England made a solemn retractation, which was after-
wards printed in London. In the preface of his last will he partic-
ularly laments, as " still fresh before him, his many sinful compli-
ances with and conformitv unto vile human inventions, will worship,
«uper?«n^on, and patchcries, stitched into the service of the Lordb
CHA. 175
tirhich the fenglish mass book, the book of comnaon prayer, and the
ordination of priests, &c. are fully fraught withal." He proceeds
to charge his posterity with the greatest warmth of zeal and solem-
nity of language, as they would answer for their conduct at the tri-
bunal of Jesus Christ, " not to conform, as he had done, to rites and
ceremonies in religious worship of man's devising and not of God's
appointment."
Being silenced for refusing to read the book of sports, he deter-
mined to seek the peaceable enjoyment of the rights of conscience
in New England. He accordingly came to this country, and arriv-
ed at Plymouth a few days before the great earthquake, which was
felt June 1, 1638.. He continued in this town about three years,
assisting the reverend Mr. R«yner in his public labors ; but being
invited to take the pastoral charge of the church at Scituate, he was
again ordained, and continued in that place about twelve years, faith-
fully performing the duties of the sacred office. The ecclesiastic-
al state of England had now assumed a new appearance, and as his
maintenance at Scituate was so disproportionate to the necessities
of his family, that he was sometimes unable to procure bread, he
resolved to accept the invitation, which he received from his people
in Ware to return to them. He accordingly went to Boston to em-
bark for Great Britain ; but the presidentship of Harvard college
being at this time vacant by the resignation of IVTr. Dunster, he was
requested Novembers, 1654, to accept that office. As he was of
opinion, that the baptism of infants and adults should be by immer-
sion, and that the Lord's supper should be celebrated in the evening,
the overseers of the college desired him to forbear disseminating
his peculiar sentiments. He had no difficulty in yielding to their
wishes. He was inducted into the office of president November
27, 1654, and continued in this station till his death February 19,
1672, in the eighty second year of his age. He left behind him six
sons, all of whom were graduated at Harvard college.
President Chauncy was a distinguished scholar, being intimately
acquainted with the Hebrew, Greek, and Latin langauges. He en-
joyed an opportunity of perfecting his knowledge of the former by
living one year in the same house with a Jew. He was well versed
also in the sciences, especially in theology, which was his favorite
study. To his other acquisitions he added some skill in physic, and
thus he was enabled to prescribe for bodily diseases, as well as to
cure those of the mind. He presided over the college with dignity
and reputation, and some of the most eminent men in the country,
such as Increase Mather, Willard, Stoddard, and judge Sewall,
were educated under his care. To those students, who were des-
tined for the ministry, he addressed these words ; " when you are
yourselves interested in the Lord Jesus Christ and his righteous-'
ness, you will be fit to teach others." When he attended prayei-s
in the college hall in the morning, he usually expoiuided a chapter
176 CHA.
of the old testament, which was first read from the Hebrew by one
of his pupils, and in the evening a chapter of the new testament,
read from the Greek. On the mornings of the Lord's day, instead of
an exposition, he preached a sermon of about three quarters of an
hour in length. Once a fortnight in the forenoon his labors were
enjoyed by the congregation of Cambridge. As a preacher he
was animated and learned, yet remarl;ably plain, being mindful of
the importance of accommodating himself to the understandings
of all his hearers. In a letter to a brother in the ministry he
advised him not to use any dark, Latin words, or any deriv-
ed from Latin, lest he should not be understood, and enjoined
it upon him to be much in prayer to God, as the surest way
to success in his labors. The subjects, which he thought import-
ant to be preached, are the misery of the natural state of man,
the necessity of union with Christ, and the fruits of justifying faith
in love and good works. He believed, that Jesus Christ, by suffer-
ing the full punishment due to the sins of the elect, made satisfac-
tion to divine justice, and that faith justifies by receiving the right-
eousness of the Savior, which is imputed to believers. He was
exceedingly solicitous to exclude good works from any share in the
antecedent condition of justification, yet few insisted more upon their
necessity in all the justified.
He was an indefatigable student, making it his constant practice
to rise at four o'clock in the morning ; but his studies did not inter-
rupt his intercourse with heaven, for he usually devoted several
hours in the course of the day to secret prayer. Immediately after
he rose from bed, at eleven o'clock, at four in the afternoon, and at
nine he retired from the world to commune -with the Father of mer- '
cies. He kept a diary, in which, under the heads of sins and mer-
cies, he recorded his imperfections, and the blessings, which were
imparted to him. His temper was passionate, but he endeavored
to subdue it, and such was his conscientiousness and self inspection,
that when his better resolutions were overcome by the warmth of
his feelings, he would immediately retire to humble himself before
God and to seek his mercy. He kept many days of fasting and
prayer, sometimes alone, and sometimes with his family and a few
of his pious neighbors. Such was his attention to those, whose
religious instruction was more peculiarly his duty, that every
morning and evening, after he had expounded a chapter of the bible
in his family, he would endeavor by suitable questions to impress
the truths presented upon the minds of his children and servants.
This venerable man, when he had travelled beyond the bounda-
ries of fourscore, was yet able to preach and to superintend the
concerns of the college. His friends at this period observed to
him, as he was going to preach on a winter's dav, that he" would
certainly die in tlie pulpit ; but he pressed more vigorously through
the snow drift, replying, " how glad should I be, if this should pnovr
CHA. 17i
Unie ?'* He was induced on account of the infirmities of age to ad-
dress to his friends a farewell oration on the day of commencement
in 1 67 1 , after which he sent for his children and blessed them. He
how waited for his departure When he was stretched on the bed
of death, and the flame of life was almost extinct, he was desired by
the reverend Mr. Oakes to give a sign of his hope and assurance
of future glory- The speechless old man accordingly lifted up his
hands towards heaven, and his spirit soon rushed forth, and entered
eternity.
He published a sermon on Amos ii. 11, preached in the college
hall the day after the commencement in 1655, entitled, God's mer-
cy shewed his people in giving them a faithful ministry, and schools
of learning tor the continuance thereof. In this sermon he speaks of
the wearing of long hair, particularly by students and ministers, with
the utmost detestation, and represents it as a heathenish practice,
and as one of the crying sins of the land. In this sentiment he
was supported by some of the most distinguished men of that day.
He takes occasion at the same time to reprehend the criminal neg-
lect of the people With regard to the suitable maintenance of min-
isters. He published also the election sermon, 1656 ; and a vol-
ume of twenty six sermons on justification, 1659, 4to. President
Chauncy's manuscripts fell into the hands of the widow of his son,
the reverend Mr. Chauncy of Hatfield, and she afterwards marry-
ing a Northampton deacon, who subsisted principally by making
and selling pies, these learned and pious writings Avere not suffered
to decay. Being put to the bottom of the pies, they rendered good
service by shielding them from the scorching of the oven ! — Mat/i-
er's magnalia, iii. 133 — 141 ; iv. 128 ; Coll. hist.soc. iv. 111; x. 31,
Jfl — 180; Rushivorth's hist, collections, u. 34, 316; JVeafs J\''ew
■England, i. 38f — 390; Hutchinson, i. 259 ; Holmes' annals, i. 415.
CHAUNCY (Charles, d. d.), minister in Boston, was born in
.that town January 1, 1705, and Avas a descendant of president
-Chauncy, as are all of this name in America. Entering Harvard
college at twelve years of age, he received his first degree in 1721.
■He was ordained pastor of the first church in Boston, as colleague
with the reverend Mr. Foxcroft, October 25, 1727. Alter enjoy-
ing for a few years the assistance of the reverend Dr. Clarke, he
died February 10, 1787, in the eighty third year of his age, and the
sixtieth of his ministry.
Dr. Chauncy was eminent for his learning, and for the spirit of
independence, which marked his inquiries. Being placed by di-
vine providence in a situation, which afforded him much leisure,
he was diligent in his search after truth. He formed the resolution
to see for himself, to understand, if possible, all the articles of his
creed, and not to teach for the doctrines of Christ the command-
ments of men. The results of his inquiries in some instances did
not correspond with the opinions, embraced generally by his breth-
23
m CHA.
Pen in the ministry ; but he adopted them after patient investiga*-
tion, and he believed them himself to be founded on the scriptures.
Soon after Mr. Wlutefield came to this country, when his preach-
ing was Attended with very remarkable effects, and many disorders,
acco.iipanied the reformation produced, Dr. Chauncy stood forth in-
opposition to him. He could not easily admit, that anyjgood could
be done by an itinerant preacher, " who played the bishop in anoth-
er nian'» parish," as he rendered I. Peter, iv. 15, " and who went
out of his proper iine of things." Believing, that the welfare of
the churches was endangered, he travelled several hundred miles
to collect facts, and published in 1743 his seasonable thoughts oiv
the state of religion in New England, m wliich he gives a faithful
picture of the uncharitableness, enthusiasm, and confusion, which
prevailed in different parts of the country. He attacked what was
wortliy of reprehension, but hue most men of strong passions, by
dwelling constantly upon the picture, which he was drawing, he al-
most forgot, that different and more pleasant objects might be pre-
sented to the eye. Such men as Colman, Sewall, Prince, Cooper,^
Foxcroft, and Eliot agreed with him in reprehending and opposing
the extravagancies, which had been witnessed ; but they had differ-
ent views of the general religious state of the country, and thought
It their duty to express " their inll persuasion, that there had been a
happy and remarkable revival of religion in many parts of the land
through an uncommon divine influence." Dr. Chauncy in his
work endeavors to distinguish the nature of true religion. He rep-
resents the new creation as wrought in the minds of sinners by the
Spirit of God in different ways, sometimes as accompanied by ter-
ror, and sometimes as exciting little agitation ; but as always evinc-
ing itself by the fruits of holiness. As a remedy for the evils,
which lie recorded, he enforces it upon his brethren as their most
sacred duty to discourage and oppose all itinerant preaching in plac-
es, where ministers were settled. He recommends also a more
strict examhiation of candidates for the ministry, and the revival of
discipline in the churches. In regard to Mr. Whitefield, than
whom there was never a more disinterested man, it was suggested^
that vanity might have been the cause of his incessant travels in
Great Britain and America, and that in soliciting subscriptions he
Jnight have had " a fellow feeling with the orphans in Georgia."
Dr. Chauncy was ardently attached to the civil and religious lib-
erties of his country. After the death of Dr. Mayhew he followed
in his steos in withstanding the 3chemes of episcopalians. He pub-
lished in 17G7 remarks upon a sermon of the bishop of Landaff, in
which paxnphlet he expresses his fears, that the appointment of
bishops for America, as was projected, would be followed by at-
tempts to promote episcopacy by force. He then adds, " it may be
relied on, our people would not be easy, if restrained in the exer-
i»se of that liberty, wherewith Christ hath made them free ; yea.
€HA. X79
they would hazard every thing dear to them, their estates, their very
lives, rather than suffer their necks to be put under that yoke of
bondage, .which .was so sadly galling to their lathers, and occasioned
their retreat into this distant land, that they might enjoy the free^
.), minister of Windham, in Con-
necticut, was born in Saybrook January 6, 1720. In his childhood
his parents removed to Lebanon, where Ihey remained till their ol^
198 COL.
age, when "with filial affection he took them to his o-wn house.
He was graduated at Yale college in 1742, and while a member of
that institution, at the time of the general revival of religion
through America, he became experimentally acquainted with the
truth, as it is in Jesus. Forming the resolution to devote his life
to the service of the Redeemer, he was ordained in 1744 pastor of
the first church in Canterbury. In 177 1 he was removed from this
charge. But early in the following year he was installed minister
of Scotland, a parish in the town of Windham, where he continu-
ed until December 1804. The infirmities of age now rendering
him incapable of public service, he found a retreat for the remain-
der of his life in the family of his son, Dr. Mason Fitch Cogs-
well of Hartford. His own filial piety was now repaid him. He
died January 2, 1807, aged eighty seven years. He was in early
life distinguished for his learning, and he retained it in his old age.
His temper was cheerful and social, and benevolence shone in his
countenance. Under heavy afflictions he was submissive, adoring
the sovereignty of God. His preaching was generally plain and
practical, addressed to the understandings and consciences of his
hearers. On the great doctrines of the gospel, which he inculcat-
ed, he built his own hope of a blessed immortality.— /Vzno/z/es^, ii.
581 — 583 ; Phcataqua e-vang.mag. iii. 196.
COLDEN (Cadwallader), a respectable physician, botanist,
and astronomer, was the son of the reverend Alexander Colden of
Dunse in Scotland, and was l)orn February 17, 1688. After hav-
ing received a liberal education under the immediate inspection of
his father, he went to the university of Edinburgh, where, in 1705,
he completed his course of academical studies. He then applied
himself to medicine and mathematics, and was eminently distin-
guished by his proficiency in both. Allured by the fame of Will-
iam Penn's colony of Pennsylvania, he came over to this country
about the year 1708, and having practised physic for some years
with considerable reputation, he returned to England, which he
found greatly distracted inconsequence of the troubles of 1715.
While in London he was introduced to Dr. Hallcy, whowas so well
pleased with a paper on animal secretions, written in that early part
of Mr. Colden's Hfe, that he read it before the royal society, the
notice of which it greatly attracted. At this time he formed an ac-
quaintance with some of the most distinguished literary characters
of England, with whom he afterwards con-esponded, giving them
curious and useful intelligence respecting a part of the world, then
but little known. From London he went to Scotland and married a
young lady of a respectable Scotch family, by the name ot Cristie,
^vith whom he returned to America in 1716.
Brigadier general Hunter, then governor of New York, concciv-
•cdso favorable an opinion of Mr. Colden after a short acquaintance,
- #hat he became his warm friend, and offered his patronage, if he
COL. 199
t«)uld remove to New Yorlf. In 1718 he therefore settled in that
eity, Avhere in one or two years he was made surveyor general of
lands. He was the first, who tilled that office in the colony. Abbut
the same time also he received, as the first evidence of his patron's
favor, the appointment of master in chancery. In 1720, on the ar-
rival of governor Burnet, he was honored with a seat in the king's
council of the province. He afterwards rose to the head of this
board, and in that station succeeded to the administration of the
government in 1760. Previously to this he had obtained a patent
for a tract of land about nine miles from Newburgh on Hudson's
river ; and to this place, which in his patent is called Coldingham,
he retired with his family about the year 1755. There he under
took to clear and cultivate a small part of the tract as a farm, and
his attention was divided between agricultural and philosophical
pursuits, and the duties of his office of surveyor general. The
spot, which he had selected for his retirement, is entirely inland^
and the grounds are rough and of no very superior quality. At the
time he chose it for a residence it was so!itary, uncultivated, and the
country around it absolutely a wilderness, without roads, or with
such only, as were almost impassable. It was besides a frontier to
the Indians, who committed frequent barbarities. Yet no entreaties
of his friends, when they thought him in danger from his savage
neighbors, could entice him from his favorite home. He chose rath-
er to guard and fortify his house ; and amidst dangers, which would
have disturbed the minds of most men, he appears to have been
occupied without interruption in the pursuit of knowledge.
In 1761 he was appointed lieutenant governor of New York, ani
he held this commission the remainder of his life, being repeatedly
at the head of government in consequence of the death or absence
of several governors. His political character was rendered very
conspicuous by the firmness of his conduct during the violent com-
motions, which preceded the late revolution. He possessed the su-
preme authority, when the paper, to be distributed in Nev/ York
under the British stamp act, arrived ; and it was put under his care in
the fortification, called fort George, which was then standing on the
battery point. The attempt of the British parliament to raise a rev-
cmie by taxing the colonies had, in every stage, excited a spirit of
indignation and resentment, which had long before this risen above
the control of government. At length a multitude, consisting of
several thousand people, assembled under leaders, who were after-
wards conspicuous revolutionary characters, and determined to make
the lieutenant governor deliver up the stamp paper to be destroyed^
Mr. Golden had received intimation of ti.eir design, and prepared
to defend with fidelity the trust, which had devolved upon him.
The fort was surrounded, on the evening of February 15, 1766, by
a vast concourse of people, who threatened to massacre him and
his adherents, if the paper was not delivered to them ; and though
200 COL.
the enEjineers within assured him that the place was untenable, and
a terrified I'dinily implored him to regard his safety, he yet pre-
served a calmness and firmness of mind, and succeeded finally in
securing the papers on board a British man of war, then in the
port. ■ The populace, in the mean time, unwilling to proceed to
extremities, gratified their resentment by burning his effigy, and
destroying his carriages under his view. His administration is
rendered memorable, amongst other things, by several charters of
incorporation for useful and benevolent purposes. The corporation
for the relief of distressed seamen, called the marine society ; that
of the chamber of commerce ; and one for the relief of widows
and children of clergymen will transmit his name with honor to
posterity. After the return of Mr. Tryon, the governor, in 1775,
he was relieved from the cares of government. He then retired
to a seat on Long Island, where a recollection of his former studies
and a few select friends, ever welcomed by a social and hospitable-
disposition, cheered him in his last days. He died September 28,
1776, a few hours before New York was wrapped in flames, which
laid near one fourth part of the city in ashes. He complained neither
of pain of body, nor anguish of mind, except on account of the po-
litical troubles, which he had long predicted, and Avhich he then saw
overwhelming the country. He retained his senses till the la^t
moment, and expired without a groan, in the eighty ninth year of
his age.
Mr Colden early began to notice the plants of America, class-
ing and distinguishing them according to the custom of botany,
then in use. He was attentive to the climate, and left a long
course of diurnal observations on the thermometer, barometer, and
winds. He cultivated an acquaintance with the natives of the
country, and often entertained his correspondents with observations
on their customs and manners. He wrote also a history of the
prevalent diseases of the climate ; and if he was not the first to
recommend the cooling regimen in the cure of fevers, he was cer-
tainly one of its earliest and warmest advocates, and he opposed
with great earnestness the then prevalent mode of shutting up ill
warm and confined rooms patients in the small pox. Though he
quitted the practice of medicine at an early day, yet he never lost
sight of his favorite study, being ever ready to give his assistance
to his neighlwrhood, and to those, who, from his reputation for
knowledge and experience, applied to him from more distant quar-
ters.
Though his principal attention, after the year 1760, was directed
from philosophical to political matters ; yet he maintained with
great punctuality his literary correspondence, particularly with
Linnaeus of Upsal, Gronovius of Lcvden, Dr. Pottersfield and
Dr. Whittle of Edinbur:!:h, and Mr. Peter Coliinson, f. r. s. of
London, who was a most useful and affectionate friend, and t»
COL. 201
whom Mr. Colden, though he never saw him, owed an introduction
to many of the most distinguished literary ehamcters of Europe.
There were several communications between him and the carl of
Macclesfield, who appears to h ive devoted much of his attention to
mathematics and astronomy. He Avas the constant and intimate
correspondent of Dr. Franklin, and they regularly communicated
to each other their philosophical and physical discoveries, particu-
larly on electricity, which at that time began to excite the attention
of philosophers. In their letters are to be observed the first
dawnings of many of those discoveiies, which Dr. Franklin has
communicated to the world, and which have excited so much as-
tonishment, and contributed so much to human happiness. In a
letter to one of his friends Dr. Franklin gives an account of the
organization of the American philosophical society, of which he
mentions, that Mr. Colden had first suggested the idea and plan.
It was established at Philadelphia on account of the central and
convenient situation of that city.
About the year 1743 a malignant fever, then called the yellow
fever, had raged for two summers in the city of New York ; and it
appears to have been, in all respects, similar to that disorder, which
of late years has proved so very fatal. He communicated his
thoughts to the public on the most probable cure of the calamity
in a little treatise on the occasion, in which he enlarged on the bad
effects of stagnating waters, moist air, damp cellars, filthy stores,
and dirty streets ; showed how much these nuisances prevailed In
many ])arts of the city ; and pointed out the remedies. The cor-
poration of the city gave him their thanks, and established a plah
for draining and cleaning the city, which was attended with the
most happy effects. He also wrote and published a treatise on the
cure of the cancer. Another essay of his on the virtues of the bor-
tanice, or great v/ater dock, a species of rumex, introduced him to
an acquaintance with Linnaeus. In 1753 he published some ob-
servations on an epidemical sore throat, which appeared first at
Kingston, Massachusetts, in 1735, and had spread over a great part
of North America. These observations are republished in the
American museum.
When he became acquainted with Linnaeus' system of botany,
he applied himself with new delight to that study. His description
of between three and four hundred American plants were published
in the acta Upsaliensia. He also published the history of the five
Indian nations, and dedicated it govei'nor Burnet, who had distin-
guished himself by his wisdom and success in the management of
the Indians. The book was printed at I^ondon in 1747, with the
original dedication, intended for governor Burnet, directed to gene-
ral Oglethorpe. Mr. Colden justly complained of this as an un-
pardonable absurdity of the printer, who took the further liberty of
adding several Indian treaties, and other papers, without his knowl-
27
202 COL.
tdge or approbation. But the subject, which drew Mr. Colden at
one time of his life from every other pursuit, was what he first pub-
lished under the title of the cause ot gravitation ; which, being
much enlarged, appeared in 1751 under the title of the principles
of action in matter, to which is added a treatise on fluxions. He di-
ed in the fiirm persuasion, that, however he might have erred in
the deductions, the grand, fundamental principles of his system
were true ; and that they would at length be received as such in
the world. This book cost him many years of close and severe
study. He prepared a new edition of it with elucidations of such
parts, as had been subjected to objections, and with large additions.
At the time it was prepared for the press, he was so far advanced
in years, that he despaired of living to see it published. He there-
fore transmitted the manuscript to his friend and correspondent,
Dr. Whittle, of the royal college of physicians, and professor of
medicine in the university of Edinburgh. The fate of the work
since that time is not known. Of his other manuscript papers, ma-
ny of them, through the variety of hands, into which they have fal-
len, have become mutilated, and a great part of some of them is
entirely lost. Among these are an inquiry into the operation of in-
tellect in animals, a piece of great originality ; another on the es-
sential properties of light, interspersed with observations on elec-
tricity, heat, matter, 8cc ; an introduction to the study of physic, in
the form of instructions to one of his grandsons, and dated in the
eighty first year of his age ; an inquiry into the causes, producing
the phenomenon of metal medley, swimming in water ; an essay
on vital motion ; and, lastly, observations on Mr. Smith's history of
New York, comprehending memoirs of the public transactions, in
which he was conversant. He complains of the partiality of Mr.
Smith, and supposes, that he is incorrect in many particulars. —
Reea* cxjclofKcdia, Amer. edition ; Hardic's biog. diet. ; American tnu-
seum, iii. 53 — 59.
COLMAN (Benjamin), first minister of the church in Brattle
street, Boston, was born in that town October 19, 1673. He was
-distinguished by early piety and zeal in literary pursuits, and in
1 692 was graduated at Harvard college. Beginning to preach soon
afterwards, his benevolent labors were enjoyed for half a year by
the town of Mcdford. In July 1695 he embarked for London.
During the voyage the ship, in which he sailed, was attacked by a
Trench privateer, and Mr. Colman, though he had none of the pre-
sumptuous fearlessness of some of his companions, yet remained up-
on the quarter deck,'and fought bravely with the rest. Being taken
piisoner, he was dressed in rags, and put into the hold among the
:>ailors. When lic arrived in France, by means of a little money*,
■which he had preserved,' he was enabled to make some improve*-
ment in his appearance. In a few weeks he was exchanged, and
he soon reached London. Among the eminent ministers, vitU
COL. 203
whom he'here became acquainted, were Messrs. Howci Calamy, and
Burkitt. Being called to preach in different places, he supplied a
small congregation at Cambridge for a few weeks, and was succeed-
ed by the learned James Pierce, who by his mathematical knowl-
edge attracted the notice of Mr. Whiston, and becoming his friend
imbibed his Arian sentiments. He afterwards preached about two
years at Bath, where he became intimately acquainted with Mrs.
Rowe, then Miss Singer, and admired her sublime devotion as well
as ingenuity and wit, and afterwards corresponded with her.
A new society having been formed in Brattle street, Boston, the
principal gentlemen, who composed it, sent him an invitation to re-
turn to his native country, and to-be their minister. The peculiar
constitution of this church, differing from that of the other churches
in New "England, rendered the founders desirous, that he should be
ordained in JLondon. They approved of the confession of faith
composed by the Westminster assembly ; but they were averse to
the public relation of experiences, then practised previously to
admission into the churches, and they wished the scriptures to be
read on the sabbath, and the Lord's prayer to be used. These inno-
vations, the founders believed, would excite alarm, and to avoid dif-
ficulty Mr. Colman was ordained by some dissenting ministers in
London August 4, 1699. He arrived at Boston on the first, of No-
vember following, and December twenty fourth the new house of
worship was opened and Mr. Colman preached in it for the first
time. From the year 1701 he had for his assistant about two years
and a half the reverend Eliphalet Adams, afterwards minister of
New London. Mr. William Cooper was ordained his colleague
IMay 23, 17 16, and after his death in 1743 his son, the reverend Dr.
Cooper, was settled in his place. Dr. Colman died August 29,
1747, in the seventy fourth year of his age.
He was an eminently useful and good man, and was universally
respected for his learning and -talents. He was distinguished as a
preacher. Tall and erect in stature, of a benign aspect, present-
ing in his whole, appearance something amiable and venerable, and
having a peculiar expression in his eye ; he was enabled to interest
his hearers. His voice was harmonious, and his action inimitable.
He was ranked among the first ministers of New England. Jesus
Christ was the great subject of his preaching He dwelt upon the
Redeemer in his person, natures, offices, and benefits,; in his eternal
Godhead; in the covenants of redemption and of gr^e; and, upon
the duties of natural religion as performed, only by strength derived
from the Savior and as acceptable only for his sake. He had a hap-
py way of introducing large paragraphs of scripture to enrich his
discourses, and he frequently embellished them by allusions to the
historical parts of the sacred volume. He could delight by the
gracefulness of his manner, and never by boisterousness and vi-
'Olence transgressed the decorum of the pulpit ; yet he knew how
204 COL.
to preach with closeness and pun'Tcency, and could array the teiTors
of the Lord before the children of iniquity. It may excite surprise
at the present day^thut the practice of reufiing the scripture and re-
peating the Lord's prayer, as a part of the siervices of the sabbath,
should have excited opposition ; but many were offended, though it
was not long before a number of other churches followed in the steps
of Brattle street. The ground of opposition to this new church was
the strong features of episcopacy, which it was imagined, were to
be discerned in it.
In the various duties of the pastoral office Dr. Coiman was dili-
gent and faithful. He catechised the children of his congregation,
addressed them upon the concerns of their souls, and as they advanc-
ed in years was vu'gent in his persuasions to induce them to ap-
proach the table of the Lord. His church had entrusted him with
authority to jutige ot the qualifications of commvmicants, and it was
thought by many, that he was -oo free in his admissions to the sup-
per. Bu- he was far from thinking, that a competent knowledge of
Christianity and a moral life were sufficient qualifications. He
thought} that there should be a credible profession of repentance and
faith, with serious purposes and promisci of new obedience through
the influence of the divine Sjiirit ; and he believed, that the purity
ot the churches w ould be corrupted, if there was an indiscriminate
and general admission to the sucrament.
While he entertained the highest veneration for the fathers of
New England, and was very f icndly to confessions of faith, and to
the publication of them on piirticular occasions, he used to say, that
the bible was his platform. In his sentiments upon church govern-
ment he inclined towards the presbyterians. He was opposed to
the practice adopted by the churc"' es of sending for counsel whcre-
ever they pleased, believing the neighboring churches to be the
proper counsellors. As he he conceived, that al' baptized per-
sons, who made a credible profession of the religion of Christ, were
members of the church, he thought that they should not be prohib-
ited from voting in the choice of a minister. At the same time,
he considered them as very reprehensible, if they neglected to
approach the table of the Lord.
Such was the estimation, in which Dr. (^olman was held, that af-
ter the death of Mr. Leverett in 1724, he wi's chosen his successor
as president of Harvard college ; but he declined the appointment.
He however rendered great service to the institution. He procur-
ed benetactors for it, and took indefatigable pains, in forming rules
and orders relating to the settlement of the Hollisian professor of
divinity in Cambridge His care also extended to Yale college, for
which he procured many valuable books. In 1732 he addressed a
letter to Mr. Adams of New London, one of its trustees, desiring
him to vindicate that collegr- from the charge of Arminianism. By
his acquaintance in Englapil his usefulness Mas much increased
COL. 205
He received from Mr. Samuel Holden of London thirty nine sets
of the practical works of Mr. Baxter in four massy volumes, folio,
tn distribute among: our churches. He procured also benefactions
for the Indians at Houssatonnoc, and engaged with earnestness in
promoting the objects of that mission, which was entrusted to the
care of the reverend Mr. Sergeant. But liis labors were not con-
fined to what particularly related to his profession. He was em-
ployed, in his younger as well as in his later years, on weighty af-
fairs by the general court, and was sometimes called upon to
draught letters and addresses. No minister has since possessed so
great influence. His attention to civil concerns drew upon him cen-
sure and at times insult ; but he thought himself justified in em-
bracing every opportunity for doing good. He knew the interest
of his country and was able to promote it ; and he could not admit,
that the circumstance of his being a minister ought to prevent his exer-
tions. Still there were few men, more zealous and unwearied in the la-
bors of his sacred office. His character was singularly excellent. Hay-
ing imbibed the true spii-it of the gospel he was catholic, moderate,
benevolent, ever anxious to promote the gospel of salvation. He
was willing to sacrifice every thing, but truth, to peace. Once a
seventh day baptist from Rhode Island visited him to dispute con-
cerning the sabbath. Having heard his arguments patiently and
answered him mildly, and perceiving that the disputatious humor
of his opponent was in no dc~ree softened, he declined a continu-
ance of the controversy by offering to direct him to a person, who
would be a proper antagonist in his own way. After a life con-
spicuous for sanctity and usefulness, he met the king of terrors with-
out fear. In the early part of his life his health was very in-
firm ; sicknes frequently reminded him of his mortality ; and he
made it his constant care to live in readiness for death, and evei^
kept his will made, that he might not be obliged to attend to worldly
concerns on his dying bed. With a feeble constitution, he yet was
able to preach on the very sabbath before he died. His life was writ-
ten by the reverend Mr. Turell, who married his daughter, and
published in 8 vo, in 1749.
He published an artillery sermon in 1702 ; the government and
improvement of mirth in three sei-mons, 1707 ; imprecation against
the enemies of God lawful ; practical discourses on the parable of
the ten virgins, 8vo, 1707 ; a poem on the death of the reverend
Mr. Willard ; the ruler's piety and duty ; a sermon on the imion
of England and Scotland, 1708 ; on seeking God early, 1713 ; the
heinous nature of the sin of murder ; on the incomprchensibleness
of God in four sermons, 1715 ; ihe precious gifts of the ascended
Savior ; the blessing and honor of fruitful mothers ; divine com-
passions magnified ; funeral sermons on madam Alngail Foster,
1711; Mrs. Elizabeth Wainwright, 1714 ; honorable Isaac Adding*
ion, and reverend Thomas Bridge, 1714; Mrs. Elizabeth Hirsts
206 COL.
1716 ; reverend Messrs. Braltlc and Pemberton, and Grove HirsJ,
esquire, 1717 ; governor Dudley, 1720 ; William Harris, esquire,
1721 ; madam Steel, Mr. David Stoddard, and Dr. Increase Math-
er, 1723 ; president Leverett, 1724 ; Dr. Cotton Mather, 1728 ;
reverend Solomon Stoddard and William Welsted, esquire, 1729 ;
honorable Simeon Stoddard, 1730 ; Thomas HoUis, esquire, 1731 ;
on his eldest daughter, 1735; Thomas Steel, esquire, 1736; rev-
erend Peter Thacher, 1739 ; honorable Samuel Holden, 1740 ;
reverend William Ck)oper, 1743 ; Mrs. Frances Shirley, 1746 ; the
warnings of God unto young people, 1716 ; a sermon for the refor-
mation of manners ; our fathers' sins confessed with our own ; a
thanksgiving sermon for the suppression of the rebellion in Great
Britain ; at the ordination of the reverend William Cooper, 1717 ;
the rending of the vail of the temple ; five sermons on the strong
man armed ; the pleasure of religious worship in our public assem-
blies ; an election sermon, 1718 ; the blessing of Zebulun and Is-
sachar ; reasons for a market in Boston, 1719; early piety incul-
cated, 1720 ; early piety towards men, 1721 ; some observations
en inoculation ; Jacob's vow, 1722; Moses a witness to Christ, a
sermon at the baptism of Mr. Monis, 1722; an election sermon,
1723 ; God deals with us as rational creatures; the duty of parents
to pray for their children ; the doctrine and law of the holy sabbath,
1725 ; a sermon preached to pirates, 1726 ; a sacramental dis-
course, 1727 ; a sermon at the ordination of Mr. Pemberton of
New York ; on the acession of king George II ; live sermons on
the great earthquake ; twenty sacramental sermons on the glories
of Christ, 8vo, 1728 ; the duty of young people to give their hearts
to God, four sermons ; death and the grave without any order ; a
treatise on family worship ; on governor Belcher's accession, 1730 ;
Ihe grace given us in the preached gospel, 1732 ; God is a great
king, 1733 ; the fast, which God hath chosen, 1734; a dissertation
on the three first chapters of Genesis, 1735 ; a dissertation on the
image of God wherein man was created, 1736; merchandise and
hire holiness to the Lord ; righteousness and compassion the ruler's
duty and character ; the divine compassions new every morning,
1737 ; waiting on God in our straits and difficulties, 1737 ; an ar-
tillery election sermon, 1738; the unspeakable gift, 1739; the
withered hand restored ; pleasant to see souls flying to Christ, 1740;
on governor Shirley's accession, 1741 ; the word of God magnified
"by him, 1742 ; the glory of God's power in the firmament; satan's
fiery darts in hellish suggestions in several sermons, 1744^ at the
ordination of the reverend Samuel Cooper, 1746 — TureWa life and
character of Col man ; 7/iarher's century sermon ; Ho/ikina* history
of Housfiatonnoc Indians. *
COLUMBUS (Christopher), the first discoverer of the new
■world, was born in Gerioa in the year 1447, and at the age of four-
Teen entered on a seafaring life. He was educated in the sciences
COL, 207
of geometfy and astronomy, which form the basis of navigation, and
was well versed in cosmography, history, and philosophy, having
studied some time at Pavin. To equip him'^elf more completely
for making discoveries he leamed to draw. During one of his voy-
ages the ship, in which he sailed, took fire in an engagement with
a Venetian galley, and by the help of an oar he swam two league*
to the coast of Portugal near Lisbon.
He married at Lisbon the daughter of Perestrello, an old seaman^
•who had been concerned in the discovery of Porto Santo and Ma-
deira, from whose journals and charts he received the highest en-
tertainment. The Portuguese were at this time endeavoring to
find a way to India round Africa ; they had been pursuing this ob-
ject for half a century without attaining it, and had advanced no far-
ther along the coast of Africa than just to cross the equator, when
Columbus conceived his great design of finding India in the west.
He knew from observing lunar eclipses, that the earth was a sphere,
and concluded, that it might be travelled over from east to west, or
from west to east. He also hoped, that between Spain and India
some islands would be found, which would be resting places in his
voyage. Some learned writers had asserted, that it was possible to
effect what he was now resolved to accomplish. So early as the
year 1474 he had communicated his ideas in writing to Paul Fos-
canelli, a learned physician of Florence, who encouraged his design,
sending him a chart, in which he had laid down the supposed capi-
tal of China but little more, than two thousand leagues westward
from Lisbon. The stories of mariners, that carved wood, a covered
canoe, and human bodies of a singular complexion -had been found
after westerly winds, also contributed to settle his judgment. Hav-
ing established his theory and formed his design, he now began to
think of the means of carrying it into execution. Deeming the en-
terprise too great to be undertaken by any but a sovereign state, he
applied first, according to Herrera, to the republic of Genoa, by
whom his project was treated as visionary. Ferdinand© Columbus
in his life of his father says nothing of this application, but repre-
sents, that the plan was first proposed to John II, king of Portugal,
because his father lived under him. This king had encountered
such vast expense in fruitless attempts to find away to India around
the African continent, that he was entirely indisposed to give to
Columbus the encouragement, which he wished to obtain. By the
advice however of a favorite courtier he privately gave orders to a
ship, bound to the island of cape de Verd, to attempt a discovery in
the west ; but the navigators, through ignorance and want of enter-
prise, effected nothing, and on reaching their destined port turned
tbc project of Columbus into ridicule. When he became acquaint-
ed with this dishonorable conduct of the king, he quitted Portugal
in disgust, and repaired to Ferdinand, king of Spain. He had pre-
viously sent his brother Dartholcmew to England to solicit the pat-
208 COL.
ronage of Henry VII, but on his passage he was taken by pirates,
and he was dciained a number of years in captivity. The proposal
of Columbus was referred to the consideratioaof the most learned
men in Spain, who rejected it for various reasons, one of which was,
that if a ship should sail westward on a globe, she would necessarily
go down on the opposite side, and then it would be impossible to re-
turn, for it would be like climbing up a hill, which no ship could do
with the strongest wind. But by the mfluence of Juan Perez, a
Spanish priest, and Lewis Santangel, an officer of the king's house-
hold, queen Isabella was persuaded to listen to his request, and af-
ter he had been twice repulsed recalled him to court. She offered
to pawn her jewels to defray the cxpenseof the equipment, amount-
ing to no more than two thousand five hundred crowns; but the
money was advanced by Santangel. Thus after seven years' pain-
ful solicitation he obtained the patronage, which he thought of the
highest importance in executing his plan.
By an agreement with their catholic majesties of April 17, 1492,
he was to be viceroy and admiral of all countries, which he should
discover, and was to receive one tenth part of the profits, accruing
from their productions and commerce. He sailed from Palos in
Spiiin August 3, 1492, with three vessels, two of which were called
caravels, being without decks, having on board in the whole ninety
men. He himself commanded the largest vessel, called Santa Ma-
ria. He left the Canaries on the sixth of September, and when he
was about two hundred leagues to the west the magnetic needle was
observed, September fourteenth, to vary from the pole star. This
phenomenom filled the seamen with terror, but his fertile genius by-
suggesting a plausible reason in some degree quieted their appre-
hensions. After being twenty days at sea without the sight of land,
the sailors became impatient ; they insisted upon his return ; and
some of them talked of throwing their commander into the ocean.
All his talents were required to dispel their fears and stimulate
their hopes. At length, when he was almost reduced to the neces-
sity of abandoning the enterprise, at ten o'clock in the night of Oc-
tober eleventh, he saw a light, which was supposed to be on shore,
and early the next morning, Friday, October twelfth, land was dis-
tinctly seen, which proved to be Guanahana, one of the the Bahama
islands. Thus in the forty fifth year of his age he effected an ob-
ject, which he hud been twenty years in projecting and executing.
At sunrise the boats were manned and the adventurers rowed to-
ward the shore with music and in martial pomp. The coast was
covered with people, who were overwhelmed with astonishment.
Columbus went first on shore, and was followed by his men. Thejr
all kneeling down, kissed the ground with tears joy of and returned
thanks for their successful voyage. This island, which is in the
twenty fifth degree of north latitude and is sometimes called Cat
island, was named by Columbus San Salvador. Having di'Dco■^'ered
COL. 209
ii number of other islands, and among tliem Cuba on the twenty
seventh of October, and Hispaniola on tlie sixth of December, he
began to think of returning. His large ship having been wrecked
on the shoals of Hispaniola, he built a fort with her timber, and lefi;
behind him a colony of thirty nine men at the port, which he called
Navidad [the nativity], because he entered it on Christmas day.
From this place he sailed January 4-, 1493. During his passage,
when threatened with destruction by a violent storm, he wrote an
account of his discoveries on parchment, which he wrapped in a
piece of oiled cloth and enclosed in a cake ofAvax. This he put in-
to a tight cask and threw it into the sea with the hope, that it might
be driven ashore, and that his discoveries might not be lost, if the
vessel should sink. But he was providentially saved from destruc-
tion, and arrived safe at Lisbon on the fourth of March. On the
fifteenth he reached Palos, and was received with the highest to-
kens of honor by the king and queen, who now made him admiral of
Spain.
He sailed on his second voyage to the new world September 25,
1 493, having a fleet of three ships of war and fourteen caravels, and
about one thousand five hundred people, some of whom were of the
first families in Spain. The pope had granted in full right to Ferdi-
nand and Isabella all the countries from pole to pole beyond a line
drawn one hinidred leagues west of the Azores ; and their catholic
majesties had confirmed to Columbus his privileges, making the
office of viceroy and governor of the Indies hereditary in his fam-
ily. On the Lord's day, Novembers, he discovered an island, which
in honor of the day he called Dominica. Alter discovering Mari-
galante, so called in honor of his ship, Guadaloupe, Montserrat,
Antigua, and other islands, he entered the port of Navidad, on the
north side of Hispaniola, where he had left his colony ; but not a
Spaniard was to be seen, and the fort was entirely demolished.
The men, whom he had left in this place, had seized the provisions
of the natives and their women, ;>.nd exhibited such rapacity, as to
excite the indignation of tlie Indians, who had in consequence
burned the fort and cut them off. On the eighth of December he
landed at another part of the same island near a rock, which was a
Convenient situation for a fort ; and here ho built a toAvn, which he
called Isabella, and wliich was the first town, founded by Europeans
in the new world. He discovered Jamaica May 5, 1494, where he
found water and other refreshments for his men, of which they
were in the greatest want. On his return to Hispaniola September
29, he met his brother Bartholomew, from whom he had been
separated thirteen years, and whom he supposed to be dead. His
brother had brought supplies from Spain in three ships, which he
commanded, and arrived at a time, when his prudence, experience,
and bravery were peculiarly needed ; for Columbus on his return
found the colony in the utmost confusion. Their licentiousness
?,8
210 COL,
had provoked the natives, who had united a^inst tlieir invaders,
and had actually killed a number of the Spaniards. He collected
his people, ancl prevented the destruction, whxli threatened them.
In the spring of 1495 he carried on a war aijainst the natives, and
with two hundred men, twenty horses and as many dogs, he defeat-
ed an army of Indians, which has been estimated at one hundred
thousand. In al)out a year he reduced the natives to submission.
But while Columbus was faithfully employing his talents to pro-
tnotc the interests of his sovereign, his enemies were endeavoring
to ruin his character. He was a Ibrcigner, and the proud Spaniards
could not patiently see him elevated to such honors. He did not
require so enormous a tribute of the Indians, as some of his ra-
pacious fellow adventurci's would impo'oC, and cornphdnts against
him were entered with the king's ministers. The discipline,
which he maintained, was represented as severity, and the pvmish-
incnts, which he inflicted, as cruelty ; and it was su(;gested, tliat he
was aiming to make himself independent. These whispers excited
suspicion in the jealoiis mind of I'crdmand, and Columbus was re-
duced to the necessity of returning to the Spanish court, tliat he
might vindicate himself from these false charges. After placing
the affairs of the colony in the best possible condition, and leaving
the supreme power in the hands of his brother Bartholomew, he
sailed from Isabella on the tenth of March 1496, having with him
thirty Indians. He first visited several islands, and leaving the
West Indies April 20, he arrived at Cadiz, after a dangerous and te-
dious voyage, on the eleventh of June.
His presence at court, with the influence of the gold and other
valuable articles, which he carried with him, removed in some de-
gree the suspicions, which had been gathering in the mind of the
king. But his enemies, though silent w^ere not idle. They threw
such obstructions in his way, that it was near two years before ho
could again set sail to continue his discoveries. I'onseca, bishop of
Badajos, who in September 1497 was reinstated in the direction of
Indian aflfairs, was his principal enemy. It was he, who patronized
Amerigo.
On the thirtieth of May 1498 he sailed from Spain on his third
voyage with six ships. At the Canary islands he dispatched three
of his ships with provisions to Hispaniola, and with the other three
he kept a course more to the south. He discovered Trinidad July
31, and the continent at Terra Firma on the iirst of August. Hav-
ing made many other discoveries he entered the port of St. Do-
mingo in Hispaniola August 30. By the direction of Columbus his
brother had begun a settlement in this place, and it was now made
the capital. Its name >vas given to it in honor of Dominic, the fath-
er of Columbus. He found the colony in a state, which aAvakened
his most serious apprehensions. Francis Roldan, whom he had left
chief justice, i)ad exdled a considerable number of the Spaniards
COL. 211
to mutiny, lie had attempted to seize the magazine and fort, but
failinij of success, retired to a distant part of the island. Columbus
had not a force sufficient to subdue him, and he dreaded the effects
of a civil war, wliich miglit put it in the power of the Indians to de-
stroy the whole culony. He had recourse therefore to address.
By promising pardon to such as should submit, by offering the lib-
erty of return to Spain, and by offering to reestablish Roldan in his
office he in November dissolved this dangerous combination. Some
ot the refractory were tried and put to death.
As soon as his affaii-s would permit, he sent some of his ships to
Spain with a journal of his voyage, a chart of the coast which he
iiad discovered, specimens of the gold and pearls, and an account of
the insurrection. Roldan at the same time sent home his accusa-
tions against Columbus. The suspicions of Ferdinand were reviv-
ed, and they were fomented by Fonseca and others. It was resolv-
ed to send to Hispaniola a judge, who should examine facts upon
the spot. Francis de IJovadiila was appointed for this purpose,
with full powers to supersede Columbus, if he fovmd him guilty.
When he arrived at St. Domingo, all dissensions were composed ifi
the island, effectual provision was made for M'orking the mines, and
the authority of Columbus over the Spaniards and Indians was well
established. But Bovaciilla v/as determined to treat him as a crim-
inal. He accordingly took possession of his house and seized hi.s
effects, and assuming the government ordered Columbus to be ar-
rested in October 1 500, and loaded with irons. He was thus sent
liome as a prisoner. The captain of the vessel, as soon as he was
clear of the island, offered to release him from his fetters. " No,"
said Columbus, " I wear these irons in consequence of an order of
my sovereigns, and their command alone shall set me at liberty."
He arrived at Cadiz November fifth, and on the seventeenth of De»
cember was set at liberty by the command of Ferdinand and invited
to court. He vindicated his conduct and brought the most satisfy-
ing pi'oofs of the fnalevolence of his enemies. But though his sove-
reigns promised to recal Bovadilla, they did not restore Columbus
to his government. Their jealousy was not yet enlireiy removed.
In the beginning of 1502 Ovando was sent out governor of Hispan-
iola, and thus a new proof was given of the suspicion and injustice
of the Spanish king. But Columbus was still intent on discovering
a passage to India. He sailed again from Cadiz in the beginning
of May 1502 with four small vessels, the largest of which was but
of seventy tons. He arrived "off St. Domingo June 29, but Ovan-
do refused him admission into the port. A fleet of eighteen sail
was at this time abovit setting sail for Spain. Columbus advised
Ovando to stop them for a few days, as he perceived the prognos-
tics of an approaching storm, but his salutary warning was disre-
garded. The fleet saded, and of the eighteen vessels, but two ov
Ahree escaped the hurricane. In this general wreck perished Bo*
21S COL.
vadille, 'Roldan, and the other one mics of Coliimbusj together with
the immense wealth, which they had unjustly acquired. Columbua
under the lee of the shore rode out the tempest with great difficulty.
He soon left Hispaniola, and discovered the bay of Honduras. Ho
then proceeded to cape Gracias a Dios and thence along the coast
to the isthmus of Darien, where he hoped but in vain to find a pas-
sage to the great sea beyond the continent, wliich he believed would
conduct hiiu to India. On the second of November he found a har-
bor, which on account of its beauty he called Porto Bcllo. He after-
wards met with such violent storms, as threatened liis leaky vessels
with destruction. One of them he lost and tlie other he was oblig-
ed to alwndon. With the two remaining ships he with the utmost
difficulty reached the island of Jamiaca in 1503, being obliged to run
them aground to prevent them from sinking. His ships were ruin-
ed beyond the possibility of being repaired, and to convey an ac-
count of his situation to Hispaniola seemed impracticable. But his
fertile genius discovered the only expedient, which was left him.
He obtiuned from the natives two of their canoes, each form-
ed out of a single tree. In these two of his most feitliful friends
offered to set out on a voyage of above thirty leagues. They reach-
ed Hispaniola in ten days, but they solicited relief for their com-
panions eight months in vain. Ovando was governed by a mean
jealousy of Columbus, and he was willing, that he should perish.
In the mean time Columbus had to struggle with the greatest diffi-
x:ulties. His seamen threatened his life for bringing them into such
trouble ; they mutinied, seized a number of boats, and went to a dis-
tant part of the island ; the natives murmured at the long residence
' of the Spaniards among them and began to bring in their provisions
'with reluctance. But the ingenuity of Columbus again relieved
him from his difficulties. He knew that a total eclipse of the moon
Avasnear. On the day before it took place he assembled the prin-
cipal Indians, and told them the Great Spirit in heaven was angry
with them for withdrawing their assistance from his servants, the
Spaniards ; that he was about to punish them ; and that as a sign of
his wrath the moon would be obscured that very night. As the
•eclipse came on, they ran to Columbus, loaded with provisions, and
-entreated his intercession with the great Spirit to avert the destruc-
tion, which threatened them. From this time the natives were
wery ready to bring their provisions, and they treated the Spaniards
with the greatest respect.
At the end of eight months Ovando sent a small vessel to Jamai-
ca to spy out the condition of Cohimbus, Its approach in-
spired the greatest joy ; but the officer, after delivering a cask
of wine, two flitches of bacon, and a letter of compliment, im-
tnediatcly set sail on his return. To quiet the murmurs, which
were rising, Columbus told his companions, that he himself
-had refusetl to return in the caravel, because it was too small to
COL. ^U
lake the whole of them ; but thatanotlicr vessel woiilUsouii lurivx to
take them oft". The mutineers from a distant part of the island were ^>.
proaching, and it was nece-ssary to oppose them with force. Cohimbua,
being afflicted with the gout, sent his brother Bartholomew against
them, who on their refusing to submit attacked them, and took tlieir
leader prisoner. At length a vessel, which was purchasied by one of
his friends, who went to Hispauiok for his relief, came to Jamaica
and released him from his unpleasant situation. On his arrival at
St. Domingo August 13, 1504, Ovando received him with the most
studied respect, but as he soon gave new proofs of his malevolence,
Columbus prepai'ed for his return to Spain. In September he set
sail, accompanied by his brother and son, and after a long voyage,
in which he encountered violent storms, and after sailing seven hun-
dred leagues with jury masts he reached the port of St. Lucar in De-
cember. He nov/ was informed of the death of his patroness, Isa-
bella. He soon repaired to court, and after spending about a year
^n fruitless solicitations for his violated rights, and after calling in
vain vipon a sovereign to respect his engagements, he died at Valla-
dolid May 20, 1506, in the fifty ninth year of his age. He was bu-
ried magnificently in the cathedral of Seville with this inscription
on his tomb ;
A Castilla y a I^on
Nuevo mundo dio Colon.
That is,
To Castile and Leon
Columbus gave a new world.
In the character of Columbus were combined the qualities, which
constitute greatness. He possessed a strong and penetrating mind.
He knew the sciences, as they were taught at the period, in which
Jhe lived. He was fond of great enterprises, and capable of prose-
cuting them with the most unwearied patience. He surmounted
xlifficulties, which would have entirely discouraged persons of less
firmness and constancy of spirit. His invention extricated him
from many perplexities, and his prudence enabled him to conceal
or subdue his own infirmities, whilst he took advantage of the pas-
sions of others, adjusting his behavior to his circumstances, tem-
porizing, or acting with vigor, as the occasion required! He was a
man of undaunted courage and high thoughts.
The following instance of the ingenuity of Columbus in vindicat-
ing his claini to respect for his discoveries is related by Peter Mar-
tyr. Not long before his death, at a public dinner, the nobility in-
sinuated, that his discoveries were rather the result of accident, than
of well concerted measures. Columbus heard them decry his ser-
vices for some time, but at length called for an egg, Mul asked them
to set it upright on on its smaller end. When they confessed it to
be impossible, he flatted its shell by striking it gently upon th« table
till it stood upright. The cempanv immediately exclaimed with a
214 CON.
sneer, '•' any body might liavc done it." " Yes," said Columbus,
'* but none ot you thought of it. So I discovered the Tndies, and
now every pilot CdU steer the same course. Remember the scoffs,
which were tlirown at me before I put my design in execution.
Then it was a dream, a chimera, a delusion ; now it is what any
body might have done as well as I."
Columbus was tall of stature, long visaged, of a majestic aspect,
his nose hooked, his eyes grey, of a clear complexion, and some-
whit ruddy. He was witty and pleasant, well spoken and elegant.
His conversation was discreet, which gained him the affections of
those with whom he had to dca], and his presence attracted respect,
baving an air of authority and grandeur. He was always temperate
in eating and drinking and modest in his dress. He understood
Latin and composed verses. In religion he was very zealous and
devout.
Columbus was ev^v faithful to his prince. How far the artifices^
to which he had recourse in the dangerous circun\stances, in which
he was placed, can be justified, it might not be easy to decide. He
is represented as a person, who always entertained a reverence for
the deity, and confidence in hia protection. His last words were,
" into thy hands, () Lord, I commend my spiiit." His life was
written by his son Ferdinand. — Robertson's history of America^ book
ii ; Belknafi's biografihijf i. 86 — 148 ; Holmes* annals, j\, 1—24 ^
Herr era's hist, of Amfrica, i ; life of Columbus.
CONNECTICUT, one of the United States of America, at
the time of the first arrival of the English, was possessed by the
Pequot, the Mohegan, the Podunk, and many other smaller tribes
of Indians. The Peqviots, who were numerous and warlike, and
■who occupied the territory along the sea coast from Paukatuck to
Connecticut river, about the year 1630 extended their conquest
over a considerable portion of Connecticut, over Long Island, and u
part of Narraganset. Sassacus was the grand sachem, whose seat
was at New London, the ancient Indian name of which was Pequot.
He had under him twenty six petty sachems. One of these was
Uncas, chief of the Mohegans, whose territory con)i>rehended most
of New L9ndon county, almost the whole county of Windham,
and a part of the counties of Tolland and Hartford. The Podunks
inhabited East Hartford and the circumjacent country.
The first grant of Connecticut was made by the Plymouth coun-
cil in England to the earl of Warwick in 1 630 ; and in the following
year he assigned this grant to lord Say and Seal, lord Brook, and
others. Attracted by the trade with the Indians, some of the set-
tlers of Plymouth had explored Connecticut river in the years 1631
and 1632, and fixed upon a place in Windsor, as suitable for the es-
tablishment of a trading house. Whether the Dutch of New Neth-
erlands or New York had before this discovered the river is uncer-
tain, though it is probable, that they had. By their own accounts they
CON. 2l§
,»iad built a fort upon it as early as 1623. Without a question, how-
ever, the fust settlement was made by them. In October 1633 a
company from Plymouth, with materials for a house, sailed for Con-
necticut to execute the plan, which had been formed by the traders.
On their arrival ut the place, where Hartford now stands, they found
a light tort, which had just been built by the Dutch, and two pieces
of cannon planted. They were ordered to strike their coloi s, but
they resolutely^roceeded, and landing on the west side of the river
set up their house about a mile above the fortification of the Dutch.
This was the iirst house erected in Connecticut. The Indian trade
had become too important to be neglected. Otter and beaver skins
to the amount in value of a thousand pounds sterling had been sent
in a single ship to England, and the Dutch purchased not less than
ten thousand beavers annually.
In the summer of 1635 some of the people of Massachusetts
made preparations for a settlement on Connecticut river near the
Plymouth trading house. On the fifteenth of October about sixty
men, women, and children commenced their journey through the
wilderness, and in fourteen days arrived at the place of their destina-
tion. The reverend Mr. V/arham, with a company from Dorches-
ter, settled at Mattancang, which they called Windsor ; several
people from Watertown commenced a plantation at Pauquiaug,
which they called Wethersfield ; and others from Newtown estab-
lished tlifemsclves at Suckiang, or Hartford. Of these emigrants,
those, who settled at Windsor, had purchased the right of settling
there of the old l^lymouth company in England, and the soil of the
Indians. About the same time lord Say and Seal, and his associ-
ates sent over John Winthrop, son of the governor of Massachu-
setts, with a commission as governor of Connecticut for one year,
with instructions to erect u fort at the mouth of Connecticut river.
He arrived at Boston in October 1635 and the next month sent a
bark with twenty men to begin the fortificuticn, which they called
Saybrook fort. A few days after their arrival a Dutch vessel, sent
from New Netherlands to take possession of the country, appeared
off the harbor ; but the English, having two pieces of cannon
mounted, prevented their landii^.g. The commission of Mr. Win^
throp interfered with the planters of Massachusetts, but the latter
were permitted qui'itly to enjoy their possessions. In the winter,
as the vessels with provisions, which had been expected, had not ar-
rived, a severe famine was expei'ienced. Most of the emigrants
were obliged to descend the river, and set sail on their return to
Boston. Those, who kept their station, subsisted on acorns,
Tnalt, and grains ; and many of their cattle perished. The planters
in Connecticut at first settled under the general government of
Massachusetts, but the administration of their affairs was entirely
in their own hands. The first court, v/^hich exercised all the pow-
ers of government, wr.s held April 26, 1636 at Hartford, the planta-
216 CON".
tion between \Vindsor and Wethersfield. It consisted of two dele-
gates from each of three towns, and several orders were passed for
the benefit of the infant settlements. The courts were afterwards
held in each town in rotation.
In the year 1636 a large accession was made to the inhabitants on
Connecticut river. The reverend Messrs. Hooker and Stone, the
ministers of Newtown near Boston, with their whole church and
congregation travelled in June through a trackless wildernes, driv-
ing one hundred and sixty cattle and subsisting during the journey
on the milk of the cows. They settled at Hartford, having purchas-
ed the land of an Indian sachem. At the close of the year there
were about eight hundred persons in the colony. The year 1637
is distinguished by the war with the Pequots. Thi^ powerful tribe
had looked with jealousy upon the settlements made in their neigh-
borhood, and had murdered a number of the English. The dangers,
which threatened the colony, rendering vigorous measures necessa-
ry, it was determined to invade the Pequots, and carry the war in-
to their territory. A body of troops was sent out in May under the
command of John Mason, and on the twenty sixth of the month
they attacked the entmy in one of their forts near New London,
and killed five or six hundred of the Indians. Only two of the Eng-
lish were killed, and sixteen wounded. The Pequots were entire-
ly subdued, and the other Indians of New England were inspired
with sucli terror, as roKtrained them from open hostilities for near
forty years. The astonishing success of this war, which could be
attributed only to the providence of God, called forth the most de-
vout acknowledgments.
In 1637 anew colony, was commenced in Connecticut. The
reverend John Davenport, acco npanied by Theophilus Eaton and
Edward Hopkins, and other respectable persons from London, arriv-
ed in the summer at Boston, seeking the unmolested enjoyment of
civil and religious liberty. Not finding a convenient place in Mas-
sachusetts, and being informed of a large bay to the southwest of
Connecticut river, commodious for trade, they applied to their
friends in Connecticut to purchase for them of the native proprie-
tors all the lands, lying between the rivers Connecticut and Hudson.
This purchase was in part effected. In the autumn Mr. Eaton and
some others of the company made a journey to Connecticut to ex-
plore the lands and harbors on the sea coast, and pitched upon
Quinnipiack, afterwards called New Haven for the place of their
settlement. Here they erected a hut and remained through the
v/inter. In the next spring, March 30, 1638, the rest of the com-
pany went from Boston, and arrived at Quinnipiack in about a fort-
night. On the ei^^htecnJi of April they kept the first sabbath in
the place, and Mr. Davenport preached to them under a large
spreading oak. They soon after entered into what they called a
plantation rovonnnt.bv whv-h they solemnly engaged to be governed
Con. 217
in theif civil as well as religious concerns by the rules of scripture.
On the twenty fourth ot November the lands of Quinnipiack were
purchased of the sachem of that part of the country by a few pres-
ents and an engagement to protect him and his Indians, he reserv-
ing a sufficient quanty of land to plant on the east side of the har-
bor. In December another purchase was made for thirteen coats
of a large tract, lying principally north of the other, extending eight
miles east of the river Quinnipiack and five niiles west, and being
ten miles in breadth from the north to the south. Near the bay of
Quinnipiack they laid out their town in squares on the plan of a
spacious city, and called it New Haven.
The foundation of two colonies was now laid, which were called
the colonies of Connecticut and New Haven. The original consti-
tution of the former was established by a convention of all the free
planters of Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield, which met at
Hartford January 14, 1639, and it has continued with little altera-
tion to the present time. It was ordained, that there should be an-
nually two general courts, or assemblies, in April and September,
the first to be the court of election, in which six magistrates, at least,
and all other public officers were to be chosen ; that a governor
should be elected for one year, and until another should be appoint-
ed ; that no one could be chosen to this office unless he had been a
magistrate, and was a member of some church, nor more than once
in two years ; that the choice of these officers should be made by
ballot and by the whole body of freemen, convened in general elec-
tion, every man to be considered as a freeman, who had been re-
ceived as a member of any of the towns, and who had taken the oath
of fidelity to the commonwealth ; that each of the three towns
should send four deputies to the general court ; and that when there
was an equal division, the governor should have a casting vote.
Agreeably to this constitution the freemen convened at Hartford in
April and established their officers for the ensuing year. John
Haynes was chosen governor, and the general assembly proceeded
gradually to enact a system of laws.
The planters of Quinnipiack had continued more than a year with-
out any other constitution than their plantation covenant. But on
the fourth of June 1639 they convened to lay the foundation of
their civil and religious polity. It was resolved, that the scriptures
afford a perfect rule for the discharge of all duties, and that they
would be governed by them ; that church members only should be
free burgesses, and that they only should choose magistrates among
themselves to manage their affairs ; and that twelve men should be
chosen, who should elect seven to begin the church. Seven men
were accordingly chosen in August, who were called the seven pil-
lars. They met in court, October 25, and admitted into their body
all the members of the churches. To this succeeded the election
of officers. Theophilus Eaton was chosen governor, and with him
99
218 CON.
vrere joined four mapjistrates. It was at the same time decreed^
that there should be a general court annually in October, at which
all the officers ol" the colony should be chosen, and that the word of
God should be the sole rule for vegubtin'^ the affairs of the com-
monwealth. As the plantation enlarged, the general court receiv-
ed a new form, and the civil polity of this jurisdiction gradually-
approached to a near resemblance of the goveniment of Connecticut.
The greatest dissimilarity subsisted in respect to juries, which were
never used on trials in the colony of New Haven.
These two colonies remained distinct until the year 1665, when
they were united into one ; but though distinct in government, yet
a union, rendered necessary by common danger, subsisted between
them. The apprehension of hostilities from the Indians, and the
actual encroachments and violence of the Dutch induced the colo-
nies of New Haven, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Plymouth to
adopt articles of confederation, which were signed at Boston May
19, 1 643. By these articles it was agreed, that two commissioners
from each of the united colonies of New England should meet an-
nually ; that they should be vested with full powers for making war
and peace, and establishing laws of a general concern, the agree-
ment of six, however, being always necessary to render any meas-
ure binding upon the whole ; and that fugitives from justice, and
servants, who escaped from their masters, should on proper evidence
of their character be delivered up to the colon v, which they had left.
This union was of the highest importance to the colonies, particu-
larly to Connecticut and New Haven, which were peculiarly expos-
ed to hostilities from the Dutch. It subsisted more than forty year*
until the abrogation of the charters of the New England colonies
by king James II. In the year 1643 it was direded in the colony
of New Haven, that each town should choose their own judges,
•whose powers were restricted, and a court of magistrates was ap-
pointed, which was to meet twice annually at New Haven, and to be
composed of all the magistrates in the jurisdiction. To this court
appeals were made from the plantation courts, and here the decision
was final. It Avas decreed also, that there should be two general
courts, or assemblies, consisting of the governor, deputy governor,
magistrate's, and two deputies from each town, and that the election
of officers should be annual.
In consideration of the success and increase of the New England
colonies the English parliament grantPtd them, March 10, 1643, an
exemption from all customs, subsidies, and other duties until fur-
ther orders. In 1644 the Connecticut adventurers purchased of the
agent of lord Say and Seal, and lord Brook their right to the colony
of Connecticut for sixteen hundred pounds. In 1647 an unhappy
controversy commenced between Massachusetts and Connecticut
resptcting an impost o^ two pence per bushel for com, and a penny
on tlie pound for beaver, or twenty shillings upon every hogshead,
CON. 219
to be paid by the inhabitants of Springfield at the mouth of Connect*
icut river for the support of the fort at Saybrook. The subject
was referred to the commissioners of the united colonies, and when
they had decided in favor of it in 1649, Massachusetts immediately
in retaliation imposed a duty upon all goods, belonging to any of
the inhabitants of Plymouth, Connecticut, or New Haven, imported
within the castle, or exported from any part of the bay. A singu-
lar law was about this time made in Connecticut respecting the use
of tobacco. All persons, not accustomed to take it, and all persons
under twenty years of age were prohibited from using it, unless they
procured a certificate from a physician, that it would be useful, and
obtained a license irom the court. Ail others, addicted to the use of
it, were prohibited from taking it in any company, or at their labors,
or in travelling unless ten miles from any company ; and not more
than once in aday under the penalty of a fine of six pence lor every of-
fence. The colonies of New Haven and Connecticut continued to
increase, and new towns, purchased of the Indians, were constantly
settled. In 1661 major John Mason, as agent for Connecticut,
bought of the natives all lands, which had not before been purchas-
ed by particular towns, and made a public surrender of them to
the colony in the presence of the general assembly. A petition
was now prepared to king Charles II for a charter, and John Win-
throp, who had been chosen governor of Connecticut, was em-
ployed to present it. His majesty issued his letters under the
great seal, April 23, 1662, ordaining that there should be annually
two general assemblies, consisting of the governor, the deputy
governor, and twelve assistants, with two deputies from every town
or city. This charter has ever since remained the basis of the
government of Connecticut. It included the colony of New Ha-
ven ; but that colony did not accept it. The boundaries were fixed,
and on the west it extended across the continent to the south sea,
or pacific ocean. In the year 1665, when apprehensions were en-
tertained respecting the New England charters, the union of Con-
necticut and New Haven was completed, and they have remained
under one government ever since. At the time of the union they
consisted of nineteen towns. This event had been delayed by a
difference of views respecting the propositions of the synod of
Cambridge in 1662. It was recommended, that the children of
parents, not in full communion in the churches, should be baptized.
To this measure New Haven was utterly opposed ; and as in this
colony no person could be a freeman, unless he was a member of
the church, which was not a requisite qualification in Connecticut,
it was feared that a union would corrupt the purity of the ecclesi-
astical body and have no good effect upon their civil affairs. At
the general assembly in May 1665 counties were first made and
county courts were first instituted by that name. In 1 670 an alter-
ation was made in the mode of election, which had hitherto been by
220 CON.
the whole body of freemen. The freemen had now become bo
numerous that they were allowed to complete the election of civil
officers at Hartford by proxy, and a law was enacted, regulating
elections, which is in substance very similar to the law, which now
exists. The number of men in Connecticut in 1671, from sixteen
to sixty years of age, was two thousand and fifty. In 1672 the
union of Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Plymouth was renewed,
and the first code of Connecticut laws was published. The book was
printed at Cambridge, having been compiled by Roger Ludlow,
esquire. Every family was required to possess one. The Indian
wars in 1675 and 1676 occasioned much suffering in the colony.
In 1687, when Andros was governor of New England, an attempt
was made to wrest the charter from Connecticut. A quo warranto
against the governor and company had been issued two years be-
fore, and in October of this year, when the assembly was sitting,
Andfo^ went to Hartford with sixty regular troops, demanded the
charter, and declared the government to be dissolved. The sub-
ject was debated in the assembly until evening, when the charter
was brought and laid upon the table ; but the lights being instantly
extinguished, captain Wadsworth of Hartford seized it, and secreted
it in the cavity of a large oak tree in front of the house of the
honorable Samuel Wyllys, esquire. This tree, measuring twenty
one feet in circumterence, is now standing. Sir Edmund Andros
assumed the government, and the records of the colony were closed.
He appointed all officers, civil and military. Notwithstanding the
professions of regard to the public good, made by the tyrant, he
soon began to infringe the rights of the people. The laws for the
support of the clergy Avere suspended. Liberty, property, every
thing dear to man becoming insecure, the progress of improve-
ment A\as arrested, and as authority was in the hands of the Avicked,
the people mourned. After the seizure of Andros by the daring
friends of liberty in Massachusetts, the old magistrates of Connect-
icut were induced again to accept the government, at the request
of the freemen, May 9, 1689. In 1691 the old charter was re-
sumed, being acknov/lcdged to be valid, as no judgment had been
entered against it. The clergy were exempted from taxation in
1706, and the Saybjook platform was adopted in 1708. In 171 1 a
(iupepor court, to be held annually in the several counties, was
established. The college, which had been incorporated at Say-
brook in 1701, was in 1717 removed to New Haven, and in the fol-
lowing year named Yale college. In 1750 the laws pf Connecti-
cut were again revised and published in a small folio volume.
The charter of this colony being supposed to extend the westciij
boundary to the south sea, purchases were accordingly made in
1754 pf the Indians of the Six Nations by a number of the in-
fiabitants of Connecticut, called the Susquehannah and Delaware
.floippaniesi of a large tract of land lying west of the Delaware
coo. 221
river, and thence spreading over the east and west branches of
Susquehannah river, on which considerable settieii»ents were
shortly after made. The settlers were incorporatea afterwards by
the general assembly and annexed to the county of Litchfield. As
the charter of Pennsylvania covered these settlements, a dispute
arose, which was muintdined with warmth for some time, and was
at length submitted to gentlemen, chosen lor the purpose, whose
decision was in favor of Pennsylvania. At the close of the revo-
lution Connecticut ceded all her charter claims west of Pennsylva-
nia to congress, reserving only a tract of the width of the state of
Connecticut, and one hundred and twenty miles in length, bounded
north by lake Erie, containing near four millions of acres. This
cession was accepted by congress, which establishes to Connecti-
cut her title to these lands. The legislature of this state in 1793
granted to the sufferers in the several towns, that were burned du-
ring the war, a tract of half a million of acres on the west end of
this reservation. The American revokuion, which so essentially
affected the governments of most of the colonies, produced no
very perceptible alteration in the government of Connecticut.
While under the jurisdiction of Great Britain they elected their
own governors, and all subordinate civil officers in the same manner,
and with as little control, as at the present time. Connecticut has
always been a republic, and perhaps as perfect and as happy a republic,
as ever existed. Its system of laws, digested by Zephaniaii Swift,
and published in 1796, is contained in an octavo volume. The
Connecticut academy of arts and sciences was incoi*porated in
\Q0\.— Trumbull's hist, of Connecticut ; Morse's geog. ; H, Adams*
JV. England ; Morse and Parish's J^. England ; Rees' cyclofiadia^
Amer. edit. ; Holmes' annals ; Gordon^ i.
COOKE (Elisha,) arespectable physician of Boston, was grad-
uated at Harvard college in 1657. After having been an assistant
under the old government, he v/as sent to England in ! 689 as an agent
of Massachusetts to procure the restoration of the charter. He
was decided in his opinion, that if the old charter could not be ob-
tained, it would be better to meet the consequences, than to submit
to a charter, which abridged the liberties of the people. When the
new charter was procured in 169 1, he refused to accept it, and did
what he could to prevent its acceptance in Massachusetts. The rev-
erend Dr. Increase Mather, Avho was agent at the same time, pur-
sued a different course, thinking it wise to submit to a necessary
evil. Though he was not placed in the list of counsellors, nomina-
ted by Dr. Mather in 1692, from apprehensions that he would op-
pose the new charter ; yet in the following year he was elected in
Massachusetts. He was, however, rejected by governor Phips, be-
cause he had opposed his appointment in England. In 1 694 he was
reelected, and continued in the coimcil till 1703, when governor
Dudley negatived his election, as he did for a nuniber of years sue-
222 COO.
ccssively. In 1715 his choice was approved He died in this year
on the thirty first ol October, aged seventy eight years. Though
esteemed as a physician, he was most remarkable in his political
character, having been more than forty years in places of public
trust, and being uLvays hrm and steady to his principles. He mar-
ried u daughter of governor heveteit.—Hutc/unsoii, i. 393, 408 }
ii. ro, 136, 211.
COOKE (Elisha), distinguished in the political history of Mas-
sachusetts, was the son oi the preceding and was graduated at Har-
vard college in 1697. He was a representative of Boston in the
general court in 171 3, and was in favor of a private bank rather than
of the bublic bank, the plan of which was adopted to lemedy the
evils of the bills of credit. He was elected into the council in 1717,
and immediately commenced his opposition to governor Shute, en-
gaging on the popular side. This was the conmiencement of the
dispute. The diffeienl parties became more hostile ; new subjects
of controversy arose ; and Shute was at length obliged to leave the
colony. Mr. IJcoke was elected a counsellor in 1718, but the gov-
emor in a manner not very civil informed him, that his attendance
at the board would be excused. In 1720 he was chosen speaker of
the house of representatives ; but the governor negatived the choice,
and as the house refused to make a new election, contesting his
right to control them, he dissolved the assembly. At the next ses-
sion a different person was elected, not because the pretension of
Shute was admitted, but that there might be no oostruction to the
progress of the regular business of the court. In 1723 he was ap-
pointed agent for Massachusetts and sailed for London in January.
Soon after his return he was chosen in May 1726 a member of the
council. On the accession of governor Belcher, he was appointed
in 1730 a justice of tlie common pleas for Suffolk. He had hitherto
retained the attachment of the people by endeavoring to support
their liberties, but being desirous of securing his interest both with
the governor and the town of Boston, a jealousy was excited, and he
was in danger ot losing the regard of both parties. In 1733 or
1734 he was elected representative by a majority of only one or two
votes in six or •seven hundred. He died in August 1737, worn out
with his labors, having been many yeaisthe head of the popular
party. He published political tracts. — //? on the artillery
election, 175 1 ; before the society for encouraging industry, 1753 ;
at the general election, 1756 ; on the reduction of Quebec, 1753 j
at the ordination of the reverend Joseph Jackson, 1760 ; on the
death of George II, 1761 ; ut the Dudleian lecture in Harvard col-
lege, 1775 ; on the commencement oi the new constitution of Miis-
sachusetts, Oclober 25, 1780. This last discourse, with others of
his productions, have been published in several languages, and being
written in a polished and elegant manner were well calculated for
the lips of an eloquent speaker, such as he himself was.— C/arX:e'«
fun. sermon ; American herald^ January 1 9,1784 ; Continental jour '
naif Jan. 22 ; Holmes^ annals, ii. 469 ; Thachcr^s century discourse.
COOPER (Myles, i>. d.), president of King's coHege, New
York, was educated in the university of Oxford, where he took the
degree of master of arts in 1760. He arrived at New York in the
autumn of 1762, being recommended by the archbishop of Canter-
bury as a person well qualified to assist in the management of the
college, and in a few years to succeed the president. He was re-
ceived by the reverend Dr. Johnson with the affection of a father,
and was immediately appointed professor of moral philosophy. Af-
ter the resignation of Dr. Johnson in February 1763, he was chosen
president previously to the commencement in May. It was not
long before Dr. Clossey, a gentleman, who had been educated in
Trinity college, Dublin, and had taken the degree of doctor of phys-
ic, was appointed professor of natural philosophy. A grammar
school was also established and connected with the college, under
the care of Mr. Cushing from lioston. The classes were now
taught by Mr. Cooper, Mr. Harper, and Dr. Clossey ; and under
such able instructers they had peculiar advantages. In the year
1775 Dr. Cooper, as his politics leaned towards the British, was re-
duced to the necessity of withdrawing from the college, and ixturn-
ing to England. He was afterwards one of the ministeis of the
episcopal chapel of Edinburgh, in which city he died May 1, 1785,
aged about fifty years. After the revolution William Samuel
Johnson, son of Dr. Johnson, was president of the college.
Dr. Cooper, though he had long expected death, waiting patiently
for its approach, yet died in rather a sudden manner. The follow-
ing epitaph was written by himself.
Here lies a priest of English blood,
Who, living, lik'd whate'er was good ;
Good company, good wine, good name,
COR. 227
Yet never hunted after fame ;
But as the first he still preferr'd,
So here he chose to be interr'd,
And, unobscur'd, irom crowds withdrew
To rest among a chosen few,
In humble hopes, that sovereign love
Will raise him to be bless'd above.
He published a volume of poems in 1758, and a sermon on civil
government, preached before the university of Oxford on a fast,
1777. While in this country he maintained a literary character of
considerable eminence. He wrote on the subject of an American
episcopate, and sometimes used his pen on political subjects. It
is said, he narrowly escaped the fury of the whigs.— .JVVw and gen.
biog, diet. ; Millerfii. 369 ; Pennsylvania packet^ July 29, 1785 ;
Chandler* s life of Johnson, 106 — 109.
CORLET (Elijah), an eminent instructor, commenced his la-
bors at Cambridge not long after the first settlement of the town.
He was master of the grammar school between forty and fifty years,
and many of the most worthy men in the country enjoyed the ben-
efit of his instructions previously to their entrance into college..
The society for propagating the gospel compensated him for his at-
tention to the Indian scholars, who were designed for the university.
He died in 1687 in the seventy seventh year of his age. He was a
man of learning, piety, and respectability. Mr. Walter published
an elegy on his death in blank verse. He wrote a Latin epitaph on
the reverend Mr. Hooker, which is inserted in Mather's magnalia.
— Collect, hist. soc. i. 243 ; vii. 22 ; life of Walter ; Mather's
magnalia, iii. 68.
CORNBURY ( lord), governor of New York, was the son
of the earl of Clarendon, and being one of the first officers, who de-
serted the army of king James, king William, in gratitude for his
services, appointed him to an American government. Hunted out
of England by a host of hungry creditors, bent upon accumulating
as much wealth, as he could squeeze from the purses of an impov-
erished people, and animated with unequalled zeal for the church,
he commenced his administration, as successor of lord Bellamont,
May 3, 1702. His sense of justice was as weak as his bigotry was
uncontrollable. The following act of outrage will exhibit his char-
acter. A great sickness, which was probably the yellow fever, pre-
vailing in New York in 1703, lord Cornbury retired to Jamaica, on
Long Island ; and as Mr. Hubbard, the presbyterian minister, lived
in the best house in the town, his lordship requested the use of it
during his short residence there. Mr. Hubbard put himself to
great inconvenience to oblige the governor, and the governor in re-
turn delivered the parsonage house into the hands of the episcopal
party, and seized upon the glebe. In the year 1707 he ipiprisoned
"without law two presbyterian ministers for presuming to preach in
228 COl,
New York without his license. They were sei^t out by some dis-
senters in London as itinerant preachers for the benefit of the niitl-
clle and southern colonies. He had a conference with them, and
made himself coiispicuous as a savage bigot, and as an ungentleman-
ly tyrant. The cries of the oppressed reaching the ears of the
queen in 1708, she appointed lord Lovelace governor in his stead.
As soon as Cornbury was superseded, his creditors threw him into
the custody of the sheriff of New York ; but after the death pf his
father he was permitted to return to England, and succeeded tQ the
«aridoip of Clarendon. Never was there a governor of New York
so universally detested, or so deserving of abhorrence. His behav-
ior was trifling, mean, and extravagant. It was not uncommon foi
him to dress himselt in a woman's habit, and then to patrol the
fort, in which he resided. By such freaks he drew upon himself
universal contempt ; while his despotism, bigotry, injustice, and
insatiable avarice aroused the indignation of tfie people. — -Sniit/i'N
JVew York, 101 — 116 ; Hutchinson, ii. 123 ; Mars/mil, i. 272.
COTTON (John), one of the most distinguished of the earlj
ministers of New England, was born in Derby, England, Depem-
her 4, 1585. At the age of thirteen he was admitted a member of
Trinity college, Cambridge, and afterwards removed to Emanuel
college, where he obtained a fellowship. Previously to this ap-
pointment, he passed an examination, and his knowledge of He-
b^-ew was tested by the third chapter of Isaiah, which is a very
difficult passage ; but he was master of it. He was soon chosen
the head lecturer in the college, being ^Iso employed as tutor to
many scholars, who afterwards became distinguished. For this
office he was peculiarly well qualified, as his knowledge was exten-
sive, his manners gentle and accommodating, and he possessed an
uncommon ease and facility in communicating his ideas. His oc-
casional orations and discourses were so accurate and elegant, and
displayed such invention and taste, that he acquired a high reputa-
tion in the university. Hitherto he had been seeking the gr^itifigation
of a literary taste, or yielding to the claims of amuition ; but £^t
length a complete change in his character, which he attributed to
the grace of God, induced him to engage with earnestness in the
pursuit of new and more exalted objects. While a member of the
college his conscience had been impressed by the faithful preaching
of Mr. William Perkins ; but he resisted the convictions, which
had been fastened upon him, and such was his enmity to the truths,
which had disturbed his peace, that when he heard the bell toll for
the funeral of that eminent servant of God, it was a joyful sound to
him. It announced his release from a ministry, hostile to his. self
righteous and unhumbled spirit. It was not long liowever before
jic was again awakened from his security by a sermon of Dr. Sibs
on the misery of those, who had no righteousness except the moral
yjjrtycs. A(t?r ?i dii^U^ssing ^nxipty of three years it pleased God
COT. 229
to give him joy iu believing. He was soon called upon to preach
again in his turn before the university, and more anxious to do good
than to attract applause, he did not array his discourse in the orna-
ments of languagCi but preached with plainness and pungency upon
the duty of repentance. The vain wits of the university, disap-
pointed in their expectations of a splendid liarangue, and reproved
by the fidelity of him, who was now a christian minister, did not
hum their applauses as usual, and one of them, Mr. Preston, who
afterwards became famous in the religious world, received such
deep impressions upon his mind as were never effaced. Such was
the collegial life of Mr. Cotton.
About the year 1612, when in the twenty eighth year of his age>
he became the minister of Boston in Lincolnshire. Soon after his
establishment in this place, the zeal of a physician in the town in
prompting Arminian sentiments induced him to dwell much and
principally for some time upon what he believed to be the truths of
scripture, upon the doctrine of God's eternal election before all fore-
sight of good or evil, and the redemption only of the elect ; upon
the effectual influence of the Holy Spirit in the conversion of the
sinner, without any regard to the previous exertions of free will ;
and upon the certain perseverance of every true believer. Such
was his success, that he soon silenced his antagonist, and afterwards
the doctrine ot predestination was not brought into controversy.
He soon entertained doubts respecting the lawfulness of complying
with some of the ceremonies of the church, and was subjected to
inconveniences on this account ; but as his people coincided with
him in his sentiments he kept his place for twenty years, and was
during this time remarkably useful not only by the effect of his
faithful preaching, but as an instructer of young men, who were de-
signed for the ministry, some of whom were from Germany and
Holland. His labors were immense, for in addition to his other
avocations he generally preached four lectures in the course of a
week. His benevolent exertions were not in vain. It pleased God,
that a general reformation should take place in the town. The
voice of profaneness was no longer heard, and the infinitely import-
ant truths of the gospel arrested the attention of almost all the in-
habitants. He was much admired, and much applauded, but he ev-
er remained humble. At length, after the government of the Eng-
lish church fell into the hands of bishop Laud, divisions arose
among the parishioners of Mr. Cotton ; a dissolute fellow, who had
been punished for his immoralities, informed against the magistrates
and the minister for not kneeling at the sacrament ; and Mr. Cot-
ton, being cited before the high commission court, was obliged to
flee. After being concealed for some time in London, he embarked
for this country, anxious to secure to himself the peaceable enjoy-
meixt of the rights of conscience, though in a wilderness. He sailed
in th^ sawe vessel with Mr. Hooker and Mr. Stone, and tbecircum-
230 COT.
stance of their names caused the people to say on their arrival, Sep-
tember 4, 1633, that their three great necessities would be now
supplied, for they had Cotton for their clothing, Hooker for their
fishing, and Stone for their building. This was an age of conceits.
During the voyage three sermons or expositions were delivered al-
most every day, and Mr. Cotton was blessed in the birth of his eld-
est son, whom, at his baptism in Boston, he called Seaborn.
On the tenth of October 1633 he was established teacher of the
church in Boston, as colleague with the reverend Mr. Wilson, who
was pastor. He was set apart to this office, on a day oi fasting, by
imposition of the hands of Mr. Wilson, and his two elders. He
remained in this town, connected with this church, more than nine-
teen years, and such was his influence in establisliing the order of
our churches, and so extensive was his usefulness, that he has been
called the patriarch of New England. The prevalence of those
erroneous doctrmes, which occasioned the synod of 1637, so much
disturbed his peace, that he was almost induced to remove to New
Haven. Mrs. Hutchinson endeavored to promote her wild senti-
ments by shielding them under the name of Mr. Cotton ; but
tlrough he was imposed upon for some time by the artifices of those
of her party, yet when he discovered their real opinions, he was bold
and decided in his opposition to them. Though he did not sign the
result of the synod of 1637, on account of his difTering from it in
one or two points ; he yet approved of it in general, and his peace-
able intercourse with his brethren in ihe ministry was not afterwards
interrupted on account of his supposed errors. In 1 742 he was in-
vited to England with Mr. Hooker and Mr. Davenport to assist in
the assembly of divines at Westminster, and he was in favor of ac-
cepting the invitation, but Mr. Hooker was opposed to it, as he was
at that time forming a system of church government for New Eng-
land. His death, which was occasioned by an inflammation of the
lungs, brought on by exposure in crossing the ferry to Cambridge,
where he went to preach, took place December 23, 1652, when he
was sixty seven years of age. So universally was he venerated, that
many sermons were preached on liis decease in different parts of
the country
Mr. Cotton sustained a high reputation for learning. He was a
critic in Greek, and with Hebrew he was so well acquainted, that he
could discourse in it. He also wrote Latin with cleg mce, as a
specimen of which his prcftice to Norton's answer to the inquiries
of Apollonius has often liecn mentioned. In the pulpit he impress-
ed his hearers with admiration. Uniting to conspicuous talents
and a profound judgment the candor and mildness, enjoined in the
gospel, and the warmth of pious feeling, his instructions did not
meet the resistance, which is often experienced, but fell with the
gentleness of the dew, and insinuated themselves imperceptibly in-
to the mind. His labors, soon after he came to Boston, were more
COT. 231
effectual^ than those of any of the ministers in the country ; he was
the means of exciting great aitention to religious subjects ; and
some of the most profligate were brought to renounce their iniqui-
ties, and to engage in a course of conduct more honorable and
more satisfactory, and which would terminate in everlasting felicity.
His discourses were generally written with the greatest attention,
though he sometimes preached without any preparation. His in-
timate and accurate knowledge of the scriptures, and the extent of
his learning enabled him to do this without difficulty. His written
sermons, which he had composed with care, were yet remarkable
for their simplicity and plainness, for he was desirous, that all should
understand him, and less anxious to acquire fame, than to do good.
His voice was not loud, but it was sq clear and distinct, that it was
heard with ease by the largest auditory ; and his utterance was ac-
companied by a natural and becoming motion of his right hand.
The Lord was in the still, small voice. He pi'eached with such life,
dignity, and majesty, that Mr. Wilson said, one almost thinks, th*t
he hears the very prophet speak, upon whose words he is dwelling.
His library was large, and he had well studied the fathers and school-
men, but he preferred Calvin to them all. Being asked in the
latter part of his life, why he indulged in nocturnal studies, he an-
swered, that he loved to sweeten his mouth with a piece of Calvin
before he went to sleep. Twelve hours in a day were generally oc-
cupied by his studies, and such was his zeal in theological pursuits,
that he frequently lamented the useless visits, with which he was op-
pressed, though he was incapable of incivility to persons, who thus
obtruded upon him. He gave himself chiefly to reading and prepar-
ation for the duties of public instruction, depending much on the rul-
ing elders for intelligence respecting his flock. He was an excel-
lent casuist, and besides resolving many cases, which were brought
him, he was also deeply though not violently engaged in controver-
sies respecting church government. In his controversy with Mr.
Williams he found an antagonist, whose weapons were powerful and
whose cause was good, and he unhappily advocated a cause, which
he had once opposed, when suffering persecution in England. He
contended for the interference of the civil power in support of the
truth, and to the objection of Mr, Williams, that this was infringing
the rights of conscience, the only rejply, that could be made, was,
that when a person, after repeatecT admonitions, persisted in reject-
ing and opposing fundamental points of doctrine or worship, it could
not be fromi conscience, but against conscience, and therefore, that
it was not persecution for cause of conscience for the civil power to
drive such persons away, but it was a wise regard to the good of the
church, it was putting away evil from the people.
To his intellectual powers and improvements, he added the virtues,
which render the christian character amiable and interesting.
Even Mr. Williams, his great antagonist, with very extraordinary
232 car.
candor speaks of him witli esteem and respect, commending; him
for his goodness and for his attachment to so many of tlie truths of
the gospel. He was modest, humble, gentle, peaceable, patient,
and forbearing. Sometimes he almost lamented, that he carried
his meekness to such an extent. " Angry men," said he, " ha\'e
an advantage over me ; the people will not oppose them, for they
Wiir rage ; but some are encouraged to do me injury, because they
know I shaH not be atigry with them again." It will not be quest-
ioned however, that his temper contributed xwom to his peace,
and enjoyment, and usefulness, than a temper of a different descrip-
tion would have done. When he was once told, that his preaching;
was very dark and comfortless, he replied, " let me have your
prayers, brother, that it may be otherwise." Having observed to a
person, who boasted of his knowledge of the book of revelation,
that he wanted light in those mysteries, the man went home and
sent him a povmd of candles ; which insolence only excited a smile.
" Mr. Cotton," says Dr. Mather, " woald not set the beacon of his
great soul on fire at the landing of such a little cock boat." A
drunken fellow, to make merriment for his companions, approached
him in the street, and whispered in his ear, " thou art an old fool."
Mr. Cotton replied, " I confess I am so ; the Lord make both me
and thee wiser than we are, even wise to salvation." Though he
asserted the right of the civil power to pnnish heretics, he yet had
a great aversion to engaging in any civil affairs, and with reluctance
yielded his attention to any concern, not immediately connected
with his holy calling. In his family he was very careful to impart
Instruction, and wisely and calmly to exercise his authority in re-
straining vice. He read a chapter in the bible, with an exposition,
before and after which he made a prayer, remembering however to
avoid a tedious prolixity. He observed the sabbath from evening
to evening, and by him this practice Was rendered general in New
England. On Saturday evening, after expoimding the scriptures,
he catechised his children and servants, prayed with them, and
simg a psalm. On the sabbath evening the sermons of the day
were repeated, and after singing, with uplifted hands and eyes he
uttered the doxology, " blessed be God in Christ our Savior." In
his study he prayed much. He would rarely engage in any theo-
logical research, or sit down to prosecute his studies without first
imploring the divine blessing. He kept many days of private
fasting and thanksgiving. While he was thus distinguished for his
piety, he was also kind and benevolent. He knew, that the efficacy
of religious principles must be evinced by good works, and he was
therefore hospitable and charitable. The stranger and the needy
were ever welcomed to bistable. Such was his beneficence, that
wlien Mr. White was driven with his church from Bermuda into
the American wilderness, he collected seven hundred pounds for
their relief, towards which he himself contributed very liberally.
Two hundred pounds were given by the church in Boston.
COT. 233
Afte* a life oi eminent sanctity and usefulness, he iiras not left
destitute of support in his dying moments. In his sickness presi-
dernt Dunster went to see him, and with tears begged his blessing,
saying, " I know in my heart, that he, whom you bless, shall be
blessed." He sent for the elders of the church, and exhorted them
to guard against declensions, expressing to them the pleasure,
which he had found in the service of the Lord Jesus Christ. After
he had addressed his children, he desired to be left alone, that his
thoughts might be occupied by heavenly things without interrup-
tion ; and thus he died in peace. He was of a clear, fair complex-
ion, and like David of a ruddy countenance. His stature was rather
short, than tall. In early life his hair was brown, but in his latter
liays it was white as the driven snow. In his countenance there was
an inexpressible majesty, which commanded reverence from every
one, not hardened against good impressions, who approached him.
In an epitaph on Mr. Cotton by Mr. Woodbridge are the following
lines, which probably led Dr. Franklin to write the famous epitaph
on himself.
A living, breathing bible ; tables wherfc
Both covenants at large engraven were ;
Gosp6l and law in 's heart had each its column,
His head an index to the sacred volume ;
His very name a title page ; and next
His life a commentary on the text.
O, what a monument of glorious worth,
When in a new edition he comes forth ?
Without errata may we think he'll be
In leaves and covers of eternity !
Me left two sons, who were ministers of Hampton and of Plym-
outh. His youngest daughter married Dr. Increase Mather.
Mr. Cotton's publications were numerous ; tiie ttiost celebrated
are the works, which he published in the controversy with Mr.
Williams, and his power of the keys, on the subject of church gov-
ernment. In this work he contends, that the constituent members
of a church are elders and brethren ; that the elders are entrusted
with government, so that without them there can be no elections,
admissions, or excommunications ; that they have a negative upon
the abts of the fraternity, yet that the brethren have so much liberty,
that nothing of common concernment can be imposed upon them
without their consent. He asserts the necessary communion of
churches in synods, who have authority to enjoin such things, as
may rectify disorders, dissensions, and confusions of congregations,
and upon an obstinate refusal to comply may withdraw communion.
The following is a catalogue of his writings ; God's promise to hii>
plantation, a Sermon, 1634 ; a letter in ansv/er to objections made
against the New England churches, with the questions pi'opOsed to
such, as are adtmitted to church fello-^rshin.. 1641 ; the wav of life,
31
234 COT.
4to ; God's mercy mixed with his justice ; an abstract of the \avr.s
of New England, 164 1, and a second edition in 165 5 ; this abstract
of such laws oi the Jews, as were supposed to be of perpetual obli-
gation, was drawn up in 1636, when Vane was governor, though it
was never accepted, and is preserved in the fifth volume of the his-
torical collections ; the church's resurrection, on the fifth and sixth
verses of Revelation xx, 1642 ; a modest and clear answer to Mr.
Ball's discourse on set forms of prater, 4to ; exposition of Revela-
tion xvi ; the true constitution of a particular, visible church, 1643 ;
the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and power thereof, 4to, 1644 ,
the doctrine of the church, to which is com^aitted the keys of the
kingdom of heaven ; the covenant of God's free grace most sweet-
ly unfolded, to which is added a protession of faith by the reverend
Mr. Davenport, 1645 ; the way of the churches of Christ in New
England, or the way of churches walking in brotherly equality Sec.
4 to ; this was published from an imperfect copy, and represents
Mr. Cotton as less friendly to the authority of the elders, than he
really was ; the pouring out of the seven vials, 4to ; the controver-
sy concerning liberty of conscience truly stated, 1646 ; a treatise
shewing, that singing of psalms is a gospel ordinance, 1647 ; the
grounds and ends of the baptism of the children of the faithful, 1647 ;
a letter to Mr. Williams 4to ; the bloody tenet washed and made
white in the blood of the lamb, being discussed and discharged of
blood guiltiness by just defence, in answer to Mr. Williams, to
which is added a reply to Mr. Williams' answer to Mr. Cotton's
lelfer, 1647 ; questions propounded to him by the teaching elders,
with his answer to each question j the way of congregational church-
es cleared in two treatises, against Mr. Baylie and Mr. Rutherford,
1648 ; of the holiness of church members, proving, that visible
saints are the matter of the church, 1650 ; a brief exposition of ec-
clesiastes, 1 654 ; his censure upon the way of Mr. Henden of Kent»
1656 ; sermons on the first epistle of John, folio ; a discourse on
things indifferent, proving, that no church governors hare power to
impose indifferent things upon the consciences of men ; exposition
of Canticles, 8vo ; milk for babes, a catechism ; meat far strong
men. — jYorton's and Mather's life of Cotton ; Mather's magnolia, iii.
14 — 31 ; jVeal's A.£ng. i. 305 — .307 ; Coll. hist. soc. v. 171 ; ix.4l
— 44 ; Hutchinson, i. 34, 55 — 75, 115, 179 ; Winthrofi, 52 — 153.
COTTON (Se.vborn), minister of Hampton, New Hampshire,
was the son of the preceding, and was born at sea in August 1633,
while his parents were on their voyage to New England. His name
is put Marigcna in the catalogue of Harvard college, where he was
graduated in 1651. He was ordained at Hampton in 1660 as suc-
cessor of Mr. Wheelwright, and died in 1686 aged fifty three years.
He was succeeded by his son. During governor Cranfield's ad-
ministration the reverend' Mr. Moody was imprisoned for refusing
to administer the sacrament to him. The next week the govcrnoi
COT. 235
sent word to Mr Cotton, that " when he had prepared his soul, he
would come and demand the sacrament of him, as he had done at
Portsmouth." This threat induced Mr. Cotton to withdraw for
some time to Boston. He was esteemed a thorough scholar, and
an able preacher. The heresies of his name sake Pelagius, which
had been revived in the world, he regarded with abhorrence. — Mag-
nalioy iii, 20, 31 ; Belkna^i's JV. Hampshire, i. 208 ; iii. 302.
COTTON (John), minister of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and of
Charleston, South Carolina, was the son of the reverend John Cot-
ton of Boston, and was born about the year 1638. He was educat-
ed at Harvard college, where he received the degree of bachelor of
arts in 1657. From the year 1664 to 1667 he preached on Mar-
tha's Vineyard to a congregation of white people, and also to the
Indians, having acquired a good knowledge of their language ; and
thus he afforded great assistance to Thomas Mayhew, esquire, who
was laboring to make the heathen acquainted with the glad tidings
of salvation. In November 1667 he removed to Plymouth on the
invitation of the people in that town, but was not ordained until June
30, 1669. He continued here about thirty years. He was a very
faithful minister, and his exertions were extensively useful. He
was completely occupied in doing good by visiting the families in
his parish with the rulmg elders, catechising the children, and at-
tending church meetings, and by his public preaching on the sab-
bath. Before the admission of any person into the chm'ch he requir-
ed a relation, either public or private, of the experience of a work of
divine grace. He usually expounded the psalm, which was sung,
and the psalms were sung in course. In 1681 the practice of read-
ing the psalm line by line was introduced from regard to a brother,
who was unable to read. Some difference of opinion between him
and his church respecting the settlement of a neighboring minister
having arisen, and there being no prospect of a reconciliation, he
was induced to ask a dismission, which was granted October 5,
1 697. Being soon invited to South Carolina, he set sail for Charles-
ton November 15, 1698. After his arrival he gathei-ed a church,
and labored with great diligence and much success till his death,
September 18, 1699, aged about sixty years. In the short space of
time, that he lived here, twenty five were added to the number, of
Avhich the church consisted, when it was first organized ; and many
were baptized. His church erected a handsome monument over
his grave.
Mr. Cotton was eminent, while in Massachusetts, for his acquaint-
ance with the Indian language. When he began to learn it, he hir-
ed an Indian for his instructer at the rate of twelve pence a day for
fifty days ; but his knavish tutor, having received his whole pay in
advance, ran away before twenty days had expired. Mr. Cotton
however found means to perfect his acquaintance with the barbarous
dialect. While at Plymouth he frequently prepched tg the Indians,
25t» COT.
who lived in several congregations in the neighborhood. The wholt
care of revising and correcting Eliot's Indian bible, which was print-
ed at Cambridge in 1685, fell on him. -^Co lie ctiona Mat. aoc. iv. 122
—128, 137 ; Mather's magnalia, iii. 194, 199, 200 ; Mayhew'a In-
dian converts ; Holmes' annals^ ii, 42.
COTTON (John), minister of Newton, Massachusetts, was a
descendant of the celebrated Mr. Cotton of Boston. He was grad-
uated at Harvard college in 1710. Having been ordained as suc-
cessor of the reverend Mr. Hobart November 3, 1714, he continu-
ed in this place till his death, May 17, 1757, in the sixty fourth
year of his age. He was faithful, fervent, and successful in his la-
bors, and was particularly happy in seeing the attention of his peo-
ple to religious truths in 1729 and 1740. He published, with other
discourses, a sermon on the death of the reverend Nathaniel Cotton
of Bristol, 1729 ; a sermon at the ordination of his brother, Wai'd
Cotton, 1734 ; and four sermons, addressed to youth, 1739,— //o-
mer's hist. Mevtton ; Collect, hist, soc. v. 273 — 276.
CRADOCK (Thomas), rector of St. Thomas', Baltimore co\jnty»
Maryland, delivered a sermon in 1753 before the governor and as-
sembly on the irregularities of some of the clergy. He also pub-
lished in 1756 a version of the psalms of David in heroic measure,
which, though not destitute of merit, will hardly attract many read-
ers at the present day.
CROIX (John Baptist de la), second bishop of Quebec, was
of a noble family in Grenoble, and was appointed first almoner
to Louis XIV. He came to Canada about the year 1685, as suc-
cessor to Laval, the first bishop. He died December 28, 1727, in
the seventy fifth year of his age, having been forty two years in
Quebec. Such was his benevolence, that he founded three hospi-
tals, and distributed among the poor more than a million of livres^—
Wynne's Brit, empire in ./America, ii. 138—141.
CROSWELL (Andrew), minister in Boston, was graduated at
Harvard college in 1728. After having been settled for some time
in Groton, Connecticut, he was installed over a society in Boston,
which was formed by persons from otlier churches, October 6,
1738. The church, which was occupied, was formerly possessed
by Mr. Le Mercier's society, and after Mr. Croswell's death it was
converted into a Roman Catholic chapel. He died April 12, 1785,
in the seventy seventh year of his age. It was his fate to be en-
gaged much in controversy. He published a narrative of the new
congregational church ; what is Christ to me, 'if he is not mine,
or a seasonable defence of the old protestant doctrine of justifying
faith, 1746 ; an answer to Giles Firmin's eight arguments in rela-
tion to this subject ; several sermons agadnst Arroinians ; controver-
sial writings with Turell, Gumming, and others ; part of an exjx)-
sition of Paul's journey to Damascus, shewing, tliat giving more
than forty stripes is breaking the moral law. 1768 ; remarks on
CUM. 23T
bish(^ Warburton's sermon before the society £br propagating the
go»pel> 1768 ; remarks on commencement drollery, 1771. — Coir
lect. hist. soc. iii. 264.
CUMING (John), a benefactor of Harvard college, was an em-
inent physician of Concord, Massachusetts, and died at Chelmsford
July 3, 1788, in the sixty first year of his age. He was a christian,
who early devoted himself to the service of his Maker, and he died
in peace. He was a friend to learning, charitable to the poor, and
constantly exerting himself to promote the good of society. His
generous donations for the benefit of the poor, for the maintenance
of schools, for a library iji Concord, and to the college in Cambridge,
towards the support of a medical professor, are evidences of his en-
lightened hGnevo\etu:G.--'Inde/iendent chronicle, July 24, 1788.
CUMMING (Aiexandeb), minister in Boston, was educated
at New Jersey college. He was installed as colleague with tlie rev-
erend Dr. Sewall February 25, 1761, and he died in the peace
of a christian August 25, 1763, in the thirty seventh year of his
age. His mind readily comprehended points, which to others wei'e
intricate and abstruse, and his public discourses were frequently on
such subjects. He was zealous against the errors of the day. The
sermon, which he preached at liis own instalment, was publislied,
and it is a specimen of his talents, and of his regard to the truths
of the gospel. — SeiuaU'sJiin. aerm.
CUSHING (Thomas, ll. d.), lieutenant governor of Massachu-
setts, was bom m the year 1725, and was graduated at Harvard col-
lege in 1744. In early life he was called to respectable public offic-
es. Having been chosen representative of Boston in the general
court, his patriotism and talents soon procured him the appoint-
ment of speaker, a place, which his tathei", who died April 11,
1746, had occupied with gi-eat reputation. While in the chair, it
was resolved in the controversy with England to make an appeal to
arms, and he bent all his exertions to promote the cause of his
country. He was a judicious and active member of tlie first Mid
second congress. On his return to his own state he was elected in-
to the council, which then constituted the supreme executive. He
was also appointed judge of the courts of common pleas and of pro-
bate in Suffolk, which stations he held till the adoption of the state
constitution. Being then appointed lieutenant governor, he re-
mained in that office till his death. He died February 28, 1788, in
the sixty third year of his age, having had the satisfaction, a few
days before, of seeing the new federal constitution ratified in Mas-
sachusetts. He was from youth a professor of reliu,ion ; the mo-
tives of the gospel governed him through liic ; and at the hour of
his departure from the world its sublime doctrines and its promises
gave him support. He was a man of abilities ; a disiinguished pa-
triot ; a friend of learning ; charitable to tV.e poor ; and amiable it-
^38 CUS.
all the relations of life. His days were passed in constant exertioor
for the public good. — American muveum^ vii. 163, 164; Centinely
March 1, 1788 ; Ha r die' a biog. diet.
CUSHING (Jacob, D. D.), minister of Walthani, Massachu-
setts, was the son of the reverend Job Cushingof Shrewsbury, and
was born February 28, 1730. Having passed his coUegial studies
■with reputation, he was graduated at Harvard college in 1748. He
was ordained November 22, 1752. After conthuiing fifty six years
in the ministry, he died suddenly January 18, 1809, in the seventy
ninth year of his age. He was mild and benevolent in his temper,
and in the discharge of the duties of the pastoral office was cun-
spicuuus for discretion and prudence. He professed neither attach-
ment to theological systems, nor abhorrence of them, grounding
his opinions directly on the scriptures. In his preaching however
he was not so fond of dwelling upon those doctrines of the sacred
volume, which are controverted, as upon the practical views of the
gospel. It was remarkable, that as he travelled into years, he in-
creased in the fervor and animation of his delivery ; so that on the
borders of fourscore he was more zealous and acceptable than when
in the meridian of life. He published the following sermons ; at
the ordination of the reverend Samuel Williams, 1766 ; at the or-
dination of the reverend Elisha Browne, 1771 ; at the ordination of
the reverend Jacob Biglow, 1772 ; a sermon pi eacher at Lexington
April 20, 1778; on the death of the reverend Joseph Jackson,
1776. — Columbian centinely February 8, 1809.
CUSHMAN (ROBERT), distinguished in the history of Plym-
outh colony, was one of those worthies, who quitted England for
the sake of liberty of conscience, and settled at Leyden. In 1617
he was sent to England with Mr. Carver to procure a grant of lands
in Ameiica, and in 1619 he was sent again with Mr. Bradford, and
obtained a patent. He set sail with the first company in 1620, but
the vessel proving leaky he was obliged to relinquish the voyage. '
He did not arrive at Plymouth till November 10, 162 1, and tarried
only a month, being under the necessity of returning to give an ac-
count of the plantation to the merchant adventurers, by whose assist-
ance the first settlers were transported. While preparing to rejoin
his friends in America, he was removed to another and better coun-
try in 1626. He was a man of activity and enterprise, respectable
for his talents and virtues, well acquainted with the scriptures, and
a professed disciple of Jesus Christ. After his death his family
came to New England, and his son, Thomas Cushman, succeeded
Mr. Brewster, as ruling elder of the church of Plymouth. He died
in 1691, in the eighty fourth ) ear of his age. Mr. Cushman, dur-
ing his short residence at Plymouth, though not a minister, deUvcr-
ed a discourse on the sin and danger of self love, which was printed,
at Louvlon in 162 J, at Boston in 1724, and at Plymouth in 1785,
with an appendix by John Davis, esquire, containing an account of
CUT. 239
Mr. Cushman. The design of the discourse was to repress the de-
sire of personal property, which was beginning to exhibit itself, and
to persuade our fathers to continue that entire community of inter-
ests, which they at first established. Exti-acts from this valuable
and curious relic of antiquity are preserved in Belknap. — Afifien-
■dix to this discourse ; Bdknafi's Amer, biography, ii. 267 — 280.
CUTLER (John), long an eminent physician and surgeon in
Boston, died September 23, 1761, in the eighty sixth year of his
age.
CUTLER (Timothy, d. d.), president of Yale college, was
the son of major John Cutler of Charlestown, Massachusetts, and
was graduated at Harvard college in 1701. He was ordained Jan-
uary 11, 1709 minister of Stratford, Connecticut, where he contin-
ued ten years in high esteem, being the most celebrated preacher
in the colony. In 1719 he was chosen president of Yale college,
and entered upon the duties of the office in the same year. His
predecessor was Mr. Pierson, in the interval between whose death
and his accession the college had been removed to New Haven. The
appointment of Mr. Cutler was considered as an auspicious event
to the institution, for he was a man of profound and general learn-
ing, particularly distinguished for his acquaintance with oriental
•literature, and he presided over the college with dignity and repu-
tation. In 1722 he was induced in consequence of reading the
works of a number of late writers in England to renounce the com-
munion of the congregational churches, and the trustees therefore
passed a note " excusing him from all further service, as rector
of Yale college," and requiring of future rectors satisfactory e^^-
dence of " the soundness of their faith in opposition to Anninian
and prelatical corruptions." He was succeeded by Mr. Williams-
He went to Boston in October, where a new church was offered to
him, and embarked with Mr. Johnson for England November fifth.
In the latter end of March 172 3 he was ordained first a deacon and
then a priest. From Oxfoi'd he received his degree of doctor in
divinity. He set sail on his return to America July twenty sixth, and
soon after became rector of Christ church in Boston, where he con-
tinued till his death August 17, 1765, aged eighty two years.
He was a man of strong powers of mind. He spoke Latin with
great fluency and dignity, and he Avas one of the best oriental schol-
ars, ever educated in this country. President Stiles represents him,
as having more knowledge of the Arabic than any man in New
England before him, except president Chauncy, and his disciple,
Mr. Thacher. He was also well skilled in logic, metaphysics,
moral philosophy, theology, and ecclesiastical history. He was a
man of commanding presence. At the head of the college he was
highly respected. He published a sermon before the general court
at New Haven, 1717 ; and a sermon on the death of the honorable
Thomas Greaves, 1757. — Cai^r's fur. cral sermon ; Milleryii. 35-9 ;
g49 DAG.
Clafi'a histovy of Yale college, 3 1 ; Whitejleld'f! journal in JV. £.
1740, 48 ; Chandler's life of Johmon, 17, 27—39; Hoiihes' life
of Stiles, 387 ; and annals, ii. 277.
DAGGETT (Naphtali, d. d.), president of Yale college,
A^as a native of Attleborough, Massachusetts. He was in 1748
graduated at the institution, which was afterwards entrusted to his
tare. In the year 1751 he was settled in the ministry at Smith
Town on Long Island, from whence he was removed in li 175 6 to
New Haven, and accepted the appointment of professor of divinity
in the college. This office he filled the remainder of his life. Af-
ter the death of Mr. Clap in 1766 he officiated as president till A-
pril 1, 1777, when he resigned the chair. The reverend Dr. Stiles
was appointed his successor. In 1779 he distinguished himself by
his bravery, when the British attacked New Haven. He died No-
vember 25, 1780, and was succeeded in his professorship by the
reverend Samuel Wales. He was a good classical scholar, and a
learned divine. He published a sermon at the ordination of the
reverend Ebenezer Baldwin, 1 770 ; at the ordination of the rever-
end Joseph Howe, 1776. -^//o/mes' ///e of Stiles, 392, 396; Gen,
hist, of Connecticut, 412.
DANFORTH (Thomas), president of the district of Maine,
was born in England in 1622. After his arrival in this country, he
lived at Cambridge, and had great influence in the management of
public affairs in difficult times. He was an assistant in 1659. In
1679 he was elected deputy governor. In the same year the in-
habitants of the district of Maine, being no longer attached to Mas-
sachusetts as a county, elected him president of the province. He
accordingly opened his court at York, and granted several parcels of
land. He continued in this office, and in that of deputy governor
till the arrival of Andros at the end of the year 1686, and during
this time resided chiefly in Cambridge. In 1681 he united with
Gookin, Cooke, and others in opposing the acts of trade, and vindi-
cating the chartered rights of his country. He died in 1699 aged
Seventy seven years. He was a man of great integrity and wisdom.
In the time of the witchcraft delusion in 1692 he evinced the cor-
rectness of his judgment and his firmness by condemning the prb-
cscdings of the courts. His two brothers were ministers of Rox-
bury and of Billerica Hutchinson, i. 189. 323, 329, 331, 380,
404 ; Sullivan's district of Maine, 385, 386 ; Collectiona historical
society, v. 75.
DANFORTH (Samuel), minister of Roxbury, Massachusetts,
wa> born in England in 1626, and came to this country with, his fa-
ther in 1634. After he was graduated at Harvard college in 1643
lie was a tutor and fellow. When Mr. Weldc returned to England,
Mr. Danforth was invited to become the colleague of the reverend
Mr. Eliot of Roxbury, and he was accordingly ordained September
'?4, 1630. He died November 19, 1674, aged forty eight years
DAN. 241
Hi3 sermons were elaborate, judicious, and methodical ; he wrote
them twice over in a fair, large hand, and in each discourse usually
quoted forty or fifty passages of scripture. Notwithstanding this
care and labor he was so aft'ectionate and pathetic, that he rarely
finished the delivery of a sermon without weeping. In the forenoon
he usually expounded the old testament, and in the afternoon dis-
coursed on the body of divinity. His wife, whom he married in
1551, was the daughter of the reverend Mr. Wilson, and when he
was contracted to her before his marriage, a sermon was preached
by Mr. Cotton, according to the old usage of New England. Such
was his peace in his last moments, that Mr. Eliot used to say, " my
brother Danforth made the most glorious end, that I ever saw.'* Mr.
Welde wrote a poem on his death, in which, in allusion to this
event and the erection of a new house, he says in the spirit of the
times,
Our new built church now suffers too by this.
Larger its windows, but its light are less.
Mr. Danforth was not imacquainied with astronomy. He published
a number of almanacs, and an astronomical description of the com-
et, which appeared in 1664, with a brief theological application. He
contends, that a comet is a heavenly body, moving according to defin-
ed laws, and that its appearance is portentous. He published also the
cry of Sodom inquired into, or a testimony against the sin of un-
cleanness ; and the election sermon, it is believed in 1 670, entitled
a recognition of New England's errand into the wilderness.— .ikTaf/i-
er^s magnalia^ iv. 1 5 3 — • 157.
DANFORTH (John), minister of Dorchester, Massachusetts,
was the son of the preceding, and was graduated at Harvard college
in 1677. He was ordained as successor of the revei'end Mr. Flint,
June 28, 1 682. From this period he continued in the ministry till
his death May 26, 1730, aged seventy eight years. The reveretid
Jonathan Bowman, who survived him, was ordained his colleague on
the fifth of November preceding. Mr. Danforth was a man of great
learning, and while he possessed an uncommon acquaintance with
mathematics, had also a taste for poetry. He wrote many epitaphs
upon the good christians of his flock. He was an eminent servant
of Jesus Christ, being sound in his principles, zealous to promote
the salvation of his brethren, upright, holy, and devout. The fol-
lowing lines, which are a version of Mr. Eliot's hints on the prop-
er method of teaching the Indians the christian religion, may serve
as a specimen of his poetry.
Till agriculture and cohabitation
Come under full restraint and regulation,
Much you would do you'll find impracticable,
And much you do will prove unprofitable.
The common lands, that lie unfenc'd, you know.
The husbandman in vain doth plough and sow ;
242 DAN.
Vv e hope in vniii the plant of grace will thrive
In forests, ^vhcrc civility can't live.
He published a sermon at the departure of the reverend Mr. Lorci
and his church for Carolina, 1G97 ; the blackness of sinning against
the light, 1710; funeral sermon on Edward Bromfield, esquire;
judgment begun at the house of God, 1716; two sermons on the
earthquake, to which is added a poem on the death of the reverend
Peter Thachcr of Milton, and Samuel Danforlh of Taunton, 1727 ;
a fast sermon ; a poem on the death of Mrs. Ann Eliot, and verses
to the memory of her husband, the reverend John Eliot.— Co/AcY.
hist. soc. iiv. 176, 177 ; Mtw EngUind rjcekly Journal, June 1, 1730.
■ DANi'ORTH (Samuki.), minister of Taunton, Massachusetts,
was the son of the reverend Mr. Danforth of Roxbury, and was
born December 18, 1666. He was graduated at Harvard college
in 1683, His death took place Noveniber 14, 1727. He was one
of the most learned and eminent ministers of his day. In the be-
ginning of the year 1705 by means of his benevolent labors a deep
impression was made upon the minds of his people, and a most
pleasing reformulion took place. The youth, who formerly assem-
bled lor amusement and folly, now met for the exalted purpose of
improving in christian knowledge and virtue, and of becoming fit-
ted for the joys of the heavenly and eternal world, in the presence
of Jesus, the Savior. Several letters of Mr. Danforth, giving an
account of this reformation, are preserved in Mr. Prince's christian
history. He published an eulogy on Thomas Leonard, 1713, and
the election sermon, 1714. He left behhid him a manuscript In-
dian dictionary, a part of which is now in the library of the Massa-
chusetts historical society. It seems to have been formed from
Eliot's Indian bible, as tlicrc is a reference, under every word, to a
passage of scripture. — Collixl. hist. soc. iii. 173 ; i.x.. 176 ; Christ-
ian history, i. 108.
DARKE (V/iLLiAJi), a bravo ofiicer during the American war,
Avas born in Philadelphia county in 1736, and when a boy accompa-
nied his parents to Virginia. In the nineteenth year of his age he
joined the armv under gciicral Braddock, and siiared in the dangers
of his defeat in 1755. In the beginning of the war with Great Brit-
ain he accepted a captain's commission, and served with great rep-
utation till the close of the war, at which time he held the rank ef
major. In 1791 he received from congress the command of a reg-
iment in the army under general St. Clair, and bore a disthiguished
part in the unfortunate battle with the Indians on tlie fourth of No-
venilier in the same year. In this battle he lost a favorite son, and
narrowly escaped with his own life. In his retirement during his
remaining years he enjoyed the confidence of the state, which had
adopted him, and was honored with the rank of major gencrid of the
militia- He died at his seat in Jefferson county November 26,
1801, in the sixty sixth year of his age. — JVcw York spectator^ De-
■etnbtr 18, 1801.
DAV. 243
DAVENPORT (John), first minister of New Haven, and one
4j{ the founders of the colony of that name, was born in the city of
of Coventry in England in 1397. In the beginning of the year
J 6 1-3 he was sent to Merton college, Oxford, where he continued
about two years. He was then removed to Magdalen hull, which
iie left without a degree. Retiring to London he became an emin-
ent preacher among the puritans, and at length minister of St. Ste-
phen's church in Coleman street. In 1625 he went to Magdalen
hall, and performing the exercise required, took the degree of bach-
elor of divinity. By his great industry he became a imiversal schol-
ar, and as a preacher he held the first rank. There Avas in his de-
livery a gravity, an energy, and an engaging eloquence, which were
seldom witnessed. About the year 1 630 he united with Dr. Gouge,
Dr. Sibs, and others in a design oi purchasing impit^priations, and
with the profits of them to provide ministers for poor and destitute
congregations. Such progress Avas made in the execution of the
plan, that all the church lands in the possession of laymen would
soon have been obtained ; but l:)ishop Laud, v/ho was appre-
hensive, that the project would promote the interests of noncon-
formity, caused the company to be dissolved, and the money to be
confiscated to the use ol his majesty. As Mr. Davenport soon be*
came a conscientious nonconformist, the persecutions, to which he
was exposed, obliged him to resign his pastoral charge in Coleman
street, and to retire into Holland at the close of the year 1633. He
was invited to become the colleague of the aged Mr. Paget, pastor
of the English church in Amsterdam ; but as he soon withstood the
promiscuous baptism of children, wliich Avas practised in Holland,
he became engaged in a controversy, wiiichin about two years oblig-
ed him to desist from his public ministry. He now contented him-
self with ginng private instruction ; but his situation becoming un-
comfortable, he returned to London. A letter from Mr. Cotton,
giving a favorable account of the colony of Massachusetts, induced
Mr. Davenport to come to Boston, Avhere he arrived June 26, 1637,
in company with IMr. Eaton and Mr. Hopkins. He was received
with great respect, and in August was a pnident and uscfid member
ol the synod, which was occasioned by the errors of the day. He
sailed with his company March 30, 1638 for Quinnipiack, or New,
Haven, to found a new colony. He prcaclicd under an oak Api'Il
eighteenth, the first sabbath after tiieirarriva!,and he was minister here
near thirty years. He endeavored to establish a civil and religious or-
der more strictly in conformity to the v/ordof God,than he had seen
exhibited in any part of the world. In the government, which was
established, it was ordained, that rone but members of the church
should enjoy the privileges of freemen. He wasanxious topromote
the purity of the church, and he therefore wrote against tiie result
of the synod of 1662, which met in Massachusetts, and recommed-
cd a more general baptism of children, than had bciotc that lime
244 DAV.
been practised. He was scrupulously careful in admitting persons
to church communion, it l)eing a fixed principle with him, that no
person should be received into the church, who did not exhibit sat-
isfactory evidence, that he was truly penitent, and believing. He
did not think it possible to render the church perfectly pure, as men
could not search into the heart, but he was persuaded, that there
should be a discrimination.
After the death of Mr. Wilson, pastor of the first church in Bos-
ton, in 1667, Mr. Davenport was invited to succeed him; and at
the close of the year he accordingly removed to that town. He was
now almost seventy years of age, and his church and people were un-
willing to be separated from him ; but his colony of New Haven
had been blended with Connecticut, and he hoped to be more useful
in Boston, where the strictness of former times in relation to eccle-
siastical discipline had been somewhat relaxed. He was ordained
pastor December 9, 1668, and the reverend James Allen at the
«ame time teacher. But his labors in this place were of short con-
tinuance, for he died of an apoplexy March 15, 1670, in the seven-
ty third year of his age. He was a distinguished scholai*, an admir-
able preacher, and a man of exemplary piety and virtue. Such was
his reputation, that he was invited with Mr. Cotton and Mr. Hooker
to take a seat among the Westminster divines. Knowing the effi-
cacy of prayer, he recommended with earnestness ejaculatory
addresses to heaven. His intrepidity saved Whalley and Goffe, the
judges of king Charles, who fled to New Haven in 1661. He con-
• cealed them in his own house, and when the pursuers were coming
to New Haven preached publicly from Isaiah xvi. 3, 4, believing it
to be a duty to afford them protection. His portrait is in the muse-
um of Yale college. He published a sermon on 2 Samuel, i. 18,
1629 i a letter to the Dutch classis, wherein is declared|the misera-
ble slavery and bondage, that the English church at Arnsterdam is
now in by reason of the tyrannical government and corrupt doctrines
of Mr. John Paget, 1634 ; instructions to the elders of the EngUsh
church, to be propounded to the pastors of the Dutch church ; a re-
port of some proceedings about his calling to the English church,
against John Paget ; allegations of scripture against the baptizing
of some kind of infants ; protestation about the publication of his
writings, all in 1634 ; an apologetical reply to the answer of W.
Best 1636 ; a discourse about civil government in a new plantation,
whose design is religion ; a profession of his faith made at his ad-
mission into one of the churches of New England, 1642 ; the
knowledge of Christ, wherein the types, prophecies, he. relating to
him are opened ; the Messiah is already come, a sermon, 1653 ;
^nt's anchor hold in all storms and tempests, 1661 ; election ser-
mon, 1669 ; God's call to his people to turn unto him in two fast
sermons, 1670 ; the power of congregational churches asserted
and vindicated, in answer to a treatise of Mr. Paget, 1672. He al-
DAV. 245
so wrote in Latin a letter to John Dury, which -was subscribed hy
the rest of the ministers of New Haven colony, and he gave his aid to
Mr. Norton in his life of Cotton. He left behind him an exposition
on the Canticles in a hundred sheets of small hand writing, but it
was never published.— J^^'ood's Athe7ioe Oxoniensesy ii. 460 — 462,
450 ; Math(r*s magnalia, iii. 5 1 — 57 ; Trumbull's Connecticut, i. 89,
490 — 492 ; Morse's and Parish's M-w England, 133 — 139 ; JVeal's
JVew England, i. 386 ; Hutchinson, i. 84, 226 ; Winthrop, 131, 254 ;
Holmes' annals, i, 407 ; Stiles' hist, judges, 32, 69 ; Hardie's biog,
dictionary.
DAVENPORT (John), minister of Stamford, Connecticut, di.ed
February 5, 1731, in the sixty second year of his age, and the thir-
ty sixth of his ministry. Courageous in the reprehension of prev-
alent vices, and pungent in his addresses to the conscience, he was
eminently faithful as a minister, and being devout and exemplary in
his life he was revered by all good men. The original languages,
in which the scriptures are written, were almost as familiar to him.-
as his mother tongue. When he read the bible in his family, he
did not make use of the English translation, but of the Greek and
Hebrew original ; so that in his acquaintance with these language*
" he was not surpassed by any survivors within many scores of
miles every way." — Cook's funeral sermon.
DAVIE (Mary) died at Newton, Massachusetts, in 1752, aged
one hundred and sixteen years. Her portrait, drawn by Smibert, is
in the museum of the historical socitXy .—Holmes' annals, ii. 192.
DAVIES (Samuel), president of Princeton college in New
Jersey, was born November 3, 1724. His father was a planter in
the county of Newcastle on the Delaware of great simplicity of
manners and of reputed piety. He was an only son. His mother,
an eminent christian, had earnestly besought him of heaven, and
believing him to be given in answer to prayer, she named him
Samuel. This excellent woman took upon herself the task of teach-
ing her son to read, as there was no school in the neighborhood ;
and her efforts were rewarded by the uncommon proficiency of her
pupil. At the age often he was sent to a school at some distance
from home, and continued in it two years. His mind was at this
period very little impressed by religious truth, though he was not
inattentive to secret prayer, especially in the evening ; but it was
not long before that God, to whom he had been dedicated, and who
designed him for eminent service in the gospel of his Son, was
pleased to enlighten and renew him. Perceiving himself to be a
sinner, exposed to the awful displeasure of God, he was filled with
anxiety and terror. In this distress he was enabled to discern the
importance and all sufficiency of the salvation, revealed in the gos-
pel. This divine system of mercy now appeared in a new light.
It satisfied his anxious inquiries, and made provision for all his
wants. In the blood and righteousness of the Redeemer he found
246 DAY.
an unfailing source of consolation. His comforts liowcvcr were
long intermingled with doubts ; but after rej/cated and impartial
self exan»ination he attained a confidence respecting his state, which
continued to the close of life. From this period his mind seemed
almost entirely absorbed by heav-enly things, and it was his great
concern, that every thought, word, and action should correspond
•with the divine law. Having tasted tiie joys of religion, he became
eagerly desirous of imparting to his fellow sinners the knowledge
of the truth. With this object before him he engaged with new
ardor in literary and theological pursuits. Every obstacle was sur-
mounted ; and after the previous trials, which he passed with dis-
tinguisiicd approbation, he was licensed to p eacli the gospel.
He now applied himself to unfold and cnlorcc tliose precious
truths, whofjc power he had experienced on his own heart. His fer-
vent zeal and unoissembied piety, liiri popular talents and engaging
methods of address soon excited genend admiration. At this lime
an uncommon regard to religion existed in H. mover county, Vir-
ginia, produced by the benevolent exertions of Mr. Morris, a lay-
man. The event was so remarkable, and the Virginians in general
were so ignorant of the true doctrines of the gospel, that the pres-
bytery of Newcastle thotight it incumbent upon them to send thitlv-
cr a faithful jireacher. Mr. Davies was accordingly chosen. He
ivent to Hanover in April 1747, and soon obtained of the general
court a license to ofHciaie in four meeting houses. After preach-
ing assiduously for some time, and not without effect, he returned
from Virginia, though earnestly invited to continue his labors. A
call for him to settle at Hanover was immediately sent to the pres-
bytery ; but he was about this time seized by complaints, which ap
pearcd consumptive, and which brought him to the borders of the
grave. Li this enfeebled state he determined to spend the remain-
der of his life in unremitting endeavors to iidvance the interests of
religion. Being among a people, who were destitute of a minister,
his indisposition did not repress his exertions. He still preached
in the day, while by night his hectic was so severe, as sometimes
to render him delirious. In tiie spring of 1748 a messenger from
Hanover visited him, and he thought it his duty to accept the invi-
tation of tl;e people in that place. He hoj^ed, that he might live to
organize t!ie congregation. His health, however, gradually improv-
ed. In October 1748 three more meeting houses were licensed,
and among his seven assemblies, which were in different counties,
at a considerable distance from each other, he divided his labors.
His preaching encountered all the obstacles, which could arise from
blindness, prejudice, and iMgotry, from profaneness and immorattty.
He and those, wh.o attended upon his preaching, were denominated
new lights by the more zealous episeopaliuis. liut by his patience
and perseverance, his magnanimity and piety, in conjunction with
his evangelical ■ nd powerful ministry, he triumphed over opposi*
"DAV. 247
'«k)n. Contempt and aversion were gradually turned into rever-
ence. Many were attracted by curiosity to hear a man of such dis-
tinguished talents, and he proclaimed to them the most solemn and
impressive truths with an energy, which they could not resist. It
pleased God to accompany these exertions with the efficacy of his
Spirit. In about il;ree years Mr. Davies beheid three hundred
communicants in his congregation, whom he considered as real
christians. He had also in this period baptized about forty adult ne-
groes, who made such a profession of saving faith, as he judged
credible.
From this scene of toil and of christian enjoyment he was in the
providence of Goeration stated and explained, 1743,
against baptismal iCj^ei'eration ; a display of God's special grace in ^
familiar dialogue, 1742; reflecdons upon Mr. Wetmore's letter in
defence of Dr. VVaterivtud's discourse on regeneration, 1745. The
above works were hantisoniely published in an octavo volume at Ed-
inburgh in 1793. President Dickinson published also a defence of
presbytevian ordination in answer to a pamphlet, entitled a modest
proot &c., 1724 ; the vanity ot human institutions in the worship
of God, a sermon preached at Newark June 2, 1736 ; a defence of
it afterwards ; a second defence of it agairst ihe exceptions of Mr.
John Beach in his appeal to the unprejudiced, 1738 ; this work is
entitled, the reasonableness ot nonconformity to the church of Eng-
land in point of worship ; familiar letters upon various important sub-
jects in religion, 1745 ; apamphletin favor of infant baptism, 1746 j
a vindication of God's sovereign, free grace ; a second vindication
he. against Mr. John Beach, to which are added brief reflections an
Dr. Johnson's defence of Aristocles' letter to Authades, 1748 ; on
account of the deliverence of Robert Barrow, shipwrecked among
the cannibals of Florida. — Pierson's sermon on his death ; preface to
his sermons, Edin. edit. ; Miller, n. 345 ; Backus' abr. 191 ; Doug*
lass, ii. 284 ; Brainerd^s life., 129, 161 ; Boston Gazette, October 20,
1747 ; Chandler's life of Johnson, 69.
DICKINSON (John), a distinguished political writer and friend
•f his country, was the son of Samuel Dickinson, esquire, of Del-
aware. He was a member of the assembly of Pennsylvania in
1764, and of the general congress in 1765. In November 1767 he
began to publish his celebrated letters against the acts of the British
parliament, laying duties on paper, glass, &c. They supported the
liberties of his country, and contributed much to the American rev-
«lution. He was a member of the first congress in 1774, and the
petition to the king, which was adopted at this time, and is consid-
ered as an elegant composition, was written by him. In Jime 1776
he opposed openly and upon principle the declaration of independ-
ence, when the motion was considered by congress. His arguments
were answered by John Adams, who advocated a separation from
Great Britain. The part, which Mr. Dickinson took in this debate,
occasioned his I'ccal from congress, as his constiAicnts did not coin-
cide with him in his political views, and he was absent several years.
Perceiving at length, tliat his countrymen were unalterably fixed in
their system of independence, he fell in with it, and was as zealous
in supporting it in congress about the year 1 780, as any of the
members. He was president of Pennsylvania from November
1782 to October 1785, and was succeeded in this office by Dr.
Franklin. Soon after 1785> it is believed, he removed to Delaware,
Die. 255
\iy which state he was appointed a member of the old congress, an4
of which state he was president. He died at Wilmington February
15, 1808, at an advanced age. He filled with ability the various
high stations, in which he was placed. He was distinguished by his
strength of mind, miscellaneous knowledge, and cultivated taste,
which were united with a habitual eloquence, with an elegance of
manners, and a benignity, which made him the delight as well as the
ornament of society. The infirmities of declining years had de-
tached him long before his death from the busy scenes of life ; but
in retirement his patriotism felt no abatement. The welfare of his
country was ever dear to him, and he was ready to make any sacri-
fices for its promotion. Unequivocal in his attachment to a repub-
lican government, he invariably supported, as far as his voice could
have influence, those men and those measures, which he believed
most friendly to republican principles. He was esteemed for his
uprightness and the purity of his morals. From a letter, which he
wrote to the honorable James Warren, esquire, dated the twenty
fifth of the first month, 1805, it would seem, that he was a member
of the society of friends. He published a speech delivered in the
house of assembly of Pennsylvania, 1764 ; a reply to a speech of
Joseph Galloway, 1765 ; late regulations respecting the colonies
considered, 1765 ; letters trom a farmer in Pennsylvania to the in-
habitants of the British colonies, 1767 — 1768. Mr. Dickinson's
political writings veere collected and published in two volumes 8vo.
1801. — Gordo7i, i. 220 ; Ramsay^ ii. 319 ; Warren, i. 412 ; Adams*
sixth letter to Dr. Calkoen ; Monthly anthology, v. 226; JVationaV
intelligencer, February 22, 1808 ; Marshall, iv. note at end ; v. 97^
DICKINSON (Philemon), a brave officer in the revolutionary
war, died at his seat near Trenton, New Jersey, February 4, 1 809,
in the sixty ninth year ot his age. He took an early and an active
part in the struggle with great Britain, and hazai^ed his ample for*
tune and his life in establishing our independence. In the memora-
ble battle of Monmouth at the head of the Jersey militia he exhib-
ited the spirit and gallantry of a soldier of liberty. After the estab-
lishment of the present national government he was a member of
congress. In the various stations, civil and military, with which he
was honored, general Dickinson discharged them with zeal, uprights-
ness, and ability. The last twelve or fifteen years of his life were
spent in retirement from public concerns. — ; good, which should be put into his
bands. At the age of eighteen he began a diary of his religious
ELL 27i
life. This he continued for a few months and then ahrnptly relin-
quished it, but for what reason it is not known. In the earlyjstages
of his last illness, when he retained his reason and the power of
speech, he expressed his entire resignation to the pleasure of God.
In his death an extensive acquaintance lamented the fall of oneof th«
firmest pillars of the church.
He published a work,entitled,the salvation of all men strictly exam-
ined Sec. in answer to Dr. Chauncy ; a dissertation on liberty and neces-
sity ; observations on the language of the Mohckaneew or Stockbridge
Indians, communicated to the Connecticut society of arts and sciences,
and published at the request of the society ; brief observations on the
doctrine of universal salvation ; three sermons on the atonement ;
sermons at the ordination of the reverend Timothy Dwight of
Greenfield, 1783; at the ordination of the reverend Dan Bradley,
Hamden, 1792 ; at the ordination of the reverend W. Brown, Glas-
tonbury, 1792 J at the ordination of the reverend Edward Dorr
Griffin, Ncav Hartford, 1795 ; a sei'mon on the injustice and impoli-
cy of the slave trade, 1791 ; human depravity the source of infidel-
ity, a senuon in the American preacher, ii ; marriage of a wife's sis-
ter considered in the anniversary concio ad clerum in the chapel of
Yale college, 1792; a sermon on the death ot Roger Sherman,
1793 ; election sermon, 1794 ; a sermon on a future state of exist-
ence and the immortality of the soul, printed in a volume, entitled,
sermons collected 8cc. ; a farewell sermon to the people of Cole-
brook ; and a number of excellent pieces, signed I and O, in the
New York theological magazine. He also edited from the manu-
scripts of his father, the history of the work of redemption, two
volumes of sermons, and two volumes of observations on important
theological subjects.— -Connecticut evangelical 7nagazine, ii. 377—
383; Edwards' works, English edition, i. 103 — 119; Miller, ii,
453.
ELIOT (John), minister of Roxbury, Massachusetts, usually
called the apostle of the Indians, was born in England in 1604. His
pious parents early imparted to him religious instruction, and it was
not without effect. After receiving his education at the university
of Cambrige, he was for some time the instructer of youth. In 1631
he came to this country, and arriving at Boston harbor November
third, immediately joined the church in that town, and preached to
them, as Mr. Wilson, their minister, was then in England. Here
he was earnestly requested to remain, but he was settled as teacher
of the church in Roxbury November 5, 1632. In the following
year Mr. Welde was ordained as rtJs colleague, with the title of pas-
tor. These two ministers lived together in much harmony. In
1737 they both opposed the wild notions of Mi's. Hutchinson, and
were both witnesses against her at her trial. In 1639 they were ap-
pointed with Mr. Richard Mather of Dorchester to make a new ver-
«?isn of the psalms, which was printed in the following year. For
272 ELI.
tuneful poetry it would not perhaps yield the palm even to that of
Sternhold and Hopkins ; but it did not give perfect satisfaction.
The reverend Mr. Shepard of Cambridge thus addressed the trans*
lators.
Ye Roxbury poets, keep clear of the crime
Of missing to give us very good rhyme ;
And you of Dorchester, your verses lengthen,
But with the text's own words you will them strengthen.
The New England psalms were afterwards revised and improved by
president Dunster, and they have passed throvigh twenty editions.
In 1641 Mr. Welde returned to England. Mr. Eliot's other col-
leagues in the ministry were the reverend Mr. Danforth and Mr.
Walter.
His benevolent labors were not confined to his own people. Hav-
ing imbibed the true spirit of the gospel, his heart was touched
with the wretched condition of the Indians, and he became eagerly
desirous of making them acquainted with the glad tidings of salva-
tion. There were at the time, when he began his missionary ex-
ertions, near twenty tribes of Indians within the limits of the Eng-
lish planters. But they were very similar in manners, language,
and religion. Having learned the barbarous dialect he first preach-
ed to an assembly of Indians at Nonantum, in the present town of
Newton, October 28, 1646. After a short prayer he explained the
commandments, described the character and sufferings of Christ, the
judgment day and its consequences, and exhorted them to receive
Christ as their Savior, and to pray to God. After the sermon was
finished, he desired them to ask any questions, which might have
occurred. One immediately inquired, whether Jesus Christ could
understand prayers in the Indian language ? Another asked, how all
the world became full of people, if they were all once drowned ? A
third question was, how there could be the image of God, since it
was forbidden in the coninnandment ? He preached to them a second
time November eleventh, and some of them wept while he was ad-
dressing them. An old man asked, with tears in his eyes, whether
it was not too late for him to repent and turn unto God ? Among the
other inquiries were these, how it came to pass, that sea water was
salt and river water fresh ; how the English came to differ so much
from the Indians in the knowledge of God and Jesus Chi'ist, since
they all at first had but one father ; and why, if the water is larger
than the earth, it does not overflow the earth ? He was violently op-
posed by the sachems and pawaws, or priests, who were apprehen-
sive of losing their authoritj'? if a new religion wus introduced.
When he was alone with them in the wilderness, they threatened
him with every evil, if he did not desist from his labors ; but he was
a man not to be shaken in his purpose by the fear of danger. He
said to them, " I am about the work of the great God, and my God
is with mc ; so that I neither fear you, nor all the sachems in tl.c
ELL 273
country } 1 will go on, and do you touch me, if you dare." With
a body capable of enduring fatigue, and a mind firm as the mountain
oaks, which surrounded his path, he went from place to place, rely-
ing for protection upon the great Head of the church, and declaring
the salvation of the gospel to the children of darkness. His be-
nevolent zeal prompted him to encounter with cheerfulness the
most terrifyuig dangers, and to submit to the most incredible hard-
ships. He says in a letter, " I have not been dry, night or day,
from the third day of the week unto the sixth ; but so travelled, and
at night pull off my boots, wring my stockings, and on with them
again, and so continue. But God steps in and helps. I have consid-
ered the word of God, 1 Tim. ii. 3, endure hardship as a good sold-
ier of Jesus Christ." He made a missionary tour every fortnight,
planted a number of churches, and visited all the Indians in Mas-
sachusetts and Plymouth colonies, pursuing his way as far as cape
Cod. In 1651 an Indian town was built on a pleasant spot on
Charles' river, and called Natick. A house of worship was erect-
ed, and a form of government was established similar to that, which
is mentioned in Exodus xviii. 21. Mr. Eliot was convinced, that
in order to the most permanent success it was necessary to intro-
duce with Christianity the arts of civilized life. He accordingly
made every exertion to persuade the Indians to renounce their sav-
age customs and habits ; but he never could civilize those, who went
out in hunting parties, and those, who lived near ponds and rivers,
and were occupied in fishing or cultivating the ground, though their
condition was much in)proved, could never be made equally indus-
trious with the English. The first Indian church, established by the
labors of protestants in America, was formed at Natick in 1660 after
the manner of the congregational churches in New England. Those,
who wished to be organized into a christian body, were strictly exam-
ined as to their faith and experience by a number of the neighbor-
ing ministers, and Mr. Eliot afterwards administered to them bap-
tism and the Lord's supper. Other Indian churches were planted in
various parts of Massachusetts, and he frequently visited them ;
but his pastoral care was more particularly over that, which he first
established. He made every exertion to promote the welfare of the
Indian tribes ; he stimulated many servants of Jesus to engage in
the missionary work ; and although he mourned over the stupidity
of many, who preferred darkness to light, yet he lived to see twen-
ty four of the copper colored aborigines fellow preachers of the
precious gospel of Christ. In 1661 he published the New Testa-
ment in the Indian language, and in a few years the whole bible, and
several other books, best adapted for the instruction of the natives.
He possessed an influence over the Indians, which no other mission-
ary could obtain. He was their shield in 1675 during Philip's war,
when some of the people of Massachusetts, actuated by the most
irtfuriate spirit, intended to have destroyed them. He suffci^ed eve-
35
'274, ELI.
ry abuse for his triendship to them, but nothing could quench the
divine charity, which glowed in his heart. His firmness, his zeal,
his benevolence at tiiis period increased the pure lustre of his char-
acter. When he reached the age ol' fourscore years, he offered to
give up his salary, and desired to be liberated from the labors of his
office, as teacher of the church at Roxbury. It was with joy, that
he received Mr. Walter as his colleague in 1688. When he was
bending under his iiilirmities and could no longer visit the Indians,
he persuaded a numbei- oi families to send their negro servants to
hiin once a week, u<.i\t he might instruct them i.i the truths of God.
He died May 20, 1690, aged abo\it eighty six years, saying, that all
his labors were poor and small, and exhorting those, who surround-
ed his bed, to pray. Kis last words were, " welcome joy."
Mr. Eliot was one of the most usciul preachers in New England.
No minister saw his exertions attended with greater effects. He
spoke from the abundance of his heart, and his sermons, being free
from that labored display of learning, tVom the quibbles and quaint
turns, mth which most discourses were at that time intected, were
acceptable in all the churches. So much was he enacared to his
own people, that they continued his salary after he had offered to
resign it, and when he WdS unable to preach ; and the youth were in
the habit of visiting him, calling him their father and friend. Such
attentions chased away the gloom, which usually hangs over the
head of the aged, and cheered the evening of his life.
His moral and religious character was as excellent, as his minis-
terial ciualificalions were great. He carried his good principles
with him in every situation, viewing all things in reference to God.
He habitually lifted up his heart for a blessing upon every person,
whom he met, and when he went into a family, he would sometimes
call tlie youth to him, that he might lay his hands upon them, and
give them his benediction. Such was his charity, that he gave to
the poor Indians most of his salary of fifty pounds, which he re-
ceived annually from the society for propagating the gospel. In his
manner of living he was very simple. One plain dish was his re-
past at home, and when he dined abroad, he seldom tasted any of the
luxuries before him. He drank water ; and said of wine, " it is a
noble, generous liquor, and we should be humbly thankful for it, but,
as I remember, water was made before it." Clothing himself with
humility, he actually wore a leathern girdle about his loins. In do-
mestic life he was peculiarly happy. By the prudent management
of his wife, who looked well to the ways of her household, he was
enabled to be generous to his friends, and hospitable to strangers,
and with a small salary to educate four sons at Cambridge, of whom
John and Joseph, minii.ters of Newton and of Guilford, were the
best preachers of that age.
In his principles of church government he was attached to the
congregational order. Yet he contended earnestly for frequent syn-
ELI. 275
ods or councils, as necessary for the preservation of union, for the
suppression of dangerous opinions and heresies, for the correction
of abuses, and the healin^j of divisions. He tiiought, that every
particular church should have rulint^ elders to assist the minister in
the duties of government and insiruction. In his admission" to the
church, lie required of the candidates some evidence, that they
were truly Christians, renewed in their hearts by the Spirit of God.
He withstood the attempts, which were made, to change the old
practice of giving a relation of the work of divine grace, which
practice in his view honored the Savior, and produced an intimate
union among his disciples. He could not in conscience give the cup
of the Lord to any one, who did not give some evidence of being
a sincere Christian.
With all his excellencies he had some singularities and strange
notions. He had a most deep rooted prejudice against wigs. He
preached againstj the custom of wearing them ; he prayed against
it ; he attributed to it the evils, which overwhelmed the country.
He thought, as Dr. Cotton Mather, who himself wore a wig, informs
us, " that for men to wear theirihair with a luxurious, delicate, fem-
inine prolixity, or to disfigure themselves with hair, which was none
of their own, but above all for ministers of the gospel to ruffle it in
excesses of this kind" was an enormous sin. But fashion would
bear sway, notwithstanding his remonstrances, and he finally ceased
to complain, saying, " the lust is become insuperable." His prej-
udice against tobacco was as strong as his aversion to wigs ; but in
contempt of all his admonitions the hairless head would be adorned
with curls of foreign growth, and the pipe would send up volumes
of smoke. In his old age, not long before his death, he used to say
that he was shortly going to heaven, and would carry a deal of good
news with him ; he would carry tidings to the old founders of New
England, that our churches still remained, find that their number
was continually increasing. So remarkable was he for his charities,
that the parish treasurer, when he once paid him the money due for
his salary, tied the ends of a handkerchief, into which he put it, in
as many hard knots as he could, to prevent him from giving away tiie
money before he should reach home. The good man immediately
•went to the house of a sick and necessitous fctniily, and told them,
that God had sent them some relief. Being welcomed by the suffer-
ers with tears of gratitude, he began to unde the knots. After ma-
ny fruitless efforts, and impatient of the perplexity and delay, he
gave the handkerchief and all the money to the mother of the family,
saying, " here, my dear, take it ; I believe the Lord designs it all
for you."
Mr. Eliot published several letters in a Avork, entitled, the glori-
ous progress of the gospel among the Indians Sec. 1649 ; tears of
repentance, in conjunction with Mr. INIayhew, 1653 ; a late and fur-
ther manifestation of the progress of the gospel araong-the Indians,
27« ELL
&tc. 1655; of the gospel amongst the Indians, &c. 1659; a brief
narrative of the progress ot the gospel, &c. 1670. A vvorK ol his,
entitled the christian commonwealth &c. was published in EngLnd
about the year 1660, written nine or ten years before. When it was
received in Massachusetts, the governor and council, viewing it as
full of seditious priuLipies against all established governments, es-
pecially against the monarcny of ihcirnative country, required Mr.
Eliot to make a recantation, which he accordingly did, acknowledg-
ing, that government by kings, lords, and commons was not anti-
christian. The book was sujjpressed. In 1661 he published his
translation of the New^ Testament into the Indian tongue ; and in
1663 his immense work, the translation of the whole bible, in 4to.
A second edition was printed in 1685, revised by Mr. Cotton, and
both of them were printed at Cambridge. The longest word is in
Mark i. 40. Wuttappesittukciussunnoohwehtunkquoh. Mr. Eliot
also published the Jews in America, 1660, intended to prove, that
the Indians were descendants of the Jews ; an Indian grammar,
1666 ; the logic primer lor the use of the Indians, 1672 ; the psalms
translated into Indian metre, and a catechism, annexed to the edition
of the New Testament in 1680; a translation of the practice of
piety, of Baxter's call to the unconverted, and of several of Shep-
ard's works; the harmony of the gospels in English, 4to, 1678 ; the
divine management of gospel churches by the ordinance of councils,
designed for the reconciliation of the presbyterians, and congrega-
tionaiists. Nine of his letters to sir Robert Boyle are in the third
volume of the historical collections.— Mi ^Ae?-'* magiialia, iii. 170
— 2 1 1 ; Eliot's life and death ; JVeaVs J^. E.\. 151, 242. 258 ; ii. 98 ;
Collections historical society, \. 176 ; iii. 177—188 ; v. 256 — 266 ; vii.
24 ; viii. 5 — 35 ; x. 8—12, 124, 186 ; Douglass, ii. 113 ; Hutch-
iiuon, i. 162 — 169, 212 ; Holmes' aJinals, i. 591 ; H. Adams' A* E.
82 — 87 ; Morse and Parish's jV. E. 230 — 233.
ELIOT (John), minister of Newton, was the son of the preced-
ing, and was graduated at Harvard college in 165 6. He was or-
dained at Cambridge village, or Nonantum, now Newton, in 1664,
and in this place he died October 1 1, 1668 in the thirty third yearof
his age. His abilities as a preacher were preeminent. He gave
his father much assistance in his missionary employment. During
his ministry at Newton he usually preached once a fortnight to the
Indians at Pcquimmit, or Stoughton, and sometimes at Natick.— *
Gookin, ch. v ; Homer's history o/JVewton in Collect, hist. soc. v. 266.
ELIOT (Andrew, d.d.), minister in Boston, was born about
the year 1719 and in 1737 was graduated at Harvard college. He
early felt the impressions of religion and was in consequence induc-
ed to devote himself to the service of the Lord Jesus. He was or-
dained pastor of thr. new north church in Boston, as colleague with
the reverend Mr. Webb, April 14, 1742. Here he continued in
high reputation till his death, September 13, 1778, aged fifty nine
■^•ears,
ELI. 27T
Dr. Eliot was highly respected for his talents and virtues. He
believed, and he preached the distinguishing doctrines of the gos-
pel ; but his sermons were not filled with invectives against those,
who differed from him. He was anxious to promote the intc^rests
of practical godliness, and destitute of bigotry he embraced all , who
appeared to have an honest regard to religious truth. His dis<:ours-
es were written in a style perspicuous and correct, and he delivered
them with dignity, gracefulness, and unaifected fervor. His audi-
ence was never inattentive. The various duties of the pastoral of-
fice he ever discharged with fidelity. He revered the constit:ution
of the churches of New England, and delighted in seeing their
prosperity. In 1743 he united with many other excellent ministers
in Massachusetts in giving his testimony in favor of the very remark-
able revival of religion, which had taken place in this coimtry.
When the British took possession of Boston, he sent his family out
of the town with the intention of following them ; but a number of the
people, belonging to his society and to other societies, being oblig-
ed to remain, requested him not to leave them. After seeking di-
vine direction, he thought it his duty to comply with their request,
and in no period of his life was he more eminently useful. He Was
a friend to tiic irecdom, peace, and independence of America. By
his benevolent offices he contributed much toward alleviating the
sufferings of the inhabitants ; he ministered to his sick and
wounded annsti ymen in prison ; he went about doing good ; and
he appeared to be more than ever disengaged from the world, and
attached to things heavenly and divine. He was a friend of literature
and science, and he rendered important services to Harvard college
both as an individual benefactor, and as a member of theboardof over-
seers and of the corporation. So highly were his literary acquire-
ments and general character estimated, that he was once elected
president of the university ; but his attachment to his people was
such, that he declined the appointment. In his last sickness he ex-
pressed unshaken faith in those doctrines of the grace of God, which
he had preached to others, and would frequently breathe out the pi-
ous ejaculation, " come. Lord Jesus, come quickly."
Dr. Eliot wrote a long account of the effects of the dispute between
Great Britain and America in 1768, which he sent to a friend in Eng-
land. It is spoken of with high respect both on account of its style,
and of the candor and moderation, with which it was written. The
following is a catalogue of his publications. A sermon at his own
ordination, 1742 ; inordinate love of the world inconsistent with the
love of God, 1744 ; on the death of the reverend John Webb, 1 750 ;
a fast sermon, 1753 ; at the ordination of the reverend Joseph Rob-
erts, 1754 ; a thanksgiving sermon for the conquest of Quebec,
1759; election sermon, 1765 ; at the ordination of .the reverend
Ebenczer Thayer, 1766 ; Dudleian lecture, 1771 ; at the ordina-
tion of the reverend Joseph Willard, 1773 ; at the execution of Le-
278 ELL.
vi Ames, 1773; at the ordination of his son, the rcverciul Andretr
Eliot, 1774; a volume of twenty sermons, 8vo, 1774, which are
considered as very valuable. — Thac her' s funeral sermon ; Holmes'
«nwa/«, ii. 410 ; Memoirs of Thomas Mollis .
ELLSWORTH (Oliver, ll. d.), chief justice of the United
States, was born at Windsor, Connecticut, April 29, 1745, and was
graduated at the college in New Jersey in 1766. He soon afterwards
commenced the practice of the law, in which profession he attained
an acknowledged eminence. His perceptions were unusually rap-
id, his reasoning clear and conclusive, and his eloquence almost ir-
resistible. In the year 1777 he was chosen a delegate to the conti-
nental congress. He found himself in a new sphere ; but his ex-
traordinary powers did not fail him, and he met the exigencies of
the times without shrinking. In 1780 he was elected into the
council of his nstive state, and he continued a member of that body
till 1784, when he was appointed a judge of the superior court. In
1787 he was elected a member of the convention, which framed the
federal constitution. In an assembly, illustrious for talents, erudi-
tion, and patriotism, he held a distinguished place. His exertions
essentially aided in the production of an instrument, which, imder
the divine blessing, has been the main pillar of American prosperity
and glory. He was immediately afterwards a member of the state
convention, and contributed his efforts towards procuring the ratiii-
cation of that instrument. When the federal government was or-
ganized in 1789, he was chosen a member of the senate. This ele-
vated station, which he filled with his accustomed dignity, he occu-
pied till in March 1796 he was nominated by president Washington
chief justice of the supreme court of the United States. Though
nis attention had been for many years abstracted from the study of
the law, yet he presided in that high court with the greatest repu-
tation. The diligence, with which he discharged his oflicial du-
ties, could be equalled only by his inexhaustible patience. His
charges to the jury were rich not only in legal principles luit in moral
sentiments, expressed in a simple, concise style, and dclivereil in a
manner, which gave them a tenfold energy and impression. To-
wards the close of the year 1799 he was appointed by president Ad-
ams envoy extraordinary to France for the purpose of accommodat-
ing existing difficulties, and settling a treaty with that nation.
With much reluctance he accepted the appointment. In conjunc-
tion with governor Davie and Mr. Murray, his associates, he nego-
tiated a treaty, which though it did not answer the just claims and
expectations of the American public, was midoubtcdly the best, that
could be procured. Having accomplished the business of his em-
bassy he repaired to Enp;land for the benefit of the mineral waters,
as his health had suffered much in his voyage to Europe. Convinc-
ed that his infirmities must incapacitate him for the futin-e dis-
charge of his duties on the bench, he transmitted a resignation of
ELL. 279
liis oflke of chief justice at the close of the year 1 800. On his return,
to Connecticut, his fellow citizens, desirous of still enjoying the.
benefit of his extraordinary talents, elected him into the council ;.
and in May 1807 he was appointed chief justice of the state. This
office, however, he declined from apprehension, that he could not
lon'ii^ survive under the pressure of his distressing maladies, and of
domestic afflictions. He died November 26, ISOf, in the sixty
third year of his age.
Mr. Ellsworth was admired as an accomplished advocate, an up-
right legislator, an able and impartial judge, a wise and incorrupt-
ible ambassador, and an ardent, uniform, and indefatigable patriot,
who devoted every faculty, every literary acquisition, and almost
every hour of his life to his country's good. He moved for moK
than thirty years in a most conspicuous sphere, unassailed by thi
shafts of slander. His integrity was not only unimpeached but ut-
suspected. In his debates in legislative bodies he was sometimes »■-
dent, but his ardor illuminated the subject. His purposes ie
he pursued with firmness, independence, and intrepidity. In
private life he was a model of social and personal virtue. He
was just in his dealings, frank in his communications, kind and
obligir>g in his deportujent, easy of access to all, beloved and re-
spected by his neighbors and acquaintance. Amid the varied hon-
ors, accumulated upon him bv his country, he was unassuming; and
humble. His dress, his equipage, and mode of living were regu-
lated by a principle of republican economy ; but for the promotion
of useful and benevolent designs he communicated with reediness
and liberality. The purity and excellence of his character are rare
in any station, and in the higher walks of life are almost unknown.
If it be asked, to what cause is the uniformity of his virtue
to be attributed ? The answer is at hand. Mr. Ellsworth
was a Christian. He firmly believed the great doctrines of the
gospel. Having its spirit transfused into his own heart aid be-
ing directed by its maxims and impelled by its motives, he almost
instinctively and at all times pursued a course of upright conduct.
The principles, which governed him, were not of a kind, which arc
liable to be weakened or destroyed by the opportunity of conceal-
ment, the security from dishonor, the authority of numbers, or the
prospects of interest. He made an explicit and public confession
of Christianity in his youth ; and in all his intercourse with the
polite and learned world he was not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.
In the midst of multiplied engagements he made theology a study,
and attended with unvarying punctuality on the worship of the
sanctuary. The sage, whose eloquence had charmed the senate,
and whose decisions from the bench were regarded as almost oracu-
lar, sat with the simplicity of a child at the feet of Jesus, devaitly
absorbed in the mysteries of redemption. His religion was not
cold and heartless, but practical and vital. Meetings for social
2&0 EME.
worship and pious conference he countenanced by his presencu.
He was one of tlie trustees of the missionury society of Connecti-
cut, and engaged with ardor in the benevolent design of dissemi-
nating the truths of the gospeh In his last illness he was humbl«
and tranquil. He expressed the submission, the views, and the
<,onsoiations of a Christian. His speech in the convention of Con-
ineciicut in favor of the constitution is preserved in the American
:musev\m.-—Pano/ilist and miss. mag. united, i. 193—197 ; Broivn*s
,4mfi-ican register., ii. 95—98 ; American 77iuscum, iii. 334 — 338.
EMERSON (Joseph), ininister of Maiden, Massachusetts, was
Jjraduuted at Harvard college in 1717, and ordained October 31,
1721, For near half a century he continued his benevolent labors
v^ithout being detained from his pulpit but two sabbaths. He died
suddenly July 13, 1767, in the sixty eighth year of his age. He
le ft seven sons, several of Avhom were ministers. He was pious
in early life, and his parents witnessed the effect of their instruc-
tions and prayers. As a preacher of the gospel he searched the
scriptures with diligence, that he might draw his doctrines from
the pure fountains of truth. He preached with earnestness the real
divinity of the Lord Jesus Christ, the special agency of the Holy
Spirit in the conversion of sinners, the sovereignty of God, the
depravity and guilt of man since the apostasy, the necessity of re-
ceiving the righteousness of Christ in order to justification, the
pierscverance of saints, and the indispensable importance of holi-
ness tn heart and life. In the various relations, which he sustained,
he wa«-. just, amiable, kind, and benevolent. One tenth of his in-
come was devoted to charitable uses. He at stated times every
day addressed himself to heaven, and never engaged in any im-
portant affiur without first seeking the divine blessing. Such was
his humility, that when unguarded words fell from his lips, he
would ask forgiveness of his children and servants. He published
the impottance and duty of a timely seeking of (ioil, 1727 ; meat
out of the eater, and sweetness out of the strong, 1735.— i'««<"rfl/ >
sermon by his son. '
ENDICOT (John), governor of Massachusetts, was sent to
this co\intry by a company in England as their agent to curry on the
plantation at Naumkeag, or Salem, in the sumn»er of 1 628. It was
here, thut he laid the foundation of the first permanent town withia
the limits of the Massachusetts patent. He was a suitable person
to be entrusted with the care of a new settlement in the wilderness;
for he was bold, undaunted, sociable, and cheerful, familiar, or aus-
tere and distant, as occasion required. . The company in April 1629
chose him the governor of" London's plantation ;" Iput in August
it was determined to transfer the charter and the government of the
colony 10 New England, and John Winthrop, who arrived m the fol-
lowing year, was appointed governor. In 1()36 Mi. Fndicot was
se»t out on an expedition against the Indians on Block island, and
KRV. 281
in the Pecjuot country. He continued at Salem tiii 1644, when he
was elected governor of Massachusetts, and removed to Boston.
He vt^as also governor from 1649 to 1654, and from 1655 to 1665.
He died March 15, 1665, in the seventy seventh year of his age, and
was succeeded by Bellingham. He was a sincere and zealous pu-
ritan, rigid in his principles, and severe in the execution of the Hrvh
against sectaries, or those, who differed from the religion of Massa-
chusetts. Two episcopalians, who accused the members of the
church of Salem of being separatists, were sent back to England by
his orders. He was determined to establish a reformed and a pure
church. The quakers and the baptists had no occasion to remem-
ber him with affection. So opposed was he to every thing,
which looked like popery, that, through the influence of Roger
Williams, he cut out the cross from the military standard. He in-
sisted at Salem, that the wome^i should wear veils at church. In
1649, when he was governor, he entered into an association with
the other magistrates against long hair. As the practice of wearing
it, " after the manner of ruffians and barbarous Indians, Jiad begun
to invade New England,*' they declared their detestation of the cus-
tom, " as a thing uncivil and unmanly, whereby men do deform,
themselves, and offend sober and modest men, and do corrupt good
manners/' In 1 659, during his administration, four quakers were
put to death in Boston. — JVeal's M England, i. 139, 364 ; Jlutc/iin-
aon, i. 8—- 17, 38, 58, 134, 151, 172, 189, 235 ; TFinthrop, 105 ; Co!-
led. hist. soc. vi. ^45, 261 ; ix. 5 ; H. Jdams' JS/". England, 27, 100 ;
Jfolmes* annals, i. 243, 245, 289, 396 ; Morton, 81, IBS ; Magnolia^
ii. 18.
ERVING (William), a benefactor of Harvard college, was
graduated at that institution in 1753, and quitted the British army,
in which he was an officer, at the commencement of the American
revolution. He died at Roxbury in June 179 1, bequeathing to the
university, in which he was educated, one thousand pounds towards
establishing a professorship of chemistry and materia medica.
This professor takes the name of the founder.
EUSTACE (John Skey), a brave officer in the American war,
entered into the service of his country not long after the com-
mencement of the revolution, and continved one of her active de-
fenders till the conclusion of the contest. He served for some time
as an aid de camp to general Lee, and afterwards as an aid do camp
to general Greene. When the war was ended, he retired to Georg-
ia, and was there admitted to the bar as an advocate. In that
state he received the appointment of adjutant general. In the year
1794, as he was fond of a military life, he went to France, and there
received the appointment of a brigadier general, and was afterwards
promoted and made a major general. In that capacity he served
the French nation for some time. He commanded iw 1797 a di-
vision of the French army in Flanders. In 1800 Jic rciumod again
282 EVA.
to his native country and took up his residence in Orange countjf
New York, where he led a retired, studious lite, till his death. He
devoted to literature all the time, which the state oi his health
•would permit. He died at Newburgh August 25, 1805, aged forty
fiv* years.— Vfw York ./n«'* funeral sermon ; jlasembly^s misa,
inag. i. 409 — 414, 458 ; Miller's retrospect., ii. 372 ; Noltncs* annals,
ii. 505.
FAIRFAX (Brian), minister of the episcopal church in Alexan-
dria, Virginia, died at mouTif Eagle, near Cameron, August 7, 1802,
in the seventy sixth year of his age. He was a man of upright
FAN. 2S5
principles, of unfeigned piety, and of simple manners. His long
illness he bore with firmness and resignation. He published a ser-
mon on the forgetfulness of our sins in the American preacher,
vol. i,
FANEUIL (Peter), founder of Faneuil hall in Boston, died
March 3, 1743. He possessed a large estate and he employed it in
doing good. While his charities were extensive, his liberal spirit
induced him to present to the town of Boston a stately edifice for
the accommodation of the inhabitants at their public meetings.
FAUGERES (Margaretta V.), distinguished for her literary
accomplishments, was the daughter of Ann Eliza Bleecker, and was
born about the year 1771. The first years of her life were spent
with her parents in the retired village of Tomhanic, about eighteen
miles above Albany. Here through the instructions of her mother
her mind was much cultivated, but the loss of this excellent parent
at an age, when her counsels wei"e of the utmost importance, ^Vas
irreparable. Mr. Bleecker, who was in affluent circumstances, after
the termination of the war removed to New York, and as his daugh-
ter grew up, saw her engaging in her manners, lively and witty, of
an equal and sweet temper, and diffusing cheerfulness around her.
Of her admirers she placed her affections upon one of a dissipated
character, and notwithstanding the most earnest remonstrances of
her father she in 1792 married Mr. Peter Faugeres, a physician in
New York. It was not long, before she perceived the folly of hav-
ing been governed by passion rather than by reason, and her disre-
gard of paternal advice and preference of external accomplishments
to correct morals and the virtues of the heart overwhelmed her
with trouble. In three or four years the ample fortune, which she
had brought to her husband, Avas entirely expended. Before the
death of her father in 1795 his affection shielded her from many
evils ; but in the summer of 1796 she was glad to procure a resi-
dence in a garret with the author of her woes and one child. Mr.
Faugeres fell a victim to the yellow fever in the fatal autumn of
1798, and she soon afterwards engaged as an assistant in an acad-
emy for young ladies at New Brunswick. For this station she was
peculiarly qualified by the variety of her talents and the sweetness
of her temper. In about a year she removed to Brooklyn, where
she undertook the education of the children of several families.
Her declining health having rendered her incapable of this employ-
ment, she was received by a friend in New Yoi-k, whose attentions
were peculiarly grateful, as she was sinking into the grave. She
was resigned to the will of God, and, cheered by the truths offrelig-
ion, she died in peace January 9, 1801, in the thirtieth year of her
age.
Mrs. Faugeres had a taste for poetry, and many of the produc-
tions of her pen, which were much admired, were published in the
New York magazine and the American museum. In 1793 sha
286 FIN.
published, prefixed to the works of Mrs. Bleecker,her moUicr, me-
moirs of her life, and several of her own essays were annexed to
the volume. Thouj^h she had never once entered a theatre, she
gave the world in 1795 or 1796 Belisarius, a tragedy. Her most
valuable manuscripts are in the hands of Mr. Hardie of New York,
who has declared his intention of committing them to the press.—-
Hardie* s biog. dictionary .
FINLEY (Samuel, d.d.), president of the college of New Jer-
sey, was born of pious parents in the county of Armagh in Ireland
in the year 1715, and was one of seven sons, who were all esteem-
ed pious. Very early in life it pleased God to awaken and convert
him. He first heard a sermon, when he was six years old, and from
that time resolved to be a minister. He left his native country at
the age of eighteen, and arrived at Philadelphia September 28,1734.
After his arrival in America he spent several years in completing
his studies, and was particularly attentive to theology. Having
been licensed to preach in August 1740, he was ordained on the
thirteenth of October by the presbytery of New Brunsv/ick. The
first part of his ministry was spent in fatiguing itinerant labors.
He contributed his efforts with the reverend Gilbert Tennent and
Mr. Whitefield in promoting the revival of religion, which was at
this period so remarkable throughout this country. His benevolent
zeal sometimes brought him into unpleasant circumstances. The
legislature of Connecticut had made a law, prohibiting itinerants
from entering parishes, in which a minister was settled, unless by
his consent. For preaching to a presbyterian congregation in New
Haven Mr. Finlcy was in consequence of this law seized by the
civil authority, and carried as a vagrant out of the colony. But per-
secution could not shake him from his purpose of being occupied
in preaching the everlasting gospel. His exertions were greatly
blessed in a number of towns in New Jersey, and he preached for
six months with great acceptance in Philadelphia. In June 1744
he accepted an invit-ition from Nottingham in Maryland on the bor-
der of Pennsylvania, where he continued near seventeen years,
faithfully and successfully discharging the duties of his office.
Here he established an academy, which acquired great reputation.
Under his instruction many youths received the rudiments of learn-
ing, and correct moral sentiments, which have since contributed
much towards rendering them the most useful members of society.
Upon the death of president Davies Mr, Finley was chosen his suc-
cessor. It was with reluctance, that he left a people, so much en-
deared to hirn, and with whom he had so long lived in friendship.
He removed to Princeton in July 1761 and entered upon the duties
of his new office. The college flourished under his care ; but it
enjoyed the benefit of ills superintendence for but a few years. He
died at Philadelphia, whither he had gone for medical assistance*
July 17, 1766, in the fifty first year of his age, and was buried by
the side of his friend, the reverend Gilbert Tennent.
FIN. 287
In his religious opinions Dr. Finley was a Calvinist. His ser-
mons were not hasty productions, but the result of study, and filled
with good sense and well digested sentiment, expressed in a style
pleasing to the man of science, yet perfectly intelligible by the
illiterate. He was remarkable for sweetness of temper and polite
behavior, hospitable, charitable, and diligent in the performance of
the various duties of life. During his last sickness he was perfect-
ly resigned to the divine will ; he had a strong faith in his Savior j
and he frequently expressed an earnest desire of departing, that he
might dwell with the Lord Jesus. A short time before his death
he sat up, and prayed earnestly, that God would enable him to en-
dure patiently to the end, and keep him from dishonoring the min-
istry.- He then said, " blessed be God, eternal rest is at hand.
Eternity is but long enough to enjoy my God. This, this has ani-
mated me in my severest studies ; I was ashamed to take rest here»
O, that I might be filled with the fulness of God !" He tlien ad-
dressed himself to all his friends in the room, " O, that each of you
may experience what, blessed be God, I do, when you come to die j
may you have the pleasure in a dying hour to reflect, that with
faith and patience, zeal and sincerity, you have endeavored to serve
the Lord ; and may each of you be impressed, as I have been, with
God's word, looking upon it as substantial, and not only fearing, but
being unwilling to offend against it." To a member of the second
presbyterian church in Philadelphia he observed, " I have olten
preached and prayed among you, my dear sir, and the doctrines I
preached to you are now my support ; and, blessed be God, they
are without a flaw.'' To a person from Princeton he said, " give
my love to the people at Princeton, and tell them, that I am going
to die, and that I am not afraid to die." On being asked how he
felt, he replied, " full of ti-iumph ! I triumph through Christ I
Nothing clips my wings, but the thoughts of my dissolution being
delayed. O, that it were to night ! My very soul thirsts for eternal
rest." When he was asked, what he saw in eternity to excite such
vehement desires, he said, " I see the eternal love and goodness of
God ; I see the fulness of the Mediator ; I see the love of Jesus.
O, to be dissolved and to be with him ! I long to be clothed with
the complete righteousness of Christ." Thus died this excellent
man in the full assurance of salvation.
He published a sermon on Matthew xii. 28, entitled, Christ tri-
umphing and satan raging, preached at Nottingham January 20,
1741 ; a refutation of Mr. Thompson's sermon on the doctrine of
convictions, 1743 ; satan stripped of his evan.q-elical robe, against
the Moravians, 1743 ; a charitable plea for the speechless in answer
to Abel Morgan's anti-pedo-rantism, 1747 ; a vindication of the
preceding, 1748 ; a sermon at the ordination of the reverend John
Rodgers at St. George's, Pennsylvania, March 1 6, 1749 ; a sermor*
on the death of president Davies, prefixed to his works. — Assembly*s
288 FIS.
viiss. mag. i. 71 — 77', Pano/ilist, i.28\ — 286; and new series^ J,
241_257 ; Christian's magazine, \. 301 — 307, 419 — 436 ; Maasa.
niiss. mag. iv. 241 — 247.
FISKE (John), first minister of Wenham and Chelmsford, Mas-
sachusetts, was born in England in 1601, and was educated at Cam-
bridge. He came to this country in 1637, and being in the same
ship with the reverend John Allen, they preached two sermons al-
most every day during the voyage. He was for some time the
teacher of a school at Cambridge. As his property was large, he
made considerable loans to the province. He lived almost three
years at Salem, preaching to the church, and instructing a number
of young persons. When a church was gathered in Enon, or
Wenham, October 8, 1644, he was settled the minister, and here
he continued till about the year 1656, when he removed to Chelms-
ford, then a new town, with the majority of his church. Having;
been an able and useful preacher in this place twenty years, he died
Janviary 14, 1677. He was a skilful physician, as well as an excel-
lent minister. One of his sons was minister of Braintree. Among
the severest afflictions, to which he was called, says Dr. Mather,
was the loss of his concordance ; that is, of his wife, Avho was so
expert in the scriptures, as to render any other concordance imnec-
essary. He published a catechism, entitled, the olive branch wa-
tered. — Magnolia, iii. 141—143 ; Collect, hist. soc. vi. 239, 240.
FISKE (Nathan', D. d.), minister of Brookfield, Massachusetts,
was born in Weston September 20, 1733. He was graduated at
Harvard college in 1754, and ordained pastor of the church in the
third parish in Brookfield May 28, 1758. Here he continued more
than forty years. After preaching on the Lord's day November
24, 1799, he retired to his bed at his usual hour in apparent health,
and in a short time died without a struggle, aged sixty six years.
By incessant study Dr. Fiske gradually perfected his talents, and
gained the public esteem. Few men, with his advantages, had ac-
cumulated a greater store of rich and various knowledge. In pros-
perity and adversity he possessed the same serenity of mind. With
a small salary he found means to practise a generous hospitality,
and to give three sons a collegial education. He pviblished a his-
torical sermon on the settlement and growth of Brookfield, deliver-
ed December 31, 1775 ; a fast sermon, 1776 ; a sermon on the
death of Mr. Joshua Spooncr, 1778 ; on the death of the honora-
ble judge Foster, 1779 ; an oration on the capture of lord Corn-
wallis, October 1781 ; a sermon on the death of Mr. Josiah Hobbs,
1784 ; sermons on various subjects, 8vo, 1794 ; Dudleian lecture,
1796 ; the moral monitor, 2 vol. 12mo, 1801, containing a number
of essays, originally published in the newspapers. — Preface to the
monitor ; Monthly anthology, i. 639.
FITCH (James), first minister of Saybrook and of Norwich in
Connecticut, was born in the county of Essex in England Decern-
FIT. 289
ber24, 1622, and came to this country in 1638. He had already
acquired a correct knowledge of the learned languages ; but he
spent seven years under the instruction of Mr. Hooker and Mr.
Stone. In 1646 he was ordan)ed over a church, which was at that
time gathered in Saybrook, and it is said, that the brethren's hands
only were imposed. In 1660 he removed, wilh the greater part of
his church to Norwich, and in that town passed the remainijig ac-
tive days of his life. When the infirmities of age obliged him to
cease from his public labors, he retired to his children at Lebanon,
where he died November 18, 1702, in the eightieth year of his age.
He married a daughter of the reverend Henry Whitfield. He
was distinguished for the penetration of his mind, the energy of
his preaching, and the sanctity of his life. He was acquainted with
the Moheagan language, and preached the gospel of salvation to
the Indians in the neighborhood of Norwich. He even gave some
of his own lands to induce them to renounce their savage manner
of living. A letter of his on the subject of his missionary labors
is published in Gookin. — Mather'^ magnalia^ iii. 200 ; TrumbuWa
Connecticut, i. 107, 299, 502, 503 ; Collect, hist. soc. i. 208 ; ix. 86 ;
Alden's account of Portsmouth.
FITCH (Jabez), minister of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was
the son of the preceding, and was born at Norwich in April 1672.
He was graduated at Harvard college in 1 694, and was afterwards
fellow. In 1703 he was ordained at Ipswich as colleague of the
reverend John Rogers. On account of the incompetency of his
maintenance he withdrew from his pastoral office in December
1723, and about the year 1725 was established at Portsmouth. Af-
ter continuing here more than twenty years he died November 22,
1746, in the seventy fifth year of his age. He had a taste for his-
torical researches, and began in 1728 to make a collection of facts
relative to New Hampshire. Dr. Belknap had access to his papers.
He published a sermon, occasioned by the great earthquake, Octo-
ber 29, 1727 ; at the ordination of the reverend John Tucke at Gos-
port, isle of Shoals, in 1732, from these words, " I will make you
fishers of men;" two sermons, designed to make a religious im-
provement of the throat distemper, which prevailed in 1735 and
1736 ; and an account of that disease, as it appeared in New Hamp-
shire.— ./f /even's account of religious societies in Portsmouth ; Collect,
hist. soc. vii. 251, 257 ; x. 50.
FLYNT (Henry), one of the first ministers of Braintree, Mas-
sachusetts, was ordained as teacher March 17,1640. When the
church was first organized September 17, 1639, he was chosen col-
league with the reverend Mr. Thomson, who was ordained pastor
September twenty fourth ; but his settlement was delayed for a few
months. He died:April 27, 1668, and his colleague in December
following. He was a man of piety and integrity, and well qualified
for the work of the ministry. His son, the reverend .Tosiah Flvnt,
■ 38 '
vas settled at Dorchester in 1671 and died ih 1680.— Mz^Ticfia, iii.
122; Hancock's cent, sermon; Morion^ 200 j Winthrofiy 18a;
■Holmes* annals^ i. 311, 402.
FLYNT (Henry), tutor and fellow of Harvard college, was the
son of the reverend Josiiih Flynt of Dorchester, and received his de-
gree of bachelor of arts in 1693. He was chosen a fellow of the
university in 1700. and in 1705 was appointed tutor. This ofHce
he sustained till his resignation September 25, 1754. He died
February 13, 1760, in the eighty fiuh year of his age. Many of
the most eminent men in tne country were educated under his care.
Dr. Chuuncy pronounces him a solid, judicious man, and one of the
best of preachers. He was not contemptible for his learning ; but
he would have been more conspicuous for it, if he had not yielded
so much to a very indolent tempxer. Though his spirit was catho-
lic, he yet contended for the suostantial parts of religion. Having
a sound judgment, he was firm in inuintaining any position, which
he had deliberately taken. The few foibles, which he exhibited,
were ascribed to his living in a single state. In his last illness he
viewed the approach of death with perfect calmness, for he trusted
in the mercy of God through the merits of Christ. He published
an appeal to the consciences of a degenerate people, a sermon
preached at the Thursday lecture in Boston, 1729 ; a sermon to the
students in the college hall, 1736 ; oratio funebris in obitum rever-
endi B. Wadsworth, 1738 ; twenty sermons, 8 vo, 1739. d/ifileton't
fun. sermon ; LoveU's oratio funebris ; Collect, hist. »oc. ix. 183 j
X. 1 6 5'.
FORBES (Eli, d. d.), minister of Brookfield and of Gloucester,
M:issachusetts, was born in Westborough in October 1726, and en-
tered Harvard college in 1744. In the month of July of the fol-
lowing year he was demanded as a soldier, and he cheerfully shoul-
dered his musket and marched more than a hundred miles to op-
pose the French and Indians. Having been released by the inter-
position of his friends, he returned to his studies with a sharpened
appetite, and was giaciuated in 175 1. He was ordained minister of
the seco!Kl parish in Brookfield June 3, 1752. In the years 1758
and 1759 he was a chaplain in one of the regiments. In 1762 he
went as a missionary to the Oneidas, one of the six nations of In-
dians, and pUkHted the first christian church at Onaquagie, on the
river Susquehnnnah, about one hundred and seventy miles from
lake C)tsego, which is its source. Having established in this place
a school for children and another for adults, he returned, bringing
with him four Indian children, whom he sent back again in a few
years, after furnishing them with such knowledge, as would be use-
ful to them. He also brom^ht with him a white lad, who had be-
come a complete savage ; but he was civilized, and being educated
at Dartmouth college, where he received a degree, was the agent of
congress during the revolutionary war. and was very useful. Dr.
FOS. 29i
Forbes,. falling under the groundless suspicion of being a tory, re-
quested a dismission from his people in March 1776, and on the
iifth of June was installed at Gloucester. Here he died December
15, 1804, in the seventy eighth year of his age. He published a
small octavo volume, entitled, a family book, and a number of single
sermons, among which are a thanksgiving sermon on the conquest
of Canada, 1761 ; an artillery election sermon, 1771 ; an account
of the reverend Joshua Eaton of Spencer, prefixed to seven ser-
mons of Mr. Eaton, and a funeral sermon on his death, 1772 ; a
sernion on the repair of his meeting house, 1792. — Monthly anthoU
ogy, i. 669 ; IV/iitney's hist. Worcester., 75 ; Chauncy*s serm. at qT'
dination of J. Bowman/; Piscataqua evang. mag. ii. 169—173 j As-
sembly's miss. mag. i. 53, 5.4.
FOSTER (Ji;pidiah), a justice of the superior court of Massa-
chusetts, was born in Andover October 10, 1726, and.was graduat-
ed at Harvard college in, 1744. He soon established himself in the
town of Brookfield, and married a daughter of brigadier general
D wight. His character for integrity and talents procured him a
number of civil and military offices. He received his appointment
of judge in 1776. He was one of the principal meaibers
of the convention, which framed the constitution of Massa-
chusetts, but died belore this work was finisiied. His death
took place October 17, 1779, when he was fifty three years of age.
He was early and firmly attached to the interest and freedom of his
country, in opposiiion to the despotic measures of Great Britain,
and never once, in the most gloomy periods, was heard to express
a doubt of the ultimate success of America. In early life he made
a profession of Christianity, and his conduct was uniformly exem-
plary.— ^/^wA-e'«./M7z. sermon ; Jndeficndrnt chronicle, October 28,1779.
FOSTER (Benjamin, d. d.), minister in New York, was born in
Danvers, Massachusetts, June 12, 1750. Although he was in ear-
ly life created anew by the influence of the Spirit of God, and in-
spired with the, love of excellence ; yet it was not until after many-
conflicts, that he obtained that peace, which ^ the world can neither
give nor take aw ly. He was graduated at Yale college in 1774'.
While a member of this institution a controversy respecting bap-^
tism occupied luuch of the public attention, and this being thought
a proper subject of discussion, Mr. Foster was appointed to defend
infant baptism b sprinkling. In preparing himself for this disput-
ation he bec.m<" convinced, that his former sentiments were erro-
neous, and he was ever afterwards a conscientious baptist. After
pursuing for some time the study of divinity under the care of the
reverend Dr. Stillman of Boston, he was ordained ministerof a bap-
tist church in Leicester October 23, 1776. The want of a suitable
maintenance induced him in 1782 to ask a dismission from his peo-
ple, after which he preached about two years in Danvers. In Jan-
.uary 1785 he was called to the first church in Newport ; and in the
292 FOX.
autumn of 1788 removed to New York, wlicve he was minister of
the tirst baptist church till his death. Durint^the prevalence of the
ycilow fever in 1798, Dr. Foster did not shrink from his duties as a
faithful minister of Jesus Christ. He visited the sick and dyinp:,
and endeavored to impart to them the hopes of religion. He fell a
victim to his benevolence August 26, 1798, aged forty eight years.
He was distinguished for his acquaintance with the Greek, Hebrew,
and Chaldetm languages. As a divine he advocated with zeal the
doctrine of salvation by free grace, and as a preacher was indefati-
gable. His life was pure and amiable, upright and benevolent. He
publi^ihed, while he lived at Leicester, the washing of regeneration,
or the divine right of immersion, in answer to a treatise of the rev-
erend Mr. Fish, and primitive baptism defended, in a letter to the
reverend John Cleveland. He also publislicd a dissertation on the
seventy weeks of Daniel, the particular and exact fulfilment of
which prophecy is considered and proved. — Hardie's biog. dictiona-
ry ; Mas
594 FRA,
encourage him to continue his literary labors. To improve his
style he resolved to imitate Addison's spectator. The method,
which he took, was to make a summary oi' a paper, after he had
read it, and in a few days, when he had forgotten the expressions of
the author, to endeavor to restore it to its original form. By
this means he was taught his errors, and perceived the necessity
of being more fully acquainted with the synonymous woi-ds of the
language. He was much assisted also in acquiring a facility and
variety of expression by writing poetry.
At this early period the perusal of Shaftsbury and Collins made
him completely a sceptic, and he was fond of disputing upon
the subject of religion. This circumstance caused him to be re-
garded by pious men with abhorrence, ond on this account as well
»s on account of the ill treatment, which he received from his
brother he determined to leave Boston. His departure Avas facili-
tated by the possession of his indenture, which his brother had given
him about the year 1723, not from friendship, but because the gen-
eral court had prohibited him from publishing the New England
courant, and in order that it might be conducted under the name of
Benjamin Franklin. He privately went on board a sloop, and soon
arrived at New York. Finding no employment here, he pursued
his way to Philadelphia, and entered the city without a friend and
■with only a dollar in his pocket. Purchasing some rolls at a bak-
er's shop, he put one under each arm, and eating a third walked
through several streets in search of a lodging. There were at this
time two printers in Philadelphia, Mr. Andrew Bradford, and Mr.
Keimer, by the latter of whom he was employed. Sir William
Keith, the governor, having been, in formed, that Franklin was »
-young man of promising talents, invited him to his house and
treated him in the most friendly manner. He advised him to enter
into business for himself, and, to accomplish this object, to make a
vbit to London in order that he might purchase the necessary arti-
cles for a printing office. Receiving the promise of assistance,
.'Franklin prepared himself for the voyage, and on applying for let-
ters of recommendation previously to sailing he was told, that they
iwould be sent on board. When the letter bag was opened, there
rwas no packet for Franklin ; and he now discovered, that the gov-
pernor was one of those men, wl.o love to oblit^e every body, and
who substitute the most liberal professions and offers in tlie place of
active, substantial kindness. Arriving in London in 1724, he was
obliged to seek employment as a journeyman printer. He lived so
economically, that he saved a great part of bis wages. Instead of
drinking six pints of beer in a day, like some of his fellow labor-
^ers, he drank only water, and he persuaded some of them to re-
-nounce the extravagance of eating liread and cheese for breakfast
-and to procure a cheap soup. As his principles at this time were
csrery loose, his zeal to enlighten the world induced liim to publish
FRA. Ǥ^
his dissertation on liberty and necessity, in which he contende(?,
that virtue and vice were nothing more than vaii: distinctions. This
work procured him the acquaintance of Mandeville and others of
that licentious class.
He returned to Philadelphia in October 1726 as a clerk to Mr.
Denham, a merchivnt, but the death of that gentleman in the fol-
lowing year induced him to return to Mr. Keimer in the capacity
of foreman in his office. He was very useful to his employer,
for he gave him assistance as a letter founder. He engraved various
ornaments, and made printer's ink. He soon began business in
partnership with Mr. Meredith, but in 1729 he dissolved the con-
nexion with iiim. Having purchased of Keimer a paper, which
had been conducted in a wretched manner, he now conducted it in
a style, which attracted much attention. At this time, though
destitute of those religious principles, which give stability and ele-
vation to virtue, he yet had discernment enough to be convinced,
that truth, probity, and sincerity would promote his interest and be
useful to him in the world, and he resolved to respect them in his
cotiduct. The expenses of his establishment in business, notwith-
standing his industry and economy brought him in a short time into
embarrassments, from which he was relieved by the generous assist-
ance of William Coleman and Robert Grace. In addition to his
other employments' he now opened a small stationer's shop. But
the claims of business did not extinguish his taste for literature and
science. He formed a club, which he called the junto, composed
of the most intelligent of his acquaintance. Questions of morality,
politics, or philosophy were discussed every Friday evening, and
the institution was continued almost forty years. As books were
frequently quoted in the club, and as the members had bi'ought
their books together for mutual advantage, he was led to form the
plan of a public library, which was carried into effect in 1731, and
became the foundation of that noble institution, the present library-
company of Philadelphia. In 1732 he began to publish poor Rich-
ard's almanac, which was enriched with maxims of frugality, tem-
perance, industry, and integrity. So great was its reputation, that
he sold ten thousand annually, and it was continued by him about
twenty five years. The maxims were collected in the last almanac
in the form of an address, called the way to wealth, which has ap-
peared in various publications. In 1736 he was appointed clerk of
the general assembly of Pennsylvania, and in 1737 postmaster of
Philadelphia. The first fire company was formed by him in 1738.
When the frontiers of Pennsylvania were endangered in 1744 and
an ineffectual attempt was made to procure a militia law, he pro-
posed a voluntary association for the defence of the province, and
in a short time obtained ten thousand names. In 1747 he was chos-
en a member of the assembly, and continued in this station ten
years. In all important discussions his presence was considered as
296 FRA.
indispensable. He seldom spoke, and never exhibited any oratory ;
but by a single observation he sometimes determined the fate of a
question. In the long controversies with the proprietaries or their
governors, he took the most active part, and displayed a firm spirit
of liberty.
He was now engaged for a number of years in a course of electrical
experiments, of which he published an account. His great discovery
was the indentity of the electric fluid and lightning. This discovery he
made in the summer of 1752. Tothe upright stick of a kite he attach-
ed an iron point ; the string was of hemp, excepting the part, which he
held in his hand, which was of silk ; and a key was fastened where
the hempen string terminated. With this apparatus, on the ap-
proach of a thunder storm, he raised his kite. A cloud passed over
it, and no signs of electricity appearing, he began to despair ; but
observing the loose fibres of his string to move suddenly toward an
erect position, he presented his knuckle to the key, and received a
strong spark. The success of this experiment completely estab-
lished his theory. The practical use of this discovery in securing
houses from lightning by pointed conductors is well known in A-
merica and Europe. In 1753 he was appointed deputy postmaster
general of the British colonies, and in the same year the academy
of Philadelphia, projected by him, was established. In 1754 he was
one of the commissioners, who attended the congress at Albany to
devise the best means of defending the country against the French.
He drew up a plan of union for defence and general government,
which was adopted by the congress. It was however rejected by
the board of trade in England, because it gave too much power to
the representatives of the people; and it was rejected by the assem-
blies of the colonies, because it gave too much power to the president
general. After the defeat of Braddock he was appointed colonel of
a regiment, and he repaired to the frontiers, and built a fort. In
1757 he was sent to England as the agent of Pennsylvania and
while residing there was appointed agent of Massachusetts, Mary-
land, and Georgia. He now received the reward of his philosophi-
cal merit. He was chosen a fellow of the royal society, and was
honored with the degree of doctor of laws by the universities of St.
Andrews, Edinburgh, and Oxford, and his correspondence was
sought by the most eminent philosophers of Europe. During his
residence in England he published a pamphlet, showing the ad-
vantages, which would spring from the conquest of Canada, and he
formed that elegant instrument, which he called the Harmonica.
He i-eturned in 1762, and resumed his seat in the assembly ; but
in 1764 was again sent to London as an agent for the province to
procure a change of the proprietary government. In 1766 he was
examined at the bar of the house of commons respecting the repeal
of the stamp act ; and here he evinced the utmost self possession
and an astonishing accuracy and extent of information. During the
FRA. ^97
ame and the following year, by visiting Holland, Germany, and
France he became acquainted with roost of the literary characters
of Europe. About the year 1773 some letters of Hutchinson, Ol-
iver, and others in Massachusetts falling into his hands, he sent them
to the legislature of that state ; but he ever refused to tell how he
procured them. He returned to America in 1775 and the day after
his arrival was elected a member of congress. He was sent to
the camp before Boston to confirm the army in their decisive meas-
ures, and to Canada to persuade the citizens to join in the common
cause. In this mission however he was not successful. He was in
1776 appointed a committee with John Adams and Edward Rutledge
to inquire into the powers, with which lord Howe was invested in
regard to the adjustment of our differences with Great Britain.
When his lordship expressed his concern at being obliged to dis-
tress those, whom he so much regarded, Dr. Franklin assured him
that the Americans, out of reciprocal regard, would endeavor to
lessen, as much as possible, the pain, which he might feel on their
account, by taking the utmost care or themselves. In the discus-
sion of the great question of independence he was decidedly in fa-
vor of the measure. He was in the same year chosen president of
the convention, which met in Philadelphia to form a new constitu-
tion for Pennsylvania. The single legislature and the plural execu-
tive seem to have been his favorite principles. In the latter end of
year 1776 he was sent to France to assist in negotiation with Mr.
Arthur Lee and Silas Deane. He had much influence :in forming
the treaty of alliance and commerce, which was signed February 6,
1778, and he afterwards completed a treaty of amity and commerce
with Sweden. In conjunction with Mr. Adams, Mr. Jay, and Mr.
Laurens, he signed the provsional articles of peace November 30,
1782, and the definitive treaty September 30, 1783. While he was
in France he was appointed one of the commissioners to examine
Mesmer's animal magnetism in 1784. Being desirous of returning
to his native country he requested, that an ambassador might be ap-
pointed in his place, and on the arrival of his successor, Mr. Jeffer-
son, he immediately sailed for Philadelphia, where he arrived in
September 1785. He was received with universal applause, and
was soon appointed president of the supreme executive council. In
1787 he was a delegate to the grand convention, which formed the
constitution of the United States. Some of the articles, which com-
posed it, did not altogether please him, but for the sake of union he
signed it. In the same year he was appointed the first president of
two excellent societies, which were established in Philadelphia for
alleviating the miseries of public prisons, and for promoting the ab-
olition of slavery . A memorial of the latter society to congress gave
occasion to a debate, in which an attempt was made to justify the slave
trade. In consequence of this Dr. Franklin published in the fede-
ral gazette March 35, 1789 an essay, signed historicus, communi-
39
29S f RA.
eating a pretended speech, delivered in the divan of Algiers in I6iT
aguinst the petition of a sect, called Erika or Purists, lor the aboli-
tion of piracy and slavery. The arguments, urged in favor of the
African trade by Mr. Jackson of Georgia, are here applied with
equal force to justify the plundering and enslaving of Europeans. In
1788 he retired wholly from public life, and he now approached the
end of his days. He had been afflicted ior a number of years with
a complication of disorders. For the last twelve months he was
confined almost entirely to his bed. In the severity of his pains he
would observe, that he was afraid he did not bear them as he ought,
and he expressed a grateful sense of the many blessings, received
from the Supreme Doing, who had raised him from his humble ori-
gin to such consideration among men. He died April 17, 1790, in
the eighty fifth year of his age. The following epitaph was writte»
by himself many years previously to his death.
The body of
Benjamin Franklin, printer,
Like the cover of an old book.
Its contents torn out,
And stript of its lettering and gilding,
Lies here food for worms ;
Yet the work itself shall not be lost,
For it will, (as he believed), appear once more
In a new
And more beautiful edition,
Corrected and amended
by
The Author.
But although he thus expressed his hope of future happiness; yet
from his memoirs it does not appear, whether this hope was found-
ed upon the mediation'of Jesus Christ. Some have even considered
him as not unfriendly to infidelity ; but the following anecdote seems
to prove, that in his old age he did not absolutely reject the scrip-
tures. As a young gentleman was one day ridiculing religion as si
vulgar prejudice, he appealed to Dr. Frankliw, expecting his appro-
bation. " Young man," said the philosopher emphatically," it is best
to believe." President Stiles addressed a letter to him, dated Jan-
uary 28, 1790, in which he expressed a desire to be made acquaint-
ed with his sentiments on Christianity. The following is an extract
from it. " You know. Sir, I am a Christian ; and would to heaven,
all others were as I am except my imperfections. As much as I
know of Dr. Franklin, I have not an idea of his religious sentiments.
I wish to know the opinion of my venerable friend coi>cerning Jesus
of Nazareth. He will not impute this to impertinence, or improper
curiosity in one, who for many years has continued to love, esti-
mate, and reverence his abilities and literary character with an ardor
of affection. If I have said too much, let the request be blotted out
FRA. S»9
and be no more." To this Dr. Franklin replied March 9, but a fe\r
weeks betore his death. " I do not take your curiosity amiss, and
shall endeavor, in a few words, to gratify it.— As to Jesus of Naza-
reth, my opinion of whom you particularly desire, I think the sys-
tem of morals and his religion, as he left them to us, the best the
world ever saw, or is Ukely to see ; but I apprehenu it has received
various corrupting changes ; and I have, with most of the present
dissenters in England, some doubts as to his divinity." It may not
be unnecessary to remark, that, if we may credit Dr. Priestley,
Dr. Franklin was iK>t correct in estimating the sentiments of a ma-
jority of the dissenters in England. He left one son, governor
William Franklin of New Jersey, a zealous royalist, and a daughter,
who married Mr. William Bache, merchant in Philadelphia.
Dr. Franklin acquired a high and deserved reputation asa philos-
■ephcr, for his philosophy was of a practical and useful kind, and he
seemed to be continually desirous of advancing the welfare ot socie-
ty. In company he was sententious and not fluent, and he cliose
rather to listen to others, than to talk himself. Impatient of inter-
ruption, he often mentioned the custom of the Indians, who always
remain silent for some time before they give an answer to a ques-
tion. When he resided in France as a minister from this country,
it has been thought, that he was somewhat intoxicated by the un-
bounded applauses, which he received, and was too much disposed
to adopt the manners of the French. One of his colleagues was
immersed in the pleasures of a voluptuous city, and between him-
self and the other, Mr. Lee, there was some collision.
Soon after his death, his grandson went to England to publish a
complete collection of his writings, with his life, brought down by
himself to the year 1757, and continued by one of his decendants.
But on account of the want of encouragement the manuscripts have
as yet been withheld from the public, though they are not lost. He
published experiments and observations on electricity, made at
Philadelphia, in two parts, 4to, 1753; new experiments, 1754; a
historical view of the constitution and government of Pennsylvania,
1759 ; the interest of Great Britain considered with respect to her
colonies, 1760; his experiments with the addition of explanatory
notes, and letters and papers on philosophical subjects, 1769 ; political,
miscellaneous, and philosophical pieces, 1779 ; and several papers in
the transactions of the American philosophical society. Two vol-
umes of his essays, with his life, brought down by himself to the year
1730, were published in England in 1792. A collection of his works
was first published in London in 1 806, entitled, the complete works in
philosophy, politics, and morals of Dr. Franklin, first collected and
arranged, with a memoir of him, 3 vol. 8vo. — Franklin* s life ; En-
cyclo/iedia, Philadclfihia edit.,, supplement ; Holmes' life ofStihft, 309,
310 ; Monthly anthology ,, iii. 662 ; Warren's Jmerican revolution^ ri.
132,133; Bardie's biog. did. ; Bris.iot, nou-veau voyage, i. 3 1 1 — ^^337 ;
Monthly reviefi', new series, Ivii. 44 1, 442,
300 FRE.
FRELINGHUYSEN (Theodorus Jacobus), minister of tnc
reformed Dutch church dt Karituu, New Jersey, cume from Hollar, '
in{the year 1720. His zealous labors in preaci.mg ttie pure doctrine -
of tne gospel, especially in inculcating the necessity of an entirt,
renovation ot the corrupt heart, were eminently useful in a number
of towns. He was a member ot the assembly of Dutch ministers in
1738, which formed the plan of a coetus, or assembly of nunisters
and elders to meet in this country, though subordinate to the classis
of Amsterdam. This proposition convulsed the Dutch churches '
in America, for it was apprehended, and the apprehension was ver-
ified, that these churches would be led in time to throw off entirely
their subjection to a distant ecclesiastical body. Mr. Frelinghuy sen
was an able, evangelical, and eminently successful preacher. He
left five sons, all ministers, and two daughters married to ministers.
—Christiari^s magazine, ii. 4, 5 ; Prince's Christian history for 1744;
292,299.
FRIbBIE (Levi), minister of Ipswich, Massachusetts, was bom
at Branford, Connecticut, in April 1748, and at the age of sixteen
or i.eventeen, having the character of a pious youth of promising
talents, was placed under the patronage of the reverend Dr. Wheel-
ock, with a special view to the missionary service. In 1767 he en-
tered Yale college, where he continued more than three years ;
but lus coUegial studies were completed at Dartn)Outh college,
where he was graduated, in the first class, in 177 1 . He was ordain-
ed in 1775, and then commenced his missionary career. Alter
extending his labors to different parts of the country and into Can-
ada, the convulsed state of America obstructed his progress. He
was settled the minister of the first church in Ipswich, as successor
of the reverend Nathaniel Rogers, February 7, 1776, and after
a ministry of thirty years he died February 25, 1806, in the fifty
eighth year of his age. He was a faithful, evangelical preacher,
whose labors at different periods it pleased God to render eminently
useiul. His discerning mind was strengthened by a close applica-
tion to study, and lurnished with the most useful knowledge ; and
all his acquisitions were consecrated to moral and religious purpos-
es His life displayed the humility, meekness, and benevolence of
the Cnristian. Interesting and instructivv. in conversation, remark-
ably tender of the character of others, upright, sincere, and affec-
tion ite in all the relations of life, he was respected and beloved.
His distrust of himself led him to place his entire dependence up-
on God, and to ascribe all hope to the riches of divine mercy in Je-
aiis, the Redeemer. He published an oration on the peace, 1783 ;
an oration at the interment of the reverend Moses Parsons, 1784 ;
two sermons on a day of public fasting ; a thanksgiving sermon ; a
eulogy on Washington, 1800; a sermon before the society for
propagating the gospel among the American Indians, 1804.— //«/.V-
ington's funeral sermon ,• Panoplist, i. 471, 472.
FRO. mx
FRONTENAC (Louis, count), governor general of Canada,
succeeded Courcelles in 1672, and in the spring ot the following
year built upon lake Ontario the fort, which bore his name. He
was recalled in 1682, but was reinstated in his office in 1689. He
died November 28, 1698, in the seventy eighth year of his age.
His exertions conduced in a great degree to the protection and pros-
perity of Canada ; but he was a man of haughty feelings, suspicious,
revengeful, aud outrageous. Notwithstanding his professions of re-
gard to religion, it was very evident, that he was almost completely
under the influence of ambition.— C//ar/ex'Oi!x-, hist. nouv. I'rance^ i.
444 — 469, 543 — 570 ; ii. 43, 237 j Hohnes* minalSf ii. 46.
GADSDEN (Christopher), lieutenant governor of South
Carolina, and a distinguished friend of his country, was born about
the year 1724. So high was his reputation in the colony, in which
he lived, that he was appointed one oi the aelegatesto the congress,
which metat New Yorkin October 1765 to petition against the stamp
act. He was also chosen a member oi the congress, which met in 1774,
and on his return early in 1776 received the thanks of the provincial as-
sembly for his services. He was among the first, who openly advo-
cated republican principles, and wished to make his country inde-
pendent of the monarchical government of Great Britain. " The
decisive genius," says Ramsay, " of Christopher Gadsden in the
south and of John Adams in the north at a much earlier day might
have desired a complete separation of America from Great Britain ;
but till the year 1776, the rejection ofthe second petition of congress,
and the appearance of Paine's pamphlet, common sense, a reconcilia-
tion with the mother country was the unanimous wish of almost
every other American." During the siege of Charleston in 1780 he
remained within the lines with five of the covmcil, while governor
Rutledge, with the other three, left the city at the earnest request
of general Lincoln. Several months after the capitulation he was
taken out of his bed on the twenty seventh of August, and with
most of the civil and military officers transported in a guard
ship to St. Augustine. This was done by the order of lord Corn-
wallis, and it was in violation of the rights of prisoners on parole.
Guards were left at their houses, and the private papers of some of
them were examined. A parole was offered at St. Augustine ; but
such was the indignation of lieutenant governor Gadsden at the im-
generous treatment, which he had received, that he refused to ac-
cept it, and bore a close confinement in the castle for forty two
weeks with the greatest fortitude. In 1782, when it became neces-
sary, by the rotation established, to choose a new governor, he was
elected to this office ; but he declined it in a short speech to the fol-
lowing effect. " I have served you in a variety of stations for thirty
years, and I would now cheerfully make one of a forlorn hope in an
assault on the lines of Charleston, if it was probable, that with the
loss of my life you would be reinstated in the possession of your
3b2 GAG.
capital. What I can do for my country I am willing to d». My
sentiments of the Ainericui cause from the stamp act downwards
have never changed. I am stili of opinion, that it is the cause of
libeny and of human nature. — The present times require the vigor
and activity of the prime of life ; but I feel the increasing infirmities
of old age to such a degree, that 1 am conscious 1 Cannot sei-ve you
to advantage. I therefore beg for your sakes and for the sake of
the public, that you would indulge me with the liberty of declining
the arduous trust." He continued, however, his exertions for the
good of his country both in the assembly and council, and notwith-
standing the injuries he had suffered ard the immense loss of his prop-
erty he zealously opposed the law for confiscating the estates of the
■adherents to the British government, and contended that sound pol-
icy required to forgive and forget. He died in September 1805,
aged eighty one years. — Boiven's fun. scrmoji ; Ramsai/s Carolina^
i. 35, 55, 61, 164. ; ii. 125, 161, 167, 349 ; Warren., ii. 348 — 350 ;
Gordoriy iv. 25 6.
GAGE (Thomas), the last governor of Massachusetts appointed
Tsy the king, after the conquest of ('anada in 1760 was appointed
governor of Montreal. At the departure of general Amherst in
1763, he succeeded him as commander in chief of his majesty's
forces in America. Being considered as the most proper person
to execute the parliamentary laws, intended to su.xlue the rebell-
ious spirit, which had manilested itself in Massachusetts, he was
appointed governor of that province, and arrived at Boston May 1 3,
1774. He was a suitable instrument for executing the purposes
«f a tyrannical ministry and parliament. Several regiments soon
followed him, and he began to repair the fortifications upon Boston
neck. The powder in the arsenal in Charlestown was seized ; de-
tachments were sent out to take possession of the stores in Salem
and Concord ; and the battle of Lexington became the signal of war.
In May 1775 the provincial congress of Massachusetts declared
f;eneral Gage to be an inveterate enemy of the country, disqualified
from serving the colony as governor, and unworthy of obedience.
From this time the excercise of his functions was confined to Bos-
ton. In .Tune he issued a proclamation, oiTering pardon to all the
rebels, excepting Samuel Adams and John Hancock, and ordered
the use of the martial law. But the affair of Bunker's hill a few
days afterwards proved to him, that he had mistaken the character
of the Americans. In October he embarked for England, and was
succeeded in the command by sir William Howe. His conduct to-
'wards the inhabitants of Boston in promising them lilicrty to leave
the town on the delivery of their arms, and then detaining many of
them, has been reprobated for its treachery. He died in England in
April 1787. — Strdman, i, 95 — 1 10 ; Gordon,\. 360, 487 ; ii. 25, 53,
136 ; Holmes' ammh, ii. 246, 308, 480 ; MarnhaU^ i. 391, 446 ; l\.
163, 185,276; iii. 21; Warren., \. 127—132,241.
GAL. 508
GALLOWAY (Joseph), an eminent lawyer of Pennsylvania,
teas a member of the assembly of that province in May 1764, wuen
the subject of a petition in favor of a change oi the government from
that of a proprietary to a royal government was discussed. John Dick-
inson was opposed to the peiiiion and Mr. Galloway answered his
speech with much warmth. Both speeches were printed, and Mr,
Dickinson, after an ineffectual challenge, wr* tc his" answer to a piece,
called the speech of Joseph Galloway, esquire." After having
been for some time speaker of the house ot assembly, he was ap-
pointed a member of the first congress in 1774. He afterwards
deserted the Amei'ican cause, joining the British at New York in
December 1776, and remaining with the army till June 1778. His.
counsels and exertions were of little avail against the resolute spirit
of millions, determined to be free. By his own account he abandon-
ed an estate of the value of forty thousand pounds sterling. In 1 779
he was examined before the house of commons on the transactions
in America, and his representation did not do much credit to the
British commanders. He died in England in September 1803, in the
seventy fourth year of his age. The preface to his speech, which
was published in 1 764, was written by Dr. Franklin, who supported the
same cause. It presents a history of the proprietary government.
Mr. Galloway published also observations on the conduct of sir
William Howe, in which, notwithstanding his attachments, he dis-
closes and reprehends the shocking brutality of the British troops,
especially in New Jersey. The following work, it is believed, is
the production of his pen ; brief commentaries upon such parts of
the revelation and other prophecies, as immediately refer to the
present times, London, 1802.-— Collect, hist. soc. ii. 93 ; Warren i»
376, 440 ; Monthly rev. xxxii. 67 ; Ixi. 71 ; Franklin's works, in. 163.
GANO (John), minister in New York, collected the first baptist
society in that city, and was ordained its pastor in 1762. Early es-
pousing the cause of his country in the late contest with Great Brit-
ain, at the commencement of the war he joined the standard of free-
dom in the capacity of chaplain. His preaching contributed to im-
part a determined spirit to the soldiers, and he continued in the
army till the conclusion of the war. He left his society in New
York in 1788, and removed to Kentucky. He died at Frankfort
August 10, 1804, in the seventy eighth year of his age, resigned to
the divine will, and in the hope of everlasting blessedness in the
presence of his Redeemer. Memoirs of his life, written principal-
ly by himself, were published in 12mo, 1806. — Gajio's memoirs i
Monthly ajithology, i. 525 ; Backus' abridg. 258.
GARDEN (Alexander, M.D.), a scientific physician of South
Carolina, was a member of the royal society at Upsal. He in-
troduced into medical use the Virginia pink root, and published
in the year 1764 an accotxnt of its medical properties, and gave^
a botanical description of the plant. An edition of this work wa'i
304 GAR.
also published in 1772. He was much devoted to the study of nat-
ural history, particularly of botany, and made a number of commu-
nications on those subjects to his pliilosophical friends in Europe.
In com])liment to him the greatest botanist of the age gave the
name of Gardenia to one of the most beautiful flowering shrubs in
the world. He died, it is believed, in the year 1771.— /^am«cy'« re-
view of medicine, 42, 44 ; Miller's retroaftect, i. 319.
GARDEN (Alexander), minister in Charleston, about the
middle of the 1-ist century made several publications on theological
subjects. — Miller^ ii. 365.
GATES (Horatio), a major general in the army of the United
States, was a native of England. In early life he entered the Brit-
ish army, and laid the foundation of his future military excellence.
Without purchase he obtauied the rank of major. He was aid to
general Monkton at the capture of Martinico, and after the peace of
Aix la Chapelle he was among the first troops, which landed at Hal-
ifax under general Cornwallis. He was with Braddock at the time
of his defeat in 1755, and was shot through the Ijody. When peace
was concluded, he purchased an estate in Virginia, where he resided
until the commencement of the American war in 1775, when he
Was appointed by congress adjutant :^eneral, with the rank of brig-
adier general. He accompanied Washington to Cambridge, when
he went to take the command of tlie army in that place. In June
1776 Gates was appointed to the command of the army of Canada.
He was superseded by general Schuyler in May 1777, but in Au-
gust following he took the phice of this officer in the northern de-
partment. The success, which attended his arras in the capture of
Burgoyne in October, filled America with joy. Congress passed
a vote of thanks, and ordered a medal of gold to be presented by
the president. His conduct towards his conquered enemy was
marked by a delicacy, which does him the highest honor. He did
not permit his own troops to witness the mortification of the British
in depositing their arms. After general Lincoln was taken prison-
er, he was appointed on the thirteenth of June 1780 to the com-
mand of the southern department. On the sixteenth of August
he was defeated by Cornwallis at Camden. He was superseded on
the third of December by general Greene ; but was in 1782 re»
stored to his command.
After the peace he retired to his farm in Berkley county, Vit
ginia, where he remained until the year 1790, when he went t Marshall^ iv. 178 ; Holmes* annals, ii. 431.
GODFREY (Thomas), the inventor of Hadley's quadrant, was
by trade a glazier in the city of Philadelphia. The extent of his
educatioii was only to read, and write, and apply the common rules
of arithmetic. Having met with a mathematical book, he was so
delighted with the study, that without an instructer, by the mere
strength of his genius he soon made himself master of it, and of
every book of the kind, which he could procure in English. Find-
ing that the knowledge of the Latin would open to him new treas-
ures of mathematical science, he applied himself to the study of
that language till he was enabled to lead a Latin author on iiis fa-
vorite subject. He thon borrowed Newton's principia of Mr. Lo-
gan, to whom about the year 1730 he communicated his invention
of the quadrant. The royal society of London, being made acquaint-
ed with it by means of Mr. Logan, sent Mr. (Godfrey as a reward
household furniture to the value of two hundred pounds. The
money was not sent on account of a habit of intemperance, to which
GOD. 309
the artist was subject. The manner, m which the inventor was de-
prived of the honor of having the instrument called by his name,
was the following. He put it for trial into the hands of an inge-
nious navigator in a voyage to Jamaica. On reaching that place, it
was shown to the captain of a ship, about sailing to England, by
which means it came to the knowledge of Mr. Hadley. These
facts seem to be well established. Mr. Godfrey died in Philadel-
phia about the middle oi December 1749, He was a member of
a literary club, established by Dr. Franklin, and having confined his
attention to mathematical pursuits, he was almost insufferable in
conversation, requiring an unusual precision in every thing, which
was said, continually contradicting, and making trifling distinctions.
— 'Miller^ s retrospect^ i. 468 ; American magazine for July and Au'
gust<, 173 8 ; Franklin's life ; Preface to Godjrty's fioems.
GODFREY (Thomas), a poet, was the son of the preceding, and
was born in Philadelphia in 1736. The only advantages of educa-
tion, which he enjoyed, were found in a conmion English school.
Such however was his desire oi knowledge, that he prosecuted his
studies with unwearied diligence ; and having perused the best of
the English poets, he soon exhibited proofs of poetical talents. He
had a fine ear for music, and a propensity to painting. After the
death of his father, he Avas put an apprentice to an ingenious watch-
maker ; but the muses and graces, poetry and painting stole his at-
tention. He devoted all his hours of release from mechanical la-
bor to writing those pieces, which were published with such favor-
able notice in the American magazine. At length he was recom-
mended to a lieutenant's commission in the Pennsylvania forces,
raised in 1758 for an expedition against fort du Quesne. In this
station he continued till the troops were disbanded. He was settled
in the succeeding spring as a factor in North Carolina, where he
continued upwards of three years. He died near Wilmington of a
fever, occasioned by violent exercise in a very warm day, August 3,
1763, in the twenty seventh year of his age. With an amiable
disposition, and an engaging diffidence and modesty of manners, he
united an integrity of character, which procured him esteem and
respect. The productions of his pen, which cxliibit more of na-
ture than of the refinements of art, were collected by his friend, Mr,
Evans, and published in 1765, entitled, juvenile poems on various
subjects, with the prince of Parthia, a tragedy, 4to. — Account pre-
fixed to poems ; American museum^ vi. 471, 472.
GOERING (Jacob), many years minister of the German Lu-
theran church in York, Pennsylvania, commenced the labors of the
sacred oflice, when oidy twenty years of age, and it pleased God
to give such success to his faithful exertions at this early period of
life, that a revival of religion took place wherever he preached.
He died in 1807 in the fifty third year of his age. He was presi-
dent of the svnod of the German Luthenui church in the states of
310 GOF.
Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Virginia. In his character vrert
combmed tlic Ciiristian, the gentleman, and liie scholar. He was a
man ol profound erudition ; and among the languages, with which
he was acquainted,' the Hebrew and Arabic weie his favorites.
Though Warmly interested in his country's welfare, he yet declined
a civil station, in which his fellow citizens would gladly have placed
him, dedicating himself wholly to the ministiy. He died in the
full assurance of obtaining and enjoying a perpetual happiness
through the merits of his Redeemer.-— A'row/i'i' yJ'nerican reginter^
ii, 84, 85.
GOl'FE (William), one of tho judges of IJng Charles I, and
a major general under Cionnvell, left London before Charles II
was proclaimed, and arrived at Boston witn general VVhalley in Ju-
ly 1660. Governor Endicot gave them a friendly reception. But
when the act of indemnity arrived in November, and their names
were not lound among those, to whom pardon was offered, the gov-
ernment ol Massachusetts was alarmed. Perceiving their danger,
they lelt Cambridge, where thoy had resided. February 26, 1661,
and arrived at New Haven on tlie seventh of March. They were
heie concealed ' y deputy governor Lcet, and the i everend Mr. Dav-
enport. From New Haven tlicy went to West Rock, a mountain three
hundred feet in height at the distance of two or three miles from the
town, where they were hiu in a cave. They afterward lived in con-
cealment at Miltord, Dcruy, and Branford, and in October 1664 re-
moved to Hadley in M^-.ssuchusctts, and were concealed for fiitecn
or sixteen years in the house of Mr. Russel, the minister. On the
first oi September 1675 the town of Hadley was alarmed by the In-
dians in the tiine of public worship, and the people were thrown in-
to tne utmost confusion. But suddenly an aged, vencralile man in
an uncommon dress appeared in the midst of t'lem, revived their
courage, and, putliug himself at their head, led them to the attack
and repulsed tne enemy. The deliverer of Hadley immediately
disappeared, and the inhabitants, overwhelmed with astonishment,
supposed that an angel had been sent for their protection. He died
in Hadley, it is thouglit, about the vear 1679. Under the oppres-
sion of constant fear during his residence in this country, his inind
seems to have found s >n!C relief in the consolatio'is of religion.— '
Stilen' Jii^t. of the Jtidtfts ; Hutchinson, i. 2 13—2 19, 532 ; HoLmeit*
annals, i. 377, 424, 425,
GOODRICH (Llizur, d. d.), minister of Durliam in Connect-
icut, was born in Wethersfield November 6, 1734, and was gradua-
ted at Yale college in 1752. He was ordained to the work of the
ministry Novemljer 24, 1756. After his character as an excellent
mhuster and a friend of literature was established, he was chosen
in 1776 a member of the corporation ot Yale college. He died at
Norfolk in Noveml)er 1797, in tlie sixty fourth year of his age, and
the forty second of his ministry. Dr. Cioodrich conciliated the es»
6oo. "sit
teem of his acquaintance, and was faithful in all the relations of
life. He was distinguisiied tor his literary and scientific acquire-
ments, as weii as tor his piety and patriotism. While he was ac-
quainted with the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages, he was
not deficient in nmthernatical and pliilosophical knowledge. As a
preacher, he followed the examples of the apostles, preaching re-
pentance and faith. He timght his hearers that man WaS cepraved,
and guilty, and lost, condemned by the law, and having no hope
but in Christ, and that salvatiou was of grace and not of works.
-—Divight's funeral servwn.
GOOKIN (Daniel), author of the historical collections of the
Indians in New England, and major general of Massachusetts, was
born in the county of Kent in England. He came to Virginia in
162 I with his father, who brought cattle to the colony from Ireland,
and who establislicd himself at a plantation, called Newport's News.
In the year 1642 Mr. Thomson and other ministers from Massa-
chusetts were sent to Virginia to preach the gospel to a people, but
little acquainted with the truth. When they were forced to with-
draw from this colony, because they would not conform to the
church of England, such was the attachment of Mr. Gookin to their
preaching, that he soon followed them. In 1644 he removed with
his family to New England, and settled in Cambridge, that he might
enjoy the ordinances of the gospel in their purity. Soon after his
arrival he was appointed captain oi the military company in Cam-
bridge, and a member of the house of deputies. In 16.52 he was
elected assistant or magistrate, and four years after was appoi/ited
by the general court superinteiident of all the Indians, who had sub-
mitted to the government of Massachusetts. He executed this of-
fice with such fidelity, that he was continued in it till his death. In
1656 he visited England, and had an interview with Cromwell, who
commissioned him to invite the people of Massachusetts to trans-
port themselves to Jamaica, which had been conquered from the
Spaniards. In 1662 he was appointed, with the reverend Mr.
Mitchel, one ot the licensers of the printing press in Cambridge.
Vv^hen Philip's war commenced in 1675, several severe laws were
passed against the friendly Indians, to whom religious instruction
had been imparted, through apprehension, that they would join the
enemy, and the rage of the people against their I'ed colored breth-
ren was violent and alarming. Mr. Eliot stood foith as the friend
and protector of the Inditins, and Mr. Gookin, who had zealously co-
operated with Mr. Eliot in his benevolent exertions, and who fre-
quently accompanied him in his missionary lours, was equally their
friend. He was the only maa:istrate, who endeavored to prevent
the outrapres ofthe populace. He was in consequence much abus-
ed, and even insulted as he passed the streets ; but he haJ too much
of the elevation of Christian virtue to feel any resentment, and the
effects of licentiousness did not inspire him with the desire of abridg-
312 GOO.
intj the liberlies of the people. He soon, however, recovered. the es-
teem and confidence, which he hud lost, by firmly resisting the at-
tempts, which were made to destroy the charter of Massachusetts.
In 1681 he was appointed major general of the colony, and he con-
tinued in the magistracy till the dissolution of the charter in 1686.
He died March 19, 1687, aged seventy five years. In the inscrip-
tion upon his monument in the buryia;^groundin Cambridge, which
is yet legible, his name is written Gookings. Such was his pover-
ty, ihat Mr. liiiot in a letter to Mr. Boyle, not long after his decease,
solicits that charitable gentleman to bestow ten pounds upon his
widow. He was a man of good understanding, rigid in his relig-
ious and political opinions, zealous and active, of inflerable integrity
and exemplary piety, disinterested and benevolent, a firm patriot,
and uniformly and peculiarly the friend of the Indians, who lament-
ed his death with unfeigned sorrow. His two sons, Daniel and Na-
thaniel, were ministers, the former of Sherburne, whose care ex-
tended also to the Indians at Natick, and the latter of Cambridge,
who was ordained November 15, 1682, and died August 7, 1692 in
the thirty fourth year of his age. He was succeeded by Mr. Brattle.
Mr. Gookin wrote in 1674 historical collections of the Indians in
New England, which remained in manuscript till it was published
in the first volume of the collections of the Missachusetts historical
society in 1792. In this work he gives many interesting particu-
lars of the various tribes of Indians in Missachusetts, of their cus-
toms, manners, religion, and government, and of the exertions,
which were made to civilize them, and to bring them to an ac-
quaintance with the Christian religion. He also wrote a history of
New England ; but it is not known, that the manuscript is now in
existence. — Collect, hist, soc i. 228, 229; vii. 23 ; Holmes* hist, of
Cambridge; and annuls,!. 418; Hutchinson, i. 136, 191,257,296,
322 — 332 ; J\Iugnalia, ii. 2 1 ; Johnson's wonder work, firovidence^
109, 192 ; Stith, 205.
GOOKIN (Nathaniel), minister of Hampton, New Hamp-
shire, was the son of the reverend Mr. Gookin of Cambridge, and
was graduated at Harvard college in 1703. He was ordained in
1710 as successor of Mr. John Cotton. After a prudent and faith-
ful ministry of about twenty four years, he died in 1734, in the for-
ty seventh year of his age. His son Nathaniel was settled in
North Hampton, New Hampshire, in 1739 and died in 1766, Mr.
Gookin published three sermons occasioned by the earthcpiake in
October 1727, to which is added an account of the earthquake, and
something remarkable of thunder and lightning in Hampton. — Col-
let tions hist. society,\\\. 55 ; Shurtleff's serm. at the ordination of Mr,
Gookin, 1739.
GORDON (William, d. d.), minister of Roxbury, Massachu-
setts, and a historian of the American w.'.r. was .t native of Hitchin
ih Hertfordshire, England, and had his academical education in Lon-
GOR. 313
don under Dr. Manyatt. He was early settled as pastor of a large
independent church at Ipswich, where he continued in good esteem
many years. He removed from this situation in consequence of
some uneasiness, occasioned by his reprehension of the conduct of
one of his principal hearers in employing his workmen on public
business on the Lord's day. After the death of Dr. David Jennings
he was chosen to be his successor in the church at old gravel lane,
Wapping. Hei-e he might have continued much respected, but in
the year 1770 his partiality to America induced him to force him-
self away, in order to settle in this country. After having preached
about a year to the third church in Roxbury, he was ordained its
minister July 6, 1772. He took an active part in public measures
during the war with Great Britain, and was chosen chaplain to the
provincial congress of Massachusetts. While in this office he
preached a fast sermon on Isaiah i. 26, which strongly expressed
his political sentiments. In the beginning of the year 1776 he
formed the design of writing a history of the great events, which
had of late taken place in America, and which would yet be present-
ed to the observation of mankind. Besides other sources of in-
formation, he had recourse to the records of congress, and to those
of New England, and was indulged with the perusal of the papers
of Washington, Gates, Greene, Lincoln, and Otho Williams. Af-
ter the conclusion of the war he returned to his native country in
1786, and in 1788 published the work, which had for a number of
years occupied his attention. After spending some time in Lon-
don, where he had many friends, he obtained a settlement at St.
Neots in Huntingdonshire, the place where Mr. David Edwards,
who succeeded him in Ipswich, had been minister. This situation
was much inferior to either of the former settlements, which he had
enjoyed. The congregation gradually declined in consequence of
his want of that popular address, to which they had been accustom-
ed, and of the failure of his mental powers. The infirmity of his
mind was at length so visible, that his friends advised his resigna-
tion, and raised a subscription for him. He afterwards returned to
Ipswich, where he had some agreeable connexions left. Here he
preached a few occasional sermons ; but his memory soon failed
him to such a degree, as to render him unfit for all public service.
Though his sight continued so good, that he could read without
glasses, and though his attachment to books was undiminished to
the last ; yet he appeared to know little, and to retain nothing of
what he read. He even lost all recollection of his most intimate
friends. After living to experience this melancholy extinction of
the powers of his mind, he died at Ipswich October 19, 1807, in
the seventy eighth year of his age.
In his religious sentiments Dr. Gordon was a strict Calvinist ;
yet he possessed a liberal mind, and a very sociable disposition.
He was even sometimes facetious. His abilities, which were nat-
41.
3U GOR.
uralljr good, were improved by diligent study. Dr. Owen was one
of his tavorite authors. Though his temper was warm, he Was yet
friendly and benevolent. His sermons were composed with care ;
but as they were written in a very systematical form, and were read
witu slavisli adherence to his notes, he was not inieresting as a
preacher. His fluency mi.^ht have rendered him popular, if he
had adopted a different manner oi preaching.
He publis!>cd a plan of a society tor making provision for widows,
by annuities for lite, 1772; a fast sermon on Isaiah i. 6; two
thanksgiving discourses, 1775 ; a sermon before the house of rep-
resentatives, 1775; election sermon, 1775 ; a sermon before the
general court on the anniversary of the declaration of independence,
1777 ; doctrine of universal salvation examined and shown to be un-
scriptural, 1783. His history of the rise, progress, and estaolishment
of the independence of the United States of America in 4 vol. 8vo,
1788, though not written with elegance, is allowed to have con-
siderable merit as a minute and in general a faithful narrative of
facts. While he was minister of Ipswich, before he came to this
country, he published a judicious abridgment of president Ed-
wards' treatise on the affections. — Pre/are to Ms history of the A-
merican war ; Monthly repository .^ London., for November 1807.
GORTON (Samuel), the first settler of Warwick, Rhode Isl-
and, came to this country in 1636, and in a few years occasioiied
much disturbance in the church of Boston by the \vild sentiments
on religion, which he advanced. He soon went to Plymouth, in
which colony he was subjected to corporal punishment for his er-
rors, and whence he removed in June 1638 to Rhode Island. At
Newport he received the same discipline on account of his con-
tempt of the civil authority. He purchased some land near Paw-
tuxet river, in the south part of Providence, in January 1641. Un-
der the cover of this purchase he encroached upon the lands of
Others, and complaints having been entered against him in the court
of Massachusetts, he was required to submit himself to the juris-
diction of that colony, and to answer for his conduct. This sum-
mons he treated with contempt ; but being i pprehensive, that he
was not in a place of safety, he crossed the river at the close of
1642, and with eleven others purchased of Miuntoniraoh, the Nar-
raganset sachem, a tract of land at Mishawomet, for which he paid
one hundred and forty four fathoms of wampum. The deed was
signed January 17, 1643. The town, of which he now laid the
foundation, was afterwards called Warwick. In May following he
and his party were seized by order of the general court of Massa-
chusetts, and carried to Boston, where he was required to answer
to the charge of being a blasphemous enemy of the gospel and its
ordinances, and of all civil government. His ingenuity embarrass-
ed the judges, for while he adhered to his own expressions, which
plainly contradicted the opinions, which were embraced in Massa-
GOR. 315
citusetts, he yet, when examined by the ministers, professed a coin-
cidence with them generally in their religious sentiments. The
letter, which he wrote to the governor betore his seizure, was ad-
dressed " to the great, honored, idol gentleman of Massachusetts,"
and was filled with reproaches of the magistrates and ministers ;
but in his examination he declared, that he had reference only to
the corrupt state of mankind in general. He had asserted, that
Christ suffered actually betore he suffei'ed under Pontius Pilate ; but
his meaning was, as he said to the court, that the death of Christ was
actual to the faith of the fathers. Ttie ordinances, he thought, were
abolished after the revelation was written, and thus he could admit,
that they were the ordinances of Christ, because they were established
for a snort time by him. But this equivocation did not avail him.
His opinions were undoubtedly erroneous, and if errors are to be
punished by the civil magistrate, his punishment was not unjust.
All the magistrates but turee were of opinion, that he should be
put to death, but the deputies were in favor of milder measures.
Gorton, with a number of his companions, was sentenced to impris-
onment and hard labor, and prohibited from passing the limits of the
town, to which he was sent, and from propagating his heresies un-
der pain of death. Alter a lew months, dissatisfaction of many people
with his imprisonment and other causes induced the court to sub-
stitute banishment in its place. In 1 644 he went to England with
a deed from the Narraganset Indians transferring their territory to
the king ; and he obtained an order from parliament, securing to
him the peaceable possession of his lands. He arrived at Boston
in 1648, and thence proceeded to Shawomet, which he called War-
wick in honor of the earl of Warwick, who had given him much
assistance in effecting his object. Here he officiated as a minister,
and disseminated his doctrines, in consequence of which a large
part of the descendants of his followers have neglected all religion
to the present day. He died after the year 1676 at an advanced
age. Without the advantages of education, he made himself ac-
quainted with the Hebrew and Greek languages, that he might bet-
ter understand the scriptures, though he had affected to despise hu-
man learning. He violently opposed the quakers, as their princi-
ples were hostile to his antimonian sentiments. He believed, that
the sufferings of Christ were within his children, and that he was as
much in this world at one time as at another ; that all, which is re-
lated of him, is to be taken in a spiritual sense ; that he was in^
carnate in Adam, and was the image of God, wherein he was creat-
ed. He was zealous for a pure church, and represented those as
Pharisaical interpreters, who could establish churches, that admit-
ted of falling from God in whole or in any part, as the true church-
es of Christ. He published simplicity's defence against the seven
headed policy, which was answered by Mr. Winslow; antidote
against Pharisaical teachers; saltmarsh returned from the dead^
316 '■^-r Q05.
1655; a glass for the people of New England.-— .■W?«?Aro^,'S09
— 318,325; Mor{on,ll7 — 120; Hutc/iinsonj i. 72, \ 17 — 124,549;
Backun' abr. 50 — .55 ; Collect, hist. soc. ix. 35 — 38 ; Holme a* annals y
i. 298, 323 ; MaCa JV. E. i. 196 ; Cullender, 36, 37 ; Magtialia, vii.
1 1 ; Josselyn, 259 ; H. Jdams' JV. E. 64 — 66.
GOSNOLD (Bartholomew), an intrepid mariner of the west
of Eni;;land, sailed from Falmouth for the coast of America March
26, 1602. Instead of approaching this country by the way of the
West Indies, he was the first Englishman, who directly crossed the
ocean. He discovered land on the fourteentn ol May, and a cape
on the fifteenth, near which he caugiit a great number of cod, from
which circumstance he named the land cape Cod. The Indians,
■which he met at difterent places, wore ornaments of copper, and
used the pipe and tobacco. He passed Sandy Point, and in a few
days came to an island, which he nanitd Martha's Vineyard, as there
were many vines upon it. This is supposed to have been, not the
island, which now bears that name, but the small island, which is
called No man's Uuid. He resided three weeks on the most west-
ern of the Elizabeth islands, on which he built a fort and store house.
But finding, that he had not a supply of provisions, he gave up the
design of making s settlement. The cellar of his store house was
discovered by Dr. Belknap in 1797. Alter his return to England,
he embarked in an expedition to Virginia, where he was a member
of the council. But he died, soon after his arrival, August 22, 1 607.
Belknaji\ Amer. biog. ii. 100 — 122 ; Holmes' amtals, i. 142 — 144 ;
Purcha^, iv. 1690 ; v. 1646 — 1653 ; Seich, 30, 35, 45 ; Brit, eriipire,
i. 353 ; Harrh* voy. i. 8 1 6 ; Univ. hift. xxxix. 269, 270.
GRAYSON (William), a senator of tiie United States, was
a native of Virginia, and was appointed a representative to congress
from that state in 1784, and continued a number of years. In June
1788 he was a member of the Virginia convention, which was call-
ed for the purpose of considering the present constitution of the
United States. In that assembly, rendered illustrious by men of
the first talents, he was very conspicuous. His genius united with
the eloquence of Henry in opposing the adoption oflhe constitution.
While he acknowledged the evils of the old government, he was
afraid that the proposed government would destroy the liberty of
the states. His principal objections to it were, that it took from
the states the sole right of direct taxation, which was the highest
act of sovereignty ; that the limits between the national and state
authorities were not sufficiently defined ; that they might clash, in
■which case the general government would prevail ; that there
■was no provision against raising such a navy, as was more than
sufficient to protect our trade, and thus would excite the jeal-
ousy of European powers and lead to war ; and that there were no
adequate checks against the abuse of power, especially by the pres-
ident, who was responsible only to his counsellors and partners in
CRE. 317
crime, the members of the senate. After the constitution was
adopted, Mr. Grayson was appointed one of tiie senatois from Vir-
ginia in 1789. His colleague was Richard Henry Lee. He died
at Dumfries, whither he had come on his way to the congress,
March 12, 1790, and his remains were deposited in the family vault
at the reverend Mr. Spence Grayson's. His great abilities were
united with unimpeached integrity. — Gazette of U S. i, 395 ; Be^
bates in Virginia convent, sec. edit. 198, 304, 309, 348, 438.
Gl^EEN (Samuel), the first printer in North America, was an
inhabitant ot Cambridge, Massachusetts, so early as 1639. In this
year a press was set up in that town by a ^ir. Daye, at the charge
oi the reverend Joseph Glover, who died on his passage to this
country. Nothing of Daye's printing is to be tound. Thft press
was very soon in the hands of Mr. Green. The first thing, which
was printed, was the freeman's oath ; the next an almanac, made
for New England by Mr. Pierce, a mariner ; the next was the ver-
sion of the psalms made by Mr. Eliot and others, published in 1640.
Mr. Green printed Eliot's Indian bible h) 1663 ; the body of the
laws of Massachusetts, and of Connecticut in 1672 ; and the laws
of Plymouth, and the second edition of the Indian bible in 1685.
The time of his death has not been ascertained. His descendants in
every succession to the present day have supported the^onor of the
typographic art. Mr. Benjamin Green, who, it is believed, was his
son, published the first number of the Boston newsletter, the first
newspaper in America, April 17, 1704. Another of his descendants
Mr. Timothy Green, went to New London in 1714 at the request
of the government of Connecticut as a printer to the colony, and a
number of his descendants were printers. — Collect, hist. soc. v. 209 ;
vii. 19 ; Holmes^ annals, i. 312 ; IVinthrcp, 171 ; TrumbuWs Con-
necticut., i. 478.
GREENE (Nathaniel), a major general of the army of the
United States, was born in Warwick, Rhode Island, about the year
1740. His parents were quakers. His father was an anchor smith,
who was conccnied in some valuable iron Avorks, and transacted
much business. While he was a boy, he learned the Latin lan-
guage chiefly by his own unassisted industry. Having procured a
small library, his mind was much improved, though the perusal of
military history occupied a considerable share of his attention.
Such was the estimation, in which his character was held, that he
was at an early pei'iod of his life chosen a member of the assembly
of Rhode Island. After the battle of Lexhigton had enkindled at
once the spirit of Americans throughout the whole continent, Mr.
Greene, though educated in the peaceful principles of the friends,
could not extinguish the martial ardor, which had been excited in
his own breast. Receiving the command of three regiments with
the title of brigadier general, he led them to Cambridge ; in con-
sequence of which the quakers renounced all connexion with him
318 GRE.
as a member of their religious body. On the arrival of Washing-
ton at Cambridge, he was the lirst, who expressed to the comniundcr
in chief his satistuction iii his appointment, and he soon gained his
entire conSdence. He was appointed by congress major general
in August 1776. In the battles ot Trenton on the twenty sixth of
December ioliowiiig, and ot Frinc^«.jn on tne third of January 1777
he was much (.ibtingnished. He coumianded the left wing of the
American army a the battle of Germantown on the fourth of Oc-
tober. In March 1778 he was appointed quarter master general,
waich office he accepted on condition, that his rank in the army
should not be affected, aim that he should retain his command in the
time of action. This right he exercised on the twenty eighth of
June 4t tkte battle of Monmouth. His courage and skill were again
displayed on the twenty ninth of August in Rhode Island. He re-
signed in this year the oftice ot quarter master general, and was
succeeded by colonel Pickering. Alter the disasters, which attend-
ed the American arms in South Carolina, he was appointed to su-
persede Gates, and he took the command in the southern depart-
ment December 3, 1780. Having recruited the army, which had
been exceedingly reduced by defeat and desertion, he sent out a
detachment under the brave general Morgan, who gained the im-
portant victory at the Cowpens January 17, 1781. Greene effect*
ed a junction with him on the seventh of February, but on account
of the supeiior numbers of Cornwallis he retreated with great skill
to V'^irginia. Having received an accession to his forces, he return-
ed to North Carolina, and hi the battle of Guilford on the fifteenth
of March was defeated. The victory however was dearly bought
by the British, for their loss was greater than that of the Americans,
and no advantages were derived from it. In a few days Cornwallis
began to march towards Wilmington, leaving.'inany of his wound-
ed behind him, which had the appearance of a retreat, and Greene
followed him for some time. But altering his plan, he resolved to
recommence oflepsive operations in South Carolina. He accord-
ingly marched directly to Camden, where on the twenty filth of
April he was engaged with lord Rawdon. Victory inclined for
some time to the Americans, but the retreat of two companies oc-
casioned the defeat of the whole aimy. Greene retreated in good
•rder, and took such measures as eflfectually prevented lord Raw-
don from irr.proving his success, and obliged him in the beginning
©f May to retire beyond the Santee. While he was in the neigh-
borhood of Santee, Greene hung in one day eight soldiers, who had
deserted from his army. For three months afterwards no instance
of desertion took place. A number of forts and garrisons in South
Carolina now fell into his hands. He commenced the siege of
Ninety six on the twenty second of May, but he was obliged on the
approach of lord Rawdon in June to raise the siege. The anny,
nvhich had been highly encouraged by the late success, was now
GRE. 319
.^educed to the melancholy necessity of retreating to the extremity
of the state. The American commander was cidvised to retire to
Virginia ; but to suggestions of this kind, he replied, " I will recov-
er South Carolina, or die in the attempt." Waiting till the British
forces were divided, he faced about, and lord Rawdon was pursued
in his turn, and was offered battle after he reached his encampment
at Orangeburgh, but he declined it. On the eighth of September
Greene covered himself with glory by the victory at the Eutuw
springs, in which the British, who fought with the utmost bravery,
lost eleven hundred men, and the Americans about half that num-
ber. For his good conduct in this action congress presented him
with a British standard and a golden medal. This engagement
may be considered as closing the revolutionary war in South Caro-
lina. During the remainder of his command he had to struggle
•with the greatest difficulties from the want of supplies for his troops.
Strong symptoms of mutiny appeared, but his firmness and decision
sompletely quelled it.
After the conclusion of the war he returned to Rhode Island.,
where the greatest dissensions prevailed, and his endeavors to re-
store harmony were attended with success. In October 1785 he
sailed to Georgia, where he had a considerable estate not far distant
from Savannah. Here he passed his time as a [private citizen, occu-
pied by domestic concerns. While walking without an umbrella,
the intense rays of the sun overpowered him, and occasioned an in-
flammation of the brain, of which he died June 19, 1786, in the forty
seventh year of his age. In August following congress ordered a
monument to be erected to his memory at the seat of the federal
government.
General Greene possessed a humane and benevolent disposition,
and abhorring the cruelties and excesses, of which p..rtizans on
both sides were guilty, he uniformly inculcated a spirit of modci a-
tion. Yet he was resolutely sevce, when the preservation of dis-
cipline rendered severity necessary. In the campaign of 1781 he
displayed the prudence, the military skill, the unshaken firmness,
and the daring courage, which are seldom combined, and which
place him in the first rank of American officers. His judgment
was correct, and his self possession never once forsook him. In
one of his letters he says, that ne was seven mo'.ths in the field
without taking off his clothes for a single iiight. It is thought, that
he was the most endeared to the commander in chief of all his as-
sociates in arms.' Washington often lamented his death with the
keenest sorrow. — Hillhouae's oration on his death ; American muse-
um, n. 337 — 343; iii. 23; vii. 39 — 41, 107 — 109,210,211 ; Mafsa.
magazine, iv. 616, 671 j Gordon, ii. 65 ; iii. 473; iv. 168, 406 ;
Marshall, iii. 219 ; iv 263, 335, 540, 556 ; v. 116 ; Jiatnsai/s S.
Carolina, ii. 190 — 193, 204 — 225, 245 — 251 ; I'ardie ^ Holmes' an-
nals, ii. 440 — .-149 ; Stcdman, ii. 376 ; IVarren^m. 56 — 59.
320 GRI.
GRIDLEY (Jkhkmy), attorney general of the province of Mas-
sachusetts, ■was gradu;itecl at Harvard college in 5 725. He was ed-
itor of the weekly rencarsal, a newspaper, which commenced in
Boston September 27, 1781, and continued only for one year. He
soon became preemi.ient as a lawyer, and was appointed king's at-
torney. In tins capacity he in 1761 defended the writs of assist-
ance, which the custom ^louse officers had applied for to the superior
court, and Ijy which they wf. uld be authorizxd to enter at their dis-
crelion suspected houses. He was opposed with great force of ar-
gument by his former pupil, Mr. Otis. He died September 10,
1767, being colonel of tne first regiment of militia, and grand mas-
ter of the free m.isons. His strength of understanding, and his
extensive knowledge, particularly his intimate acquaintance with
classical literature gave him the first rank among men of intellect
and le irnii)g, while his thorough knowledge of the canon and civil
law placed him at tne head of his profession. He possessed at the
same time a sensibilitv of lieart. wliich endeared him to those, who
were connected with him in social and domestic liie. His fortitude
in his last moments resulted irom the principles of religion.—
Collect, hist. soc. iii. SOI ; v. 212 ; Boston fiost boy., Sefit. 14, 1767 ;
4^Ttnot., ii. 88 — 90 ; Gordon^ i. 141 ; Memoirs of T. Hollia, 290,
400.
HAMH^TON (Andrew), an eminent lawyer of Philadelphia,
died in the summer of 1741. He nad been speaker of the house
^f assembly, l>ut he resigned this office in 1739 on account of his
age and infirmities. He filled several stations with honor, integrity,
and ability. In Zenger's trial at New York he acquired much rep-
utation as a lawyer. His son, James Hamilton, was repeatedly
governor of Pennsylvania between <^ i-e years 1748 and 1771.—
ProuPs hist. Pennsylvania, ii. 216 — 219 ; Holmes' annals^ ii. 141.
HAMILTON (Alexander), firsi secretary of the treasury of
the United States, was a native of the island of St. Croix, and was
born in 1757. His father was the younger son of an English fami-
ly, and his mother was an American. At the of age sixteen he ac-
companied his mother to New York, and entered a student of Co-
lumbia college, in which he continued about three years. While a
member of this institution the first buddings of his intellect gave
presages of his future eminence. The contest with Great Britain
called forth the first talents on each side, and his juvenile pen as-
.sertcd the claims of the colonies against very respectable writers.
His p-ipers exhibited such evidence of intellect and wisdom, that
they were ascribed to Mr. Jiy. and wlit-n the truth was discovered,
America saw with astonishment a h.d of seventeen in the list of her
able advocates. At the age of eighteen he entered the American
army as an officer of artillery. The fi'-st sound of war awakened
his martiil soirit, and as a soldier he soon fonciliatcl the regard
of his brethren in arms. It was net louji beioie he attracted the
HAM. 321
notice of Washington, who in 1 777" selected him as fin aid with the
rank of lieutenant colonel. His sound understanding, comprehen-
sive views, application, and promptitude soon gained him the entire
confidence of his patron. In such a school, it was impossible but
that his genius should be nourished. By intercourse with Wash-
ington, by surveying his plans, observing his consummate prudence,
and by a minute inspection of the springs of national operations he
became fitted for command. Throughout the campaign, which
terminated in the capture of lord Cornwallis, colonel Hamilton
commanded a battalion of light infantry. At the siege of York
in 178 1, Avhen the second parallel was opened, two redoubts, which
flanked it and were advanced three hundred yards in front of the
British works, very much annoyed the men in the trenches. It
was resolved to possess them, and to prevent jealousies the attack
of the one was committed to the Americans and of the other to
the French. The detachment of the Americans was commanded
by the marquis de la Fayette, and colonel Hamilton, at his own
earnest request, led the advanced corps, consisting of two battalions.
Towards the close of the day on the fourteenth of October the
troops rushed to the charge without firing a single gun. The
works were assaulted with irresistible impetuosity, and carried with
but little loss. Eight of the enemy fell in the action ; but notwith-
standing the irritation lately produced by the infamous slaughter in
fort Griswold, not a man was killed, who ceased to resist.
Soon after the capture of Cornwallis, Hamilton sheathed his
sword, and being encumbered with a family and destitute of funds,
at the age of twenty five applied to the study of the law^ In this
profession he soon rose to distinction. But his private pursuits
could not detach him from regard to the public welfare. The vio-
lence, which was meditated agdnst the property and persons of all,
who remained in the city during the war, called forth his generous
exertions, and by the aid of governor Clinton the faithless and re-
vengeful scheme, was defeated. In a few years a more important
affair demanded his talents. After witnessing the debility of the
confederation he was fully impressed with the necessity of an effi-
cient general government, and he was appointed in 1787 a member
of the federal convention for New York. He assisted in fonning
the constitution of our country. It did not indeed completely
meet his wishes. He was afraid, that it did not contain sufficient
means of strength for its own preservation, and that in consequence
Ave should share the fate of many other republics and pass through
anarchy to despotism. He was in favor of a more permanent ex-
ecutive and senate. He wished for a strong government, which
would not be shaken by the conflict of different interests through
an extensive territory, and which should be adequate to all the
forms of national exigency. He was apprehensive, that the in-
creased wealth and population of the states would lead to encroach-
322 HAM.
:ineuts on the union, and he anticipated the day, when the general
government, unable to support itself, would fall. These were his
views and feelings, and he freely expressed them. But the patri-
otism of Hamilton was not of that kind, which yields every thing,
because it cannot accomplish all) that it desires. 'Believing the con-
stitution to be incomparably superior to the old confederation, he
exerted all his talents in its support, though it did not rise to his
conception of a perfect system. By his pen in the papers signed
Publius, and by his voice in the convention of New York he con-
tributed much to its adoption. When the government was organ-
ized in 1789, Washington placed him at the head of the treasury.
In the new demands, which were now made upon his talents, the
resources of his mind did not fail him. In his reports he proposed
plans for funding the debt of the union and for assuming the debts
of the respective .states, for establishing a bank and mint, and foi*
procuring a revenue. He wished to redeem the reputation of his
counti-y by satisfying her creditors, and to combine with the govern-
ment such a monied interest, as might facilitate its operations.
But while he opened sources of wealth to thousands by establishing
public credit, and thus restoring the public paper to its original
value, he did not enrich himself. He did not take advantage of his
situation, nor improve the opportunity he enjoyed for acquiring a
fortune. Though accused of amassing wealth, he did not vest a
dollar in the public funds. He was exquisitely delicate in regard to
his official character, being determined if possible to prevent the
impeachment of his motives, and preserve his integrity and good
name unimpaired.
In the early stage of the administration a disagreement existed
between Mr. Hamilton and the secretary of state, Mr. Jefferson,
which increased till it issued in such open hostility, and introduced
such confusion in the cabinet, that Washington found it necessary to
address a letter to each, recommending forbearance and moderation.
Mr. Hamilton was apprehensive of danger from the encroachment
of the states and wished to add new strength to the general govern-
ment ; while oMr. Jefferson entertained little jealousy of the state
sovereignties, and was rather desirous of checking and limiting the
exercise of the national authoiities, particularly the power of the
executive. Other points of difference existed, and a reconciliation
could not be effected. In the beginning of 1793, after intelligence
of the rupture between France and Gi-eat Britain had been received,
Hamilton, as. one of the cabinet of the president, supported the
opinion, that the ti-eaty with France was no longer binding, and that
a nation might absolve itself from the obligations of real treaties,
when such a change takes place in the internal situation of the other
contracting party, as renders the continuance of the connexion dis-
advantageous or dangerous. He advised therefore, that the ex-
pected French minister should not be received in an unqualified
HAM. 323
manner. The secretary of state oo the other hand was of opinion
that the revolution in France had produced no change in the rela-
tions between the two countries, and could not weaken the oblir^-
tion of ti'eaties ; and this opinion was embraced by Washington.
The advice of Hamilton was followed in regard to the insurrection
in Pennsylvania in 1794, and such a detachment was sent out under
his own command, that it was suppressed without effusion of blood.
He remained but a short time afterwards in office. As his property
had been wasted in the public service, the care of a rising family
made it his duty to retire, that by renewed exertions in his profes-
sion he might provide for their support. He accordingly resigned
his office on the last of January 1795, and was succeeded by Mr.
Wolcott. Not long after this period, as he was accused of pecula-
tion, he was induced to repel the charge, and in doing this he
thought it necessary to disclose a circumstance, which it would
have been more honorable to his character to have left in oblivion.
This was an adulterous connexion with a Mrs. Reynolds, while he
was secretary of the treasury. When a provisional army was raised
in 1798 in consequence of the injuries and demands of France,
Washington suspended his acceptance of the command of it on
the condition, that Hamilton should be his associate and the second
in command. This arrangement was accordingly made. After
the adjustment of our dispute with the French republic, and the
discharge of the army, he returned again to his profession in the
city of New York. In this place he passed the remainder of his days.
In June 1 804 colonel Burr, vice president of the United States,
addressed a letter to genei'al Hamilton, requiring his acknowl-
edgment or denial of the use of any expression derogatory to
the honor of the former. This demand was deemed inadmissible,
and a duel was the consequence. After the close of the circuit
court, the parties met at Hoboken-on the morning of Wednesday,
July the eleventh, and Hamilton fell on the same spot, where his
son a few years before had fallen, in .obedience to the same princi-
ple of honor, and in the same violation of the laws of God and of
man. He was carried into the city, and being desirous of receiving
the sacrament of the Lord's supper, he immecKately sent for the
reverend Dr. Mason. As the principles of his church prohibited
him from administering the ordinance in private, this minister of
the gospel informed general Hamilton, that t!>e sacrament was an
exhibition nnd pledge of the mercies, which the Son of God has
purchased, and that the absence of the sign did not exclude from
the mercies signified, which were accessible to him by faith in their
gracious Author, He replied, " I am awure of that. It is only as a
sign that I wanted it." In the conversation, v/hich ensued, he disa-
vowed all intention of taking the life of colonel Burr, and declared
his abhorrence of the whole transaction. When the sin, of which Jre
'X9d been guilty, was intimated to him, he assented with stron^'j
324 HAM.
emotion ; and when the infinite merit of the Redeemer, as the pro-
pitiation for sin, the sole ground of our acceptance with God, was
suggested, he siiid with emphasis, " I have a tender reUance on the
mercy of the Ahnighty through the merits of the Lord Jesus
Christ." The reverend bishop Moore was afterwards sent for, and
xifter making suitable inquiries of the penitence and faith of gene-
ral Hamilton, and receiving his assurance, that he would nevci'
again, if restored to health, be engaged in a similar transaction, but
would employ all his influence in society to discountenance the bar-
barous custom, administered to him the communion. After this his
mind was composed. He expired about two o'clock on Thursday
July 12, 1804, aged about forty seven years.
General Hamilton possessed very \incommon powers of mind.
To whatever subject he directed his attention, he was able to grasp
it, and in whatever he engaged, in that he excelled. So stupend-
ous were his talents and so patient was his industry, that no investiga-
tion presented (Ufiiculties, which he could not conquer. In the class
of men of intellect he held the first rank. His eloquence was of the
most interesting kind, and when new exertions were required, he
rose in new strength, and touching at his pleasure every string of
pity or terror, of indignation or grief, he bent the passions of oth-
ers to his purpose. At the bar he gained the first eminence.
With regard to his political designs the most contradictory opin-
ions were entertained. While one party believed his object to be
the preservation of the present constitution, the other party imput-
ed to him the intention of subverting it ; his friends regarded him
as an impartial statesman, while his enemies perceived in his con-
duct only hostility to France and attachment to her rival. What-
ever may be the decision with regard to the correctness of his prin-
ciples, his preference of his country's interest to his own cannot be
questioned by those, Avho are acquainted Avith his character. He
took no measures to secure a transient popidarity, but, like every
true friend of his country, was willing to rest his reputation upon
the integrity of his conduct. So far was he from flattering the
people, that he more than once dared to throw himself into the
torrent, that he might present some obstruction to its course.
*He was an honest politician ; and his frankness has been com-
mended even by those, who considered his political principles
as hostile to the American confederated republic. His views of
the necessity of a firm general government rendered him a de-
cided friend of the union of the American stales. His feelings
and language were indignant towards every thing, which pointed at
its dissolution. His hostility to every influence, which leaned to-
wards the project, was stern and steady, and in every shape It en-
countered Ins reprobation. No man, of those, who were not friend-
ly to the late administration, possessed so wide and command-
ing an influence ; and he seems not to have been ignorant of the
HAM. 525
elevated height, on which he stood. In assigning the reasons for
accepting the challenge of colonel Burr, while he seems to intimate
his apprehensions, that the debility of the general government
would be followed by convulsions, he also alludes to the demand,
which, in such an event, might be made upon his military talents.
His words are, '' the ability to be in future useful, whether in re-
sisting mischief or effecting good, in those crises of our public af-
fairs, which seem likely to happen, would probably be inseparable
from a conformity with public prejudice in this particular."
With all his preeminence of talents, and amiable as he was in
private life, general Hamilton is yet a melancholy proof of the influ-
ence, which intercourse with a depraved world has in perverting
the judgment. In principle he was opposed to duelling, his con-
science was not hardened, and he was not indifierent to the happiness
of his wife and children ; but no consideration was strong enough
to prevent him from exposing his life in single combat. His own
views of visefuiness were followed in contrariety to the injunctions
of his Maker and Judge. He had been for some time convinced
of the truth of Christianity, and it was his intention, if his life had
been spared, to have written a work upon its evidences.
General Hamilton possessed many friends, and he Avas endeared
to them, for he was gentle, tender, and benevolent. While he was
great in the eyes of the world, familiarity with him only increased
the regard, in which he was held. In his person he was small, and
short in stature. He married a daughter of general Schuyler, and
left an afflicted widow and a number of children to mourn his loss.
He published the letters of Phocion, which were in favor of the
loyalists after the peace. The federalist, a series of essays, which
appearedin the public papers in the interval between the publication
and the adoption of the constitution of the United States, or soon af-
ter, and which was designed to elucidate and support its principles,
was written by him in conjunction with Mr. Jay and Mr. Madison . He
wrote all the numbers, excepting numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, and 54, which
were written by Mr. Jay ; numbers 10, 14, and 37 to 48 inclusive
by Mr. Madison; and numbers 18, 19, and 20, which he and Mr.
Madison wrote conjointly. This work has been published in two
volumes, and is held in the highest estimation. His reports while
secretary of the treasury are very long, and display great powers of
mind. Some of them are preserved in the American museum.
In the report upon manufactures he controverts the principles of
Adam Smith. In the papers signed Pacificus, written in 1793,
while he justified the proclamation of neutrality, he also supported
his opinion, that we were absolved from the obligation of our treat-
ies Avith France, and that justice was on the side of the coalition
of the European powers for the i-eestablishment of the French
monarchy. He published also observations on certain docu-
ments Sec. being a defence of himself against the charge of pecula-
326 HAN.
tibn, 1797 ; and a letter concerning the public conduct and character
of his excellency John Adams, president of the United States,
1800. In this letter he endeavors to show, that the venerable pa-
triot, who was more disposed than himself to maintain peace with
France, was unworthy of being replaced in the high station, which
he occupied.— iliasora'* oration on his death; JVott's discourse;
Alorrin' fun. oration ; Otis' eulogy ; ylines' sketch ; Marshall, t.
131, 212, 234, 350 — 360,405, 607 — 611; Brissot^nouv. voy.'i.
243, 244 ; Public fiafiers /or July mid August 1804; American rmi'
setim, xi. 1 — 51 .62 — 78 ; Hardie ; Public characters/or 1806, 363;
Monthly anthology.^ iv. 601.
HANCOCK (John), minister of Lexingtdn, Massachusetts, was
born in 1670, and was graduated at Harvard college in 1689. He
was ordained November 2, 1698. After a ministry of more than
half a century, he died very suddenly December 6, 1752, in the
eighty second year of his age. About a fortnight before his deatii
he officiated at the ordination of the reverend Mr. Gushing of Wal-
tham. Two of his sons were ministers, one of whom, Ebenezer
Hancock, was settled as his colleague January 2, 1733, and died
January 28, 1740. Mr, Hancock possessed a facetious temper, and
in general his wit was used with discretion. Being a friend to peace
he exerted himself, and with success, to preserve harmony in his
parish. By his brethren in the ministry he was highly respected
and beloved, and as he was for many years senior minister in the
covmty, his services were frequentiy requested in ecclesiastical
councils. [ He had given the charge to twenty one ministers. He
retained uncommon vigor to the last. He published the election
«ermon, 1722 ; a sermon preached in Boston, November 21, 1724 ;
a sermon at the ordination of his son, 1726 ; a sermon at the instal-
lation of the reverend Timothy Harrington, 1748. — Afifileton'afun'
<;ral sermon.
HANCOCK (John), minister of Braintree, Massachusetts, was
the son of the preceding, and was graduated at Harvard college in
i7 19. He was ordained as successor of the reverend Joseph Marsh
November 2, 1726. His death took place May 7, 1744, in the for-
ty second year of his age. Possessing good talents, lie applied
with diligence to the studies of the ministeilal office. During the
revival of religion, which was so remarkable in difTcrciit parts of
America a short time before; his death, it was his wish to guard his
people against what he considered as enthusiasm on the one hand,
and against infidelity and indifference to religion on tlie other. Af-
ter a lite of uprightness and sobriety, he expressed in his last mo-
ments the satisfaction which he felt in the testimony of a good con-
science, and looked for the mercy of the Lord Jesus to eternal life.
He published a sermon on the death of the honorable Edmund
■Quincy, 1738 ; a century sermon preached September 16, 1739 ;
on the good work of grace, 1743 ; an expostulatory and pacific let-
ter in reply to Mr. Gee, 1743. — Guy's sermon o?i his death.
HAN. 327
HANCOCK (Thomas), a benefactor of Harvard college, Avas
the son of the reverend Mr. Hancock of Lexington, and died in
Boston August i, 1764. His portrait at full length is in the philos-
ophy chamber of the college. His nephew, the late governor
Hancock, inherited most of his property ; but he bequeathed one
thousand pounds sterling fur founding a professorship of the He-
brew and other oriental languages in Harvard college ; one thou-
sand pounds lawful money to the society for propagating the gospel
among the Indians in North America ; and six hundred pounds to
the town of Boston towards erecting a hospital for the reception of
such persons, as ai^e deprived of tlieir reason. Stephen Sewall,
the first Hancock professor of Hebrew in the university of Cam-
bridge, was inducted into his ofiice in \7& 5. —-Annual register
for 1764, 116; Holmea' annals.^ ii. 277.
HANCOCK (John, ll. d.), governor of Massachusetts, was
the son of the reverend Mr. Hancock of Braintree, and was born
about the year 1737. He was graduated at Harvard college in 1754.
On the death of his uncle, Thomas Hancock, esquire, he received
a very considerable fortune, and soon became an eminent merchant.
In 1766 he was chosen a member of the house of representatives
for Boston with James Otis, Thomas Cushing, and Samuel Adams.
The seizure of his sloop Liberty in 1768 for evading the laws of
trade occasioned a riot, and several of the commissioners of the
customs narrowly escaped with their lives. As the controversy
with Great Britain assumed a more serious shape, and affairs were
hastening to a crisis, Mr. Hancock evmced his attachment to the
rights of his country. He was president of the provincial congress
in 1774. On the twelfth of June of the following year general
Gage issued his proclamation, offering pardon to all the rebels, ex-
cepting Samuel Adams and John Hancock, " whose offences," it is
declared, " are of too flagitious a nature to admit of any other con-
sideration, than that of condign punishment." Mr. Hancock was
at this time a member of the continental congress, of which he
was chosen president on the twenty fourth of May in the place of
Peyton Randolph, who was under the necessity of returning home.
In this office, as the head of the illustrious congress of 1 776, he
signed the declaration of independence. In consequence of the ill
state of his health he took his leave of congress in October i777,
and received their thanks for his unremitted attention and steady
impartiality in discharging the duties of his ofTice. Henry Laurens
was his successor.
On the adoption of the present constitution of Massachusetts, he
was chosen the first governor in October 1780, and was annually re-
elected and continued in that office till February 1785, when he
resigned. In 1787 he was again chosen in the place of Mr. Bow-
do in and remained in the chair till his death, October 8, 1793, aged
fifty six years. His administration was very popular. It was ap-
328 IIAR.
prehcnded by some, that on his accession the dignity of govern-
ment would not be sufficiently maintained ; but his language on
assuming the chair was manly and decisive, and by his moderation
and lenity the civil convulsion was completely quieted without the
shedding of blood by the hand of the civil magistrate. Fourteen
persons, who received sentence of death, were pardoned. In his
public speeches to the legislature he acquitted himself with a de-
gree of popular eloquence, which is seldom equalled. In one of
liis last acts as governor he supported in a dignified manner the
sovereignty of the individual states. By a process commenced
against Massachusetts in favor of William Vassal, esquire, he was
summoned by a writ to answer to the prosecution in the court of
the United States. But he declined the smallest concession, which
might lessen the independence of the state, whose interests
were entrusted to his care, and he supported his opinion with firm-
ness and dignity. Litigations of this nature were soon afterwards
precluded by an amendment of the constitution of the United
States.
Mr. Hincockis represented as not favored with extraordinary
powers of mind, and as not honoring the sciences very much by his
personal attentions. But he was easy in his address, polished in
manners, afl'able, and liberal ; and as president of congress he
exhibited a dignity, impartiality, quickness of conception, and
constant attention to business, which secured him respect. As the
chairman of a deliberative body, few could preside with such repu-
tation. In the early periods of his public career, it has been said,
that he was somewhat inconstant in his attachment to the cause of
his countr}'. Though this representation should be true ; yet from
tlie commencement of the war the part, which he took, was decided
and uniform, and his patriotic exertions arc worthy of honorable
remembrance. By the suavity of his manners and his insinuating
address, he secured an almost unequalled popularity. He could
speak with case and propriety on every subject. Being considered as
a republican in principle and a firm supporter of the cause of free-
dom, whenever he consented to be a candidate for governor, he was
chosen to that office by an imdisputed majority. In private life he
Avas charitalile and generous. With a large fortune he had also a
disposition to employ it for useful and benevolent purposes. The
poor shared liberally in his bounty. He was also a generous bene-
f&ttor of Harvard college. He published an oration, which he de-
livered on the Boston massacre, 1774 — Thacher's .sermon on /us
death ; Gordon^ i. 208, 231; ii. 31 ; iii. 18 — 2 1, 498 ; Warren^ \.
-212 — 215, 430 ; Minot's hist, insurrect. 179, 184 ; Massa. mercury,
October 1 1, 1793 ; Holmes' annals, ii. 315 ; Drissot ncuv. voy. i.
152.
HARDENBERGH (Jacobus R. d. d.), first president of
Queen's college in New Jersey, was a native of this country. He
HAR. 329
was not favored with the same advantages in the early part of his
education, which some of iiis contemporaries enjoyed ; yet with a
powerful mind, and habits of perseverm;^ application he made such
progress in knowledge, that he was justly esteemed a great divine.
He was ordained by that party in the Dutch churches, which was
denominated the Coetus, and was its most distinguished and able
supporter. He cheerfully exerted himself with the reverend Dr.
Livingston in 17T1, when he was minister of Raritan, to heal the
division of the Dutch churches, and a union was completed in the
following year. After the charter of Queen's college at New
Brunswick was obtained in \770 he was the first president, and di-
ed in that office in November 1790. This'lnstitution was designed
for educating young men for the ministry. Dr. Hardenbergh's
piety was ardent ; his labors indefatigable ; and his ministry great-
ly blessed. — -Christianas magazine.^ ii. 13, 270.
HART (Oliver), minister of Charleston, South Carolina, was
born at Warminster, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, July 5, 1 723. At
the age of eighteen he was impressed with the importance of re-
ligion and was baptized. He was ordained at Southampton Octo-
ber 18, 1749, and in the same year went to Charleston, where he
succeeded the reverend Mr. Chanler, and was minister of the bap-
tist church in that city for thirty years. In such estimation was
his character for patriotism and talents held by the council of safety
of Carolina, that at the beginning of the revolution he was appointed
by them, with the honorable William Henry Drayton and the rev-
erend William Tennent, to visit the frontiers in order to reconcile
some of the disaffected inhabitants to the change, which had taken
place in public affairs. In February 1780 the warm interest, which
he took in promoting the American revolution, induced him to
leave Charleston, lest he should full into the hands of the British,
who were about to besiege the city. In December following he
was settled at Hopewell in New Jersey, where he remained till his
death December 31, 1795, in the seventy third year of his age.
Mr. Hart possessed strong powers of mind. His imagination
was lively and his judgment sound. Though not favored with a
liberal education, by diligent study and habitual reflection he became
very respectable for his knowledge of Christian truth. He was a
uniform advocate of the doctrines of free and sovereign grace. As
a preacher his manner was pleasing and his delivery animated. As
a citizen he was a firm and decided patriot. He possessed a libj^al
spirit and exhibited the beneficence, which he recommended. 'In
his last moments he enjoyed the consolations of the gospel, resting
his hopes upon the righteousness of Christ. He published several
sermons and tracts, namely, dancing exploded ; a discourse on the
death of the reverend William Tennent ; the Christian temple ;
a circular letter on Christ's mediatorial character; American's
remembrancer ; a gospel church portrayed ; and a thanksgiving
43
330 HAR
sermon, 1789. lie had a turn for poetry, and wrote 'mucfif tnougl
none oi iiis proUaotiuns '.vcrc published. A variety of las papers
on diderent subjccis, which ho highly valued, and many of his best
books were destroyed by tiie British army, when they overrun the
southern states.— '/^o^e?-'*- and Furman*8 discourses on ids death ;
Hardie's biog. diet.
HART (Levi, d. d.), minister of Preston, Connecticut, was the
son of Tnomas Hart, esquiit-, of Southinjijton, and was graduated at
Yale college in 1760. While u member of college he made a pub-
lic profession of that religion, wnich regulated his whole life.
Having pursued tlie study of divinity for some time with the rev-
erend Dr. Bellamy, he on the fourth of November 1762 was settled
as the minister of the second ciiurch in Preston. Here he contin-
ued to perform the various duties oi the sacred office until a short
time before his death, which took place October 27, 1808, in the
seventieth year of his age. Receiving from the gift of God a
sound and vigorous mind, it was much improved by his scientiiic
and literary ucquisiiions. Many young men were trained up by
him for the ministry. As he united a keen discernment of charac-
ter to a social and communicative turn of mind, and was always
governed by the desire of promoting the interests of religion, he
AVas very useful hi his private intercourse with his people, a»
well as in his public labors. He sought out the abodes of affliction,
of poverty, and of distress ; and while he soothed the poor by his
conversation, he was enabled also by an exact economy to contribute
Homcthing from a small salary for the relief of their wants. His
disposition was placid ; his manners amiable and unassuming ; and
in the various reiations of life he was fvdthful and affectioitate. He
engaged zealously in the support of missionary institutions, and the
progress of the gospel was the theme of his correspondence with a
number of respectable friends of religion in Europe. He publish-
ed a sermon pre.iclicd to the corporation of freemen in Farmington
September 20, I77't; election sermon, 1786; a sermon on the
death of the revorend Dr. Hopkins, 1 80 3. -—Pano/ilist and miss^
mag. united., i. 287, ^88.
HARVARD (John), the founder of Harvard college, died in
Charlestown, Mass ichusetts, in 1638, soon after his arrival in this'
country. He had been a minister :n England and he preached a
short time in Charlestown. He left a legacy of seven hundred and
seventy nine pounds, seventeen shillings, and two pence to the
school at Newtown, or Cambridge. The next year the general
court constituted it a college. The first president was the reverend
Mr. Dunstcr. — Magnalia, iv. 126 ; Collect, hist. soc. i. 242 ; Hutth'
bison., i. 90 ; J\''eaCs A", ^i. i. 199 ; Holmes* annals, i. 303.
HAVEN (Samuel, d.d.), minister of Portsmouth, New Hamp-
sliire, was born in Framine';ham, Massachusetts, August 15, 1727,
■uvX was graduated at Harvard college in 171-9. During the revival
HAV. 331
v^f religion, which took place about the time of his residence at col-
lege, his mind was imj-nessecl by the truths of God, and he was a
great admirer of the prertchers, whose labors appeared to be blessed
by the Holy Spirit. Tnougn he censured the irregularities, which
existed, yet he ever retained the persuasion, that in this period
there was a remarkable exhibition of divine power and grace. Soon
after he began to preach, he was invited to settle at Brookiine ; but
the untininuty of the invitation, which he at the same time received
from the south church in Portsmouth, determined him to settle in a
place more remote from the university, to which he was much at-
tached. He Wc;s ordained May 6, 1752, and continued here till his
death, Avhich took place March 3, 1806, in the seventy ninth year of
lus age, and the fifty fourth of his ministry. His first wife was the
daughter of the reverend Dr. Appleton of Cambridge. It is re-
markable that his second wife, who attended him in his sickness, and
•closed his eyes, died herself in a few hours afterwanis. They
•were both buried at the same time, and twelve children followed
them to the grave.
Dr. Haven possessed respectable talents, and was acquainted
•with various depaitments of science. Having paid considerable
attention to the study of physic, his usefulness was thus increased
among his people. His mind was rather of the sprightly cast, than
inclined to abstruse researches and deep investigation." In his the-
olpgical sentiments he was moderately Calvinistic, though in the
latter part of his life he possessed a spirit of Catholicism and chaiity
so excessive, as led him privately to speculate with Dr. Chattncy on
the sentiment of universal restitution. But he never proclaimed
this sentiment from the pulpit, and he declared, that he never
meant to risk his salvation on that ground. His common sermons
were plain, serious, and practical. His delivery was manly and in-
teresting. He had a happy talent for all extemporary services.
He excelled in the tender and sympathetic. In scenes of affliction
and sorrow he was a son of consolation. On funeral occasions, for
variety, copiousness, tenderness, and pertinency of address he was
rarely equalled, and he was often instrumental in awakening the
careless and convincing the unconvinced.
He published the following sermons ; a sermon at the request of
the congregational ministers of New Hampshire, 1760 ; on the
death of George II and the accession of George III, 1761 ; on the
conclusion of the war and the declaration of peace, 1763 ; at the or-
dination of Jeremy Belknap at Dover, 1767; on the death of the
honorable Henry Sherburne, 1767; a sermon preached at Cambridge
and published at the request of the students, 1768 ; one preached
at Medfield, 1771 ; election sermon in New Hampshire, 1786 ; on
the death of the reverend Benjamin Stevens, 1791; on the rea-
sonableness and importance of practical religion, 1794; the Dud-
leian lecture at Cambridge, 1798 ; a sermon soon after the ordina-
332 HAV.
i
tion of the reverend T. Alden jun. as his colleague, 1800. —
Jiuckminstcr^s acrinon on hin death ; Alden' a account of relig, societien
in Portsmouth.
HAVEN (Jason), minister of Dedham, Massachusetts, was born
sit Framinj^liam March 13, 1733, and was graduated at Harvard col-
lege in 1754. He was ordained pastor ot the iirst church in Ded-
ham February 5, 1756. In 1779 he was chosen a member of the
convention, which formed the constitution of the state, in which he
lived. In bis old age his impaired health rendering a colleague
necessary, the reverend Joshua Bates was ordained March 16, 1803.
Mr. Haven died May 17, 1803, in the seventy first year of his age,
ami the forty eighth of his ministry. He was furnished with tal-
ents for the acceptable discharge of the various duties of the sacred
office. His discourses were very evangelical ; he was eminent in
prayer ; and his ap|>eai"ance and manners uniformly dignified his
station. Besides several smaller works, he published the following
sermons; on the anniversary thanksgiving November 21, 1758;
at the artillery election, 1761; at a private meeting in Framing-
ham, 1761 ; at the ordination of the reverend Fdwurd Brooks, July
4, 1764; election sermon, 1769 ; on the de^tb of Mrs. Hannak
Richards, 1770 ; at the ordination of the reverend Ephr.iim Ward,
October 23, 1771; at the ordination of the reverend Moses Eve-
rett, September 28, 1774 ; at the funeral of the reverend Samuel
Dunbar, 1783; at the ordinauon of the revei'end Stephen Palmer,
November 7, 1792 ; a sermon to bis own people forty years
after his ordination, February 7, 1796. — .Pre/itisa' sermon on his
death.
HAWLEY (Joseph), distinguished as a statesman and patriot,
was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, and was graduated at
Yale college in 1742. Soon after finishing his collegial education
he engaged in the study and the practice of the law in his native
town, In this science he became a great proficient and was one of
the most distinguished counsellors in the province. Among his
other studies he attained to such an eminence of knowledge in po-
litical history and the principles of free government, that during
the disputes between Great Britain and the colonies he was regard-
ed as one of the ablest advocates of American liberty. His integri-
ty both in public and in private life was inflexible, and was not even
questioned by his political opponents. He was repeatedly elected
a member of the council, but refused in every instance to accept
the office, as he preferred a seat in the house of representatives,
where his character for dismterested patriotism and his bold and
manly eloquence gave him an ascendency, which has seldom been
equalled. He was first elected a member of the legislature in
1764. In the latter part of 1776 major Hawley was alHicted with
hypochondriacal disorders, to wi.ich he had been frequently subject
in former periods of his life ; and after this he declined public
HAW. 33a
business. He died March 10, 1788, aged sixty four years. A
letter, which he wrote in 1760, preserved in the life of Edwards,
does him the highest honor, for it proves him not incapable of hum-
bling himself for his failings. He had been active in effecting the
removal of Mr. Edwards from Noi'thampton, and he deplores the
part, which he took in that affair.
HAWLEY (Gideon), many years a missionary to the Indians,
was a native of Connecticut and was graduated at Yale college in
1749. He commenced his missionary labors in February 1752
at Stockbridge, in the western part of Massachusetts. Thence in
September he made an excursion to Schoharie in the country of
the Mohawk Indians, and after his return to Stockbridge he opened
his school again at the beginning of winter under the patronage of
the reverend Mr. Edwards. Here he was the instructer of the
children of a number of Mohawk, Oneida, and Tuscarora families,
and preached to them on the sabbath. It being determined by the
commissioners for Indian affairs in Boston to establish a mission ia
the country of the Iroquois, or Indians of the six nations, Mr, Haw-
ley engaged in the plan. In May 1753 he commenced his journey
towards the wilderness, accompanied by the honorable Timothy
Woodbridge, a gentleman of abilities, and of great influence among
the Indians. Having visited sir William Johnson at his seat upon
the Mohawk river and secured his patronage, they proceeded to-
Avards the head of the Susquehannah, adoring every night and
morning that kind providence, which attended and preserved them
in the recesses of the forest. On the fourth of June they reached
the place of their destination, Onohoghgwage, or as it is sometimes
called Oughquauga,upon.the Susquehannah river. Here an inter-
view was held with the Indians, who gave them a good reception.
On the thirty first of July 1754 Mr. Hawley was ordained at Boston,
that his usefulness might be increased by being authorized to ad-
minister the ordinances of the gospel. He soon returned to Ono-
hoghgwage, and was there till May 1756, when the French war
obliged him to withdraw from that country. He went to Boston in
June, and entering as chaplain in the regiment of colonel Gridley,
he soon joined the army above Albany, which was destined against
Crown Point. After the campaign he made an attempt to return
to the place of his mission, but was deterred by the dangers of the
enterprise. A church was established here by the reverend Dr.
Forbes in 1762. In December Mr. Hawley went to Stockbridge,
where he spent the winter. In 1757 the commissioners of the so-
ciety for propagating the gospel persuaded him to visit the tribe of
Indians at Marshpee, whose pastor, Mr. Briant, had been dismissed,
and who were dissatisfied with the labors of Mr. Smith. Here he
was installed April 10, 1758, and passed the remainder of his life,
being occupied in this place more than half a century in benevolent
exertion to enlighten the darkened mind, and to promote the salva-
534 HAY.
tion of his Indian brethren. He (lied October 3, 1 80^, aged eighty
years. In his last sickness he observed, " I have hope of accept-
auice with God, but it is tounded wholly on free and sovereign grace,
and not at all on my own works. It is true, my labors htrve been
many ; but they huve been so very imperiect, attended with so
great a want ol charity and humility, that 1 have no hope in them
as the ground of my acceptance." He expressed his regret, at the
same time, that the distinction between grace and works Avas not
more clearly pointed out by modern preachers. His o^vn discours-
es from the pulpit were always impressive, and marked with the
peculiar character of Christian sincerity and goodness. He was
amiable in private life, happy in his domestic connexions, hospita-
ble, and benevolent. An extensive correspondence w^s the source
of much satisfaction to liim. As a missionary he was peculiarly
well qualified, for there was a dignity in his manner, and an author-
ity in his voice, Avhich had great influence with the Indians. He
published in the collections of the Massachusetts historical society
biographical and topographical anecdotes respecting Sandwich and
Marshpee, and an interesting letter, giving a narrative of his jour-
ney to Onohoghgwage.— Pa?Ji5/i/is?, iii. 431; Columbian centinel,
October 7, 1807 ; Collect, hist soc. iii. 188 — 193 ; iv. 50 — 67.
H AYNES (John), governor of Massachusetts and of Connecti-
cut, was a native of Essex in England, and arrived at Boston in
company with Mr. Hooker in 1633. He was soon chosen an as-
sistant, and in 1635 governor. The next year he was succeeded
by Mr. Vane. In 1636 he removed to Connecticut, of which colo-
ny he was one of the principal founders. He was elected its first
governor in April 1639, and was replaced in this office every second
year, which was as often as the constitution would permit, till his
death in 1654. He was distinguished for his abilities, prudence,
piety, and public spirit, being considered as in no respect inferior
*o governor Winthrop. His estate and talents were devoted to the
interests of the colony of Connecticut. He paid strict attention to
family worship, and the religious instruction of his children. His
son, the reverend Joseph Haynes, Avas the minister of the first
church in Hartford ; but the name is now extinct. One of gover-
nor Haynes' daughters married Mr. James Russell of Charlestown.
— Trumbull's Connecticut, i. 34, 223,224 ; Magnalia, ii. 17 ; Hutclu
inson, i. 34, 43, 53 ; Holmes' annals, i. 365.
HAYWOOD (Henry), a minister in South Carolina, arrived in
Charleston from England in 1739, from which time till his death
in 1755 he was minister to the Socinian Baptists in that city. He
translated into English Dr. Whitby's treatise on original sin, and
had prepared for the press a large volume in defence of Dr. Whit-
by against Dr. Gill, and also a catechism. — Miller^ ii. 365.
HENRY (Patuick), governor of Virginia, and a most eloquent
orator, took ivn carlv and decided part in support of the rights of his
HEN. 3^5
country against the tyranny of Great Britain. In the year 1765 he
was a mevuber of the assembly of Virginia, and he introduced
some I'esolutions, which breathed a spirit of liberty, and which were
accepted by a small majority on the twenty ninth of May. I'hese
.were the first resolutions of any assembly ccc'asioned by the stamp
act. One of the resolutions declared, that the general assembly
had the exclusive right and power to lay taxes and impositions up-
on the inhabitants of the colony. Such v/as the wurmth, excited in
the debate, that Mr. Henry, according to the relation of Mr. Sted-
man, after declaiming against the arbitrary measures of Great Brit-
ain, added, " Caesar had his Brutus, (Charles the first an Oliver
Cromwell, and George the third ," when he was stopped from
proceeding farther, and .called to order. He was elected in 1774
one of the deputies from Virginia to the first congress, and was in
this year one of the committee, which drew up the petition to the
king. In May 1775, after lord Dunmore had conveyed on board a
ship a part of the powder from the magazine of Williamsburg, Mr.
Henry distinguished himself by assembling the independent com-
panies of Hanover and king William counties, and directing them
towards Williamsburg with the avowed design of obtaining payment
for the powder, or of compelling to its restitution. The object was
effected, for the king's receiver general gave a bill for the value of
the property. The governor immediately fortified his palace, and
issued a proclamation, charging those, who had procured the bill,
with rebellious practices. This only occasioned a number of coun--
ty meetings, which applauded the conduct of Mr. Henry, and ex-
pressed a determination to protect him. In August 1775, when a
new choice of deputies to congress was made, he was not reelected,
for his services were now demanded more exclusively in his own
state. After the departure of lord Dunmore he was chosen the
first governor in June 1776, and he held this office several succeed-
ing years, bending all his exertions to promote the freedom and inde-
pendence of his country. In the beginning of 1778 an anonymous
letter was addressed to him with the design of alienating his aflec-
tions from the commander in chief. He enclosed it to Washington
both to evince his friendship and to put him on his guard. In
another letter, written a few days afterwards, when he had heard of
a plan to effect the removal of Washington, he says to him, " while
you face the armed enemies of our liberty in the field, and, by the
favor of God, have been kept unhurt, I trust your country will
never harbor in her bosom the miscreant, who would ruin her best
supporter ; but when arts unworthy honest men are used to de-
fame and traduce you, I think it not amiss, but a duty to assure
you of that estimation, in which the public hold you."
In June 1778 he was a member, with other illustrious citizens of
Virginia, of the convention, which was appointed to consider the con-
stitution of the United States j and he exerted all the force of his
336 HKN.
masterly eloquence, day after day, to prevent its adoption. He
contended that changes were dangerous to liberty ; that the old con-
federation had carried us through the war, and secured our inde-
pendence, and needed only amendment ; that the proposed govern-
ment was a consolidated government, in which tiie sovereignty of
the states would De lost, and all pretensions to rights und privileges
would be rendered insecure ; that the want of a bill of rights was
an essential defect ; that general warrants should have been pro-
hibited ; and that to adopt the constitution with a view to subse-
quent amendments was only submitting to tyranny in the hope of
being liberated from it at some future time. He therefore offered a
resolution, containing a bill of rights and amendments for the great-
er security of liberty and property to be referred to the other states
before the ratification of the proposed form of government. His '
resolution however was not accepted. The argument of Pendle-
ton, Randolph, Madison, and Marshall prevailed against the elo-
quence of Henry, and the constitution was adopted, though by a
small majority. Mr. Henry's bill of rights and his amendments were
then accepted, and directed to be transmitted to the several states.
Some of these amendments have been ingrafted into the federal
constitution, on which account as well as on account of the les-
sons of experience Mr. Henry in a few years lost in a degree his
repugnance to it. After the resignation of Mr. Randolph in
August 1795 he was nominated by president Washington as secre-
tary of state, but considerations of a private nature induced him to
decline the honorable trust. In November 1796 he was again
elected governor of Virginia, and this ofhce also he almost imme-
diately resigned. In the beginning of the year 1799 he was
appointed by president Adams as an envoy to France with Messrs.
Ellsworth and Murray. His letter in reply to the secretary of
state is dated in Charlotte county Aiiril the sixteenth, and in
it he speaks of a severe indisposition, to which he was then subjecti
and of his advanced age and increasing debility, and adds, " nothing
short of absolute necessity could induce me to withhold my little
aid from an administration, whose abilities, patriotism, and virtue
deserve the gratitude and reverence of all their fellow citizens.'*
Governor Davie of North Carolina was in consequence appointed
in his place. He lived but a short time after this testimony of the
respect, in which his talents and patriotism were held, for he died
at Red Hill in Charlotte county June 6, 1799.
Mr. Henry was a man of eminent talents, of ardent attachment
to liberty, and of most commanding eloquence. The Virginians
boast of him as an orator of nature. His general appearance and
manners were those of a plain farmer. In this character he always
entered on the exordium of an oration. His unassnnniig looks and
expressions of humility induced his bearers to listen to him with
the same easy oi>enness, with wliich they would converse with an
HEl^. S37
holiest neighbor. After he had thus disarmed prejudice and pride
and opened a way to the heart, the inspiration ol his eloquence,
when little expected, would invest him with the authority ci a
prophet. With a mind of great powers and a heart of keen sensi-
bility, he would sometimes rise in the majesty ol his genius, and,
while he filled the audience with admiration, would with almost ir-
resistible influence bear along t'ip passions of others with him.
In pj'ivate life he was as amiable and virtuous, as he was conspic-
uous in his public career. His principles of liberty and regard to
Christianity led him to deplore the practice of slavery. On this
subject, in a letter written in 1773, he inquires, " is it not amazing,
that at a time, when the rignts of humanity are defined and under-
stood with precision, in a country above all others fond of liberty ;
that in such an age and such a country we find men, professing a
religion, the most humane, mild, gentle, and generous, adopting a
principle, as repugnant to humanity, as it is inconsistent with the bi-
ble, and destructive to liberty ? — Would any one believe, that I ara
master of slaves of my own purchase ? I am drawn along by the general
inconvenience of being here without them. I will not — I cannot j ustify
it. — I believe a time will come, when an opportunity will be offered to
abolish this lamientable evil. Every thing we can do istoimprove it, if it
happens in our day ; if not, let us transmit to our descendants, togeth-
er with our slaves, a pity for their unhappy lot, and an abhoiTence of
slavery," In another letter to Archibald Blair, esquire, Avritten
but a few months before his death, after lamenting the violence of
parties in Virginia, and reprobating French infidelity, and manners,
and politics, he adds, " I am too old and infirm ever again to under-
take public concerns. I live much retired amidst a multiplicity of
blessings from that gracious Ruler of all things, to whom I owe
unceasing acknov»iedgments for his unremitted goodness to me.-^
And if I were permitted to add to the catalogue one other blessing,
it should be, th:.). my countrymen should learn wisdom and virtue,
and in this their day to know the things, that pertain to their
peace." The following affectionate tribute to the memory of Hen-
ry, Mdiich appeared in the Virginia papers immediately after his
death, though not a specimen of perfect taste, will yet further illus-
trate his character by showing the estimation, in wh.ich he was
held by those, who knew him. " Mourn, Virginia, mourn ; your
Henry is gone. Ye friends to liberty in every clime, drop a tear.
No more will his social feelings spread delight through his happy-
house. No more will his edifying example dictate to his nume-
rous offspring the sweetness of virtue, and the majesty of patriot-
ism. No more will his sage advice, giiilded by zeal for the com-
mon happiness, impart light and utility to his caressing neighbors.
No more will he illuminate the public councils with sentiments
drawn from the cabinet of his own mind, ever directed to his coun-
ti'y's goed, and clothed in eloquence sublime, delightful; and com-
44
33S HER.
manding. Fariewell, first rale patriot, farewell. As long as our
rivers flow, or mountains stand, so long- will your excelkuce and
worth be the theme ol" our homage and endearment ; and Virginia,
bearing in mind her loss, will say to rising generations, imitate my
Henry." — Monthly anthology., i. 459, 489, 543 ; Marshal^ ii. 88,
180, 209, 210 ; afifiaid. 25 — 27 ; iii, atipend. 12, 15 ; v. afifiend.
31, 32 ; Virginia debates^ tsec. edit. IT., 42, 309, 316, 327, 336, 357,
416, 420 ; Stedman.^ i. 33 ; Gordon^ ii. 85, 86 ; Annual register for
1776, 19, 20 ; Clayfioole''3 advertiser., June 21, 1799 ; Columb. cen-
iinel, JVbve?nber 5, 1800 ; Holmes' annals., ii. 499.
HKRSEY (Ezekiel), an eminent physician of Hingham, Mas-
sachusetts, and a benefactor of Harvard college, Avas graduated at
that seminary in 1728, and die^ December 9, 1770. He bequeath-
ed to the college, in which he was educated, one thousand pounds
sterling towards founding a professorship of anatomy and surgery.
His widow also gave the same sun\ for the same purpose. Dr.
Warren, the present professor, was the first, who was established
on this foundation. — 'Holmes' annals., W- 297.
HERSEY (Abner), an eminent physician of Barnstable, Mas-
sachusetts, was the brother of the preceding and died not manjF
years after him. He bequeathed to Harvard college five hundred
pounds towards the establishment of a professorship of the theory
and practice of physic. The first professor in this department was
the present one. Dr. Waterhouse. Dr. Hersey also bequeathed
about five h\mdred pounds, the interest of which he directed to be
applied annuaiiy to tlie purchase of religious publications, which
should be distributed in all the towns on cape Cod. He directed
Avhat books should be selected for a hundred years ; after the expi-
ration of which time the ministers and deacons of the several towns,
to whose care his donation is entrusted, are authorized to select any
religious books at their pleasure, excepting on every fourth year,
when the books, which he designated, among which are some of
Doddridge's works, are to be distributed forever.
HI ACOOMES, the first Indian in New England, who was con-
verted to Christianity and a minister at Martha's Vineyard, lived
upon this island, when a few English families first settled here in
1642. Under the instruction of the reverend Thomas Mayhew he
eagerly received the truths of the gospel. Having learned to read,
he in 1645 began to teach his copper colored brethren the Christ-
ian doctrines, and he did not libor in vain. A number of them
were soon impressed with a sense of their guilt in living, as they
had done, and sought for pardon from him, who is the propitiation
for the sins of the world. The sachems and ])awaws, or priests, did
not observe this progress of Christianity with indifference. While
the latter threatened to destroy all the praying Inilians with witch-
craft, their menaces were particularly directed against Hiacoomes ;
but he said to them, " I believe in God find put my trust in him, and
HIG. 339
thepefore all the pawaws can do me no hurl." In 1650, when he
lost a young child, the funeral was performed in the English man-
ner. The mourners did not discolor their faces, nor deposit any
utensils or goods in the grave, nor howl Over the dead. After the
death of Mr. Mayhew in 1657, he continued his benevolent labors,
though he greatly lamented the loss of that good man, by whom he
had been enlightened in the knowledge of the truth, and whose in«
structions gave him the power of instructing others. In August
1670 an Indian church was regularly formed on Martha's Vineyard,
and Hiacoomes and T^ckanash were ordained its pastor and teach-
er by the reverend Messrs. Eliot and Cotton. Hiacoomes survived
his colleague, and died about the year 1690, aged near eighty years.
He was a faithful and successful minister, slow in speech, grave in
manners, and blameless ju his life. While he taught the Indians
the doctrine of the Trinity, the fall of Adam, the wretched state of
'his descendants, and the wuy of redempdon by Jesus Christ, he was
also courageous in reprehending them for worshipping their false
gods and adhering to their pawaws. He was not elated by thfe
high office, which he sustained, but ever continued humble. At
■the ordination of Mr. Japhet, who succeeded Tackanash as his col-
league, he prayed, imposed hands, and gave the charge Avith miuch
propriety. In his last sickness he expressed the hopes of a Christ-
ian, and gave good exhortations to those around hirn ; and at his
death he without doubt entered into that rest, from \vhich many of
the learned and refined, who love not the Lord Jesus Christ, will be
excluded. — Mayhem's Indian converts \ Mather's magnalia, iii. 199 ;
JSTears JV. E. i. 263,— 271.
HIGGINSON (Francis), first minister of Salem, Massachu-
setts, after receiving his education at Emanuel college in Cam-
bridge, became the minister of a church at Leicester in England.
Here he devoted himself to the duties of his office, bending all his
efforts to produce that renovation of heart and holiness of life, with-
out which no man can see the kingdom of God. While his popular
talents filled his church with attentive hearers, such was the divine
blessing upon his labors, that a deep attention to religious subjects
was excited among his people, and he witnessed with pleasure the
progress of uprightness, benevolence, and piety among the dishon-
est, the selfish, and the impious. Becoming at length a conscien-
tious nonconformist to the rites of the English church, some of
which he thought not only were unsupported by scripture, but cor-
rupted the purity of Christian worship anddiscipline, hewas exclud-
ed from the parish pulpit. In such estimation however was he
held by a number of conformist ministers, that they frequently re-
quested his services as long as they could do it without exposing
themselves to trouble. He also obtained liberty to preach a lecture
in Leicester, and often attended private meetings for prayer and re*
4igious conference with a number of excellent Christians. As the
340 HIG.
spirit of ecclesiastical tyranny became more jealous and rigorous,
informution^was lodged against Mr. Higginson, and while he was
daily expecting to be dragt!;cd away l)y pursuivants to the high
commission court, a kind providence interposed remarkably in his
favor, and provided for him a place of security. One day two
messengers came to his house, and with loud knocks cried out,
" where is Mr. Higginson f We must spcik with^Mr. Iligginsou 1"
His wife ran to his chamber and entreated him to conceal himself;
but he replied, that he should acquiesce in the will of God. He
went down, and as the messengers entered the hall they presented
him with some papers, saying in a rough manner, " sir, we came
from London, and aur business is to convey you to London, as you
may see by those papers." " 1 thought so," exclaimed Mrs. Hig-
ginson weeping ; but a woman's tears could have little eftect upon
liard hearted pursuivants. IMr. Higginson opened the packet ta
read the form of his arrest, but instead of an order from bishop
Laud for his seizure he found a copy of the charter of Massachu-
setts, and letters from the governor and company, inviting him to
embark with them for New England. The sudden transition of
feeling from despondence to joy inspired him with the same good
humor, which induced his friends to act the part oi his enemies,
and a pleasant interview succeeded.
Having sought advice and implored the divine direction, he re-
solved to accept the invitation. In his farewell sermon, preached
before a vast assembly, he declared his persuasion, that England
•would be chastised by war, and that Leicester would have more than
an ordinary share of sufferings. It was not long before his predic-
tion was verified. It is not meant, that he claimed the power of
foretelling future events ; but he could reason with considerable ac-
curacy from cause to effect, knowing that iniquity is generally fol-
lowed by its punishment, and he lived in an age, when it was usual
for ministers to speak with more confidence, and authority, and effi-
cacy, than at present. He sailed from Gravesend A\iv\l 25, 1629,
accompanied by the reverend Mr. Skelton, whose principles accord-
ed mth his own. When he came to the land's end, he called his
children and the other passengers on deck to take the last view of
their native country ; and he now exclaimed, " farewell England,
farewell the church of God in England, and all the Christian friends
there. We do not go to America as seiiaratists from the church of
England, though we cannot but separate from its corruptions.". He
then concluded with a fervent prayer for the king, church, and
state in England. He arrived at cape Ann, June 27, 1629, and
having spent the next day here, which was Sunday, on the twenty
ninth he entered the harbor of Salem. July the twentieth was ob-
served as a day of fasting by tiiC appointment of governor Endicot,
and the church then made choice of Mr. Higginson to be their
tcmcher, and Mr. Skelton their pastor. Each with the assistance of
HIG. 341
some of the gi'avest members of the church laid liis hands at this
time on the other with prayer. A more solemn investiture took
place on the sixth of August, when about thirty persons accepted a
confession of faith and church covenant, which had been drawn up
by Mr. Higginson, and the two ministers were again ordained by
the imposition of hands. Governor Bradford and others trom the
church of Plymouth gave them the right hand of fellowship. As
both these ministers had been ordained by bishops in England, and
as Mr. Higginson professed not to be a separate from the establish-
ed church, this ordination cannot be consiilered as investing them
with the sacred office, but only as introducing them to the pastoral
care of a particular flock. Thus auspicious was the commence-
ment of the settlement of Naumkeak, or Salem ; but the scene was
soon changed. During the first winter about one hundred persons
died, and Mr. Higginson was soon seized with a hectic, which ter-
minated his days in August 1 630, in the forty third year of his age.
In his last sickness he was reminded of his benevolent exertions in
the service of the Lord Jesus Christ. To consoling suggestions of
this kind he replied, " I have been an unprofitable servant, and all
my desire is to win Christ, and be found in him, not having my own
righteousness." His family, consisting of his wife and eight chil-
dren, whom he was about to leave without a suitable provision for
their maintenance, he cheerfvdly commended to the care of God,
being fully persuaded, that his favor would attend them.
He was a zealous and useful preacher, mild in his doctrines, but
strict in discipline. He admitted none into the church without sat-
isfactory evidence, that they were truly religious, and excluded
the ignorant and immoral from the table of the Lord. In his de-
portment he was grave, and pure in morals, and though not rash in
his decisions, he was not easily shaken from his purposes. In his
person he was slender and not tall. His son, Francis Higginson,
went to Europe, and after residing some time as a student at Ley-
den, and visiting other universities upon the continent, was settled
as a minister at Kerby Steven in Westmoreland, England, where
he died about the year 1670, in the fifty filth year of his age. He
was the first, who wrote against the quakers, and he published also
a latin treatise concerning the five principal lights, uncreated and
created light, and the light of nature, grace, and glory.
Mr. Higginson of Salem wrote an account of his voyage, which
is preserved in Hutchinson's collection of papers. He wrote also
a short account of that part of Massachusetts, which was now set-
tling, and of the Indians, entitled, New England's plantation, or a
short and true description of the commodities and discommodities
of that country. It was published in 4to in 1630, and has been
lately reprinted in the collections of the historical society. This
curious account is generally correct, though the isle of slates, and
the marble, and the lions existed only in report and imagination.-—
342 HIG.
Mathers inagiialia, i, 18, 19 ; iii. 70 — 75 ; Collect, hist. goc. i. 1 17—,
124 ; vi. 231, 242 — 244 ; ix. 2 — 3 ; Mal*s M E. i. 145 ; Morse
and Parish'' 8 JV. E. 96—101 ; Prince^ 248 ; Hutchinson, i. 10, 11;
his collection, 32 — 50 ; Holmes' atmals, i. 250.
HIGGINSON (John), minister of Salem, Massachusetts, was
the son olthe preceding, and was born in England August 6, 1616,
Some time after the death of his father, with whom he came .to
this country in 1629, he was the instructer of a school at Hartford,
Connecticut, his mother with six of her children being somewhat
dependent upon his exertions lor her support. Having become a
preacher, he was chaplain at Saybrook fort a number of years. In
1641 he went to Guilford, and preached about two years as an as-
sistant to Mr. Whitfield, whose daughter he married. In 1643 he
was chosen one of the seven pillars of Guilford. The practice of
choosing from among the brethren seven persons, who were called
pillars, to whom the other church members were gathered, had be-
fore been adopted m New Haven and Miliord. After the church
was completely organized in Guilford )n 1643, Mr. Higginson was
elected teacher to assist Mr. Whitfield ; but he was not ordained.
About the year 1650 Mr. Whitfield returned to England, and Mr.
Higginson remained as teacher of the church. But in 1659 he left
that town with the intention of revisiting his native country. On
his arrival at Salem he was persuaded to preach one year in the
church, where his futher had been settled, and was ordained in Au-
gust 1660. Here he continued near half a century till his death
December 9, 1708, in the mnety third year of his age. He had
been seventy two years in the muiioterial office. His coUeague,
Mr. Nicholas Noyes, survived him.
The ordination of Mr. Higginson, it seems, took place in a man-
ner somewhat peculiar. The hands of the deacons and of one of
^he brethren were imposed in the presence of the neighboring
churches and elders. Whether they united in this ceremony is not
-known ; but Mr. Norton of Boston gave the right hand of fellow-
ship. Mr. Higginson was at first zealous against the quakers, and
he lived to lament, that his zeal was so warm. As a preacher he
was highly respected. Judge Scwall calls him, " that aged and
venerable divine ;" and Dr. Mather speaks of him, in the eighty
eighth year of his age, as then performing the duties of his office
with such manly, pertinent, judicious vigor, and with so little decay
of his intellectual abilities, as excited admiration. In his worldly
affairs he was often embarrassed, being supported during part of
his ministry by voluntary contribution. It is considerable evidence
of his good sense and of his licncvolcncc, that he took no part in
the proceedings relating to witchcraft in 1692. He published an
election sermon, entitled, the cause of God and his people in New
England, 1663 j our dying Savior's legacy of peace to his disci-
ples in a troublesome world, with a discourse on the duty of Christ-
HIL. 34S
ians to be witnesses unto Christ, unto which is added some help to
self examiriution, i68o ; an attestation to Dr. Matliei's inutxii'ilia,
or cluu'ch history of New England, prefixed to that work, and dited,
1697 ; a testimony to the order of tlic i^ospe) in the churciios of
New England with Mr. Hubbard, 1701 ; an epistle to the reader,
prefixed to Hale's inquiry into the nature ot witchcrult, 1702 ; a
preface to Thomas Allen's invitation to thirsty sinners ; the de-
plorable state of New England, 1708. — Mug'nalia,ni.66,76 ; Collect.
MsL soc.iv. 187 ; vi. 243, 244,259 — 264,271,272; Huic/iinsony
J. 425; ii, 176; Trumbuirs Connect, i. 292, 298, 310; JsToyes*
elegy ; Holmes' annals.^ ii. 74.
HILLIARD (Timothy), minister of Cambridge, Massachu-
setts, was born in Kensington, New Hampshire, in 1746, and was
graduated at Harvard college in 1764. When he entered the pul-
pit as a preacher of the gospel, his labors were very acceptable,
and he was thought not only to have just views of the Christian
doctrines, but to have experienced their efficacy on his own heart.
In 1768 he was appointed chaplain of castle William, and after offi-
ciating a few months was elected a tutor of the college, in which
he was educated. He was ordained the niinister of Barnstable
April 10, 1771, as the successor of the reverend Mr. Green ; but
after continuing his benevolent exertions in this place for twelve
years, respected and beloved by his people, he was induced in con-
sequence of his impaired health, occasioned by the dampness of
the sea air, to request a dismission, which was given him April 30,
1783. He was succeeded by the reverend John Mellcn. On the
twenty seventh of October following he was installed at Cambridge,
as colleague with the venerable Dr. Appleton. He was peculiarly-
well qualified for the conspicuous station, in which by divine provi-
dence he was now placed ; for he possessed an easy and pleasing
elocution and a devotional manner, and his discourses were pure in
language, replete with judicious sentiments, well arranged, instruc-
tive, and truly evangelical. But the power of doing good was
continued to him but a few years. In tb.e midst of his usefulness
and with an increasing reputation he died suddenly May 9, 1 790, in
the forty fourth year of his age. A short time before Jic expired,
he expressed his full confidence in God, and said, that he enjoyed
those consolations, which he had endeavored to impart to others.
While he was respected for his talents and acquisitions, and made
himself pleasing in social intercourse, he also possessed an amiable
temper, kind and sympathetic feelings, and the genuine benevo-
lence of the gospel. Though firm in the maintenance of his re-
ligious sentiments, he was yet conspicuous for his candor. He
published a fast sermon, preached at Barnstable ; a sermon at the
execution of three persons, 1785 ; at the ordination of the reve-
rend Bezaleel Howard, Springfield ; of the reverend John An-
drews, 1789 ; and a Dudleian ]eciure.-—Willard's fun. sermon i
•Holmes' /list, of Cambridge ; Collect, hist. soc. iii. 16 ; vii. 63 — 67.
344. HIT.
HITCHCOCK (Enos, d.d.), minister of Providence, Rhode laJ-
and, was a native of Springfield, Massachusetts, and was graduated
at Harvard college in 1767. He was ordained in 1771 a colleague
of the aged Mr. Chipman, pastor of the second church in Beverly,
At the commencement of the war his zeal for his country's rights
induced him to become a chaplain in the American army. Believ-
ing, that his duty to the public and to nis family required, that his
connexion with the church in Beverly should be dissolved^ he was
dismissed in 1780. In intervals of leisure from duty in the cafnp
he preached at Providence, and was installed October 1, 1783. He
died February 27, 1803, in the fifty ninth year of his age. Distin-
guished by active, habitual benevolence through lile, at his death he
bequeathed twenty five hundred dollars for the establishment of a
fund for the support of the ministry in his society. Ho paid great
attention to the education of youth, and while he wrote upon the
subject he projected and promoted the establishment of free schools.
He was an excellent preacher and died in peace. He publislied a
book of catechetical instructions and forms of devotion for children
and youth ; memoirs of the Bloomsgrove family, a work on edu-
cation, 2 vol. 12mo, 1790 ; a sermon at the dedication of his meet-
ing house, 1795.— Ta/i/ian*s ser/)io?i on his death.
HOAR (Leonard, m. d.), president of Harvard college, was
graduated in that seminary in 1650, and in 1653 went to England,
and took the degree of doctor in medicine at the university in Cam-
bridge. He was afterwards settled as the minister of Wensted in
Sussex, from which parish he was ejected for his nonconformity in
1 662. He returned to this country in 1 672 and preached a short time
as an assistant to the reverend Thomas Thacher at the south church
in Boston. In July he was chosen president, to supply the loss of
the reverend Mr. Chauncy, and was inducted into this office on the
tenth of September. As a scholar and a Christian he was very
respectable ; but falling under the displeasure of a few men of in-
fluence in the neighborhood, the students wore thus encouraged to
array themselves against him, and his situation was rendered so
unpleasant, that he was under the necessity of resigning his office
March 15, 1675. He was succeeded by Mr. Oakes. The inju-
ries, which he had suffered, visibly affected his health, and induced
a consumption, of which he died November 28, 1675. While he
was president, there was a contribution through the colony for
erecting a'new building for the college, and eighteen hundred and
ninety five pounds wtve collected. A valuable letter of Dr. Hoar
to Josiah Flynt, giving him direction in his studies, is published
in the collections of the Massachusetts historical society. — Ma^na'
/in, iv. 129 ; Collect, hl.it. soc. v'l. 100 — lOS ; .Yi^al's ^Y. E. i, 390 ;
HutchinHon., i. 174; Nonconform, memorial., ii. 222.
HORART (Fkter), first minister of Hingham, ^lassachusetts,
was born in the town of the same name in England in 1604^ and
HOB. 345
Was (Educated at the university of Cambridge. After he began to
preach, the impositions of the prelatical party induced liim to come
to this country. He arrived June 8, 1635, and in September fol-
lowing he began, with a number of his friends, a new plantation at
Hingham. Here he continued till his death, January 20, 1679.
Four oi his sons were respectable ministers, of whom Joshua was
settled at Southold on Long Island, Jeremiah at Haddam, and Gcr-
shom at Groton, Connecticut. — Magnalia, iii. 153 — 155; Brain-
erd's iife, 1 ; Hoimen' annals, i. 281.
HO BART (Nehemi ah), minister of Newton, was the son of the
preceding, and was born November 21, 1648. He was graduated
at Harvard college in 1 667. After preaching two years at Newton,
he was ordained December 23, 1674, as successor of Mr. Eliot, and
died August 12, 1712, in the sixty fourth year of his age. Mr.
Cotton succeeded him. He was humble, pious, and learned. He
published a sermon entitled, the absence of the Comforter described
and lamented. — Collect, hist. soc. v. 267—269 ; jx. 196.
HOBART (Noah), minister of Fairfield, Connecticut, was grad-
uated at Harvard college in 1724, and about the year 1734 was or-
dained as the successor of the reverend Joseph Webb. In a few
years a number of persons in Fairfield county adopted the episco-
palian worship, separating themselves from the congregational
churches, and some of the episcopal missionaries represented the
ministers of the country as not the true ministers of Christ. In con-
sequence of this Mr. Hobart was induced to write upon the subject
of presbyterian ordination and to vindicate its validity in a sermon,
■which he preached at the close of the year 1746. In answer to him
Mr. Wetmore wrote his vindication of the professors of the church
of England in Connecticut. A controversy now commenced, in
which Mr. Hobart had for his opponents Dr. .Tohnson, Mr. Wet-
more, Mr. Beach, and Mr. Cancr. He contended, that the inhabi-
tants of the American plantations were not obliged by any laws of God
or man to conform to the prelatic church, as established in the south
part of Great Britain, that it was not prudent to embrace the epis-
copal communion, and that it was not lawful for members of the
New England churches to separate from them and produce a schism.
He also animadverted upon the conduct of the society for propagat-
ing the gospel in foreign parts, and upon the misrepresentations of
its missionaries. This controversy lasted a num.ber of years. Mr.
Hobart died December 6, 1773, in the sixty eighth year of his age,
and the forty first of his ministry. In his life he exhibited the vir-
tues, and in his death the resignation and peace of the Christian.
Not long before his departure from the world, as some one remark-
ed to him, that he was going to receive his reward, he replied, " I
am going, I tinist, to receive the mercy of God through JesuB
Christ."
Mr. Hobart had few equals in this country for acuteness of ge^
45
346 HOB.
nius and learning. A sound judgment, a retentive memory, and
an uncommonly social And communicative temper, joined to a
knowledge of books, and an extensive acquaintance with most
branches of science, especially with history and divinity, which
were his favorite studies, rendered his conversation very interest-
ing and useful. In the public offices of religion he acquitted him-
self with graceful dignity, and with a solemnity, which indicated
a deep impression of the majesty of that Being, in whose presence
he appeared. In his preaching he addressed himself to the under-
standing rather than to the imagination and -passions, inculcating
the great doctrines of regeneration, of repentance towards God,
and faith in Jesus Christ, and pressing with earnestness upon his
hearers the necessity of that holiness, without which no man will be
admitted to heaven. He published a sermon at the ordination of
the reverend Noah Welles, 1747 ; a serious address to the mem-
bers of the episcopal separation in New England, 1748 ; election
sermon, 1750 ; a second address to the members of the episcopal
separation in New England, 1751; a vindication of the piece, en-
titled, the principles of congregational churches &c. applied to the
case of the late ordination at Wallingford, occasioned by remarks
made thereon by Mr. Hart, I 7 6\.-^ Welles' Jun. sermon; Holmes*
a!nnals^\\. 307.
HOB ART (JoHTN Sloss), judge of the district court of New
York, was die son of the preceding, and died February 4, 1805, in
the sixty seventh year of his age, having sustained through life a
blameless character. During the late war he was placed in some of
the most important and confidential stations in New York. Mr. Jay,
Mr. Hobart, and Mr. Yates were appointed the three judges of the
supreme court first appointed after the revolution. This place he
held for a number of years. In 1798 he was chosen a senator of the
United States. — .A'*. York sfiectalor^ February 5, 1806 ; Monthly an-
'hology^ ii. 111.
HOLDEN (Samuel), a benefactor of the province of Massachu-
setts, died in London in 1740. A sermon on his death was preach-
ed in Boston by Dr. Colman before the general court. Mr. Hol-
den was at the head of the dissenters in England, and at the head of
the bank of England. Such was his benevolence and regard to re-
ligion, that he sent to Dr. Colman thirty nine sets of Baxter's prac-
tical works in four massy folios, to be distributed among our church-
es. The amount of his charities for promoting the gospel and
other useful purposes was four thousand eight hundred and forty
seven pounds, New England currency. After his death his Avidow
and daughters gave in the same liberal and benevolent spirit five
thousand five hundred and eighty five pounds. Holden chapel for
the college at Cambridge was built by their donation. Mr. Holden
was a man of unfeigned ])iety. He says in a letter, " I hope my
treasure is in hcavenvand would to God mjr heart were more there
HOL. 347
Abstract from God and futurity, I would not accept of an eternity
here in any given circumstances whatever." — Colman's sermon on
his death ; Cohnan's life, 113, 114.
HOLLIS (Thomas), a most liberal benefactor of Harvard col-
lege, was born in England in 1659 of pious parents, and being im-
pressed by religious truth and having embraced the principles of
the baptists, he was baptized in 1679. About the year 1700 he
was chosen a deacon of the reverend Mr. Palmer's church in Lon-
don, and he died in February 1731, aged about seventy two years.
He was for many years an eminent merchant, and while success at-
tended his exertions, it pleased God to incline him also to charita-
ble and benevolent deeds in proportion to his wealth. .He founded
tAvo professorsliips in Harvard college, the professorship of divinity
and of mathematics. He also presented a valuable apparatus for
mathematical and philosophical experiments, and at different times
augmented the library with many valuable books. In 1727 the net
•produce of his donations, exclusive of gifts not vendible, amounted
to four thousand, and nine hundred pounds. New England currency,
the interest of which he directed to be appi'Ppriated to the support
of the two professors, to the treasurer of the college, and to ten
poor students in divinity. The liberality of Mr. Hollis seemed to
proceed from a pious heart. He says in a letter, after speaking of
some of his efforts to do good ; " I think not hereby to be justifi-
ed. My rejoicing is in Jesus Christ, my God and Savior." He
also ascribes all, that he was, " to rich, free, and sovereign, electing
love." Being a Calvinist in his sentiments, he required his pro-
fessor, of divinity to be " of sound or orthodox principles." Still he
was not governed by a sectarian spirit ; he did not require the
preference of his own baptist denomination ; but the professorship
was open to every one, who, in his view, embraced the important
and fundamental doctrines of the gospel. His first professor was
the reverend Dr. Wigglesworth. His nephew, Thomas Hollis,
who died in 1774, had a most ardent attachment to liberty, and en-
deavored to promote it by the publication and distribution of books,
which vindicate the rights of man. His benefactions to the library
of Harvard college amounted to about fourteen hundred pounds
sterling.-: — Caiman's and Wigglesnvorth's sermons, Greenwood's dis-
courscy and Eudd's poem on his death ; Memoirs of Thomas Hollis^ \.
1; ii. 598— 601.; Morse's true,reasons, ^c.j Hobnes' annals, ii.
13D.
HOLYQKE (Edward), president -of Harvard • college, was
graduated in that seminary in 1705, and after being a tutor for a
few years was ordained the minister of a new society in Mavble-
head April 25, 1716. He continued in this place until 1737, when
he was elected president of the college, in which he was educated.
He was inducted into this office as the snccessor of president Wads-
worth on the twenty eigluli of September. lie died June 1, 176.9.
348 HOO.
in the eightieth year of his ai];e, retaining the vigor of his mind
and considerable strength of body, and discharging the duties of
his station until a few months before. Ho was succeeded by the
reverend Mr. Locke. Asa minister of the gospel, while Mr. Hol-
yoke contended for the free and sovereign grace of God in our sal-
vation} he was also zealous for good works, and by his benevolence,
uprightness, and the uniform integrity of his conduct he c/^empli-
fied the lessons, which he inculcated upon others. His excellence
as a preacher was such, as gained him a high reputation. At the
head of the university he possessed a dignity peculiar to himself,
ttis majestic appearance, his speech, and demeanor were calculated
to impress with awe ; but notwithstanding his air of dignity and
authority he was humble in heart. He sought not praise from
men, but endeavored to secure the approbation of God. Having a
vigorous constitution, and knowing the value of time, his hours
were appropriated to particular duties, and he was remarkable for
his punctuality, exactness, and order. He was eminent in the va-
I'ious walks of literature, but he principally excelled in his acquaint-
ance with mathematics and natural philosophy. He published an
election sermon, 1736 ; a sermon at the ordination of James Diman,
1737 ; at a convention of ministers, 174 1. — ^fifileton's sermons on his
death ; Seival/'s oratio funehris ; Collect, hist. soc. viii. 70 — 75 j x,
158; Holmes' annalsy ii. 294.
HOOKER (Thomas), the first minister of Cambridge, Mas-
sachusetts, and one of the founders of the colony of Connecticut,
was born in Leicestershire, England, !in 1586, and was educated at
Emanuel college, Cambridge. In his youth he had such a deep
sense of his guilt, as filled his mind with anguish ; but at length he
found peace through the blood of the Redeemer, and an exemplary
life of piety and goodness proved, that his hope would not make
him ashamed. After preaching for some time in London he was
chosen lecturer and assistant to Mr. Mitchel at Chelmsford in
1626. He was remarkably successful in his labors ; but being
silenced in about four years for his nonconformity, he established a
grammar school, and continued to exert his whole influence for the
Christian cause. Forty seven conforming clergymen in his neigh-
borhood petitioned the bishop of London on his behalf ; but Laud
was of too imperious and determhied a spirit to suffer any circum-
stance to shake him from his purpose, when he had an oi)poitunity
to lay his hands upon a puritan. Mr. Hooker was obliged to flee to
Holland about the year 1630, and he preached sometimes at Delft,
and sometimes at Rotterdam, being an assistant to the celebrated
Dr. Ames.
lx\ 1633 he came to New England in company with Mr. Cotton
4md Mr. Stone, and was settled with the latter at Newtown or Cam-
bridge on the eleventh of October, being ordained by the imposi-
tion of Iho hands of the brethren of the church. In June 1636 hr
HOO. 349
removed with a hundred others to a fertile spot on the baiiks of the
Connecticut river, which they called Hartford, having travelled
through the w^ilderness with no other guide than a compass. In
tins new colony he had great influence in establishing the order of
the churches. He died of an epidemical fever July 7, 1647, in the
sixty second year of his age. As he was dying, he said, " I am
going to receive mercy ;" and then closed his own eyes, and ex-
pired with a smile on his countenance. He was a remarkably ani-
mated and interesting preacher. With a loud voice, an expressive
countenance, and a most commanding presence he delivered the
truths of God with a zeal and energy seldom equalled. He ap-
peared with such majesty in the pulpit, that it was pleasantly said
of him, that " he could put a king into his pocket." He has been,
called the Luther, and Mr. Cotton the Melancthon of New Eng-
land. It was his custom, it seems, to preach without his notes. On
a visit to Massachusetts in May 1639, he preached on the Sabbath
at Cambridge, and governor Winthrop went from Boston to hear
hirn. Having named his text in the afternoon, he proceeded about
a quarter of an hour with gixat loudness of voice and vehemence
of manner, when suddenly he found himself entirely at a loss what
to say. After several ineffectual attempts to proceed, he observed
to the assembly, that what he intended to have spoken v/as taken
from him, and requesting them to sing a psalm withdrew for halt
an hour. He then returned and preached about two hours with
wonderful pertinency and vivacity. After the sermon, he said to
some of his friends, " we daily confess, that we can do nothing
without Christ, and what if Christ should prove this to be the fact
before the whole congregation ?" Dr. Ames declared, that he never
met with Mr. Hooker's equal either in preaching or disputation.
While he lived in his native country he was invited to preach
in the great church of Leicester, and one of the chief burgesses
set a fiddler in the church yard to disturb the worship. Mr. Hook-
er elevated his voice to such a pitch and spoke with such animation,
as to rouse the curiosity of the man and attract him to the church
door. There he listened, and such solemn truths reached his ears,
as by the blessing of God were the means of his salvation. Though
his own preaching was generally very practical and experimental,
he advised young ministers to preach the whole system of divinity
both for their own benefit and that of their people. In the gov-
ernment of the church he would propound nothing for decision till
it had been previously considered by some of the principal breth-
ren, and would say, " the elders must have a church in a church,
it they would preserve the peace of the church." Though na-
tu rally irascible in his temper, he acquired a remarkable command
of his passions. He was condescending, benevolent, and charitable.
It Avas no uncommon act of beneficence with him to give five or ten
pounds to the necessitous. At a time, when there ^vas a great
£50 KOO.
i
ends
scarcity at Southampton upon Long Island, he with some frieni
sent the inhabitants a small vessel, freighted with corn. His be-
nevolence was uiiited with piety. One day in every month he de-
voted to private prayer and fasting, and he used to say, that prayei*
was the principal .part of a minister's work. In his family he ex-
hibited a lively devotion, and all, who resided under his roof, were
instructed and edified by him.
His most cclebratedwork, entitled, a survey of the sum of church
discipline, was published in England in 4to, 1 6-18, under the inspec-
tion of the famous Dr. Thomas Goodwin, who says, " as touch-
ing this treatise and the Avorthy author of it, to preface any thing
by commendation of either were to lay paint upon burnished mar-
ble, or add light unto the sun." In this work Mr. Hooker contends,
that each church has in itself full power to excercise all church
discipline, but that there is a necessity for consociations, which may
proceed against a church, pertinaciously offending, with a sentence
of non communion. Mr. John Higginson transcribed fi'om his
manuscripts about two hundred sermons and sent them to Eng-
land; and near one half of them were published. The titles of
some, of his discourses and treatises are the following ; the soul's
preparation for Christ ; the soul's humiliation ; exaltation ; voca-f
tion ; implantation.; the unbeliever preparing; of self denial ; du-
ty and dignity of saints ; on the Lord's prayer ; on church disci-
pline ; four treatises on the carnal hypocrite, the church's deliver-
ance, the dcceitfulnes? of sin, the benefits of afflictions, 1638 ; the
■goul's possession ; pattern to perfection ; saint's guide ; the ap-
'^lication of redemption ; and the poor, doubting Christian drawji to
Christ. The seventh edition of this last and excellent work was
published at Boston in 1743. — Mat/icr's magtialia, iii. 58 — 68 ; Col-
irct. hist. soc. vii. 38—41 ; Trumbull's Connect, i. 10, 48, 55, 306 ;
JVeal's jV. it. i. 289--290 ; Morton^ 135 — 140; Winthroji^ 181;
Jfutchinson, i. 34, 43, 45 ; his collection, 54 ; .Mor«e,and Parish's A*.
£. 142 — 149 ; Holmes' annals, i. 344.
HOOKER (John), minister of Northampton, Massachusetts,
was a descendant of the preceding, being his great grandson, and
was a native of Farmington, Connecticut. He was graduated at
Yale college in 1751, and was ordained at Northampton in 1754.
After a ministry of about twenty three years he died February 6>
1777, in the forty ninth year of his age, deeply regretted by the
people of his charge, who in testimony of their affection and his
virtues erected a handsome monument to his memory. -Having
early imbibed the genuine spirit of Christianity, he uniformly ex-
hibited the evidence of it in his life. He was an able and faithful
minister, of distinguished learning, penetration, and prudence, of
uncommon suavity of temper and the most engaging manners. He
published a sermon at the ordination of the reverend Thomas Al-
ien of Pittsfield, 1754, and a sermon on the death of the reverend
John Hunt of Boston, 1776, both of which sermons furnish honor-
able testimofty of his piety and talents.
HOP. 351
HOPKINS (Edward), governor of Connecticut^ and a benefac-
tor of Harvard college, was an eminent meiciiunt in London, and ar*-'
rived at Boston with the reverend Mr. Davenport in the sumnicr of
1637. He soon removed to Connecticut, choosing; rather to estab-
lish himself at Hartford, than to join Mr. Davenport and Mr. Katon^
whose daughter in law he married, at New Haven. He was chos-
en a magistrate in 1639, and governor of Connecticut repeatedly
between the years 1640 and 1654. He afterwards went to Eng-
land, where he was chosen warden of the English fleet, commission-
er of the admiralty and navy, and a member of parliament. He
died in London in March 1657, in the fifty eighth year of his age.
He was a wise and upright magistrate, and a uian of exemplary pi-
ety and extensive charity. He bequeathed most of his estate in
New England, estimated at about a thousand pounds sterling, to
trustees in Connecticut for the support of grammar schools in N-ew
Haven and Hartford ; and live hundred pounds out of his estate in
England for promoting the kingdom of the Lord Jesus, which do-
nation was considered as made to Harvard college and the gram-
mar school in Cambridge, and by virtue of a decree in chancery
was paid in 1710. Witli this money real estate was purchased in a
township of Massachusetts, named Hopkinton, in honor of the do-
nor, and the legislature of the state has made such addition to the
fund, that six bachelors may now reside at Harvard college, and
aeven boys at the grammar school. — Magnalia-, ii. 22 — 25 ; Hutch^
znsow, i. 82, 101; TrumbuWa Connect, i. 241; Holmes' annala., i.
371 ; Douglass^ n^ 160.
HOPKINS (Samuki,),, minister of West Springfield, Massa-
chusetts, was graduated at Yale college in 1718, and was ordained
in 1720. He died in 1755, much beloved and esteemed. He pub-
lished historical memoirs relating to the Housatunnuk Indians, or
an account of the methods used for the propagation of the gospel
among that heathenish tribe under the ministry of the reverend
John Sergeant, with the character of that worthy missionary, and
an address to the people of this country &c. 4to, 1753. — Breck's
century sermon.
HOPKINS (Samuel, D.D.), an etninent divine, from whom the
Christians, called Hopkinsians, derive their name, was bora in Water-
bury, Connecticut, September 17, 1721. He lived with his parents,
employed in the labors of agriculture, until he entered his fifteenth
year ; and such was the purity of manners among the youth of this
place, that he never heard from any of them a profane expression-
After having been placed for a short time nnder the tuition of the
reverend John Graham of Woodbury, he entered Yale college in
September 1737, and was graduated in 1741. While a member of
this institution he made a public profession of religion. He diligent-
ly studied the scriptures and Avas constant in his secret devotions ;
but he was afterwards convinced, that he diil all this without aijy true
352 HOP.
love to the character of God, and that as yet he wasigiiorant of that
religion, which has its seat in the heait. It was during the remark-
able attention to the things of a better world, excited in the college
and town ot New Haven by the preaching of Mr. Whitefield and
Gilbert Tennent in the year 1741, that his security was shaken.
Such was the extraordinary zeal for religion, which was at that time
called into action, that a number of the members of the college were
impelled to visit their fellow students without regard to the distinc-
tion of classes, and to speak to them of the important concerns of
eternity. At this period David Brainerd, then a student, entered
the room of Mr. Hopkins, and though he could draw nothing from
him and found him completely reserved, yet he made a remark,
which sunk into his heart. He observed, that it was impossi-
ble for any man to be a real Christian, who was not sometimes deep-
ly affected in contemplating the character of Christ. Mr. Hop-
kins could not but admit, that a warm aflection for the Redeemer
would exist in those, who had been saved by him from their sins,
and as he was conscious of no such love to the Son of God, he be-
came convinced, that he was destitute of the spirit of the gospel .
The sense of his ignorance and of his sin impelled him to seek in-
struction and supplicate mercy. At length he was enlightened
with the knowledge of the way of salvation. The character of Je-
sus Christ, as mediator between God and man, filled him with joy,
to which he had before been a stranger. Still he did not indulge
the hope, that he was a Christian. His mind was for some time
principally occupied by the consideration of his unworthiness, help-
lessness, and guilt. Many whole days he spent in fasting and
prayer.
After he was graduated in September 1741, he retired to his fa-
ther's house, and lived a recluse for a number of months, except
when he could hold intercourse with persons zealous in religion.
In December he went to Northampton, Massachusetts, to pursue
the study of divinity with Mr. Edwards, and while with him was led
to consider the proper effects and evidences of that renovation of soul,
which he believed to be necessary in order to receive the blessings
of the gospel, and for the first time became satisfied that he was a
Christian. After he was licensed to preach in May 1742, he still
continued at Northampton, engaged in his theological studies,
preaching occasionally, without any pecuniary compensation, in the
neighboring towns. From December of this year till May 174S
ho preached to a new society in Symsbury, Connecticut. In July
he went to Houssatonnoc, now Great Barrington, Massachusetts,
where he was ordained December 28, 1743. At this time there
were only thirty families in the place. Here he continued till Jan-
uary 18, 17G9, when he was dismissed by an ecclesiastical council.
This event was occasioned by the din\inution of his society and the
want of support. An episcopal church had Ijeen established in the
HOP. 353
town in order to escape the i^ for the maintenance of a minister
of the gospel.
Mr. Hopkins was agsdn settled in the ministry at Newport, Rhode
Island, April 1 1, 1770. There were some circumstances attend-
ing his establishment in this place, which were remarkable, and
which prove, th:it the hearts of all men are in the hands of God, and
may be turned as the rivers of water are turned. After he had
been with this people some time, a meeting was called, and it was
voted not to give him an invitation to settle among them. Many
were dissatisfied with his sentiments. He accordingly made his
preparations to leave them, and on the sabbath preached a farewell
discourse. This sermon was so interesting and impressive, that u
different vote was immediately and almost unanimously passed, and
he consented to remain. For about four years he was unwearied
in the discharge of his pastoral duties, preaching a lecture every
week in addition to the services of the sabbath, and seizing every op-
portunity to impart religious instruction. The Avar of the revolu-
tion interrupted his benevolent labors. In December 1776, when
the British took possession of Newport, he left the town, and retir-
ed to his family, which he had before sent to Great Barrington.
During the summer of 1777 he preached at Newburyport in a con-
gregation, which was thought to be the largest in America. Its
pastor, the reverend Mr. Parsons, died a short time before. He
afterwards labored in the gospel of Jesus Christ in Canterbury and
Stamford, Connecticut. In the spring of 1780 he returned to New-
port, which had been evacuated by the British in the fall of the pre-
ceding year. He found his church and congregation much dimin-
ished. The town had been so long in the hands of the enemy, that
many, who had removjed, had become established in other places,
and were thus prevented from returning. The meeting house had
been made a barrack for soldiers, and had been much injured, and
the bell had been carried away. That portion of his former socie-
ty, which had remained in the town, had become so impoverished,
that he had no prospect of a maintenance. Yet such was his be-
nevolence, that he preached to them a year supported entirely by a
few generous friends, and when he received a pressing invitation to
settle at Middleborough, the request of his people induced him to
decline it. From this time till his death his maintenance was de-
rived entirely from a weekly contribution and the donations of his
friends. But he was contented with his humble circumstances, and
in a situation, which would have filled most minds with the great-
est anxiety, he cast himself upon the providence of God, and expe-
rienced through a course of years many remarkable interpositions
in his favor. His wants were always supplied. On the tenth of
January 1799 a paralytic affection deprived him of the use of his
limbs, although his mental powers Avere uninjured. But he after-
46
364 HOP.
wards recovered from this attack, so as to be able to preach. He
died Deceinber 20, 1803, in the eigh?jr third year of liis age.
Dr. flopkins was a very humble, pious, and benevolent man.
His views of his own character were always very abasing. He
cherished no proud conceptions of his own excellence, but ever
considered himself as a v«ry guilty sinner, meriting everlasting
punishment, and subsisting entirely upon mercy. He therefwe
walked humt)Iy with God. Knowing his own helplessness and sin,,
and thus being impressed by a just view of the state of a depraved
world, he admired the plan of redemption, which brought pardon
to the guilty, and salvation to the lost. His only hope was in the
infinite merit and worthiness of Jesus Christ. It was his constant
prayer, " God be merciful to me, a sinner 1" This humility per-
vaded his whole conduct. It preserved him from that overbearing
zeal, which is the offspring of self confidence and pride. In his
intercom'se with persons of sentiments different from his own,
he exhibited the greatest mildness and camlor. As truth was his ob-
ject, and he never disputed for victory, he sometimes carried convic-
tion to an opponent by the force of his arguments. While he made
it his constant care to watch against the intrusion of sinful thoughts,
and while he found his highest pleasures in the moments of retire-
ment from the world, when he could meditate upon the sublime and
cheering truths of heaven and could express the desires of his soul
to God, he also was careful to bring forth in his life the fruits of
righteousness. He sympathised in the distresses of others. He
took delight in relieving the Avants of the poor. Though he had
but little to bestow, yet many were gladdened by his liberality. On
one occasion he contributed a hundred dollars for promoting the
gospel among the Africans. After a useful and holy life, at the
approacn of death he enjoyed the peace of the upright.
Dr. Hopkins was a distinguished divine. His mind was discern-
ing, and his application was almost unequalled. He sometimes de-
voted to his studies eighteen hours in a day. With respect to his
views of divine truth, he embraced the Calvinistic doctrines ; and it
is principally by the consequences, which he drew from these doc-
i.rines, that his name has been rendered famous. He fully admit-
ted the Calvinistic doctrine of the entire depravity of the human
heart and the sinfulness of all the doings of the unregenerate ; but
his discerning mind perceived the discordance between this doc-
trine and the preaching of some of the Calvinistic divines, wha
exhorted the unregenerate as such to perform certain acts as the
appointed way to obtain that grace, which should renew their heaits
and make them holy. If men before conversion could do nothing,
that was pleasing t& God, he concluded they could do nothing to
I)rocure the influences of the Holy Spirit. Instead therefore of ex-
horting sinners to use the means of grace in order to obtain the di-
vine assistance to enable them to repcjit, when it was acknowledged
HOP. 355
.that in the use of the means of grace they would be entirely sinful,
he thought it a sacred duty, encumbent on the ministers of the gos-
pel, to imitate the preaching of the Lord Jesus, their Master, and
to call upon men immediately to repent and yield themselves to the
love of God. He thought that religious advantages, if in the use
of them the unregenerate were not converted, would but increase
guilt, as in tniscase there would be a greater resistance to the truth.
Another sentiment, which is considered as one of the peculiar sen-
timents of Dr. Hopkins, is that the inability of sinners is moral and
Jiot natural ; but this is only saying, that their inability consists
in disinclination of heart or opposition of will to what is good.
Combining the Calvinistic doctrine, that God has foreordained what-
soever comes to pass, with his views of the nature of sin as consist-
ing entirely in the intention or disposition of the nund, be inferred,
that it was no impeachment upon the character of the most right-
eous Disposer of all events to say, not merely that he decreed the
existence of sin, but that he exerted his own power to produce it.
The design being benevolent, he contended that no more iniquity
could be attached to this act, than to the bare permission of sin.
This is another of his peculiarities. From his views of the nature
of holiness, as consisting in disinterested benevolence, he also in-
ferred, that a Christian should be willing to perish forever, to be
forever miserable, if it should be necessary lor the glory of God
and the good of the universe, that he should encounter this destruc-
tion. Instead of the Calvinistic doctrine of the strict imputation of
Adam's sin and of the righteousness of Christ, he chose rather to
adopt the language of scripture in saying, that on account of the
first transgression men were made or constituted sinners, and that
men are justified -ou account of the righteousness of Christ, or
through the I'edemption, which there is in him.
Dr. Hopkins published three sermons, entitled, sin through divine
interposition an advantage to the universe, and yet this no excuse
for sin or encouragement to it, 1759, the second edition of which
was published in Boston in 1773, and another edition about the
same time in Edinburgh ; an inquiry concerning the promises of
the gospel, whether any of them are made to the exercises and do-
ings of persons in an unregenerate state, containing remarks on
two sermons by Dr. Mayhew, 1765 ; a sermon on tlie divinity of
Christ, preached in Boston, 1768 ; two sermons on Komans vii. 7,
and John i. 13, 1768, republished, 1793 ; the true state and charac-
ter of the unregenerate, stripped of all misrepresentation and dia-
guise, being an ^iswer to the reverend Mr. Mills, 1769 ; animad-
versions on Mr. Hart's late dialogue, 1770 ; an inquiry into the ita-
ture of true holiness, with an appendix in answer to Drs. Ifemmen-
way and Mather, 1773 ; of this inquiry a second edition was pub-
lished in 179 1 ; a dialogue, shewing it to be the duty and interest
'pfthe American states to emancipate al! their African slaves, 1776 *.
35G HOP.
an inquiry concerning the future state of those, who die in their sins,
1783; a system of doctrines, contained in divine revelation, ex-
plained and defended, to which is added a treatise on tlie miilenni-
nni, 2 vols. 8vo, 1793 ; it is on this system of divinity, that the rep-
utation of the author principally rests ; the life of IVIiss §usannah
Anthony, 1796 ; the life of Mrs. Osborn, 1798; and a volume of
sermons either a short time before or soon after his death. He left
behind him sketches of his life Avrittcn by himself, a dialogue on
the nature and extent of true Christian submission, and an address
to professing Christians, all of which were published by the rev-
erend Dr. West of Stockbridge in 1805. — Hofikins' life.
HOPKINS (Lemuel), a poet, was born in Waterbury, Connect-
icut, about the year 1755. After a good education at school he
engaged in the study of physic under the direction of Dr. Potter of
Wallingford. He commenced the practice of his profession at
Litchfield about the year 1776. Here he acquired celebrity as a
physician, and the singularity of his appearance, manners, and opin-
ions attracted general notice. About the year 1784 he removed to
Hartford, where he lived till his death in April 1801, aged fifty one
years. Three small productions of his pen, of singular humor, arc
inserted in the American poems, and he is the reputed projector
of the Anarchiad, a work, which he assisted in executing.— Mbn/A-
ly mag. and Amer. reviav, i. 468.
HOPKINSON (Francis), district judge of the United States
for Pennsylvania, was born in that state in 1738. He was a mem-
ber of congress from New Jersey in 1776, in M'hich year he signed
the declaration of independence. He held an appointnient in the
loan office for several years, and afterwards succeeded George Ross,
esquirc; as judge of the admiralty for the state of Pennsylvania.
In this station he continued till the year 1790, when he was appoint-
ed by Washington a judge of the district court. He died May 9,
179 1. He was a person, whose stature was a little below the com-
mon size, whose features were small, but uncommonly animated,
and whose speech and motions indicated the activity of his mind.
He was distinguished for his wit in conversation, but it was mild
and elegant. He contributed not a little towards promoting the in-
dependence of America, not however by labored discussions, but by
his inimitable humor and satire. He began in 1775 with a small
tract, entitled, a pretty story, in which in an allegorical manner he
exposed the tyranny of Great Britain towards America, and he con-
cluded his contributions to his country in this way with the history
of the new roof, which ought to be read with interest, while the cit-
izens of the United States are sheltered imder their present form of
national government. His battle of tho kegs has been much admir-
ed for its wit. A few years before his death in consequence of an
act of the assembly for cutting down the trees of Philadelphia in or-
der to guard against fire anil the evils of stagnant air, he wrote ahu-
HOV. SS7
morous speech of a standing member of the assembly against the
act, and rescued the devoted trees from the impending destruction-
His satires on newspaper scandal had the effect to restrain for a
number of months the licentiousness of the press. His specimen
of modern learning in an examination of the properties of a salt
box is a piece of exquisite humor. His opinions on education were
somewhat peculiar. He often ridiculed in conversation the prac-
tice of teaching children the English language by means of gram-
mar. He considered most of the years, which were spent in learn-
ing Greek and Latin, as lost, and he held several of the arts and sci-
ences, which are taught in colleges, in great contempt. To his
poetical talents he united uncommon excellence in music, and some
knowledge of painting. Besides the above works, he published sci-
ence, a poem, 1762. After his death his miscellaneous essays and
occasional writings were published in three vols. 8vo,1792. — Massa.
magazine, iii. 750 — 753 ; Jmerica?i mu8eum,m.. 165 ; ix. 39 ; Har-
die's biog. diet.
HOVEY (Ivory), minister of Plymouth, Massachusetts, was
born at TopsfieUl .Tuly 14, 1714. In the sixteenth year of his age
he became a member of the church of Christ. He was graduated
at Harvard college in 1735, and was ordained minister of Mctapois-
et, the second parish of Rochester, October 29, 1740. Having de-
voted much attention to the study of physic in consequence of his
impaired health, he in 1744 commenced the practice, and was the
principal physician of Metapoiset till his dismission in 1765. He
was afterwards installed, April 18, 1770, at Monumct ponds in
Plymouth, where he passed the remainder of his life. He died No-
vember 4, 1803, in the ninetieth year of his age, having been able
to continue his public labors till a few days before his death. He
had preached about sixty five years, and during that time kept a
journal, designed to promote his improvement in Christian excel-
lence, which he left behind him in about seven thousand octavo pag-
es of short hand. Extracts from it are preserved in the Piscataqua
magazine. He Avas one of the best of men, being distinguished for
meekness, humility, and piety. A great part of his time was spent
in his study, and fcAV men ever wrote so many sermons, though in
the latter periods of his life he usually preached without notes.
He published a valedictory sermon on leaving Metapoiset, and one
or two sermons on the subject of mortality. — Piscataqua evavg.
mag. i. 88, 89 ; iii. 144, 185, 229 ; Massa. miss. ?nag. iii. 20 ; iv.
302 ; Prince's Chr.hist.i 190.
HOWARD (Simeon, d.d.), minister in Boston, was born at
Bridgewater, Massachusetts, May 10, 1733, and was gratkiatcd at
Harvard college in 1758. He was afterwards an instrucier of youtli
lor several years, during which time he was preparing himself for
the ministry. Soon after he began to preach, he was invited to the
province of Nova Scotia, where he cfliciuied about a yeur. In 1766
S58 HOW .
he was elected a tutor of Harvard college ; and on the sixth of May
1757 was ordained pastor of the west church in Boston, as succes-
sor to Dr. Mayhew. He continued in this station till his death, Au-
gust 13, 1804, in the seventy second year of his age and thirty
eighth of his ministry. He was succeeded by the reverend Mr .
Lowell.
Dr. Howard took an early part in vindicating the liberties of his
country. When our rights were invaded, he was strenuously op-
posed to yielding them. He heartily engaged in promoting the
American revolution, and participated in the joy, experienced on
the acknowledgment of our independence. In the various relations
of life he was faithful and exemplary. He steadily exerted himself
to advance the intere&ts of humanity and literature, and was for
many years one of the governors of the university. As a preacher,
though he was not eloquent and popular, he yet was free from those
faults, which adhere to many public speakers. There was nothing
ofiTensive in his delivery, nothing artificial or disgusting in his tones.
In his theological sentiments he differed from the first fathers of
the New England churches, lor he rejected the system of Calvin.
The creed, which he early embraced, he retained till his death.
Towards those who differed from him, he was indulgent in his
thoughts, and tolerant in his conduct. He never could approve of a
sarcastic and irreverent way of speaking of objects, which any sin-
cere believer might deem s:\cred. He was indeed so mild and gen-
tle, that he could not express severity, which he never felt. There
was a serenity upon his countenance, which indicated the peace,
that constantly dwelt in his heart. He was remarkable for
humility. While he never mentioned either his virtues or his
faults, it was evident to all, who were intimately acquainted with him,
that he had a humble sense of his own talents and moral attainments.
One cause of that taciturnity, which was regretted by his friends,
was an unwillingness to engage in the usual topics of conversation.
He did not choose to speak of himself ; he had no ambition to wound
the feelings of his neighbor by a smart reply or a witty sarcasm j
his sincerity disqualified him for flattery and compliments ; he was
too candid to be disposed to rail against the opinions of others, be-
cause they differed from his own ; he was unwilling needlessly to
offend by contradicting those, who were present, and he could not
slander the absent. Such a man must often find it necessary to be
silent. He was endeared to his people, for he interested himself in
their welfare, and endeavored to render them virtuous and good.
All, who knew him, were delighted with the modesty, mildness, and
benevolence, which he exhibited. He published an artillery elec-
tion sermon, 1773 ; a sermon on the death of his wife, 1777 ; a ser-
mon to freemasons, 1778 ; a sermon on not being ashamed of the
gospel, occasioned by the cljaUi of Dr. Winthrop, 1779 ; election
sermon, 1780. — Monthly anthrAogijy i. 476 ; iii. 115 — 119; JJlerary
miscellany.) ii. ZZ3 — 33P.
HOW. 359
HOWELL (Richard), governor of New Jersey, was a native of
Delaware, and having been admitted to the bar a short time before
the late struggle between Great Britain and America commenced,
he devoted his talents to the service of his country. His abilities as
a soldier procured him the appointment of the second Jersey regi-
ment in 1776, which station he occupied till the spring of 1779,
when in consequence of a new arrangement of the army he resum-
ed the profession of the law. In 1788 he was appointed clerk of
the supreme court, which office he held till June 1793, when he
was chosen governor of the state. To this place he was eight years
successively elected. He died April 28, 1802, aged forty seven
years. He possessed a cultivated mind, and was benevolent in his
life. — The balance^ i. 156.
HUBBARD (William), minister of Ipswich, Massachusetts,
and a historian, was born in the year 1621, and was graduated at
Harvard college in the first class in 1642. The time of his ordi-
nation is not known, but it is supposed to have been about the year
165 7, as Colleague with Mr. Cobbet. In his old age Mr. John Rog-
ers was settled with him in 1692. Mr. Hubbard died September
14, 1704, aged eighty three years. He was a man of leaming, and
of a candid, benevolent mind. Such was his attachment to the ec-
clesiastical order, established by the fathers of New England, that
when the church in Brattle Street, Boston, was founded on new and
less strict principles, he expressed his indignant feelings at the in-
novation. His son, Nathaniel Hubbard, esquire, was a member of
the council, and one of the justices of the sujicrior court.
Mr. Hubbard wrote a valuable history of New England, which is
still in manuscript. It is a manuscript in folio of more than three
hundred pages, after the plan of Winthrop's journal. It was used
by Mather in writing his magnalia, by Hutchinson, and of late by
the reverend Dr. Holmes. He p'^blished an election sermon, en-
titled, the happiness of a people in the -wisdom of their rulers direct-
ing and in the obedience of their brethren attending imto what Is-
rael ought to do, 1676 ; the present state of New England, being a
narrative of the troubles with the Indians from the first planting
thereof in 1607 to 1677, but chiefly of the two last years 1675 and
1676, to which is added a discourse about the war with the Pc-
quots, 4to, 1 677 ; a fast sermon, 1 682 ; a funeral discourse on ma-
jor general Denison, 1684 ; a testimony to the order of the gospel in
the churches of New England, with Mr. Higginson, 1701. — Hutch'-
inson, ii. 147 ; Holmes^ annaU, ii. 64 ; Collect, hist. soc. vii. 253 ; x
32—35.
HUDSON (Henry), an eminent navigator, was an Englishman,
who explored a part of the coast of Greenland in the years 1607 and
1608, while seeking a passage to Japan and China. After his re-
turn to England from his second voyage, he went over to Holland,
and the Dutch East India company gave him the command of a
360 HUN.
ship for discovery. He sailed March 25, 1609, and after passing ^
alonj; the coast of Laphind, he crossed the Atlantic, and discovered ^
cape Cod, at which place he landed. He then pursued his course
to the Chesapeake, and on his return along the coast entered the
river in the state of New York, which bears his name, and ascended
in September as far as where the city of Albany now stands. A set-
tlement was soon after made upon this river by the Dutch. In 1 6 lOjhe
was again fitted out by some gentleman to discover a passage to the
south sea, and in this voyage he discovered the extensive bay to the
north, which bears his name. He drew his ship into a small creek
on the third of November, and it was frozen up during the winter.
Uncommon flights of wild fowl furnished provision, without which
supply the crew must have perished. In the spring of 1611
he made several efforts to complete his discoveries, but was
obliged to abandon his cnterprize and make the best of his
way home. He distributed to his men with tears in his eyes all the
bread, he had left, which was only a pound to each ; though it is said,
that other provisions were afterward found in the ship. In his un-
easiness and despair, he let fall threatening words of setting some
of his men on shore ; upon which a few of the sturdiest, who had
been very mutinous, entered his cabin in the night, tied his arms
behind him, and set him adrift in the shallop at the west end of the
straits with his son and seven of the most sick and infirm of his
men. He never was heard of again. The crew proceeded with
the ship for England. Four of them were killed by the savages, as
they went on shore near the strait's mouth, and the rest, ready to
die for want, arrived at Plymouth in September 1611. He publish-
ed divers voyages and northern discoveries, 1607 ; a second voyage -
for findinga passage to the East Indies by the north east, 1608. Ac-
counts of his other voyages were published ; but they were not written
by himself. Some of them are preserved in the third volume of Pur-
chas' pilgrims. — Bdkna/i's American biogra/i/ty., i. 394 — 407 ; .Vew
and gen. biog. did. ; Hardie ; Holmes^ annals.^ i. 167 ; Forster's
voyagest 332, 421.
HUNTINGTON (Joseph, d. d.), minister of Coventry, Con-
necticut, was graduated at Yale college in 1762, and died in the year
1795. He is well known as the author of a work, entitled, Calvin-
ism improved, or the gospel illustrated as a system of real grace,
issuing in the salvation of all men, which was published after his
death, in 1796. In it the author contends, that our sins are trans-
ferred to Christ, and his righteousness to us, that he was a true and
proper substitute for all mankind, and has procured unconditional
salvation for every individual. It was answered in the same year
by the reverend Dr. Strong in a work, which bears the title of the
doctrine of eternal misery rcconcilcable with the infinite benevo-
lence of God. Dr. Huntington puWislied a sermon on the vanity
anf the British cabinet, were obtained by Dr. Franklin and
sent to Massachusetts. They disclosed his whole character at once,
and proved him the secret enemy of his country, who stimulated
the ministry to enforce their plans, and who even declared to them,
that " there must be an abridgment of English liberties in colonial
?djninistration.'' Immediately after this detection of his treachery,
the general court passed some severe resolves, voted an impeach-
ment, and requested, that his majesty would remove him from of-
fice forever. But as soon as he was informed of the dctprmined
measures, which they were adopting, he dissolved the assembly.
]He became at length so very obnoxious to the province, that he was
superseded by governor Gage in May 1774. He sailed for Eng-
land on the first of June, and before his departure a f&w partizans
sent him an address, thanking him for his services. Tiiese men
>vere long distinguished by the appellation of Hutchinson's ad-
dressers. ILjs impeachment was without effect ; and the lords of
the privy council made a report highly in his favor. But he soorv
experienced the neglect of those, to the promotion of whose plans
he had saci'ificed his reputation fov integrity, and to whom he had
been ready to yield the rights of his country. Becoming an object
of disgust with all parties lie lived many months in a state of cha-
grin and despondence, and died at Brampton in the beginning of
June 1780, aged sixty nine years.
Governor Hutchinson published a brief state of the claim of the
colonies, &c. 1764 ; the history of the colony of Massachusetts
Bay from the first settlement thereof in 1628 until the year 1750,
in 2 vol. 8vo, the first in 1760, and the second in 1767 ; and a col-
lection of original papers relative to the history of the colony of
Massachusetts Bay, Svo, 1769. These works are held in high esti-
mation by those, who are searching into the history of our coun-
try. The late judge Minot has brought down the history of Mas-
sachusetts to the year 1765. — Warren,, i. 79 — 83, 1 1 1 — 126 ; Gor-
don^'i. 181 ; ii. 28~3l ; Minot ii.TQ, 104, 132, 160, 187, 198— j
216 ; Holmes' annals, ii. 272, 440.
IRVINE (William), a brave officer in the American war, was
a native of Ireland, and was educated for the medical profession,
which he relinquished at the commencement of the revolution.
He had an early command in the army, and in the expeditipn to
Canada in 1775 was conspicuous for his talents and bravery. In the
operations in the middle states during the remainder of the war he
was consulted by the commander in chief, and was particularly ob-
noxious to ).hc enemy. After the war he was a meii\her of congress
from Pennsylvania. He died at Philadelphia July 30, 1804, aged
sixty three years. Major general Irvine held for some time before
^s death the office of military intendant. lie- was also president
JOH. 365
of the Giiicinnad of Pennsylvania. Frank and sincere, he paid
ri^pett to none but to those, whom he deemed worthy, and those,
lor whom he had no regard, he shunned in silence. — JYeiv York
sjicctator, August 1, 1804 ; Freeman's jourval.
. JOHNSON (Edward), an inhabitant of Woburn, Massachu-
setts, was one of the military officers, who were sent to seize Gor-
ton in 1643. He published the wonder working providence of
Sion's Savior in New England, containing a history of New En-
gland from 1628 to 1652, London, 4to, 1654. In this work he gives
a description of the country, an account of the civil and ecclesiasti-
cal affairs, with the names of the magistrates and ministers. —
Prince's annals, ii ; Backus' abr. 55 ; IVinthropf 309.
JOHNSON (Samuel, d. d.), first president of king's college,
New York, was bom in Guilford, Connecticut, October 14, 1696,
He early felt an unconquerable desire for the acquisition of knowl-
edge, and was graduated at Yale college in 1714. In the succeed-
ing year the ignorance and incapacity of the instructors of the
seminary at Saybrook induced the students to abandon it. Some
of them went to VVethersfield, where a school w as established under
the care of Messrs. Williams and Smith ; and some of them put
themselves under the tuition of Mr. Johnson at Guilford. In Oc-«
tober 1716 the trustees and general court directed the college to
be removed to New Haven, and Mr. Johnson was chosen one of the
tutors. The first commencement in New Haven was held in Sep-
tember 17 ir, and Mr. Andrew of Milford officiated as rector, and
pn the same day degrees were conferred at Wethersfield. There
was a party, who wished to have the college established in this last
place ; but the genei'al assembly required all the scholars to repair
to New Haven. They complied at first, but soon returned. The
affair was settled by an agreement on the part of the assembly to
confirm the degrees, which had been conferred at Wethersfield, and
to build a state house in the neighboring town of Hartford at the
public expense. Mr. Johnson continued as tutor at the college tiU
March 20, 1720, when he was ordained the minister of West Ha-
ven. Having an aversion to extemporary performances, it was his
practice to use forms of prayer, and to write only one sermon in a
month. He usually preached the discourses of others, minuting
down only the heads, and expressing himself, when his remem-
brance of the words of the author failed him, in language of his own.
Having embraced the Arminian doctrines, and by close examination
having become a convert to the episcopalian worship and church
government, he resigned his charge at West Haven, and embat lied
yt Boston with president Cutler for England Novembers, 17'02.
Having received ordination as a missionary for Stratford, Connecti-
cut, he arrived at that place il\ November 1723. His predecessor snd
friend, Mr. Pigot, wias immediately removed to Providence. Mr.
Johnson was nov*'' the oply episcopalian minister in Connecticutj
366 JOH.
and there were but a few families of the English church in the col*
ony. They were not increased in Stratford by means of his labors,
but in the neighboring towns, where he sometimes officiated, many
families conformed. The desire of escaping the congregational tax
by joining a church, whose minister recei\ ed a salary from a for-
eign society, and the petty quarrels, which exist in most congrega-
tions, were causes, according to Mr. flobart, of no inconsiderable
influence in multiplying the episcopalians in Connecticut. Be-
tween the years 1735 and 1736 JSIr. Johnson was engaged in a con-
troversy on thelsubject of episcopacy with Mr. Dickinson, Mr. Fox-
croft, and Mr. Graham. Entering on a new course of studies, he
procured the works of Mr. John Hutchinson, and embraced many
•f his sentiments. He regarded him as a person of a stupendous
genius, little inferior even to that of sir Isaac Newton, whose prin-
ciples he opposed ; and he thought, that in his writings he had dis-
covered many important, ancient truths, had effectually confuted
the Jews, infidels, Arians, and heretics of other denominations, and
proved, that the method of redemption by Jesus Christ was better
understood in the patriarchal and Mosaic ages, than was generally
imagined. In 1754 he was elected president of the college, which
had been lately instituted at New York. He went to that place in
April and soon commenced his labors. The charter was procured
October 31, 1754. In March 1763 he resigned, and was succeed-
ed by the reverend Myles Cooper. He passed the remainder of
his days in the peaceful retreat of Stratford, resuming his former
charge, and continuing in the ministry till his death January 6,
1772, in the seventy sixth year of his age.
Dr. Johnson was in his person rather tall, and in the latter part
of his I'fe considerably corpulent. While his countenance was
majestic, there Avas also something in it, which was pleasing and
familiar. He was happy in a calmness of temper, which was sel-
dom discomposed. Those, who knew him, generally loved and re-
vered him. The same good disposition, which rendered him amia*
ble in private life, marked all his proceedings of a public nature,
and may be discovered in his controversial writings. Benevolence
was a conspicuous trait in his character. He seldom suffered a
day to pass without doing to others some good offices relating to
their temporal or spiritual aflairs. Hisconversation was enlivened
by the natural cheerfulness of his disposition, yet in his freest dis-
course he retained a respect to his character as a clergyman. He
possessed a quick perception, and sound judgment, and by inces-
sant study through a long life he became one of tlic best scholars
and most accomplished divines, of which Connecticut can boast.
By his acquaintance with dean Berkeley, he became a convert to the
peculiar metapliysical opinions of that great man. His piety was
unmingled with gloom or melancholy, and he contemplated with
admiration and graiiiudc the wonderful plan of redemption by the
JOH* 367
incarnation and sufferings of the eternal Son of God. An account
of his lite, written by the reverend Dr. Chandler, was given to the
public in 1805.
He published plain reasons for conforming to the church, 1733 ;
two tracts in the controversy with Mr. Graham ; a letter from Ar-
istocles to Authades ; a defence of it in a letter to Mr. Dickinson ;
a system of morality, 1746, designed to check the progress of en-
thusiasm ; a compendium of logic, 1752; a demonstration of the
reasonablenes, usefulness, and great duty of prayer, 1761 ; a ser-
mon on the beauties of holiness in the worship of the church of
England ; a short vindication of the society for propagating the gos-
pel; an English grammar and a catechism, 1765 ; a Hebrew gram-
mar, 1767; this evinced an accurate acquaintance with that lan-
guage, and it was reprinted with improvements in \7 7 1. •—'Chand-
ler* s life of Johnson; xMiller, ii. 356 ; Literarij miscellany^ ii. 295—
304 ; Beach's fun. sermon ; Holmes* annals, ii. 302 ; Monthly an-
thology, iii. 92.
JOHNSON (SiH Wii.M am), a major general of the militia of
New York, and remarkable for the ascendency, which he gained
over the Indians, was born in Ireland about the year 1714, and was
a nephew of sir Peter Warren, the naval hero, who distinguished
himself especially at the siege ot Louisbourg in 1745. Sir Peter,
having married a lady in New York, was induced to purchase large
tracts of land upon the Mohawk river and the more interior parts
of the country, and he sent for his nephew about the year 1734 to
come to America and take the charge of his affairs. Young John-
son accordingly took up his residence upon a certain tract on the
Mohawk, luid cultivated an acquaintance with the Indians. He
learned their language ; he studied their manners, that he might
be able to conciliate their regard ; his situation upon the river be-
tween Albany and Oswego presented a fine opportunity for trade,
and he carried on a large traffic with them, supplying them with
such goods, as they needed, and receiving in return beaver and oth-
er skins ; at length he acquired an iniluence over them, which no
other man ever possessed. In 1755 he was entrusted with the com-
mand of the provincial troops of New York, and marched to invest
Crown Point, while Shirley proceeded towards Ontario agreeably to
the plan of the campaign. General Johnson, after the defeat of a
detachment under colonel Williams, which he had sent out, v/as at-
tacked himself in his camp on lake George on the eighth of Sep-
tember. But as soon as his artillery began to play, the Canadian
militia and the Indians fled with precipitation to the swamps. The
French troops were repulsed, and baron Dieskau, their general, was
taken prisoner. The advantage, however, which was thus gained,
was not pursued, and his conduct in not proceeding against Crown
Point has been the subject of reprehension. Even the success of
the battle has been attributed to the exertions of the brave general
368 JOH»
Lyman. But Johnson, who was wounded in the engagement, reap-
ed the benefits of the repulse of Dieskau, which was magnilied into
a splended victory. Tlie house of commons bestowed on him live
thousand pounds sterling, and the king conferred on him the title
of baronet. About this time also he was appointed superintendant
of Indian affairs in New York. In the year 1759 he commanded
the provincial troops under brigadier general Prideaux, in the expe-
dition against Niagara. While directing the operations of the siege,
Prideaux was killed by the bursting of a cohorn on the twentieth of
July ; but Johnson prosecuted the plan, which had been formed,
with judgment and vigor. On the twenty fourth the enemy made
an attempt to raise the siege, but were defeated through the excel-
lent dispositions and the courage of Johnson, and the next day the
fort was taken, and about six hundred men made prisoners of war*
This event broke off the communication, which the French intended
to establish between Canada and Louisiana. When Amherst em-
barked at Oswego in June 1760 to proceed on the expedition to
Canada, sir William brought to him at that place a thousand Indians
of the Iroquois or five nations, which was the largest number, that
had ever been seen in arms at one time in the cause of England.
He died at his seat at Johnson hall, about twenty four miles from
Schenectady, on the Mohawk river, July 1 1, 1774, aged sixty years;
He left a large sum of money to be employed in presents to the In-
dians of the Mohawk castles, all of whom, men, women, and chil-
dren had mourning presented them on the death of their patron.
Sir William Johnson possessed very considerable talents as an
orator, and his influence over the Indians was not a little owing to
the impression made upon them by means of his elocution. His
discernment and address were such, as enabled him to accommodate
himself to men of very different dispositions. It has been repre-
sented, that he was envious towards Shirley, and endeavored to
thwart him in his plans by discouraging the Indians from joining
him ; and that in his private conduct he paid little respect to those
laws, the observation of which only can insure domestic peace and
virtue. He had wives and concubines, sons and daughters of differ-
ent colors. He was zoalous in supporting the claims of Great Brit-»
ain, which excited such agitation in the colonies a few years before
his death, and he exerted himself to promote the interest of the
church of England. The following anecdote seems to evince, that
in his dealings with the Indians, who have a good reputation for
cunning, he was not outwitted by them. Having sent to England
for clothes finely laced, on their arrival Hendrick, the chief of the
Mohawks, was dazzled with their splendor, and he began to think
how finely he should look, dressed in a similar manner. His vani-
ty could not be resisted, and to gratify it he hit upon the following-
expedient. He went to sir William one morning, and told him
Tcry demurely, that in the preceding night he had dreamed, that
JON. 369
the baronet had generously presented him with a suit of his laced
clothes. The solemn hint could not be mistaken or avoided, and
the Indian monarch went aWay, pleased with his successiul ingenu-
ity. In a few days, however, sir William accosted his majesty and
made known his dream, which was, that Hendrick had given him
a tract of land, containing several thousand acres. " The land is
yours," said Hendrick, " but now, sir William, I never dream with
you again ;'you dream too hard for me."
Sir John Johnson succeeded his father in his title, and was ap-
pointed major general in his place in November 1774. At the
commencement of the war he joined the British, and about the year
1776 persuaded the Mohawks to retire into Canada, from whence
he repeatedly ravaged different pails of New York, and in one ex-
pedition, in which he destroyed the very settlement, where he for-
merly lived, he proved himself not very dissimilar in character to
his savage companions. In 1796 he was appointed governor of
Upper Canada. — 'Account from the reverend Dr. Eliot ; Annual reg-
ister for 1758, 54 ; for 1759, 30—34, 122 ;Jor 1760, 58 ; /or 176,6,
91 ; for 1774^ 195; Amertcaft ?nuseiim, \i. 482 ; Marshall, i. 385,
395, 446 ; Wynne, ii. 44 — 52, 99 — 101 ; Collect, hist. soc. ii. 197 ;
iv. 58 ; vii. 90 — 99, 106 — 115, 150 — 153 ; Mtnot, i. 253,287 ;
Holmes' annals, ii. 212,234 ; Smith, 154 ; Morse's gazetteer, article
JohnstOTjn.
JONES (John, m. d.), one of the most eminent physicians and sur-
geons, of whom our country can boast, was chosen in 1767 first pro-
fessor of surgery in King's college, New York. He published about
the year 1775 a work entitled, plain remarks on wounds and frac-
tures, addressed to the students and young practitioners in America.
This was particularly designed for the benefit of the surgeons in the
army and navy of the United States, and is a monument of the pro-
fessional skill and patriotism of its worthy author. He died at Phil-
adelphia June 23, 1791. After his death, his pupil, James Mease,
published his surgical works, with an account of his life, 8vo, 1795.
—-'Ramsai/s revieiv of medicine, o6 ; Miller's retrospect, i, 319.
JOSSELYN (John), author of New England's rarities, arrived
in Boston in 1663, and resided in New England a number of years.
He was bi^other to Henry Josselyn, a counsellor under the govern-
ment of Gorges. He does not deserve much credit as a historian.
The following is the title of his principal work ; New P2ngland's
rarities discovered in birds, fishes, serpents, and plants of that coun-
try ; together with the physical and chyrurgical remedies, whei-e-
with the natives constantly use to cure their distempers, wounds,
and sores ; also a perfect description of an Indian squaw in all her
bravery, with a poem not improperly conferred upon her ; lastly a
chronological table of the most remarkable passages in that country
amongst the English ; illustrated with cuts, 1672. He published
also an accov.nt of two voyages to New England, wherein you have
48
370 KAL.
the setting out of a ship with the charges, a description of thecoun-
tJ'jr, &c. 1674. — Sulliva?i's dist. Maine, 282 ; Iiutchi7ison, 1.267^263 j.
Douglass, ii, 71.
KALB (Baron ue), a major genertil in the army of the United
States, was a German by birth, and had long been in the French
service. In the battle near Camden, August 16, 1780, he fell after
receiving eleven wounds in his vigorous exertions to prevent the
defeat of the Americans. He died on the nineteenth in tlie forty
eighth year ot his age, ha\'ini^ served three years with high reputa-
tion. His last moments were spent in dictating a letter, which ex-
pressed his warm affection for the men and ofhcers of his division,
and his admiration of their firmness and courage in withstanding a
superior force. An ornamental tree was planted at the head of hi&
grave in the neighborhood of Camden, an(l congress resolved, that a
monument should be erected to his memory at Annapolis with a very
honorable inscription.— Gorrfo??, iii. 391, 443; Ramsay., ii. 168;
PP'^urren, ii. 243 ; Marshall, i\. 184 ; Holma,' annals, ii. 433 ; jimcr-
ican museum, vi. 319, 320.
KEITH (Siu Wii-liam), governor of Pennsylvania, sustained
this office from 1717 to 1726. He had been before surveyor gene-
ral of the customs in America. He died in England November
17, 1749, aged near eighty years. He published the history of the
British plantations in America, part i, containing the history of Vir-
ginia, 4to, 1738. No other part was ever published, and this is
very concise. The author concludes with saying, in allusion to the
college, AVhich had been established, " they will probably be mis-
taken, who imagine, that the advancement of literature, and im-
provement of arts and sciences in oui American colonies can ever
be of any service to the British stSite."— 'London mag. xviri. 529.
KENTUCKY, one of the United States of America, was form-
erly a part of Virginia, and was well known to the Indian traders
many years before its settlement. A map of this country was pub-
lished by Lewis Evans in 1749. It was not till 1773, that the first
family settled in this territory. In that year colonel Daniel Boone,
with five other famiiics, who were joined by forty men from Pow-
ell's valley took up their abode in the forest. During the war of
the American revolution the infant settlement of Kentucky was re-
peatedly ravaged and almost annihilated by the attack of liie Indians,
stimulated to rapine and murder by emissaries from the govern-
ment of Canada. But reinforcen^ents of emigrants, attracted by
the fertility of the soil, enabled the inhabitants lo undertake even of-
fensive measures. In the latter end of 1778 the brave general
Clarke in several expeditions defeated a nuir.ber of tribes of In-
dians, laid waste their villages, and was the means of saving the
country from destruction. In 1777 this newly settled country was
erected into a county,and in 1782 the legislature of Virginia made it
a separate district, and established in it a supreme court. This mcas'
KIL. 371
nre conduced much to the convenience of the inhabitants and the in-
terests of justice. Still as the scat of government was at the dis-
tance of six hundred miles the necessity of a separation occasion-
ed, a convention of deputies from the different counties in 1785,
who determined that an application should be made to Viii^inia to
procure her consent to the independence of Kentucky. This was
generously granted. But delays arising IVom the change of the
government of the United States and other causes prevented the
erection of this district into a separate state till December 6, 1790,
and its admission into the Union till June 1, 1792. A form of gov-
ernment was adopted in this year, and the first general assembly
met at Lexington on the fourth of June. The constitution was
amended and established, asit now exists, by a convention at Frank-
fort August 17, 1799. The general assembly consists of a house
of representatives and of a senate, the members of the former to
be chosen for one year, and of the latter for four years. The gov-
ernor also is elected for four years, and is ineligible for the seven
succeeding years. The judges are liable to removal on an address
to the governor, for a reasonable cause, of two thirds of each house
of the assembly. In 1800 the number of the inhabitants in Ken-
tucky amounted to more than two liundred and twenty thousand.—
Encyclofiedia^ Phil, edit.; Morse's geog. third edition^ 126 ; Hobnes'
annals, ii. 306, 483, 486.
KILLEN (William), chancellor of the state of Delaware, was
a native of Ireland. Early in life, before he had attained the age of
manhood, he arrived in America possessed of a decent property,
and having an excellent education in the English language. Alter
passing through a variety of scenes, incidental to sti-angcrs, he set-
tled himself in the family of Samuel Dickinson, esquire, the father
of John Dickinson, esquire, of Wilmington. There he devoted
himself most assiduously to the acquisition of a competent knowl-
edge of the Greek and Latin languages under the direction of Jacob
Orr, who was engaged in teaching the sons of Mr. Dickinson, and
some other young gentlemen. The dilit>ence and modesty of Mr.
Killen made him a favorite of the whole family, and particularly of
his instructor. His unwearied attention was rewarded by a rapid
proficiency In his studies. Having thus become acquaint^sd w-ith
the learned languages, and being qualified to be usefiiito his adopted
country, his talents -were soon called into action. After holding the
office of county surveyor for some years, iie corninenced tlie study
of the law. In the courts of Delaware his knowledge, and espe-
cially his skill in surveying, and in various branches of the mathe-
matics rendered him an able assistant in suits for land, and in such
trials the most eminent men of his day were always pleased to as-
sociate with him as their colleague. His practice sui;ii became
extensive. His m.oderation, his modesty, and his punctuality in
tkiisiness, aided by his abilities, led him to v/eakli and to all the hon-
372 KiN.
1
ors of his country. For many years before the revolution he was
selected by his lellow ciiizcns to represent them in the assembly of
Delaware. At the commencement of the contest with Great Brit-
ain he took a decided and active part in favor of American liberty.
Soon after the declaration of independence he w^as appointed chief
justice of the supreme court ot the state of Delaware, which office
he held till he was promoted to that of chancellor in 1793. He
resigned his seat in the court of chancery in 1801, and died at Do-
ver October 3, 1803, in the eighty fourth year of his age. In alj
the variety of public business, in which he was engaged, he exhib-
ited the strictest integrity. As a legislator he was wise and atten-
tive to the interests of his constituents, and as a judge he was
learned, patient, and impartial. The same uprightness, which
marked his public character, was also conspicuous in all the rela-
tions of private Wt'e.'-rAc'w York spectator^ October 22, 1803.
KINSEY (James, ll. d.) chief justice of New Jersey, died at
Bujiington January 4, 1802, in the seventieth year of his age. He
had been a member of congress before the adoption of the present
constitution.
KIRBY (Ephraim), first jvidge of the district court of the United
States at New Orleans, died at fort Stoddert October 20, 1804,
He had sustained this office but a short time.
KIRKLAND (Samuel), q distinguished missionary among the
Indians, was the son of the reverend Mr. Kirkland of Norwich,
Connecticut. After enjoying' for some time the advantages of
Wheelock's school, he finished his education at the college in New
Jersey, where he was graduated in 1765. He had before this,
while at school, learned the language of the Mohawks, and he com-
menced A journey to the Seneka Indians in order to acquire their
language, November 20, 1764, and did not return till May 1766.
On the nineteenth of June following he was ordained at Lebanon
as missionary to the Indians. For more than forty years
his attention was directed to the Oneida tribe in New York, and he
died at Paris in that state, the place of his residence in the neigh-
borhood of Oneida, March 28, 1808, in the sixty seventh year of
his age. — Wheelock's narratives ; Panofilist, iii. 536.
KNOX (Henry), a major general in the army of the United
States, was born July 25, 1750. Before hostilities between this
country and Great Britain in the revolutionary war commenced, he
discovered an uncommon zeal in the cause of liberty. Being placed
at the head of an independent company in Boston he exhibited in
this station a skill in discipline, which presaged his future eminence.
It was at the unanimous request of all the officers of artillery, that
he was entrusted with tiie command in that department. V/hen the
corps of artillery in 1776 was increased to three regiments, the
command was given to Knox, who was promoted to the rank of a
brigadier general. He was i.jiively engaged during the whole coi>
LAI. 373
test.' After the capture of Corn wallis in 1781, he received the
comniission of major general, having distinguished himself in the
siege at the head of the artillery. Previously to the adoption of
the present constitution general Knox succeeded general Lincoln
its secretary at war in March 1785 ; and after our present govern-
ment was organized in 1789 president Washington nominated him
for the same office. He continued to fill this department till the
close of the year 1794, when he resigned it, being driven from the
service of the public by the scantiness of the compensation allowed
him. In his letter to the president he says, " after having served
my country near twenty years, the greater portion of the time un-
der your immediate auspices, it is with extreme reluctance I find
myself constrained to withdraw from so honorable a situation. But
the natural and powerful claims of a numerous family wiil no
longer permit me to neglect their essential interests. In whatever
situation I shall be, I shall recollect your confidence and kindness
with all the fervor and purity of aftection, of which a grateful heart
is susceptible." General Washington in reply assured him of his
sincerest friendship, and declared him to have " deserved well of
his country." During the last years of his life general Knox lived
at Thomastown in the district of Maine. It was in that place, that
he died after a short illness October 25, 1 806, aged fifty six years.
His death was occasioned by his swallowing the bone of a chicken.
General Knox was distinguished for his military talents, his brav-
ery, perseverance, and integrity. He possessed in an uncommon
degree the esteem and confidence of Washington. Though a sol-
dier and a statesman, he did not dismiss the amiable virtues of the
man. There was a frankness in his manners, which was pleasing,
and his heart was susceptible of the kindly affections. — Bradford's
sermon on his death ; Marshall's life of Washington^ iii. 62 ; iv. 495 ;
V. 25, 213, 614; American register, i.211 ; Thatcher's eulogy ;
Columb. centinel, Mjvember 5 and 17, and Boston Gazette, JVo-uember
10, 1806.
LAIDLIE (Archibald, d. d.), the first minister of the Dutch
church in America, who officiated in the English language, Avas a
native of Scotland, and had been four years a minister of the Dutch
church of Flushing in Zealand, when he received a call from New
York. He arrived in America in the year 1764, and died at Red
Hook in the year 1778, during his exile from the city, occasioned
by the revolutionary war. His ministry was eminently useful. He
was a man of a vigorous mind and of singular piety ; a sound di-
vine ; an evangelical, commanding, and powerful preacher, and in-
defatigably faithful in his pastoral labors. His ministry was much
blessed and attended with an uncommon revival of religion. — Christ-
tan's magazine, \\. 13.
LANGDON (Samuel, d. d.), minister of Portsmouth, New
Hampshire, and president of Harvard college, was a native of Bos-
Ion, and wc.s graduated at the university of Cambridge in 1740,
374 LAU.
1
lie was ordained as the successor of the reverend Mr. Fitch of
Portsmouth February 4, 1747, and he continued in this place till he
was ihvitcd to the presidency ol" Harvard college. He was inducted
into this office as the successcr ol the reverend Mr. Locke Octo-
ber 14, 1774, but resigned it, in consequence of the disaffection of
his pupils, occasioned by his want ot dignity and authority, August
30, 1780. The late president Willard succeeded hini. He now entered
again on the milder task of presiding over an assembly of Christians.
He was installed at Hampton Falls, New Hampshire, January 18,
1781. His extensive knowledge, hospitality, patriotism, and piety
secured to him, in this calm retreat, the affection and respect of thia
people of his charge, and of his numerous acquaintance. He died
November 29, 1797, in the seventy fifth year of his age. He pub-
lished a sermon at the ordination of Samuel Macclintock, 1756 ; a
thanksgiving sermon on the conquest of Quebec, 1759; an im-
partial examination of Robert Sandeman's letters on Theron and
Aspasio, 1765 ; a summary of Christian faith and practice,
1768 ; Dudleian lecture sermon at Cambridge, 1775 ; a ser-
mon before the provincial congress, 1775 ; a sermon at the ordina-
tion of the reverend Edward Sprague, Dublin, 1777 j a sermon on
the death of professor VVinthrop, 1779 ; New Hampshire election
sermon, 1788 ; observations on the revelations of Jesus Christ to
saint John, 1 79 1 ; the efficacy of the gospel above all earthly wisdom,
the business of life and hope in death, two sermons in American
preacher, iv ; a discourse bofore the Piscataqua association 1792 ;
corrections of some great mistakes committed by the reverend
John Coscas Ogden ; remarks on the leading sentiments of Dr.
Hopkins' system of doctrines, 1794. ilden^H account of the relig.
aociclica of Portsmouth ; CollfcdoJis hint. soc. x. 5 1 .
LAURENS (Henry), president of congress, was a native of
South Carolina, and took an early part in opposing the arbitrary
claims of Great Britain at the commencement of the American
revolution. When the provincial congress of Carolina met in June
.1775, he was appointed its president, in which capacity he drew up
a form of association, to be signed by all the friends of liberty,
which indicated a most determined spirit. After the establishment
of the temporary constitution in 1776, he was elected vice presi-
dent. Being appointed a member of the general congress, after
the resignation of Hancock, he was appointed president of that 11-
Juslrious assembly in November 1777. In 1780 he was deputed to
solicit a loan from Holland and to negotiate a treaty with the United
Netherlandr.. But on his passage he was captured by a British ves-
sel on the banks of Newfoundland. He threw his papers over-
board, l)ut they were recovered by «i sailor. Being sent to Eng-
land, he wi.s committed lo the tower on the sixth of October as a
•state prisoner upon a charge of high treason. Here he was confin-
ed more than a year and was treated with great severity, being de-
LAU. 375
ftied for £he most part all intercourse with his friends, and forbidden-
the use of pen, ink, and paper. His capture occasioned no small
embarrassment to the ministry. They dared not to condemn him
as a rebel through fear of retaliation, and they were unwilling to re-
lease him, lest he should accomplish the object of his mission. The
discoveries found in his papers led to a war with Great Britain and
Holland, and Mr. Adams was appointed in his place to carry on the
negotiation Avith the united provinces. During his imprisonment,
it was intimated to Mr. Laurens, that it might be of advantage to
him, if he could induce his son, then on a mission to France, to
with draw from that country. He replied, that " such was the filial re-
gard of his son, that he knew he would not hesitate to forfeit his
life for his father ; but that no consideration would induce colonel
Laurens to relinquish his honor, even were it possible for any cir-
cumstance to prevail on his father to make the improper request."
At length, in December 1781, enfeebled in health, and apparently
sinking into the grave if continued in confinement, he sent a peti-
tion to the house of commons for release, stating that he had labor-
ed to preserve the friendship between Great Britain and the colonies,
and had extended acts of kindness to British prisoners of war. At
the close of the year he was accordingly released. He returned to
this country, and he died in South Carolina December 8, 1792, in
the seventieth year of his age. He directed his son to burn hia
body on the third day as the sole condition of inheriting an estate
of sixty thousand pounds sterling — Gordon, iii. 21, 22, 203, 283,
322 ; iv. 5. 219 220 ; Ramsay's Amer. rev. ii. 2 13 ; his S. Carolina^
i. 33, 38, 93 ; Warren, i. 204 ; ii. 277 — 279, 294 — 300 ; Marshall,
iii. 339 ; iv. 5, 572 ; Annual register for 1781, 322.
LAURENS (John), a brave officer in the American war, was
the son of the preceding, and was sent to England for his education.
He joined the army in the beginning of 1777, from which time he
was foremost in danger. He was present and distinguished him-
self in every action of the army under general Washington, and
was among the first, who entered the British lines at York Town.
Early in 178 1, while he held the rank of lieutenant colonel, he wa.s
selected as the most suitable person to depute on a special missioii
to France to solicit a loan of money and to procure military stores.
He ajrived in March and leturned in August, having been so suc-
cessful in the execution of his commission, that congress passed a
vote of thanks for his spressed by civil authority. The elect lady
with five of her followers came to New York in 1774. Being
joined by six others in 1776 they purchased land in Nisqucunia,
.about ten miles north west from Albjinv. Here thev lived unnoticed
388 LEE.
and industrious three or four years. But in the beginning of 1780,
when there was an unusual religious commotion in New Lebanon
and some adjacent towns, in the midst of the wildness and extrava-
gance of lanaticism, some account of the elect lady reached the
bewildered enthusiasts. Immediately the road to Nisqueunia was
crowded with deluded beings in quest of greater delusions. The
mother received them with many smiles and told them she knew
of their coming before, declared herself to be the woman clothed
with the sun, mentioned in the twelfth chapter of the Revelation,
claimed the power of ministering the Holy Spirit to whom she
pleased, asserted that she was daily judging the dead of all nations,
who came to her for that purpose, and that no favor could be shown
to any person but through the contession of their sins unto hci*.
These impious pretensions, enforced upon persons, some of wiiom
were already bereft of reason, by the magical charms of wry looks,
odd postures, whimsical gestures, unintelligible mutterings, alter-
nate groans and laughter, and the solemn ceremony of hopping,
dancing, and whirling, completed the work of converting rational
beings into ideots, and brought her in a fine harvest of deluded fol-
lowers. One of these was Mr. Valentine Rathbun, a baptist min-
ister, who however in about three months recovered his senses, and
published a pamphlet against the imposture. He says, that there
attended this infatuation an inexplicable agency upon the body, to
which he himself was subjected, that affected the nerves suddenly
and forcibly like the electric fluid, and was followed by tremblings
and the complete deprivation of strength. When the good mother
had soniewhut established her authority with her new disciples,
she warned them of the great sin of following the vain customs of
the world, and having fleeced them of their ear rings, necklaces,
buckles, and every thing, which might nourish pride, and having
cut off their hair close by their ears, she admitted them into her
church. Thus metamorphosed, they were ashamed to be seen by
their old acquaintance, and would be induced to continue shakers
to save themselves from further humiliation. The impostor as-
serted, that she was not liable to the assaults of death, and that
when she left this world, she should ascend in the twinkling of an
eye to heaven. But v.nhappily for her claims, she was not ex-
empted from the same event, which befals beasts, and her bones
are mouldering in the vile ground. She died in 1784. The sect,
which she established, has experienced a number of revolutions.
At present tlu y are distinguished for uprightness and industry, but
they persist in rejecting the ordinances, which Jesus Christ most
expressly enjoined, and substituting revelations and impressions
upon their minds in the place of the consistent and plain instruc-
tions of scripture, they are to be classed with those, who choose
rather to be guided by tiicir own reason or imagination, than by
the wisdom of God.-— .Al-cy York thcolog. magazlr.".^ i. S2 ; WRathf
LEV. 389
bun's brief hints ; D. Rathburi's account of the shakers ; Taylor's
account ; West's account ; Adams' view of religions^ art, shakers £
Backus, iii. 194, 195.
LE MERCIER (Andrew), minister in Boston, had for many
years the care of the protestant French church, which was found-
ed by persecuted protestants, driven from France by the revoca-
tion of the edict of Nantes in 1686. The society being very much
diminished, Mr. Le Mercier at length desisted trom his public la-
bors, and the house was in 174 8 occupied by Mr. Croswell's church.
He died in 1762, having sustained a reputable character. He pub-
lished a church history of Geneva, 12mo, 1732; and a treatise
on detraction. — Collect, hist. soc. iii. 264, 301.
LEVERETT (John), governor of Massachusetts, signalized him-
self by his bravery in the early periods of his life. He was long
employed in public affairs and places of great trust. He was in
England at the restoration, and appeared an advocate for the colony.
Upon his return to this country he was chosen a member of the
general court for Boston. In 1664 he was chosen major general,
and in 1665 an assistant. He was elected governor in 1673 as suc-
cessor to Bellingham, and was continued in that office till his death,
March 16, 1678. His administration is spoken of with respect.
He was succeeded by governor Bradstreet.— A/«^c/m, ii. 19 ;
JVeal, ii. 32 ; Hutchinson, i. 169, 270, 323.
LEVERETT (John), president of Harvard college, was grand-
son of governor Leverett, and was graduated at the college, which
was afterwards entrusted to liis care, in 1680. He was first ap-
pointed a tutor in this seminary. He next was chosen a member
of the house of representatives, and then speaker. He was succes-
sively a member of his majesty's council, a justice of the superior
court, and a judge of the probate of wills. After the death of the
vice president Willard, he was chosen president of Harvard col-
lege, and was inducted into this office January 14, 1708. In this
station he continued till his death, which took place suddenly May
3, 1724. He was succeeded by Wads worth. President Leverett
received from the gift of God great powers of mind, which he dil-
igently cultivated. He was conspicuous for his learning ; and he
was an eminent divine as well as statesman. In an early period of
his life he occasionally preached. So extensive was his knowledge
and so correct was his judgment, that in almost every difficult case
the people resorted to him for information and advice. He was a
man of courage, and resolution, and firmness, as well as learning.
No difficulties discouraged him, when he once engaged in any af-
fair of importance ; he encountered them with cheerfulness ; and
l)y his perseverance and diligence frequently effected what would
have been impossible to a mind of feebler texture. When his
object could not be accomplished, he yielded it without disquietude.
At the head of the university he was respected, for b.e possessed
390 LIN.
personal dignity and a talent of government. There wati a majestf
in iiis speech, behavior, and counienance, which secured tlie rever-
ence ol all, who conversed with him, and impressed the youth, who
were subject to his authority, with awe. Yet he did not lose their
affections, ior his dignity was not tlic oflspring of pride. He was
a good man, ot unafi'ectcci piety and oi a hoiy iiie, a cordial friend to
the congregational clmrches, but placing religion not so nmch in
particular ibrms,as in the weiglitier matters of righteousness, faith,
and love. In his care of the college he was indefatigable, and it
flourished much during his presidency. He was its glory, and he
•Was also the ornament of liis country Funeral scrrnoyis by ^pfileton^
Colman, and Wadsworlh j Fly nt's oration on VVudsworth i Hutchiii'
S071, i. 323.
LINING (John, m.d.), an eminent physician and philosopher
of South Carolina, was a native of Scotland, and received an excel-
lent education. He came to America about the year 1725. He
corresponded with Dr. Franklin on the subject of electricity, and
was the first person, who introduced an electrical apparatus into
Charleston. He made and published a series of judicious statical
experiments, which were conducted through the whole of the year
1 740. In 1 7 5 3 he published a history of the yellow fever, which was
the first account of that disease, that was given to the world from
the American continent. — Miller, ii. 364 ; Ramsay's reviciv of med-
icine, 42, 44.
■LINN (William, D.D.), minister in New York, was born in
1752 and was graduated at the college of New Jersey in 1772. He
was at jirst connected with the presbyterian church in Pennsylvania.
During the war of the revolution he was chaplain in the army. A
few years after the peace he attached himself to the reformed Dutch
church, and settled in the city of New York. He was finally con-
strained to resign his pastoral charge by indisposition, though his
friends regarded his complaints as imaginary ; and he died at Alba-
ny in January 1808, in the fifty sixth year of his age. Before
disease broke down his strength, he was distinguished and useful.
His eloquence was for the most part natural, impressive, and com-
manding, though at times he had too much vehemence in his
manner. He married a daughter of the reverend John Blair. The
following are his publications ; a military discourse, delivered in
Carlisle, 1776 ; the spiritual death and life of the believer, and the
character and misery of the wicked, two sermons in American
preacher, i; a sermon on the anniversary of American inpedendence,
179 1 ; sermons historical and characteristical, 12 mo, 179 1 ; a fune-
ral eulogy on Washington, 1 800. — Punolilist, iii. 43 1 , 432 ; Life of
J. B. Lhm, 1 . '
LINN (John Blair, d. d.), a poet, and minister in Philadelphia,
was the son of the preceding, and was born in Shippensburgh, Penn»
sylvania, March 14, 1777. He carJy evinced a strong attachment
LIN. 391
to books^ When he was nine years old his father removecl to New
York, and here he enjoyed new opportunities ot improvement under
vespectable teachers. At the ago of thirteen he returned home
from a seminary in Flatbush on Long Island, where he had passed
two or three years in the full enjoyment of health, and delighted
with the beauties of nature. He now entered v^ommbia college,
and engaged in a new scene, being subject to new discipline and
interested by new associates. During the four years, which he
passed in the college, his taste, like the taste ot others at that peri-
od, became fixed, and a permanent direction was given to his incli-
nations. He evinced a powerful tendency to poetry and criticism.
The fine writers of the age, particularly the poets, became his dar-
ling study, and the glow of admiration was followed by a zeal to
imitate. Admiring the great works of the dramatic writers, it was
natural for him, when unrestrained by deep seriousness, and in a
city, where there is an established theatre, to hasten where he might
behold these works invested with the charms of life and action on
the stage. But though the theatre became his chief passion, he
was not seduced into vicious pleasures. When his academical
career was ended, he was eighteen years of age, and his choice of a
profession fell upon the law. He was placed under the direction of
Alexander Hamilton, who was the friend of his father ; but he did
not apply himself with much assiduity to his new pursuit. The
splendid visions of Shakespeare and Tasso were more attractive,
than the naked abstractions and tormenting subtleties of Blackstone
and Coke. He regarded the legal science every day with new
indifference, and at the close of the first year relinquished the pro-
fession altogether. Before this event he had ventured to produce
a dramatic composition, called Bourville castle, on the stage. Its
success was encouraging ; but other objects now claimed his atten-
tion, and his dramatic career was entirely renounced. His passion
for theatrical amusements yielded to affections of a more serious
and beneficial nature, and those religious impressions, which from
his earliest infancy he had occasionally felt, now sunk permanently
into his heart. After much deliberation, he determined to devote
his future life to the service of the church. Such a decision, in
his circumstances and with his prospects, could flow only from
deep convictions of duty.
Perceiving the necessity of relinquishing with his former habits
and pursuits many of his former companions, and of abe.ndoning the
scenes, to which he had been accustomed to resort, he retired to
Schenectady, and put liiniself under the care of Dr. Romeyn, a
professor of theology in the reformed Dutch church. Expei'ience
daily presented new difficuUies, but his zeal v.-as not diminished.
A license to preach was obtained from the classis of Albany in the
year 1 798, when he had just entered his twenty second year. Amidst
some exuberances of style and sentiment the excellence of his per-
392 LIN.
formances excited lively expectations of his future distinction. He
received calls fi*om the presbyteriun church at Elizabethtown, New
Jersey, and from the first presbyterian church at Philadelphia. He
finally decided, though not without much hesitation, in favor of the
latter situation. In this decision he was influenced by a diffidence
of his own powers, which he believed would have to encounter less
arduous trials as an assistant minister, than where tlie whole charge
should devolve upon himself. He was ordained June J3, 1799, as
colleague with the reverend Dr. Ewing. The two succeding years
of his life were passed in diligent and successful application to the
duties of the pastoral office, which were rendered more arduous by
the increasing infirmities of his venerable colleague. But during this
interval, amidst the faithful labors of his office, he found time to
write two poems, the first on the death of Washington, and the sec-
ond the powers of genius, a poem of considerable length, which
was very acceptable to the public, and has been published in a
splendid manner in England.
Mr. Linn's temperament was sanguine and his health at all times
extremely variable. From his earliest infancy he was liable to fits
of severe indisposition. As there was a powerful sympathy between
his body and mind, all disorders in the former produced confusion
and despondency in the latter. He was always prone to portend an
unfavorable issue to his disease. In tlie summer of 1802 his con-
stitution suffered irreparable mischief from a fever, induced by ex-
posure to the rays of a burning sun. His brain afterwards was fre-
quently seized with a dizziness, which was followed by a heavy de-
pression of mind. He struggled manfully with his infirmity, but
his strength was wasting, and he was sinking into the earth. That
his powers of reasoning and reflection, however, were not impair-
ed by his disease he very soon furnished an incontestable proof
in the spirit, with which he carried on a short controversy,
during this year, with Dr. Priestley. That pertinacious Socinian
had published a short treatise, in which he drew a comparison be-
tween Jesus Christ and Socrates. Mr. Linn stepped forward against
the veteran controversialist, subjected the character of Socrates to a
rigid scrutiny, and while he endeavored to reduce it to its proper
point in the scale, the transcendent merits of Christ were urged
with unusual eloquence. A second reply to a second publication of
Mr. Linn was the dying effort of Priestley in favor of the Socinian
doctrines. Mr. Linn was zealous and impetuous; some of hi»
friends thought the importance of the subject in controversy justifi-
ed the asperity, v.'ith which the youth treated his adversary, venera-
ble for age and science ; but he did not justify himself, and he was
known to speak of his vehemence with tears of ri>ij,ret He even
wrote a letter of apology to Dr. Priestley, but the death of the latter
prevented his receiving it. During this period he put togetherthe
materials of a poem, to which he intendcdto entrust his future fame
L;N. 393
asappef. This fragment of a plan, copious and comprehensive,
was. left in a state thought to be sufficiently perfected for the press,
and it was published after his death under the title of Valerian. To
the proofs of literary excellence, which he had exhibited, was he in-
debted for a degree of doctor in divinity from the university of Penn-
sylvania, conferred without the previous knowledge of himself
or his familiar friends. This honor probably was never before
conferred on so young a man.
He was now approachuig the hour of his dissolution. The gloom,
which hovered over his mind, became deeper and more settled. He
could look, beyond the grave without fear, but the terrors of death
were almost insupportable. In the summer of 1804 he was induced
to take a journey to the eastern states. The images of melancholy,
the gloom, the despondence, the terror, which he had before felt,
still however attended him. He returned to Philadelphia in July.
On the thirtieth of August h^ arose with less indisposition, than
usual. He contemplated resigning his sacred office, and engaging
in soiBC employment, corresponding more to his strength, in which
he could be useful. On the evening of that day he had scarcely
laid his head upon the pillow, when he said to his wife, " I feel
something burst within me. Call the family together; I am dy-
ing." A stream of blood now choaked his utterance. But after a
short interval he recovered strength to exclaim with fervency,
clasping his hands and lifting his eyes, " Lord Jesus, pardon my
transgressions, and receive my soul 1" Such was the termination
of his life August 30, 1804, in the twenty eighth year of his age.
As a preacher, few persons ever attained so great a popularity as
he acquii-ed before his twenty third year. Time pruned away his
juvenile luxuriances and gave greater solidity to his discourses,
without rendering them less engaging. As a poet he possesses
considerable merit. His talents were of the first order. He was
capable of deep research, but the indulgence of his imagination
and his taste had more charms for him. His temper was quick ;
his sensibility exquisite. Though sometimes rash, yet he was
generous. He was accustomed to dwell more on the dark, than on
the bright side of the picture of life. He was often a prey to mel-
ancholy, sitting for days silent, sad, and gloomy. He felt even tQ
njadness the slightest disrespect, and as sensibly enjoyed attention
paid to him. With years however his sensibility was corrected.
The frame of his mind in relation to spiritual things was a perfect
contrast to what it was in the common concerns of life. He uni-
formly trusted in the Savior of sinners, and the apprehensions of
future life, however humble were the views he entertained of him-
self, did not interrupt the composure of his mind.
He prepared for the press and published soon after he left col-
lege without his name two volumes of miscellanies in prose and
verse, 13 mo. His poem on the death of Washington, which has
51
394 LIV.
been mentioned, was written in imitation of the manner of Ossian,
and published in 1800, and his powers of genius in 1801 ; a funeral
sermon on Dr. Ewing, 1802; his two tracts in the controversy
Avith Dr. Priestley, 1802. After his death there was published from
his manuscripts Valerian, a narrative poem, intended in part to
describe the early persecutions of Christians, and rapidly to illus-
trate the influence of Christianity on the manners of nations, 4to,
1805. Prefixed to this is a sketch of Dr. Linn's life by Mr.
Brown, written in a style of uncommon excellence. — His life in Va-
lerian ; Port folio, neiu serien, \.2\ — 29, 129 — 134, 195 — 203;
Blair's fu7i. sermon ; JVeio York sjicctator, Sc/it. 8, 1804 ; Hardie'e
biog. diet, apfiend. 1 — 7.
LIVINGSTON, (William, LL. d.), governor of New Jersey,
descended from a family in Nev/ York, which emigrated from
North Britain, and which was distinguished for its numbers, opu-
lence, talents. Christian virtue, and attachment to liberty. He
was boi'n about the year 1723, and was graduated at Yale college in
1741. He afterwards pursued the study of the law. Possessing
from the gift of God a strong and comprehensive mind, a brilliant
imagination, and a retentive memory, and improving with unweari-
ed diligence the literary advantages, which he enjoyed, he soon rose
to eminence in his profession. He early embraced the cause of
civil and religious liberty. When Great Britain advanced her
arbitrary claims, he employed his pen in opposing them and in
vindicating the rights of his countrymen. After sustaining some
important offices in New York he removed to New Jersey, and as a
representative of this state was one of the principal members of the
first congress in 1774. After the inhabitants of New Jersey had
sent their governor, Mr. William Franklin, under a strong guard
to Connecticut, and had formed a new constitution in July 1776,
Mr. Livingston was elected the first chief magistrate, and such was
his integrity and republican virtue, that he was annually reelected
till his death. During the war he bent his exertions to support the
independence of his country. By the keenness and severity of his
political writings he exasperated the British, who distinguished him
as an object of their peculiar hatred. His pen had no inconsiderable
influence in exciting that indignation and zeal, which rendered the
militia of New Jersey so remarkable for the alacrity, with which on
any alarm they arrayed themselves against the common enemy.
He was in 1787 a delegate to the grand convention, which formed
the constitution of the United States. After having sustained the
office of governor for fourteen years with great honor to himself and
usefulness to the state, he died at his seat near Elizabethtown July
25, 1790, aged sixty seven years. He was succeeded by William
Patterson.
Govemor Livingston was from his youth remarkably plain and
simple in his dress and manners. Always the enemy of parade.
LOC. 39^
lie never exhibited himself in splendor. He was convivial, easy,
mild, vfitty, and fond of anecdote. Fixed and unshaken in Christian
principles, his life presented an example of incorruptible integrity,
strict honor, and warm benevolence. He obeyed the precepts of
the gospel, and in the opinion of his Christian friends was sincerely
pious. He relied for salvation solely upon the mei-its of Christ.
In his political principles he was purely republican, having an
an abhorrence of the monarchical form of government. He was an
excellent classical scholar. His writings evince a vigorous mind
and a refined taste. Intimately acquainted with the celebrated
writers of his day and of the preceding age, he acquired an elegance
of style, which placed him among the first of modern writers. He
was unequalled in satire. He published a poem, called philosoph-
ical solitude ; a funeral elogium on the reverend president Burr,
1758, which is considered as a fine specimen of eloquence; a letter
to the bishop of Landaff, occasioned by some passages in his sermon
on the twentieth of February, 1767 ; and a number of miscellaneous
tracts, which were published in various periodical works. A valu-
able review of the military operations in North America from 1753
to 1756 in a letter to a nobleman was vmtten by him. in conjunction
with his friends, Messrs. W. Smith and Scott, lawyers, New York.
It is preserved in the collections of the Massachusetts historical
society. His son, William Livingston, esquire, issued propos-
als a lew years ago for publishing memoirs of his life, with his
miscellaneous writings in prose and verse ; but the work has not
yet been given to the public. — Macivhorter's fun. serm. ; Miller's
retrospect^ ii. 369; Hardie's biog.dict.; Gazette U. S. July 28,
1790 ; Columb. magA. 7, 8 ; Amer. muse. iv. 235 ; viii. 254 — 256 ;
ix. 17; X. 17, 68, 113, 162, 209 ; Collect, hist.soc. vii. 67 — 163.
LOCKWOOD (Samuel, d. d.), minister of Andover, Connecti-
cut, was a native of Norwalk, and was graduated at Yale college in
1745. He was ordained February 15, 1749, and died June 18,
1791, He contributed in the year 1787 one hundred pounds to-
wards completing the philosophical apparatus in Yale college. He
published a sermon on the death of colonel Williams, 1755. —
Holmes' life of Stiles, 390, 397,
LOGAN (James,) distinguished for his learning, was descended
from a family formerly of Scotland, and was born at Lurgan in Ire-
land in 1674. Possessing a good genius and being favo'ed with a
suitable education, he made considerable proficiency in the sciences
and in various branches of polite literature. As he was educated
in the sentiments of the quakers, and was acquainted with Will-
iam Penn, he Avas induced to accompany that gentleman to Penn-
sylvania in 1699 in his last voyage. Under his patronage he was
much employed in public affairs. By his commission he was in
1701 appointed secretary of the province and clerk of the council.
He afterwards held the offices of commissioner of property, chief
396 LOG.
justice, and president of the council. He attached himself rather
to the interest of the proprietary and his governor than to that of
the assembly, and was in consequence in the earlier periods of his
life very unpopular ; but he soon gave general satisfaction in the
d'scharge of the duties of his several offices. Upon the death of gov-
ernor Gordon in October 1736 the government of course devolved
upon him, as he was president of the council ; and during liis ad-
ministration of two years the utmost harmony prevailed throughout
the province. Several years previously to his death he retired from
public affairs and spent the latter part of his life principally at Stan-
ton, his country seat, near Germantown, where he enjoyed among
his books that leisure, which he much relished, and was much em-
ployed in corresponding with learned men in different parts of Eu-
rope. He died October 31, 1751, aged about seventy seven years.
He was well versed in both ancient and modern learning ; he had
made considerable proficiency in oriental literature ; he was mas-
ter of the Greek, Latin, French, and German languages ; and he
was well acquainted with mathematics, natural and moral philoso-
phy, and natural history. In his religious sentiments he was a
quaker. He had collected with great care a library of more than
three thousand volumes, which at that time was by far the largest
in Pennsylvania, and particularly rich in works in the Latin and
Greek languages, and in the most ciu'ious, rare, and excellent sci-
entific publications. This valual)le collection of books, usually
called the Loganian library, was bequeathed by its possessor to the
citizens of Philadelphia, and has since been deposited in one of the
apartments belonging to the library company of that city. The
two libraries in connexion contain near twenty thousand volumes,
the largest collection of books in the United States.
Mr. Logan published in the philosophical transactions for 1735
an account of liis experiments on maize with a particular view to
the investigation of the sexual system of plants. The experiments
were considered as decisive. The work was afterwards published
in Latin, entitled, experimenta et meletemata de planiarum genera-
tione, Sec. Leyden, 1739 ; and in London by Dr. Fothergill Avith an
English version on the opposite page, 1747. He also published cano-
num pro inveniendis refractionum, tum simplicium, turn in lentibus
duplicium focis,demonstrationesgeometricje,&c. Leyden, 1739 ; and
a ti tnslation of Cicero'streatise de senectute with explanatory notes,
and with a commendatory preface by Dr. Franklin, 1744. This
was the first translation of a classical author, made in America. —
Fraud's hist. Pennsylvania, i. 478. 479 ; Harclit's dioif. diet.; Mil:
lev's retrosfiect, i. 134; ii. 340.
LOGAN, an eloquent Indian chief, was the second son of Shik-
ellcmus, a celebrated chief of the Cayuga nation, whose residence
was at Shamokin. Logan was the friend of the white people, he
admired their ingenuity, and wished to be a neighbor to them. Mr.
LOR. 397
Heckewelder, a Moravian missionavy, saw Logan in 1772, and by a
conversation with him was impressed with the belief, that his talents
■were of a higher grade, than those usually possessed by Indians.
In April or May 1774, when Logan's residence was on the Ohio,
his family was murdei'ed by a party of whites under the command
of captain Michael Cresap. The occasion of this outrage was a
report, that the Indians had killed a number of white persons, who
were looking out for new settlements. A war immediately com-
menced, and during the summer great numbers of innocent men,
women, and children fell victims to the tomahawk and scalping
knife of the Indians. In the autumn of the same year a decisive
battle was fought at the mouth of the great Kanhaway between the
collected forces of the Shawanese, Mingocs, and Delawares, and a
detachment of the Virginia militia. The Indians were defeated
and sued for peace. Logan however disdained to be seen among
the suppliants. But lest the sincerity of a treaty, from which so dis-
tinguished a chief absented himself, should be mistrusted, he sent by
a^messenger the followin;* speech to be delivered to lord Dunmore,
governor of Virginia. " I appeal to any white man to say, if ever
he entered Logan's cabin hungry, and he gave him not meat; if
ever he came cold and naiked, and he clothed him not. During the
course of the last long and bloody war Logan remained idle in his
cabin, an advocate for ptsace. Such was my love for the whites,
that my countrymen pointed, as they passed, and said, Logan is the
friend of white men, I had even thouf^ht to have lived with you,
but for the injuries of one man. Colonel Cresap, the last spring,
in cold blood and unprovoked, murdered all the relations of Logan,
not even sparing my women and children. There runs not a drop
of my blood in the veins o f any living creature. This called on mc
for I'evenge. I have sout^ht it ; I have killed many ; I have fully
glutted my vengeance, l^'or my country I rejoice at the beams of
peace. B'at do not harbor a thought tliat mine is the joy of fear.
Logan never felt fear. He will not turn on his heel to save his
life. Who is there to mourn for Logan ? Not one."
After this peace Logan sunk into a deep melancholy, and declared
that life was a torment to him. He became in some measure de-
lirious. He went to Detroit, w^here he yielded himself to the habit of
intoxication. On his return, between that place and Miami, he
was murdered In Octobtn' 1781 Mr. Heckewelder was shown
the spot !)y some Indians, Avhere this event was said to have taken
place. — Jefferson's notes on Virginia, (juery vi, and apfiendix.
LORD (Joseph), first minister of Dorchester, South Carolina,
was a native of Charlestov/n, Massachusetts, and was graduated at
Harvard college in 1691. la the fall of 1695 ho was ordained pas-
tor of the church, which was gathered in Dorchester, Massachu-
setts, with the design of rem oving to South Carolina. They ai'-
rived on the twentieth of December, and began a settlement on
398 LOR.
Ashley river about eighteen miles from Charleston. The sacra*
mcnt of the Lord's supper was first administered in Carolina Feb-
ruary 2,1696. Mr. Hugh Fisher succeeded Mr. Lord and died
October 6, 1734. — Jlolmes' annals, ii. 34 ; Collect, hist.soc. ix. 156,
157 ; Danforth's ser;«. on dcjiurl. Mr. Lord ; Guilder sleeve* s cent,
eermon.
LORD (Benjamin, d. d.), minister of Norwich, Connecticut,
"was graauated at Yale college in 1714, and was afterwards a tutor
in that seminary two years. He was ordained in October 1717 as
successor of Mr. Woodward, who was the next minister after Mr.
Fitch, and continuing his public labors about sixty years, he lived to
see eight religious societies, which had grown out of the one, of
which he had taken the charge. Two oUier parishes were formed
at the time of his settlement. During the half century of his min-
istry, ending in 1767, about a thousand persons had died, of whom
the proportion in respect lo their ages was as follows ; 112 above
the age of 70 ; 140 between 50 and 70 ; 154 between 30 and 50 ;
140 between 20 and 30 ; 70 between 14 and 20 ; and 390 from in-
fancy to 14. Of persons admitted to the church there were 330.
The covenant was owned by 410, of whom 90 joined the church ;
and 2050 were baptized. He died in April 1 784, aged ninety years,
having been a man of distinction and a faithful, evangelical preacher.
He published a discourse on the parable of the merchant man seek-
ing goodly pearls, 1722 ; true Christianity explained, and enforced,
1727 ; on the character, birth, and privileges of God'sjchildren,
1742 ; an account of the extraordinary recovery of Mercy Wheel-
er, 1743 ; election sermon, 1752 ; a funeral sermon on the rever-
end Henry Willes, 1759 ; at the instalment of the reverend Sara-
xiel Wliitaker, 1761 ; at the ordination of the reverend Levi Hart«
1762 ; on the death of the reverend Hezekiah Lord, 1763 ; a half
century discourse, preached November 29, 1767, being fifty years,
reckoning by the Sundays, from his ordination ; a sermon on the
death of H. Huntington, esquire, 1773 ; on the death of Mrs.
Willes, 1774.
LORING (Isuael), minister of Sudbury, Massachusetts, was
born at Hull April 6, 1682, and was graduated at Harvard college
in 1701. He was ordained at Sudbury November 20, 1706. A
new church was formed in 1723, and William Cooke was settled as
its pastor on the twentieth of March. Mr. Loring died March 9,
1772, in the ninetieth year of his age, having preached on the first
day of the month. He was a venerable man, of primitive piety and
manners, and faithful and useful in his ministerial work. He had
preached for near seventy years, and he was zealously attached to
the doctrines of the ;j;ospel. He pu'jilshcd the nature and necessity
of the new birth, preaciud at the Boston lecture 1728, with a preface
by Mr. Prince ; a sermon on the death of the reverend Robeil
Breck, 1731 ; on the torments of hell, 1732 ; election sermon. 1737 ;
LOW, S99
justification not by works, but by faith in Jesus Christ, 1749. — J5o«-
ton gazette, March 23, 1772.
LOWELL (John, ll. d.), a judge of the circuit court of the
United States, was the son of the reverend Jolin Lowell, the first
minister of the third church in Newbury, .who died May 15, 1767
in the sixty fourth year of his age. He was graduated at Harvard
college in the year 1760. When a new organization of the courts-
of the United States took place in February 1 80 1 , he was appointed
chief judge of the first circuit. He died at Roxbux'y May 6, 1802^
in the fifty ninth year of his age. Uniting to a vigorous mind^
which was enriched with literary acquisitions, a refined taste and:
conciliatory manners, and being sincere in the profession and prac-
tice of the Christian religion, his decease was deeply felt and la-
mented. He pronounced before the American academy of arts
and sciences in January 179 I an elegant eulogy on their late presi-
dent, the honorable James Bowdoin, esquire, which is prefixed to
the second volume of the memoirs of that society. — Columb. cent.
May 8, 1802.
MACCLINTOCK (Samuel, d.d.), minister of Greenland,
New Hampshire, was born in Medford, Massachusetts, May 1,1732.
His father was a native of Ireland. He was graduated at the col-
lege in New Jersey in 1751. Being invited to become an assistant
to the aged reverend William Allen of Greenland, he was ordained
about the year 1757, and after a ministry of forty seven years he
died April 27, 1804, in the seventy second year of his age. He
was an eminent divine. Though he had no predilection for the
field of controversy ; yet, when forced into it, he evinced himself a
master of argument. An enemy to all civil and religious imposi-
tions, during the late war he was repeatedly in the army in the
character of a chaplain. His exhortations animated the soldiers to
the conflict. Under afflictions he was submissive to the divine will.
As he was averse to parade, he directed his funeral to be attended
in a simple manner. He published a sermon on the justice of Gosl
in the mortality of man, 1759 ; a sermon against the baptists, en-
titled, the artifices of deceivers detected, and Christians warned
against them, 1770 ; Herodias, or cruelty and revenge the effects
of unlawful pleasure, 1772 ; a sermon at the commencement of the
new constitution of New Hampshire, 1784; an epistolary corres-
pondence between himself and the reverend John Cosens Ogden,
1791 ; a sermon, entitled, the choice, occasioned by the drought,
the fever, and the prospect of war, 1798 ; an oration commemora-
tive of Washington, 1800. — Piscataqua euang, iiiag. i. 9 — 12.
MACGREGORE (James), first minister of Londonderry, New
Hampshire, formerly had the care of a Scot's presbyterian society
in the North of Ireland. The sufferings of the protestants in that
country and the inextinguishable desire of religious liberty im-
pelled him with a number of other ministers and a part of their
400 MAC.
congregations to seek an asylum in America. He arrived at Bosp
ton with about one hundred families October 14, 1718. In the fol-
lowing year sixteen fumiiics settled on a tract of good iandrfiear
Haverhill, which was called Nutfield, and which they named Lon-
donderry. Mr. Macgregore, who since his arrival had preached at
Dracut, was called to be their minister. He died March 5, 1729,
aged fifty two years. His memory is still precious in Londonderry.
He was a wise, affectionate, and faithful guide to his people both in
civil and religious concerns. They brought with them every
thing necessary for the manufacture of linen. They also introduced
the culture of potatoes, which were first planted in the garden of
Nathaniel Walker of Andover. Mr. Macgregore's son, David
Macgregore, was minister of the second presbyterian church in
Londonderry, and died May 30, 1777, in the sixty seventh year of
his age and the forty second of his ministry. — Belkiiafi'a J^ew
Hamfishire.) ii. 35 — 37, 41.
M ACKLIN (Robert,) remarkable for longevity, was a native of
Scotland, and died in Wakefield, New Hampshire, in 1787 at the
age of one hundred and fifteen. He lived several years in Ports-
mouth and followed the occupation of a baker. He frequently
walked from Portsmouth to Boston, sixty six miles, in one day,
and returned in another. This journey he performed the last
time at the age of eighty.— 5f//.»a/i'ff J^ew Hamfishiref iii. 252.
MACWHORTER (Alexander, d.d.), minister of Newark,
New Jersey, was of Scotch extraction, and was born in the county
of Newcastle, Delaware, July 26, 1734. His pious parents often ad-
dressed him in private on religious subjects, and with tears of anxie-
ty and affection entreated him to be reconciled unto God. In 1748 his
mother removed to North Carolina, and here the labors of a faithful
minister were the means of impressing him with the concerns of
religion. Overwhelmed with a sense of his guilt and with the ter-
rors of eternal judgment, he suffered indescribable distress for near
three years ; but while a member of the school at W^est Notting-
ham, Maryland, under the care of the reverend Mr, Finlcy, he foun^^
that consolation, which is imparted by the gospel to the peniteQ|A
He was graduated in the college at Princeton, New Jersey, i^
1757. Having pursued the study of divinity under the instructioji
of the reverend William Tennent, he was ordained July 4, 1759
with a view of being employed upon a mission in North Carolina ;
but he was installed in a few weeks at Newark, as tlie successor of
Mr. Burr. In 1764 a mission, which he undertook to Carolina,
gave him an opportunity to revisit his friends, but, being seized with
a fever incident to that climate, his health was very much impaired
for two vears. A journey to Boston however in 1766 was the
means of its restoration. Being an active friend of his country in
the time of the revolution, he v.'as induced in the summer of 17;78
by the persuasion of his friend, general Kjiox, to become the chap-
MAC. 401
iain of his brigade, wliich was then at White Plains. As the suffer-
ings of Newark by the war had so much reduced his salary, tliat it
was inadequate for his support, he obtained a dismission from the
church in that town in October 1779, and was settled in Charlotte,
North Carolina. Here in a short time he again experienced the
calamities of war. By the army of Cornwallis he lost his library
and almost every thing, that he possessed. In April 178 I he was
reinstated in his church at Newark, where he continued during the
remainder of his life. At two seasons, in the years 1765 and 1773,
he had seen with pleasure the deep interest in religious truth,
which had been excited among his people ; but in 1784 his exer-
tions were attended with a more remarkable revival of religion, and
one hundred persons were added to his church. A' this time, so
much was he occupied in his sacred work, that a part of every day
was employed in imparting instruction, or enforcing Cliristian duty.
In 1788 he assisted in settling the confession of faith andframingthe
constitution of the presbyterian church in the United States. In the
years 1796 and 1802 he was permitted again to rejoice in the effi-
cacy of his benevolent labors, in the progress of holiness and virtue,
and the increase of his church. After the destruction of the college
of New Jersey by fire, he was requested to solicit benefactions in
New England, and he procured more than seven thousand dollars.
He died July 20, 1807, aged seventy three years, having been for
near half a century a faithful servant of God in the gospel of his Son.
His colleague, the reverend Mr. Griftin, survived him. His last
hours were brightened with the hope of immortality. When re-
minded, that the God, whom he had faithfully served, would not
forsake him in his old age, he replied with apparent uneasiness, that
" he had no faithfulness of his own to rely on ; that a review of his
life afforded him little satisfaction ; that it had been miserably pol-
luted ; and that his only hope rested on the atonement of Christ."
His prospect of futurity was never clouded. At length, when the
moment of his departure arrived, as one of his friends was praying
by his bed side, he extended both his arms towards heaven at full
length in the transports of faith and desire. His hands fell, and
moved no more ; the difficulty of his respiration ceased, and in five
minutes he breathed no more.
Dr. Macwhovtcr was more remarkable for the penetration and
vigor of his mind and the soundness of his judgment, than for a
lively imagination. He was cool, deliberate, and cautious to a de-
gree, that approached even to timidity. In nothing was he an
enthu-siast, and he was incapable of being rash. His learning was
very considerable, for while he was critically acquainted with the
Greek and Latin, he had made considerable progress in the Hebrew,
and had acquired some knowledge of the Syriac. He published a
ftmeral sermon on governor Livingston, 1790; a sermon on the
opening of a new presbyterian church in Newark, 1791 : thre^
52
402 MAK.
sermons in the American preacher, i. entitled, the salvation of sin-
ners only by the blood of Jesus ; the influences of God as a sun the
great consolation of his people ; the evil and dangers of security in
sin ; sermons on true religion, on the b.irren fig tree, and on
honesty in American preacher, iii ; and a volume of sermons, 8vo.
— GW^'/i's funeral sermon ; Pannfilint iii, 48 1 — 489.
MAKIN (Thomas), a poet, was one of the most early settlers of
Pennsylvania. In the year 1689 he was usher to George Keith in
the friend's public grammar school in Pennsylvania, and in the lol-
lowing year succeeded him as master. He Avas lor some time
clerk, of the provincial assembly, which was held in the friend's
meeting house. He published two Latin poems in 1728 and 1729
inscribed to James Logan, and entitled, encomium Pennsylvaniae,
and in laudes Pennsylvaniae poema, seu descriptio Pennsylvaniae ;
extracts from which are preserved in Proud's history of that prov-
ince. — Proud, i. 345, 469 ; ii. 360 — 373.
MALBONE (Edward G.), an eminent portrait painter, was a
native of Newport, Rhode Island. At an early period of life he
discovered a propensity for painting, which became at length so
predominant, that he neglected every other amusement for its in-
dulgence. When a school boy he delighted in drawing rude
sketches of the objects of nature. As he obtained the necessary
assistances to impiovement, his talents were developed. He fre-
quented the theatre to contemplate the illusions of scenery j and
by the regularity of his attentions behind the scenes in the forenoon,
he attracted the notice of the painter, who discovered unusual genius
in his young acquaintance and accepted his assistance with the
brush. He was at length permitted to paint an entire, new scene,
and as a reward received a general ticket of admission. His inter-
vals of leisure at home were now employed in drawing heads, and
afterwards in attempting portraits. His rapid progress in the latter
occupation convinced him, that he had talents for it, and gave alac-
rity to his exertions ; and he was soon induced to devote to it his
whole attention. As he now began to be known and patronized as
■A miniature painter, his natural propensity was nourished by the
prospect of reputation and wealth. He visited the principal cities,
and resided successively in New York, Philadelphia, and Boston.
In the winter of 1800 he went to Charleston, where his talents and
the peculiar amenity of his manners enhanced the attentions, which
he received from the hospitality of its inhabitants. In May 180!
he s died fioni Charleston to London, where he resided some months,
absorbed in admiration of the paintings of celebrated masters.
With a naind improved by study and observation, and animated by
the enthusiasm of genius, he visited the diHcrent galleries of living
])ainters, enlarging his ideas and profiting by the contemplation of
their works. He was introduced to the acquaintance of the presi-
dent of the royal academy, who gave him IVcc access to his stitdr,
MAN. 403
and showed him those marked and friendly attentions, which were
more flattering than empty praises to the mind of his young coun-
tryman. He even encouraged him to remain in England, assuring
him, that he had nothing to fear from professional competition.
But he preferred his own country, and returned to Charleston in
the winter of 1801. He afterwards continued his pursuits in dif-
ferent parts of the continent, always finding employment. By his
sedentary haoits and intense application to his professional labors
his health was so much impaired, that in the summer of 1806 he
was compelled to relinquish his pencil, and indulge in exercise ;
but his frame had become too weak to be again invigorated. As he
felt the symptoms of an approaching consumption, his physicians
advised him to try the effect of a change of climate. In the be-
ginning of winter he therefore took a passage in a vessel for Jamai-
ca ; but the change not producing much benefit, he returned
to Savannah, where he languished till his death, May 7, 1807.
Mr. Malbone was permitted for but a few years to copy the fea-
tures of life ; but though he had not reached all the perfection,
which maturer years would have given, yet his pencil will rescue
his name from oblivion. His style of painting was chaste and cor-
rect, his coloring clear and judiciously wrought, and his taste alto-
gether derived from a just contemplation of nature. In hia female
heads particularly there was, when his subjects permitted, en-
chanting delicacy and beauty. To his professional excellence he
added the virtues, which endeared him to his friends. His heart
was warm and generous. The profits of his skill, which were very
considerable, contributed to the happiness of his relations ; and as
their welfare was an object, which seemed always to animate his
exertions, his mother and sisters deeply deplored his death. Though
unable to devote much time to reading, he by no means neglected
the improvement of his intellect. He had perused with taste and
attention many of the most approved English authors, and with a
mind naturally acute and discriminating selected and retained what
he read — -Al-w York keraid^ June 3, 1807 ; Boston mirror., January
7, 1809.
MANLY (John), a captain in the navy of the United States,
received a naval commission from Washington, commander in
chief of the American forces, October 24, 1775. Invested with
the command of the schooner Lee, he kept the hazardous station of
Massachusetts bay during a most tempestuous season, and the cap-
tures, which he made, were of immense value at the moment. An
ordnance brig, which fell into his hands, supplied the continental
army with heavy pieces, mortars, and working tools, of which it was
very destitute, and in the event led to the evacuation of Boston.
His services were the theme of universal eulogy. Being raised to
the command of the frigate Hancock of thirty two guns, his cap-
ture of the Fox increased his high reputation for bravery and skil!
404 MAN.
But he was taken prisoner ivith his prize by the Rainbow of
forty guns July 8, 1777, and suffered a long and rigorous confine-
ment on board that ship at Halifax, and in Mill prison, precluded
ironi further actual service till near the close of the war. In Sep-
tember 1782 the Hague frigate was entrusted to his care. The
cruise was peculiarly luihappy. A few days after leaving Marti-
■uique he was driven by a British seventy four on a sand bank at the
back of Ciaudaloupe. Tlu-ee ships of the line having joined this
ship, came too within point blank shot, and with springs on their
cables opened a most tremendous fire. Having supported the
heavy cannonade for three days, on the fourth day the frigate was
got oft', and hoisting the continental standard at the main top gallant
mast, thirteen guns were fired in farewell defiance. On his return
to Boston a few months afterwards, he was arrested to answer a va-
riety of charges exhibited against him by one of his officers. The
proceedings of the court were not altogether in approbation of his
conduct. Memoirs of his life, which should vindicate his character,
were promised, but they have never appeared. He died in Boston
Februai-y 12, 1793, in the sixtieth year of his age, and was buried
with distinction. — Columbiaii centinel., February I6i and 20, 1793;
Holmes' annals, u. 488 ; Boston gazette, August 1 1, 1777 ; Indefiend.
chronicle, Sefitember 26, 1777 ; Marshall, ii. 258 ; Gordon, ii. 144 ;
iii. 153.
MANNING (James, d. d.), first president of the college in
Rhode Island, was born in Ncav Jersey October 22, 1738, and was
graduated at Nassau hall in 1762. When he began to preach a
number of his baptist brethren in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
contemplated the establishment of a college in Rhode Island on ac-
count of the religious freeidom, which was tlicre enjoyed, and di-
rected their attention towards him as its president. The charter
was obtained in Fel)r«ary 1764, and in 1765 he removed to Warren
to make preparations for carrying the design into execution. In
September the seminary was opened, and it was soon replenished
with students. In 1770 the institution was removed to Providence,
where a spacious building had been erected. He was soon chosen
pastor of the baptist church in that town, and he continued in the
discharge of the duties of these two offices, except in an interval of
about six months in 1786, when he was a member of congress, till
his death July 29, 1791, in the fifty third year of his age. Dr.
Manning was of a kind ana benevolent disposition, social and com-
municative, and fitted rather for active life than for retirement.
Though he possessed good abilities, he was prever.ted from in-
tense study by the peculiarity of his constitution. His life was a
scene of labor for the benefit of others. His piety and his fervent
zeal in preaching the gospel evinced his love to God and man.
With a dignified and majestic appearance, his address was manly,
familiar, and engaging. In the government of the college he was
MAR. 405
mikl yet energetic— Mzorcv'* fun. ser7non ; Hardie^s biog. diet, t
Backus, iii 47 — 49, 219 — 222 ; Miller, ii. 375.
MARION (Francis), a brave officer in the revolutionary war,
was an inhabitant of South Carolina, and after commanding a regi-
ment was promoted by governor Rutledge to the rank of brigadier
general in 1780. On the advance of Gates, he placed himself at
the head of sixteen men, and captured a small British guard, rescu-
ing a hundred and fifty continental prisoners. As the militia was
in no subordination, sometimes he had not more than a dozen men
with him. On the fourth of September he marched with fifty three
men to attack a body of two hundred tories. He first surprised a
party of forty five, killing and wounding all but fifteen, and then put
the main body of two hundred to flight. His conduct was most
generous as well as brave. Not one house was burned by his or-
ders, for he detested making war upon poor women and children.
At one time he was obliged to convert the saws of sawmills into
horsemen's swords for his defence. For months he and his party
slept in the open air, and sheltered themselves in the thick recesses
of swamps, whence they sallied out and karrassed the enemy. Af-
ter having rendered ii.">portant services to his country, he died
in South Carolina in 1795. — Ramsay's S. C. ii. 176, 229 ; Gordon^
iii. 454— .457 ; iv. 46, 81 ; Holmes' annals, ii. 494.
MARSH (Ebenezer Grant), professor of languages and ec-
clesiastical history in Yale college, was the son of the reverend Johij
Marsh of Wethersfield, and v/as graduated at New Haven in 1795.
Residing at the college in that town to prosecute his studies, he was
in 1793 elected an instructer in the Hebrew language, and in 1799^
one of the tutors. In 1802 he was elected a professor; but the
hopes, which had been excited by his talents and unequalled indus-
try, were blasted, and his increasing usefulness was terminated by
his death November 16, 1803, in the twenty seventh year of his age.
He was a man of amiable manners, pure morals, and unquestioned
piety. As a preacher of the gospel he was uncommonly acceptable.
His literary acquisitions were great. Besides an accurate acquaint-
ance with the Latin and Greek he was familiar with the Hebrew.
Theology, history, and oriential literature had occupied much of
his attention. It was his practice to make copious extracts from
the books, which he read. He had made considerable progress in
collecting materials for an American biography. He published r
catalogue of the historical writers of this country, entitled, a series
of American historians fiom the first discovery of this country to
the present time, 1801 ; and an elaborate oration, delivered before
the American academy of arts and sciences in 1802, designed to
confirm the truth of scripture history by the testimony of eastern
writers. This, it is believed, Avith improA'ements, was a posthu-
mous publication. — Dvjight's and Daiia's sermons, and Foivler's ora-^
tion onhis death ; Collect, hist. soc. ix. 108 — 1 1 1 ; Ma^sa. n?ffi.9. rr:ctr.
ji. 209—2 11.
406 MAH.
MARYLAND, one of the United States of America, was granted
by king Charles 1 to Cecilius Calvert, lord Baltimore, June 20,
1632. It received its name in honor of the queen iienrieita Ma-
ria, daughter of Henry tlie great, kuig of France. It was tne hrst
colony, which was erected into a province of the British empire,
and governed by laws enacted in a provincial legislature. The
proprietor arrived in February 1634, and in March at the head of
about two hundred Roman catfiolics he took possession ot the terri-
tory, which had been granted Ivim. Lord Baltimore, himself a Ro-
man catholic, established his province on the basis of perlect free-
dom in religion and security to pi'operty. The land was purchased
of the Indians for a consideration, which seemed to be satisfactory.
Fifty acres of land were given to every emigrant in al;solute fee.
A collection of regulations was prepared by the assembly in
.1638. The province was divided into baronies and manors, and
bills were passed for settling the glebe, and for securing the liber-
ties of the people. A house of assembly, composed of represen-
tatives, was established in 1639, and a code of laws was passed.
AH the inhabitants were required to take the oath of allegiance to
the king, and the rights of the proprietary were acknowledged.
At this period the colony was very inconsiderable in numbers and
wealth, for a general contribution was thought necessary to erect a
water mill for the use of the colony. Slavery seems to have existed
at the time of its original settlement. The encroachments of the
English awakened the apprehensions of the natives, that they should
be annihilated as a people, and an Indian war commenced in 1642,
which lasted several years, and which brought with it the usual suf-
ferings. After a peace was made, salutary regulations were adopted,
securing to the Indians their rights. A rebellion in Maryland in
1645, produced by a few restless men, obliged the governor to flee
into Virginia ; but it was suppressed in the following year. The con-
stitution was established in 1646, and it continued with little inter-
ruption till 1776. The parliament of England assumed the gov-
ernment of Maryland in 1652, and witlun a few years after this
event an act was passed, declaring, that none, who professed the
popish religion, should he protected in the province. The contrast
between this act and the previous one of the Roman catholics re-
flects the highest honor on the liberality of the latter. The author-
ity of the proprietary was reestablished at the restoration, and he
appointed a governor. In 1662 the prosperity of the province was
considerably checked by the incursions of the Janadoa Indians ; but
by the aid of the Susquehannahs they Avere repelled. The gov-
ernment experienced a variety of changes, being sometimes in the
possession of the crown, and sometimes in the hands of the propri-
etary. In 1716 it was restored to the proprietary, and it was no^
again taken away until the late revolution. Maryland was not be-
hind her sister states in her efforts to support the violated rights of
MAS. -40^
;his country in the struggle, which terminated in the separation of
the colonies from Great Britain. A convention, which met at An-
napolis in July 1775, drew up a form of association to be signed by
all the freemen of the province. This state did not adopt the arti-
cles of the confederation till March 1, 1781. The present consti-
tution of Maryland was formed in August 1776. It establishes a
general assembly, consisting of a house of delegates, who are chosen
annually, and of a senate, the members of which are elected every
five years by electors, appointed by the people for that purpose.
The governor is elected annually by a joint vote of both houses, and
is incapable of continuing in office more than three years succes-
sively, and not eligible again until the expiration of four years after
he has left the office. — Morse's geog. ; Wynne's Brit, empire, i. 236
— 241 ; Holmes' annals, i. 265, 274, 351, 358 ; Chalmers.
MASASSOIT, sachem of the Wompaneags, lived at Pokanoket
on Narraganset bay, when the fii'st settlers of New England arrived
at Plymouth in 1620. He was their early and their constant friend.
In the spring of 1621 he made a treaty with governor Carver, the
articles of which he always regarded. He died about the year 1 655,
and was succeeded by his son Alexander. A short time before his
death, while the English were treating with him respecting some
of his lands at Swansey, he at first insisted upon the condition, that
no attempts should ever be made to convert his people to Christian-
ity. — Belknap's Amer. biog. ii. 212, 229, 290 ; Hutchinson, i. 276;
Prince, 101, 102 ; Holmes' annals, i. 208 — 2 1 1 ; Morton, 26.
MASON (John), a brave soldier, and author of the history of
the Pequot war, was born in England about the year 1600. He
was bred to arms in the Netherlands under sir Thomas Fairfax,
whose good opinion he so much conciliated, that after his arrival in
this coimtry, when the struggle arose in England between king
Charles I and the parliament, sir Thomas addressed a letter to
Mason, requesting him to join his standard and give his assistance
to those, who were contending for the liberties of the people. The
invitation however was declined. Captain Mason was one of the
first settlers of Dorchester, Massachusetts, being one of the compa-
ny of Mr. Warham in 1630. From this place he removed to
Windsor in Connecticut about the year 1635, and assisted in laying
the foundation of a new colony. The Pequot war, in which he was
so distinguished, was in the year 1637. The Pequot Indians were
a spirited and warlike nation, who lived near New London, In 1634
a tribe, which was in confederacy with them, murdered a captain
Stone and a captain Norton with their crew of eight men, and then
sunk the vessel. A part of the plunder was received by Sassacus,
the Pequot sachem. In 1636 the Pequots killed a number of men
at Saybrook, where there was a garrison of about twenty men ; in
consequence of which captain Mason was sent down the river by Con-
necticut colony in March 1637 for the relief of the fort. He it-
408 MAS.
mained tlicre a month, but not an Indian was to be seen. In Aprri
the Pcquots killed nine of the English at Wethersfield, and destroyed
much property. The colony was now reduced to a most lamentable
condition. The inhabitants were in number but about two hundred
and fifty, and most of the men were needed for the labor of the
plantations. Many of the cattle had been lost from the want of hay or
corn ; there were perhaps not five ploughs in the colony ; and the
people were suffering for want of provisions. They were at the
same time so harrassed by a powerful enemy, that they could nei-
ther hunt, fish, nor cultivate their fields, but at the peril of their
lives. They were obliged to keep a constant watch. At this cii-
sis a court was summoned at Hartford on the first of IMay. Besides
the six magistrates, there were also committees from the few towns
in the colony to compose the court. As the Pequots had killed
about thirty and were endeavoring to effect a union of all the In-
dians in a plan for the extirpation of the English, it was determined,
that an offensive war should be carried on against them, and that
ninety men should immediately be raised, forty two from Hartford,
thirty from Windsor, and eighteen from Wethersfield. The little
army under the command of captain Mason, with the reverend
Mr. Stone for their chaplain, fell down the river on the tenth, and
arrived at Saybrook on the seventeenth. They had united with
them about seventy Indians under the command of Uncas, sachem
of the Moheagans.vvho had lately revolted from Sassacus. At Say-
brook captain Mason and his officers were entirely divided in opin-
ion respecting the manner of prosecuting their enterprise. The
court had directed the landing of the men at Pequot harbor, from
whence they were to advance upon the enemy ; but captain Mason
was of opinion, that they should sail past the Pequot country to
Narraganset, and then return and take the enemy by surprise.
This opinion was a proof of his discernment and military skill. The
Pequots were expecting them at the harbor, where they kept a
watch day and night ; and the place was encompassed by rocks and
thickets, affording the Indians, who were the more numerous, every
advantage. It would be difficult to Uind, and if a landing was effect-
ed it would be difficult to approach the enemy's forts without being
much harrassed, and giving an opportunity for all of them to escape
If they were unwilling to fight. Besides by going first to Narragan-
set the hope was indulged, that some accession to their force might
be procui'ed. Tliese reasons weighed much with captain Mason,
but not with the other officers, who were afraid to exceed their
commission. In this perplexity the reverend Mr. Stone was desir-
ed to seek wisdom from above. Having spent most of Thursday
night in prayer on board the pink, in the morning he went on shore
and ttjld captain Mason he was entirely satisfied with his plan. The
council v/as again called, and the plan was adopted. On Saturday
the twentieth thev arrived at Narraganset ; but the wind was so
MAS. 409
unfiivoruble, that they could not land until Tuesday at sun set. He
immediately marched to the residence of the sachem, Miuntonimoh,
and disclosed to him the object, which he had in view. Two hun-
dred of the Narraganscts joined him, and on Wednesday they
marched about eighteen or twenty miles to the eastern Nihantick,
which was a frontier to the Pequots. Here was the seat of one of
the Narraganset sachems, who was so unfriendly, that he would not
suffer any of the English to enter the fort. A strong guard -was in
consequence placed round it, that none of the Indians should come
out, and alarm the Pequots. The little army continued its march
on Thursday, having in its train about five hundred Indians. In
the evening they reached the neighborhood of the Pequot fort at
Misdc. The army encamped, being exceedingly fatigued in con-
sequence of the heat and the want of necessaries. The guards, who
were advanced considerably in front, heard the enemy singing until
midnight. It was a time of rejoicing with them, as they had seen
the vessels pass a few days before and concluded that the English
had not courage to attack them. About two hours beforeday on the
morning of Friday, the twenty sixth of May, the captain assembled
his men, and prepared himself for determining the fate of Connecti-
cut. The blessing of God was briefly and devoutly implored.
With less than eighty brave men he marched forward, the Indians,
who were much afraid, having fallen in the rear. He told them to stay
behind atwhat distance they pleased, and to see whether Englishmen
would not fight. As captain Mason approached within a rod of the
fort, a dog barked, and an Indian roared out, Owanux ! Owanux I
[^Englishmen 1 Englishmen !] The troops pressed on, and having
fired upon the Indians through the pallisadoes, entered the fort at the
principal entrance, sword in hand. After a severe conflict, in which
a number of the enemy were killed, victory was still doubtful, for the
Indians concealed themselves in and about their wigwams, and from
their retreats made good use of their arrows. At this crisis the cap-
tain cried out to his men, " we must burn them" ; and seizing a fire
brand in one of the wigwams set fire to the mats, with which they
were covered. In a short time all the wigwams were wrapped in
flames. Captain Mason drew his men without the fort, encompass-
ing it completely ; and the sachem, Uncas, with his Indians and
such of the Narragansets as remained, took courage and formed
another circle in the rear. The enemy were now thrown into the
utmost terror. Some climbed the pallisadoes and were brought
down by the fire of the muskets ; others were so bewildered, that
they rushed into the very flames. A number collected to the wind-
ward and endeavored to defend themselves with their arrows, and
about forty, of the boldest issued forth and were cut down by the
swords af the English. In a little more than an hour the whole
work of destruction was completed. Seventy wigwams w§re burn-
ed and six hundred Indians perished. Seven rscapcd, and seven
410 MAS.
were taken prisoners. Two only of the English were killed, and
sixteen wounded. The victory was complete, but the army was in
great danger and distress. So many were wounded and worn down
by fatigue, that only about forty could be spared to contend with the
remaining enemy. In about an hour three hundred Indians came
on from the other fort ; but captain Mason led out a chosen party
and checked their onset. It was determined to march immediately
for Pequot harbor, into which a few minutes before, to their unut-
terable joy, they had seen their vessels enter, guided by the hand
of providence. When the march commenced the Indians advanc-
ed to the hill, on which the fort had stood. The desolation, which
here presented itself to their view, filled them with rage ; they
stamped and tore their hair in the transports of passion ; and rush-
ing do%vn the hill with great fury seemed determined to -avenge
themselves on the destroyers of their brethren. But the superior-
ity of fire arms to their bows and arrows kept them at a distance.
Captain Mason reached the harbor in safety ; and putting his
wounded aboard, the next day marched by land to Saybrook with
about twenty men. His safe return, and the success, which attend-
ed the expedition, filled the wnole colony with joy and thanksgiving.
Several providential events were particularly noticed. It was
thought remarkable, that the vessels should come into the harbor
at the very moment, when they were so much needed. As captain
Mason entered a wigwam for fire to burn the fort, an Indian was
drawing an arrow to the very head, and would have killed him in-
stantly, had not one Davis at this critical moment cut the bowstring
with his sword. So completely was the object of the expedition
effected, that the remaining Pequots were filled with such terror,
that they burned their wigwams and fled from their abode. The
greatest part of them went towards New York. Captain Mason
was sent out to pursue them, and he took one hundred prisoners
of the old men, women, and children. The rest, about two hundred
in number, soon submitted themselves, engaging never to live in
their country again, and becoming subject to the sachem of Mohe-
agans and Narragansets with the disgraceful necessity of never
again being called Pequots.
Soon after this war captain Mason was appointed by the govern-
ment of Connecticut major general of all their forces, and contin-
ued in this office till his death. He remained a magistrate, to which
station he was first chosen in 1642, till May 1660, when he was
elected deputy governor. In this office he continued ten years, till
May 1670, when his infirmities induced him to retire from public
life. After the Pequot war, at the request of the inhabitants of
Saybrook and for the defence of the colony he removed from Wind-
sor to that place in 1647. Thence hi 1659 he removed to Norwich,
where he died in 1672 or 1673 in the seventy third year of his age.
Major Mason held the same reputation for military talents in Con-
MAS. 411
necticut, which captain Standish held in Plymouth colony. Both
rendered the most important services to their country. Both were
bred to arms in the Dutch Netherlands. Captain Standish was of
short stature, but major Mason was tall and portly, and equally dis-
tinguished for his courage and vigor. He was also a gentleman of
prudence and correct morals. At the request of the general court
he drew up and published a brief history of the Pequot war. It is
reprinted in Dr. Increase Mather's relation of troubles by the In-
• dians, 1677. It was also republished more correctly, with an in-
troduction and some explanatory notes, by the reverend Thomas
Prince in 1736. — Introduction to Mason's history ; TruinhuU'a hist.
»/ Connecticut^ i. 68 — 87, 337 ; Holmes' annals^ i. 292 — 294.
MASON (Georgk), an eminent statesman of Virginia, was a
member of the general convention, which in 1787 framed the con-
stitution of the United States, but refused to sign his name, as one
of that body, to the instrument, which tliey had produced. In the
following year he was a member of the Virginia convention, which
considered the proposed plan of federal government. He united
with Henry, and opposed its adoption with great energy. He thought,
that the confederation was about to be converted into a consolidated
government, for which, he said, many of the members of the general
convention avowed an attachment ; and he was desirous of introduce
ing amendments. He contended for the necessity of an article,
reserving to the states, all powers not delegated. This article is
now among the amendments of the constitution. He wished also,
that there should be a limitation to the continuance of \he presi-
dent in office. So averse was he to that section, which allowed
the slave trade for twenty years, that, attached as he was to the
union of all the States, he declared that he would not admit the southv
ern states into the union unless they would agree to discontinue the
traffic. He died at his seat at Gunston Hall, Virginia in the autumn
of 1792, aged sixty seven years. — Virginia debates^ sec. edit. 13, 32 j
302, 306, 3 1 3, 343, 350, 361, 370, 372.
MASSACHUSETTS, one of the Utiited States of America,
was formerly divided into the two colonies of Plymouth and of
Massachusetts bay, which were distinct for many years. Plymouth
was first settled in December 1620 by person.^, who intended to
commence a plantation in the territory of the south Virginia com-
pany, but who on account of the advanced season of the year were
induced to establish themselves, where they first landed. They
formed a government for themselves, and chose Mr. Carver for
;heir governor. In 1620 all the land from sea to sea between the
fortieth and forty eighth degrees of north latitude was granted to
the council at Plymouth in England. From this company a patent
was obtained in 162 1 . For several years the v/hole property of the
colony was in common. The governor, v/ho was chosen annual-
ly, had at first buit one assistai^t ; in 1624 he had five j and in 16S3
412 MAS.
the number was increased to seven. The labt patent was obtained
in 1630, by which the colonists were allowed to establish their own
government. The first house of representatives was formed in
1639, being rendered necessary by the increase of the inhabitants
and the extension of the settlements. The patent of Massachu-
setts bay was obtained in 1628. This colony was bounded on the
south by a line three miles distant from Charles' river, which pass-
es between Cambridge and Boston. In the same year a few peo-
ple un ler the government of John Endicot began a settlement at
Naumkeak, now Salem. In 1629 a form of government was set-
tled, and thirteen persons, resident on the plantation, were entrust-
ed with the sole management of the affairs of the colony. Of these
persons one was the governor and twelve were counsellors. All
these were but deputy officers, as tliey were appointed by the gov-
ernor and company in England. This state of things however last-
ed but a short time. It was soon determined to transfer the gov-
ernment entirely to New England. Governor Winthrop accord-
ingly came over in 1630 with about fifteen hundred persons, bring-
ing the charter with him. This instrument vested the whole exec-
utive power in the governor, deputy governor, &nd eighteen assist-
ants, and the legislative power in a general court, composed of the
above and of the freemen of the colony. This assembly was au-
thorized to elect their governor and all necessary officers. But the
provisions of the charter were not very carefully observed. The
emigrants, considering themselves as subject to no laws excepting
those of reason, and equity, and scripture, modelled their govern-
ment according to their own pleasure. Early in 1631 the general
court ordained, that the governor, deputy governor, and assistants
should be chosen by the freemen alone ; they directed that there
should be two courts instead of four in a year ; in May 1634 they
created a representative body ; they established judicatories of va-
rious kinds ; and in 164 t the general court was divided into the
two houses of deputies and of magistrates, each of which was to
send its acts to the other for approbation. The assistants and the
general court for four years often judged and punished in a sum-
mary Avay without a jury, and Avithin three years after it was enact-
ed, that there should be no trial, which should affect life or residence
in the country, without a jury of freemen, the general court violated
this law in passing sentence of banishment in 1637. Massachusetts
continued to increase till the Indian war of 1675 and 1676, which
occasioned great distress. About six hundred of the inhabitants of
New England were killed, and twelve or thirteen towns were en-
tirely destroyed ; and thi'^ colony was the greatest sufferer. In
1684 the charter of Massachusetts was declared to be forfeited by
the high court of chancery in England in consequence of well
founded charges of disrespect to the laws of England, and of ten-
?!encics towards exercising the rights of a free state. In 1 686 Jo«
MAS. 413
seph Dudley feceived his commission of president of New Eng-
land though Plymouth was not included ; but at the close of
the year Andros arrived with a commission, which included that
colony. In 1689 this tyrannical governor was deposed and impris-
oned by an indignant people, mid Massachusetts and Plymouth
reestablished their old government. In 1692 a charter was obtain-
ed, which constituted Massachusetts a province, and added to it
the colony of Plymouth, the province of Maine, the province of
Nova Scotia, and the Elisabeth islands, and Nantucket and Mar-
tha's Vineyard. From this period Massachusetts and Plym-
outh were blended, and under one government. This new char-
ter greatly abridged the liberties of the people. Formerly they
had chosen their governor ; but now the appointment of the
governor, lieutenant governor, secretary, and all the officers of
adaiirality was vested in the crown. Other important changes
were made. This charter continued till the late revolution. Du-
ring the attempts of Shute, Burnet, and other governors to pro-
cure a fixed salary, which should make them indeperdent of the
people, the general court showed a determinaton to prevent the
removal of any barrier against tyranny. While the claims of
British taxation were discussed from the year 1765 till the com-
mencement of the war, Massachusetts was conspicuous for the
unshaken and persevering spirit, with which the cause of lib-
erty was supported. In October 1774 a provincial congress as-
sumed the government, and in July 1775 elected counsellors, a.^
as under the old charter. The present constitution was formed by
a convention in March 1780. By this instrument the legislative
powers are vested in a general court, consisting of a senate and a
house of representatives, annually chosen, which have a negative
upon each other; and no act can he passed without the approbation
of the governor, unless after a revisal two thirds of both branches
are in favor of it. The governor is chosen every year by the peo-
ple, and he has a council composed of the lieutenant governor, and
nine others, chosen by the general court, without whose advice he
can exercise none of his powers, except such as are incident to his
office of commander in chief. In 1786 there was an insvirrection
in Massachusetts, occasioned by the scarcity of money and the
pressure of taxes and of debts to individuals. A convention from
fifty towns in Hampshire county met at Hatfield in August and
drew up a catalogue of grievances. In the same month a body of
insurgents took possession of the court house in Northampton ;
and in a short time the fiame of open opposition to government was
enkindled in other counties. But the rebellion was suppressed in
1787 with the loss of but few lives. Since then internal peace has
existed. — Morton ; Prince ; Winthrofi ; Hutchinson ; Minot ; Gor-
don ; JVeal'f!^ Adamn'^ and Morse and Pari^fi'n X, E. : Hc/;m* cr?-
nals.
414 MAT.
MATHER (Richard), minister of Dorchester, Massachusetts,
was born in Lancashire, England, in 1596. At the age oi fiitecn he
was invited to take the instruction of a school at Toxteth, neui Liv-
erpool. After suffering for some time that anxiety and disticssj
which the knowledge of his own character as a sinner produced, he
in his eighteenth year found peace and joy in the gospel of the Re-
deemer. In May 1618 he was admitted a student of Oxford ; but
in a few months afterwards he became the minister of 'J'oxteth, be-
ing ordained by the bishop of Chester. Here he continued about
fifteen years without any interruption of his benevolent labors. He
preached every Tuesday at Prescot, and he always seized the op-
portunity, which his attendance upon funerals aflbrded, for impart-
ing instruction to the living. He was silenced for nonconformity
to the established church in 1633, but through the influence of his
friends was soon restored. He was again suspended in 1634, as he
had never worn the surplice, and could not adopt the ceremonies,
which were enjoined. Having resolved to seek the peaceable en-
joyment of the rights of conscience and the purity of Christian
ordinances in New England, he escaped the pursuivants, who were
endeavoring to apprehend him, and embarked at Bristol in May
1635. On the seventeenth of August he arrived in Boston harbor.
He was in a few months invited to Dorchester ; and, as the first
church had removed with Mr. Warham to Windsor, a new church
was formed, of which he was constituted the teacher August 23,
1636. He assisted Mr. Eliot and Mr. Welde in 1640 in making
the New England version of the psalms. The model of church
discipline, which he presented to the synod of 1648, was the one,
which was chiefly adopted in preference to those, prepared by Mr.
Cotton and Mr. Partridge. He died in the peace of the Christian,
April 22, 1669, aged seventy three years. Though in his old age he
experienced many innrniities, yet such had been his health, that
for half a century he was not detained by sickness so much as one
Sunday from his public labors. He was a pious Christian, a good
scholar, and a plain, and useful preacher. He was careful to avoid
foreign and obscure words, and unnecessary citation of Latin sen-
tences, that all might understand him. While his voice was loud
and distinct, there was also a vehemency and dignity in his manner.
By his flrst wife he had a number of sons, who were distinguished
ministers. His second wife was the widow of the famous John
Cotton. He wrote the discourse about the church covenant,
and the answer to thirty two (juestiorts, published in 1639, which
pass under the name of the ciders of New England. He wrote al-
so a modest and brotherly answer to Mr. Charles Herle's book
against the indepenxlency of churches, 1644 ; a reply to Mr. Ruth-
erford, or a defence of the answer to Mr. Herle's book, 1646 ; an
heart melting exhortaiion, 8cc. in a letter to his countrymen of Lan-
cashire, 1650 ; a catechism ; a treatise of justification, 1652 j a
MAT. 415
letter to Mr. Hooker to prove, that it was lawful for a uiinlster to
administer the sacrament to a cong^regation, not particularly under
his care; election sermon about 1660; an answer to Mr. Daven-
port's work against the propositions of the synod of 1662. He also
prepared for the press sermons on the second epistle of Peter, and
an elaborate defence of the churches of New England. — Wood's
AtheTKC Oxonienses, ii. 427, 428 ; Magnalia, iii. 122 — 130 ; Collect,
hist. soc. viii. 10 ; ix. 170 — 172 ; JYeal's JV. E. i. 385 ; Hutchinson,
i. 259 ; Clarke^s lives ; I. Mather's account of his life afid death.
MATHER (Samuel), minister of Dublin, Ireland, was the son
of the preceding, and was born in Lancashire May 13, 1626. Ac-
companying his father to this country, he was graduated at Har-
vard college in 1 643. He was appointed the first fellow of the col-
lege and he was held in such estimation by the students, whom he
instructed, that when he left them they put on badges of mourning.
When he began to preach, he spent some time in Rowley as an as-
sistant to Mr. Rogers. A church having been gathered in the
north part of Boston, he was invited to take the charge of it ; but
after preaching there one winter, several circumstances induced
him to go to England in 1650. The church, which he left, was
afterwards under the pastoral care of his brother, Dr. Increase
Mather. In England he was appointed chaplain of Magdalen col-
lege, Oxford. He then preached two years at Leith in Scotland.
Thence he went to Ireland in 1655 and was made a senior fellow
of Trinity college, Dubliri. Here also he was settled the minister
of the church of St. Nicholas, as colleague with Dr. Winter. Though
he was a most liberal nonconformist, and refused several benefices,
that were offered by the lord deputy, because he did not wish to
have the episcopalian ministers displaced ; yet soon after the res-
toration he was suspended on a charge of sedition. Returning to
England, he was minister at Burton wood till he was ejected by the
Bartholomew act in 1662. He afterwards gathered a church at his
ovm house in Dublin, where he died in peace October 29, 1671, in
the forty sixth year of his age. He was succeeded by his brother,
Mr. Nathaniel Mather. As a preacher he held the first rank, and
his name was known throughout the kingdom. His discourses were
remarkable for cleai'ness of method. It was his constant desire to ex-
alt the Lord Jesus Christ, and to promote the objects, for which he
died. He published a wholesome caveat for a time of liberty, 1652 ;
a defence of the protestant religion against popery, 1671; an ireni-
cum, or an essay for union among the presbyterians, independents,
and anabaptists ; a treatise against stinted liturgies ; a piece against
Valentine Greatarick, who pretended to cure diseases by stroking ;
a course of sermons on the types of the old testament, with some
discourses against popish superstitions. — Wcr,d\3 Athena Oxonien'-
««-«, ii. 489, 490; Mather's nwgnalia, iv. 143 — 153; Nonconform,
jnemorial, ii. S5 5 — 357; Mai's .Y. E. i. 385 ; Collect, hist. soc. ix.
17^. 179 ; Colannrs pcrovnt^ ii. 415 — 417.
416 MAT.
MATHER (Nathaniel), minister in London, was the son of
the reverend Richard Mather, and was born in Lancaster March
20, 1630. After his arrival in this country with his father, he was
educated at Harvard college, where he was graduated in 1647. He
afterwards went to England, and was presented to the living at
Barnstaple by Oliver Cromwell in 1656. Upon his ejectment in
1662 he went into Holland and was a minister at Rotterdam. A-
bout the year 1671 or 1672 he succeeded his brother, Samuel Math-
er, at Dublin. Thence he removed to London, where he was pastor
of a congregational church, and one of the lecturers at Pinner's hall.
He died July 26, 1697, aged sixty seven years. He was buried in
the burying ground near Bunhill fields, and there is upon his tomb-
stone a long Latin inscription, written by Dr. Watts, which ascribes
lo him a high character for genius, learning, piety, and ministerial
fidelity. He published the righteousness of God by faith upon all,
who believe, 1694 ; a discussion of the lawfulness of a pastor's offi-
ciating in another's church ; twenty three sermons, preached at
Pinner's hall, and Lime street, taken in short hand as they were
delivered, but most of them corrected by himself, 1701 ; a fast ser-
mon.— Ca/a7/zw's continuation^ i. 257 — 259; VVatta* lyric fiocws^
book iii ; \''onconform. infmorial, ii. 4 ; Holmes* annals., ii. 39.
MATHER (Eleazer), first minister of Northampton, Massa-
chusetts, was the son of the reverend Richard Mather, and was born
May 13, 1637. He was graduated at Harvard college in 1656.
Having preached about two years at Northampton, when a church
was gathered there in 1661 he was ordained its minister on the
twenty third of June. He died July 24, 1669, aged thirty two
years, having been admired as a man of talents and exalted piety,
and as a zealous and eminently useful preacher. After his death
there was published from his manuscripts a serious exhortation to
the succeeding and present generation in New England, being the
substance of his last sermons, 1 67 1 . — Magnalia., iii 1 30 ; Collect,
hist. soc. ix. 181, 192 ; Edwards* narrative ; life of I. Mather^ 66.
MATHER (Increase, d. d.) president of Harvard college, was
the son of the reverend Richard Mather, and was born at Dorches-
ter June 2 I, 1639. He was graduated at the college, which was
afterwards entrusted to his care, in 165 6. Beginning to preach in
the next yeir. and bein;j: invited by his brother to Dublin, he em-
barked for England July 3, 1 657, and after an absence of four years
returned in August 1661. In the next month he was invited to
preach at the north church in Boston, thoKgh he was not ordained
there till May 27, 1654. Two years before this, when the contro-
versy respecting t'le subjects of baptism was agitated, he opposed
thf, results of the svnotl, but being convinced by the arguments of
Mr. Mitchcl, he afterwardri defended the synodical propositions.
He was a member of the synod of 1679, ;nul drew up the result
and the preface to it, which were tlien agreed on. When king
MAT. 417
Chades It expressed his wish that the charter of Massachusetts
might be resigned into his hands in 1683, Dr. Mather zealously op-
posed a compliance with his majesty's pleasure. In 1688 he sailed
for England as agent of the province to procure redress of griev-
ances. After several years of important services he returned with
a new charter, and arrived at Boston May 14, 1692. He had the
sole nomination of the first g-overnor. After his arrival the gene-
ral court appointed a day of public thanksgiving for his safe return,
and for the settlement of the government. During the witchcraft
delusion he opposed the violent measures, which were adopted.
He wrote a book to prove, that the devil might appear in the shape
of an innocent man, by means of which a number of persons, con-
victed of witchcraft, escaped the execution of the sentence. After
the death of Mr. Oakes in 1631 the care of Harvai'd college de-
volved upon him. But as his chvirch refused to relinquish him, he
only made weekly visits to Cambridge until the appointment of
president Rogers in the following year. After his death he was
again called to the presidency of the college June 1 1, 1685, and he
continued in this station till September 6, 1701, when he resigned
in consequence of an act of the general court, requiring the presi-
dent to reside at Cambridge. He was unwilling to leave his church,
though his son, Dr. Cotton Mather, had been settled as his colleague
for a number of years. Mr. VVillard succeeded him. After a long
life of benevolent exertion, he died in Boston August 23, 1723, in
the eighty fifth year of his age, having been a preacher sixty six
years, sixty two of which were passed in the ministry in Boston.
He was a man of great learning and of extensive influence and
usefulness. Soon after his return from England he procured an
act, authorizing the college to create bachelors and doctors of the-
ology, which power was not given by its former charter. As pres-
ident he was careful not only to give the students direction in their
literary pursuits, but also to impart to them religious instuction.
He frequently called them one by one into the library, and there
with the affection of a parent and the fidelity of a minister of the
gospel he would confer with them respecting the salvation of their
souls, and solemnly charge them to renounce their sins, to embrace
the gospel, and to devote themselves to the service of God. He
usually preached to them every week, and his sermons, both at
Cambridge and in Boston, were designed to impress the conscience
as well as to enlighten the mind. He considered him as the best
preacher, who taught with the greatest simplicity. His delivery
was somewhat peculiar. He usually spoke with deliberation, but at
times, when uttering an impressive sentence, his voice became the
voice of thunder. Always committing his sermons to memory, he
never used his notes in the pulpit. Sixteen hours in every day were
commonly spent in his study, and in his retirement he repeatedly
addressed himself to the Lord his Maker. He always kept a diary,
54
418 MAT.
designed for his improvement in religion. Such was his benevo-
lence, that he devoted a tenth part of all his income to charitable-
purposes. He married the youngest daughter of Mr. Cotton. Hia
portrait is in the library of the Massachusetts historical society.
The foUowir-g is a list of his publications. The mystery of Israel's
salvation, 1669; the life and death ot Mr. Richard Mather, 1670;
"svo to drunkards, 1673; the day of trouble near; important truths
about conversion, 1674 ; the first principles of New England ; a dis-
course concerning the subject of baptism, and consociation of church-
es ; the wicked man's portion ; the times of men in the hands of
God, 1675 ; history of the war with the Indians from June 24,1675,
to August 12,1 676, with an exhortation to the inhabitants, 1676 ; a
relation of troubles of New England from the Indians from the be-
ginning ; an historical discourse on the prevalency of prayer ; re-
newal of covenant the duty of decaying and distressed churches,
1677; pray for the rising generation, 1678; a call to the rising
generation, 1679 ; the divine right of infant baptism; the great
concernment of a covenant people ; heaven's alarm to the world,
1680 ; animadversions upon a narrative of the baptists, 1681 ; dia-
tviba de signo filii hominis j practical truths ; the church a subject
of persecution, 1682; cometogrophia, or a discourse concerning
comets, 1683; remarkable pi'ovidences ; the doctrine of divine
providence, 1684 ; an arrow against profane and promiscuous danc-
es, 1685 ; the mystery of Christ; the greatest of sinners exhorted;
a sermon on the execution of a poor man for murder, 1686 ; a testi-
mony against superstitions, 1687 ; desuccessu evangelii apud Indos
epistola, 1688 ; the unlawfulness of using common prayer, and of
swearing on the book, 1689 ; several papers relating to the state of
New England ; the revolution justified, 1690 ; the blessing of prim-
itive counsellors ; cases of conscience concerning witchcraft ; an
essny on the power of a pastor for the administration of sacraments,
1693 ; ^\hether a man may marry his wife's own sister; solemn
advice to young men, 1695 ; angelographia, a treatise of angels,
1696 ; a discourse on man's not knowing his time ; the case of con-
science concerning the eating of blood, 1697 ; David serving his
generation, a funeral sermon, 1698 ; the surest way to the highest
honor; on hardness of heart ; the folly of sinning, 1699 ; the order
of the gospel vindicated, 1700; the blessed hope, 1701; remarks
on a sermon of George Keith ; Ichabod, or the glory departing, an
election sermon ; the Christian religion the only true religion ; the
excellency of public spirit, 1702 ; the duty of parents to pray for
their children ; soul saving gospel truths, 1703; the voice of God
in, stormy winds ; practical truths to promote holiness, 1704 ; med-
itations on the glovy of Christ, 1705 ; a discourse concerning earth-
quakes ; a testimony against sacrilege ; a dissertation concerning
right to sacraments, 1706; meditations on death; a disquisition
'concerning right to sacraments, 1707; a dissertation wherein the
MAT. 419
strange doctrine of ^r. Stoddard is refuted, 1708 ; on the future
conversion of the Jews, confutuig Dr. Lightioot and Mr. Baxter,
1709; concerning faith and prayer for the kingdom of Christ;
artillery election sermon on being very courageous ; awakening
truths tending to conversion, 1710 ; meditations on the glory of the
heavenly world ; a discourse concerning the death of the righteous ;
the duty of the children of godly parents, 17*1; burnings bewailed ;
remarks upon an answer to a book against the common prayer ;
ineditations on the sanctification of the Lord's day, 1712; a plain
discourse showing who shall and who shall not enter into heaven j
a funeral sermon for his daughter in law, 1 7 1 3 j resignation to tlie
will of God, on the death of his consort, 1714; Jesus Christ a mighty
Savior, and other subjects, 1715 ; a disquisition concerning eccle-
siastical councils ; there is a God in heaven ; the duty and dignity of
aged servants of God, 1716; a sermon at the ordination of his grand
son ; sermons on the beatitudes ; practical truths plainly delivered
with an ordination sermon, 1718 ; five sermons on several subjects,
one of them on the author's birth day, 1719; a testimony to the or-
der of the churches, 1720 ; advice to children of godly ancestors, a
sermon concluciing the Boston lectures on early piety ; several
sheets in favor of inoculation for the small pox, 172 1 ; a dying pas-
tor's legacy; Elijah's mantle, \Ti2.-—Re7narkables of Dr. I, Math-
er y JVonconform. tnemorial, ii. 245 — 249 ; Magnalia, iv. 130, 131 ;
V. 77 — 84 ; vi. 2 ; Collect, hist. soc. iii. 12.6 ; ix. 181 ; x. 156, 167 ;
Wood's Athente Oxonienses., ii. 428, 429 ; Calamy's contimiat. i. 494
— 500 ; J^eal's J^T. E.ii. 1 14, 1 15 ; Hutchinson, i. 366 ; ii. 305 ; C.
Mather's sermon on his death; Trumbull, i 325 ; Holmes's annals, ii.
111.
MATHER (Cotton, d.d. f.r.s.), minister in Boston, was the
son of the preceding, and grandson of Mr. John Cotton. He was
born in Boston February 12, 1663. Distinguished for early piety,
when he was a school boy he endeavored to persuade his youthful
companions frequently to lift up their hearts to their Maker and
heavenly Friend, and he even wrote for them some forms of devo-
tion. He had also the courage to reprove their vices. At the age
of fourteen he began to observe days of secret fasting ancj prayer,
reading commonly fifteen chapters in the bible every day. He was
graduated at Harvard college in 1678, having made uncommon
proficiency in his studies. At this early period of his life he drew
up systems of the sciences, and wrote remarks upon the books,
which he read, and thus matured his understanding. At the age of
seventeen he approached the fiord's table with affectionate reliance
upon Jesus Christ for salvation. Having been occupied for somo
time in the study of theology, he was ordained minister of the north
church in Boston as colleague with his father May 1 3, 1684 Here
he passed his days unwearied and unceasing in his exertions to pro-
•viote the glory of his Maker, and the highest welfare of his breth-
420 MAT. -^
ren. He died in the ftssurance of Christian faith February I^
1728, aged sixty five years. He v.'asamanof unequalled indus-
try, of vast learnintj, of unfeigned piety, and ot most disinter- L
ested and expansive bciievolence. He was also distinguished for T
his credulity, for his pedantry, and for his v/ant of judgment
ftnd taste. No person in America had so large a library, or had
read so many books, or retained so much of what he read. So pre-
cious did he consider time, that to prevent visits of unnecessary -
length he wrote over his study door in capital letters, " be short." ■
Still his manners were never morose, but easy and obliging. His
social talents and his various knowledge rendered his conversation
interesting and instructive. Every morning he usually read a chap-
ter of the Old Testament in Hebrew and another in the French, and
a chapter of the New Testament in Greek. Besides the French
he understood also the Spanish and Iroquois, and in these languages
he published treatises. There Avere two books, in which he every
day wrote something. In the one, which he called his quotidiana,
he transcribed passages from the authors, which he read. In the
other, wliich was his diary, he noted the events of the day, his im-
perfections and sins, and every thing, which might subserve his
religious improvement. By this diary it appears, that in one year
he kept sixty fasts, and twenty vigils, and publishec' fourteen books,
besides discharging the duties of his pastoral office. As a minister
of the gospel he was most exemplary. Always proposing in his
sermons to make some particular imprcssii)n upon the minds of
his hearers, the whole discourse had relation to this olijcct, and he
endeavored to make his sentences short, that those, who took notes,
might do it with the more ease. His discourses without doubt were
equal in length to those of his brethren, which he himself informs us
usually went a good way into the second hour. He kept a list of the
members ot his church, and frequently prayed for each separately,
Those especially, whose cases had been mentioned on the Sabbath
in the house of public v.'orship, were remembered by him in his
secret addresses to the throne of grace. He usually allotted one or
two afternoons in a week to visiting the families of his congregationt
and hi these visits he addressed both the parents and the children,
exhorting the former to faithfulness, and endeavoring to instruct
the latter by asking them questions, and recommending to them
secret prayer and the reading of the scriptures. When he left
them he recommended to their consideration a particular text of 4
scripture. As he published many pious books, he was continually T
putting them into the hands of persons, to whom he thought they
would be useful. His success seemed to correspond with his fidel-
ity. In the first year of his ministry about thirty were added to
his church ; and he received the benedictions of many dying be-
lievers, who spoke of his labors as the means of their salvation.
He promoted the establishment of severaUiscful societies, parliciu
MAT. 4^1
larly a society for suppressing disorders and for the reform ation of
Tiiannersj and a society of peace makers, whose object was to pre-
vent lawsuits and to compose differences. He arranged the busi-
ness of every day in the moining, always inquiring by what means
he could be useful to his fellow men, and endeavoring to devise new
methods of doing good. He did not content himself with contriv-
ing plans, but vigorously executed them. When he travelled, he
commonly had for a companion some young gentleman, to whom
he might impart instruction, and he used to pray with him in pri-
vate, Avhen they lodged together. Notwithstanding his benevolent
labors and unwearied industry, he expressed the greatest hunjiliiy,
and spoke of his days as passed in sloth and sin. Dr. Mother took
some interest in the political concerns of his country, and on this
account as well as on account of his faithful reproof of iniquity he
had many enemies. Many abusive letters were sent him, all of
which he tied up in a packet and wrote upon the cover, " libels ;
Father, forgive them." Though he derived much satisfaction from
his theological and literary pursuits ; yet he declared, that in per-
foi'ming an act of benevolence to some poor and suffering Chiistian
he found much higher pleasure. In his diary he says, " as for the
delights of the woiid, I know of none comparable to those, which I
take in communion with my Savior. As for the riches of thiswoild,
I use no labor for them. In my Savior I have unsearchable riches;
and in my fruition of him I have a full supply of all my wants. As
for the honors of this world, I do nothing to gain honors for myself.
To be employed in the Lord's work, for the advancement of his
kingdom, is all the honor, that I wish for."
Dr. Mather's publications amounted to three hundred and eighty
two. Many of them indeed were small, such as single sermons,
but others were of considerable magnitude. His essays to do good,
12mo, 1710, is a volume peculiarly excellent. It has lately been
reprinted in England. Dr. Franklin ascribed all his usefulness in
the world to his reading it in early life. His Christian philosopher,
8vo, 172 1, was admired in England. His directions for a candidate
of the ministry, 12mo, 1725, gained him a vast number of letters
thanks. Others of his larger works are the life of his father,
and ratio disciplinje fratrum Nov-Anglorum, or an account of the
discipline professed and practised in the churches of New England.
But his largest and most celebrated work is his magnalia Christi
Americana, or the ecclesiastical history of New England from its
first planting in 1625 to the year 1698, in seven books, fblio»
1702. His style abounds M'ith puerilities, puns, and strange con-
ceits, and he makes a great display of learning ; but no man was so
thoroughly acquainted with the history of New Enc? land, and he has
saved numerous and important facts from oblivion. In the Avork arc
contained biographical accounts of many of the first settlers, both
governors and ministers. It appears, that he gave full credit to the
422 MAT.
stories of witchcraft; but he was not singular in Ins creJiflitjr,
Even Dr. Watts wrote to him, " I am persuaded, that there was
jnuch immediate agency of the devil in those affairs, and perhapu
there were some real witches too." The cutalouge of his publica-
tions in his life, written by his son, occupies eighteen pages ; and
the whole tlierefore could not with convenience be here inserted.
He published funeral sermons on John Baily, 1697 ; Mary Brown,
1703 ; Sarah Leverctt, 1704 ; Michael Wigglesworth, 1705 ; J.
Winthrop, 1707; Ezekial Checver and John Higginson, 1708 ; Je-
rusha Oliver, 1709 ; Eliz. Hutchinson, 1712 ; Mary Rock, and Eliz-
abeth Mather, 1713; Sarah Ting, and Maria Mather, 1714 ; Thom-
as Bridge, and Mehitabel Gerrish, 1715 ; Katharine Mather, 1716 j
Hobert Kitchen, Hannah Sewall, and Wait Winthrop, 1717;
Thomas Barnard, 1718 ; James Keith, and Joseph Gerrish, 1719 ;
Abigail Sewall, 1720 ; Frances Webb, and Abigail Willard, 1721 ;
Joseph Belcher, and Increase Mather, 1723 ; governor Saltonstall,
and Thomas Walter, 1724 ; Abigail Browne, 1725 j EUzabeth Cot-
ton, and Elizabeth Cooper, 1726; William Waldron, and Peter
Thacher, 1727. Among his other works, which are principally
occasional sermons or pious tracts, is the wonders of the invisible
world, 4to, 1692 ; and Psalterium Americanum, or the book of
Psalms in blank verse, with illustrations, 1718. Besides his nume-
rous publications, he left behind him in manuscript the angel of
Bethcsda, in which he placed under every disease not only suitable
religious instructions, but the most simple and easy medicines ; a
large treatise, designed to promote union among protestants ; Goli-
athus detruncatus, against Mr. Whiston, to prove that most of the
Antenicene fathers were orthodox and not Arian ; and Biblia Amer-
icana, or the sacred scriptures of the Old and New Testament illus-
trated. This learned work, which it was once proposed ,to publish
in three folio volumes, is now in the library of the Massachusetts
historical society. — J^ife bij S. Mat her ; Middleton'a biografihia evang.
iv. 233 — 240 ; Preface to Jiurder's edition of essays to do good ;
Collect, hist. soc. -a. 156, 168 ; Hardie.
MATHER (Samuel, d.d.), minister in Boston, was the son of
the preceding, and Avas graduated at Harvard college in 1723. He
was ordained in the same church, in which his father was settled, as
colleague with the reverend Mr. Gee June 21, 1732. In about ten
years a separation took place liy mutual agreement in consequence,
it is believed, of a difference of views in regard lo the revival of re-
ligion, which took place at that period. A church was built for him
in Bennet street by persons, who withdrew with him from the old
north church. He was their pastor till his death June 27, 1785, at
the age of seventy nine years. He was hurried, by his own direc-
tion, without any ceremony. A society of univcrsalists purchased
his church and still occupy it. Dr. Mather published a sermon on
the death of William Waldron, 1 727 ; of his father, 1 728 ; life of
MAY. 423
his father, 8vo, 1729 ; essay on gratitude, 1732 ; on the death of
queen Caroline, 1738 ; an apology for, the liberties of the churches
in New England, Bvo, 1738 ; artillery election sermon, 1739 ; on
the death of T. Hutchinson, esquire, 1740 ; of the prince of Wales,
175 1 ; of William Welsteed and Ellis Gray, 1753 ; dissertation on
the name of Jehovah, 1760; convention sermon, 1762 ; essay on
the Lord's prayer, 1766 ; all men will not be saved forever, 1781.—.
Collect, his', soc. iii. 258, 263 ; Holmes' annals, ii. 471.
MAYHE W (Thomas), governor of Martha's Vineyard and the
neighboring islands, resided at Watertown, Massachusetts, in Octo-
ber 1 64 1, when he obtained of the agent of lord Stirling a grant of the
above lands. In the following year he began a settlement at Edgar-
ton. In about thirty years these islands were attached to New York,
and in 1692 they were annexed to Massachusetts. He gave his
son much assistance in the benevolent work of converting the heathen.
The Indian sachems were afraid that the reception of the Christian
religion would deprive them of their power ; but governor Mayhew
convinced them, that religion and government were distinct, and by
his prudent conduct removed their prejudices against the truth.
Having persuaded them to adopt the English administration of jus-
tice, and having proved himself their father and friend, they became
exceedingly attached to him and at length submitted themselves to
the crown of England. After the death of his son, as he was ac-
quainted with the language of the Indians, and as he saw no pros-
pect of procuring a stated minister for them, he began himself, at
the age of seventy, to preach to the natives as well as to the Eng-
lish. Notwithstanding his advanced years and his office of gover-
nor, he sometimes travelled on foot near twenty miles through the
woods in order to impart the knowledge of the gospel to those,
that sat in darkness. He persuaded the natives at Gayhead to re-
ceive the gospel, which they had before opposed. Between the
years 1664 and 1667 he was much assisted by the reverend John
Cotton. When an Indian church was formed Augvist22, 1670, the
members of it desired him, though above fourscore, to become their
pastor ; but as he declined, they chose Hiacoomes. When Phil-
ip's war commenced in 1675, the Indians of Martha's Vineyard could
count twenty times the number of the English, and the latter would
probably have been extirpated, had not the Christian religion been
introduced ; but now all was peace, and Mr. Mayhew employed
some of his converts as a guard. While his zeal to promote the
gospel was yet unabated, he died in 1681 in the ninety third year of
his age, and the twenty third of his ministry. In his last moments
his heart was filled with Christian joy. — Prince's account, annexed
to Mather's hidian cojwerts, 280, 292 — 302 ; Connecticut evang.
mag. ii. 367 ; holmes' annals, ii. 322 ; Neal's A. E. i. 219, 267 >
IlutcIUnson, i. 161 ; Collect, hist. soc. iii. 155.
424 MAY.
MAYHEW (Thomas), the first minister of Martha** Vineyard,
was the only son of the preceding, and in 1642 accompanied him to
that island, where he became the minister of the English. He be-
held with Christian compassion the miserable Indians, who were
ignorant of the true God; he studied their language ; he conciliat-
ed their attection ; and he taught ihem the truths of the gospel.
The first convert was Hi.icoomes, who embraced the Christian relig-
ion in 1643. Mr. Mayhew commenced his public instructions to the
Indians in 1646, the same year, in which Mr. Eliot began his mis-
sionary exertions in a different part of the country. Many obstacles
were thrown in his way ; but he persevered in his benevolent la-
bors, visiting the natives in their different abodes, lodging in their
smoky wigwams, and usually spending part of the night in relating
to them portions of the scripture history. Before the close of the
year 1650 a hundred Indians entered into a solemn covenent to obey
the Most High God, imploring his mercy through the blood of
Christ. In 1652 there were two hundred and eighty two of the
heathens, who had embraced Christianity, and among these were
eight pawaws, or priests, who were so much interested to support
the credit of their craft. He sailed for En;-land in November 1657
to communicate intelligence respecting these Indians to the society
for propagating the gospel, and to procure the means of more ex-
tensive usefulness ; but the vessel was lost at sea, and he perished
in the thirty seventh year of his age. He had received a liberal
education, and was a man of considerable learning. His talents
migiit have procured him a settlement in places, where his mainte-
nance would have been generous ; but he chose to preach the gos-
pel to the heathen, and cheerfully consented to live in poverty and
to labor with his own hands to procure the means of subsistence for
his family. Four of his letters respecting the progress of the gospel
were published in London. — Indian converts.^ afifiendix-) 280 — 292 ;
Connect, evang. mag.n. 285 — 287,364,444 — 451; MaCs JV. £.
I. 262 — 267 ; Magnolia, iii. 200.
MAYHEW (John), minister of Martha's vineyard, was the soa
of the preceding, and was born in 1 652. At the age of twenty one
he was called to the ministry among the English at Tisbury in the
middle of the island. About the same time also he began to preach
to the Indians. He taught them alternately in all their assemblies
every week, and assisted them in the management of their ecclesi-
astical concerns. For a number of years he received but five pounds
annually for his services, but he was content, being more desirous
of saving souls from death than of accumulating wealth. He sought
not glory of men, and willingly remained imkno>vn, though he pos-
sessed talents, which might have attracted applause. He died
February 3, 1689, in the thirty seventh year of his age, and the
sixteenth of his ministry, leaving an Indian church of one hundred
communicyits, and several Avell instructed Indian teachers iu differ-
MAY. 425
ent congregations. In his last sickness he expressed his hope of
salvation through the n\erits of Christ.-— Indian converts^ aptiendix.
MAYHEW (Expehifnce), minister on Martha's Vineyard,
was the eldest son of the preceding,and was born January 27, 1673.
In March 1694, about five years after the death of his father, he
began to preach to the Indians, taking the oversight of five or six
of their assemblies. The Indian language had been familiar to him
from infancy, and he was employed by the commissioners of the
society for propagating the gospel in New England to make a new
version of the Psalms and of John, which work he executed with
great accuracy in 1709. He died November 29, 1758, in the
eighty sixth year of his age. He published a sermon, entitled, all
mankind by nature equally under sin, 1724; Indian converts, 8voj
1727, in which he gives an account of the lives of thirty Indian
ministers, and about eighty Indian men, women, and youth, worthy
of remembrance on account of their piety ; a letter on the Lord's
supper, 1741 ; grace defended, 8vo, 1744, in which he contends,
that the offer of salvation, made to sinners in the gospel, contains in
it a conditional promise of the grace given in regeneration. In
this, he says, he differs from most in the Calvinistic scheme ; yet he
supjx)rts the doctrines of original sin, of eternal decrees, and of the
sovereignty of God in the salvation of man. — Indian cunverts^^afifien,
306, 307 ; Chauncy's remarks on Landaff's sermon., 2 3.
MAYHEW (Jonathan, d.d.), minister in Boston, was the son
of the preceding, and was born at Martha's Vineyard October 8,
1720. He was graduated at Harvard college in 1744, having made
uncommon proficiency in literary pursuits. After being occupied
for some time in the study of theology he was ordained the minis-
ter of the west church in Boston June 17, 1747, as successor of the
first minister, Mr. Hooper, who had embraced the episcopalian
worship. Here he continued till his death, which took place sud-
denly July 9, J 766, in the forty sixth year of his age. He was
succeeded by the late Dr. Howard.
Dr Mayhew possessed superior powers of mind, and he was
distinguished for his literary attainments. In classical learning he
held an eminent rank. His writings evince a mind, capable of
making the nicest moral distinctions, and of grasping the most ab-
struse metaphysical truths. Among the correspondents, which his
literary character or his attachment to liberty gained him abroad,
were Lardner, Benson, Kippis, Blackburne, and Hollis. From the
latter he procured many rich donations for the university of Cam-
bridge. Being a determined enemy to religious establishments, to
test acts, and to ecclesiastical usurpation, he in 1763 engaged in a
controversy with the reverend Mr. Apthorp respecting the proceed-
ings of the society for the propagation of the gospel in foreign parts,
of which Mr. Apthorp was a missionary. He contended, that the
society was either deceived by the representations of the person-j
55
426 MAY.
employed, or was governed more by a regard to episcopacy than to»
charity. He was an unshaken friend of civil and religious hberiy,
and the spirit, which breathed in Iiis writings, transfused itself into
the minds of many of his fellow citizens, and had no little influence
in producing those great events, which took place after his death.
He was the associate of Otis, and other patriots in resisting the
arbitrary claims of Great Britain He believed it to be his duty to
promote the happiness of his brethren in every possible way, and
he therefore took a deep interest in political concerns. He possessed
singular fortitude and elevation of mind. Unshackled by education
he thought for himself, and what he believed he was not afraid ta
avow. In his natural temper he was warm, and he had not always
a full command of himself. He was however amiable in the sev-
eral relations of life, endeared to his friends, ready to perform
the offices of Itindness, liberal and charitable. Some of his contem-
poraries considered him as not perfectly evangelit:al in his senti-
ments. Whether he was correct or not in the result of his inquir-
ies, he was independent in making them. But although he thus
thought for himself, and wished others to enjoy the same liberty ; yet
he did not degrade his intellectual dignity by confounding tlve differ-
ence between truth and falsehood, right and wrong, and saying, that
it is of little consequence what a man believes. Though he was
called liberal in his sentiments, his charity would not admit of
attenuation and expansion to such a degree, as to embrace every one.
His discourses were practical and persuasive, calculated to inform;
the mind, and to reach the heart. He depended less on the manner
of delivery to captivate his audience, than on the truth of his in-
structions and the motives, by which he enforced them. In his
extemporary performances he was not remarkable for fluency or
ease. As a preacher he was most interesting to the judicious ind
enlightened. He pulilished seven sermons, 8vo, 1749, which for
perspicuous and forcible reasoning have seldom been equalled ; a
discourse concerning unlimited submission, and nonresistance to
the higher powers, preached on the thirtieth of January, 1750,.
in which he did not speak of the royal martyr in the strain of the
episcopalians ; on the death of the prince of Wales, 175 1 ; election
sermon, 1^54 ; on the earthquakes ; sermons on justification, 1755 ;
two thanksgiving sermons for the success of his majesty's arms,
1758, and two on the reduction of Quebec, 1759 ; a thanksgiving
sermon on the entire reduction of Canada ; on the death of Stephen
Bewail ; on the great fire in Boston, 1760 ; on the death of George
II ; striving to enter in at the strait gate explained and inculcated,
1761 ; Christian sobriety in eight sermons to voung men, with two
thanksgiving sermons ; observations on the charter and conduct of
the society for propagating: the gospel in foreign parts, 1763 ; de-
fence of thi^ preceding, 1764; second defence, 1765 ; Dudleian
lecture, 1765 ; thanksgiving sermon for the repeat of the stamtv
MEL. 427
act, 1766.— SerTMons on his death bij Chauncy and Gay; Literary
miscetianyyi.62 — 70; 157—164; MemoirsofT. Mollis^ 108; Minot's
contin.u. 135,136; Collect, hiat. soc. x. 169; Warren^ i. 415;
Go7-don,i. 178,
MELLEN (John), minister of Lancaster, Massachusetts, was
born at Hopkmton March 25, 172.2, and was graduateu at tlurvard
college in 1741. He was ordaiiiecl pastor ot" the church in Lancaster,
now Sterling, December 19, 1774. Alter remaining in this town
about thirty five years, his connexion with his society was dissolved
in consequence of disputes, occasioned principally by his enaeuv-
ors to maintain what he considered the oraer of the churches. In
1784 he became the minister of Hunover, where he continued to dis-
charge the duties of the sacred office until February 1805, when his
increasing infirmities induced him to relinquish it. He soonremov-
Gc4 to Reading, and closed a long and useful lite in the house of his
daughter, the relict of the reverend Caleb Prentiss, July 4, 1807, in
the eighty sixth year of his age. hy the diligent and successful
cultivation of talents, with which he was liberally endowed, he be-
came respectable in his profession. Many have an aflectionate re-
membrance of his faithful labors as a minister of the gospel. He
was amiable and liappy in the relations of domestic life, and he liv-
ed to see a lai'ge fan ily holding a. reputable rank in the world*
He published a sermon at the ortlinationofthe reverend Joseph Pal-
mer at Norton, 1753 ; on occasion of a general muster and inspec-
tion of arms, 1756,; onthe mortal sickness among his people, 1756 ;
a thanksgiving sermon on the conquest of Canada, 1760 ; religion
productive of music, a sermon preached at Marlborough ; a ser-
mon at the ordination of reverend Levi Whitman, Wellfleet, 1785 ;
on the national thanksgiving, 1795 ; a sermon before the old colo-
ny lodge of free masons at Hanover, 1793 ; on the duty of making
a profession of Christianity, preached at Scituate ; fifteen discours-
es on doctrinal subjects with practical improvements, 8vo, 1765.—
Columbian centi7ielf July 11, 1807.
MERCER (Hugh), a brigadier general in the late war, was
a native of Scotland, and after his arrival in America he serv-
ed with Washington in the war against tlte French and Indians,
which terminated in 1763, and was greatly esteemed by him. He
engaged zealously in support of the liberties of his adopted coun-
try. In the battle near Princeton January 3, J777 he commanded
the van of the Americans, composed principally of southern militia,
and while gallantly exerting himself to rally them received three
wounds from a bayonet, of which he died January nineteenth. It is
said, that he was stabbed after he had surrendered. He was a valu-
able officer and his character in private life was amiable. Provision
was mude by congress in 1793 for the education of his youngest
eon, Hugh Mercer. — Marshall, n. 552, 553 ; Holmes* annals, ii. 372 ;
Oordon, ji. 404 ; Ramsay, i. 325 ; Collect, hist. soc. ii. 90 ; War-
428 MEY.
ren,i. 350 ; Indefiendent chronicle^ Feb. 13, 1777 ; Journal of senate
U. S.March, 1793.
MEYER (Hekm ANNUS, d.d.), a minister of the reformed Dutch
church, was invited to come irom Holland and take the charge of
the church at Kini^slon or Esopus in the state of New York. Upon
his arrival in 1762, he was received with that respect and affection,
which were due to his character. But his preaching soon excited
opposition. He was too evangelical, practical, and pointed to suit
the taste of many of his principal hearers. He searched the con-
science so closely, and applied the doctrines of the gospel so pow-
erfully to the heart, that while they professed to revere the man,
they openly declared, that it was impossible for them patiently to
sit under his ministry. No plausible ground of opposition howev-
er could be found until the marriage of Dr. Meyer. The Dutch
churches in this country were at this time divided into two parties,
called the ccetus and tlie conferentie parties, of which the former
wished to establish judicatories with full powers in America, and
the latter was desirous of retaining the churches in subjection to
the classis of Amsterdam. The marriage of Dr. Meyer into a
leading family of the coetus party and an intimate friendship, which
sooa succeeded, with other families and distinguished characters of
the same party furnished his enemies with an occasion of standing
forth against him. A number of the neighboring ministers were
invited to attend and decide in the dispute, and they proceeded,
■without any competent authority, to suspend him from his ministry
in that pkice, and discharge the congregation from their relation to
him. He was afterwards called to the church at Pompton in New-
Jei-sey, where he continued to labor with much diligence, faithful-
ness, and success till his death. He died in 1791, without ever be-
ing able to effect a reconciliation with the church at Kingston, but
greatly beloved and respected in all the other Dutch churches. He
was a man of great erudition, of a mild and luimble temper, polite
and unaffected in his manners, and eminently pious. A number of
years before his death he was appointed by the g< ncral synod of
the Dutch church a professor of the oriental languages and a lector
or assistant to the professor of theology ; and as such he rendered
very important services in preparing candidates for the ministry. "^
-—Meson's Christianas magazine, ii. 10 — 12.
MIFFLIN (Thomas), a major general in the American army,
and governor ot Pennsylvania, was born about the year 1744 of pa-
rents who were quakers, and his education was entrusted to the care
of the reverend Dr. Smith, with whom he was connected in habits
of cordial intimacy and friendship for more than forty years. Ac-
tive and zealous, he engaged early in opposition to the measures of
the British parliament. He was a member of the first congress in
1774. He took arms, and was among the first officers commission-
ed on the organization of the continental armv, being appointed
t
MIL. 429
quarter master general in August 1765. For this offence he was
read out of the society of quakers. In 1777 he was very useful in
animating the militia, and enkindling the spirit, which seemed to have
been damped ; but he was also suspected in this year of being unfriend-
ly to the commander in chief, and of Avishing to have some other
person appointed in his place. His sanguine disposition and his ac-
tivity might have rendered him insensible to the value of that cool-
ness and caution, which were essential to the preservation of such
an army, as was then under the coinmand of Washington. In 1787
he was a member of the convention, which framed the constitution
of the United States, and his name is affixed to that instrument. In
October 1788 ne succeeded Franklin as president of the supreme
executive council of Pennsylvania, in which station ne continued till
October 1790. In September a constitution tor this state was form-
ed by a convention, in which he presided, and he was chosen
the first governor. In 1794, during the insurrection in Pennsyl-
vania he employed to the advantage of his country the extraordinary-
powers of elocution, with whicii he was endowed. The imperfec-
tion of the militia laws was compensated by his eloquence. He
made a circuit through the lower counties, and at different places
publicly addressed the militia on the crisis in the affairs of their
country, and through his animating exbortdtions the state furnished
the quota required. He was succeeded in the office of governor by
Mr. M'Kean at the close of the year 1799, and he died at Lancaster
January 20, 1800, in the fifty seventh year of his age. He was an
active and zealous patriot, who had devoted much of his life to the
public service.— -S^/uVA'* sermon on his dcach ; Marshall^ ii. 557 ; iii.
afipen. 15 ; v. 587 ; Clayfwole*s advertiser, Jan. 24, 1800 ; Brissot^
nouv. voij. 1. 354 ; Chastel/ujr's travels i. 181 ; Warreri, i. 339, 394.
MILES (John), minister of the first baptist church in Massachu-
setts, was settled at Ilston near Swansea in South Wales from 1649
till his ejectment in 1662. He soon came to this country and form-
ed achurcn atRehoboth in Bristol county in 1663. The legislature
ofPlyniouth colony granted to these baptists in 1667 the town of
Swansey, to which place they removed. Mr. Miles died February
3, 1683.— .Z>fir/i:«s' abridgment, 9 5-) 1 30 ; A^'oncovform. memorial, edit.
1802, iii. 500 ; Magnolia, iii. 7 ; Massa. bajitist miss. mag. i. 193.
MINOT (George RiCHARi>s),a historian, was born in Boston De-
cember 28, 1758 Distinguished in early life by the love of learning,
graceful modesty, and amiable manners, he was peculiarly endeared,
while at school, to his excellent instructer, Mr. Lovell, and in college
he secured the esteem of the governors of the institution and the
warmest attachment of his companions. He was graduated in 1778.
Having pursued the study of the law under the care of the honora-
ble William Tudor, he began its practice with a high reputation
and with fixed principles and habits. But his attention was imme-
diately diverted somewhat from his profession by his appointment
430 MIN.
ais clerk of the house of representatives of Massachusetts in 1781,
soon titter the new coDSlituiion had connnenced its operation. Wniie
in this station, the duties ot which lie discharged witn tne gre<^4test
fiuelity and impartiulity, the c .uses, which produced the insurrec-
tion, were operating, and he had an opportuinly ol being well ac-
quainted with the pruceedings ot the house. Ol these transactions
he wrote a sketch, which was published in the Boston magazine tor
1784 and 1785. At'ier the insurrection was suppressed, he wroiea
history of it, which was praised equally lor its truth, moderation,
perspicuity, and elegance. Oi the convention in Massachusetts,
which considered the constiiution ot ttie Uiiiied States, he was chos-
en the secretary. In January 1792 he was appointed judge of pro-
bate for the county of Suffolk, and several years afiervvaicls judge
of the municipal court in Boston. He died January 2, 1802, in the
forty fourth year of his age. Amidst the violence oi parties his
mildness, candor, and moderation gained him the respect oi all. His
conversation was interesting, for his mind was enriched with vari-
ous knowledge, and there was a modesty and benignity in his char-
acter, which attracted and delighted. Humble anu dLVout, he com-
plied with the ordinances oi C'lristianity, and trusted entirely to the
mercy of God for salvation. He published an oration on the Boston
massacre of the fifth ot March, 1782 ; history of the insurrection in
Massachusetts, 8vo, 1788 ; an address to the charitable fire society,
1795 ; eulogy on Washington, 1800 ; a continuation ot the history
of Massachusetts bay from 1748 to 1765, with an introductory-
sketch of events from its original settlement. The first volun»e of
this work, which is a continuation ot Hutchinson, was published in
8vo, 1798 ; the second volume was almost completed at the time
of his death, and it has since been published. The narrative is per-
spicuous, and the style simple and pure, and a model of historical
eloquence. — Collect, kist. soc. viii. 89 — 109 ; Adams' address to the
charitable fire society ; Boston new^fiafiers^ Jan. 1802.
MINTO (Walter, ll. d.), professor of mathematical and natu»
ral philosophy in the college ot New Jersey, was born in Scotland
December 3, 1753. After being educated at tlve colleire of Edin-
burgh, he was requested to superintend the education of the sons of
governor Johnstone, and accompanied them in their travels abroad.
At Pisa he pursued witli great diligence his mathematical and as-
tronomical studies, and established a corresponderice with men em-
inent for their science. It was while he was residing at Edinburgh
in 1782, after his return from his travels, that he became actiuaint-
ed with the earl of Buchan, who on visiting him found him in a room
not much lars^er than the tub of Diogenes, smoking a cigarr, and
reading the principia of Newton. By the persuasion and the assist-
ance of the curl he wrote a book to prove, that the original discove-
ry of logaritlnns was to be attributed to Napier, tlie laird of Merchis-
ton, which was published un(ier the superintendence of Dr.Playfjiir
MIT. 431
and the reverend Mr. Scott. The earl sent him to America in 178 61,
beini^ desirous of laying- a foundation of mathematical science ani. of
virtuous sentiment in the land of Columbus and of Washington..
Soon after his arrival he was chosen mathematical professor in
Princeton college. In this situation he was respected and uselul.
He married at Princeton a worthy woman of the name of Christie,
but he had no children. He died October 21, 1796, in the forty-
third year of his age. He left behind him the reputation of a sincere
Christian and a truly learned man. He was too sensible of the lit--
tie comparative vahie and short duration of fame to be at much
trouble in acquiring it. Besides the book on Napier he publish-
ed a demonstration of the path of the new planet ; researches into
some parts of the theory of the planets, Etc. 8vo, 1783; and an ora-
tion on the progress and importance of the mathematical sciences,
8cc. 1788.-— Sketch of his life by the earl of Buthan in Edinburgh
magazine.^ J/iril, 1801 ; JVeiv York spectator^ May 15, 1802 ;
Miller.
MITCHEL (Jonathan), minister of Cambridge, Massachusetts,
was born in England in 1624. He was brought to this country in
1635 by his parents, who sought a refuge from ecclesiastical tyran-
ny in the wilderness. They first settled at Concord ; afterwards
they lived at Saybrook, Wethersfield, and Stamford, Connecticut.
Mr. Mitchel was graduated at Harvard college in 1647, having
made great acquisitions in knowledge and improvements in virtue.
Under the ministry of the teverend Mr. Shepard his mind was im-
pressed by the truths of religion. While at college he kept a diary
in Latin. When he began to preach he was invited to settle at
Hartford, but he was ordaired at Cambridge, as the successor c^
'Mr. Shepard, August 21, 1650. Soon after his settlement presi-
dent Dunster embraced the principles of antipedobaptism. This
was a peculiar trial to him ; but though he felt it to be his duty to
combat the principles of his former tutor, yet he did it vi'ith such
meekness of wisdom, as not to lose his friendship, though the con-
troversy occasioned his removal from the college. In 1662 he was a
member of the synod, which met in Boston to discuss and settle a
question concerning church membership and church discipline, and
the residt was chiefly written by him. The determination of th&
question relating to the baptism of the children of those, who did
not approach the Lord's table, and the support thus given to what"
is called the half way covenant, was more owing to him than to any
other man. Considering baptized persons as members of the
church and liable to its discipline, he thought, that iheir children
should be admitted to baptism ; but as this covenant is now practis-
ed in some places, the persons, who take it, may neglect through
life to receive the Lord's supper without any adtnonition from tlie
church. Mr. Mitchel died in the hope of glory July 9. 1668, in the
forty third year of his age. He was eminent for piety, wisdom, hu»
432 MIT.
mility, and love. His vic^orous powers of mind were diligently
cultivivtcd ; his memory was very retentive ; and he had acquired
mucli learning. He wrote his sermons with care, and yet preached
without notes, speaking with great majesty, and attaining towards
the close of his discourses a fervency, which was most energetic and
impressive. His delivery was inimitable. He was frequently call-
ed to ecclesiastical councils, and possessing singular acuteness,
prudence, and moderation, he was well qu^tlified to heal differences.
Attached to the institutions of the founders of New England, he fre-
quently Scdd, that if it should become a general opinion, that all
persons, orthodox in judgment as to matters of faith, and not scan-
dalous in life, should be admitted to partake of the Lord's supper
without any examination concerning the work of saving grace in
their hearts, it would be a real apostasy from former principles, and
a degeneracy from the reformation already attained. He was faith-
ful and zealous in the discharge of the duties of the sacred office.
Besides his stated labors on the sabbath, he preached a monthly lec-
ture upon man's misery by sin, salvation by Christ, and holy obedi-
ence, which was much attended by persons from the neighboring
towns. He published a letter of counsel to his brother, written
while he resided at the university, 1664; an election sermon, en-
titled, Nehemiah upon the wall in troublesome times, 1667 ; a let-
ter concerning the subject of baptism, 1675 ; a discourse of the glo-
ry, to which God hath called believers by Jesus Christ, printed Lon-
don, reprinted Boston, 12 mo, 1721. — His life by C. Mather ; inagna-
lia,{v. 158 — 185 ; Collect, his. soc.y'n. 23, 27, 47 — 51 ; Mortoji,200
— 204 ; Hutchinso7i, i. 260 ; JVeaPs M. E. i. 370, 371 ; Holmes' afi-
nals, i. 402 ; Trumbull's Coiuiccticut, i. 482.
MITCHELL (JoHK, m.d. f.u.s.)> a botanist and physician, came-
from England to Virginia in the former part of the last century.
His residence was chiefly at Urbanna, a small town on the Rappa-
hannock, about seventy three miles from Richmond. He appears
to have been a man of observation, acuteness, and enterprise, as
well as learning. He was a great botanist, and seems to have paid
particular attention to the Hybrid productions. He wrote in 1743
an essay on the causes of the different colors of people in different
climates, which was published in the philosophical transactions, vol.
xliii. He attributes the difference of the human complexion to the
same causes, which have been assigned by the reverend Dr. Smith,
to the influence of climate and modes of life ; and he thinks that
the whites have degenerated more from the original complexion in
Noah and his family, than the Indians or even ncii;roes. The color
of the descendants of Ham he considers a blessing rather than a
curse, as without it they could not v/ell inhabit Africa. He publish-
ed also an essay on the preparations and uses of tiie various kinds
of potash in philosophical transactions vol. xlv ; a letter concerning
the force of electrical cohesion in vol. li ; and a useful work on
, M*KE. 433
"the general principles of botany, containing descriptions of a number
.)f new genera of plants, 4to,1769. "It is believed, that he was also the
author of the map of North America published in 175 5, which was
accompanied by a large pa-.nphlet, entitled, the contest in America,
and followed by another, entitled the present state of Great Britain
and North America, 1767. His manuscripts on the yellow fever,
as it appeared in Virginia in 1742, fell into the hands of Dr. Frank-
lin, by whom they were conimunicated to Dr. Rush.— .Af///er's i-e-
M'KEEN (Joseph, D.D.), first president of Bowdoin college, was
born at Londonderry, New Hampshire, October 15, 1757. His
immediate ancestors were from the noi-th of Ireland, though of Scotch
descent. He was graduated at Dartmouth college in 1774, having
evinced while in that seminary a decided predilection for mathe-
matical pursuits. After eight years* employment in a school in his
native town, and after being some time an assistant in the academy
at Andovcr, he directed his attention to theology, and was ordained
successor of the reverend Dr. Willard as pastor of the church in
Beverly, Massachusetts, in May 1785. Here he continued with
reputation and usefulness seventeen years. Being chosen president
of Bowdoin college, which had been incorporated eight years, but
had not yet been carried into operation, he was inducted into that
important office September 2, 1802. He died July 15, 1807, in
the fiftieth year of his age, leaving the semina»^y, over which he had
presided, in a very flourishing condition. He possessed a strong and
discriminating mind, his manners were conciliating though dignified,
and his spirit mild though firm and decided. He was indefatigable
in his exertions to promote the interests of science and religion.
He was respectable for his learning and exemplary for liis Christian
virtues, being pious without ostentation and adhering to evangelic-
al truth without bigotry or superstition. He published some pieces
in the transactions of the American academy of aits and sciences ;
an ejection sermon, 1800 ; sermons at the ordination of the rever-
end Rufus Anderson at North Yarmouth, and of the reverend Mr.
Moore ^t Newbury old town ; three sermons on occasions of pub-
lic fasting and prayer ; and the address, which he delivered at his
inauguration. — Jenka' eulogy ; Colu7nbian centinel, July 27 y 1807.
MONIS (Judah), the first Hebrew instructer in Harvard col-
lege, was a native of Italy, and after his arrival in this country be-
gan his instructions about the year 1720. Though a Jew he em-
braced the Christian religion, and was publicly baptized at Cam-
bridge in 1722. After the death of his wife in 1761 he resigned
his office, which he had sustained for about forty years, and retired to
Northborough. In that town he passed the remainder of his life in
the family of the reverend John Martyn, who married a sister of his
wife. He died April 25, 1764, in the eighty second year of his age,
bequeathing forty six pounds to be divided among seven of the
56
434 MON.
41
I!
neighboring ministers, and one hundred and twenty six pounds as a
fund, the interest of which was to be given to the indigent wiacws of
ministers. He published trulli, whole truth, nothing but the trutn,
1722 ; and a ffcbrew grammar, 4to, 1735. — ll'hitney^ hist. of' Wor-
cester^ 272 — 274 y Massachusetts mag. Deceinber, 1789.
MONTCALM (Louis Joseph de, marquis of St. Veran), a dis-
tinguished Frencli general, was born of a noble family at Candiac in
1712, and entered early in the army. He commanded with reputa-
tion in Italy, Bohemia, and Germany. In 1756 he became a field
marshal, and was sent to Canada, where he succeeded Dies-
kau. He soon took Oswego ; and in 1757 fort William Henry ;
and in 1758 he repulsed Abercrombie with much slaughter from,
the walls of Ticonderoga. When Wolfe in his attack upon Quebec
bad gained the plains of Abraham on the thirteenth of September
1759, Montcalm resolved upon a buttle, and accordingly marched
out. The commanders of the two armies both fell, equally illustri-
ous for bravery, and both occupied by tlie event of the battle at the
moment they were about to exchange time for eternity. The for-
mer rejoiced, that he should die in the arms of victory, and the lat-
ter that he should not survive the surrender ol Quebec.— ^f^z/nw^*, ii^
125, 141 ; Marf^hall.i. 407, 414, 450, 456 — 464 ; Muv.dict.histJ;
Holmes' annals., ii. 220, 2 41.
MONTGOMERY (Richard), a major general in the army
of the United States, was born in the north of Ireland in the
year 1737. He possessed an excellent genius, which was ma-
tured by a fine education. Entering the army of Great Britain he
successfully fought her battles with Wolfe at Quebec in 1759, and
on the very spot, where he was doomed to fall, when fighting against
her under the banners of freedom. After his return to England he
quilted his regiment in 1772, though in a fair way to preferment.
He had imbibed an attachment to America, viewing it as the rising
seat of arts and freedom. Alter his arrival in this country he pur--
chased an estate in New York about a hundred miles from the city,
and married a daughter of judge Livingston. He now considered
himself as an American. When the struggle with Great Britain
commenced, as he was known to have an ardent attachment to lib-
erty, and had expressed his readiness to di'aw his sword on the side
of the colonies, the command of the continental forces in the north-
ern department was entrusted to him and general Schuyler in the
fall of 1775. By the indisposition of Schuyler the chief command
devolved upon him in October. He reduced fort Chamblee and on
the third of November captured St Johns. On the twelfth he
took Montreal. In December he joined colonel Arnold and marched
to Quebec. The city was besieged and on the last day of the year
it was determined to make an assault. The several divisions were-
accordingly put in motion in the midst of a heavy fall of snow, which
concealcfl them from the enemy. Montgomery advanced at the
MOO. 435
iiead of the New York troops along the St. Lawrence, and having
assisted with his own hands in pulling up the pickets, which ob-
strucied his approach to one ot uie oarriers, thiU he was determined
to torce, he was pushini< forwards, when one of the guns ot tlie bat-
tery was discharged, and he was killed with his two aids. Tliis was
the only gun, that was fireu, lor the enemy h.d been struck with
consternation, and ah but one or two had lied. But this event prob-
ably prevented the capture of Quebec. When he fell, Montgome-
ry was in a narrow passage, and nis body rolled upon the ice, which
formed by the side ol tne river. After it was found the next morn-
ing among the slain, it was buried by a few soldiers without any
marks of distinction. H.^ was thirty eight years of age. He was
a man of great military talents, whose measures were taken with
judgment and executed with vigor. With undisciplined troops,
who were jcidous of him m the extreme, he yet inspired them
with his own enthusiasm. He shared with them in all their hard-
ships, and thus prevented their complaints. His industry could
not be wearied, nor his vigilance imposed upon, nor his courage in-
timidated. Above tbe pride of opinion, when a measure was adopt-
ed by the majority, thougb contrary to his own judgment, he gave it
his full support. By the direction of congress a monument of
white marble of the most beautiful simplicity, with emblematical
devices, was executed by Mr. Cassiers at Paris, and it is erected to
his memory in front of St. Paul's church, New York. — Smith's ora-
tion on his ddath ; Marshall^ ii. 302 — ^2 1 1 ; 324—344 ; Warren^ i.
259 — 268, 431 i Collect, hist. soc. i. Ill; ii. 6U ; Monthly antholo-
gy^i. 544 — 546; 591 ; Stedman^ i. 142 ; Holmes'' annals., ii. 344.
MOODY (Joshua), minister of Portsmouth, New Hampshire,
was born in England, and his lather was one of the early settlers of
Newbury. He was graduated at Harvard college in 1653. He be-
gan to preach at Portsmouth about the year 165 8, but was not or-
dained till 1671. In the year 1683, when Cranfield was governor,
one of the members of Mr. Moody's church was guilty ot perjury
in relation to a vessel sent out of the harbor ; but he found means
to settle the affair with the governor and collector. The faithful
minister of the gospel however believed, that a regard to the purity
and reputation of the church rendered it necessary, that a notorious
offence should be the subject of ecclesiastical discipline. The gov-
ernor, when called upon, refused to furnish the evidence of the
man's perjury,, and even threatened Mr. Moody, if he proceeded.
But the servant of Jesus Christ was not to be intimidated. He
preached against false swearing, he called the offenderto an account,
3nd even obliged him to make a public confession.. Cranfield in re^'
venge issued an order, requiring the ministers to admit all persons
of suitable years and not vicious to the Lord's supper from the first
of January 1684, under the penalty of the statutes of unirormily^
He at the same time signified to Mr. Moody his intention of partaly.
456 MOO.
ing the supper on the next Sunday, and requiring him toaammiS*
ter It according to the liturgy. As Mr, Moody refused to administer
the ordinance to an unworthy applicant, a prosecution was immedi-
ately commenced against him, and he was sentenced to six months
imprisonment without bail or mainprize. Two ot the judges, who
dissented from this sentence, were removed from their offices. At
length by the interposition of friends he obtained a release, though
under a strict charge to preach no more within the province. He
then accepted of an invitation from the first church in Boston to be
an assistant minister, and was so highly f steemed, that upon the
death of president Rogers he was invited to Cake the oversight of the
college ; but he declined. In the days of the witchcraft delusion
in 1692 the opposition, which he made to the violent measures
adopted, occasioned his dismission from the cliurch, -where he was
preacliing. In the following year he returned to Portsmouth, where
he spent the rest of his life in usefulness and peace. On the ap-
proach of his last sickness he went for advice to Boston, where he
died July 4, 1697, in the sixty fifth year of his age. He was suc-
ceeded by the reverend Mr. Rogers. Though he was deeply im-
pressed with his unworthiness of the divine mercy, yet he indulged
the hope of glory, and was desirous of entering into the presence
of the dear Redeemer, whom he had served in his gospel. He
wrote upwards of four thousand sermons. He published a practi-
cal discourse concerning the choice benefit of communion with God
in his house, being the sum of several sermons, 12mo, 1685, re-
printed 1746 ; and election sermon, 1692. — C. Mather's fiai, ser. ;
Magnolia, i\\ 192 — 199; Collect, hist. soc. vi. 270; x. 40 — 46;
Belkna/!\v jV. H. i. 204 — 210 ; iii. 305 ; Holmes* annals^ ii, 39.
MOODY (Samuel), minister of York in the district of Maine,
was graduated at Harvard college in 1697. He was ordained in
1700 as successor of Mr. Shubael Dummer, who Avas killed by the
Indians, and died November 13, 1747, in the seventy second year of
his age. He was succeeded by the reverend Mr. Lyman. His son,
the excellent Mr. Joseph Moody, was the first minister of the north
church in York, and died in about five years after the death of his
father.
Mr. Moody had many eccentricities in his conduct ; but he was
eminent for piety and was a remarkably useful minister of tlie gos-
pel. In his younger years he often preached beyond the limits of
"his own parish, and wherever he went, the people hung upon his
lips. In one of his excursions he went as far as Providence, where
his exertions v/ere the means of laying the foundation of a church.
Though a zealous friend to the revival of religion, which took place
throughout this country a short time before his death ; yet he gave
no countenance to separations. His spirit was pacific. He was
bold and resolute in the cause of Christ. Such was the sanctity of
his character, that it impressed the irreligious with awe. To piety
MOO. 437
he united uncommon benevolence. While with importunate ear-
nestness he pleaded the cause of the poor, he was very charitable
himself. It was by his own choice, that he derived his support from
a free contribution, rather than a fixed salary in the usual way. In
one of his sermons he mentions, that he had been supported twen-
ty years in a way most pleasing to him, and had been under no ne-
cessity of spending one hour in a week in care for the world. Yet
he was sometimes reduced almost to want, though his confidence in
the kind providence of God never failed him. Some remarkable
instances of answers to his prayers, and of correspondences be-
tween the event and his faith are not yet forgotten in Yoi'k. The
hour for dinner once came, and his table was unsupplied with pro-
visions ; but he insisted upon having the cloth laid, saying to his
wife, he was confident that they should be furnished by the bounty
of God. At this moment some one rapped at the dcoi', and pre-
sented a ready cooked dinner. It was sent by persons, who on that
day had made an entertainment, aud who knew the poverty of Mr.
Moody. He was an irritable man, though he was constantly watch-
ful against this infirmity. He once went into a tavern and among
a number of gamblers found a member of his church. In his in-
dignation he seized hold of him, and cast him out at the door. In one
of his sermons the doctrine, which he drew from his text, and
which was the foundation of his discourse, was this, " when you
know not what to do, you must not do you know not what." He
preached so much, and he was so convinced of the duty of being
familiar, that he could spare but little time for selecting Avords of a
suitable length for elegance, or for giving them the arrangement,
which should please the ear. He published the doleful state of the
damned, especially of such, as go to hell from under the gospel,
1710; election sermon, 1721 ; a summary account of the life and
death of Joseph Quasson, an Indian.— -Sullivan's district of Maine,
238; a funeral sermon on Moodu.
MOORHEAD (John), minister in Boston, was born near Belfast
in Ireland about the year 1703, and completed his education at one
of the universities of Scotland. He arrived at Boston in 1729 or
1730, being invited to become the minister of some emigrants from
the north of Ireland, who had sought in that town the peaceable en-
joyment of civil and religious liberty. The first meeting for the
election of elders was held July 14, 1730, and the church was form-
ed according to the model of the presbytcrian church of Scotland,
The first place of worship was a barn, in Avhich these persecuted
Christians worshipped him, who for the salvation of mankind con-
descended to be born in a stable. Mr. Moorhead devoted himself
entirely to his benevolent work, and such was the success of his
labors, and the accession of foreign protestants, that the communi-
cants in 1736 were about two hundred and fifty. He died December
3,1773, at the age of seventy years. His successor was the reverend
438 MOR.
Dr. Belknap. He visited once or twice in the year all the families
of iiis congregation lov the purpose ot imparting i eligious instruc-
tion, and lie concluded his visit with prayer, wiiich he always pcr-
foimcd upon his kiiees. Keeping the great object oi" the ministry
continually m view, ne wtis unvvediied in nis endeavors to promote
the euilication and salvation ot his people. There were some, who
couid not Ipear the severity ot lus re^jiools ; but ne was universally
respected by the good, lor while he laitnludy rebuKed the otVcncler,
he did ii also with meekness and affection. The ornaments oi style
clai ued bat little of his attention. Relying upon the efllcacy of
truth plainly addressed to the conscience, he preached witn earn-
estness wnat he believed to be the peculiar doctrines of the gospel ;
the deep depravity of human nature, the divinity oi Jesus Christ and
the efficacy of tae atonement, the special agency ot the Hoiy Spirit
in regeneration, the necessity of repentance, ot faith m Christ, and
of good works, ijis mind was not destitute oi strength, his imag-
ination was lively, and his manner was solemn, atlectionatc, and ]^iX'
l\ie.\lc.T^PanoJiliiit^ ii. 393 — 396 ; /»/' Gregore's atrinon on his death.
MORGAN (John, M. D. f. r.s.), a learned physician, was born
in Pniladelphia in 1735, and after passing some time in Dr. Finley's
academy in Nottingham, finished his education in the college of
Philadelphia under Dr. Allison. In 1757 he was admitted to the
first literary honors. When he had completed the study of physic
under the care of Dr. Redman, he entered into the service of his
country as a surgeon and lieutenant with the provincial troops in the
last war, which was carried on against the French in America. In-
defatigable in his attentions to tne sick and wounded, he acquired
both skill and reputation as a surgeon in the army. In the year
1760 ne went to Europe to prosecute his studies in medicine. Af-
ter attending the lectuics of YVillium Hunter, he spent two years at
Edinburgh, where he received the instructions of JNlunroe, Cullen,
Rutherford, Whyt, and Hope. He then published an elaborate
thesis upon the formation of pus, and was admitted to the degree of
doctor of medicine. From Edinburgh he went to Paris and passed
a winter in attendance upon the anatomical lectures of Mr. Sue.
He also visited Holland and Italy. On his return to London he
was elected a fellow of the royal society. During his absence he
concerted with Dr. Shippcn the plan of a medical school in Phila-
delphia, and on his arrival in 1765 was immediately elected profes-
sor of the iheory and practice of medicine in the college of that city.
He soon delivered his plan for connecting a medical school with the
college. In 1769 he saw the fruits of his labors, for in that year
five young gentlemen received the first honors in medicine, that
■were conferred in America. He was active in establishing the
American philosophical society in 1769. In 1773 he went to Ja-
maica to solirit l^enefaclions lor the advancement of general litera-
ture in the coUei^c. In October 1775 he was appointed by congress
MOR. ' 439
director general and physician in chief to the general hospitals of
the American army in the place of Dr. Church, who was imprison-
ed on suspicion of having a predilection lor the cause of the enemy-
He immediately repaired to Cambridge ; but in 1777 he waS re-
moved from his office without an opportunity to vindicate himself.
The dissensions between the surgeons of the general hospital and
of the regiments and other circumstances gave rise to calumnies
against him. After his removal he presented himself before a com-
mittee of congress, appointed by his request, and was honorably ac-
quitted. He died October 15, 1789, in the fifty fourth year of his
age. He was intimately acquainted with the Latin and Greek clas-
sics, and had read much in medicine. In all his pursuits he was
persevering and indefatigable. He discovered in his intercourse
with his patients the most amiable tenderness. His successor in
the professor's chair was Dr. Rush. He published tentamen med-
icum de puiis confectione, Edinburgh, 1763 ; a discourse upon the
institution of medical schools in America, 1765; four dissertations
on the reciprocal advantages of a perpetual union between Great
Britain and her American colonies, 1766; a recommendation of
inoculation according to baron Dimsdale's method, 1776 ; a vindica-
tion ot his public character in the station of director general. —
JRttfih'.i address l3'c. ; American museum^ vi. 353 — 355 ; Masia. mag,
iii. 689, 690 ; Miller, i. 320 ; Indtfiend. chronicle, Se/it. 9, 1779, and
Jamiary 14, 1790.
MORRIS (Lewis), governor of New Jersey, was left an orphan,
when a child, and was adopted by his uncle. Once through fear of
his resentment he strolled into Virginia, and thence to the West
Indies. On his return however he was received with joy. He was
for several years chief justice of New York. He was the second
counsellor of New Jersey, named in Cornbury's commission in 1702,
and continued with several suspensions till 1738, when he was ap-
pointed the first governor of New Jersev as a separate province
from New York. He died May 14, 1746. He directed his
body to be buried at Morrisania in a plain coffin without coveiing or
lining with cloth ; he prohibited rings and scarfs from being given
at his funeral ; he wished no man to be paid for preaching a funeral
sermon upon him, though if any man, churchman or dissenter, min-
ister or not, was inclined to say any thing on the occasion, he should
not object. He prohibited any mourning dress to be worn on his
account, as he should die when divine providence should call him
av/ay, and w^as unwilling, that his friends should be at the expense,
wh'ch was owing only to the common folly of mankind, He was a
man of letters, and though a little whimsical in his temper was grave
in his manners and of a most penetrating mind. No man equalled
him in the knowledge of the law and in the arts of intrigue. Acute
in controversy, when he had advanced an arL>-umcnt, he wouUi not
yield it, unless it was disproved bv demonstr;.tion almost mathemat-
ical. — ^Smith's J^. Jersey, 428 — 435 ; SrnitlCs A'. York, 125, 12-6.
440 MOR.
MORRIS (Robert Hunter), chict justice of New Jersey, was
for near tvvv5nty six years one of the council of this colony, and was
also lieutenant governor of Pennsylvania from October 1754 to Au-
gust 1756. He was the son of governor Morris. The office of'
chief justice he resigned in the fall of 1757 and he died February
20, 1764. His vigorous powers of mind were improved by a libe-
ral education. While he disdained in his opinions and conduct to
resemble the floating log, he sometimes was not sufficiently careful
to remember, that the tide might not always carry a man out of his
proper course. As a judge he was impartial and upright. Insisting
upon strict adherence to the forms of the courts, he reduced the
pleadings to precision and method. Had he been attracted by no
other office, his character would have exhibited more of light, than
of shade. His address was easy, and there was a commanding in-
fluence in his manners. He was free from avarice ; generous and
manly, though sometimes incensiderate in the relations of life ;
often singular, sometimes whimsical, always opinionated, and most-
ly inflexible. Inheriting his father's disposition he was ready at
starting difficulties, which neither himself nor others could easily
solve. — Smith's JV. Jersey^ 438, 439.
MORRIS (Robert), superintendant of the finances of the Unit-
ed States, was a native of Manchester in England, and after his
establishment in this country became a very eminent merchant in
Philadelphia. His enterprise and credit have seldom been equalled.
In 1776 he was a member of congress from Pennsylvania, and his
name is affixed to the declaration of independence. In the begin-
ning of 1781 he was entrusted with the management of the finances,
and the services, which in this station he rendered to his country
were of incalculable value, being assisted by his brother, Gouver-
neur Morris. He pledged himself personally and extensively for
articles of the most absolute necessity to the army. It was owing
in a great degree to him, that the decisive operations of the cam-
paign of 1781 were not impeded, or completely defeated from the
want of supplies. He proposed the plan of a national bank, the
capital to be formed by individual subscription, and it was incorpo-
rated on the last day of 1 78 1 . The army depended principally upon
Pennsylvania for flour, and he himself raised the whole supplies of
this state on the engagement of being reimbursed by the taxes,
which had been imposed by law. In 1782 he had to struggle with
the greatest difficulties, for with the most judicious and rigid econ-
omy, the public resources failed, and against him were the com-
plaints of unsatisfied claimants directed. He resigned his office
after holding it about three years. He died at Philadelphia May 8,
1806, in the seventy second year of his a^e.^— Marshall, iv. 457—
460, 557, 565 ; Ramsay's S. C. ii. 99 ; Chastdlux's travels, i. 199
— 203 ; Political register. May 10, 1806.
MOR. 441
MORTON (Thomas), one of the first settlers of Braintree,
Massachusetts, began the plantation about the year 1625. He
taught the Indians the use of fire arms, that they might hunt for him,
and in this way as well as by his injustice he endangered the exist-
ence of Plymouth colony. The magistrates, after ineffectual re-
monstrances, sent captain Standish in 1628 to take him prisoner.
He was accordingly seized and ti'ansported to England. In the
following year he returned, and he was afterwards imprisoned for
writing a scurrilous book against many godly men in the country.
His age saved him from corporal punishment. He died at Aga-
menticus in 1644 or 1645. He published New English Canaan,
containing an account of the natives, a description of the country,
and the tenets and practice of the church, 4to, 1632. — Prince^ 76 —
80; Hutchinson, i, 8, 31,32; Morton, 76 — 80; Josselyn, 251;
BelkTiaJi's jV. Hampshire, \. 9 ; Hazard, i. 342.
MORTON_(Charles), minister of Charlestown, Massachusetts)
was born in England about the year 1626, and educated at Oxford,
of which college he was a fellow. He was at first a royalist and
zealous for the church of England ; but observing in the civil wars,
that the most debauched generally attached themselves to the king
in opposition to the more virtuous part of the nation, he was led to
attend more to the controversy between the prelatist and the puritan.
At length he became a puritan himself. He. began his ministry at
Blisland. After his ejectment b^he act of uniformity in 1662 he
preached privately to a few peopl^till the fire of London in 1666,
after which event he removed to that city and established an acade-
my at Newington green. He had many pupils, who were useful
in church and state, and among them was De Foe, the author of
Robinson Crusoe. Many young ministers were educated by him.
After about twenty years' continuance in an employment, for which
he was eminently qualified, he was so infested by processes
from the bishop's court, that he was obliged to desist from it. He
came to New England in 1685, and was installed pastor of the church
in Charlestown November 5, 1686. Here he continued till his
death April 1 1, 1698, in the seventy second year of his age. He
was succeeded by Mr. Bradstreet. Mr. Morton was eminent in
every kind of learning, and so highly was he esteemed in this coun-
try, that he was appointed vice president of Harvard college. Hav-
ing a gentle and benignant temper, he was endeared to all his ac-
quaintance. He wrote a number of treatises, but they are chiefly
compendious, for he was an enemy to large volumes, often quoting
the adage, jKjya ^tZxtav (Aiyu, xxkIv, a great book is a great evil. In
Calamy's continuation there is a copy of his advice to those of his
pupils, who were designed for the ministry. Two of his manuscripts
are still preserved in this country ; the one in the library of the Mas-
sachusetts historical society, entitled, compendium physicse ex au-
thoribus extractum ; and the other in the library of Bowdoin college.
442 MOR.
entitled a complete system of natural philosophy in general and spe-
cial. He publishedthc little peace maker; loolish piide the ma.^e
bate, 1674 ; debts discharged, 1684 ; the gaming humor considered,
and improved ; the way of good men for wise men to walk in ; sea-
son birds, an inquiry into the sense of Jeremiah viii. 7 ; meditations
on the history of the first fourteen chapters of Exodus, Sec. ; the spirit
of man, meditations on 1 Thess. v. 221 ; of common places or me-
morial books ; £UT«|<«, a discourse on improving the country of
Cornwall, a part ol wtiich on sea sand for manure is printed in the
philosophical transactions April 1675; considerations on the new
river ; letter to a friend to prove money not so necessary as is im-
agined ; the ark, its loss and recovery ; and some other treatises,
m—Calamy^s account f ii. 144, 145 ; his continuation^ i. 177— 210 j
JVonconform. meinorial i. 347 — 349 ; Collect, hist. soc. viii. 76.
MORTON (Nathaniel), secretary of Plymouth colony, was
one of its early planters, and for many years employed in the public
service. He wrote in 1680 a brief ecclesiastical history of the
church at Plymouth in the records of the church, which is preserv-
ed by Hazard ; and New England's memorial, or a brief relation of
the most memorable and remarkable passages of the providence of
God, manifested to the planters of New England, 4to, 1669. This
work, which is confined very much to Plymouth colony, was compil-
ed principally from manuscripts of his uncle, William Bradford, ex-
tending from 1620 to 1646, andJie had access also to the journals of
Edward Winslow This work nas been of great service to succeed-
ing historians.— .Co/Zcc/T. hist. soc. iv. 136 ; JSf. England's memorial ;
Hazard's collect, i. 349 — 373.
MOULTRIE (John), an eminent physician of South Carolina,
was a native of Europe, and c^pae to Charleston about the year 1733»
For forty years he was at the head of his profession. He died about
the year 1773, universally lamented. He was the idol of his pa-
tients. So great was the confidence reposed in his judgment, that
those, who were usually attended by him, preferred his advice and
assistance, even on the festive evening of St. Andrew's day, to the
advice of any other professional man in his most collected moments.
He possessed excellent talents for observation, and was very saga-
cious in finding out the hidden causes of diseases and in adapting
remedies for their removal. On acct>vmt of his death a number of
the ladies of Charleston went into mourning.— /?awsa;/'« review of
medicine., 41.
MOULTRIE (John, M.D.), son of the preceding, and eminent for
literature and medical science, was the first Carolinian, who obtained
a medical degree from the university of Edinburgh, where in 1749
he defended a thesis de febre fl. va. He was afterward lieutenant
governor of East Florida.— jKa7?isct/*s revieiv of medicine^ 43 ; Miller's
retrosfiect, ii. 364.
MOU. 443
MOULTRIE (William), governor of South Carolina, and a
jnajor general in the American war, was devoted to the service of
his country from an early period of his life. In the Chei'okee war
in 1760 he was a volunteer with many of his respectable countrymen
under the command of governor Lyttleton. He was afterwards in
another expedition under colonel Montgomery. He then command-
ed a company in a third expedition in 1761, which humbled the Cher-
okees, and brought them to terms of peace. He was among the fore-
most at the commencement of the- late revolution to assert the liber-
ties of his country, and braved every danger to redress tier wrongs.
His manly firmness, intrepid zeal, and cheerful exposure of every
thing, which he possessed,added weight to his counsels, and induced
others to join him. In the beghiningof the war he was colonel of the
second regiment of South Carolina. His defence of Sullivan's
island with three hundred and forty four regulars and a few militia,
and his repulse of the British in their attack upon the fort June* 28,
1776 covered him with honor. In consequence of his good con-
duct he received the unanimous thanks of congress, and in compli-
ment to him the fort was from that time called fort Moultrie. In
1779 he gained a victory over the British in the battle near Beaufort.
In 1780 he was second in^command in Charleston during the siege.
After the city surrenderea he was sent to Philadelphia. In 1782
he returned with his countrymen and was repeatedly chosen governor
of the state till the infirmities of age induced him to withdraw to the
peaceful retreat of domestic life. He died at Charleston September
27, 1805, in the seventy sixth year of his age. The glory of his
honorable services was surpassed by his disinterestedness and in-
tegrity. An attempt was once made on the part of the British to
bribe him, and he was thought to be more open to corruption, as he
had suffered much in his private fortune. But resolving to share
the fate of his country, he spurned the offers of indemnification and
preferment, which were made him. He was an unassumint;-, easy,
affable companion, cheerful and sincere in his friendships. He pub-
lished memoirs of the American revolution, so far as it related to
North and South Carolina, and Georgia, 2 vols. Bvo, 1802. This
work is principally a collection of letters, written by civil and mili-
tary officers in the time of the wixw—Hollingshcad's discourse ; U. S.
gazette^ October 14, 1805 ; Rmnsai/s S. C. i. 146 ; Ho/iuai' annals^
ii, 352 ; Marfshall, ii. 389.
MURRAY (Joseph), a friend of literature, was a native it is be-
lieved of Great Britain, and educated in that country. He was one
of his majesty's council and attorney general forthe province of New
York. He left the whole of his estate, consisting of books, lands,
and other property, in value to the amount of about twenty five
thousand dollars, to king's college. — Miller, ii. C^57 .
MURRAY (William Vans), minister of the United States to
the Batavian republic, was born m Maryland jn the year 1761 or
444 MUR.
1 762. Having received an education preparatory to the practice of
the law, immediately after the peace of 1783 ho went to London and
resided three years as a student in the temple. At an age when the
passions are generally unrestrained ; with u constitution of exquisite
sensibility ; and in the midst of a splendid and luxurious metropo-
lis, he retained the resolution and the firmness to devote his time
and attention to tnose objects, which were to mark the usefulness of
his future life. The observations of Dr. Price, of Mr. Turgot, and
of the abbe de Mably on the constitutions and laws ot the United
States being published during his residence in England he studied
them with persevering and honest research, and gave the public the
result of his reflections in a pamphlet, which was favorably received.
In the summer of 1784, during a vacation, he made an excursion of
about six weeks to Ho. land ; and during this short time, in which he
tra^ysUed over that country, he was most assiduous in the use of his
pen. The minutes, which he then took, he afterwards digested and
methodized into a regular work. The intelligence of the death of
his father, to whom he was most affectionately attached, reaching
him at a time, when his health was precarious, he sunk under the
affliction, and he did not rise from his sick bed for six weeks. After
a tedious convalescence of several month^i he returned to his native
country. He immediately engaged in the practice of the law ; but
the voice of his country soon called him to her councils. He was
first elected a member of the legislature of Maryland, and at three
successive elections from 1791 to 1797 to a seat in the house of
representatives of the United States. This station he filled with
distinguished honor. His eloquence in debate placed him in the
same rank with Madison and Ames, Giles and Dexter. A re-
gard to his fortune, which was not affluent, and which was suffering
from his devotion to the public service, at length induced him in
1797 to decline being a candidate for reelection to congress. But
his merit and talents had not escaped the discerning eye of Wash-
ington, who in one of the last acts of his administration appointed
Mr. Murray as minister of the United States to the Baiavian re-
public. This station had been occupied about three years by the
honorable John Quincy Adams, who now received a commission as
Hfiinister plenipotentiary at Lisbon. Mr. Murn-.y arrived at the
Hague at a very critical period of affairs, for the misunderstanding
between the United States and France was approaching to a rupture,
and the influence of the latter over the Batavian councils was uncon-
trolled. But by a judicious mixture of firmness, of address, and of
conciliation he succeeded in preserving uninterrupted harmony be-
tween the American and Batavian nations ; and the first adv;inces
towards a rcbtoration of the harmony between this coimtry and
F'ance were made between Mr. Murray and Mr. Pichon, then
charge des affaires at the Hague. These led to certain propositions
from the French government for a rene;val of direct negotiatioii,
NEL, 445
which the American minister transmitted to his government. When
the despatches were received by Mr. Adams, then president of the
United States, lie thought that a regard to the honor and interest of
his country obliged him to improve this opportunity for making an
attempt to divert from the American people the calamities of war.
Such w^as his confidence in Mr. Murray, that he nominated him as
sole envoy extraordinary to the French republic to prosecute the
negotiation. In compliance with the wish of the senate, Mr. Ells-
worth and Mr. Davie were afterwards associated with him as col-
leagues. He assisted in making the treaty, which was signed at
Paris September 30, 1800, and which has contributed in a greatde-
gree to the prosperity of America. Immediately after signing that
instrument he returned to his station as minister resident at the
Hague, where he remained till his return to the United States in
December 1801, it having been judged unnecessary to continue
the expense of supporting that mission. Fi'om this period he lived
in retirement at his seat in Cambridge on the eastern shoi-e of Ma-
ryland. His health, which had always been infirm, soon began to
decline, and he died December 11, 1803, in the forty second year of
his age. In private life he was remarkably pleasing in his manners
and at once amusing and instructive in his conversation. With a
mind of incessant activity he united the fancy of a poet. He had
a strong and genuine relish for the fine arts, a refined and delicate
taste for literature, and a persevering fondness for the pursuits of
science. The keenness of his sensibility and the rapidity of his
conceptions gave him a sense of decorum, which seemed almost in-
tuitive. He perceived instantaneously and felt deeply every depar-
ture from it ; but his wit and temper always led him to consider
with good humor the improprieties of conduct, which presented
themselves to his observation. Though both from principle and
disposition he kept his powerful talent at ridicule under a well disci-
plined control, yet it could not always avoid those resentments,
which are the only defence of dulness and folly against it. His fa-
cility in writing was proportioned to the vivacity of his mind. His
letters by their elegance, their simplicity, their poignant wit, and
imbounded variety of style, might serve as models of epistolary cor-
respondence.-— GazfWe of the U.S. January 17, 1804; A". Y. herald^
Deceynber 21, 1803 ; Mr. Jdams' letter of Aiiril 26, 1809, in the Bos-
ton fiatriot.
NELSON (Thomas), governor of Virginia, was a distinguished
patriot in the revolution, and uniformly ardent in his attachment to
liberty. When Virginia was threatened to be made the theatre of
war, he was appointed general by the legislature, and he took the field
at the head of his countrymen. He was chosen governor in 1781.
The officers at the siege of York witnessed his merit, and his at-
tachment to civil and religious liberty. He died in February 1789.,
■*^American museum^ vii. 212.
M6 NEW.
NEW H AMPSHIRE,one of the United States of America, was
first settled in 1623 by persons sent out by Gorges and Mason
under authority of a grunt from the council of Plymouth. This
coimcil had been established in 1620 by king James and he gave to
it the territory extending from the fortieh to the loriy eighth
degree of north latitude. The settlements went on but slowly for
several years. In 1638 three associations lor government were
formed ut Portsmouth, Dover, and Exeter In 1641 and 1642 the
inhabitants of these towns voluntarily submitted themselves to the
jurisdiction of Massachusetts, securmg to themselves the same
privileges with the rest of the colony, and being exempted from all
public charges, except such as arose among themselves. New
Hampshire was separated from Massachusetts and a royal govern-
ment established in 1 680, consisting of a president and council
appointed by the king, and representatives chosen by the people.
A change took place in 1686 and all New England was entrusted to
a president and council. After the imprisonment of Andres the
union with Massachusetts was revived in 1689, but in 1692 the old,
separate government was reestablished. From 1699 to 1702 it was
united with New York and Massachusetts, and from 1702 to 1741
with Massachusetts. A separate government subsisted from this
period till the revolution in 1775, when a provincial convention was
formed. A temporary constitution was formed in 1776; anew .
constitution was established in 1784, and this, being altered and W'
amended in 1792, is the permanent constitution of the state. New *
Hampshire suffered much in the Indian wars, and in all military-
enterprises it took an active part. During the war in opposition
to the encroachments of the British parliament its troops were
distinguished. The constitution of this slate establishes a general
court, consisting of a house of representatives, and a senate, the
members of which are annually chosen. The governor also is
annually elected by the people, and has a council to advise him.—
Belknap* s J^. Hamfishire ; Hutchinson; Holmes' annals ; Douglass,
ii. 22 — 51 ; Wynne, i. 202 — 218.
NEW JERSEY, one of the United States of America, was fifst
settled by the Swedes, and was formerly a part of New Netherlands,
which was divided into Nova Caesarea, or New Jersey and New
York, in 1664, when it was conquered by the English. It has its
name from the island of Jersey, the residence of the family of sir
George Carteret, to whom this territory was granted. Philip Car-
teret was appointed governor in 1665, and took possession of Eliza-
bethtown, the capital, then consisting of four families, just settled
in the wilderness. In 1672 he was driven from his government by
insurgents, who refused the payment of quit rents under pretence,
that they held their ])ossessions by Indian grants and not from the
proprietors. In 1673 the Dutch retook New Netherlands, but in
the following year it was restored by treaty to the English. In
NEW. 447
167« New Jersey was divided into East and West Jersey. The
government of the latter was retained as a dependency of New York,
and a confusion of jurisdiction commenced, which lon,^ distracted
the people, and which at length terminated in the annihilation of
the authority of the proprietors. West Jersey was reinstated in its
former privileges in 1680. Sir George Carteret in 1682 transfer-
red his rights in East Jersey to William Penn. At this time there
were supposed to be in the province about seven hundred families.
In 1688 the Jersies were added to the jurisdiction of New England.
They were united under one government in 1702, and received the
single name of New Jersey. Cornbury, governor of New York,
was appointed also to the chief command of New Jersey, and the
vnion continued till 1738, when this colony received a separate
governor. During the late war with Great Britain this state suffer-
ed much. Her losses in proportion to population and wealth were
greater than those of any other of the thirteen states. Her soldiers
gained great distinction, and she can boast of places rendered famous
by exploits ; places, which cannot be mentioned without bringing
to the recollection the name of Washington, who earned in them
the laurels, with which his head has been encircled by Ainericati
historians. The present constitution of New Jersey was adopted
by a provincial congress July 3, 1776. By this instrument the
power of enacting laws is vested in a legislative council and a
general assembly, the members of which are annually chosen. The
govenior is appointed by a joint vote of these two bodies every year.
He has a casting vote in the council, and with them is a court of
appeals in the last resort. The judges of the supreme court con-
tinue in office for seven years, and other justices for five years, and
all are appointed by the council and assembly. — Smith's JV. Jersey ;
Douglass, ii, 2 66 — 296 ; Wynne^ i. 202—2 1 8 ; Mod. universal hist,
XKxix. 361—368 ; Holmes' annals.
NEWMAN (Samuel), first minister of Rehoboth, Massachu-
setts, was born at Banbury, England, in 1600, and was educated at
Oxford. He came to this country in 1636. After his arrival he
spent a year and a half at Dorchester, and then becoming pastor
of the church at Weymouth continued there about five years. In
1644 he removed with a part of his church and settled Rehoboth.
He died July 5, 1653, aged sixty three years. While he was inde-
fatigable in his study of the. scriptures, and animated and zealous in
his preaching, he was also hospitable, charitable, and pious. In his
last illness he sent for one of his deacons, and after requesting him
to make a prayer, said, " and now, ye angels of the Lord, come and
do your duty." He then immediately expired. He compiled a
concordance of the scriptures, which was published in London in a
thick folio, 164S. While he v/as at Rehoboth he revised it, using
pine knots in the night instead of candles. It passes under the
name of the Cambridge concordance.— TFood's Athenx Oxonienses,
448 NEW.
ii. 330; Magitalia, iii, 113 — 116; Holms'J annals^ i. 332, 3S3'j
JVeal's JV. E. i. 359 ; Morton^ 176 ; Collect, hist. soc. ix. 191.
NEW YORK, one of the United States of America,was discovered
in 1608 by Henry Hudson, who passed up the river, which bears his
name. His right to the country, which he had discovered under a
commission from king James I, he sold to the Dutch. In 1614 the
states general granted a patent for an exclusive trade on Hudson's
river to a number of merchants, who built a fort near Albany. In the
same year the Dutch were visited by captain Argal from Virginia,
and being unable to resist him they submitted for the time to the
king of England. The country was granted by the states general
to the West India company in 1621, In June 1629 Wouter Van
Twiller arrived at fort Amsterdam, now New York, and took upon
himself the government. The extension of the English settlements
naturally occasioned some disputes respecting the boundaries of the
Dutch possessions. The last Dutch governor was Peter Stuyvcsant,
who began his administration in 1647. The inroads upon his ter-
ritory kept him constantly employed. In 1655 he subdued the few
Swedes on the west side of Delaware bay, and placed the country un-
der the command of a lieutenant governor. But he was himself oblig-
ed at last to submit to the English. The country in the possession
of the Dutch was given by the king of England to the duke of York
and Albany. An expedition was fitted out, and on the twenty sev-
enth of August 1664 governor Stuyvesant was I'educed to the
necessity of capitulating to colonel Nicolls, and the whole of the New-
Netherlands soon became sul)ject to the English crown. The coun-
try was retaken by the Dutch in 1 673, but it was restored in the fol-
lowing year. In 1683 the inhabitants of New York first participat-
ed in the legislative power. Previously to this period they had
been completely subjected to the governor ; but in this year they
were summoned to choose representatives to meet in an assembly.
In 1688 New York was annexed to the jurisdiction of New England.
In 1691 a governor arrived from England and the first assembly af-
ter the revolution was held. i
From the influence of the French over the Indians and from its
proximity to Canada New York suffered many inconveniences ; but
the war against the French was frequently carried on with vigor, j
and the friendship of the Indians was generally secured. While
this colony was subject to England the government was vested in
a governor and council, appointed by the king, and twenty seven rep-
resentatives elected by the people. Vacancies in the council were
filled up by the governor. The present constitution of New York
Avas established by the convention, appointed for the purpose, April
20, 1777. The members of the assembly are chosen annually, and
those of the senate every four years. The governor is elected for
three years. The legislature every year chooses four senators,
who with the governor for their president form the council of ap-
NIC. 449
pbintment. This council appoints all officers civil and military,
excepting the chancellor, tlie judges of the supreme court, and the
first judges of the county courts, who hold their offices during
good behavior, or till they have reached the age of sixty years.
The governors since the revolution have been Clinton, Jay, Lewis,
and Toinpkins.— 5;mV/!'* hist. JSt. York ; Mod. univers hist, xxxix.
346 — 361; IVynne/i. 170— .196; Douglass, ii. 220 — 266; Holmes*
amia's ; Brit, emiiire in America, i. 236—2 80.
NICOLL (John, m. d.), an eminent physician in New York, was
a native of Scotland and was educated at Edinburgh, receiving in
the college of that city the highest honors, that belong to his profes-
sion. Retaining the highest attachment to the doctrine, constitution,
hnd discipline of the church of Scotland, after his arrival in this coun-
try he was one of the px'incipai founders and benefactors of the first
presbyterian church in New York, which was established in 1719.
He spent a considerable part of his estate in erecting a house of
worship. As a physician he was unwearied in his attention to his
patients. The poor he cheerfully visited without the prospect of
reward. After a life distinguished for benevolence and piety h©
died October 2, 1743, aged sixty three yediVs,. —'Pemberton's funeral
sermon ; Smith's ./V. York., 191.
NILES (Samuel), minister of Braintree, Massachusetts, was
born May 1, 1674 and was graduated at Harvard college in 1699.
He afterwards preached for some time in Rhode Island in a district
called ministerial lands. In 1710 he removed from Kingston to
Braintree, where he was ordained minister of the second church
May 23, 1711. In 1759, sixty years after he received the first
honors of college, he took the degree of master of arts. He died
May 1, 1762, aged eighty eight years. He published a brief and
sorrowful account of the present state of the churches in New Eng-
land, 1745 ; vindication of divers important doctrines, 8vo, 1752 ;
Scripture doctrine of original sin, in answer to Taylor, Bvo, 1757.
NISBET (Charles, d. d.), first president of Dickinson college,
Pennsylvania, was born in Scotland in 1737, and was for many years
minister of Montrose. During the struggle between Great Britain
and her colonies, such was his attachment to liberty, that he dared
to lift up his voice in favor of Amexnca. When Dickinson college
Was founded at Carlisle in 1783 he was chosen its principal, thouglY
he did not arrive in this country and enter upon the duties of this
office till 1785. He died January 17, 1804, in the sixty sev-
enth year of his age. His imagination was lively and fertile, and
his understanding equally acute and vigorous. He possessed a
memory tenacious almost beyond belief, a solid judgment, and a
correct taste. By unwearied study his mind was stored with gen-
eral erudition and miscellaneous knowledge in a very uncommon
degree. He could repeat with great facility all the beautiful and
striking passages of the classic authors. He was acquainted both
58
450 NOR.
1
■e» *
Avith the ancient learned languages, and with the modern languages
of Europe. His attention was directed to almost every subject,
Wliilc he embraced the circle of tlie sciences, he also descended to
every topic relative to public and private affairs, and thus he was
qualified for leading the conversation in every company. His lec-
tures in the college, which were designed to communicate the
elements of knowledge, were plain and simple, but rich in solid
learning. In private life he was a most entertaining companion, for
his humor was excellent and exhaustless. His penetrating mind
perceived relations and connexions among things, which escaped
almost every other, and he was constantly enlivening conversation
with flashes of wit. He was master of the lively anecdote, the
smart repartee, the keen irony, and the delicate rebuke. His re-
iTiarks on men were often severe and cutting, for being himself
upright, he had a rooted abhorrence of deceit and chicanery in oth-
ers. His independent mind scorned the idea of procuring favor or
ensuring popularity by any means inconsistent with the most digni-
fied and vu'tuous sentiments, and he had no respect for the man, who
to obtain the one or the other would cringe to the multitude. His
manners were gentle, unassuming, simple, and in the common
affairs and tfaffic of this world he was a very child. His temper
was cheerful, his morals unimpeached, and his piety unquestioned.
As the principal of a college, as a minister of the gospel, as a true
patriot, as a good man he has not often been surpassed. — 4sse7nbh/s
miss, magazine^ iii. 286 — 288 ; Carlisle herald ; Gazette U. S. Feb-
ruary 7, 1804.
NORRIS (John), one of the founders of the theological sem-
inary in Andover, was for many years a respectable nuerchant in
Salem, Massachusetts. On the twenty first of March 1808 he gave
ten thousand dollars towards establishing the institution at Andover.
This was a day of unequalled munificence, for on the same day
Messrs. Brown and Bartlet, merchants of Newburyport, gave tow-
ards the same object the former ten thousand and the latter twenty-
thousand dollars. Mr. Nonis lived to see the seminary opened on
the twenty eighth of September. He died December 22, 1808, in
the fifty eighth year of his age. In such esteem was he held by
his fellow citizens, that he was for several years elected a member
of the senate of Massachusetts. Obtaining, through the divine
blessing upon his industry, an ample fortune, he considered himself
as the steward of God, and his abundant liberality flowed in various
channels. Though his extreme selfdiffidencc, and perhaps erroneous
views of the (jualifications for approaching the Lord's table prevented
him Irom making a public profession of religion ; yet when convers-
ing on the subject he was often known to tremble. His house was a
house of prayer, in which the morning and evening sacrifice ascended
to the mercv scat, and lie was constant in his attendance on public
worship. i3cing asked by a friend whether he did not entertain a
NOR. 451
hope, that he was a Christian, he replied in a solemn mannei', " I
wouici not I'elinquish my hope, that 1 am a child oi God, for thous-
ands of worlds."— Pano/j/fs^ and miss. viag. united, i. 487, 488.
NORTH CAROLINA, one of the United States of America,
was originally included in the territory, called South Virginia, and
it was in North Carolina that the first English settlements were
made in America. They were however broken up,' and the first
permanent colony was established on the Chesapeak. This state
was afterwards included in the grant of Carolina in 1663. It be-
gan to be settled about the year 1710 by a few Palatines from Ger-
many, who had been so much harrassed by a calamitous war, as to
be very desirous of a secure retreat, even though it should be in the
wilderness. They had scarcely taken possession of their fancied
asylum in Albermarle and Bath precincts, when they fell a prey to
the savages. The colony was almost destroyed, one hundred and
thirty seven settlers being massacred. Assistance however having
been obtained from South Carolina, the Indians were entirely de-
feated and driven back. This was in the year 1712. After this the
infant colony remained in peace and continued to flourish under the
general government of South Carolina till the year 1729, when sev-
en of the proprietors, for a valuable consideration, vested their prop-
erty and jurisdiction in the crown, and the colony was erected into a
separate province by the name of North Carolina, and its present
limits were established by an order of king George II. It was made
a regal government, the governor and council being appointed by
his majesty. In 1771 there was an insurrection of a body of the in-
habitants, who complained of oppressions practised in the law ; they
called themselves regulators, and it was their object to prostrate the
government. Governor Tryon marched against them, and totally
defeated them, leaving three hundred dead on the field. At the
commencement of the late war, the regulators espoused the cause of
the British, and were defeated by colonel Caswell in February 1776.
On the eighteenth of December following the present constitution of
this state was adopted by a congress, appointed for the purpose. It
establishes a general assembly, consisting of a senate and a house of
commons, the members of which are annually chosen. The judges
of the courts are appointed by the general assembly, and hold their
olfices during good behavior. The assembly also annually elects the
governor, who is not eligible longer than three years in six succes-
sive years. He has a council of seven. — Wyime^ ii. 250 — 269;-
Holmes* annals ; Morsels geography .
NORTON (John), minister in Boston, was born at Starford in
Hertfordshire, Englt-nd, May 6, '<606, and was educated at the uni-
versity of Cambridge. After he had taken his first degree, he
became usher of the school and curate of the church in his native
town., A lecture was at tlis time supported at Starford by a num-
\3tv of pious ministers, and through their labors Mr. Norton, whp
452 . NOR.
1
■was himself a preacher, though like many others ignorant of his
own character and unacquainted with the truth as it is in Jesus, was
impressed with a sense of his sin, and by the agency of the Holy
Spirit was brought to repentance. The view of his own heart and
life, compared with the holy law of God, almost overwhelmed him
ivith despair ; but at length the promises of the gospel administered
to him inexpressible joy. His attention had been hitherto occupied
in literary and scicntihc pursuits, but he now devoted himself ex-
clusively to the study of theology, and being by his own experience
acquainted with repentance, and fuiih, and holiness, he preached up-
on these subjects with zeal and effect. He soon became eminent.
His talents and learning would have insured to him preferments in
the church, if his regard to the purity of Christian worship could
have allowed him to submit to the impositions of the establishment.
He embarked for New England in 1634, but a violent storm obliged
him to return. In the following year he sailed again for this coun-
try, and arrived at Plymouth in company with Mr. Winslow in Oc-
tober. He preached in this town during most of the winter, and was
earnestly invited to take the charge of the church ; but the state of
things in the colony did not please him. Early in 1636 he removed
to Boston, where he was highly respected, being consulted by the
magistrates in some of their most difficult affairs. Before the close
of the year he accepted an invitation to settle in Ipswich, where a
church had been gathered in 1634. In 1639 Mr. Rogers was es-
tablished as his colleague. While Mr. Norton was minister of
Ipsvsrich he wrote a number of books, which procured him a high
reputation. He assisted in forming the Cambridge platform, which
was adopted in 1648. After the death of Mr, Cotton at the close
of 1652, the church in Boston applied to Mr. Norton to become
their minister. He accordingly preached in that town for some
time with the consent of his people ; but after the death of Mr.
Rogers in 1655 they reclaimed him. Though a number of coun-
cils, called upon the occasion, advised liis removal to Boston, the
inhabitants of Ipswich declined giving him a dismission. At length
the governor and magistrates were under the necessity of summon-
ing a council, whose advice or result was followed, as it was consid-
ered as partaking more of the nature of authority. From this pe-
riod he was the minister of Boston, and was eminently useful.
After the restoration of Charles II it was thought necessary to ad-
dress him. Mr. Norton and Simon Bradstreet were accordingly
appointed the agents of Massachusetts for the purpose. They
sailed for England in February 1662 and returned in September,
bringing with them a letter from the king, in which he promised to
confirm the charter, but required that the administration of justice
should be in his name, and that all persons of good and honest lives
should be admitted to the sacrnment of the Lord's supper, and their
phildren to baptism. The agents, who had taith fully endeavored to
NOR. 453
serve the colony, on their return met with a cold reception, and the
smothered grief of Mr. Norton on account of the ill treatmentf
which he received, it is thought hastened his end. He died sud-
denly April 5, 1663, aged near fifty seven years. He left nq
children. Mr. Davenport succeeded him in the ministry.
Mr. Norton was an eminent scholar and divine. In controversy-
he was very acute, for his powerful talents had been cultivated by
an excellent education, and he was familiar with the subtleties of the
schoolmen. In his religions sentiments he accorded with the first
fathers of New England. The doctrines, for wi ich he contended,
were the following; that there is one God subsisting in three
persons ; that the will of God is the cause of all causes, and
second causes the effects of the first cause ; that the will of man is
an instrument disposed and determined unto iis action according
unto the decree of God, being as much subordinate to it as the axe
is to the hand of the hewer ; that man even in violating God's com-
mand fulfils God's decree ; that the infallible ordering of the exist-
ence of sin for a better end, and the forbidding of sin are not at all
inconsistent, I5ut fall under the compass of the same one volition of
God, which cannot be resisted or defeated ; that God is not the
author of sin, and yet that he does not merely permit it, since he
has decreed it ; that the reprobates freely commit such a measure
of sin as fits them for the intended measure of wruth ; that man is a
free agent, having a real efficiency, though subordinate to the first
cause, which determines the second in its operation ; that all man-
kind participated in Adam's sin and also have it imputed to them ;
that original sin is the hereditary and habitual contrariety and en-
mity of the nature of man against the whole will of God ; that God has
elected whom in his wisdom and mercy he pleased to eternal life ; that
the conversion of these is the effect of God's Spirit ; that good works
are necessary as the way to salvation, but not as the cause ; that the
only meritorious cause of salvation is the active and passive obedi-
ence of Jesus Christ, which is imputed unto those, who believe, and
is received by faith alone ; that only the elect believe in the Re-
deemer ; that their belief or faith is the effect of special, absolute,
irresistible grace ; and that the will is passive, not having the nature
of a free agent, in the first reception of grace. His sermons were
written with great care, and in his extemporary devotional perform-
ances there was a variety and fulness and fervor seldom equalled.
A good man of Ipswich used frequently to walk to Boston, a dis-
tance of about thirty miles, to attend the Thursday lecture, and
would say, that it was worth a great jovu'ney to unite in one of Mr.
Norton's prayers. His example, according to Dr. Mather, was so
much followed, that some young ministers were able to continue
their addresses to God for more than an hour with great propriety ;
and without wearying those, who joined with them. In his natural
temper Mr. Norton was somewhat irascible, but being taught by
454 NOY.
the grace of God to govern his passions, his renewed heart rendered
him meek, courteous, and amiable. Still a mistaken zeal lor the
truth made him, as ii made his contemporaries, triendly to persecu-
tion. He was convinced, that some difference of sentiment must
be permitted, and wished that an erroneous conscience should be
treated with tenderness ; but when the fundamental doctrines of
Christianity were denied, or errors were supported by a contuma-
cious will, especially if they produced disturbance in the state, then
he thought it indispensably necessary to be acquainted, to use his
own words, " with the huly tactics of the civil sword." The disuse
of this instrument, in his opinion, gave opportunity for the rise of
the man of sin ; the abuse of it maintained him ; but the good use
of it would tend to destroy him. With these sentiments he prob-
ably encouraged the magistrates in their persecution of the quakers,
who in return represented to the king and parlianifent, that " John
Norton, chief priest in Boston, by the immediate power of the Lord
was smitten, and died."
Mr.Norton wrote in Latin a letter to the famous John Dury, which
was signed by forty three other ministers. A translation of it may
be found in S. Mather's apology. In 1645 he drew up at the re-
quest of the ministers of New England an answer to a number of
questions relating to churcn government, which were sent over by
William Apollonius under the direction of the divines of Zealand.
This was the first Latin book ever written in this country. It was
published with the title of reponsio ad totum quaestionum syllogen
a clariss. viro dom. Gul- Apollonio propositam, ad componendas
controversias in Anglia, Lond. 8vo, 1648. He published also a
discussion of the sufferings of Christ, and the questions about his
righteousness active and passive, and the imputation thereof in an-
swer to a dialogue of Mr Pinchin, 12mo, 1653; this was written
by the direction of the general court ; the orthodox evangelist, or a
treatise wherein many great evangelical truths are briefly discussed,
4to, 1654; election sermon, 1657; the life of Mr. Cotton, 1658 ;
the heart of New England rent by the blasphemies of the present
generation, a treatise concerning the doctrine of the quakers, by the
desire of thdl^eneral court, 8vo, 1660; election sermon, 1661; a
catechism ; three choice and profitable sermons on several texts,
being the last sermons, which lie preached at the election, at the
Thursday lecture, and on the sabbath, 1664. — Mather's life of JVor*
ton ; maj^Jialia.) iii. 32^41 ; Morton, \77 ; J\^eal's AT. E. i. 357, 358 \
Hutchinson, i. 41, 188, 219 — 224; Wmthro/i, 91; Besse's suff.
quakers, ii. 270 ; Holmes' annals, i. 278, 388 ; Hubbard's MS. JV. E.
cA. Ixxiv; Collect ■ hist, soc. iv. 110.
NOVES (James), one of the first ministers of Newbury, Massa-
chusetts, was born in Wiltshire, England, in 1608, and was for
some time a student in the university of Oxford. His mind was
first impressed by the truths of religion through the preaching of
NOY. 455
Dr. Twiss. After he began to preach, as he could not conscien-
tiously comply with the ceremonies of the established church, he
accompanied his friend, the reverend Mr. Parker, to New England
in 1634. They arrived in the month of May. Mr. Noyes preach-
ed about a year at Mystic, now Medford, when he was invited to
become the minister of Watertown ; but as he preferred a settle-
ment with Mr. Parker, who had removed from Aggawam to New-
bury, he was established as his colleague in 1635, having the title
of teacher. He continued to discharge with faithfulness the duties
of his office more than twenty years. After a long sickness, which
he bore with patience and cheerfulness, he died October 22, 165 6,
in the forty eighth year of his age. Mr. Noyes and Mr, Parker
were the most cordial and intimate friends. In England they in-
structed in the same school ; they came to this country in the same
ship ; they were ministers in the same church ; and as Mr. Parker
had no family, they lived in the same house Mr. Noyes was very
much beloved by his people, for he was humble, gentle, and con-
stantly desirous of doing them good. He was the implacable ene-
my of heresy and schism. Though he could never submit to the
ceremonies of the English church, he was not so averse to episco-
pacy itself. He did not approve of a governing voie in the frater-
nity, and he thought that ecclesiastical councils should have the
power of inflicting censures upon particular churches. He was
eminently skilled in Greek, and he had read the fathers and the
schoolmen. His memory was tenacious, his invention rich, and
his judgment profound. While his manners were so amiable and
his disposition so truly benevolent and affectionate, that no one was
ever acquainted with him, who did not desire his friendship and so-
ciety, he yet was resolute and determined in his defence of the truth.
He Avas considered as one of the most eminent men in his day.
He published the temple measured, or a brief survey of the temple
mystical, which is the instituted church of Christ, 4to, 1647 ; a
catechism, which was reprinted in 1797 ; Moses and Aaron, or the
rights of church and state, contained in two disputations, the former
concerning the church, the latter asserting the sacredness of the
persons of kings against king killing. This was published by Mr.
Woodbridge of England in 1661. — Mathei-'s magnalia, iii. 145 —
148 ; Morse a?id Parish's JV. E. 92, 93 ; Collect, hist, soc, vii. 242 ;
Popkins' dedicat. sermon.
NOYES (James), the first minister of Stonington, Connecticut,
was the second son of the preceding, and was graduated at Harvard
college in 1659, being educated at the expense of his uncle, the
reverend Mr. Parker. In the year 1664 he began to preach at
Stonington, where he was ordained September 10, 1674 After
imparting religious instruction to this people fifty five years and a
half he died December 30, 1719, aged near eighty one years. His
brother, Moses Noyes, was the first minister of Lyme, and died
456 NOY.
November 10, 1729, at the age of eighty five years, sixty of vvhic
he spent with his people. Mr. Noyes of Stonington was a distin-
guished preacher, carrying an uncommon fervor and heavenly zeal
into all his public performances. His ordinary conversation breath-
ed the spirit of the world, to which he was endeavoring to guide
his fellow men. In ecclesiastical controversies he was eminently
useful. Being a friend of literature he was one of the first trustees
of Yale college. He was also a counsellor in civil affairs at some
critical periods. As a physician he was much consulted, and he
gave away annually the amount of his salary in medicines. But
he most delighted in his ministerial work, for his tenderness and
faithfulness in which he was highly esteemed and beloved. — 'Boston
newsletter.) January 4, 1720 ; TrunibuWs Connecticut., i. 522.
NOYES (Nicholas), minister of Salem, Massachusetts, was
the nephew of the reverend Mr. Noyes of Newbury, and was born
in that town December 22, 1647. He was educated at the expense
of his uncle, the reverend Mr. Parker, receiving the first honors of
Harvard college in 1667. After having preached thirteen years in
Haddam, Connecticut, he removed to Salem, where he was ordain-
ed as colleague with the reverend Mr. Higginson November 14,
1683. Mr, George Curwin was settled with him in 1714, but he
died in 1717. Mr. Noyes himself, after a ministry of thirty four
years, died December 13, 1717, being almost seventy years of age.
He v/as never married. Acquainted with all the literature of the
times, and having uncommon talents for his sacred work, his death
was deeply and generally lamented. He was entertaining and use-
ful in conversation, of eminent sanctity and virtue, and always so-
licitous for the welfare of his people. But with all his good quali-
ties he unhappily believed the reality of witchcraft and had some
influence in promoting those legal inquiries in 1692, which reflect
so much disgrace upon tne age. He afterwards however publicly
confessed his error without offering any excuse for himself, or con-
cealing any circumstance ; and he visited and blessed the survivors,
whom he had injured, asking always their forgiveness. Such con-
duct reflects the highest honor upon his character. A letter of his
containing an account of Mr James Noyes is preserved in Mather's
magnalia. He published the election sermon, 1698 ; and a poem
on the death of the reverend Joseph Green of Salem village, 1715.
■^-Collect, hist. sac. vi. 264, 267, 273, 286 ; Truriibull's Connecticut,
i. 520; Magnalia.Wi. 145 — 148.
OAKES (Urian), president of Harvard college, was born in
England about the year 1631, and was brouR-ht to America in his
childhood. A sweetness of disposition exhil)ited itself early and
remained with him through life. He was graduated at Harvard
college in 1649. While very young and small he published at
Cambridge a set of astronomical calculations with this apposite
motto ;
Parvum parva decent, sed inest sua gratia parvis.
I
OCC. 457
He soon went to EngUmd, and was cettled in the miristry at
ritchfieid in Hampshire. Being silenced in 1662 with the other
nonconforming ministers, he found an asylum in a respectable fam-
ily, and afterwards preached in another congregation. Such was
his celebrity for learning and piety, that the church and society of
Cambridge on the decease of Mr. Mitchel in 1678 sent a messen-
ger to England to invite him to become their muiister. He accept-
ed the invitation, but through various circumstances did not com-
mence his labors in Cambridge till November 8, 1671. Being
placed at the head of Harvard college after the death of Dr. Hoarj
he commenced the duties of this oflice April 7, 1675, still however
retaining the charge of his flock. But on the second ot February
lesd" the corporation appointed him president, and persuaded him
to be inaugurated, and to devote himself exclusively to this objecti
He died July 25, 1681, in the tittieth year of his age, and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. Rogers in tlie college, and by Mr. Gookin in the
church of Cambridge. He was a man of extensive erudition
and distinguished usefulness. He excelled equally as a scholar,
as a divine, and as a Christian. By his contemporaries he was
considered as one of the most resplendent lights, that ever shone
in this part of the world. He was very humble with all his great-
ness, like the full ear of corn, which hangs near the ground. In
the opinion of Dr. Mather America never had a^greater mas-
ter of the true, pure, Ciceronian Latin, of his skill in Avhich lan-
guage an extract from one of his commencement orations is pre-
served as a specimen in the magnalia. He published an artil-
lery election sermon^ entitled, the unconquerable, all conquering,
and more than conquering Christian soldier, 1672 ; election sermon
1673 ; a sermon at Cambridge on the choice of their military offi-
cers ; a fast sermon; and an elegy in poetry on the death of the
reverend Mr. Shepard of Charlestown, 1678. This is pathetic and
replete with imagery. — Holmes* hist. Cambridge ; and annals, ii,
452 ; Collect', hist. soc. vii. 31,51 — 54 ; Mather's juagnalia/iv. 129,
186— .188, 190 ; JVeal's JV. E.ii. 41, 42 ; Mmconform. memorial^ ii.
280—282.
OCCUM (Sampson), an Indian minister of the Moheagan tribe,
was a heathen till the age of eighteen, when he embraced Christ-
iatfity. He was for three years the pupil of the reverend Dr.
Whcelock. He was for eleven years a schoolmaster on long Isl-
and, officiating at the same time as the public teacher of the Indian
tribe at Montauk till his ordination by the Suffolk presbytery Aug-
ust 2 9, 1759. He was afterwards employed on several missions to
various tribes of Indians, particularly to the six nations. In 1765
or 1766 he accompanied the reverend Mr. Whitaker to London to
solicit benefactions for D;\ Wheelock's school. About the year
1786 he with the scanty remnant of the Muhheakaneok Indians,
who lived on the sea coast in Connecticut, removed to the ncighbor-
59
458 OGD,
hood of Oneida in the state of New York. He was at first the-
minister of Brotherton ; but for the last years of his life he resided
•with the Indians at New Stockbridge. He died in July 1792, aged
sixty nine years. Upwards of three hundred Indians attended his-
funeral. At his first entrance on the ministry and for a considera-
ble time after he was respected in his Christian and ministerial
character. He preached with acceptance to the polished inhabitants
of Boston and New York. An account of the Montauk Indians,
written by him, is preserved in the historical collections. He says,
that they had a multitude of gods. — BueWs ordinal, serm. and letter
to Bostwick; Collect, hist. soc. iv. 68 ; v. 13 ; ix. 89, 90 ; x. 105 —
111.
OGDEN (Jacob), a physician of New York, published about the
year 1764 observations on a species of the sore throat, then preva-
lent and mortal. — Ramsay's revieiv oj" medicine, 36 ; Miller, i 319.
OGDEN (Matthias), brigadier general in the army of the
United States, took an early and a decided part in the late contest
with Great Britain. He joined the army at Cambridge, and such was
his zeal and resolution, that he accompanied Arnold in penetratini;'
through the wilderness to Canada. He was engaged in the attack
upon Quebec and was carried wounded from the place of engage-
ment. On his return from this expedition he was appointed to the
command of a regiment, in which station he continued until the
conclusion of%e war. When peace took place he was honored by
congress with a commission of brigadier general. He died at Eliz-
abeihtown. New Jersey, March 31, 1791. He was distinguished
for his liberality and philanthropy. He was generous, arhiable,
and endeared to his friends. — Gazette of the U. S. A^iril 13, 1791.
OGLETHORPE (James), the founder of Georgia, was boni in
England about the year 1688. Entering the army at an early age,
he served under prince Eugene, to whom he became secretary and
aid de camp. On the restoration of peace he was returned a mem-
ber of parliament, and distinguished himself as a useful senator by
proposing several regulations for the benefit of trade, and a reforVn
m the prisons. His philanthrophy 's commemorated in Thompson's* i
seasons. His benevolence led him in 1732 to become one of the »
trustees of Georgia, a colony, the design of whose settlement was
principally to rescue many of the inhabitants of Great Briton
from the miseries of poverty, to open an asylum for the persecuted
proicstants of Europe, and to carry to the natives the blessings of
Cluistianitv. In the prosecution of this design Mr. Oglethorpe
embarked in Noventber with a number of emigrants, and arriving
at Carolina in tlic middle of January 1733, he proceeded immedi-
ately to Savannah river, and laid the foundation of the town of Sa-
vannah. He made treaties with the Indians, and crossed the At-
lantic several times to promote the interests of the colony. Being
appointed general and commander in chief of his majesty's force?.
OGL. 459
in South and Carolina Georgia, he brought from England in 1738 a
regiment of six hundred men to protect the southern frontiers from
the Spaniards. A mutiny was soon excited in his camp, and a dar-
ing attempt was made to assassinate him ; but his life was wonder-
fully preserved thi-ough the care of that providence, which controls
all earthly agents, and superintends every event. After the com-
mencement of the war between Great Britain and Spain in 1739
he visited the Indians to secure their friendship, and in 1740 iie
went into Florida on an unsuccessful expedition against St. Augus-
tine. As the Spaniards laid claim to Georgia, three thousand men,
a part of whom were from Havanna, were sent in 1742 to drive
Oglethorpe from the frontiers. When this force proceeded up the
Alatamaha, passing fort St. Simon's without injury, he was obliged
to retreat to Frederica. He had but about seven hundred men,
besides Indians. Yet with a part of these he approached within two
miles of the enemy's camp, with the design of attacking ti.em by
surprise, when a French soldier of his party fired his musket
and ran into the Spanish lines. His situation was now very crit-
ical, for he knew, that the deserter would make known his weak-
ness. Returning however to Frederica, he had recourse to the
following expedient. He wrote a letter to the deserter, desir-
ing him to acquaint the Spaniards with the defenceess state of
Frederica, and to urge them to the attack ; if he could not effect
this object, he drected hina to use all his art to persuade them
to stay three days at fort Simon's as within that time he should
have a reinforcement of two thousand land forces, with six ships
of war, cautioning him at the same time not to drop a hint of
■admiral Vernon's meditated attack upon St. Augustine. A Span-
ish prisoner was entrusted with this letter under promise of de-
livering it to the deserter. But he gave it as was expected and
intended to the commander in chief, who instantly put the deserter
in irons. In the perplexity, occasioned by this letter, while the
enemy was deliberating what measures to adopt, three ships of
force, which the governor of South Carolina had sent to Oglethorpe's
aid, appeared off the coast. The Spanish commander Avas now
convinced beyond all question, that the letter instead of being a
stratagem contained serious instructions to a spy, and in this mo-
ment of consternation set fire to the fort, and embarked so precip-
itately as to leave behind him a number of cannon with a quantity
of military stores. Thus by an event l;)cyond human foresight or
control, by the correspondence bctvveen the artful suggestions of a
military genius and the blowing of the winds, was the infant colony
providentially saved from destruction, and Oglethorpe retrieved his
reputation and gained the character of an able general. He now
returned to England, and never again revisited Georgia. In 1745
■^he was promoted to the rank of major general*and was sent against
,the rebels, but did not overtake them, for which he was tried by -i?
460 OHI.
court martial and honorably acquitted. Alter the return of Gage
to Eni^land in 1775 the conimuiid ol" the British army in America
was offered to general Oglethorpe. lie prolesscd his readiness to
accept the appointment if the ministry would autliorizc him to as-
sure the colonics that justice would be done them ; but the com-
mand was given to sir William Howe. He died in August 1785 at
the age of ninety seven, being the oldest general in the service.—
Eu-ofuan mag. viii ; IVatkin'^ oiog. diet.; Brit. emji. in j^mcricay i.
526; rri/«np, ii. 302 — 314; Holmes* annals, i\. 13\ — 158; Hcwatty
ii. 15 — 22,47,57,77 — 82,111 — 119 ; Mars/iall,\. 5\8 — 344; Vtii-
■ver.^al hist. xl. 440 ; Thojnjuoti'a seasons, 'winter, So'J — 388.
OHIO, one of the United Sti.tes of America, was not settled till
the year 1788. It was formerly included in Virginia, the legisla-
ture of which state in 1781 ceded the territory northwest of the Ohio
I'iver to the United States, reserving however several portions of
land, and among them one lor the officers and soldiers, by which the
British posts were reduced. The settlement in Ohio was com-
menced at Marietta April 7, 1788, under the superintendence of
geneial llufus Putnam. Before this time there were no inhabitants
in the territory excepting the Indians, a few Moravians, and trespas-
sers on public lands. Tiic country was at first under the jurisdic-
tion of a governor, appointed by congress for three years, a secreta-
ry, and a coiu't consisting of three judges. Thei'c was also a leg-
isi .tive council and a house ofrepresentatives. It was to be admit-
ted into the union whenever it contained sixty thousand free inhab-
itants. This event took place April 28,1802. A constitution was
immediately formed and adopted, and the government was organiz-
ed March 3, 1803. The representatives are chosen annually and
the senators and governor every two years. — Harris' tour.
OLIVER (Daniel), a member of the council of Miissachusetts,
was bom in 1664yand died in Boston in 1732. He was distinguish-
ed for piety, humility, and charity from his youth. He always rose
early to read the sacred volume and pour out his heart unto God.
Through his mercantile business claimed much of his attention, yet
he devoted Saturday afternoon to visiting the sick in his neighbor-
hood. He was an overseer of the poor, and he sometin.es maintained,
at his own expense a school, which received thirty of their children.
He built for this purpose a house, which cost six hundred povmds,
and in his will he directed it to be devoted to the instruction of the
poor forever. He contributed largely to the promotion of the gos-
pel among the ignorant and vicious. — Prince's fun. sermon.
OLIVER (Andrew), lieutenant governor of Massachusetts, was
graduated at Harvard college in 1724. After being secretary, he
sustained the office of lieutenant governor from 1770 till 1774, dur-
ing the administration of his brother in li^w, Mr Hutchinson. No
man was more disposed to promote the designs of the British min-
istry. His letters, which were sent over Ir Dr. franklin in 1773,
OLI. 4^1
disclosed his true character, and the disclosure embittered his r^
maining days. He died at Boston March 3, 1774, in the sixty-
eighth year of his age.— Warren, i. 69, 84, 112, 115; GorcloUji.
328.
OLIVER (Peter, ll.d), chief justice of Massachusetts, was
the biother of the pieceaing, and was graduated at Harvard college
in 1730. He was appointed a judge of the superior court Septem-
ber 15, 175 6, in the place of Mr. SaltonStall, who had resigned.
His place of residence was Middleborough, and he had not been
educated to Ihe law. In the year 1774. when the general court
called upon him, as they called upon the other juuges, to receive
the grant for his services, as usual, from the treasury of the prov-
ince, and to engage to receive no pay or emolument except from the
assembly, he peremptorily refused. In consequence of this refusal
the house oi representatives immediately voted articles of impeach-
ment in February ; accusing him of high crimes and misdemeanors.
He died at Birmingham, England, in October 1791, aged seventy-
nine years. He published a speech on the death of Isaac Lathrop,
esquire, 1750. — Warren, i. 119 ; Gordon, i. 345; Boston gaz.
March 7, 1774.
ORONO, chief of the Penobscot tribe of Indians, died at Old
town, an ishmd in Penobscot river, Massachusetts, February 5, 1801,
aged one hundred and thirteen years. He cultivated among his
subjects the principles of peace, temperance, and religion. In the
time of the late war vvith Great Britain he formed a treaty with the
American government, and faithfully adhered to it. His people
profess the Roman catholic religion, and have a church. He re-
tained his mental faculties to an unusual degree in his old age. His
hair had long been of a milky white, and this venerable chief had
lived to hunt in three different centuries. His wife, madam Orono,
died in January 1809, aged one hundred and ^iitQii.— -Fiscal, cvang,
mag. i. 200 ; JV. Y. spectator April 4, 1801.
OSBORN (John), a poet, was born at Sandwich, Massachusetts,
in 1713. His father was afterwards minister of Eastham on cape
Cod. Young Osborn was graduated at Harvard college in 1735.
Uncertain for a time what profession to pursue he directed his
thoughts towards theology, and proceeded so far as to read before
the association of ministers, with the design of being licensed to
preach, a sermon, which was not perfectly orthodox. Having after-
wards resolved upon the study of medicine, he removed to Middle-
town in Connecticut. But little is known concerning hnn after this
period. In 1753 he wrote to a sister, that he had lingered almost
two years a life not worth having. He died soon after at the age of
forty years^ leaving six children. Since his death one of his sons
was a physician in MiddletoAvn. His manners were open, plain, and
agreeable, and his temper cheerful and mild. His poetical produc-
tions, written about the year 1735, possess much merit, especially
462 OTI.
in description, and previously to that period we find little American
poetry equal to his. A bcautitul elegy on the death of a young sister
is preserved in the Boston mirror. His whaling song has been
Tnuch celebrated — American museum, v. 587 — 590; Massa. mag.
"V. 1 1 — 1 ", 55 ; Boston mirror^ January 7, 1809 ; Collect, hist. soc.
viii. 195.
OTIS (James), a distinguished patriot and statesman, was the
5on of the honorable James Otis of Barnstable, Massachusetts, and
was graduated at Harvard college in 1743. After pursuing the
study of the law imder Mr. Gridley, the first lawyer and civilian of
his time, at the age of twenty one he began the practice at Plymouth.
In about two years he removed from this town to Boston, where he
soon gained so high a reputation for integrity and talents, that his
services were required in the most important causes. In 1761 he
distinguished himself by pleading against the writs of assistance,
which the officers of the customs had applied for to the judges of
the supreme court. His antagonist was Mr. Gridley. He was in
this or the following year chosen a member of the legislature of
Massachusetts, in which body the powers of his eloquence, the
keenness of his wit, the force of his arguments, and the resources
of his intellect gave him a most commanding influence. When the
arbitrary claims of Great Britain were advanced, he warmly en-
gaged in defence of the colonies, and was the first champion of A-
merican freedom, who had the courage to affix his name to a pro-
duction, that stood forth against the pretensions of the parent state.
He v/as a member of the congress, which was held at New York in
1765, in which year his rights of the colonies vindicated, a pam-
phlet, occasioned by the stamp act, and which was considered as a
masterpiece both of good writing and of argument, was published in
London. For the boldness of his opinions he was threatened with an
arrest ; yet he continued to support the rights of his fellow citizens.
He resigned the office of judge advocate in 1767 and renounced all
employment under an administration, which had encroached upon
the liberties of his country. His warm passions sometimes betrayed
him into unguarded epithets, that gave his enemies an advantage,
v/ithout benefit to the cause, which lay nearest his heart. Being
vilified in the public papers he in return published some severe
strictures on the conduct of the commissioners of the customs, and
others of the ministerial party. A short time afterwards, on the
evening of the fifth of September 1769, he met Mr. John i^obinson,
one of the commissioners, in a public room, and an affray followed,
in which he was assaulted by a numlier of ruffians, who left him and
a young gentleman, who interposed hi his defence, covered with
Avounds. The wounds were not mortal, but his usefulness was de-
■stroyed, for his reason was shaken from its throne, and the great man
in ruins lived several years the grid" of his friends. In an interval
©f reason he forgave the men, who h.'.d done him an irreparable in^
jury, and' Telinquished the sum of five thousand pounds sterling,
which Mr. Robinson had been by a civil process adjudged to pay,
on his signing a humble acknowledgment. He lived to see but not
fully to enjoy the independence of America, an event, toAvardsvrhich
his efforts had greatly contributed. At length on the twenty third
of May 1 78 3, as he ws then expelled in
the sixteenth year of his age. Next followed the discipline of his
lather, which was also ineffectual to reclaim him. Being sent to
France for the refinement of his manners, he passed two years in
that country, learned its language, and acquired its politeness. He
then studied law in Lincoln's Inn till the plague broke out in 1665.
He was sent to Ireland in 1666 to mmage an estate of his father,
but he there associ^Ued himself with the quakers, and in .consc-
PEN. 471
quence he was recalled. He could not be persuaded to take off
his hat in the presence of the king, or iiis lather. For this inflexi-
bility he was turned out of doors ; upon which he commenc-
ed an itinerant preacher, and gained many proselytes. Tnough
sometimes imprisoned he was persevering, and such was his integ-
rity and patience, that his father became reconciled to him. In
1668 he published a book entitled " the sandy foundation shaken,"
for wuich he was imprisoned seven months. In vindication of the
principles of this book, he wrote during his confinement his " in-
nocency with her open face," and also his famous work, " no cross
no crown." In 1670 he was apprehended for preaching in the
street, and was tried at the old Bailey, where he pleaded his owii
cause with the magnanimity of a hero. The jury returned their
verdict " not guilty." On the death of his father he received a
plentiful estate, but he continued to preach, to write, and to travel as
before. He was shut up in the tower and in Newgate. On his re-
lease he preached in Holland and Germany. It was owing to his
exertions, in conjunction with Barclay and Keith, that the fraternity-
was formed into order. His controversial writings are modest, can-
did, and persuasive. His book, entitled, " the Christian quaker,"
is a sensible vindication of the doctrme of universal saving light.
Some debts being due to Penn's father, at the time of his death,
from the crown, and as there was no prospect of payment very soon
in any other mode, Penn solicited a grant of lands in America, and
in 1681 obtained a charter of Pennsylvania. The colony was planted
in the same year, though before this time some Dutch and Swedes
had settled in the province. In 1682 Penn himself arrived, and
established a government, allowing perfect liberty of conscience.
He made honest purchases of the Indians, and treated them with
great tenderness. He formed a plan of a capital city and called it
Philadelphia. Two years after it was founded it contained two
thousand inhabitants. In 1684 Mr. Penn returned to England.
One great motive for his return was to exert his influence in favor
of his suffering brethren in Great Britain. He exerted it with
success, and one thousand three hundred quakers, who had been
confined in prisons, were set at liberty. While he remained in
England he was suspected of being a papist, and an enemy to his
country, and was a number of times arrested. But he continued
his preaching and increased his controversial writings. In 1699,
after fifteen yeavb* absence the American Lycurgus revisited his
province. Having made some alteration in the government he
sailed again for England in 1701. He resumed his favorite em-
ployment, and continued it for a number of years. In 1712 he was
seized by a paralytic disorder and died July 30, 17l8,inthe seventy
fourth year of his age. Notwithstanding his large paternal inher-
itance he was continually subject to the importunity of his credi-
tors, and obliged to mortgage his estate. His death prevented his
472 PEN.
surrendering his province to the crown. His posterity held it till
the revolution, his last surviving son, Thomas Penn, dying in 1775,
Mr. Penn was a man of great aoilities, of quick thought and ready
utterance, of mildness of dispjsition and extensive charity. He
was learned without vanity, facetious in conversation, yet weighty
and serious, of an extraordinary greatness of mind, yet void of the
stain of anihition. He published a multitude of tracts large and
small. The following is the title of his principal works ; no cross
no crown, or several sober reasons against hat honor, titular re*
spects, you to a single person, &c 4to, 1669; serious apology for
the people, called quakers, against Dr. Jeremy Taylor, 4to, 1669 ;
the spirit of truth vindicated in answer to a Socinian, 4to, 1672 ;
quakcrism a new nickname for old Christianity, 8vo, 1672 ; reason
against railing, and truth against fiction, 8vo, 1673 ; the Christian
quaker and his divine testimony vindicated, folio, 1674. His select
works have lately been published in 5 vols. 8vo. —"Belkna/i's jiiner.
dzo^". ii. 38 1 — 450; Biog. Britan. ; Wood's Ath. oxoji.ix. 1050—
1054 ; Proud, ii. 105, 106 ; Hohnes' annals, i. 455— .463 ; ii. 24,
96 ; Pcnn's life prefix, to his loorks ; Marshall, i. 222 — 229.
PENNSYLVANIA, one of the United States of America, was
granted by king Charles H to William Penn March 4, 1681, and
in this year a colony commenced a settlement above the confluence
of the Schuylkill with the Delaware. In the following year the
proprietary published a frame of government and a body of laws.
All legislative powers were vested in the governor and freemen of
the province in the provincial council, and a general assembly.
The governor had a treble vote in the council, which consisted of
seventy two members, chosen by the people, and the assembly at
first embraced all the freemen, but as the colony increased it was
limited to five hundred. Liberty of conscience was extended to all.
A treaty was immediately held with the natives, and the purchase of
the soil was commenced. The friendly intercourse with the Indians,
which was now begun, was not interrupted for more than seventy
years. The first settlers of Pennsylvania were chiefly quakers, who
had suffered persecution on account of their religion. In 168 3 the
first assembly was held at Philadelphia, and a new frame of govern-
Tn?nt was adopted, by which the council was reduced, and the gov-
ernor vested with a negative upon all bills, passed in the assembly.
Mr. Penn being soon called to England, he entrusted the govern-
ment to five commissioners. In 1788 he appointed a deputy, and
in 1701 gave the people the last charter of privileges. From this
period the government was chiefly administered by deputies, ap-
pointed by the proprietaries, who usually resided in England. Jeal-
ousies arose between the people and their governors, and disputes
and dissension^ existed till the revolution. At the commencement
of the late struggle with Great Britain the proprietary government
was abolished. The constitution then adopted recognized a legisla-
PEP. 473
'.ut'U of but one brancli. Parties were formed, those, who disap-
proved of It, being styled republicans, and its friends constitutional-
ists. The government of tne state was alternately in the hands of
these parties, till at length the lepubiicans triumphed, and the
present constitution was established by a convention on the second
of September 1790. It vests the legislative pov/er in a general
assembly) consisting of a senate and a house of representatives, the
members of the former to be chosen for four years, and of the latter
annually. The governor is elected for three years, and no bill can
pass without his assei'it, unless two thirds of both houses are in fa-
vor of it. The judges of the courts are liable to removal for any-
reasonable cause on an address of two thirds of each branch of the
legislature to the governor. In 1794 an alarming insurrection took
place in the western counties of this state, through discontent with
an excise upon whiskey ; but by the decisive measures of the gen-
eral government it was quelled almost without bloodshed. In 1809
a part of the militia of Philadelphia was by the order of the gover-
nor arrayed against the United States by obstructing a process of
the supreme court ; but the federal authority in a short time quietly
prevailed.— ProMof's A/s/. Pdnnsylvanict ; Franklin' s review ; IVynne,
i. 219— .235 ; Douglass, ii. 297 — 345 ; British emfi. in ^nerica,
i. 296^322 ; Mbrse'sgeog ; Holmes' annals; Findley's insurrect.
PEPPERELL(SiR William), lieutenant general in his majes-
ty's service, was born in the district of Maine, Massachusetts, and
was bred a merchant. About the year 1727 he was chosen one of
his majesty's council, and was annually reelected thirty two years
till his death. Living in a country exposed to a ferocious enemy,
he was well fitted for the situation, in which he was placed, for it
pleased God to give him a vigorous frame, and a mind of a firm
texture, and of great calmness in danger. He rose to the highest
military honors, which his country could bestow upon him. When
the expedition against Louisbourg was contemplated, he was commis-
sioned by the governors of New England to command the troops.
He invested the city in the beginnin^^ of May 1745. Articles oi ca-
pitulation were soon afterwards signed. There was a remarkable se-
riesof providences in the whole affair,and Mr. Pepperell ascribed his
unparalleled success to the God of armies. The king in reward of
his services conferred upon him the dignity of a baronet of Great
Britain, an honor never before nor since conferred on a native of
New England. He died at his seat in Kittery in the district of
Maine July 6, 1759, aged sixty three years. He had a high relish
for the pleasures of society and was the life and spirit of every com-
pany. Though not without his faults, he yet respected the Christian
character. During his last sickness he spoke v/ith gratitude of the
goodness of God, which he had experienced, and of his own imper-
fections and sins ; he admired the plan of salvation, made known in
the gospel J knowing his dependence upon the grace of God hft
61
474. PER.
sought the influences of the Holy Spirit; and as he ever professed
a belief of the transcendent dignity and glory ot the great Savior of
niankind, of the fulness of iiis merits, and the atoning virtue of his
obedience and sufferings, when he was just entering the eternal
•world he commended his soul into the hands of this Redeemer.—
Stevens* fun. sermon ; Belkna^i'ii A*. 7/. ii. 2 13, 223 ; Gordon,,!. 1 12.
PERKINS (William), remarkable for longevity, was born in
the west of England, and died at New Market, New Hampshire, in
1732, aged one hundred and sixteen years. — Belknafi's JsT. H.\\\.232.
PERREIN (Jean), eminent for his acquaintance with natural
history, was a native of France, and a member of the society of
sciencJes and belles lettres of BordeHux. Possessing an excellent
genius, highly cultivated by a liberal education, he had for unny
years devoted t!ie greatest part of his time to the study of nature.
With a view to the acquisition and diffusion of knowledge in botany
and other departments of natural I/istory he travelled through Afri-
ca and most of the West India islands- To complete his collect
tion of birds, plants. See. he came to New York, where he spent
several months : but he v/as cut down in the midst of his labois.
He died at New York March 31, 1805, in the filly fifth year of his
age. In Sonninni's elegant edition of Buffon's natural history credit
is given to Perrein as the author of many of the most valuable com-
munications, contained in that work. By his acquaintance he was
uniformly esteemed as a man of the most benevolent heart, refined
taste, and cultivated understanding. — .Atw Yark s/iectator, jijtril 3,
1805.
PETERS (Hugh), minister of Salem, Massachusetts, was born^
at Fowey in Cornwall in 1599, and was educated at trinity college,
Cambridge, w!iere he took the degree of master of arts in 1622.
He was licensed by the bishop of Loiulon, and preached in the city
with gre.it popularity and success. Meeting with some trouble on
account of his nonconformity, he went into Holland, where he re-
mained five or si.^t years. He arrived in America with Richard
Mather in August 1635. Ho took the charge of the church at Sa-
lem December 21, 1636, disclaiming the errors of Mr. Williams,
who had been minister before him, and excommunicating his ad-
herents. During his five years ministry, one hundred and sixty
persons joined his communion. He did not confine his attention to
religious concerns, but took an interest in mercantile and civil affairs.
He assisted in reforming the police of the town ; 'ne suggested the
plan of the fishery and of the coasting and foreign voyages ; he
procured carpenters, and engaged in trade with great success. His
acal in worldly conccnis was prol)ahly the cause of his suppressing
in Salem the weekly and occasional lectures, by which the good men
of that d.iy were nourished up unto eternal life. Being considered
as a suitable person to send to England to procure an alteration in
♦he laws of excise and trade, he was appointed for this purpose, with.
PET. 475
Mr. W«lde and Mr. Hibbins by the general court, and sailed Au-
gust 3, 1641. He never returned to America. During the civil
wars in England he supported the cause of the parliament, and con-
tributed much aid to it by his preaching. Burnet says, that he
pressed the king's condemnation with the rudeness of an inquisitor,
but Mr. Peters in his legacy declares, that he opposed it. He was
appointed by Cromwell one of the licensers of ministers, and also
a commissioner for amending the laws, though utterly disqualihed
for the business. After the restoration he was tried for conspiring
with Cromwell and compassing the king's death, and was executed
October 16, 1660, aged sixty one years. He was charged by his
enemies "with great vices ; but it is not probable, that the chai'ges
were well founded. He was however weak, ignorunt, and carried
away by his zeal. .If he had confined himself to the proper duties
of a minister of the gospel, and had not engaged in parties, nor be-
come the tool of the ambitious, nor exerted himself to stimulate
the furious passions of men, he would have been useful and respect-
ed, and niight have died in peace. Though he was ignorant, he
possessed a native and peculiar vigor of mind. He had, the power
of associating his thoughts in such a manner, as to prevent them
from being easily forgotten. His coarse and familiar images never
failed to answer his purposes, and his vulgar yet striking eloquence
gained him thousands of hearers of London. Specimens ot his
curious sermons are to be found in the trials of the regicides. In a
life of him, written by W. Young soon after his death, he is said to
have been expelled from college, though perhaps the representation
cannot be credited, as he regularly took his degrees. He is said also
to have been a stage player, and represented as a buflPoon. In an en-
graving prefixed he is placed in the pulpit with a multitude before
him ; his hour glass is turned, and he says, " come, my good fel-
lows, I know you like another glass." The manuscripts of the
three last books of Hooker's ecclesiastical polity tell into the hands,
to use the words of Mr. Wood, of "■ that most notorious villain,
Hugh Peters," and were altered so as to favor the popular cause
against the divine right of the authority of kings. Mr. Baxter
however, who did not think it an impeachment of good sense or
learning to lean towards the side of the people, thoui-ht that Mr.
Hooker's writings were not altered. Mr. Peters published a ser-
mon, preached before both houses of parliciment in 1646; last re-
port of the English wars ; a wotd to the army, 1647 ; good work
for a good magistrate, or a short way to great quiet, 165 1 ; in this
work he proposed the extirpation of the whole .system of laws, and
recommended that the old i-ecords in the lower should be burn, d as
records of tyranny, and that they should begin anew j brief aen den
Vader la Chaize ; a dying father's legacy to his only child, 8vo,
1660 and 1717. This has been spoken of with respect. It is pre-
served in the New England library established by Mr. Prince oj
476 PHI.
Boston.— Fou«5-'« life of Peters ; Anonym. uccoiniCf fir. 1751 ; Col-
lect, hist. 80C. vi. 249 — 254, 285 ; A/agnalia, iii,214 ; IVood^a Ath.
Oxonienses.) i. 303, 304 ; Jieikna/i's jY, H. i. 48, 76 ; Hutchinson^ i,
98, 165; ii. 490 ; Annual rct^ister for 1769,55 ; General hist. Con-
necticut, 48.
PHILIP, sachem of Pokanoket, well known by the name of king
J*hilip. WuS the youngest son of Masassoit, and succeeded his brother
Alexander in 1657. In 1662 he renewed the friendship, which had
subsisted with tne English, and engaged not to dispose of any lands
without their knowledge or appointment. In 1675 he commenced
the war, which desolated New England. It is said, that he was
pressed into the war by the importunity of his young warriors. As
he loi esaw the loss of his territery and the extinction of his tribe,
if the English settlements were permitted to extend and increase
Avitnout interruption, he was determined to make one mighty effort
to prevent these calamities. He in consequence lighted up the
liame of wai* in various parts of the country. After doing much
mischief, as he was endeavoring to escape from captain Church,
■who had pursued him into a swamp, he was killed August 12, 1676.
Thus, after deeds of heroism, fell king Philip of mount Hope in
Rhode Island. Mr. Eliot once preached before Ivi^n, when he took
hold of a button of the good man's coat, and said to him, " I do not
value the gospel any more than that."' — Collect, hint. soc. iii. 159,
171; Magnalia, vi. 30 ; Church's hist. ; Hutchinson, i. 279 — 307 ;
Adams' JV. E. 126, 127; Mai's A". E. i. 352, 387; ii. 1 — 23;
Holmes' annals, \. Aoi, 42,5 \ Callcnder, 73 — 81; Minot,i 67—69.
PHILLIPS (George), first minister of Watertown, Massachu-
setts, was born in the county of Norfolk, England, and was educated at
the university of Cambridge, where he gained a high reputation for
learning. Having, as he believed, been made a partaker of the di-
vine nature through the renewing agency of the Holy Spirit, he
devoted himself to the ministry of the gospel, and was settled at
Boxford in Essex. But becoming a nonconformist to the ceiemo-
nies of the established church, he came to New England with gov-
ernor Winthrop in the Arabella, and arrived at Salem in June 1630.
He immediately with sir Richard Saltonstailand others conmicnccd
a plantation at Watertovvn. A church was formed on the thirtieth
of July, when about forty members signed a covenant, binding them-
selves to cleave unto the word of God, and " the true sense and
meaning thereof." A confession of faith was afterwards added.
The salary, settled upon the minister, was thirty pounds a year.
Mr. Phillips died July 1, 1664, and was succeeded by Mr. Sherman.
He was much lamented by his church, who expressed their respect
to his memory by educating his eldest son, Mr. Samuel Phillips,
who was afterwards minister of Rowley, and eminently useful.
Mr. Phillips was well skilled in the original languages, in which
the bible was written, and such was his attachment to the word «f
PHI. 477
God, that he used to read it through six times in ievery year, and he
always found in it some thing new. As a preacher he was very
feithtul and many were converted by means of his labors. Though
very humble and modest he was an able disputant. He published a
judicious work, entitled, a reply to a confutation of some grounds
tor infants' baptism, as also concerning the form of a church put
forth against me by one Thomas Lamb, to which is added a discourse
of the verity and validity of infants' baptism, 1 64:5 .-—Mathej-'s mag~
nalia, iii. 82"— 84, 162 ; Frincej 205, 208, 212, 244, 247 ; Winthrofi,
31, 256, 337 ; Collect, hist. soc. ix. 46,
PHILLIPS (Samuel), minister 6f Andover, Massachusetts, was
the grandson of the preceding. His father was ar. inhabitant of
Salem. He was graduated at Harvard college in 1708, and began to
preach in the souih and new parish of Andover April 30, 17 10. His
ordination took place, it is believed, in the following year. He contin-
ued faithfully to discharge the duties of the sacred office for sixty
years till his death June 5, 1771, in the eighty second year of his
age. Being sincerely attached to those views of religious truth,
which were embraced by the first fathers of New England, he could
not quietly see the efforts, that were made, to pervert the faith,
which he was persuaded was once delivered to the saints. He ex-
erted himself both by his preaching and his writings to guard his
people against the intrusion of error. He contended, that all man-
kind come into the world depraved in consequence of Adam's sin,
and liable to punishment ; that men could as easily create themselves
anew, as believe in Christ by a power inherent in themselves ; that
God from eternity had elected those, whom he would save, and on
whom he would bestow his efficacious grace to prepare them for
salvation ; that men were justified on account of the righteousness
of Christ, received by faith, and immediately upon believing; and
that none, who were once in a state of justification would finally be
lost. He published a word in season, or the duty of a people to take
the oath of allegiance to a glorious God, 1727 ; advice to a child,
1729 ; the history of the Savior ; the orthodox Christian, or a child
well instructed, 1738; artillery election sermon, 1741; living wa-
ter to be had for asking ; election sermon, 1750 ; the sinner's refusal
to come unto Christ examined and reproved ; llie necessity of God's
drawing in order to men's coming unto Christ ; convention sermon,
1753 ; at ordination ot N. Holt ; at the instalment of S. Chandler,
1759 ; seasonable advice to a young neighbor reluUng to five impor-
tant points, 1761; serious address to young people in a dialogue ;
a sermon to young people, 1763; on gospel justification, 1766.
PHILLIPS (John, LL.D.), founder of the academy in Exeter,
New Hampshire, was the son of the preceding, and was gro.cUiated at
Harvard college in 1735. He was for several yenrs a member of
the council of New Hampshire. On the twenty first of April 1 778
he with his brother, the honorable Samuel Pliillips of Andover in
478 PHI.
Massachusetts, founded and liberally endowed the academy in that
town, which was incorporated in 1780. In 1789 he farther gave to
this institution twenty tliousand dollars. The academy, called Phil-
lips Exete" academy, ot which he was the sole founder, was incorpo-
rated in 1781 with a fund of fifteen tliousand pounds. He died in
April 1795, aged seventy six years, bequeatuin;^ to this academy
two thirds of all his estate, and one tliird ot the residue to the sem-
inary at Andovcr, particularly for the benefit of pious youth. To
this object his brother, the late honorable \Villiam Phillips of Bos-
Ion, also bequeathed four thousand dollars. — Morse's gcog.s Holmes*
an.ials; ii. 462 ; Conalztut. of theolog. seminary.
PHILLIPS (Samuel, LL.D.), lieutenant governor of INIassachu-
s-'tts, was the grandson of the reverend Mr. Phillips of Andover.
His father, the nonorable Samuel Phillips, one of the counsellors of
Massachusetts, died at Andover August 2 I, 1790, aged seventy six
years. Mr. Pniilips was graduated at Harvard college in 1771. He
•was a member of the provincial congress in 1775, and ot the house
of representatives till the year 1780, wlieu he assisted in framing
the constitution of Massachusetts. On its adoption he was elect-
ed a member of tlie senate, and was its president from 1785 to
1801. Being appointed justice of the court of common pleas for
Essex in 1781, he held this ofticc till 1797, when his dt;cljning health
induced his resignation. He was chosen lieutenant governor in
1801, and died February 10, 1802, aged fifty years. While he
possessed a sound judgment and an ardent, persevering spirit, his
integrity and patriotism gained him the confidence of his fellow cit-
izens. Such was liis superiority to the pride of wealth and of power,
and such bis bencvolonce and humility, that when honored witn pub-
lic applause and raised to eminence he would frequently spend the
interval between the moniingand evening services of the sabbath in
the house of God for the purpose of reading some pious book to
those, whose distant habitations prevented them from returning
home. He was careful to impart religious instruction to his family,
and he led its daily devotions with humility, fervor, and eloquence.
He appeared to be continu.dly governed !)y love to the Supreme
Being, and by the desire of imitating his benevolence and doing
good. His deep views of evangelical doctrine and duty, of human
depravity and mediatorial mercy formed his heart to humility, con-
descension, ana kindness, and led him contiiuuUly to depend on the
grace of God through the atonement of his Son*. He projected the
academy at Andover and was much concerned in establishing that as
■well as the academy at ^'Lxetcr, which were founded by his father
and uncle. To these institutions he was a distinguished benefactor.
His exertions to effect their establishment bring him tho hi.-,hest
honor, for he was the n itur.d heir of the founders. He bequeathed
one thousand dollars, one sixth part of tbe interest of which he di-
I'cctcd animally to be added to the principal, and the remainder to
PHI. 479
be expended in the purchase of pious books, to be annually distrib-
uted among the inhabitants of Andover. He also bequeathed four
thousand dollars, to be made an increasing fund, like the above, and
the interest to be applied in part for the benefit of schools in Ando-
ver, and in part tor the purchase of bibles, and other books to be
distributed amonsj poor and pious Christians in other towns, and also
among the inhabitants of places, where the means of religious
knowledge are but sparingly enjoyed. Since the death of Mr. Pnil-
lips ills- widow, Pnoebe Pniliips, and his son, the honorable John
Phillips of Andover, have evinced the same attachment to the inter-
ests of learnuig and I'eligion by unitiiig with Samuel Abbot, esquire,
and three others of a most liberal and benevolent spirit in founuing
the theological seminary in Andover, which was opened in Septem-
ber 1 808. On their part they engaged to erect tv/o separate build-
ings for the accoinmodalion of fifiy students, and for public rooms.
By such acts of most Honorable munificence have the family, which
bears the name of Phillips, proved to the world, that the blessing of
wealth may fall into hanus, which shall employ it for the best of
pu. poses. — Tajipan's fun. sermo7i ; Pearson'' n lecture, on death jires.
WiLlard ; Conistitut. o/theolo^, seminary ; JMusiiU. miss. mag.\. 41
—45.
PHIPS (Sir William), governor of Massachusetts, was bom at
a small settlement on the river Kennebeck February 2, 165 1. His
father was a gunsmith in humble circumstances, and his mother had
twenty six children, of wJiom twenty one were sons. After living
in the wilderness till he was eighteen years of age he bound himselt
as an apprentice to a ship carpenter for four years, at the expiration
of which time he went to Boston, where he learned to read and write.
Determining to seek his fortune upon the sea, after a variety of ad-
ventures he discovered a Spanish wreck on the coast of Hispaniola,
and fished up plate, and pearls, and jewels amounting in value to
three hundred thousand pounds sterling, with which he sailed to
England in 1687. Such was his honesty and so liberal was he to his
seamen, that his own shaie ainounted onlv to sixteen thousand
pounds. He was at this time made a knight by king James. Re-
turning to Boston, he was in 1690 admitted a member of the north
ehurch, being baptized and professing repentance of his sins. In
the same year he commanded an expedition against Port Royal,
■which place he captured. When the new charter of Massachusetts
was obtained he was nominated by Dr. Mather as the governor. In
this capacity he arrived at Boston May 14, 1692. He soon put a
stop to prosecutions for witchcraft. In August he sailed with about
four hundred and fifty men to Pemaquid, wacre he built a fort. In
1694 in a dispute with the collector of the port sir William was so
far carried away by the passion of the moment, as to have recourse
to blows to settle the controversy. He was soon afterwards removed,
and he sailed in November for Englandv Avhere he received as2ujr«
480 PIE.
ances of being rcslorcd ; but being seized hy a malignant fever he
died February 18, 1695, aged forty four years. Lieutenant gover-
nor Stoughton possessed the chief authority in MASsachu setts till
the appointment of the earl of Bellamont. Sir William, though hi»
origin was very humble, was not elated by the great change, which
took place in his circumstances. He was a man of uncommon en-
terprise and industry, of an excellent disposition, though he did not
always retain the command of himself, and of perfect honesty and
integrity. He exerted himself to promote the interests of New
Er\^\ar\d.—Magnalia,u. 37—75 ; Mai's ^V. E. ii. 50, 57, 108, 173;
Mams* JV. E. 166 ; Hutchinson, i. 396—416 ; ii. 75 — 84 ; Holma*
annals, \. 478 ; ii. 3, 21, 27.
PIERSON (Abraham), first minister of Southampton on Long
Island, was a native of England, where he preached some time before
he came to Boston. In 1640 a number of the inhabitants of Lynn
formed the resolution to remove to Long Island, and invited Mr.
Pierson to accompany them. Having first formed a church they
went and settled Southampton. These planters constituted a gov-
ernment by themselves. When it was found necessary to divide
the church Mr. Pierson passed over to the main land, and became the
first minister of Branford in Connecticut in 1644. He continued
here till 1665, when he removed to New Jersey. He was a man of
piety and learning. Having studied the Indian language he preach-
ed to the natives on Long Island and in the several plantations of
New Haven colony. — Magnalia-^ iii. 55 ; Gookin in collect, hist. soc.
i. 207, 208; Trumbull's Connect, i. 289, 521; Winthroji, 204 J
JVeal's .v. E. i 208 ; Holmes' annajs,i. 315.
PIERSON (Abraham), first president of Yale college, was grad-
uated at Harvard university in 1663. He was installed the minister
of Killingworth, Connecticut, in 1694. On the establishment ot
the college at Saybrook in 1701 he was chosen rector, and the stu-
dents attended upon his instructions at Killingworth, although the
commencements were held at Saybrook. He died May 5, 1707,
to the unspeakable loss of the college and his people ; for he was an
excellent scholar, a great divine, a faithful preacher, and Avise and
judicious in all his conduct. Mr. Andrew of Milford was chosen
rector pro tempore after his death, but a new president was not ap-
pointed till 1719, when Mr. Cutler was placed at the head of the
college. Mr. Pierson v/rote a system of natural Philosophy, which
was studied in the college for many years. — Cla/i's hist. Yale college ;
Holmes' life of Stiles, 384 ; Trumbull's Connect, i. 500, 501, 522.
POCAHONTAS, daughter of Powhatan, emperor of the Indians
of Virginia, was born about the ye^r 1595. Wlien captain Smith
was taken prisoner in 1 607, and it was determined, that he sliould
be put to death, his head was placed upon two large stones at the
feet of Powhatan, that a number of Indians, who stood ready with
lifted clubs, mi?rht beat out his brains. At this moment Pocaliontas
FOR. 481
i'lished to the spot and placed her own head upon his. l^rom regard
to his daughter the savasje king spared his life. In 1609, when but
fourteen years of age, she went to James Town in a dreary night
and unfolded to captain Smith a plot, which the Indians had formed
for the extermination of the English, and thus at the hazard of her
life saved them from destruction. In 1612, after captain Smith left
the colony, she was for a bribe of a copper kettle betrayed into the
hands of captain Argal, and detained a prisoner, that better terms of
peace might be made with her father. He offered five hundred
bushels of corn for his daughter, but before this negotiation was
completed, a different and more interesting one had commenced. A
mutual attachment had sprung up between her and Mr. Thomas
Rolfe, an Englishman of good character, and with the consent of
Powhatan they were married. This event restored peace, and se-
cured it for miany years. Pocahontas soon made a profession of
Christianity and was baptized. In 1616 she accompanied her hus-
band to England, where she was received with distinction at court.
It is said, that king James jpxpressed great indignation, that one of
his subjects should dare to marry into a royal family. As she was
about to embark for Virginia in 1617, she died at Gravesend, aged
about twenty two years. She is represented as a pious Christian.
She left one son, Thomas Rolfe ; and from his daughter descended
some respectable families in Virginia.— jr«7/j, 70, 98, 105, 125—
129; Stithy 136, 146 ; Smithes Fir ffinia^ 4,6 — 49,113,122 ; Holmes^
annals, i. 158, 165, 181, 191 ; Marshall, r. 36, 52.
PORTER (John), minister of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, was
graduated at Harvai-d college in 1736, and ordained October 1740.
He died in the hope of the Christian March 12, 1802, in the eighty
seventh year of his age, and the sixty second of his ministry, having
been enabled to preach till near the close of his life. He was a
man of respectable talents, of great prudence, and of a blameless
life. As a preacher he was highly and generally respected, for
being sensible of the ruined condition of fallen man, and having ex-
perienced the power of divine grace in his own heart, he dwelt with
earnestness upon the great doctrines of the gospel. A crucified
Redeemer was his frequent theme. Avoiding dry and barren spec-
ulations he aimed to impart instruction, and to render men holy.
His faithful labors were not in vain, for at different periods it pleased
God by the influences of his Spirit to render them the means of
converting many, who were chosen in Jesus Christ. He published
a sermon at the ordination of Silas Brett, Freetown ; the absurdity
and blasphemy of substituting the personal righteousness of men
in the room of the surety righteousness of Christ in the article of
justification before God, preached at Braintree, 1749 ; reply to Mr.
Bryant's remarks on the above sermon, 1751.
POWHATAN, emperor of the Indians in Virginia, at the time
of the settlement of that colony in 1 607 was the most powerful of
62
48^ POW.
the Indian kings. He was deeply versed in all the savage arts of
rjovernment and policy, and was insidious, crafty, and cruel. After
♦he marriage of his daughter to Mr. Rolfe he remained faithful to
the English. He died in April 1618.— AaVA, 69—1 10, 120—132 ;
Sdth, 154 ; Sjnii/i'ti Virginia^ \2 5 ; Marshall, i. 52^ 65; Holmes'
annalsy'x. 194 ; Belknap's biog. ii. 6S.
PO WNALL (Thomas), governor of Massachusetts, was appoint-
ed to this office in 1757 in the place of Mr. Shirley removed. His
measures were accommodated with great address to the state of the
people and he had the pleasure of seeing the British arms triumph-
ant in Canada ; hut as he did not give his confidence to Mr. Hutch-
inson and his party, and as many slanders were propagated respect--
ing him among the people, he solicited to be recalled. In 1760,
when sir Francis Bernard was removed to Massachusetts, he suc-
ceeded him in New Jersey, as lieutenant governor. He was soon
appointed governor of South Carolina, though from this station he
was in about a year recalled at his own request. In 1768 he was
chosen a member of parliament, and he strenuously opposed the
measures of the administration against the colonies. He declared,
that the people of America were universally, unitedly, and unalter-
ably resolved never to submit to any internal tax, imposed by any leg-
islature, in which they were not represented. He retired from parlia-
ment in 1780, and died at Bath February 25, 1805, in the eighty
fourth year ot his age, retaining his faculties in perfect vigor in his
last days. His speeches in parliament were all published in Al-
mon's parliamentary register, and he assisted Mr. Almon consider-
ably in his American remembrancer in twenty volumes. He pub-
lished principles of polity, 1752 ; administration of the colonics,
1764, of which there were afterwards several editions with improve-
ments, and part ii. 1774 ; the interest and duty of the state in East
India affairs, 1773; memoir on drainage, 1775 ; topographical de-
scription of North America, with Evans' map improved ; letter to
Adam Smith on his inquiry into the wealth of nations, 1776 ; a me-
•morial addressed to the sovereigns of Europe on the state of affairs
between the old and new world, 1780 ; two memorials, not origi-
nally intended for publication, 1782 ; a memorial addressed to
the sovereigns of America ; on the study of antiquities, 1783 ;
notices and descriptions of antiquities of the provincia Romana of
Gaul ; intellectual physics ; an essay concerning the natui'e of be-
ing ; a treatise on old age.— -A/on^/z/y anthology^ ii. 612 — 614; vi.
'305; Monthly mag.; Mi?iot,'n. 18 — 20, 60 — 65,78; Medical re-
/w.sitory, hexadc ii. vi. 78, 163 ; IVatkins.
PRATT (Benjamin), chief justice of New York, was graduat-
ed at Harvard college in 1737, and was afterwards a representative
of Boston. Having been a counsellor of New York, he was in 1761
appointed chief justice. He died January 5, 1763, aged fifty four
years. He wrote some poetical and political essays.— -Co//ec//o«^»
hist. 80C. iii. ."^Ol.
PRA. 483
PRATT (Ephraim), remarkable for longevity, was the grand-
'aon of John Pratt, who settled at Plymouth in 1620, and was born
test had been carried on between Newton and Leibnitz for the honor
of that great discovery. At the age of twenty three, without educa-
tion and withoiit advantages, he became the rival of the two greatest
mathematicians of Europe. In this retired situation, while working
at his trade, he planned and executed an orrery, by which he repre-
sented the revolutions of the heavenly bodies more completely, than
ever before had been done. This masterpiece of mechanism was
purchased by the college of New Jersey. A second was made by
him, after the same model, for the use of the college of Philadelphia,
where it has commanded for many years the admiration of the inge-
I
RIT. 499
iHous and the learned. In 1770 he was induced by the urgent re-
quest of some friends, who knew his merit, to exchange liis beloved
retirement for a residence in Philadelphia. In this city he continu-
ed his employment for several years; and his clocks had a high rep-
utation, and his mathematical instruments were thought superior to
those imported from Europe. His first communication to the phir
Josophical society of Philadelphia, of which he was elected a mem-
(ber, was a calculation of the transit of Venus, as it was to happen
June 3, 1769. He was one of those appointed to observe it in the
township of Norriton. This phenomenon had never been seen but
twice before by any inhabitant of our earth, and would never be seen
again by any person then living. The day arrived, and there was
no cloud in the horizon ; the observers, in silence and trembling
anxiety, waited for the predicted moment of observation ; it came,
and in the instant of contact between the planet and sun, an emotion
of joy so powerful was excited in the breast of Mr. Rittenhouse, that
he fainted. On the ninth of November following he observed the
transit of Mercury. An account of these observations was published
in the transactions of the society. In 1775 he was appointed one of
the commissioners for settling a territorial dispute between Penn-
sylvania and Virginia, and to his talents, moderation, and firmness
was ascribed in a great degree its satisfactory adjustment in 1785.
He assisted in determining the western limits of Pennsylvania in
1784, and the northern line of the same state in 1786. He was also
called upon to assist in fixing the boundary line between Massachu-
setts and New York in 1787. In his excursions through the wil-
derness he carried with him his habits of inquiry and observation.
Nothing in our mountains, soils, rivers, and springs escaped his; no-
tice. But the only records of what he collected are private letters,
and the memories of his friends. In 1 79 1 , he was chosen president
of the philosophical society as successor to Dr. Franklin, and was
annually reelectecl till his death. His unassuming dignity secured
to him respect. Soon lifter he accepted the president's chairjie made
to the society a donation of three hundred pounds. He held the
office of ti'easurer of Pennsylvania by an annual and unanimous vote
of the legislature from 1777 to 1789. In this period he declined
purchasing the smallest portion of the public debt of the state, lest
his integrity should be impeached. In 1792 he accepted the office
of director of the mint of the United States, but his ill state of health
induced him to resign it in 1795. When the solitude of his study
was rendered less agreeable by his indisposition than in former
years, he passed his evenings in reading or conversing with his wife
and daughters. In his last illness, which was acute and short, he
retained the usual patience and benevolence of his temper. He died
June 26, 1796, in the sixty fifth year of his age in the full belief of
the Christian religion, and in the anticipation of clearer discoveries
of the perfections of God in the eternal world. He w^s a man. of
500 ROB.
extensive knowledge. Being intimately acquainted with the French,
German, and Dutch languages, he derived from them the discoveries
oi" torei'^n nations. His mind v/as the reposilory of all ages and
countries. He did not enjoy indeed the advantages of a public educa-
tioa, but his mind was not shackled by its forms, nor interrupted in
its pursuit of greater subjects by ti.e cicdms of subjects minute and
trifling. In his political sentiments he was a republican ; he was
taught by his father to admire an elective and representative govern-
ment ; he early predicted the immense increase of talents an^
knowledge, which would be infused into the American mind by ou'-
republican constitutions ; and he anticipated the blessed effects < I
our revolution in sowing the seeds of a new order of things in othi
parts of the world. He believed political as well as moral evil to be
intruders into the society of man. In the more limited circles of
private liic he commanded esteem and affection. His. house and
his manner of living exhibited the taste of a philosopher, the sim-
plicity of a republican, and the temper of a Christian. He possess-
ed rare modesty. His researches into natural philosophy gave
him just ideas of the divine perfections, for his mind was not preoc-
cupied m early life with the fictions of ancient poets and the vices of
the heathen gods. But he did not confine himself to the instructions
of nature; he believed the Christian revelation. He observed as
an argument in favor of its truth, that the miracles of our Savior
differed from all pretended miracles in being entirely of a benevolent
nature. The testimony of a man possessed of so exalted an under*
standing outweighs the declamations of thousands. He died believ-
ing in a life to come, and his body was interred beneath hh observatory
near his house. He published an oration, delivered before the phi-
losophical society, 1775, the subject of which is the history of astron-
omy, and a few memoirs on mathematical and astronomical subjects
in the first four volumes of the transactions of the society. — Bush's
eulogium ; American nefws ; Miller, n. 372.
ROBBINS (Chandler,©, d.), minister of Plymouth, Massachu-
setts, was born at Branford, Connecticut, August 24, 1738, and was
the son of the reverend Philemon Robbins of that town. He was
graduated at Yale college in 1756, being distinguished as a correct
classical scholar. On the thirtieth of January 1760 he was ordained
at Plymouth as successor of Mr. Leonard. Here he continued till
his death June 30, 1799, in the sixty first year of his r.;ye, and the
fortieth of his ministry. He was succeeded by the reverend James
Kendall. Dr. Robbins was a man of eminent talents, and he discharg-
ed the duties of a minister of the gospel with unabating zeal and
fidelity. Searching the scriptures for religious truth and coinciding
in the result of his investigations with the sentiments of 'the found-
ers of the first church in New England, he inculcated the doctrines
of the gospel with energy and fervor. He was unwearied in his
endeavors to impress the thoughtless, and to render siniul men holy.
ROB. 501
In private and social life he was amiable and exemplary. He pub-
lished a sermon on the death of Mrs. Elizabeth Watson, 1767; a
reply to John Cotton, esquire ; some brief remarks on a piece by J.
Cotton in answer to the preceding, 1774; election sermon, 1791 ;
convention sermon, 1794. — S/iaw's sermon on his death.
ROBERTS (Charles), remarkable for longevity, died in Berk-
ley county, Virginia, February 17, 1796, aged one hundred and six-
teen years. He was a native of Oxfordshire, England, but had re-
sided in America about eighty years. During his long life he never
knew sickness.-— Co/wrad/aw centinel, July 16, 179j5.
ROBINSON (John), minister of the English church at L(^ydeu«
a part of which first settled New England in 1620, was born in
Great Britain in 1575, and educated at Cambridge. After holding
for some time a benefice near Yarmouth in Norfolk, when a society
of dissenters was formed in the north of England about the year
1602, he was chosen their pastor with the reverend Mr. Clifton.
Persecution drove his congregation into Holland in 1608, and he
soon followed them. At Amsterdam, where they found emigrants
of the same religious sentiments, they remained about a year ; but
as the minister, Mr. John Smith, was unsteady in his opinions, Mr.
Robinson proposed a removal to Leyden. Here they continued
eleven years, and their numbers so increased, that they had in the
church three hundred communicants. They were distinguished
for perfect harmony among themselves and for friendly intercourse
with the Dutch. Mr. Robinson, when he first went into Holland,
was a most rigid separatist from the church of England ; but by
conversation with Dr. Ames and Mr. Robert Parker he was con-
vinced of his error and became more moderate, though he condemn-
ed the use of the liturgy and the indiscriminate adm,ission to the
sacraments. In 1613 Episcopius, one of the professors of the uni-
versity of Leyden, the successor of Arminius, and of the same doc-
trine with him, published some theses, which he engaged to defend
against all opposers. Mr. Robinson being earnestly requested to
accept the challenge by Polyander, the other professor, who was a
Calvinist, he held the disputation in the presence of a numerous
assembly, and completely foiled Episcopius, his antagonist. In
16 17, when another removal was contemplated, Mr. Robinson enter-
ed zealously into the plan of making a settlement in America. His
church was liable to be corrupted by the loose habits of the Dutch,
and he wished it to be planted in a country, where it might subsist
in purity. The first settlers of Plymouth in 1620, who took with
them Mr. Brewster, the ruling elder, Averc the members of his
church, and it was his intention to follow them with the majority,
that remained ; but various disappointments prevented. He died
March 1, 1625, in the fiftieth year of his age, and in the height of
his usefulness. A part of his church and his v/idow and children
afterwards came to New England. Kc v'c's a man of good genius,
302 IIGG.
quick penetration., ready wit, great modesty, integrity, and candor.
His classical leai'ning and acuteness in disputation were acknowl-
edged by his opponents. He was also discerning and prudent in
civil affairs. Such was his liberality, that lie esteemed all men,tliat
seemed to be truly pious, of whatever denomination. In his princi-
ples of church govern nient he was himself an independent or congre-
gationalist, being of opinion, that every church is to consist only of
such as appear to believe in and obey Christ ; that the members »
have a right to choose their own officers, which are pastors, or
teaching elders, ruling elders, and deacons ; that elders, being or-
dained, h^ve no power but by consent of the brethren ; that all el-
ders and churches are equal ; and that only the children of commu-
nicants are to be admitted to baptism. He celebrated the supper
every Lord's day. In his farewell address to the first emigrants to
New England, he reminded them, that neither Luther nor Calvin
could have penetrated into the whole counsel of God, and being con-
fident that the Lord had more truth to break forth from his holy
word exhorted them to be ready to receive it without attachment to
party. But he enjoined it upon them to take heed what they re-
ceived as truth, to examine, to consider, and to compare it with other
parts of scripture. He published a defence of the Brownists ; jus-
tification of the separation from the church of England ; people's
3>lea for the excercise of prophesying, 1618 ; essays moral and di-
vine, 1628. — BelknafCs Amer. biog.\\. 151 — 178 ; JVeaVs JV. E.i.
76—85, 122, 123 ; Morse and Parhli's JV. E. 63 — 67 ; Adams' J\r.
E. 20 ; Prince^ 4, 20—29, 36 — 38, 66 — 71, 9 1 — 93 ; Morton^ 2, 5
— 10, 70 ; Holmes' annals^ i. 196 — 199, 240, 484 ; Collect^ hist. sac.
iv. 140; vii. 268 — 270; Mai's puritansy ii. 49 ', Hazard,!. 96,554:,
372.
ROGERS (Nathaniel), minister of Ipswich, Massachusetts, was
the son of the reverend John Rogers of Dedhara, in England, and
=was a descendant of John Rogers, the martyr. He was born about
the year 1598. After being educated at Emanuel college, Cam-
bridge, he preached in different places with high reputation. The
evils, to which his puritan drinciples exposed him, induced him to
come to New England. He sailed June 1, 1636, but did not cast
anchor in Massachusetts bay till the sixteenth of November. In the
following year he was a member of the synod together with Mr.
■Partridge, who came in the same vessel. He was settled in the
place of Mr. Ward as colleague with Mr. Norton at Ipswich Febru-
ary 20, 1639. He died July 3, 165 5, having been infirm for some
time. As a preacher he possessed a lively eloquence, which charm-
ed his hearers. Though one of the greatest men among the first
settlers of New England, he Avas very humble, modest, and reserv-
ed. He published a Iciter to a member of the house of commons
in 1643, in which he pleads a reformation of church affairs, and he
left in manuscript a vindication of the congregational church gov*
ROG. SOS
«»rnnient in Latin. — Magnolia, iii.104 — 108 ; JVoncrniform.memoridly.
iii. 259 ; Jo/mson, 88, 89 ; Winthrop, 114, 291.
ROGERS (Ezekiel), first minister of Rowley, MasiachusettS>
was born in England in 1590, and was the son oi the reverend Rich-
ard Rogers of Wethersfield. After being educated at Cambridge,
he became the chaplain of sir Francis Barringtcn. His preaching
was in a strain of oratory, which delii^hted his hearers. He after-
wards received the benefice of Rowley, where his benevolent la-
bors were attended with great success. At length his nonconform-
ity obliged him to seek a refuge from persecution in New Eng-
land, where he arrived in 1638, bringing with him a number of re-
spectable families. He commenced the plantation at Rowley in
April 1639, and on the third of December was oi'dained. He died
aftier a lingejing sickness January 23, 1661, aged seventy years.
His libi'ary he bequeathed to Harvard college, and his house and
lands ta the town for tlie support of the ministxy. In the latter part
of his life it pleased God to overwhehn him with calamities. A fall
from his horse deprived him of the use of his right hand ; much of
his property was consumed by fire ; and he buried two wives and
all his children. He was pious, zealous, and persevering. His fee-
ble health induced him when in England to study the science of
medicine. Though his strong passions sometimes misled him ;
yet he was so humble as readily to acknowledge his error. He
preached the election sermon in 1643, in which he vehemently ex-
horted his hearers never to choose the same man governor for two
successive years ; but his exhortation was disregarded, for Mr. Win-
throp v/as reelected. — Magna/ia, iii. 101 — 104 ; Morse and Parish's
JSI'.E. 196 — 204 ; Winthro/i,l75, 196,274,275; Jolmsoriy 129, 130;
Holmes' annals, i, 3 1 1 .
ROGERS (John), president of Harvard college, was graduated
in this seminary in 1 649. He v/as the son of the reverend Nathan-
iel Rogers, with whom he preached some time as an assistant at
Ipswich, but at length his inclination to the study of physic withdrew
his attention from theology. After the death of president Oakea
he was elected his successor in April 1 682, and was installed Au-
gust 12, 1683. He died suddenly July 2, 1684, the day after com-
mencement, in the fifty fourth year of his age. He was succeeded
by Dr. Increase Mather. Mr. Rogers was rcnaarkable for the
sweetness of his temper, and he united to unfeigned piety the ac-
complishments of the gentleman. — Mather's viagjudiay iv. 130 ^■
Hutchinson, \. 175.
RUSSELL (James), a member of the council of Massachusetts,
was born in Charlestown August 16, 1715, and died April 24, 1798>
in the eighty third year of his age. He discharged tlie duties of a
counsellor and a judge, and of other public offices, which he sus-
tained, with the greatest fidelity. To the poor he was a steady and
liberal friend. He respected the institutions of the gospel, and
504 RUT.
while his family and his closet witnessed his constant devotions, his life
adorned the religion, which he professed. In his last illness he was
supported and consoled by the truths of the gospel. His son, the hon-
orable Thomas Russell, esquire, one of the first merchants in the
United States, and distinguished for his beneficence to the poor, died
in Boston April 8, 1796, in the fifty sixth year of his age. — Morse's
sermon on his death ; Warreti, i. 143.
RUTLEDGE (John), governor of South Carolina, took an early
and distinguished part in support of the liberties of his country at
the commencement of the late revolution. He was a member of
the first congress in 1774. When the temporary constitution of
South Carolina was established in March 1776 he was appointed its
president, and commander in chief of the colony. He continued
in this station till the adoption of the new constitution in March
ir78, to which he refused to give his assent. He was opposed to
it, because it annihilated the council, reducing the legislative author-
ity from three to two branches, and was too democratic in its fea-
tures. In 1779 however he was chosen r^overnor, with the author-
ity in conjunction with the council to do whatever the public safety
required. He soon took the field at the head of the militia. All
the energies of the state were called forth. During the siege of
Charleston at the request of general Lincoln he left the city, that
the executive authority might be preserved, though the capital
should fall. Having called a general assembly in January 1782 he
addressed them in a speech, in wliich he depicted the perfidy, ra-
pine, and cruelty, which had stained the British arms. An election
of a new governor being then rendered necessary by the rotation
established, Mr. John Mathews was appointed his successor. Mr.
Rutledge died January 23, 1800. He was a man of eminent talents,
patriotism, decision, and firmness. — Ramsay's 5. C i. 55, 61, 93 —
98 ; ii. 19, 23, 125, 332 — 349 ; Marshall^ ii. 382 ; iv. 28.
SALTONSTALL (Gurdon), governor of Connecticut, waS
born in Haverhill, Massachusetts, March 27, 1666, and was gradu-
ated at Harvard coUetje in 1684. He was ordained November 25,
169 1 minister of New London, where he continued for several years,
being highly esteemed. In 1707 by the advice of the clergy he
was persuaded to undertake the chief direction of the civil aflairs of the
colony, and he was annually chosen governor till his death Septem-
ber 24, 1724, h) the fifty ninth year of his age. He was both a pro-
found divine and a consummate statesman. The complexion of
the Saybrook platform was owing to his desire of bringing the mode
of church government somewhat nearer to the presbyterian form.
To a quick perception and a glowing imagination he united correct-
ness of judgment. The majesty of his eye and deportment was
softened by the features of benevolence. As an orator the music
of his voice, the force of his argument, the beauty of his allusions, the
ease of his transitions, and the fulness of his diction gave him a
SAN. 505
high rank. His temper was warm, but he had been taught the art
of self command, for he was a Christian. idams' fun. sermon ; Bos^
ton neivsletter^ October 1, 1724;
SANDEMAN (Robert), the founder of the sect of Sandemani-
ans, was born at Perth in Scotlund about the year 17 18, and educated
at St. Andrew's. Having married a daughter of Mr. Glass he be-
came one of his followers. In his preaclung he represented faith
as the mere operation of intellect, and maintained, that men were
justified witnout holiness, merely on speculative belief. This tkith
however, he contended, would always, whe.ever it existed, produce
the Christian virtues, so that his system cannot be charged with
opening a door to licentiousness. In 1762 he went to London and
established a conajregation. Hecame to Ameiica in October 1764,
and from Boston he went to Danbury in Connecticut. In that town
he gathered a church in July 1765. Having established several socie-
ties in New England, he died at Danbury April 2, 1771, aged fifty
three years. He published an answer to Hervey's Theron and Aspa-
sio in 2 vols, 8vo, 1757. This work is ingenious, though it exhibits a
great deal of asperity. Mr. Hervey himself acknowledged, that the
author had pwinted out sovne errors in his writings, and had the most
exalted views of divine grace.-— A^fw antigen biog. diet.; Rabbins^
cent, serin, at Danbury ; Collect, hist. soc. x. 61, 7 1 ;
SARGEANT (Njvthaniel Peaslee), chief justice of the su-
preme court of Massachusetts, was graduated at Harvard college in
1750. He received the above appointment in December 1789, and
died at Haverhill in October 1791, aged sixty years.
SCH AICK. (GoNSEN Van), a brigadier general in the army of the
United States, died at Albany in July 1789, aged fifty three years.
He distinguished himself in April 1779 by proceeding from fort
Schuyler and burning the Onondaga Indian settlements, killing
twelve Indians, and making thirty four prisoners without the loss of
a single man. His party consisted of five hundred. — Collect, hist,
soc. ii. 164 ; Gordon., iii. 264 ; Marshall., iv. 54 ; Holmes., ii. 422.
SCHUYLER (Peter), mayor of the city of Albany, was much
distinguished for his patriotism, and for the influence, which he
possessed over the Indians. In the year 1691 he headed a party of
three hundred Mohawks and with about the same number of En-
glish made a bold attack upon the French settlements at the north
end of lake Champlain. He slew three hundred of the enemy.
Such was the authority of colonel Schuyler with the five nations,
that whatever Quider (for so they called him, as they could not pro-
nounce Peter) recommended had the force of law. In 1710 he
went to England at his own expense, taking with him five Indian
chiefs, for the purpose of exciting the government to vigorous
, measures against the French in Canada. The chief command in
New York devolved upon him as the eldest member of the council
in 1719 ; but in the following year governor Burnet arrived. He
65
506 SCH.
often warned the New England colonies of expeditions meditated
aguinst them by the French and Ind'idns.^Smith's J^. Y. 66 — 152 ;
Charlevoix, nouv. Fr.n. 225,292,340; Hutchinson, ii. 142, 163,
172 ; Holmes' annab, i. 481 ; Marshall, i. 275.
SCHUYLER (Philip), a major general in the revolutionary war,
received this appointment from congress June 19, 1775. He was
directed to proceed immediately from New York to Ticonderoga,
to secure the lakes, and to make preparations for entering Canada.
Being taken sick in September the command devolved uyKtn Mont-
gomery. On his recovery he devoted himself zealously to the man-
agement of the affairs in the northern department. The superin-
tendence of the Indian concerns claimed much of his attention. On
the approach of Burgoyne in 1 777 hemade every exertion to obstruct
his progress ; but the evacuation of Ticonderoga by St. Clair occa-
sioning unreasonable jealousies in regard to Schuyler in New England
he was superseded by Gates in August, and congress directed an in-
quiry to be made into his conduct. It was a matter of extreme
chagrin to him to be recalled at the moment, when he was about to
take ground and to face the enemy. He afterwards, though not in
the regular service, rendered important services to his country in
the military transactions of New York. He was a member of the
old congress, and when the present government of the United States
commenced its operation in 1789, he waS" appointed with Rufus
King a senator from his native state. In 1797 he was again ap-
pointed a senator in the place of Aaron Burr. He died at Albany-
November 18, 1804, in the seventy third year of his age. Distin-
guished by strength of intellect and upright intentions he was wise
in the contrivance and enterprising and persevering in the execu-
tion of plans of public utility. In private life he was dignified, but
courteous, a pleasing and instructive companion, affectionate in
his domestic relations, and just in all his dealings. General Ham-
ilton married his daughter. — Marshall, ii. 237, 301 — 306 ; iii. 3, 4,
226 — 258,273; iv. 449 ; Gordon, ii. 176,426,474, 488; JV. Y.
spectator^ JVov. 28, 1804 ; Monthly anthology, i. 669.
SCREVEN ( ), a brigadier general in Georgia during the
late war, commanded the militia, when that state was invaded from
East Florida in November 1778. While a party of the enemy was
marching from Sunbury toAvards Savannah he had repeated skir-
mishes with them at the head of a hundred militia. In an engage-
jnent at Midway, the place of his residence, he was wounded by a
musket ball, and fell from his horse. Several of the British imme-
diately came up and upbraiding him with the manner, in which a-
captain Moore had been killed, discharged their pieces at him. He
died soon afterwards of his wounds. Few oflicers had done more
for their country, and few men were more esteemed and beloved for
their virtues in private \\{e.—— Ramsay's S. C. ii. 2 ; Holmes' annalsj
ii. 406.
♦l
SEA. 507
SEABURY (Samuel, d. d.), first bishop of the episcopal church
in the United States, was the son of the reverend Mr. Seabury, con-
gregational minister at Groton and afterwards episcopal minis-
ter at New London, and was born in 1728. After being grad-
uated at Yale college in 1751, he went to Scotland for the pur-
pose of studying medicine ; but iiis attention being soon direct-
ed to theology he took orders in London in 1753. On his re-
turn to this country he was settled in the ministry at Brunswick in
New Jersey. In the beginning of 1757 he removed to Jamaica on
Long Island ; and thence in December 1766 to West Chester.
In this place he remained till the commencement of the war, when
he went into the city of New York. At the return of peace he
settled in New London in Connecticut. In 1784 he went to En-
gland to obtain consecration as bishop of the episcopal church of
this state, but meeting with some obstruction to the accomplish-
ment of his wishes, he went to Scotland, where on the fourteenth
of November he was consecrated by three nonjuring bishops. Af-
ter this period he discharged for a number of years at New London
the duties of his office in an exemplary manner. He died Feb-
ruary 25, 1796, aged sixty eight years. He published the duty of
considering our ways, 1789; a discourse delivered at Portsmouth
at the ordination of Robert Fowle, 1791 ; and two volumes of ser-
mons, which evince a vigorous and well informed mind. After his
death a supplementary volume was published in 1798.— -Miller's
retrosfiectj ii. 369, 491 ; Chandler's life q/' Johnson, 64 ; Backus.,
iii. 22.
SERGEANT (John), missionary among the Indians, v/as born
at Newark, New Jersey, in 171G, and was graduated in 1729 at
Yale college, where he was afterwards a tutor for four years. In
October 1734 he went to Houssatonnoc, an Indian village in the wes-
tern part of Massachusetts, and began to preach to the Indians. That
he might be enabled to administer to them the Christian ordinances
he was ordained at Deerfield August 31, 1735. He died at Stock-
bridge July 27, 1749, in the forty ninth year of his age. The rev-
erend Jonathan Edwards succeeded him. He was supported in
part by the commissioners of the society for propagating the gospel,
and in part by individuals in England, whose munificence reached
him through the hands of the reverend Dr. Colman of Boston. He
had baptized one hundred and twenty nine Indians, and forty two
were communicants at the time of his death. With great labor he
translated the whole of the new testament excepting the revelation
into the Indian language, and several parts of the old testamenL
In his life he was just, kind, and benevolent. The Houssatonnoc
or Stockbridge Indians, of which he once had the care, now live at
New Stockbridge in the state of New York, and have been for many
years under the care of his son, the reverend John Sergeant. He
published a letter to Dr^ Colmau on the education of the children
508 SEW.
of the Indians, and a sermon on the causes and danger of delusions
in rclii^ion, 1743. — Hopkins^ hint. mrmGh's of Housmtonnoc Indians ;
Panofilist^ ii. 352 — 355, 396 — 400, 446 — 450 ; Holmes* life of
Stiles, 20.
SEWALL (Samuel), chief justice of the supreme court of
Massachusetts, was born in England March 28, 1652. His father,
had before this time been in America and in 1634 began the settle-
ment of Newbury. He tinaliy establisiied hiniseil in this country
in 1661, when his son was nine years old. In his childhood judge
Sewall was under the instruction of Mr. Parker oi Newbury. He
vas graduated at Harvard college in 1671. Having been appointed
a magistrate or assistant of Massachusetts, in 1688 he went to Eng-
land. In 1692 he was appointed in the new charter one of the coun-
cil, in which station he continued till 1725. He was made one of
the judges in 1692, and chief justice of tlie superior court in 1718.
This office as well as that of judge of probate for Suffolk he resign-
ed in 1728 on account of infirmities. He died Janua-y 1, 1 730, in
the seventy eighth year of his age. Eminent for piety, wisdom,
and learning, in all the relations of life he exhibited the Christian
virtues, and secured universal respect. For a Ion., course of years
he was a member of the old south church, and one of its greatest
ornaments. He was constant in his attendance upon public worship,
keeping his bible before him to try eveiy doctrine. He read the
sacred volume every morning and evening in his family, and his
prayers with his household ascended to heaven. A friend to every
follower of Christ, he was liberal, hospitable, and benevolent. He
■was critically acquainted with the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew lan-
guages. In his last sickness he was resigned, patient, and compos-
ed, placing his whole dependence for salvation upon the Redeemer.
He left behind him a diary in three volumes, which embraces about
forty years. From this it appe-rs, that as one of the judges at the
trial of the Salem witches in 1692 he concurred in the sentence of
condemnation ; but he afterwards of his own accord made a conles-
sion of his error. It was read by his minister, Mr. Willard, on a
day of public fast, and is preseived in his d'ary. He published an
answer to queries respecting Amerira. 1690; proposals, touching
the accomplishment of the prophecies, 4to, 1713; Phcenomena
quacdam Apocalypiica, &c or a description of the new heavens and
earth, 4lo, 2d eclit. 1727 — Prince's fun. scrrn. ; Boston iitiv.sletter,
January 8, 1730; Holmes' annals, ii. 8, 9 ; Jlutihinson, ii. 61.
SEWALL (Joseph, d. d.), mhiister in Boston, was the son of
the preceding, and was born August 26, 1688. He was graduated
at Harvard college in 1707. Having evinced a serious disposition
• from his earliest days, he now directed his attention to the study of
theology. Though a member of one of the first families in the
country, he s«uglit no worldly object, it being his supreme desire
to serve God in the gospel of his Son. He was ordained minister of
SEW. 509
the old south church in Boston, as colleague with'tlie reverend Mr.
Pembei ton, September 16, 1713. Alter surviving tluee colleagues,
Pemberton, Prince, and Cumniing, he died June 27, 1769, in the
eighty first year of his age, and the fifty sixth ot his ministry. His,
colleague, the reverend Samuel Blair, was dismissed in October of
the same year, and in 1771 the reverend John Bacon and the rever-
end John Hunt were ordained ministers of this church. Dr. Sewall
possessed respectable abilities, and was well acquainted with classical
learfting. In 1724 he was chosen president ot Harvard college, but
such was his humility and the elevation of his views, that he declmed
the appointment, wishing rather to contmue in the oflice of a minis-
ter of the gospel. His chief glory was the love of God and the zeal
to do good, for which he was conspicuous umong his brethren. lew
ininisters have ever lived with such uniform reference to the great
end of their office. Deeply interested himself in the truths of re-
ligion, he reached the hearts of his hearers ; and sometimes his
voice was so modulated by his feelings, and elevated with zeal, as
irresistibly to seize the attention. Though he was deliberate and
cautious, he was courageous in withstanding error. He could sac-*
rifice every thing for peace but duty, and truth, and holiness. Dur-
ing his last illness, which continued for a number of months, he was
rennrkable for his submission and patience. While he acknowl-
ed'^ed himself to be an unprofitable servant, he looked to the atoning
sacrifice of Christ for pardon. He spuke of dying with cheerfulness.
Sometimes he was heard to say with great pathos, " come. Lord Je-
sus, come quickly." At lengtli he died as one, who was assured of
a happy immortality. Pie published a sermon on family religion,
1716; on the death of Wait Winthrop, 1717; king George I,
Thomas Lewis and Samuel Hirst, 1727 ; a sermon on the death of
his father, 1730; Benjamin Wadsworth, 1737; Josiah Willard,
1756 ; Thomas Prince, 1758 ; Alexander Gumming, 1763 ; a caveat
against covetousness, 17 18 ; election sermon, 1724 ; on aday of prayer
for the rising generation, 1728 ; at the ordination of three mission-
aries, 1733 ; fast sermon before the general court, 1740 ; sermon at
Thursday lecture ; the Holy Spirit convincing the world of sin, of
righteousness, and of judgmeiit, tour seiTnons, 1741; on a day of
prayer ; on the love of our neighbor, 1742 ; sermon on Revelation
v. 11, 12,1745; on the reduction of Havannah, 1762. — Chauncy^s
fun. sermon; Boston evening fiost, July 5, 1769.
SEWALL (Stephen), chief justice of the superior court of
Massachusetts, was the nephew of the honorable Samuel Sewall,
and the son of major Stephen Sewall of Salem. His mother was a
daughter of the reverend Jonathan Mitchei of Cambridge. He was
born in December 1702, and was graduated at Harvard college in
1721. Having instructed a school in Marblehead far several years
he began to preach with great acceptance. In 1728 lie was chosen a
tutor in t\\e college, and he filled this office till 1739,-»when he was
510 SEW.
called to talce ascjlifon the bench of the superior court. On the death
of ci.ief justice Dudley in 1752 he wus appcinled to succeed him,
though he was not the senior of the surviving judges. He was also
soon elected a laember of the council and continued such till his
deatn, tnough it was with difficulty, that he could be prevailed upon
to accept the appointment, as he questioned the propriety of sus-
taining at the same time the two offices. After a useful and honor-
able life he died September 10, 1760, in the filty eighth year of his
age. He was distinguished for genms and learning. He united in
an uncommon degree quickness of apprehension with a deeply pen-
etrating and capacious mind. As a tutor, he proved, that there was
a perfect consistency between the most vigorous and resolute exer-
tion of authority and the most gentle and complacent manners.
Thougn he was a very humble and modest man he supported the
dignity of a judge. He was an exemplary Christian, and while he
constantly attended upon the institutions of the gospel, he offered up
sacrifices to the Lord in his own house, though as he was never
man led his family cannot be supposed to have had the deepest in-
terest in his affections. His charity to those in want was so great,
that it has been thought excessive. Pie had a deep reverence of
the Supreme Being, and often spoke with approbation of the cir-
cumstance in the character of sir Matthew Hale, that he never
mentioned the name of God without making a pause in his discourse.
•— May hew* s fun. sermon ; Collect, hist. soc. x. 158, 159.
SEW ALL (Stephen), first Hancock professor of Hebrew in
Harvard college, was born at York, in the district of Maine, Massa-
chusetts, in April 1734, and was graduated at the above seminary
in 1751. When the office of Hebrew instructer became vacant by
the resignation of Mr. Monis, he was appointed his successor in
1762. Hebrew had sunk into contempt in the hands of Mr. Monis,
but it was now brought into honor. When Mr. Hancock founded
the professorship of Hebrew, Mr. Sewall was the unrivalled candi-
date. He was inaugurated June 17, 1765, and continued in office
above twenty years. He took an early part in the late revolution.
After he lost his professorship he led a very retired life till his death
July 23, 1804, in the seventy first year of his age. His lectures
proved him to have possessed an elegant taste. He published a
Hebrew grammar, 8vo, 1763 ; oratio funebris in obitum D.Edvardi
Holyoke, 1769; an oration on the death of professor Winthrop,
1779 ; the scripture account of the Schechinah, 1794 ; the scripture
history, relating to the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrha, and to
the origin of the salt sea, or lake of Sodom, 1796 ; translation of
the first book of Young's night thoughts in Latin ; carmina sacra,
quae Latine Grxceque condidit America, 1789. He wrote an admi,-
rable Chaldee and English dictionary, which is in manuscript in the
library of Harvard college. — Monthly unthobpj, I. 430 ; Lit. miaccf-
lanyy ii. 221/
SHE. 511
SHEPARD (Thomas), minister of Cambridge, Massachusetts,
was bom near Northampton iu England November 5, 1605, and was
educated at Emanuel college, Cambridge. While m this seminary
it pleased God in infinite mercy to awaken him from his natural
state of thoughtlessness and sin, to convince him, that he had been
entirely selfish in his desires and contfhct, to inspire hicn with holy
principles, and to render him a humble disciple of Jesus Christ.
He met afterwards with many kinds of temptations ; but, as he said,
he was never tempted to Arminianism, his own experience so per-
fectly confuting the freedom of the will. After he left the univer-
sity he was eminently useful as a preacher His puritan principles
at length exjKtsing him to persecution, he narrowly escaped the
pursuivants, and arrived at Boston in this coai>try October 3, 1635.
After the removal of Mr. Hooker and Mr. Stone to Connecticut he
formed a church at Cambridge and took the charge of it February
1, 1636. Here he continued till his death August 25, 1649, aged
forty four years. He was succeeded by Mr. Mitchel. As a preacher
of evangelical truth, and as a writer on experimental religion he
was one of the most distinguished men of his lime. It was on ac-
count of the energy of his preaching and his vigilance in detecting
and zeal in opposing the errors of the day, that when the foundation
of a college was to be laid, Cambridge rather than any other place
was pitched upon as the seat of the seminary. He was the patron of
learning and essentially promoted its interests. He was distinguish-
ed for his humility and piety. Under heavy afflictions he acknowl-
edged that he deserved nothing but misery, and bowed submissive
to the divine will. He usually wrote his sermons so early for the
sabbath, that he could devote a part of Saturday to prepare his
heart for the solemn and affectionate discharge of the duties of the
following day. He published theses sabbaticse ; a letter, entitled,
New England's lamentation for old England's errors, 1645 ; cau-
tions against spiritual drunkenness, a sermon ; subjection to Christ
in all his ordinances the best means to preserve our liberty, to which
is added another treatise on ineffectual hearing of the word ; the
sincere convert ; the sound believer, which is a discriminating trea-
tise on evangelical conversion ; singing of psalms a gospel ordi-
nance ; the clear sunshine of the gospel upon the Indians, 4to,
1648 ; a treatise of liturgies, power of the keys, and matter of the
visible church, in answer to Mr. Ball, 4to, 16 53; the evangelical
call ; select cases resolved and first principles of the oracles of God ;
these were republished together with meditations and spiritual ex-
periences, extracted from his private diary, by Mr. Prince of Bos-
ton, 1747 ; of the right use of liberty ; the parable of the ten vir-
gins, a posthumous work in folio transcribed from his sermons,
preached from June 1636 to May 1640 ; the church membership
of children and their right to baptism, 1663 ; the saint's jewel and
the seul's imitatirn of Jesus Christ, two sermons ; tlie four la's!
512 SHE:
thin{j5, 4:to.--'Mal/ie}''iitnagiialiu,ni. 84' — 93 ; Collect, hist. soc. vii.
17, 42 — -17 ; M-a'.'A- JV. E, i. 296 ; Morton^ 142 ; Holmes^ annaln., i.
349 ; IFinl/iro/i., 87, 95 ; Johnson's wondtr ivork.firovid. 77.
SHEPARD (Thomas), minister ot Charlestown, Massachusetts,
■was tlie son of tlic preceding-, and was gradu.ited at Harvard col-
Ies;c in 1653. He was ordairftd April 13, 1659, as colleague to Mr.
Zechariah Symmes, After a ministry of eighteen years he died
of the small pox December 22, 1677, in the forty third year of his
age. President Oukes in a Latin oration delivered at commenc^-
inent represents Mr. Shepard as distinguished for his erudition,
prudence, modesty, and integrity, as a strenuous defender of the
orthodox faith, and as holding the first rank among the ministers of
his day. He published the election sermon, 1572. In Mather's
magnalia there is preserved a puper of excellent instructions to his
son, a student at college, who afterwards succeeded him at Charles-
town in 1680, but died in 1685. — Magnalia, iv, 189 — 191,202 ;
Oaken' elegy.
SHERMAN (John), minister of Watertov/n, Massachusetts,
"was born in England in 1613, and educated at Cambridge. His pu-
ritan principles induced him to come to this country in 1634. Af-
ter being a short time an assistant to Mr. Phillips at Watertown^
he removed to Connecticut, where he p.-eached occasionally aud
was elected a magistrate of the colony. But after the death of Mr.
Pliillips in 1664 he returned to Watertown, and was minister in
that place till his death August 8, 1685, in the seventy second year
of his age. He was succeeded by the reverend Henry Gibbs. Be-
sides being a distinguished divine Mr. Sherman was an eminent
mathemaiician, and he published a nui"nber of almanacs, to which
pious rellections were added. Though he was a very humble man,
in his prciching there was an unaffected loftiness of style, and his
discourses were enriched with figures of oratory. He was twice
married, having by his first wife six children and twenty by his last.
— Ma'^malia., iii . 1 6 2 — 165.
SHERMAN (Rogek), senator of the United States, was born at
Newton, Massachusetts, April 19, 1721. He was not favored with
a public education, nor difl he enjoy the assistance of a priv^te tu-
tor. But his genius and indefatigable industry enabled hi;ri to sur-
mount difficulties, and to make great acquisitions. He removed to
New Mil ford, Connecticut, in June 1743. Having acquired a com-
petent knowledge of the law, he was admitted to the bar in 1754. In
tiic following year he was appointed a justice of the peace ; he was
•also chosen a representative in the Icixi'^hitnre and a deacon in the
church. Removingto Now Haven in 1761 , he was in 1766 chosen
an assistant of the colony, and appointed a judge of the superior
court, wliich office he held for twenty three years. He was a mem-
bcT* of the first congress in 1774, and continued a member till his
death, c:;ccpiing :vhcn the law, requiring a rotation, excluded him.
SHI. 513
He was one of those, who signed the act of indepeaidencc in 1776.
During the war he was a member of the governor's council of safe-
ty for the state of Conaecticut. After the adoption of the consti-
tution of the United States, of the convention for framing which he
was a conspicuous member, he was elected a representative to con-
gress. Being chosen a senator in 1791 he continued in this station
till his death July 23, 1793, aged seventy two yeais. His talents
were solid and useful. While others would yield to difvicuUics, or
content themselves with a superficial view of a subject, he was ca-
pable of long and deep investigation. He was discerning, prudent,
and indefatigable. Having made a public profession of religion at the
age of twenty one, he was never usliamed to advocate the peculiar
doctrines ot the gosi>e!, which are generally so unwelcome to men
of cultivated minds. His sentiments were derived from the word
ef God and not from the CKertions of his own reason. In the rela-
tions of private life he secured esteem and affection. — Edwards*
sermon o?i /lis death; Alassa. miss. mag. iv. 441 — 445.
SHIPPEN (Edward), one of the first settlers of Pennsylvania,
was a native of England, and a member of the society of friends. He
came to Massachusetts to avoid persecution, but persecution drove him
thence to Pennsylvania, in which colony he was speaker of the house of
assembly, and member of the governor's council. He was also the
first mayor of Philadelphia. His descendants have been persons
of distinction to the present day. — Miller^ ii. 340.
SHIPPEN (Edward, ll. d.), chief justice of Pennsylvania, re-
ceived this appointment in 1799, but resigned it in February, 1806,
He died on the fifteenth of April following in the seventy eighth
year of his age.
SHIPPEN (William, m. d.), first professor of anatomy in the
university of Pennsylvania, was a native of that colony and was grad-
uated at the college in New Jersey in 1754. After studying medi-
cine for some time in Philadelphia, he completed his medical education
at Edinburgh. After his return he commenced in 1764 a course of
lectures on anatomy at Philadelphia, which were the first ever pro-
nounced in the new world. Being one of the founders of the medical
school, he was appointed professor of anatomy in 1765. He had to
struggle with many difiiculties, and his life was sometimes endan-
gered by a mob in consequence of his dissections. But he lived to
see the institution divided into five branches, all of which were
supplied with able professors, his own pupils, and become a rival to
the medical school at Edinburgh. Instead of the ten students,
whom he first addressed, he lived to address two hundred and fifty.
About the year 1 777 he was appointed director general of the medical
department in the army of the United States in the place of Dr.
Morgan. He resigned his professorship in 1806 into the hands of his
colleague, Dr. Wistar, and died at Germantown, Tu3y 1 1, 1803. in
6'3
514 SHI.
the seventy fifth year of his age.—Pano/iKst and mi»s. mag. unitedj
i. 142, 143 ; RaTnaaifs review of medicine^ 37 ; Miller, i. 320.
SHIRLEY (William,) governor ot Massuchusetts, was a native
of England, and was bred to the law. Alter his arrival at Boston
about the year 1733 he practised in his profession till he received
his commission as governor in 1741 in the place ot Mr, Belcher.
He planned tlie successful expedition against cape Breton in 1745 ,
but while liis enterprising spirit deserves co.nmendation, some of
his schemes did not indicate much skill in tue arts ot navigation and
war. He went to England in 1745 leaving Spencer Phips, the lieuten-
ant governor, commander in chief, but returned in 1753, In 17 54
he held a treaty with the eastern Indians, and explored the Kenne-
bec, erecting two or three forts. In 1755, beuig commander in
chief of the Britisli forces in America, he planned an expedition
against Niagara, and proceeded himself as far as Oswego. In the
last of June 1756 he was susperseded in the commaiid of the army
by Abercrombie. Being recalled from Massachusetts, he embark-
ed for England in September, and was succeeded by Mr. Pownall.
After having been for a number of years governor of one of the Ba-
hama islands, he returned to Massachusetts, and died at his seat in
Roxbiuy March 24, 1771. Though he held several of the most lu-
crative offices within the gift of the crown in America, yet he left
no property to his children. The abolition of the paper currency
was owing in a great degree to his firmness and perseverance. His
penetration and unremitiing industry gained hiixi a nigh reputation.
But it was thought, that as a military officer, he was not sufficiently
active in seizing tlie moment for success. During his administra-
tion England learned the importance of this country, and the colo-
nists learned to fight, and thus were trained for the mighty contest,
which in a fev/ years commenced. His instructions to Shirley,
with a full account of the expedition against Louisbourg are pre-
served in the first volume of the historical collections.— -//w/cAz/iion,
ii.399 — 408, 433 ; Minof, i. 62, 74, 1 1 1, 275, 291 — 297 ; Belkna/i's
JV. H. ii. 187, 209, 225, 296 ; Marshall, i. 305. 402, 405 ; Collect.
Hist. soc. i. 5 — 60 ; Holmes' anrja's, ii. 163, 168^, 213, 299.
SHUTE (Samuel), governor of Massachusetts, was the son of
an eminent citizen of London. His mother was the daughter of
the reverend Mr. Caryl, a dissenting minister of distinction. His
early education was under the care of Mr. Charles Morton.
From London he was sent to Leyden, and afterwards he entered the
army of king William^ served under Marlborough, and became a
lieutenant colonel. He was wounded in one of the principal battles
in Flanders. Arriving at Boston as governor October 4, 1716, in
the place of Dudley, he continued in oflice a little more than six
years. He embarked January 1, 1723, on Iiis return to England with
complaints against the province. Governor Burnet succeeded him.
During his administration he maifitaiiied a warm controversy with
SHU. 515
the house of representatives. He endeavored in vain to procure a
fixed salary, an object, which Dudley.>had sought without effect. His
right of negativing the speaker was denied, and his powers as com-
mander in chief were assumed by the house.^ In consequence of
his complaints an explanatory charter was pi'ocured in 1724, which
confirmed the governor in the rights, for which he had contended.
tie died in England April 15, 1742, aged eighty years. — Hutchin-
s'oTiy ii. 215 — 217, 231, 238 ; Minot,\. 61.
SHUTE (Daniel, D.D.), minister of Hingham, Massachusetts, was
:i)orn July 19, 1722, and was graduated at Harvard college in 1743. He
was ordained pastor of the second church in Hingham December 10,
1746. By the failure of his sight being under the necessity of quitting
Jiis public labors in March 1799, the reverend Mr. Whitney was or-
dained his colleague January 1, 1800. Under the infirmities of age
he was serene and patient. He died August 30, 1802, in the eighty
£rst year of his age, and fifty sixth of his ministry. He possessed a
strong mind, and his discourses exhibit extent of thought and cor-
rectness of diction. He was cheerful and pleasant in the intercourse
©f social life. He was a member of the convention, which formed
the constitution of Massachusetts and of that, which adopted the con-
stitution of the United States. He published artillery election ser-
mon, 1767 ; election sermon, 1768 ; a sermon on the death of rev-
erend Dr. Gay, 1787. — Ware*s sermon on his death ; Mew England
ftalladhnn Sefiteniber 10, 1802 ; Columbian centinel^ Sept. 9.
SITGRE AVES (John), district judge of North Carolina, was an
officer in the revolutionary war, and a member of congress after the
peace. He died at Halifax, North Carolina, in March t802.
SKELTON (Samuel), one of the first ministers of Salem, Mas-
-sachusetts, was a preacher in Lincolnshire, England, and being per-
secuted for his nonconformity came to this country in June 1629,
and was ordained with Mr, Higginson at Salem on the sixth of Au-
gust. After the death of his colleague he had for his assistant the-
famous Roger Williams. Mr. Skelton died August 2, 1634.
Though strict in discipline be was a, friend to the utmost equality of
privileges in church and state. His fears of the assumption of au-
thority by the clergy made him jealous of the ministers, who used
'to hold a meeting once a fortnight for mutual improvement.-—
Johnson, 22 ; Morton, 82, 83, 86; Prince, 183—189, 191 ; Magna-
lia, i. 16 ; iii, 74, 76 ; Wiiifhrop, 57, 68 ; Meal's JV. E. i. 140, 157^
Collect, hist. soc. .vi. 244, 247, 248 ; ix. 2 ; Morse and Parish's JV.E.
74,100; Holmes' annals, \. 2 SO.
SMIBERT (John), a portrait painter, was for many years very
eminent in his profession in Boston, in which town it is believed he
died after the middle of the last century.
SMITH (John), the father of the colony of Virginia, was born in
Lincolnshire, England, in 1579. He early discovered a romantic
vgenius, and delighted In daring and extravagant actions. At tb..e
516 SMI.
3ge of thirteen he sold his books and satclicl to raise money in order
to convey himself privately to sea, but was prevented. Being an
apprentice to a merchant he quitted his master at the age of fifteen,
and went into France and the low countries. After his return he
studied military hihtory and tactics, and having recovered a part of
the estate, which his father left him, he was enabled to set out again
on his travels at the age of seventeen in a better condition than be-
fore. Having embarked at Marseilles for Italy with some pilgrims,
a tempest ol)liged them to anchor near a small island oiT Nice. As
his comj)anions attributed their uniavoralile voyage to the presence
of Smith, they threw the heretic into the sea ; but by swimming he
was enabled to reach the shore. After going to Alexandria, he en-
tered into the service of the emperor of Austria against ihc Turks.
By his exploits he soon obtained the command of two hundred and
fifty horsemen. At the siege of Regal the Ottomans sent a chal-
lenge, purporting that the lord Tuvbisha to divert the ladies would
iight any captain of the Christian troops. Smith accepted it, and
meeting his antagonist on horse back in view of the ladies on the
battlements killed him and bore away his head. A second antago-
nist met the same fate. Smith then requested, that if the ladies
■wished for more diversion another champion might appear. His
Lead was added to the number of the others, though Smith narrowly
escaped losing his own. He was afterwards taken prisoner ; but by
killing his tyrannical master he escaped into Russia. When he re-
turned to England, he formed the resolution to seek adventures in
North America. Having persuaded a number of gentlemen in 1 606
to obtain a patent of South Virginia, he engaged in tlic expedition,
which was fitted oat under the command of Christopher Newport,
and arrived with the first emigrants, who made a permanent settle-
ment, in the Chesapea^ April 26, 1607. A colony was begun at
James Town, and the government was in the hands of a council, of
which Smith was a member. When Newport returned more than
a hundred persons were left in Virginia. They would have perish-
ed with hunger but for the exertions of Smith in procuring corn of
the Indians. When he could not effect his object by purchase, he
would resort to force. He once seized the Indian idol Okec, made
of skins stuffed with-moss, for the redemption of which as much
corn was brought him, as he required. While'exploring the Chick-
ahominy river he was taken prisoner, after having killed with his
own hand three of the enemy. He was carried to the emperor
Powhatan, who received him, clothed in a robe of racoon skins, and
seated on a kind of throne, with two beautiful girls, his daughters,
near him. After a long consultation two large stones were brought
in, and his head was laid upon one of them. At this moment, when
the war clubs were lifted to despatch him, Poca'.ontas, the king's
favoiite daughter, shielded him from the blows, atul by Iier entrea-
ties saved his life. He was sent to James Town, where by his res-
SMI. 517
olution, address, and industry he prevented the abandonment of the
plantation. In 1608 he explored the whole country irom cape
Henry to the river Susquehannah, sailing about three thousand
miles. On his return he drew a map of Chesapeak bay and of the
rivers, from which all subsequent maps have been chiefly copied.
In this year, when he was president of the council, by his severity
and his example he rendered the colonists exceedingly industrious.
It happened however, that the blistered hands of several young gen-
tlemen, who had known better times in England, called forth fre-
quent expressions of impatience and profaneness. Smith caused
the number of every man's oaths to be noted daily, and at night as
many cans of water to be poured inside his sleeve. This disci-
pline so lessened the number of oaths, that scarcely one was heard
in a week, and it perfectly restored the subjects of it to good humor.
In 1609 being much injured by an explosion of gunpowder, he re-
turned to England for the benefit of medical assistance. In 1614
he ranged the coast of what was then called North Virginia from
Penobscot to cape Cod in an open boat with eight men. On his
return he formed a map of the country, and desired prince Charles,
afterwards '* the Foyal martyr," to give it a name. By him it was
for the first time called New England. After other adventures
Smith died at London in 1631 in the fifty second year of his age.
For all his services and sufferings he never received any retompense.
He published the sixth voyage, made to Virginia, 1606; tlie first
voyage to New England with the old and new names, 1614 ; a rela-
tion of his second voyage to New England, 1615 ; description of
N. E. 1617 ; New England's trials, declaring the success of twenty
six ships, employed thither v/ithin these six years. Sec. 1620 ; the
general history of Virginia, New England, and the Summer isles,
with the names of the adventurers. Sec. from 1584 to 1626, also the
maps and descriptions of all those countries in six books, folio, 1627;
his friend, Mr. Pui'chas, had published in his pilgrims most of the
narrative part before ; the true travels, adventures, and observations
of captain John Smith in Europe, Asia, Africa, and America, from
1593 to 1629, folio, 1630; this is preserved entire in Churchill's
collections ; advertisements for the inexperienced planters of New
England, 4to, 1630. — Smith's travels ; his Virginia; Churchill's col-
lect, ii. ; Belknaji's Jmer. biog. i. 240 — 319 ; Keith^ 58 — 119 ;
Stith, 45 — 107; Purchas, v. 1705 — 1731, 1838 ; Holmes' annals,
i. 153 — 167, 183, 184 ; Chalmers, i. 17 — 29 ; Marshall, i. 31 — 47.
SMITH (Samuel), a historian, was a native of Burlington, New
Jersey, in which place he died in 1776. He published a history of
New Jersey from its settlement to 1721, 8vo, 1765, which is a judi-
cious compilation.
SMITH (William), chief justice of the province of New York,
was graduated at Yale college in 1745. He published a history of
the province of New York from the first discovery to the year 1732,
518 SMI.
410,1757. This was written at an early period of his life, but it
contains valuable information.— MjY/er, ii. 141.
SMITH (JosiAu), minister in South Carolina, Avas the first na-
tive of that province, who received a literary degree. He was born
in Charleston in 1704, and graduated at Harvard college in 1725.
He was ordained in Boston as minister for Bermuda July 1 1, 1726,
and afterwards became pastor of the presbyteiian church in Chai'les-,
ton, South Carolina. He closed a useful and honorable life in 1781
at Philadelphia, whither he had been induced to fly during the revo-
lutionary war. He maintained in the early part of his ministry a
learned disputation with the reverend Hugh Fisher on the right of
private judgment. He published a sermon at his own ordination ;
the spirit, of God a holy fire, 1726 ; the duty of parents to instruct
their children, 1727; the young man warned ; Solomon's caution
against the cup, 1729 ; human impositions proved unscriptural ;
answer to a postscript of a sermon of Mr. Hugh Fisher ; the di-
vine right of private judgment vindicated, 1730 ; a sermon on the
death of Hannah Dart, 1742 ; Jesus persecuted in his disciples ;
zeal for God encouraged and guarded, 1745 ; a volume of sermons,
1752 ; the church of Ephesus arraigned, the substance of five
short senrtons contracted into one, 1765. — Miller's retrospect.^ ii.
363.
SMlTfl (Thomas), first minister of Portland, Massachusetts,
was the son of Thomas Smith, esquire, merchant of Boston, and
was born March 21, 1702. He was graduated at Harvard college
in 1720. In 1726 he went to Falmouth, now Portland, as chaplain
to the troops stationed there, and preacher to the inhabitants. He
was ordained March 8, 1727, the day, on which a church was gath-
ered. Though he received for his colleague the reverend Mr.
Deane in 1767, he preached in his turn till the close of 1784, and
officiated in public prayer till within a year and a half of his death.
He died May 23, 1795 in the ninety fourth year of his age,renounc-
' ing all self dependence, and placing his hope in the mercy of God
through the merits of the Redemer. In his preaching he always
inculcated the doctrines of grace. He published a sermon at the
ordination of Solomon Lombard at Gorham, and a sermon to sea far-
ing men. — Deane's sermon and Kcllogg's oration on his death.
SMITH (Robert, d. d.), minister in Pennsylvania, was born of
Scotch parents in Londonderry, Ireland, about the year 1723, and
was brought to this country about the year 1730. At the age of
sixteen or seventeen years he became the subject of that divine in-
fluence, which so eminently accompanied and blessed the preaching
of Mr. Whiteficlilduring his first visit to America. Having resolved
to devote himself to the service of his Redeemer, he pursued his
classical and theological studies for several years under the instruc-
tion of the reverend Samuel Blair. In 1751 he was settled in the
presbyterian church at Pequea in Pennsylvania, in which station he
SMI. 519
coBtbiued to officiate with reputation and usefulness till his death
about the year 1783 in the sixty third year of his age. Dr. Smith
was one of the most able theologians, the most profound casuists,
and the most successful preachers of his age. Soon after his set-
tlement he founded a school at Pequea, designed chiefly for the in-
struction of youth m the Latin, Greek, and Hebrew languages. In
this school, which he always superintended himself, he employed
the most respectable teachers. Many young men, who have sinco
filled very honorable stations in church and state, received in it
their classical education. It was his care to instil with the elements
of literature the priticiples of a pure and ardent piety. Though he
was remarkably modest, yet in the pulpit he knew not the fear of
man ; his mind was filled with the divine presence, and all earthly
distinctions and feelings were lost in the majesty of God. His
preaching was most solemn and fervent. During his whole minis-
try he was for only one sabbath prevented by sickness from enter-
ing his pulpit ; and on that day, though confined to his chamber by
a fever, he sent for the principal members of his church, and spoke
to them with his usual energy on the comforts, the joys, and the
duties of religion. His labors were not confined to his own people,
for his benevolent zeal frequently carried him to the various parts
of an extensive district among churches and societies destitute of
the stated ordinances of religion. Knowing the value of time, he
suffered not a moment to be lost. He combined numerous duties
in perfect order. He slept but little, and after spending the morn-
ing in his closet and his study, he was to be found during the re-
TUitinder of the day either in his pulpit or his school, or among the
people of his charge, imparting pious advice and instructing their
children in the principles of the gospel. His wife, the sister of the
reverend Mr. Blair, was a woman of an excellent understanding and
of unaffected piety. In his absence she always conducted the de-
votions of the family with dignity and fervor. Of his children two
embraced the profession of medicine, and three entered at an early
age on the sacred ministry, and have since filled some of the most
respectable stations in the church as well as in. the literary institu-
tions of this country. In the fourth volume of the American
preacher there are published three of his sermons, entitled, tlie na^
ture of saving faith ; the excellency of saving faith ; practice uses
from the nature and excellency of saving faith. — dssembly's miss,
mag. ii. 1—6 ; Massachusetts miss. mag. iii. 361 — 366.
SMITH (John Blaik), first president of Union college at
Schenectady in the state of New York, was the son of the preced-
ing, aod was born June 12, 1736. In early life he exhibited marks
of uncommon energy of mind, and w^s distinguished by an ingenu-
ous habit of speech and behavior. He received much parental at-
tention, and was the subject of many pious prayers; and those
prayers were heard in heaven. When he was about fourteen vears
520 SMI.
of age, it pleased God to excite among the youth in the acatJemy at
Pequea a serious attention to religion. His mind was at this period
deeply impressed by the truths of the gospel ; he was renewed by
the agency of the Holy Spirit ; and in a short time he avowed
himselt a disciple of Jesus. From the year 1773, when he was
graduated at the college of New Jersey, he devoted himself al-
most entirely to theological studies under the direction of his broth-
er, the reverend Samuel S. Smith, at that time president of Hamp-
den Sidney college in Virginia, and since president of the college
of New Jersey. He was licensed to preach by the presbytery of
Hanover in 1778. In 1779 he was settled over a church in Virgin-
ia, and at the same time he succeeded his brother as principal of the
seminary of Hampden Sidney. Here he was eminently honored by
the great head of the church in being made instrumental in promot-
ing a general religious solicitude and reformation among the people
of his charge and of the neighborhood. As he was now called to ex-
traordinary exertions, he generally preached once at least every day,
and in the evenings he was commonly engaged in religious conver-
sation. His engagements interfering with the attention due to the
college, he resigned this part of his charge, that he might give him-
self wholly to the work of the Christian ministry. His zeal was
rewarded by the success, which attended his labors, but as his health
was enfeebled, he was persuaded to accept an invitation from the
third presbyterian church in Philadelphia, where he was installed in
December 1791. When Union college at Schenectady was found-
ed in 1795 he was placed at the head of it, and he presided over
the seminary for three years with high reputation. But amidst his
literary occupations the duties of the sacred office most warmly in-
terested hi-n. He improved every opjK)rtunity for preaching the
gospel of his Redeemer. Being again invited to his former charge
in Philadelphia he returned to that city in May 1799. His succes-
sor in the care of the college was Dr. Edwards. In a short time
he was seized with the yellow fever, of which he died August 22,
1799 in resignation and joyful hope. — Jsse?nl)ly's ?niss. viag. i. 267—-
272 ; Blah-'s sermon on his death ; JV. Y. miss. mag. i. 128 ; Month-
ly mag . and Amer , rerzVTO, ii. 145 ; £dwar-ds* iv.orks, Eng. edit. i.
118.
SMITH (Robert, d. d.), first bishop of the episcopal churches
in South Carolina, died at Charleston in November 1801 in the sev-
enty third year of his age. He had for forty seven years discharged
the duties of a minister of St. Philip's church.
SMITH (William, d. d.), first provost of the college in Phila-
delphia, was a native of Scotland, and received his education,at the
university of Aberdeen, where he was graduated in 1747. The
three following years he spent in teaching in a parochial school, and
in 1750 was sent up to London in pursuance of some plan for the
better endowment of such schools. In London he was induced t©
SMI. 521
Relinquish the employment, in which he was engaged, and to em-
bark for America, where he soon afterwards arrived. Alter being
employed upwards of two years as a private tutor in the family of
governor Martin on Long Island in the province of New York, he
was invited to take the charge of the college in Philadelphia, and he
accepted the invitation. After revisiting England, and receiving
regular ordination in the episcopal church in December 1753. he
he returned to America, and in May 1754 was placed at the head of
the infant seminary. His popular talents and taste in polite litera-
ture contributed greatly to raise the character of the college. He
was principally assisted by the reverend Dr. Allison. After being
for many years a distinguished preacher and writer, and rendering*
important service to the literary interests of America, he died at Phil-
adeiphialvlay 14, 1803, aged seventy six years. He published a sermon
delivered before freemasons, 1755 ; discourseson several public occa-
sions during the war in America, 1759,and a second edition with seve-
ral sermons added, 1763; a discourse concerning the conversion of the
heathen in America, 1760 ; an account of the charitable corporation
for the widows of clergymen of the church of England, 1769; an
oration before the American philosophical society, 1773 ; a sermon
on the present crisis of American affairs, preached June 23, 1775 ;
in this he says that no one had advanced the idea of independence,
and he disclaimed it, and yet he would support the chartered rights
of the colonies; an oration in memory of Montgomery, 1776 j
on temporal and spiritual salvation, 1790. His works were publish-
ed in two vols. 8vo, 1803. — Miller's retrosfiect^n. 352,353 ; Chand-
ler's life of Johnson^ 87.
SMITH (Elihu Hubbard), an eminent physician of New York,
was born at Litchfield, Connecticut, in 1771, and was graduated at
Yale college in 1786. After pursuing a regular course of medical
studies under the direction of his father, he commenced the practice
of physicat Wethersfieldin 1792, but removed to New York in 1793.
In 1797 he commenced the medical repository in conjunction with
Drs. Mitchill and Miller. He fell a victim to the yellow fever in
1798. At his early age he had explored a vast extent of medical
learning. His diligence, and ardor, and perseverance knew no
commoo bounds. His writings display singular acuteness, great
force of reasoning, and the talents of accurate and extensive obser-
vation. Besides his medical productions in the repository, he pub-
lished Edwin and Angelina, or the banditti, an opera in three acts,
1797. — Miller^ i. 325, 326 ; Medical refiository, sec. edit, hexadc \u
V. 214, 215 ; Monthly mag. 1798, -l02.
SMITH (Isaac), a judge of the supreme court of New Jersey,
was graduated at the .college in that state in 1755, and afterwards
commenced the practice of physic. From the beginning of the
troubles with Great Britain he was dislingiiished for his patriotic
services in the cause of his country. In 1776 he commanded a
6Y
522 SOU.
»
regiment, and during the periods of gldoni and dismay he \^as firm
and persevering. He associated valor with discretion, the disciplin-
ed spirit of the soldier with the sagacity of the statesman. Soon
after the termination of the struggle, he received his appointment as
judge, and for eighteen years discharged the ardous duties of that
r.tation. After the present constitution of the United States was
formed, he was a member of the house of representatives, and was
esteemed by Washington and Adair.s. Endowed with fine talents,
and having enjoyed a classical education, he united the chai-acter of
a Christian, scholar, soldier, and gentleman. He died August 29,
1807, in the sixty eighth year of his age, in hope of mercy through
the Redeemer. — Portfolio, nem series, i. 135, 136.
SOUTH CAROLINA, one of the United States of America,
was first granted with North Carolina and Georgia to the earl of
Clarendon and others in 1663. A small plantation had for a num-
ber of years been established within the boundaries of the patent.
A more ample charter was obtained in 1664, and the government
was placed in the hands of the proprietors. Tiiis proprietary gov-
ernment continued about fifty years. In 1719 a change was effected
in it by the inhabitants. They refused to do any business with the
proprietary governor, but at the same time offered to obey him, if
he would hold his authority in the name of the king of England.
This being refused they chose a different governor, and bound them--
selves by an association to stand by each other in the defence o^
their rights. From this period the government was regal. The
governor was appointed by the crown, and he had a negative on all
the bills passed by the assemblies. The English constitution was
the model. During the proprietary government the colony was
involved in perpetual quarrels. Harrassed by the Indians, infested
by pirates, invaded by the French and Spanish fleets, agitated with
internal dissensions, it did not much flourish. But after the change
in the government it increased rapidly. In 1729 the province of
Carolina was divided into the two distinct governments of North and
South Carolina. This state took an early and decided part in the
struggle with Great Britain. It was the first of the United States,
that formed an- independent constitution ; but as this was done on
temporary principles it was new rriodelled after the declaration of
independence by the continental congress. The present constitu-
tion of South Carolina was adopted in 1790. It establishes a legis-
lature of two branches, a house of representatives and a senate, the
members of the former to be chosen every second and of the latter
every fourth year ; and they by a joint vote elect the governor for
two years. The judges hoUl their commissions during good bQ«
havior, being appointed by the legislature. — liamsni/shist. revolU'
tion in 6', Carolina ; Heivatt's histor. acct. of S. Car. and Georgia i
Holmes' annals ; Morse's geog.
SPR. 523
SPROAT (James, d. d.), minister in Philadelphia, was born at
Scituate in Massachusetts April II, 1722, and was graduated at
Yale college in 1741. While a member of this seminary he heard
a sermon by the reverend Gilbert Tennent, v/hich made the mosjt
permanent impressions upon his mind. He was ordained August
23, 1743, a minister in Guilford, where he was highly popular and
very useful. His exertions were directed to extend the revival of
religion, which prevailed in this country at the time of his settle-
ment. From Guilford he removed to Philadelphia, and succeeded
Mr. Tennent at the close of the year 1768. Here he continued till
his death, October 18, 1793, in the seventy second year of his age.
The reverend Dr. Green, his colleague, survived him. The man-
ner of his funeral showed the high esteem, in which he was held.
It was at the time, when the yellow fever made such ravages in the
city, and when evea two or three mourning friends were seldom seen
attending a corpse to the grave. About fifty persons followed him,
and some religious negroes voluntarily offered themselves to carry
the bier. These grateful, generous Africans proved themselves
worthy of the highest commendation. Dr. Sproat was a respectable
divine, and in his preaching he loved to dwell on the peculiar doc=
trines of the gospel. His life exhibited a most amiable view of the
influence of religion. The copious extracts from his diary in the
assembly's magazine evince his piety and submission to the will of
God under the heaviest afflictions, and give an affecting account of
the distress, occasioned by the ravages of the yellow fever. tninistcr of Kittery, Massachu-
setts, was the son of the preceding, and was graduated at Harvard
college in 1740. His ordination took place May 1, 1751, He died
May 18, 1791, having been respected in life as an able minister of
the gospel, an exemplary Christian, and a modest and humble man.
He possessed a penetrating mind and sound judgment. While he
searched the sacred scriptures for the doctrines, which he preachedj
he paid all suitable attention to the manner, in which he delivered
them ; and his discourses were well studied and well written. He
published a sermon on the death of A. Pepperell, esquire, 1752 ; on
the death of sir William Pepperell, 1759 ; election sermon, 1761.
—Haven's sermon on his death,
STILES (Ezra, d. d.), president of Yale college, was the
son of the reverend Isaac Stiles of North Haven, Connecticut,
and was born December 15, 1727. He was graduated at the
seminary, over which he was destined to preside, in 1746, and
in 1749 was chosen tutor, in which station he remained six years.
After having preached occasionally his impaired health and some
doubt respecting the truth of Christianity induced him to pur-
sue the study of the law. In 1753 he took the attorney's oath at
New Haven, and practised at the bar till 175 5. But having resumed
preaching, on the twenty second of October in this latter year he
was ordained minister of the second congregational church in New-
port, Rhode Island. In March 1776 the events of the war dispersed
his congregation, and induced him to remove to Dighton. He after-
Avards preached for some time at Portsmouth. In 1777 he was
chosen president of Yale college, as successor of Mr. Clap. He was
not desirous of this honor, for he loved retirement ; but he was per-
suaded to accept it. He was installed July 8, 1778, and he continued
in this station till his death May 12, 1795, in the sixty eighth year
of his age. Dr. Stiles was one of the most learned men, of whom
this country can boast. He had a thorough knowledge of the
Hebrew, Greek, and Latin languages, the former of which he learn-
ed when he was about forty years of age ; he had made considerable
progress in the Samaritan, Chaldee, Syriac, and Arabic; on the
Persic and Coptic he had bestovved some attention; and the French
he read with great facility. He was also well versed in most
branches ot mathematical knowledge. Next to sacred literature
astronomy was his favorite science. He had read the works of di-
vines in various languages, and very few have had so thoreugh an
acquaintance with the fatliers of the Christian church. He possess-
ed an intimate acquaintance with the Rabbinical writings. He
was a most impressive and eloquent preacher, for he spoke with
that zea! and energy, which the deepest interest in the most impor-
tant subjects cannot fail to inspire. His early discourses were
52S STL
philosophical and moral ; but he gradually became a serious and
powerful preacher of the momentous truths of the gospel. In the
room of labored disquisitions addressed rather to the reason than to
the conscience and heart, he employed his time in preaching re-
pentance and faith, the great trutns respecting our disease and cure,
the physician of souls and our remedy in him, the manner in which
the sinner is brought home to God in regeneration, justification,
sanctification, and eternal glory, the teirors and blessings of the
world to come, the iniluence of the Holy Spirit and the efficacy of
the truth in the great change of the character, preparatory for heaven.
The doctrines of the trinity in unity, of the divinity and atonement
of Christ, with the capital principles of the great theological system
of the doctrines of grace he l)elieved to have been the uninterrupted
faith of eight tenths of Christendom from the ascension of Jesus
Christ to the present day. This system, he observed to his flock,
I have received from God in the scriptures of truth, and on the re-
view of my ministry I hope you will find, that 1 have preached the
unsearchable riches of Christ, He delighted in preaching the gos-
pel to the poor. Among the members of his church at Newport
were seven negroes. These occasionally met in his study, when he
instructed them, and falling on their knees together he implored
for them and for himself the blessing of that God, with whom all
distinction excepting that of Christian excellence is as nothing. In
the cause of civil and religious liberty Dr. Stiles was an enthusiast.
He contended, that the right of conscience and private judgment
"was unalienable ; and that no exigencies of the Christian church
could render it lawful to erect any body of men into a standing ju-
dicatory over the churches. He engaged with zeal in the cause of
his country. He thought, that the thirtieth of January, which was
observed by the episcopalians in commemoration of the martyrdom
of Charles I, "ought to be celebrated as an anniversary thansgiv-
ing, that one nation on earth had so much fortitude and public jus-
tice, as to make a royal tyrant bow to the sovereignty of the peo-
ple." He was catholic in his sentiments, for his heart was open to
receive all, who loved the Lord Jesus in sincerity. He was conspicu-
ous for his benevolence, as well as for his learning and piety. The
following extracts from his diary furnish evidence of his Christian
goodness. " The review of my life astonishes me with a sense of
my sins. May I be washed in the blood of Jesus, which cleanseth
from all sin. Purify and sanctify mc, O blessed Spirit ! — I hope I
love my Savior for his divine excellencies, as well as for his love to
sinners ; I glory in his divine righteousness ; and earnestly be-
seech the God of all grace to endue me with true and real holiness,
and to make mc like himself. — I have earnestly importuned the
youth of this university to devote themselves to that divine Jesus,
who hath loved them to the death. And praised be God, I have
reason to hope the blessed Spirit hath wrought cfiectually on the
STL 527
hearts of sundry, who have, I think, been brought home to God,
and experienced what flesh and blood cannot impart to the human
mind. Whether I shall ever get to heaven, and through many trib-
ulations enter into rest, God only knows. This I know, that I am
one of the most unworthy of all the works of God." Though in
the first stage of his last sickness he expressed awful apprehen-
sion of standing at the divine tribunal ; yet his hopes of heaven
brightened as he approached the grave, and he departed in great
calmness and peace.
He was a man of low stature, and of a small though well propor-
tioned form. His voice was clear and energetic. His countenance
especially in conversation was expressive of benignity and mildness ;
but if occasion required, it became the index of majesty and au-
thority. He published a funeral oration in Latin on governor Law,
1751 ; a discourse on the Christian union, preached before the con-
gregational ministers of Rhode Island, 1760 ; in this work he re-
commends harmony among diflfering Christians, and shows an inti-
mate acquaintance with the ecclesiastical affairs of this country ; a ser-
mon at the installation of reverend Samuel Hopkins, 1770 ; a Latin ora-
tion on his induction into his office of president, 1778; the United
States elevated to glory and honor, an election sermon, preached May
S, 1783, which exhibits the eloquence, and patriotism, and glowing
sentiments of liberty, v/ith which the augiist occasion could not fail
to inspire him ; a sermon at the oidination of the reverend Henry
Channing at New London, 1787 ; history of the three judges of
king Charles I, Whalley, Goffe, and Dixwell, 12mo, 1795 j in this
work he discloses very fully his sentiments on civilliberty, and pre-
dicts a " republican renovation" in England. He left an unfinished
ecclesiastical history of New England, and more than forty volumes
ot manuscripts. An interesting account of his life was published
by his son in law, the reverend Dr. Holmes, in 1798.— -Holmes' life
of Sliles ; M-igs* oration., and Trumbull's., Dana's^ and Patten'' s ser^
mons on his death ; Assemb. miss. mag. i. 163 — 169.
STILLMAN (Samuel, D d.), minister in Boston, was born in
Philadelphia February 27, 1737. When he was but eleven years
of age his parents removed to Charleston, South Carolina, and in
an academy in that city he received the rudiments of his education.
The preaching of the reverend Mr. Hart was the means of teach-
ing him, that he was a sinner, and of converting him. Being or-
dained at Chai'leston February 26, 1759, he immedic.tely afterwards
settled at James' island ; but his impaired health induced him in
1760 to remove to Bordentown, New Jersey, where he preached
two years, and then went to Boston. After being an assistant for
about a year in the second baptist church, he was installed the min-
ister of the first, as successor of Mr. Condy, who now resigned his
office, January 9, 1765. In this church he continued his benevo-
lent labors, universally respected and beloved, till his death by a
528 9T1,
paralytic shock March 13, 1807, in the seventieth year of his age-
As an eloquent preacher of the gospel Dr. Stillman held the first
rank. Embracing the peculiar doctrines of the Christian religion,
he explained and enforced them with clearness and with apostolic in'-
trepidity and zeal. He possessed a pleasant and most commanding
voice, and as he felt what he spoke he was enabled to transfuse his
own feelings into the hearts of his auditors. The total moral de-
pravity of man was a principle, on which in his preaching he much
insisted, and he believed, that the Christian was dependent on God's
immediate agency for the origin and continuance of every gracious
exercise. From his clear apprehension of the eternal personal
election of a certain number of the human race to salvation, he was
led to believe the perseverance unto eternal glory of all those, who
are regenerated by the Spirit of God. The godhead and atonement
of the Lord Jesus Christ were his frequent themes. He was a
preachei- of righteousness, and his own life was holy. In the cham-
ber of sickness and afiiiction, he was always among different de-
nominations a i!^elcome visitor. His uncommon vivacity and energy
of feeling were united with a perfect sense of propriety, and with
affability, ease, and politeness. He published a sermon on the re-
peal of the stamp act, 1766 ; at the artillery election, 1770 ; at the
ordination of Samuel Shepard at Stratham, 1771 ; on the death of
Samuel Ward, 1776 ; election sermon, 1779 ; before a society of
freemasons, 1789 ; apostolic preaching in three discourses, 1790 ;
on the death of Nicholas Brown, 1791 ; a thanksgiving sermon on
the French revolution, 1794 ; at the ordination of Stephen Smith
Nelson, 1797 ; on the national fast, 1799 ; on the death of George
Washington, 1 800 ; on opening the baptist meeting house in Charles-
town ; at the ordination of Thomas Waterman, 1801 ; on the first
anniversary of the female asylum, 1802 ; on the first anniversary of
the Massachusetts baptist missionary society, 1803 ; at the funeral
of Hezekiah Smith, 1805. A volume of his sermons was published
from his manuscripts, 8vo, 1808. — Sketch firefixed to his select ser-
mons ; Baldnvin's Jun. sermon; Pario/iUst, ii. 533— 535 ; Massa.
bafit. miss. mag. \. 317 — 320; Polyanthosi v. 3—9; Emerald^ ii.
159—162.
STIRLING (Earl of), see William Alexander.
STITH (William), president of William and Mary college,
Virginia, was a native of that colony, and for a number of years a
respectable clergyman. He withdrew from the laborious office,
Aviuch he sustained in tlie college, soon after the year 1740. He
puMishcd a history of the first discovery and settlement of Vii'-
ginia, Williamsburg, 8vo, 1747. It brings down the history only
to 1624. An appendix contains a collection of charters relating to
the period, comprised in the volume. Besides the copious materi-
als of Smith the author derived assistance from the manuscripts of
his uncle, sir John Randolph, and from the records of the London
I
STO. 529
tompany, put into his hands by colonel William Byrd, president of
the council, and from the valuable library of this gentleman. Mr.
Stith was a man of classical learning, and a faithful historian ; but
he was destitute of taste in style, and his details are exceedingly
minute. — Preface to his history ; Miller.) ii. 361 ; Jeffer&on's noteSf
query xxiii.
STOCKTON (Rlchard), a respectable statesman of New Jer-
sey, was graduated at Princeton college in 1748 in the first class,
and was for many years a distinguished patron of that seminary.
He appeared at the bar with unrivalled reputation and success, re-
fusing to engage in any cause, which he knew to be unjust, and
standing forth in defence of the helpless and the injured. He filled
the office of judge for several years with integrity and learning.
He died at Princeton March 1, 178 I . His superior powers of mind,
which were highly cultivated, were united with a flowing and per-
suasive eloquence ; and he was a Christian, wiio was an honor to the
chuvch.— Smith' syun. sermon.
STODDARD (Solomon), minister of Northampton, Massachu-
setts, was born in Boston in 1643, and was the eldest son of Anthony
Stoddard, esquire. He was graduated at Harvard college in 1662.
He was afterward^ appointed a fellow. His health being impaired,
he went to Barbadoes as chaplain to governor Serle, and preached
tp the dissenters on that island near two years. After his return,
being ordained September 1 1, 1672, as successor to Mr. Mather at
Northampton, he continued in that place till his death February 1 1,
1729, in the eighty sixth year of his age. His ministerial labors
were interrupted for but a short time. His colleague, Mr. Edwards,
survived him. Mr. Stoddard was a learned man, well versed in re-
ligious controversies, and himself an acute disputant. He maintained
a controversy with Dr. Increase Mather respecting the Lord's supper,
maintaining that the sacrament was a converting ordinance, and that
all baptized persons, not scandalous in life, may lawfully approach the
table, though they know themselves to be unconverted, or destitute of
true religion. As a preacher his discourses were plain, experiment-
al, searching, and argumentative. He was blessed with great suc-
cess. He used to say, that he had five harvests; and in these
revivals there was a general cry, what nmst I do to be saved ? He
was so diligent in his studies, that he left a considerable number of
sermons, which he had never preached. He wrote so fine a hand,
that one hundi'ed and fifty of his discourses are contained in a small,
duodecimo, manuscript volume, which with the greatest ease may
be carried in the pocket. He published the doctrine of instituted
churches, London, 4to, 1 700, in which he advanced some sentiments,
that were not very well received in this country, such as the follow-
ing ; that theLord's table should be accessible to all persons not immor-
al in their lives, that the power of receiving and censuring members is
vested exclusively in the eldersof the church.and that synods have pow-
68
^5) STO.
er to excommunicate and deliver from church censures. He publish*
cd also the danger of degeneracy, 1702; election sermon, 1703 ; a
sermon on Exodus xii. 47, 48, supporting his notions with regard to
the supper, 1707 ; a sermon at the ordination of Joseph Willard
at Swampfield, 1708; appeal to the learned on the Lord's supper^
against tne exceptions of Mr. I. Mather, 1709 ; plea for tithes j^
divine teachings render persons blessed, 1712; a guide to Christ,
or the way of directing souls in the way to conversion, compiled for
young ministers, 1714; three sermons, showing the virtue of
Christ's blood to cleanse from sin, that natural n>en are under the
government of self love, that the gospel is the means of conversion,
and a fourth annexed to stir up young men and maidens to praise
the name of the Lord, 1717 ; a sermon at the ordination of Thomas
Cheney, 1718 ; a treatise concerning conversion ; the way to know
sincerity and hypocrisy, 1719 ; answer to cases of conscience, 1722 ;
whether God is not angry with the country for doing so little towards
the conversion of the Indians, 1723; safety of appearing at the
judgment in the righteousness of Christ ; this work was republished
at Edinburgh, 8vo, 1792, with a recommendatory preface by Dr.
Erskine — Co/man's ser7non on his death ; Boston ne^usletter, number
112 ; Edrjards' narrative ; Christian history for 1743, 112 ; Back-
us* abridgment, 137, 144, 145 ; Collect, hist. soc. x. 157, 168.
STODDARD (John), amember of the council of Massachusetts,
was the son of the preceding, and was graduated at Harvard college
in 1701. He discharged the duties of several important stations
with great ability and uprightness. He was many years in the coun-
cil, was chief justice in the court of common pleas, and colonel of a
regiment. With a vigorous mind and keen penetration he united
an accurate acquaintance with the concerns of the colonies and of
the neighboring tribes of Indians. Thoroughly established in the
principles and doctrines of the first fathers of New England, he
greatly detested what he considered t'le opp>osite errors of more
modern divinity. He died at Boston June 19, 1748, in the sixty
seventh year of his age. — Edward's sermon on his death.
STONE (Samuel), one of the first ministers of Hartford, Con-
necticut, was a native of England, and was educated at the university
of Cambridge. To escape persecution he came to this country with
Mr. Cotton and Mr. Hooker, and was settled as an assistant of the
latter at Cambridge October 11, 1633. He removed with him in
1636 to Hartford, where he died July 20, 1663. While he ^yas re-
garded as one of the most accurate and acute disputants of his day,
he was also cclebrdted for his wit, pleasantry, and good humor. Be-
ing eminently pious, he abounded in fastings and prayer, and was a
most strict observer of the Christian sabbath. He published a con-
gregational church is a catholic visible church. Sec. London, 1652.
In this work, which is a curious specimen of logic, he endeavors to
demolish the svtem of a national, political church. He left in
STO. 531
3i).anuscript a confutation of the antimonians, and a body of divinity.
The latter was so much esteemed as to be often transci'ibed by
theological students. — Mather's ma,^naha,ui. 62, 116 — 1 18 ; Truni'
bull's Connect, i. 326 ; Morton^ 179 — 181; Holmes' annals, i. 38S i
Collect, hist. aoc. vii. 4 1 .
STONE (John Hoskins), governor of Maryland, was one of
those patriots, who shed their blood in support of American inde-
pendence. In early life and at an early period of the revolution he
was first captain in the celebrated regiment of Smallwood. At the
battles of Long Island, White plains, and Princeton he was highly
distinguished. In the battle of Germantown October 4, 1777, he
received a wound, which deprived him of bodily activity for the
remainder of his life. But he still bent his exertions to promote
the sane cause, for which he had bled. The powers of his mind
remained with him, and as a member of the executive council he
continued to serve his country till he was chosen governor in 1794.
After being in this office three years, the constitution obliged him
to withdraw from it. General stone died at Annapolis in 1804,
leaving behind him the character of an honest and honorable man,
an intrepid soldier, a firm patriot, and a liberal, hospitable, friendly
citiztn.-— Monthly anthology,!, 572.
STOUGHTON (William), lieutenant governor of Massachu-
setts, was the son of colonel Israel Stoughton, early an assistant in
the colony, who commanded the Massachusetts troops in the Pequot
war. He was graduated at Harvard college in 1650, and becoming
a preacher was appointed to preach the election sermon in 1668,
though he was not a settled minister. This sermon has been rank-
ed among the best delivered upon the occasion. After the death of
Mr. Mitchel he declined an invitation to become his successor in
the care of the church at Cambridge. In 1671 he was chosen a
magistrate, and in 1677 went to England as an agent for the prov-
ince. He was a member of the council, and. chief justice , of the
superior court. Being appointed lieutenant governor in 1692, he
was commander in chief from 1694 to 1699 ancfagain in 1700. He
died at Porchester July 7^ 1701, aged seventy years. He was a
man of great learning, integrity, prudence, patriotism, and piety.
He was a generous benefactor of Harvard college, giving to th^t
institution about one thousand pounds. Stoughton hall was erected
at his expense in l(p98. He left a tract of land for the support
of students, natives of Dorchester, at the college, and another tiapt
for the benefit of schools. He was never married. — IVillard's serm.
on his death ; Collect, hist. soc. ii. 10 ; vii. 30, 31 ; ix 180 ; Hutch-
inson, ii. 23, 81, 121, 125, 127, 128 ; Meal's A''. E. ii. 174 ; Holmes'
annals^ ii. 56 ; Nonconform, memor. i. 254.
STUYVESANT (Peter), the last Dutch governor of New
York, began his administration in 1647. He was continually em-
ployed in resisting the encroachments of the English and Swedes
532 SUL.
upon the territory entrusted to him. In 1664 an expedition from
England was sent cut against the Dutch possessions. Three or
four frigates under the command ot colonel NicoUs appeared beiore
New Amsterdam or New York, and governor Stuyvesant was sum-
moned to surrender ; but as he was a good soldier and had lost a
leg in the service of the States he was by no means disposed to
comply. He returned a long letter vindicating the claims of the
Dutch, and declaring his resolution to defend the place. He was
however obliged to capitulate on the twenty seventh of August.
The whole of the New Netherlands soon became subject to the
English. He remained in this country, and at his death was buried
in a chapel on his own farm a few miles from New Yoi'k.'— Smith's
JV. Y. 5—23.
SULLIVAN (John, ll. d), major general in the American army,
and president ot New Hampshire, was appointed by congress a
brigadier general in 1775, and in the following year, it is believed,
a major general. He superseded Arnold in the conmiand of the
army in Canada June 4, 1776, but was soon driven out of that prov-
ince. He afterwards on the illness of Greene took the command
of his division on Long Island. l
and out as when the candle of the Lord shined on my tabernacle. -
I will attempt to do the duties of a citizen, of a husband, a Christ-
ian, trying to say from my heart, Father, not my will, but thine be
done." When his frame was evidently shattered, and he had rea-
son to think, that God was calling him to his great account, the
faith of Jesus was ever gaining a new ascendency in his views, and
his thoughts expatiated with singular clearness on the scenes, \yhich
awaited him, on the tnercy of his God, his own unworthiness, and
the woi'th of the Redeemer, His private prayers and his domestic
devotions, expressing at times both the joy and the anguish of his
feelings, pi'oved that his passions were not all given to the world.
He closed his laborious life M'ith the unshaken assurance of renew-
ing his existence in another and better state.
Amidst the great and constant pressure of business, which occu-
pied him, governor Sullivan still tound time for the pursuits of lit-
erature and science. His mind, has been compared to a native for-
est, which had never been entirely cleared or carefully divided j
where the light gained admission at every opening, and not through
any regular avenue ; where the growth was rapid and thick, and
though occasionally irregular, yet always strong ; where new seeds
were successively shooting up, and the materials never seemed likely
to be exhausted. He was ever ready to contribute the effort of his
powerful and original mind to the purpose of public utility. He
published observations on the government of the United States of
America, 1791 ; dissertation on the suability of the states ; the
path to >'iches, or dissertation on banks, 1792 ; history of the dis-
trict of Maine, 8vo, 1795 ; history of land titles in Massachusetts,
8vo, 1801 ; dissertation on the constitutional liberty of the press in
the United States, 1801 ; history of the Penobscot Indians in the
historical collections. Besides these works his fugitive pieces and*
occasional communications to the public prints were very nume-
rous — •Buckminster's sermon on his death ; Sketch of his life in Pal'
ladiu7n, December 16, and Colianbiat* centinel, December 17, 1808 ;
Panofilist and miss. mag', united, i. 332 — 334 ; Collect, hist. soc. ix.
207 — 232.
SUMNER (Inchease), governor of Massachusetts, was born in
Roxbury November 27, 1746, and was graduated at Harvard col-
lege in 1767. After entering upon the profession of the law he
was chosen a representative of his native town in the legislature,
and then a senator. In 1782 governor Hancock placed him on the
bench of the supreme court As a judge he was dispassionate, im-
partial, and discerning. In 1797 he was chosen governor as suc-
cessor of Samuel Adams, and he was reelected in the succeeding
years till his death June 7, 1799, in the fifty third year of his age".
He possessed a strong and well balanced mirtd. His judgment
was correct, and though he maintained an unusual degree of self
536 SWI.
command, yet his coolness of temper was to be ascribed rather to
the influence of religious discipUne, than to constitutionul tempera-
ment. He was mild, candid, and moderate, being remarkably iiee
from every appearance of parly spirit. In the intercourse ol do-
mestic and private life he was affectionate and faithful. Soon after
he commenced the practice of the law, he made a public profession
of his belief in Christianity, and his life was exemplary. His social
hours were not passed in idle anecdote. Few persons were more
in the habit of introducing in their familiar conversation reflections
of a moral and religious nature. In his last sickness he observed
to a friend, " a dying bed is not the place for one to begin to attend
to his religion, and prepare for another worid. But I have not been
unmindful of these concems. I have thought much of them. The
more I have reflected on the subject of religion, the more has my
mind been settled and confirmed in its reality and importance. I
am sensible th.it many infirmities and errors have attended me ; but
I trust I have the testimony of my conscience to the general recti-
tude of my views and conduct in life." — Porter's and Thacher's ser-
mons on his death.
SWIFT (Job, d. d.), minister of Bennington, Vermont, was born
in Sandwich, Massachusetts, in 1743, and was graduated at Yale
college in 1765. About the year 1766 he was ordained at Richmond,
Massachusetts, where he continued seven years, making every ex-
ertion to instruct his people in tlie peculiar doctrines of the gospel.
At length some difference of opinion between himself and the
church proved the occasion of his dismission. He then removed
to a place, called the Nine Partners in the state of New York.
Here he met with no opposition, and his labors were attended with
no success. His hearers remaining in the greatest stupidity not-
withstanding all his exertions to awaken their attention to religious
truth, at the close of seven or eight years he thought it his duty to
leave them. He went to Manchester in Vermont, where he con-
tinued about two years, and rejoiced in perceiving, that the precious
truths of the gospel, which he proclaimed, were rendered by the
divine Spirit stibservient to the everlasting goocV^ of a number of
persons. He then had an invitation to settle in Bennington, where
he spent about sixteen years. Again he was dismissed, but the
causes of his dismission had no reference to his moral and ministe-
rial character. Removing to Addison, he v/as the means of organ-
izing a church, and of bringing to the people of this town the richest
blessings. While he was on a mission in the northern part of
Vermont, unlertaken at his ov/n expense, he died at Enoshurgh
October 20, 1804, aged about sixty one years. Ke rejoiced, that
his life was to terminate at a distance from his friends, without wit-
nessing the distressesof his family. The patience, with which he
endured the pains of his last sickness, and the composure, with which
he met the king of terrors, excited the greatest astonishment in an
SYM. 537
tinbeliever, who was present. While suffering a great variety of evils
in life he never uttered a complaining word, and when he discovered
uneasiness or discontent in any of the members of his family he
inculcated upon them the duty of submission, and reminded them of
the undeserved blessings, which they were yet permitted to enjoy.
He possessed a vigorous and comprehensive mind, which was ca-
pable of investigating the abstrusest subjects. In his preaching he
dwelt much upon the doctrine of human depravity, the necessity of
regeneration, faith, repentance, and good works. His zeal for the
promotion of the Redeemer's kingdom was ardent and constant, and
in the death of no other man could the churches of Vermont In hu-
man estimation have sustained a greater loss. After the death of
Dr. Swift a volume of his sermons was published in 12mo, 1805,
But they are in an imperfect state, as they were not intended for
the press, and as the author was not in the habit of fully writing his
sermons. — Sketch prefixed to his discourses.
SY-viMES (Thomas), minister of Bradford, Massachusetts, was
the son of the reverend Zechariah Symmes, the first muiister of
that town, who died March 27, 1707. His grandfather, the rever-
end Zechariah Symmes, was for more than forty years tne minister
of Charlestown. He was born at Bradford February 1, 1678, and
was graduated at Harvard college in 1698. He was ordained the
first minister of Boxford December 30, 1702, but was dismissed
from that town in 1708, and succeeded his father at Bradford in the
same year. In this town he died October 6, 1725, in the forty
eighth year of his age. He was a man of strong powers of mind
and of very considerable learning. Sometimes in his family he
would read the scriptures from the Hebrew. In early life his prin-
ciples were not very strict, but he afterwards embraced the doc-
trines of original sin, grace, and predestination, justification by faith
through the imputed righteousness of Christ, and the perseverance
of the saints. He was an animated, popular, faithful, and successful
preacher. His exertions to do good in private and public were re-
warded by large accessions to his church of such, as he hoped would
be saved. He was remarkable for the sanctity of his life, for his
constancy in secret devotion, for his self examination and his regard
to days of fasting and prayer. He published monitor to delaying
sinners ; artillery election sermon, 1720 ; discourse against preju-
dice ; a sermon at the ordination of Joseph Emerson, 1721 ; joco-
serious dialogue on singing, 1723 ; the people's interest relating to
the support of ministers, 1724 ; historical memoirs of the fight at
Piggwacket May 9, 1725, with a sermon on the fall of captain Love-
well. After the death ol Mr. Symmes an account of his life was
published by the I'everend John Brown of Haverhill, to which is
annexed from his manuscripts his advice to his children and to the
church.— JSrow.'i'* sermon on his death, and memorative account,
69
538 SYM.
SYMMES (William, D.D.), minister of Andovev, Massachu-
setts, was graduated at Harvard college in 1750, and from 1755 to
1758 was a tutor in that seminary. His ordination took place on
the first of November of this latter year. He died May 3, 1807,
in the seventy eighth year of his age, and the forty ninth of his
ministry. To his profession he devoted himself exclusively, and
he was occupied through life in theological pursuits. His sermons
were written with great care and in a style remarkably neat and
correct. He was distinguished for his prudence, hospitable, dig-
nified in his manners, and pure in his principles and conduct. He
published election sermon, 1785, and two other occasional dis-
courses. — Refiertorij^ May 15, 1807.
TACK AN ASH (John), Indian minister on Martha's Vineyard,
was ordained colleague with Hiacoomes August 22, 1670, the day,
on which the first Indian church was gathered on the island. He
possessed very considerable talents, and was exemplary in his life.
Allowing himself in few diversions, he studied much, and seemed
to advance in piety, as he became more acquainted with the truths
of the gospel. He was the most distinguished of Indian preachers.
In prayer he was devout and fervent, faithful in his instructions and
reproofs, strict in the discipline of his church, excluding the immoral
from the ordinances till they repented. So much was he respected,
that a number of the English, when deprived of their own minister,
attended the meeting of Mr. Tackanash and received the Lord's sup-
per from his hands. All would probably have attended, if they had
understood the Indian language, in which he preached. He died in
the peace and hope of the Christian January 22, 1684. His place of
residence was at Nunpang at the east end of Martha's Vineyard. —
Mayheiv^s Indian converts, 14—16.
TAPPAN (David, D.D.), professor of divinity in Harvard col-
lege, was the son of the reverend Benjamin Tappan of Manchester,
Massachusetts, and was born April 21, 1752. He was graduated
at the university of Cambridge in 1771. Alter pursuing the study
of divinity for \.\\o or three years he commenced preaching, and was
ordained minister of the third churh in Newbury in April 1774.
In this place he continued about eighteen years. His successor was
the reverend Mr. Woods. In June 1792 he was elected professor
of divinity in Harvard college in the place of Dr. Wigglesworth,
who had resigned, and after anxious deliberation and the advice of
an ecclesiasticcd council he was inaugurated December 26, 1792.
When he was introduced into this office, the students of the univer-
sity were unconiaionly dissolute. For some time they had received
no regular instruction in theology, and the tide of opinion began to
run in the .'channel of infidelity. But the lectures of Dr. Tappan,
which combined entertainment with information, which were pro-
found and yet pathetic, elegant in style and conclusive in argument,
and which canic warm from a pious heart, soon checked the prog-
TAP. 539
ressof profanity and dissipation, and put open irreligion to shame.
It has been thought however, that his usefuhiess to the cause of
divine truth might have been increased, if he had dwelt upon the dis-
tinguishing doctrines of the gospel, which he believed, with more
frequency and with greater perspicuity and fulness, and if in some
instances he had been less careful to accommodate himself to opin-
ions, which he disapproved, and to prejudices, which he thought
pernicious. His remarkable humility, meekness, and modesty, the
keen sensibility of his nature, and his caution not to offend, lest the
mind should be shut to the truth, might at times have given a di-
rection to the benevolent spirit, which animated him, that would not
have been taken by a man of greater hardihood of temper ; but he
was always anxious to do good and always interesting and energetic
in his preaching. After a short sickness he died August 27, 1803,
aged fifty one years. He was succeeded in the professorship by
the reverend Dr. Ware.
Dr. Tappan possessed much activity and vigor of mind, fertility
of invention, and force of imagination. He had a facility in fixing
his attention, and in discriminating and arranging his thoughts. His
readiness of conception and coinmand of language enabled him both
in speaking and writing to express what he thought and felt with
propriety, perspicuity, and force. The religious principles, which
he embraced, were the doctrines of the eternal counsels of Jehovah,
man's fallen, ruined state, the electing love of God, the atonement
of Christ, justification by grace, and the efficacy of the divine Spirit
in renewing sinners and preparing them for glory. The doctrine
of redemption by a crucified Savior constituted in his view the basis
of the gospel. In such a light did he regard the proper divinity
of Jesus Christ, that he declared it to be " the rock of his eternal
hopes." To benevolence and candor, sincerity in speech, and up-
rightness in conduct he joined the careful cultivation and practice
of the personal virtues. He was superior to all fretful and anxious
thoughts about his temporal afllurs, and to all vanity of external
appearance. When tried by the ignorance and stupidity, or by the
perverseness and injustice of men, he wiis calm and collected. P'or
the conduct of those, who had treated liim with the most painful
unkindness, he invented the most charitable excuses, and even
sought opportunities of doing them good. His religion as well as
his nature disposed him to sympathy, tenderness, and love. Kind
affections lighted up his countenance, gave a glow to his conversa-
tion, and cheerfulness to his active benevolence. When arrested
by his last sickness, and warned of his approaching dissolution, he
was not discomposed. With many expressions of humility and
self abasement intermingled, he declared his hope in the infinite
mercy of God through the atonement of Christ. When his wife
expressed some of the feelings, which were excited by tlit- thought
of parting with him, he said, " if God is glorified, I am made forever.
540 TAW.
Can't you lay hold of that ? Can't you lay hold of that :" To hib
sons he said, " 1 charge you to love God supremely, and to love your
neighbor as yourselves ; for wituout these there is no true religion."
He liad such a sense of the evil oi sin and of his oAvn ill desert that
notliing could afford him consolation, but the all sufficient grace of
the Redeemer. In Jesus Christ his soul found rest.
Dr. Tappan published two discourses, preached on tlie sabbath
after his ordination, 1774; a discourse on the character acd bes^
exercises of unrcgcnerate suiners, 1782 ; a sermon on the fast,
1783 ; on the peace, 1783 ; on the death of Moses Parsons, 1784 ;
two friendly letters to Philalethes, 1785 ; a sermon at the ordina-
tion of J. Dickinson, 1789; address to the students of Andover
academy, 179 1 ; sermon at the election, 1792 ; before an association
at Portsmouth, 1792; farewell sermon at Newlnuy ; on the fast,
1793 ; at the ordination of J. T. K-irkland ; a discourse to graduates ;
address to students at Andover ; discourse on eight persons drown-
ed in the Merrimack; to the class, which entered college, 1794;
on the thanksgiving, 1795 ; on the death of J. Russell, a student ; to
the class, which entered college, 1796 ; sermon before the conven-
tion, 1797 ; on the fast, 1798 ; at the ordin..tion of James Kendall ;
on the death of Washington ; at the ordination of N. H. Fletcher,
1800 ; on the death of lieutenant governor Phillips ; at the installa-
tion of H. Packard, 1802 ; on the death of Dr. Hitchcock ; on the
death of Mary Dana, 1803. Since the death of Dr. Tappan two
volumes have been published from his manuscripts, the one con-
sisting of sermons on important subjects, and the other entitled,
lectures on Jewish antiquities, 8vo, 1807. — Panoplist, i. 1 — 5, 45—
51, 137 — 142, 185 — 193 ; Monthly an(/iologi/,n. 120 — 124 ; Holmes'
and KendalVs sermons on his death ; Columbian centinely September
14, 1803.
TAWANQUATUCK, the first Indian sachem, who was con-
verted to Christianity on Martha's Vineyard, lived on that island,
when the EngUsh first settled there in 1642 His conversion
through the labors of Mr. Mayhew was a circumstance very irri-
tating to his copper colored brethren, who were indignant, that he
should turn away from the religion of their fathers. One night,
after an assembly of the Indians, as Tawancjuatuck lay asleep upon
a mat by a little fire, an Indian approached him and let fly a broad
headed arrow, intending to drench it in his heart's blood ; but it
struck his eyebrow, and being turned in its direction by the solid
bone, glanced and slit his nose troin the top to the bottom. The next
morning Mr. Mayhew visited the sagamore, and found him praising
God for his great deliverance. He afterwards became a Christian
m-sgistrate to his people, and discharged faithfully the trust reposed
in him as long as he lived. He died about the year 1670. — JMaV'
hc'wi's JndiaK coJivcrts^ 80 — 82 ; Whiijicld '« light appearing^ tfc.
TAY. 541
TAYLOR (William), remarkable for longevity, died in Pitt
county, North Carolina, in October 1794, aged one hundred and
fourteen years. He was a native of Virginia. On the morning of
his death he had set out to walk two miles. — Gazette U. 6'. Koverti'
ber 15, 1794.
TENNENT (John), a physician of Virginia, published at Wil*
liamsburg in 1736 an essay on the pleurisy, which was reprinted at
Newyork in 1743. In this work he first brought into view the vir-
tues of the Seneka snake root. The immediate cause of a pleurisy
or peripneumony, in his opinion, is a viscidity of blood of the same
nature with that produced by the venom ol the rattle snake ; and
as the raitle snake root had been found a cure for the bite of the
snake, he pro'osed it as a cure for the pleurisy. — Ramsay's review
of medicine, 36 ; Miller., i, 318.
TENNENT (William), a useful scholar and minister of a
presbyterian church at Nesiiaminy, Pennsylvania, received episco-
pal ordination in Ireland, and emitjrated to this country in the year
1718, with four sons, Gilbert, William, John, and Charles. Not
long after his arrival in America he renounced his connexion with
the episcopal church, and was admitted into the synod of Philadel-
phia. He spent a short time in the state of New York, and then in
1721 or 1722 removed to Bensalem in Pennsylvania. Here he re-
mained not more than four or five years ; for in 1726 he settled at
Neshaminy, about twenty miles north of tne city of Philadelphia,
where he became pastor of a small presbyterian congregation.
Here he established a seminary of learning, which soon received
the name of the log college, by which it was long known. But this
institution, though humble in name, was the nursery, in which many
ministers of the gospel were trained up for eminent usefulnesSt
Among these were his four sons, who were educated under his sole
instruction, and Messrs. Rowland, Campbell, Lawrence, Beatty,
Robinson, and Samuel Blair. He never had an assistant in his
academy, excepting, for a short time, when his eldest son Gilbert
acted in that capacity, while pursuing his theological studies. He
bad the. happiness to see all his sons employed in the service of the
church for several years before his death. As the calls for ministe-
rial service were urgent he sent them out, as soon as they were
qualified for the work. Of these John died in early life, and the
others lived to advanced age, and were among the most useful and
respectable ministers of their time. Mr. Tennent died and was
buried at Nestiaminy about the year 1743. He was eminent as a
classical scholar ; but his attainments in science, it is thought, were
not so great. He w-s a man of great integrity, simplicity, indus-
try, and piety ; and to his labors and benevolent zeal the Ainericau
churches are in no small degree indebted. — Miller, W. 341 ; Pano-
plist, ii. 2 — 4.
542 TEN.
TENNENT (Gilbert), minister of Philadelphia, was the son of
the preceding, and was born in Ireland February 5, 1703. He was
brought to this country by his father, by whom he was educated.
At the age of fourteen he began to be anxious for the salvation of
his soul ; he was often in great agony of mind ; but at length the
character of Jesus Christ as the Savior of sinners filled him with
peace. Still he was diffident of his Christian character, and in con-
sequence pursued the study of physic for a year, but afterwards
devoted himself to theology, and began to preach in 1725. In the
autumn of 1726 he was ordained minister of New Brunswick in
New Jersey. For some time he was the delight of the pious, and
was honored by those, who were destitute of religion. But when
God began to bless his faithful labors to the awaktfting of secure
sinners and to their conversion from darkness unto light, he pres-
ently lost the good opinion of false professors ; his name was loaded
with reproaches, and the grossest immoralities were attributed to
him. But he bore all with patience. Though he had sensibility to
character as well as other men, yet he was willing to encounter dis-
grace, rather than neglect preaching the truth, however offensive to
the sinful, whom he wished to reclaim. Towards the close of the
year 1740 and in the beginning of the year 1741 he made a tour
in New England at the importunate request of Mr. Whiiefield.
He succeeded the latter in Boston, and an astonishing efficacy ac-
companied his labors. Visiting various parts of New England, he
was every where remarkably useful. In this tour the dress, in
which he commonly entered the pulpit, was a great coat, girt about
him with a leathern girdle, while his natural hair was left undressed.
His large stature and grave aspect added a dignity to the simplicity
or rather rusticity of his appearance. In 1743 he established a new
presbyteri.in church in Philadelphia out of those, who were denom-
inated the followers and converts of Mr. Whitefi;eld. In 1753, at
the request of the trustees of New Jersey college, he went to Eng-
land to solicit benefactions for that seminary. After a life of great
usefulness he died in much peace about the year 1764 or 1765.
He was succeeded by the reverend Dr. Sproat. For more than
forty years he had enjoyed a habitual, unshaken assurance of his in-
terest in redeeming love. As a preacher, he was in his vigorous
days equalled by but few. His reasoning powers were strong ; his
language forcible and often sublime ; and his manner of address
warm and earnest. His eloquence however was rather bold and
awful, than soft and persuasive. With admirable dexterity he ex-
posed the false hope of the hypocrite, and searched the torrupt
heart to the bottom. He was most pungent in his addresses to the
conscience. When he wished to alarm the sinner, he could repre-
sent in the most awful manner the terrors of the Lord. He was
bold, courageous, ardent, and independent. A number of presbyte-
vians both anions: the clerin- and laitv, who were considered as mere
TEN. 543
formalists in religion, violently opposed Mr. Whitefield and Mr.
Tennent. The consequence was, that in a short time the synod of
Philadelphia was split into two parts, each of which formed a sepa-
rate synod, and for several years treated each other with great cen-
soriousness. At length Mr. Tennent, who had been principally
concerned in promoting the separation, became desirous of restoring
harmony, and labored with great industry for this purpose. His
longest and most elaborate publication, entitled the peace of Jeru-
salem, was upon this subject. The synods were happily united in
1758. The whole transaction illustrates the character of Mr. Ten-
nent, in whom an ardent love to what he conceived to b© truth and
duty always triuinphed over all considerations of a personal kind.
As an oflicer in the church he earnestly endeavored to maintain strict
discipline. But above other things the purity of the ministry was
his care. He zealously urged every scriptural method, by which
earthly minded men might be kept from entering the saci'ed office,
and men of piety and zeal as well as learning might be introduced.
Abhorring all artifice and dissimulation, there was in his conversa-
tion an undisguised honesty. He was tender, kind, compassionate,
the friend of the good, the patron of those, who were injured or
were in distress. He published the righteousness of the scribes
and Pharisees considered ; a sermon oh justification ; remarks upon
a protestation, presented to the synod of Philadelphia, 1741 ; the
examiner examined, or Gilbert Tennent harmonious, in answer
to Mr. Hancock's pamphlet, entitled, the examiner, or Gilbert
against Tennent ; three sermons on holding fast the truth against
the Moravians ; a sermon at the oixlination of Charles Beatty at
Neshaminy, 1743 ; a sermon on the victory of the British arms
in the Mediterranean ; two sermons preached at Philadelphia ;
an account of the revival of religion in Pennsylvania and other
parts in Prince's Christian history, 1744 ; a sermon on the success
of the expedition against Louisbourg ; discourses on several sub-
jects, on the nature of justification, on the law, and the necessity of
good works vindicated, 12mo, 1745 ; a sermon on the lawfulness
of defensive war, 1747 ; a sermon on the consistency of defensive
war with true Christianity ; defensive war defended ; a fast sermon ;
a sermon before the sacramental solemnity, 1748; essay on the
peace of Jerusalem; a thanksgiving sermon; sermon on the dis-
plays of divine justice in the propitiatory sacrifice of Christ, 1749 ;
sermons on important subjects, adapted to the present state of the
British nation, 8vo, 175 8 ; a sermon at the opening of the presbyte-
rianchu4'ch Assembly's miss. 7nag. i. 238 — 248 ; ii. 46 ; Mass. miss.
mag. iv. 351 — 365, 401-«-405 ; Chauncy's thoughts, 37, 40, 127, 147,
249 ; Christian hist. 1744,127,133,2 85 — 298,314,384-591, 411.
TENNENT (William), minister of Freehold, New Jersey,
was the brother of the preceding, and was born in Ireland June 3,
1705. He arrived in America, when in the fourteenth vear of his
$44 TEN.
age. Having resolved to devote himself to the ministry of the gos«
pel his intense application to the study of theology under the care
of his brother at New Brunswick so impaired his health, as to bring
on a decline. He became more and more emaciated, till little hope
of life was left. At length he fainted and apparently expired. The
neighborhood were invited to attend his funeral on the next day. In
the evening his physician, a young gentleman, who was his particu-
lar friend, returned to the town, and was afflicted beyond measure
at the nev/s of his death. Being told, that when the body was laid
out a little tremor of the flesh under the arm had been perceived,
he encouraged the hope, that the powers of life had not yet depart-
,ed. On examining the body he affirmed that he felt an unusual
■warmth, and had it restored to a warm bed, and the funeral delayed.
All probable means were used to restore life, but the tiiird day ar-
rived, and the unintermitted exertions of the doctor had as yet been
in vain. It was determined by the brother, that the funeral should
now take place ; but the physician requested a delay of one hour,
then of half an hour, and finally of a quarter of an hour. As this
last period was near expired, while he was endeavoring to soften the
tongue, which he had discovered to be much swollen, by putting
some ointment upon it with a feather, the body opened its eyes,
gave a dreadful groan, and sunk again into apparent death. The ef-
forts were now renewed, and in a few hours Mr. Tenncnt was re-
stored to life. His recovery however was very slow ; all forioer
ideas were for some time blotted out of his mind ; and it was a
year before he was perfectly restored. To his friends he repeated-
ly stated, that after he had apparently expired he found himself in
heaven, where he beheld a glory, which he could not describe, and
heard songs of praise before this glory, which were unutterable.
He was about to join the throng, when one of the heavenly messen-
gers said to him, " you must return to the earth." At this instant
he groaned, and opened his eyes upon this world. For three years
afterwards the sounds, which he had heard, were not out of his
ears, and earthly things were in his sight as vanity and nothing. In'
October 1733 he was ordained at Freehold, as the successor of his
brother, the reverend John Tennent. It was not long before his in-
attention to worldly concerns brought him into debt. In his embar-
rassment a friend from New York told him, that the only remedy
was to get a wife. " I do not know how to go about il," was the an-
swer. " Then I will undertake the business," said his friend ; " I
have a sister in law in the city, a prudent and pious widow." The
next evening found Mr. Tennent in New York, and the day after he
was introduced to Mrs. Noble. Being pleased with her appearance,
when he was left alone with her he abruptly told her, that he sup-
posed she knew his errand, that neither- his time nor inclination
would suffer him to use much ceremony, arid that if she pleased he
would attend his charfrc on the next saW.^ath, ahd return on Monday
TEN. 545
and be married. "With some hesitation the lady consented ; and
she proved an invaluable treasure to him. About the year 1744,
when the faithful preaching of Mr. Tennent and Mr. John Row-
land was the means of advancing in a very remarkable degree the
cause of religion in New Jersey, the indignation and malice of those,
who loved darkness rather than light, and who could not quietly
submit to have their false security shaken, was excited against these
servants of God. There was at this time prowling through the
country a noted man named Tom Bell. One evening he arrived at
a tavern in Princeton, dressed in a parson's frock, and was immedi-
ately accosted as the reverend Mr. Rowland, whom he much re-
sembled. This mistake was sufficient for him. The next day he
went to a congregation in the county of Hunterdon, and declaring
himself to be Mr. Rowland, was invited to preach on the sabbath.
As he was riding to church in the family waggon accompanied by
his host on an elegant horse, he discovered when he was near the
church that he had left his notes behind, and proposed to ride back
for them on the fine horse. The proposal was agreed to, and Bell
after returning to the house and rifling the desk made ofT with the
horse. Mr. Rowland was soon indicted for the robbery, but it hap-
pened that on the very day, in which the robbery was committed,
he was in Pennsylvania or Maryland, and this circumstance being
proved by the testimony of Mr. Tennent and two other gentlemen,
who accompanied him, the jury brought in a verdict of not guilty.
Mr. Rowland could not again be brought before the court ; but the
witnesses were indicted for wilful and corrupt perjury. The
evidence was very strong against them, for many had seen the sup-
posed Mr. Rowland on the elegant horse. Mr. Tennent employed
Mr. John Coxe, an eminent lawyer, to conduct his defence. He
went to Trenton on the day appointed, and there found Mr. Smith
of New York, one of the ablest lawyers in America, and of a religious
character, who had voluntarily attended to aid in his defence. He
found also at Trenton his brother Gilbert from Philadelphia with
' Mr. Kinsey, one of the first counsellors in the city. Mr. Tennent
was asked vs^ho were his witnesses ; he replied, that he had none,
as the persons, who accompanied him, were also indicted. He
was pressed to delay the trial, as he would most certainly be
convicted ; but he insisted, that it should proceed, as he trusted
in God to vindicate his innocence. Mr. Coxe was charging Mr.
Tennent with acting the part of an enthusiast, when the bell sum-
moned them to court. The lattef had not walked far in the
street before he was accosted by a man and his wife, who asked
him if his name was not Tennent. The man said, that he lived
in a certain place in Pennsylvania or Maryland ; that Mr. Ten-
nent and Mr. Rowland had lodged at his house, or at a house
where he and his wife had been servants, at a particular time, and
on the next day preached ; that some nights before he left home,
70
546- TEN.
he and his wife both dreamed repeatedly, that Mr. Tennent was in
distress at Trenton, and they only could relieve him ; and that they
in consequence had come to that town, and wished to know what
they had to do. Mr. Tennent led them to the court house, and
their testimony induced the jury to bring in a verdict of not guilty
to the astonishment of his enemies. After a life of great usefulness,
Mr. Tennent died at Freehold March 8, 1777, aged seventy one
years. He was well read in divinity, and professed himself a mod-
erate Calvinist. The doctrines of man's depravity, the atonement
of Christ, the necessity of the all powerful influence of the Holy
Spirit to renew the heart, in consistence with the free agency of
the sinner, were among the leading articles of his faith. With his
friends he was at all times cheerful and pleasant. He once dined
in company with governor Livingston and Mr. Whitefieid, when
the latter expressed the consolation he found in believing amidst the
fatigues of the day that his work would soon be done, and that he
should depart and be with Christ. He appealed to Mr. Tennent,
whether that was not his comfort. Mr. Tennent replied, " what
do you think I should say, if I was to send my man Tom into the
field to plough, and at noon should find him lounging under a tree,
complaining of the heat, and of his difficult work, and begging to be
discharged of his hard service ? What should I say ? Why, that
he was an idle, lazy fellow, and that it was his business to do the
work, that I had appointed him." He was the friend of the poor.
The public lost in him a firm assertor of the civil and religious
rights of his country. Few men have ever been more holy in life,
more submissive to the will of God under heavy afflictions, or more,
peaceful in death. An accoimt, which he wrote of the revival of
religion in Freehold and other places, is published in Prince's
Christian history. 4sscmb[y's miss. mag. ii. 97 — 103, 146 — 166,
202 — 207, 333 — 335 ; Pa7io/ilist, ii, 1 — 5, 49 — 67, 97 — 100 ; Mas-
sachuseito- miss. mag. iv. 1, 41, 81, 121 ; Christian history for 1744,
298 — 310.
TENNESSEE, one of the United States of America, was for-
merly a part of Carolina, and in 1754 contained not more than fifty
families, who were either destroyed or driven away by the Indians
before the close of the following year. In 1765 the settlement of
this territory again commenced, and the ravages of the Indians af-
terwards occasioned much suffering. This country was ceded to
the United States in 1789, and in 1790 congress established a terri-
torial government. It was erected into a separate state in 1796, and
admitted into the union. By the constitution of this state, which
was adopted February 6, 1796, a general assembly is established,
consisting of a senate and house of representatives, the members of
which are chosen for two years. The governor is chosen by the
people for two years, and is eligible only for six years out of eight--
-^Morsc^s gcosr. ; Holmes^ ajinals^ ii. 494.
THA. 547
•THACHER (Thomas), first minister of the old south church in
•Boston, was born in England May 1, 1620, and arrived in this coun-
try in June 1635. He pursued his studies under the direction of
JMr. Chauncy, afterwards president of the college. On the second
of January 1644 he was ordained minister of Weymouth, where he
remained more than twenty years ; but after the death of his first
wife in 1664 a number of circumstances induced him to remove to
Boston. When a new church was formed out of the first by per-
sons, displeased with the settlement of Mr. Davenport, Mr. Thach-
er was installed its pastor February 16, 1670. He died October 15,
1678, aged fifty eight years. His colleague, Mr. Willard, surviv-
ed him. Being well skilled in the Hebrew, Mr. Thacher composed
a lexicon of the principal words in that language. President Stiles
speaks of hi«i as the best Arabic scholar in the country. As a
•preacher he was very popular, being remarkably fervent and
copious in prayer. He was zealous against the quakers, for he be-
-lieved that their doctrines subverted the gospel, and led men into
the pit of darkness under the pretence of giving them light. Be-
sides being an excellent minister and Christian, he was also a phy-
sician. He published a fast sermon, 1674 ; a brief rule to guide
the common people in the small pox and measles, \677 .-—Magna'
im, iii. 148—153; Collect, hist, soc.yin. 3.7 S ; Emsrsofi's sermon cni
the death of Dr. Thacher.
THACHER (Peter), first minister of Milton, wastlie son ofthe
preceding, and was born at Salem in 1651. After he was graduated
at Harvard college in 1671, he was chosen a tutor and fellow. In
a few years he went to England, where he became acquainted
with a number of eminent divines. On his return he was or-
dained at Milton June 1, 1681. He died December 17, 1727, in
the seventy seventh year of his age. His successor was Mr. John
Taylor. In his natural temper there was a great deal of vivacity,
which gave an interest to his conversation and to his public perfonTi-
ances. While he was cheerful and affable, he was eminent for
sanctity and benevolence. Besides the ordinary labors of the Lord's
day he preached a monthly lecture, and encouraged the private
meetings of. his neighbors for religioiK; purposes. He sometimes
preached to a society of young men. Having studied the Indian
language he also at a monthly lecture imparted to the Indians of a
neighboring village the gospel of salvation. Being a physician, his
benevolence prompted him to expend a great part of his yearly sal-
ary in the purchase of medicines and other necessaries for the sick
and indigent. His death was somewhat sudden. The last words,
which he uttered, were, " I am going to Christ in glory." He pub-
lished unbelief detected and condemned, to which is added the treas-
ures of the fathers inheritable by their posterity, 1708 ; election
^ sermon, 1711 ; Christ's forgiveness a pattern, 1712 ; a^crmoncn
546 THA.
the death of Samuel Man, 1719 ; a divine riddle, he that is weak
is strong, 1723 ; the perpetual covenant, a sermon to a society of
young men.'— Mather's sermon on his death ; Collect, hist. sac. viii.
277 ; ix. 195 ; Emcrso7i*s sermo?i on Dr. Thacher ; JV. E. weekly
jqurnal, December 25, 1727.
TH A.CHER (Peter), minister in Boston, was born in that town
and was graduated at Harvard college in 1696. While a member
of this institution it pleased a sovereign God to give him a deep
sense of his sin, and at length to inspire him with a cheerful faith
in the Savior of the lost. Alter living for some time at Hatfield as
a schoolmaster, he was settled in the ministry at Weymouth, where
he remained eleven or twelve years. He was installed pastor of
tbe new north church in Boston, as colleague with Mr. Webb, Jan-
uary 28, 1723. In consequence of some divisions in the society,
and some irregularity in the measures, which were adopted to ob-
tain Mr, Thacher, the association retused to assist in his settlement.
He died February 26, 1739, in the sixty second year of his age.
He possessed a strong and masterly genius. Mr. Cooper calls him
the evangelical reasoner. While he was remarkably skilled in
theology, his judgment was penetrating, his style manly, and his
reasoning close and accurate. He was always zealous in defending
the Calvinistic doctrines, which after indefatigable study and earnest
prayer he embraced. A natural modesty adorned his rich endow-
ments. He exhibited great humbleness of mind without meanness
pf spirit. As a preacher he was pathetic, for he believed and felt
what he delivered. In the gift of prayer he was almost unequalled.
During his last sickness he was cheerful, for he hoped in the mercy
of God through the Redeemer. He published the election sermon,
1726, and a sermon on the death of Mrs. Gee — Caiman's, Coo/ier'sy
and Webb's serm. on his death ; Eliot's dedicat. sermon.
THACHER (Peter), minister of Middleborough, Massachu-
setts, was the son of the reverend Mr. Thacher of Milton, and was
born October 6, 1688. He was graduated at Harvard college in
1706. After preaching two years in Middleborough, he was or-
dained November 2, \7(^. His death took place April 22, 1744.
He was succeeded by Mr. Conant. Receiving from his ancestors a
large collection of puritan authors, Mr. Thacher imbibed the spirit
of these writings. He was very distinguished for the sanctity of
his life. At one period his faithful exertions as a minister were the
means of adding near two hundred members to his church in less
than three years. The doctrines, which he preached, were the di-
vine trinity, the total depravity of man, the sovereign grace of God
in choosing any to salvation, and in sending his Son to purchase and
his Spirit to apply it, and justification through the righteousness of
Christ. He was anxious to render men holy and benevolent. He
pwblished an account of the revival of religion in Middleborough
THA. 549
iu the Christian history, where is a minute account of his life by-
Mr. Prince.— Oimfm;* history for 1743, 171,412 ; for 1744, 77—.
99; Barker^s century sermon ; Collect, hist. soc. in. 149.
THACHER (Oxenbkidge), a representative of Boston m the
general court, was the son of Oxenbridge Thacher, esquire,
•who died in 1772 in the ninety third year of his age, and grandson
of the reverend Peter Thacher of Miiton. He was graduated at
Hai'vard college in 1738 and died July 8, 1765, aged forty five years.
He was a learned man and good writer. He published a pamphlet
on the gold coin, 1760, and the sentiments of a British American,
occasioned by the act to lay certain duties in the British colonies
and plantations, 1764. — Collect, hist. soc. viii. 277 ; Emerson's scr'
mon on Dr. Thacher.
THACHER (Peteb, d. d.), minister in Boston, was the son of
the preceding, and was born in Milton March 21, 1752. He gave
early indications of a serious mind, preferring books of piety and
the conversation of persons older than himself to the diversions
of the childish age. He was graduated at Harvard college in 1769,
when but seventeen years of age. He always thought, that his ed-
ucation was too much hurried. On the nineteenth of September
1770 he was ordained the minister of Maiden. As a preacher he
was admired. His charming voice, his oratorical powers, his fluen-
cy in prayer, and the pathos of his expression Avere applauded by
the serious and intelligent, and rendered him uncommonly accepta-
ble to the multitude. No young man preached to such crowded as-
semblies. Mr. Whitefield in his prayers called him the young E-
lijah. Being a strict Calvinist in his sentiments, he contended zeal-
ously for the faith of his fathers. When the controversy began with
Great Britain, he exerted himself in the pulpit, in conversation, and
in other ways to support the rights of his country. He was a dele-
gate from Maiden to the convention, which formed the constitution
of Massachusetts in 1780. Being democratic in his sentiments he
contended, that there should be no governor, and when a decision
was made contrary to his wishes he still made particular objections
to the title of excellency, which was giverf to the chief magistrate.
But afterwards, as he became better acquainted with the policy of
government, he was warmly attached to those parts of the conslitu=
tion, which he had once disapproved. He was installed minister of
the church in Brattle street, Boston, as successor of Dr. Cooper,
January 12, 1785 ; and in this vineyard of the Lord he continued
till his death. Being afilicted with a pulmonary complaint, his
physicians recommended the milder air of a more southern climate.
He accordingly sailed for Savannah, where he died December 16,
1802 in the fifty first year of his age, He was succeeded by the
reverend Mr. Buckminster. Just before he set sail from Boston
he was visited by Dr. Stillman, vo whom he expressed his belief,
that he should not recover, and said with peculiar energy, " the
doctrines I haA'e preached are now my only comfort. IVly hope?
550 THO.
are built on the atonement and righteousness of Christ." The last
words, which he uttered, were " Jesus Christ, my Savior."
Dr. Thacher was a member of the board of commissioners foi-
•propagating tlic gospel among the Indians in North America, of
the historical society of JNIassachusetts, of several charitable and
humane societies, and of the American academy of arts and sci-
ences. As a preacher his discourses were not elaborate, but
they were recommended by vivacity of thought and by a graceful
delivery. During his residence in Boston he relaxed somewhat
from his former strictness and became more liberal in his senti-
ments. In the chamber of sickiTess he was remarkably acceptable.
By the couch of those, who were dismayed by tlic terrors of death,
he administered consolation by dwelling upon the mercy of that
Savior, who died to redeem a guilty and suffering world. To
the distressed and afflicted his voice was that of an angel of com-
fort. In prayer he was uncommonly eloquent, uttering in impres-
sive and pathetic language the devout feelings of his own heart,
and exciting deep emotions in the hearts of his hearers. He pub-
lished an oration against standing armies, delivered March 5, 1776 ;
a sermon on the death of Andrew Eliot, 1778 ; three sern\ons in
proof of the eternity of future punishment, 1782 ; observations on
the state of the clergy in New England, with strictures upon the
power of dismissing them, usurped by soxne churches, 1783; a
a reply to strictures upon the preceding ; a sermon on the
death of Joshua Paine ; at the ordination of Elijah Kellogg,
1788 ; memoirs of Dr. Boylston, published in Massachusetts
magazine, 1789 ; a sermon at the ordination of William F.
Rowland, 1790 ; on the death of governor Bowdoin, 1791 ; ser-
rnon at the artillery election ; on the death of governor Hancock,
1793 ; on the death of Samuel Stillnian, junior ; at the ordination
of his son, Thomas Cushing Thacher, 1794 ; a sermon before the
Massachusetts congregational cliaritable society, 1795 ; on the
/leath of Thomas Russeil ; on the death of Nathaniel Gorham,
1796 ; a sermon before a society of freemasons, 1797 j at the in-
terment of Dr. Clarke ; on the death of Rebecca Gill, 1798 ; on
the clcath of governor Sumner ; a sermon to the society in Brattle
street on the completion of a century from its establishment, 1799 ;
a discourse on the death of Washington, 1800. — Ema-sori's sermon
on his death ; Collect, hist. soc. viii. 277 — 284 ; Sdllman's sermons,,
256 ; Polyanthos^ iii. 2 — f which
the reverend Jonathan Parsons was the first minister. Dr. Tuck«r
died March 22, 1792, in the seventy third year of his age, and the
forty seventh of his ministry. The I'evcrend Mr. Moor succeeded
him, and the reverend Mr. Popkin is now the minister of the same
church. He possessed a strong and well furnished mind, and in ar-
gumentation exhibited peculiar ingenuity and talents. In his ex-
amination of the sacred scriptures he formed conclusions respecting
some doctrines different from those, whicli were adopted by many
of his brethren, but his life displayed the Christian virtues. He
was habitually meek and placid, but when called to engage in con-
troversy he defended himself with courage and with the keenness of
satire. He published a sermon, preached at the ordination of Ed-
mund Noyes, Salisbury, 1751 ; four sermons, on the danger of sin-
ners hardening their hearts under the sparing mercy of an offended
God, on God's special care over the righteous under public calami-
ties occasioned by the earthquakes, on the scripture doctrine of the
reconciliation of sinners to God, and on being born of God, 1756 ;
a thanksgiving discourse, 1756; observations on the doctrines and
ilncharitableness of the reverend Jonathan Parsons, as exhibited
more especially in his late discourses on 1 Timothy i 15, 1757;
a sermon at the ordination of Amos Moody, Pclham, N. H. 1765 ;
a- brief account of an ecclesiastical council, so called, convened in
the first parish in Newl)ury, to which is annexed a discourse, being
a minister's appeal to his hearers, as to his life and doctrines, 1767;
two discourses occasioned by the death of reverend John Lowell,
Newbury port, 1767 ; remarks on a sermon of reverend Aaron
Hutchinson, pre:iched April 23, 1767 ; the replv of reverend Aa-
ron Hutchinson considered, 1768 ; a letter to reverend Jamos Chand-
ler, Rowley, relative to a marginal note or two in his sermon,
preached at Ncwhuryport June 2 5, 1767, preparatory to the set-
riing of a minister ; a reply to Mr. Chandler's answer, 1768; re-
marks on Mr. Chandler's serious address to a societv at Ntwbnrv-
port, 1768 ; a sermon at the convention of ministers. Miy 26, 1768 ;
two sermons, on the gospel condition of salvation, and on the nature
TUR. 555
and necessity of the Father's drawing such as come to Christ, 1769 ;
the election sermon, 1771 ; remarks on a discourse of reverend
Jonatnan Parsons, delivered March 5, 1774 ; the Dudleian lecture
at Cambridge entitled, the validity of presbyterian ordination ar-
gued from Jesus Christ's being the tounder, the sole legiblator, and
supreme head and ruler of the Christian church, 1778 ; and a ser-
itioa at Newbury Port August 14, 1788, on a day for seeking tlie di-
vine direction in the ctioice of a colleague pastor with reverend
Tnomas Cary. — Eames'fun. serm ; Po/ikin's scrjnons on quirting the
old, and entering the new meeting house.^ J\''ewbury.
TURELL (Ebenezer), minister of Medtord, Massachusetts,
was graduated at Harvitrd college in 172 1, and was ordained No-
vember 25, 1724, as successor ot tlie reverend Auron Porter. He
died December 5, 1778, in the seventy seventh year ot his age, and
the fitty fourth of his ministry. He w.ts au eminent preacher, of a
ready invention, a correct judgment, and fervent devotion, who deliv-
ered divine truth with animation, uud maintained discipline in his
church with boldness tempered with prudence. His doctrine was
Cdlvinistic, and always improved to promote practical godliness.
To his country he was a zealous friend in all its interests. Alter
following to the grave thiee wives of the first families, one of whom
v/ai the daughter of the reverend Dr. Colman, he himself died in the
lively hope of a blessed immortality through the merits of his divine
Master. He published the life and character of the reverend Dr.
Colman, Sv^o, 1749. — Inde/iendent chronicle, February ^5, 1779.
TYTLER (James), eminent for learning, was a native of Scot-
land, and emigrated to this country about the year 1796. He died
at Salem, Massachusetts, in January 1804 in the fifty ninth year of
his i\ge. He was poor and lived on a point of land at a little dis-
tance from the town. Returnhig to his house in a dark night he
fell into a clay pit and was drowned. His conduct in life was mark-
ed with almost perpetual impnadence ; yet he was a man of no
common science and genius. He was one of the editors of the Ed-
inburgh'edition of the encyclopedia Britannica, published a number
of years ago, and compiled the articles aerology, aerostation, chem-
istry, electricity, gunnery, hydrostatics, mechanics, meteorology, a
part of the article motion, and most of the separate articles in the va-
rious branches of natural history. He published in great Britain an
answer to the first part of Paine's age of reason, and at Saleni in
1796 an answer to his second part. He also published a treatise on
the plague and yellow fever, 8vo. At the time of his death he was
engaged in compiling a universal geography. — Encyclop. Philadel-
phia edit, fireface^ xiii.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, the last nation, which
has arisen in the world, existed formerly as disconnected colonies
of Great Britain. After the settlement of America the first appear-
ance of a .union among the distinct colonies is presented in the art?-
556 UNI.
cics of confederation entered into at Boston May 15, 1643 by com-
missioners Irom New iiaven, Coniitclicut, Massachusetts, and
Plymouth. It was agreed, that two deputies Irom each of these
colonics should meet annually, and have power to make war and
peace with the Dutch, I'rench, and Indians, and to establish all laws
Oi a general concern. All com.iion affairs were to be transacted
under the name ol the Unitcu Colonies oi New England. Rnode
Island applied lor admission in 1648, but was reiused. This union
coniinuccl more than forty years till the abrogation of the New Eng-
land charters by James II. A more extensive plan oi union was
proposed m 1 734 in consequence otihe apprehension of an approach-
ing war with tne French. A convention, consisting of delegates
from New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Kiiode Island, Connecticut,
Pennsylvania, and Maryland, with the lieutenant governor and coun-
cil ot New York, met at Albany on the fourteenth oi June, and after
making a treaty with the Indians of the six nations, took up tne sub-
ject of union. A plan, which was drawn up by Dr. Franklin, was
signed on the fourth of July by all the delegates, excepting those of
Connecticut. Ii proposed a general government, to be administered
by a president general appointed by the crown, and by a grand coun-
cil, consisting of members chosen by the colonial assemblies. No
colony was to have more than seven, nor less than two represent-
atives. The consent of the president was to be necessary to the
passing of a bill into a law, and all laws were to be sent to England
for the approbation of the king. Among other powers to be vested
in the president and council was that of laying such duties, imposts,
Ol taxes as should be necessary for the general defence. A copy of
this plan was transmitted to each of the colonial assemblies and to
the king's council, and it was rejected by both ; by the first, because
it was supposed to give too much power to the representative of the
king, and by the last because it was supposed to give too much power
to tne representatives of the people. It is less surprising that the
contederation should be rejected in England, than that the conven-
tion should have been permitted to take place, or that when assem-
bled the delegates should have been suffered to direct their thoughts
to the subject oi union. The proposal ol a union first came from
Shirley, the royal governor of IVIassachusetts. After the passing of
the stamp act by the British parliament for the purpose of raising a
revenue in America, the assembly of Massachusetts proposed a
congress of deputies from each colony to consult on the common
interest. Deputies from tlie assemblies of Massachusetts, Rhode
Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the
Delaware counties, Maryland, and South Carolina accordingly met
at New York in October 1765, and immediately made a declaration
of rights and grievances. Tl.ey claimed lor the colonies the ex-
•clusivc power of taxing themselves, and agreed upon a petition to
the king, and a memorial to each house oi parliament. From Xh'v:
UNI. 557
period the pretensions of Great Britain were examined with the
greatest frpedom ; the assemblies of diffitrent colonics adopted spir-
ited resolutions, asserting their rights ; a general non importation
agreement was entered into ; committees of corresponaence were
appointed ; and affairs were hastening to a crisis. The bill, which
S^mt the port of Boston in 1774, excited universal indignation.
Through sympathy in the sufferings oi Massuchusetts the house of
burgesses of Virginia appointed a day of lasting and prayer, and
signed an agreement, declaring, that an attack upon a sister colony
to compel submission to arbitrary taxes was an attack on all British
America. They also directed the committee of correspondence to
propose a general congress. On the fifth ot September 1774 the
first congress, composed of delegates from eleven colonies, was
held at Philadelphia. During a session of eight weeks a declaration
of rights was adopted; a non importation, non consumption, and
Don exportation agreement was made ; an address to the people of
Great Britain,a memorial to the inhabitants of British America, and
a loyal address to his majesty were prepared ; and letters were
written to the people of Canada, and to the colonies of St. John's,
Nova Scotia, Georgia, and the Floridas, inviting them to unite in
the common cause. The battle of Lexington, April 19, 1775, was
the signal of war and the royal troops in Boston soon found them-
selves besieged by an army of twenty thousand men. The second
congi'ess assembled at Philadelphia on the tenth of May, and imme-
diately resolved upon taking up arms, and emitted bills of credit to
the amount of three millions of dollars to deiray the expenses of the
war, for the redemption of which bills the twelve confederate cole-
nies werel^ledged. They however prepared a second petition to
the king, a second address to the inhabitants of Great Britain, and
addresses to the people of Canada, and to the assembly of Jamaica,
all of which were written in a masterly manner. In the mean time
Ticonderoga and Crown Point were taken by troops under the com-
mand of colonel Allen, and the hard fought battle of Bunker's hill
in the neighborhood of Boston on the seventeenth of June taught
the Americans, that they were able to contend with the disciplined
troops oi Great Britain. General Washington arrived at Cambridge
as the commander in chief in July. In the autumn Canada was
invaded by Montgomery, who took Montreal, and Arnold penetrat-
ed through the wilderness of the district of Maine and presented
himself before Quebec. Tiie assault upon the city at the close of the
year was however unsuccessful. The British were reduced to the
necessity of evacuating Boston March 17, 1776, and in June the A-
mericans were obliged to withdraw themselves from Canada. On
the fourth of July, after an animated debate, the declaration of inde-
pendence was adopted by congress. The members of that illustri-
ous body solemnly declared the united colonies to be " free and in-
dependent states," and in support of this declaration, with a firm
558 UNT.
reliance on the protectionof divine providence, they mutually pledg-:
ed to eacu otiier their lives, tiieir toriunes, and tneir sacred nonor.
In August the British drove the Aaiericans from Long Island; in
Se|.lernber they tooR. possession ol New York ; and in a short ume
they captured forls Wasnington and Lee, and obliged the command-
er in chielto retire beyond the Delaware. The congress removed
to Baltimore in December. On the twenty bixth ol this month the
baitle ol Trenton revived the expiring cause of America. Dur-
ing the year 1777 there was a number of warm engagemeiits.
In September after the battle of Brandywine the enemy took pos-
session of Philadelphia. The Americans were again defeated in
the battle of Germantown October the fourth. The northern cam-
paign was more encouraging, for on the seventeenth of October
Burgoyne was captured with his whole army of upwards of five
thousand seven hundred men. In the beginning of 1778 a treity
was made with France, and a powerful ally obtained. This event
induced the British to abandon Philadelphia in June in order to
concentrate the I'oyal lorces at New York. They were pursued and
attacked at Monmouth. At the close of the year Savannah fell in-
to the hands of the enemy. In 1779 an expedition vv'as unc'ertaken
from New York against Connecticut, and New Haven was plunuer-
ed, and Fairfield and Norwalk burned. Stony point on the other
hand was taken by general Wayne by assault. The country ot the
Indians of the six nations was desolated by general SullivcU in Au-
gust and September. In October an unsuccessful attempt to re-
cover Savannah was made by count D 'Estaing and general Liiicoln.
On the twenty fifth of the same month Newport hi Rhode Island,
which had been held by the enemy from December 1776^as evac-
uated. In the year 1780 sir Henry Clinton sailed to Charles-
ton, and on the twelfth of May made general Lincoln and the
whole garrison prisoners. On the sixteenth of August Gates
was defeated in the buttle of Camden. In September the treach-
ery of Arnold was detected. The year 1781 was distinguished
by the most important events. Greene, who had superseded Gates
in the southern department, brought the highest honor to the Amer-
ican arms. The splendid victory of Eutaw on the eighth of Septem-
ber closed the revolutionary wa'' in South Carolina. Cornwallis was
besieged in York town by the united American and French armies,
and on the nineteentli of October he was obliged to capitulate with
about six thousand raen. The capture of this army may be consid-
ered as the termination of the war, for the events, which took place
afterwards, were of little comparative magnitude.
Till the year 1781 the powers of congress seem to have been de-
fined by no formal agreement between the several states, but in this
year articles of confederation were adopted. The articles had been
made by congress November 15, 1777, and submitted to the indi-
vidual states, but Maryland -did not sign them till March 1, 1781
tJNI. 559
On their reception by this state the act of union was completed.
There were perhaps some advantages in the delay of tiiis event ;
for as seven states were a majority, whenever that number mei it
was considered as the representative body of the thirteen, and if
a measure was adopted by four out of the seven, it was considered
as the act of the whole, even in those cases, which by tlie confeder-
ation required the concurrence of nine states. The following are
the principal features of the confederation, which was the iounda-
tionx>f the American government until the establishment of the
present constitution. The style of the confederacy was, the Unit-
ed States of America, eacn stute retaining all powers not expressly
delegated No state was to be represented in congress by less than
two, nor by more than seven members. The delegates were chosen
annually, and while they were incapable of being chosen for more
than three years in any term of six years, they were liable at any
time to be recallea. No one could be a member of congress, who
held an office of profit under the United States. Each state was to
have one vote. Affairs of common concern were for the most part
intrusted to congress. There was to be a common treasury, and a rev-
enue was to be raised by taxes, apportioned among the states ac-
cording to the value of surveyed lands and buildings, but to be levi-
ed by the legislutures of the I'espective states. In all disputes re-
specting the boundary or jurisdiction of states, an appeal could be
made to congress in the last resort. Measures were decided by a
majority of the United States assembled. Congress could not ad-
journ for a longer time than six. months, and during a recess " a
committee of the states," consisting of one delegate from each, might
execute such powers, as nine of the states should confer upon thera.
No alteration could be made in the articles of union, unless agreed
to in congress, and confirmed by the legislatures of every state.
On the thirtieth of November 1782 provisional articles of peace
between Great Britain and the United St \tr.swere sij^'ned, and thede^
finitive treaty September 3, 1783 New York was evacuated on the
twenty fifth of November, and Washington soon afterwards repaired
to congress and resigned his military commission. In 1786 there was
an insurrection in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, occasioned
principally by the burdens of the necess iry taxes, but it was suppress-
ed in the following year. In M.-y 1787 the convention, which framed
the present constitution of the United Stales assembled at Philadel-
phia. Anew government had been rendered necessary by'the imbe-
cility of the confederation. An enormous debt had been contracted
by the war, and to discharge it a system of revenue had been devised,
an essential part of which was a general impost. But as the states
were no longer bound together by common danger and common in-
terest, the ordinances of congress were disre;;Hrded. Commercial
reeri-
ca, he accompanied them as teacher and Mr. Maverick as pastor.
They arrived at Nantasket May 30, 1630, and in June began a set-
tlement at Dorchester near Boston. In 1635 this church removed
to Connecticut river and settled at Windsor. Mr. Maverick, while
preparing to follow them, died February 3, 1636 ; but Mr. Warham
joined them in September. Here he continued about thirty four
years till his death April 1, 1670. Though he was distinguished
for piety and the strictest morals, yet he was sometimes the prey of
religious melancholy. He was known to administer the Lord's
supper to his brethren, while he did not participate with them
through apprehension, that the seals of the new covenant did not
belong to him. It is supposed, that he was the first minister in
New England, who used notes in preaching ; yet he was animated
and energetic in his va^nu&v.-— Mather^ s magnalia, iii. 121 ; Trum-
bull's Connect, i. 55, 492 ; Collect, hist. aoc. i. 99 ; iii. 74 ; v. 166
— 168 ; ix. 148, 154 ; Holmes' annala, i. 408.
WARREN (Joseph), a major general in the American army,
was bom in Roxbury in 1740, and was graduated at Harvard college
in 1759. Directing his attention to medical studies, he in a few
years became one of the most eminent physicians in Boston. But
he lived at a period, when greater objects claimed his attention, than
those, which related particularly to his profession. His country
needed his efTorts, and his zeal and courage would not permit him
to shrink from any labors or dangers. His eloquence and his talents
as a writer were displayed on many occasions from the year, in
which the stamp act was passed, to the commencement of the war.
He was a bold politician. While many were wavering with regard
to the measures, which should be adopted, he contended, that every
kind of taxation, whether external or internal, was tyranny, and
ought immediately to be resisted ; and he believed that America
was able to withstand any force, that could be sent against her. From
the year 1768 he was a principal member of a secret meeting or
caucus in Boston, winch had great influence on the concerns of the
country. With all his boldness, and decision, and zeal, he was cir-
cumspect and wise. In this assembly the plans of defence were
matured. After the destruction of the tea, it was no longer kept
secret. He was twice chosen the public orator of the town on the
anniversary of the massacre, and his orations breathe the energy of
;i great and daring mind. It was he, who on the evening before the
WAR. 576
battle of Lexington obtained information of tlie intended expedi-
tion against Concord, and at ten o'clock at night despatched an ex-
press to Messrs. Hancock and Adams^,. who were at Lexington, to
•warn them of their danger. He himself on the next day, the mem-
orable nineteenth of April, was very active. It is said in general
Heath's memoirs, that a ball took off part of his ear lock. In the
confused state of the army, which soon assembled at Cambridge, be
had vast influence in preserving order among the troops. After the
departure of Hancock to congress he was chosen president of the
provincial congress in his place. Four days previously to the battle
of Bunker's or Breed's hill he received his commission of major
general. When the intrenchments were made upon the fatal spot,
to encourage the men within the lines he went down from Cam-
bridge and joined them as a volunteer on the eventtul day of the
battle, June the seventeenth. Just as the retreat commenced, a
ball struck him on the head and he died in the trenches, aged thirty
five years. He was the first victim of rank, that fell in the struggle
with Great Britain. In the spring of 1776 his bones were taken up
and entombed in Boston, on which occasion, as he had been grand
master of the free masons in America, a brother mason and an elo-
quent orator pronounced a funeral eulogy. With zeal in the cause
of liberty, which blazed. Dr. Warren was yet judicious in counsel,
and candid and generous towards those, who had different senti-
ments respecting the controversy. His mind was vigorous, his dis-
position humane, and big manners affable and engaging. In his in-
tegrity and patriotism entire confidence was placed. To the most
undaunted bravery he added the virtues of domestic life, the elo-
quence of an accomplished orator, and the wisdom of an able states-
man. He published an oration in 1772 and another in 1775 com-
memorative of the fifth of March 1770. — Gordon, i. 489 ; ii, 46—
49, 214 ; Ramsay, i. 205 ; Rush's eulogium ; Warren's hist, of the
TOflr, i. 222, 223 ; Polyanthos, iii. 217 — 224 ; iv. 172 ; Morton's
eulogy ; Holmes' annals, ii. 335 ; Collect, hist. soc. v. 107 ; Poetical
eulogium ; Hardie.
WARREN (James), a distinguished friend of his country, was
descended from Richard Warren, one of the first settlers of Plym-
outh in 1620, and was born in the year 1726. He was graduated
at Harvard college in 1745. Directing his attention to commercial
affairs, he was for many years a respectable merchant. About the
year 1757 his father died and left him a handsome patrimonial estate;,
which had descended from Richard Warren. He was at this time
appointed high sheriff as successor of his father, and he retained
this office till the commencement of the war, notwithstanding the
active part, which he took in opposing the measures of the Brit-
ish ministry. In May 1766 he was chosen a member of the general
court from Plyraoutii, and he uniformly supported the rights of his
country, Thp government, who knew his abilities aijd feared his
574 WAS.
opposition, tried the influence of promises and of tiireats upon him ;
but his inte,;^rity was not to be corrupted. In 1773 his proposal for
establishing committees of correspondence was generally adopted.
When solicited to take a seat in the first congress he declined, not
then having had the small pox. After the death of his friend, gen-
eral Warren, he was appointed president of the provincial congress.
While the army lay at Cambridge in 1775 he was made paymaster
general, but in the following year, when the troops went to New
York and three departments were constituted, he resigned. In 1776
he was appointed major general of the militia, though he never acted
in that capacity. After the tormation of the constitution of Massa-
chusetts he was for many years speaker of the house of representa-
tives. Preferring an active station, in which he could serve his
country, he refused the office of lieutenant governor, and that of
judge of the supreme court, but accepted a seat at the navy board,
the duties of which were very arduous. At the close of the war he
retired from public employments to enjoy domestic ease and leisure.
He afterwards however accepted a seat in the council, and the last
act of his long labors for the benefit of his country was the discharge
of the duty of an elector of president and vice president in 1804.
He died at Plymouth November 27, 1808, aged eighty two years.
Amidst his public cares, which demanded his abilities, and much oc-
cupied him, he never neglected the more humble duties of domes-
tic life, or the more exalted claims of religion. While his conduct
was uniformly upright, his piety was retired, unassuming, and con-
stant. — Warren's hist, of the war, i. 58, 109, 135, 181, 226, 235 ;
Gordon, i. 208 ; Marshall, i. ajifiendix, 41 ; ii. 278.
WASHBURN (Joseph), minister of Farmington, Connecticut,
"was graduated at Yale college in 1793, and was ordained in 1794 or
1795. His declining heahh induced him in 1805 to seek a more
southern climate. While on his passage fi-om Norfolk to Charles-
ton, he died in tne arms of Mrs. Washburn on the twenty fifth of
December, and his body was deposited in the ocean. He was one
of the editors of the Connecticut evangelical magazine. A vol-
"ume of his sermons has been published since his death in 12mo.
It is esteemed for the plain and important instructions, which it
contains. — Assembhfs miss. mai^. ii. 143.
WASHINGTON (George), commander in chief of the Amer-
ican army during the war with Great Britain, and first president of
nhe United States, was the third son of Mr. Augustine Washington,
and was born at Bridges creek in the county of Westmoreland, Vir-
ginia, February 22, 1732. His great grandfather had emigrated to
that place froni the north of England about the year 1657. At the
age of ten years he lost his father, and the patrimonial estate de-
scended to his clyith his papers and provisions in his pack) accompanied only by hi«
pilot, Mr. Gist. At a place upon the Allegh'any, called Murdering
town, they fell in with a hostile Indian, who was one of a pvirty then
lying in wait, and who fired upon them not ten steps distant. They
took him into custody and kepi him until nine o'clock, and then let
him go. To avoid the pursuit, which they presumed would be
commenced in the morning, they travelled all night. On reaching
the Monongahela, they had a hard day's work to make a raft with a
hatchet. In attempting to cross the river to reach a trader's house,
they were enclosed by masses of ice. In order to stop the raft
major Washington put down his setting pole ; but the ice came
with such force against it, as to jerk him into the water. He saved
himself by seizing one of the raft logs. With difficulty they landed
on an island, where they passed the night. The cold was so severe,'
that the pilot's hands and feet were frozen. The next day they
crossed the river upon the ice. Waslungton arrived at Williams-
burg January 16, 1754. His journal, which evinced the solidity of
his judgment and his fortitude, was published.
As the French seemed disposed to remain upon the Ohio, it was
determined to raise a regiment of three hundred men to maintain
the claims of the British crown. The command was given to Mr.
Fry, and major Washington, who was appointed lieutenant colonel,
inarched with two companies early in April 1754 u) advance of the
other troops. A few miles west of the Great Meadows he surprised
a French encampment in a dark, rainy night, and only one man es-
caped. Before the arrival of the two remaining companies Mr. Fry
died, and the command devolved on colonel Washington. Being
joined by two other companies of regular troops from South Caro-
lina and New York, after erecting a small stockade at the
Great Meadows, he proceeded towards fort du Quesne, which had
been built but a short tim , with the intention of dislodging the
French. He had marched only thirteen miles tothe westernmost foot
of the Laurel hill, before he received information of the approach
of the enemy with superior numbers, and was induced to return to
his stockade. He began a ditch around it, and called it fort Neces-
sity ; but the next day, July the third, he was attacked by fifteen
hundred men. His own troops were only about four hundred in
number. The action commenced at ten in the morning and lasted
until dark. A part of the Americans fought within tlie fort, and a
part in the ditch filled with mud and water. Colonel Washington
was himself on the outside of the fort during the whole day. The
enemy fought under cover of tlie trees and high grass. In the
course of the night articles of capitulation were agreed upon. The
garrison were allowed to retain their arms and baggage, and to
march unmolested to the inhabited parts of Virginia. The loss of
the Americans in killed and wounded was supposed to be about a
hundred, and that of the enemy about two hundred. In a few
WAS. 577
tiionths afterwards orders were received for settling the rank of the
officers, and those, who were commissioned by the king, being di-
rected to take rank of the provincial officers, colonel Washington
indignantly resigned his commission. He now retired to Mount
Vernon, that estate by the death of his brother having devolved up-
on him. But in the spring of 1755 he accepted an invitation from
general Braddock to enter his family as a volunteer aid de camp in
his expedition to the Ohio. He proceeded with him to Wills' creek,
afterwards called fort Cumberland, in April. After the troops had
marched a few miles from this place, he was seized with a raging
fever ; but refusing to remain behind he was conveyed in a covered
waggon. By his advice tvi^elve hundred men w^ere detached in or*
der by a rapid movement to reach fort du Quesne before an expected
reenforcement should be received at that place. These disencum-
bered troops were commanded by Braddock himself, and colonel
Washington, though still extremely ill, insisted upon proceeding
with them. After they arrived upon the Monongahela he advised
the general to employ the ranging companies of Virginia to scour
the woods and to prevent ambuscades ; but his advice was not fol-
lowed. On the ninth of July, when the army was within seven
miles of fort du Quesne, the enemy commenced a sudden and fu-
rious attack, being concealed by the wood and high grass. In a
short time colonel Washington was the only aid, that was unwound-
ed, and on hi-.n devolved the whole duty of carrying the orders of
the commander in chief. He was cool and fearless. Though he
had two horses killed under him, and four balls through his coat,
he escaped unhurt, while every other officer on horseback was ei-
ther killed or wounded. Doctor Craik, the physician, who at-
tended him in his last sickness, was present in this battle, and says,
" I expected every moment to see him fall. — Nothing but the su-
perintending care of Providence could have saved him from the
fate of all around him." After an action of three hours the t^oops
gave way in all directions, and colonel Washington and two others
brought off Braddock, who had been mortally wounded. He attempt-
ed to rally the retreating troops ; but, as he sws himself, it was like
endeavoring " to stop the wild bears of the mountains " The con-
duct of the regular troops was most cowardly. The enemy were
-few in numbers and had no expectation of victory, In a sermon
occasioned by this expedition the reverend Dr. Davies of Hanover
county thus prophetically expressed himself ; " as a remarkable in-
stance of patriotism I may point out to the publicthat heroic youth,
colonel Washington, whom I cannot but hope Providence has hith-
erto preserved in so signal a manner for some important service to
his country." For this purpose he was indeed preserved, and at
the end of twenty years he began to render to his country more im-
portant services, than the minister of Jesus could have anticipated.
From 1755 to 1758 he commanded a regiment, which was raised
74
578 WAS.
for the protection of the frontiers, and during this period he wa»
incessantly occupied in efforts to shield the exposed settlements
from the incursions of the savages. His exertions were in a great
degree ineffectual in consequence of the errors and the pride of
government, and of the impossibility of guarding with a few troops
an extended territory from an enemy, which was averse to open
warfare. He in tnc most earnest manner recommended offensive
measures as the only meihod of giving complete protection to the
scattered settlements. In the year 1758 to his great joy it wa»3 de-
termined to undertake another expedition against fort du Quesne,
and he engaged in it with zeal. Early in July the troops were as-
sembled at fort Cumberland ; and hereagainstall the remonstrances
and arguments of colonel Washiiigton general Forbes resolved to
open a new road to the Ohio insteid of taking the old route. Such
was the predicted delay, occasioned by this measure, that in No-
vember it was resolved not to proceed further during that cam-
paign. But intelligence of the weakness of the garrison induce4
an alteration of the plan of passing the winter in the wilderness.
By slow marches the army was enabled on the twenty fifth of No-
vember to reach fort du Quesne, of which peaceable possession was
taken, as the enemy on the preceding night after setting it on fire
had abandoned it, and proceeded down the Ohio. The works in
this place were repaired, and its name was changed to that of fort
Pitt. The, success of the expedition was to be attributed to the
British fleet, which intercepted reenforcenients, destined for Cana-
da, and to events in the northern colonies. The great object, which
he had been anxious to effect, being now accomplished, and his
health being enfeebled, colonel Washington resigned his commission
as commander in chief of all the troops raised in Virginia.
Soon after his resignation he was married to the widow of Mr.
Custis, a yoimg lady, to whom he had been for some time strongly
attac/ied, and who to a large fortune and a fine person added those
amiable accomplishments, which fill with silent felicity the scenes
of domestic life. His attention for several years was principally-
directed to the management of his estate, which had now become
considerable. He had nine thousand acres under his own manage-
ment. So great a part was cultivated, that in one year he raised
seven thousand busl\els of whe.it, and ten thousand of Indian com.
His slaves and other persons, employed by him, amounted to near
a thousand ; and the woollen and linen cloth necessary for their
use was chiefly manufactured on the estate. He was at this pe-
riod a respectable member of the legislature of Virginia, in which
he took a decided part in opposition to the principle of taxation,
asserted by the British parliamen*^. He also acted as a judge of a
county court. In 1774 he was elected a member of the first con-
gress, and was placed on all those committees, whose duty it waste
-make arrangements for defence. In the following year, after the
WAS. 579
battle of Lexington, when it was determined by congress to resort
to arms, colonel Washington was unanimously elected commander
in chief of the army of the united coionies. All were satisfied as to
his qualifications, and the delegates from New England were par-
ticularly pleased with his election, as it would tend to unite the
southern colonies cordially in the war. He accepted the appoint-
ment with diffidence, and expressed his intention of receiving no
compensation for his services, and only a mere discharge ot his ex-
penses. He immediately rep.dred to Cambridge in the neighbor-
hood of Boston, where he arrived on the second of July. He formed
the army into three divisions in order the most effectually to enclose
the enemy, entrusting the division at Roxbury to general Ward,
the division on Prospect and Winter hills to general Lee, and com-
manding himself the centre at Cambridge. Here he had to strug-
gle with great difficulties, with the Avaut of ammunition, clothing,
and magazines, defect of arms and discipline, and the evils of short
enlistments ; but instead of yielding to despondence he bent the
whole force of his mind to overcome them. He soon made the
alarming discovery, that there was only sufficient powder on hand
to furnish the army with nine cartridges for eacn man. With the
greatest caution to keep this fact a secret, the utmost exertions were
employed to procure a supply. A vessel, which was despatched to
Africa, obtained in exchange for New England rum all the gun-
powder in tne British factories ; and in the beginning of winter cap-
tain Manly captured an ordnance brig, which furnished the Ameri-
can army with the precise articles, of which it was in the greatest
want. In September general Washington despatched Arnold on
an expedition aprainst Quebec. In February 1776 he proposed to a
council of his officers to cross the ice and attack the enemy in Boston,
but they unanimously disapproved of the daring measure. It was
however soon resolved to take possession of the heights of Dorches-
ter. This wtts done without discovery on the night of the fourth of
March, and on the seventeenth the enemy found it necessary to
evacuate the town. The recovery of Boston induced congress to
pass a vote of thanks to general Washington and his brave army.
In the belief, that the efforts of the British would be directed to-
wards the Hudson, he hastened the armyEto New York, where he
himself arrived on the fourteenth of April. He made every exer-
tion to fortify the city, and attention was paid to the forts in the
highlands. While he met the most embarrassing difficulties, a
plan was formed to assist the enemy in seizing his person, and some
of his own guards engaged in the conspiracy ; but it was discovered,
and some, who were concerned in it, were executed. In the be-
ginning of July general Howe landed his troops at Staten Island.
His brother, lord Howe, who commanded the fleet, soon arrived ;
and as both were commissioners for restoring peace to the colonies,
the latter addressed a letter upon the subject to " George Washing-
Bm WAS.
ton, esquire ;'* but the general refused to receive it, as it did not
acknowici'ge the public character, with which he was invested by con-
gress, in winch character only he could hiive any intercourse with
his lordship. Another letter was sent to " George Washington, &c.
&c. &c." This for the same reason was rejected. After the disas-
trous battle of Brooklyn on the twenty seventh of August, in which
Stirling and Sullivan were taken prisoners, and of which he was only
3 spectator, he withdrew the troops from Long Island, and in a few
days he resolved to withdraw from New York. At Kipp's bay,
about three miles from the city, some works had been thrown up to
oppose the eneiny ; but on tiieir approach the American troops
fled with precipitation. Washington rode towards the lines, and
made every exertion to prevent the disgraceful flight. He drew
his sword, and threatened to run the cowards through ; he cocked
and snapped his pistols ; but it was all in vuin. Such was the state
of his mind at tliis moment, that he turned his horse towards the
advancing enemy apparently with tl\e intention of rushing upon
death. His aids now seized the bridle of his horse and rescued him
from destruction. New York was on the same day, September the
fifteenth, evacuated. In October he retreiited to the White Plains ,
where on tlie twenty eighth a considerable action took place, in
which the Americans were overpowered. After the loss of forts
Washington and Lee he passed into New Jersey in November, and
was pursued by a triumphant and numerous enemy. His army
did not amount to three thousand, and it Avas daily diminishing ; his
men as the winter commenced were barefooted and almost naked,
destitute of tents and of utensils, with which to dress their scanty
provisions ; and every circumstance tended to fill the mind with
despondence. But general Washington was undismayed and firm.
He showed himself to his enfeebled army with a serene and unem-
barrassed countenance, and they were inspired with the resolution
of their commander. On the eighth of December he was obliged
to cross the Delaware ; but he had the precaution to secure the
boats for seventy miles upon the river. While -the British were
waiting for the ice to afford them a passage, as his own army had
been reenforced by several thousand men, he formed the resolution
of carrying the cantonments of the enemy by surprise. On the
night of the twenty fifth of December he crossed the river nine
miles above Trenton, in a storm of snow mingled with hailanH rain,
with about two thousand and four hundred men. Two other detach-
ments were unable to effect a passage. In the morning precisely at
eight o'clock he surprised Trenton and took a thousand Hessians
prisoners, a thousand stand of arms, and six field pieces. Twenty of
of the enemy were killed. Of the Americans two privates were
killed, and two frozen to death ; and one oflicer and three or
four privates were wounded. On the same day he recrossed the
Delaware with the fruits of his enterprise ; but in two or three
WAS. 581
days passed again into New Jersey, and concentrated his forc-
es, amounting to five thousand, at Trenton. On the approach of a
superior enemy under Cornwallis January 2, 1777, he drew up his
men behind Assumpinck creek. He expected an attack in the
morning, which would probably result in a ruinous defeat. At this
moment, when it was hazardous if not impracticable to return into
Pennsylvania, he formed the resolution of getting into the rear of
the enemy and thus slop them in then' progress towards Philadel-
phia. In the night he silently decamped, taking a circuitous route
through Allen's town to Princeton. A sudden change of the weath-
er to severe cold rendered the roads favorable for his march. About
sunrise his van met a British detachment on its way to join Corn-
wallis, and was defeated by it ; but as he came up he exposed him-
self to every danger and gained a victory. With three hundred
prisoners he then entered Princeton. During this march many of
his soldiers were without shoes, and their feet left the marks of
blood upon the frozen ground. This hardship and their want of
repose induced him to lead his army to a place of security on the
road to Morristown. Cornwallis in the morning broke up his camp
and alarmed for his stores at Brunswick urged the pursuit. Thus
the military genius of the American commander, under the bless-
ing of divine Providence, rescued Philadelphia from the threatened
danger, obliged the enemy, which had overspread New Jersey, to
return to the neighborhood of New York, and revived the despond-
ing spirit of his country. Having accomplished these objects, fie
retired to Morristown, where he caused his whole army to be inoc-
ulated with the small pox, and thus was freed from the apprehen-
sion of a calamity, which might impede his operations during the
next campaign.
On the last of May he removed his army to Middlebrook, about
ten miles from Brunswick, where he fortified himself very strongly.
An ineffectual attempt was made by sir William Howe to draw him
from his position by marching towards Philadelphia ; but after
Howe's return to New York he moved towards the Hudson in or-
der to defend the passes in the mountains in the expectation that a
junction with Burgoyne, who was then upon the lakes, would be at-
tempted. After the British general sailed from New York and en-
tered the Chesapeak in August, general Washington marched im-
mediately for the defence of Philadelphia. On the eleventh of
September he was defeated at Brandywine with the loss of nine
hundred in killed and wounded. A few days afterward, as he was
pursued, he turned upon the enemy, determined upon another en-
gagement ; but a heavy rain so damaged the arms and ammunition^
that he was under the absolute necessity of again retreating. Phila-
delphia was entered by Cornwallis on the twenty sixth of Septem-
ber. On the fourth of October the American commander made a
%veU planned attack upon the British camp at Germantown ; but in
582 WAS.
Consequence of the darkness of the morning, and the imperfect dis»
ciplinc of his troops, it terminated in tlie loss of twelve hundred
men in killed, wounded, and prisoners. In December he went into
winter quarters at Valley For^c on the west side of the Schuylkill,
between twenty and thirty miles from Philudclphia. Here his ar-
my was in the greatest distress for want ol provisions, and he was
reduced to the necessity of sending out parties to seize what
they could find. About the same time a combination, in which
some members of congress were engaged, was formed to remove
the commander in chief and to appoint in his place Gates, Avhose
successes of late had given him a high reputation. But the name of
Washington was too dear to tlie great body of Americans to admit
of such a change. Notwithstanding the discordant materials, of
which his army was composed, there was something in his charac-
ter, which enabled him to attach both his officers and soldiers so
strongly to him, that no distress could weaken their affection, nor
impair the veneration, in which he was generally held. Without
this attachment to i.im the army must have been dissolved. Gen-
eral Conway, who was concerned in tuis faction, being wounded in a
duel with general Cadv/allader, and thinking his wound mortal,
wrote to general Washington, " you are, in my eyes, the great and
good man." On the first of February 1778 there were about four
thousand men in camp unfit for duly for want of clothes. Of these
scarcely a man had a pair of shoes. The hospitals also were filled
with the sick. At this time the enemy, if they had marched oui of
their winter quarters, would easily have dispersed the American ar-
my. The apprehension of the approach of a French fleet inducing
the British to concentrate their forces, when they evacuated Phila-
delphia on the seventeenth of June and marched towards New York,
general Wasliington followed them. Contrary to tlie advice of a
council he engaged in the battle of Monmouth on the twenty eighth,
the result of which made an impression favorable to the cause of
Ameiica. He slept in his cloak on the field of battle, intending to
renew the attack the next morning, but at midnight the British
marched off in such silence, as not to be discovered. Their loss in
killed was about three hundred, and that of the Americans sixty
nine. As the campaign now closed in the middle states, the Ameri-
can army went into winter quarters in the neighl)orho'.)d of the high-
lands upon the Hudson. Thus after the vicissitudes of two years
both armies were brought back to the point, from which they set
out. During tlie year 1779 general Washington remained in the
neighborhood of New York. In January 1780, in a winter mem-
orable for its severity, his utmost exertions were necessary to save
the army from dissolution. The soldiers in general submitted with
heroic patience to the want of provisions and clothes. At one time
they eat every kind of horse food but hay. Their suftV rings at
length weie so ^.reat, that in March two of the Coimecticut regi-
WAS. 583
ments mutinied, but the mutiny was suppressed and the ringleaders
secured. In September the treachery oi" Arnold was delected. In
the winter ot 1781, such were again the privations of the army, that
a part of the Pennsylvania line revolted, and marched home. Such
however was still their patriotism, that they delivered up some
British emissaries to general Wayne, who hanged them as spies.
Committing the defence of the posts on the Hudson to general
Heath, general Washmgton in August marched with count Rocham-
beau for the Chesapeak to cooperate with the French fleet there..
The siege of Yorktovvn commenced on the twenty eighth of Sep-
tember, and on the nineteenth of October he reduced Cornwallis to
the necessity of surrendering with upwards of seven thousand men
to the combined armies of America and France. The day after the
capitulation he ordered, that those, who were under arrest, should
be pardoned, and that divine service in acknowledgment of the in-
terposition of Providence should be peiibrmed in all the brigades
and divisions. This event filled America with joy and was the
means of terminating the war.
Few events of importance took place in 1782. In March 1783
he exhibited his chai-acteristic firmness and decision in opposing an
attempt to produce a mutiny by anonymous letters. His address to
his officers on the occasion displays in a remarkable degree hispi'u-
dence and the correctness of his judgment. When he began to
read it he found himself in some degree embarrassed by the im-
perfection of his sight. Taking out his spectacles he said, " these
eyes, my friends, have grown dim, and these locks white in the ser-
vice of my country ; yet I have never doubted her justice." He only
could have repressed the spirit, which was breaking forth. On the
nineteenth of April a cessation of hostilities was proclaimed in the A-
merican camp. In June he addressed a letter to the governors of the
several states, congratulating them on the result of the contest in the
establishment of independence, and recommending an indissoluble
union of the states under one federal head, a sacred regai-d to public
justice, the adoption of a proper peace establishment, and the prev-
alence of a friendly disposition among the people of the several
states. It was with keen distress, as well as with pride and admi-
ration, that he saw his brave and veteran soldiers,-who fe»d suffered
so much, and who had borne the heat and burden of the war, re-
turning peaceably to their homes without a settlement of their ac-
counts, or a farthinsr of money in their pockets. On the tvi^enty
filth of November NeAV York was evacuated, and he entei'ed it ac-
companied by governor Clinton and many respectable citizens. On
the fourth of December he took his farewell of his brave comrades
in arms. At noon the principal officers of the army assembled at
Frances' tavern, and their beloved commander soon entered the
room. His emotions were too strong to be concealed. Filling a
glass with wine, he turned to Ihcm and said, " with a hcMi. full o1
684, WAS.
love and gratitude, I now take leave of you ; I most devoutly wishj
that your latter days may be as prosperous and huppy, as your for-
mer ones have been glorious and honorable." Having drunk, he
added, '' I cannot come to each of you to take my leave, but shall be
obliged to you, if each of you will come and take me by the hand."
General Knox, being nearest, turned to him. Incapable of utter-
ance, general Washington grasped his hand, and embraced him. In
the same affectionate manner he took his leave of each succeeding
officer. In every eye was the tear of dignified sensibility, and not a
word was articulated to interrupt the silence and the tenderness of
the scene. Ye men, who delight in blood, slaves of ambition !
When your work of carnage was finished, could ye thus part with
your companions in crime ? Leaving the room, general Washing-
ton passed through the corps of light infantry, and walked to White
hall, where a barge waited to carry him to Powles' hook. The
whole company follov^'ed in mute procession with dejected counte-
nances. When he entered the barge, he turned to them, and
waving his hat bade them a silent adieu, receiving from them the
same last, affectionate compliment. On the twenty third of De-
cember he resigned his commission to congress, then assembled at
Annapolis. He delivered a short address on the occasion, in which he
said, " I consider it an indispensable duty to close this last solemn act
of my official life by commending the interests of our dearest country
to the protection of Almighty God, and those, who have the superin-
tendence of them, to his holy keeping." He then retired to Mount
Vernon to enjoy again the pleasures of domestic life. Here the
expressions of the gratitude of his countrymen in affectionate ad-
dresses poured in upon him, and he received every testimon y of
respect and veneration.
In his retirement however he could not overlook the public inter-
ests. He was desirous of opening by water carriage a communica-
tion between the Atlantic and the western portions of our country in
order to prevent the diversion of trade down the Mississippi, and to
Canada, from which he predicted consequences injurious to the
union. Through his influence two companies were formed for pro-
moting inland navigation. The legislature of Virginia presented
him with t h r ee ' hu i wlred shares in them, which he appiopriated to
public uses. In the year 1786 he was convinced, with other states-
men, of the necessity of substituting a more vigorous peneral gov-
ernment in the place of the impotent articles of confederation. Still
he was aware of the danger of running from one extreme to another.
He exclaims in a letter to Mr, Jay, " what astonishing changes a
few years are capable of producing ! I am told, that even respect-
able characters speak of a monarchical form of government without
horror. From thinking proceeds speaking ; thence to acting is of-
ten but a single step. But how irrovoc^iblc, and tremendous I
What a triumph for our enemies to verify their predictions ! What
WAS. 585
a triumph for the advocates of despotism to find, that we are inca-
pable of governing ourselves, and that systems, founded on the ba-
sis of equal liberty, are merely ideal and fallacious 1" In the follow-
ing year he was persuaded to take a seat in the convention, which
formed the present constitution of the United States, and he pre-
sided in that body. In 1789 he was unanimously elected the first
president of the United States. It was with great reluctance, that
he accepted this office. His feelings, as he said himself, were like
those of a culprit, going to the place of execution. But the voice of
a whole continent, the pressing recommendation of his particular
friends, and the apprehension, that he should otherwise be consider-
ed as unwilling to hazard his reputation in executing a system,
which he had assisted in forming, determined him to accept the
appointment. In April he left Mount Vernon to proceed to New
York, and to enter on the duties of his high office. He every where
received testimonies of respect and love. At Trenton the gentler
sex rewarded him for his successful enterprise and the protection,
which he afforded them twelve years before. On the bridge over
the creek, which passes through the town, was erected a triumphal
arch, ornamented with laurels and flowers, and supported by thir-
teen pillars, each encircled with wreaths of evergreen. On the
front of the arch was inscribed in large, gilt letters
THE DEFENDER OF THE MOTHERS
WILL BE THE
PROTECTOR OF THE DAUGHTERS.
At this place he was met by a party of matrons, leading their daugh-
ters, who were dressed in white, and who with baskets of flowers in
their hands sung with exquisite sweetness the following ode, writ-
ten for the occasion.
Welcome, mighty chief, once more
W^elcome to this grateful shore ;
Now no mercenary foe
Aims again the fatal blow,
Aims at THEE the fatal blow.
Virgins fair and matrons grave,
Those thy conquering arms did save,
Build for thee triumphal bowers ;
Strew, ye fair, his way with flowers, *
Strew your hero's way with flowers.
At the last line the flowers were strewed before him. After re-
ceiving such proofs of aff"ectionate attachment he arrived at New
Yoi'k, and was inaugurated first president of the United States on
the thirtieth of April. In making the necessary arrangements of
his household he publicly announced, that neither visits of business
nor of ceremony would be expected on Sunday, as he wished to reserve
that day sacredly to himself. At the close of his first term of four
75
586 WAS.
years he prepared a valedictory address to the American people,
anxious to return attain to the scenes of domestic life ; but tlie
earnest entreaties of his friends and the peculiar situation of his
country induced him to be a candidate for a second election. Dur-
inc!: his administration of eight years the labor of establishing the
different departments of a new government was accomplished j
and he exhibited the greatest firmness, wisdom, and independence.
He was an American, aiid he chose not to involve his country in
the contests of Europe. He accordingly with the unanimous ad-
vice of his cabinet, consisting of Messrs. Jeffei'son, Hamilton,
Knox, and Randolph, issued a proclamation of neutrality April 22,
1793, a few days after he heard of the commencement of the war
between England and France. Tnis measure contributed in a great
degree to the prosperity of America. Its adoptioii was the more
honorable to the president, as the general syiopathy was in favor of
the sister republic, against whom it was said Great Britain had com-
menced the war for the sole purpose of imposing upon her a mo-
narchical form of government. He preferred the peace and welfare of
his country to the breath of popular applause. Another act, in wJiich
he proved himself to be less regardful of the public partialities and
prejudices, than of what he conceived to be the public good, was the
ratification of the Briti^i treaty. The English government had
neglected to surrender the western' posts, and by commercial re-
strictions and in other ways had evinced a hostile spirit towards this
country. To avert the calamity of anotlier war Mr. Jay was nom-
inated as envoy extraordinary in April 1794. In June 1795 the
treaty, which Mr. Jay had made, was submitted to the senate, and
•was ratified by that body on the condition, that one article should be
altered. While the president was deliberating upon it, an incor-
rect copy of the instrument was made public by a senator, and the
whole country was thrown into a state of extreme irritation. At
this period, he in August conditionally ratified it, and in February
1796, when it was returned from his Britannic majesty with the
proposed alteraiion, he declared it to be the law of the land. After
this transaction the house of representatives requested him to lay
before them the papers relating to the treaty, but he with great in-
dependence refused to comply with their request, as they could
have no claim to an inspection of them except upon a vote of im-
peachment, and as a compliance would establish a dangerous prec-
edent. He had before this shown a dis[josition to maintain the
avithoritv, vested in his office, by declining to affix his signature to a
bill, which had passed both houses.
As the period for a new election of a president of the United States
approached, and after plain indications that the public voice woidd
be in his favor, and when he probaWy would be chosen for tlie third
time unanimously, he determined irrevocably to withdraw to the
shades of private life. He published in September 1796 his fare-
WAS. 587
well address to the people of the United States, which ought to Ipe
engraven upon the hearts ot his countrymen. In the most earnest
and affectionate manner he called upon them to clierish an immove-
able attachment to the national union, to watch for its preservation
with jealous anxiety, to discountenance even the suggestion, that it
could in any event be abandoned, and indignantly to frown upon the
first dawning of every attempt to alienate any porUon ot our coun-
try from the rest. Overgrown military establishments he repre-
sented as particularly hostile to republican liberty. While he rec-
ommended the most implicit obedience to the acts of the establish-
ed government, and reprobated all obstructions to the execution of
the laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausi-
ble character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or
awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authori-
ties ; he wished also to guard against the spirit of innovation upon
the principles of the constitution. Aware that the energy of the
system might be enfeebled by alterations, he thought that no change
should be made without an evident necessity, and that in so exten-
sive a country as much vigor as is consistent with liberty is indis-
pensable. On the other hand he pointed out the danger of a real
despotism by breaking down the partitions between the several de-
partments of government, by destroying the reciprocal checks, and
consolidating the different powers. Against the spirit of party, so
peculiarly baneful in an elective government, he uttered his most
solemn remonstrances, as well as against inveterate antipathies or
passionate attachments in respect to foreign nations. While he
thought that the jealousy of a free people ought to be constantly and
impartially awake against the insidious wiles of foreign influence, he
wished that good faith and justice should be observed towards all
nations, and peace and harmony cultivated. In his opinion, honesty
no less in public than in private affairs is always the best policy.
Providence, he believed, had connected the permanent felicity of a
nation with its virtue. Other subjects, to which he alluded, were
the importance of credit, of economy, of a reduction of the public
debt, and of literary institutions ; above all he recommended I'eligion
and morality as indispensably necessary to political prosperity. " In
vain," says he, " would that man claim the tribute of patriotisni,
who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness,
these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens." Bequeath-
ing these counsels to his countrymen he continued in office till the
fourth of March 1797, when he attended the inauguration of his
successor, Mr. Adams, and with complacency saw him invested
with the powers, which had for so long a time been exercised by
himself. He then retired to Mount Vernon, giving to the world an
example, most humiliating to its emperors and kings ; the example
of a man, voluntarily disrobing himself of the highest authority, and
returning to private life with a character, having upon it no stain of
58^ WAS.
ambition, of covetousness, of profusion, of luxury, of oppression, or
of injustice.
It was now, that the soldier, the statesman, and the patriot hoped
to repose himself after the toils of so many years. But he had not
been long in retirement before the outrages of republican France
induced our government to raise an army, of which in July 1798
he was appointed commander in chief. Though he accepted the
appointment, his services were not demanded, and he himself did
not believe, that an invasion would take place. Pacific overtures
■were soon made by the French directory, but he did not live to see
the restoration of peace. On Friday, December 13, 1799, while
attending to some improvements upon his estate, he was exposed
to a light ruin, which wetted his neck and hair. Unapprehensive
of danger he passed the afternoon in his usual manner ; but at
night he was seized with an inflammatory affection of the windpipe.
The disease commenced with a violent ague, accompanied with
some pain and a sense of stricture in the throat, a cough, and a dif-
ficult deg.utition, which were soon succeeded by fever and a quick
and laborious respira'don. About twelve or fourteen ounces of blood
were taken from him. In the morning his fanuly physician, doctor
Craik, was sent for ; but the utmost exertions of medical skill were
applied in vain The appointed time of his death was near. Be-
lieving from the commencement of his complaint, that it would be
mortal, a few hours before his departure, after repeated efforts to be
understood, he succeeded in expressing a desire, that he might be
permitted to die without being disquieted by unavailing attempts to
rescue him irom his fate. After it became impossible to get any
thing down his throat, he undressed himself and went to bed, there
to die. To his friend and physician, who sat on his bed, and took
his head in his lap, he said with difficulty, " doctor, I am dying, and
have been dying for a longtime ; but I am not afraid to die." Res-
piration became more and more contracted and imperfect until half
past eleven on Saturday night, when, retaining the full possession of
his intellect, he expired without a struggle. Thus on the fourteenth
of December 1799, in the sixty eighth year of his age, died the
father of his country, " the man, first in war, first in peace, and first
in the hearts of his fellow citizens." This event spread a gloom
over the co\mtry, and the tears of America proclaimed the services
and virtues of the hero and sage, and exhibited a people not insensi-
ble to his worth. The senate of the United States in an address to
the president on this melancholy occasion indulged their patriotic
pride, while they did not transgress the bo\mds of truth in speaking
of their WASHINGTON. " Ancient and modern names," said
they, '* are diminished before him. Greatness and guilt have too
often been allied ; but his fimie is whiter than it is brilliant. The
destroyers of nations stood abasncd at the majesty of his virtues.
It reproved the intemperance of tlicir ambition, and darkened the
WAS. 589
splendor of victory. The scene is closed, and we are no longer
anxious lest misfortune should sully his glory ; he has travelled on
to the end of his journey, and carried with him an increasing weight
of honor ; he has deposited it safely where misfortune cannot tar-
nish it, where malice cannot blast it."
General Washington was rather above the common stature ; his
frame was robust, and his constitution vigorous. His exterior cre-
ated in the beholder the idea of strength united with manly grdce-
fulness. His eyes were of a gray color, and his complexion light.
His manners were rather reserved than free. His person and whole
deportment exhibited an unaffected and indescribable dignity, un-
mingled with haughtiness, of which all, who approached him, were
sensible. The attachment ot those, who possessed his friendship,
was ardent but always respectful. His temper was humane, benev-
olent, and conciliatory ; but there was a quickness in his sensibility
to any thing apparently offensive, which experience had tau;^ht iiim
to watch and correct. He made no pretensions to vivacity or wit.
Judgment rather than genius constituted the most piominent feature
of his character. As a military man he was brave, enterprising,
and cautious. At the head of a multitude, whom it was sometimes
impossible to reduce to proper discipline before the expiration of
their time of service, and having to struggle almost continually with
the want of supplies, he yet was able to contend with an adversary
superior in numbers, well disciplined, and completely equipped, and
was the means of saving his country. The measure of his caution
has by some been represented as too abundant ; but he sometimes
formed a plan, which his brave officers thought was too adventurous,
and sometimes contrary to their advice he engaged in battle. If
his name is not rendered illustrious by splendid achievements, it is
not to be attributed to the want of military enterprise. He conduct-
ed the war with that consummate prudence and wisdom, which the
situation of his country and the state of his army demanded. He
also possessed a firmness of resolution, which neither dangers nor
difficulties could shake. In his civil administration he exhibited
repeated proofs of that practical good sense, of that sound judgment,
which is the most valuable quality of the human mind. More than
once he put his whole popularity to hazard in pursuing measures,
which Avere dictated by a sense of duty, and which he thought would
promote the welfare of his country. In speculation he was a real
republican, sincerely attached to the constitution of the United States,
and to that system of equal, political rights, on which it is founded.
Real liberty, he thought, was to be preserved only by preserving the
authority of the laws, and maintaining the energy of government.
Of incorruptible integrity, his ends were always upright, and the
means, which he employed, were always pure. He was a politician,
to whom wiles were absolutely unknown. When any nicasiire of
importance was proposed, he sought information and was ready to
590 WAS.
hear, without prejudice, wliatever could be said in relation to the
subject ; he suspended his judgment till it was necessary to decide ;
but after his decision had been thus deliberately made, it was seldom
shaken, and he was as active and persevering in executing, as he
had been cool in forming it. He iwssessed an innate and unassum-
ing modesty, which adulation would have offended, which the plau-
dits of millions could not betray into indiscretion, and which was
blended with a high sense of personal dignity, and a just conscious-
ness of the respect, which is due to station.
With regard to the religious character of general Washington
there have been different opinions. In the extracts from some of
his private letters, which have been published by the historian of his
life, the name of the Supreme Being is once or twice introduced in
a manner, which in common conversation is deemed irreverent. It
is also understood, that in a few instances during the war, particular-
ly when he met general Lee retreating in the battle of Monmouth,
his language was unguarded in this respect. It may not be impos-
sible, that a good man in a moment of extreme irritation should ut-
ter a profane expression ; but perhaps it is less possible, that such a
man, when his passion has passed away, and his sober recollections
have returned, should not repent bitterly of his irreverence to the
name of God. On the other hand, general Washington, when at
the head of the army, issued public orders, calling upon his officers
to discountenance the habit of profanity ; he speaks in his writings
of" the pure and benign light of revelation," and of the necessity of
imitating" the charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind, which
were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed relig-
ion ;" he gratefully acknowledged the interposions of Providence in
favor of this country ; his life was upright and virtuous; he princi-
pally supported an episcopal church in the neighborhood of Mount
Vernon, where he constantly attended public worship ; during the
war he not unfrecjucntly rode ten or twelve miles from camp for
the benefit of the institutions of religion ; and it is believed, that he
every day had his hour of retirement from the world for the pur-
pose of private devotion.
General Washington was blessed with abundant wealtii, and he
v/as not ignorant of the pleasure of employing it for generous pur-
poses. His style of living was dignified, though he maintained
the strictest economy. While he was in the army he wrote to the
superintendent of his estate in the following terms. " Let the hos-
pitality ot the house be kept up with regard to the poor. Let no
one go hungry away. If any of this sort of people should be in
want of corn, supply their necessities, provided it does not encour-
age them in idleness. I have no objection to your giving my money
in chanty, when you think it will be well bestowed ; I mean, that it
is my desire, that it should he done. You are lo consider, that nei-
ther myself nur my wife are in the way to do these good offices."
WAS. 591
Thus was he beneficent, while at the same time he required an ex-
act compliance with engagements. A pleasing proof of the gener-
ous spirit, which governed him, is exhibited in his conduct towards
the son of his friend, the marquis de La Fayette, i The marquis,
after fighting in this country for American liberty, had returned to
France ; but in -the convulsions of the French revolution he was ex-
iled and imprisoned in Germany. General Washington gave ev-
idence of sincere attachment to the unhappy nobleman not only by
exerting all his influence to procure his release from confinement,
but by extending his patronage to his son, who made his escape from
France, and arrived with his tutor at Boston in 1795. As soon as
he was informed of his arrival, he wrote to a friend, requesting him
to visit the young gentleman and make him acquainted with the re-
lations between this country and France, Avhich would prevent the
president of the United States from publicly espousing his interest,
but to assure him of his protection and support. He also directed
this friend to draw upon him for monies to defray all the expenses,
which young La Fayette might incur. Towards his slaves general
Washington manifested the greatest care and kindness. Their
servitude lay with weight upon his mind, and he directed in his will,
that they should be emancipated on the decease of his wife. There
were insuperable difiiculties in the way of their receiving freedom
previously to this event. On the death of Mrs. Washington May
22, 1802, the estate of general Washington, as he had no children,
was divided according to his will among his and her relations. It
amounted by his own estimate to more than five hundred thousand
dollars.
The public addresses and other productions of general Washing-
ton's pen are written in a style of dignified simplicity. Some have
seen so much excellence in his writings, that they have been ready
to transfer the honor to his secretaries ; but nothing has appeared
under his name, to which his own pov^ers were inadequate. A
volume of epistles, confidential and domestic, attributed to him,
was published in 1777, and republished about the year 1796. Of
these general Washington, in a letter to the secretary of state in
1797, declared the following to be forgeries; a letter to Lund
Washington, dated June 12, 1776; a letter to John Parke Custis,
dated June 18, 1776; letters to Lund Washington, dated July 8,
July 16, July 15, and July 22, 1776 ; and a letter to Mrs. Washing-
ton, dated June 24, 1776. His official letters to the American con-
gress, written during the war, were published in two vokimes Svo,
1795. Since his death his letters to Arthur Young and sir John
Sinclair on agriculture and the rural economy of the United States
have been published. — MarshaWs life of Washington ; Tlis' life by
Ramsay, and Bancroft; Gordon's hisfory of the resolution ; Hardie'e
bioff. diet. ; Dtvight*s and Tap/ian's discourses on his death.
592 WAY.
WAYNE (Anthony), major general in the army of the United
States, was born in Chester county, Pennsylvania, in 1745. In 1773
he was appointed a representative to the general assembly, wherein
conjunction with John Dickinson, Thomas Mifflin, Charles Thom-
son, c»nd other gentlemen he took an active part in opposition to the
claims of Great Britain. In 1775 he quilted th& councils of his
country for the field. He entered the army as a colonel, and at the
close of the year accompanied general Thomson to Canada. When
this officer was defeated in his enterprise against the Three Rivers
in June 1776, and taken prisoner, he himself received a flesh wound
in the leg. His exertions were useful in the retreat. In the same
year he served at Ticonderoga under general Gates, by whom he
was esteemed both for his courage and military talents, and for his
knowledge as an engineer. At the close of the campaign he was
made a brigadier general. In the campaign of 1777 in the middle
states he took a very active part. In the battle of Brandywine he
distinguished himself, though he was in a few days afterward sur-
prised and defeated by major general Grey. He fought also in the
battle of Germantown, as well as in the battle of Monmouth in June
1778. In his most daring and successful assault upon Stony Point
in July 1779, while he was rushing forward with his men under a tre-
mendous fire of musketry and grape shot, determined to carry the
works at the point of -the bayonet, he was struck by a musket ball
up'jn his head. He was for a moment stunned ; but as soon as he
Was able to rise so as to rest on one knee, believing that hie wound
^vas mortal, he cried to one of his aids, " carry me forward, and let
me die in the fort." When he entered it he gave orders to stop
the effusion of blood. In 1781 he was ordered to march with the
Pennsylvania line from the northward, and form a junction with La
P'ayette in Virginia. On the sixth of July, after receiving informa-
tion, that the main body of the enemy under Cornwallis had crossed
James* river, he pressed forward at the head of eight hundred men
to attack the rear guard. But to his utter astonishment, when he
reached the place, he found the whole British army, consisting of
four thousand men, drawn up ready to receive him. At this mo-
ment he conceived of but one way to escape. He rushed towards
the enemy till he came within twenty five yards, when he com-
menced a gallant attack, which he supported for a few minutes, and
then retreated with the utmost expedition. The British general
was confounded by this movement, and apprehensive of an ambus-
cade from La Fayette would not allow of a pursuit. After the cap-
ture of Cornwallis, he was sent to conduct the war in Georgia, where
with equal success he contended with British soldiers, Indian sav-
ages, and American traitors. As a reward for his services the leg-
islature of Georgia presented him with a valuable farm. At the
conclusion of the war he retired to private life. In 1787 he was a
member of the Pennsylvania convention, which ratified the consti*-
WEA. B03
tution of the United States. In 1792 he succeeded St. Clair in the
command of the army to be employed against the Indians. In the
battle of the Miamis August 20, 1794 he gained a complete victory-
over the enemy ; and afterwards desolated their country. On the
third of August 1795 he concluded a treaty with the hostile Indians
northwest of the Ohio. While in the service of his country he
died in a hut at Presque Isle, aged about fifty one years, and was
buried on the shore of lake Eric. — Monthly mag. for 1797, 72, 73 ;
Potyanthost ii. 217 ; Ema-aldy ii. 87 — 89 ; Hurdle ; Marshal!^ iii.
161 ; iv. 75, 442 ; v. 373, 461, 567, 570 — 574, 639 ; Gordon, iii.
268; iv. 117, 300.
WE ARE (Meshech), president of the state of New Hampshire,
Was graduated at Harvard college in 1735. Having been for some
time in the legislature, he was in 1754 appointed a commissioner
to the congress at Albany, afterwards one of the justices of the su-
perior court, and in 1777 chief justice. When this country was
declared independent of great Britain in 1776, the people of New
Hampshire established a frame of government, and he was
chosen the president. Such was the imperfection of this system,
and such also was the confidence reposed ii. him, that he was invest-
ed at the same time with the highest offices, legislative, judicial,
and executive,in which he was contmued by annual elections during
the whole war. When a new constitution was adopted in 1784, he
was again elected president ; but he resigned before the close of the
year. He died, worn out with public services, January 15, 1786, in
the seventy third year of his age. He was not a person of an orig-
inal and inventive genius ; but he had extensive knowledge, a clear
perception, an accurate judgment, a calm temper, a modest deport-
ment, an upright and benevolent heart, and a habit of prudence and
diligence in discharging the various duties of public and private life,
—^Belknafi's jV. H. ii. 401, 485 ; Macclintock's sermon at commence'
ment of constitution,
WEBB (John), minister in Boston, was graduated at Harvard
college in 1708. While a member of this seminary he was in-
spired with that love of God, of which he was before destitute, and
determined to devote himself to that Being, who had imparted to
hirh the blessings of the gospel. After having.been chaplain at the
castle, and after preaching for some time in one of the parishes of
Newbury, he was ordained the first minister of the new north church
in Boston October 20, 1714. After surviving one colleague, Mr.
Thacher, and enjoying the assistance of another, Dr. Eliot, for eight
years, he died in peace and joy April 16, 1750, in the sixty third
year of his age. His colleague pronounced him " one of the best
of Christians and one of the best of ministers." It was his constant
desire to dispense the gospel of Christ in its purity and simplicity,
and not to sooth the ears of his hearers with well turned periods.
The doctrines, which he almost always introduced into hisdiscours-
76
594 WEB.
es, were those of the universal depravity of man, of the necessity of
divine influence to renew the heart, of justification by faith alone^
and of the perseveranceof all, who have been brought to repentance ;
but in Irandling these subjects he always showed a concern to pro-
mote the interests of practical j^odliness. He was faithful in the
discharge of all the duties of the sacred office, and his fervent labors
were attended with great success. He was humble, teniperate, and
upright. Willie a tenth part of his income was consecrated to
charitable uses, his table v/as always accessible to the necessitous.
Some were disposed to think him illiberal on account of his zeal for
what he coiisidered as the peculiar doctrines of Christianity ; but
though he abhorred an indiffci'ence or an affected candor where the
cause of truth was concerned, and was ever steady to his principles;
yet he loved the image ot the divine holiness wherever it was pre-
sented. His temper was naturally warm ; but he bore with patience
the reproaches, which were cast upon him. He published the fol-
lowing sermons ; to a society of young men, 1718 ; on the peculiar
advantages of early piety, 1721 ; a sermon betore the general as-
sembly, 1722 ; a seasonable warning against bad company keeping,
1726 ; on the death of William Waldron, 1727 ; the believer's re-
demption by the precious blood of Christ ; on the payment of vows,
1728 ; directions to obtain eternal salvation in seven sermons, 1729 ;
the great concern of New England ; a discourse at the ordination of
a deacon 1731 ; the duty of a degenerate people to pray for the
reviving of God's work ; a sermon in the hearing of two condemned
malefactors, 1734 ; the government of Christ, an election sermon,
1738; on the death of Peter Thacher, 1739; Christ's suit to the
sinner while he stands and knocks at the door.— ./f . Eliofsfun. serin. ,•
/. ElioCs dedicat. sermon.
WEBSTER (Samuel, d.d.), minister of Salisbury, Massachu-
setts, was born in 1718 and was graduated at Harvard college in
1737. His ordination took place August 12, 1741. After a min-
istry ot near fi^fty five years, he died July 18, 1796, in the seventy
eighth year of his age. At the time, when he entered the sacred
office, his mind was so oppressed by the importance of the work,
in which he was about to engage, that he was ready to abandon all
thoughts of the calling. In his preaching he was remarkably clear
and plain. He did not study for ornament, or elegance of style, but
it was his chief aim to preach with distinctness, that he might do
good to his hearers. He first endeavored to enlighten their under-
standings, and then to warm their hearts. There was an earnestness
in his manner, which convinced his hearers, that he himself felt what
1^ delivered. As he did not think himself obliged to adopt any hu-
man system, but derived his doctrines from the word of God ; so
he freely taught what he believed to be the truth. He did not
preach the things, which he considered as of doubtful disputation.
He possessed a liappy talent in visiting his people, and could adapt
WEL. 505
Ifimself to their circumstances, and in a pleasing manner give then)
instruction. The beauties of Christian virtue were exhibited in
his whole life. He published a last sermon, entitled, the misery
and duty of an oppressed and enslaved people, 1774 ; a sermon to
two companies of minute men, 1775 ; election sermon, 1777 ; two
discourses on infant baptism^ third ed. 1780.— Cary'a sermon on his
death.
WELDE (Thomas), first minister of Roxbury, Massachusetts,
was a native of England and was a minister in Essex before he
came to this country. Refusing to comply with the impositions of
the established church, he determined to seek the quiet enjoyment
of the rights of conscience in America. He arrived at Boston
June 5, 1632, and in July was invested with the pastoral care of the
church in Roxbury. In November following he received Mr. John
Eliot as his colleague. In 1639 he assisted Mr. Mather and Mr.
Eliot in making tlie tuneful New England version of tte Psalms.
In 1641 he was sent with Mr. Hugh Peters to England as an agent
for the province, and he never returned. He was settled at Gates-
head, but lost his living with the other ejected ministers in 1662.
He published a short story of the rise, reign, and ruin of the anti-
nomians, faniilists, and libertines, that infected the churches of New
England, 4to, 1644, and a second edition, 1692 ; an answer to W.
R.'s narration of the opinions and practices of the New England
churches, vindicating those godly and orthodoxal churches from
more than a hundred imputations. Sec. 1644. With three other
ministers he wrote the perfect pharisee under monkish holiness,
against the quakers, 1654. — Collect, hist. soc. viii. 7—10 ; ix. 33 ;
Hutchinson^ i. 98 ; ii. 504,507 ; Nonconform, memorial^ix. 181, 182;
Adams* sermons on relig. liberty.
WELLES (Noah, d. d.), minister of Stamford in Connecticvrt,
was graduated at Yale college in 1741, and was ordained December
31, 1746. His death took place, it is believed, in the year 1776.
He was a theologian of great distinction, and he took an active part
in the controversy respecting an American episcopate. He pub-
lished a discourse in favor of presbyterian ordination ; a vindication
of the validity and divine right of presbyterian ordination, as set
forth in Mr. Chauncy'sDudleian lecture and Mr. Welles' discourse,
in answer to the exceptions of Mr. Jeremiah Learning, 1767 ; u
funeral sermon on the reverend Mr. Hobart, 1773.
WENTWORTH (Benning), governor of New Hampshire,
was the son of lieutenant governor Wentworth, and was graduated
ct Harvard college in 1715. After having been a member of the
assembly and of the council, his mercantile business called him to
London, w-here he solicited and obtained the commission of gover-
nor. He began his;ad ministration in 1741 and continued in this office
near twenty years. He v/as superseded in 1 767 by his nephew, John
Wentworth, and died October 14, 1770, in the seventy fifth year of
596 WES.
his age. He possessed strong passions and his resentments were last-
ing. Closely attached to the interest of the church of England, in
his grants ol lands, by which he enriched hiniselt, he reserved a right
in every township for the society tor propagating the gospel, of whic h
he was a member. Bennington in Vermont has its name irom him,
and he granted many otner towns in that slate. Though during his
administration he declined giving a charier for a college in New
Hampshire, unless it was put under the direction of the bishop of
London ; yet he afterwards gave a lot of five hundred acres of land
to Dartmouth college, and on this land the college edifice wasercctcd.
He cooperated with the assembly in giving to Harvard college three
hundred pouiids towards repairing the library, which had been de-
stroyed by fire. In his appointment of civil and military officers
he was frequently governed by motives of favor ; but his adminis*
tration in ether respects was beneficial. He was frerpiently visited
by the gout, and from these visits he did not acquire much patience.
— Bclkna/i's JV. H. \\. 181 — 187,203, 312, 330,338 — 342,352,355.
WEST (Samuel, d. d.), minister of New Bedford, Massachu-
setts, was born in Yarmouth March 4, 1730, and was occupied in
the labors of husbandry till he passed the twentieth year of his age.
As he discovered such traits of genius and such an extensive ac-
quaintance with the scriptures, and other books, which fell in his
way, as awakened the attention of a few intelligent and good men,
they resolved to give him a liberal education. He was graduated at
Harvard college in 1754, having gained a rank among the most dis-
tinguished of his class. About the year 1764 he was ordained at
New Bedford. The year 1775 awakened his attention to politics,
and he became a whig partizan. He wrote many forcible pieces in
the newspapers, which roused the spirits of the timid, and animated
the courageous. He decyphered the letter of doctor Church, which
exposed to the enemy the particular state of the American army.
He was a member of the convention for forming the constitution of
Massachusetts and of the United States ; and was chosen honorary
member of the academy of arts and sciences, instituted at Philadel-
phia, and a member of the American academy at Boston. In the
latter part of his life his memory almost entirely failed him. The
vast treasure of his ideas began to vanish at the age of seventy, and
during the seven succeeding years the great man disappeared. He
died at Tiverton, Rhode Island, September 24, 1807, aged seventy
seven years, and was buried at New Bedford. He possessed an original
mind of vigorous powers. During the last thirty years of his life he
used no notes in preaching. So deep had been his researches into
almost every theological subject, that he could preach an hour upon
any text without premeditation, and yet with coherence and unity
of design. It was his practice, when he was not in his own puljiit,
isx discourse upop any text, which vas pointed out to h;m ; and
WES. 597
sometimes the most difficult and obscure passages would be given
him for the purpose ot trying his strength. He was not however a
popular preacher. There were defects in the tone and inflexion of
his voice, and there was a singularity and uncouthness in his man-
ner, for which the ingenuity and strength of his arguments could
not compensate. In his metaphysical opinions he was opposed to
the system, supported by president Edwards in his inquiry into the
freedom of the will, and contended that men possess a self deter-
mining power. Yet of all men he seemed to have the least power
of controlling his own feelings or of determining his own volitions.
At times he exhibited the greatest abstraction of thought. A new
book absorbed his whole attention and made him neglect the com-
mon rules of decorum. He paid no attention to domestic matters
till compelled by imperious necessity. He could not readily for-
give tliose, v/ho doubted the truth of certain favorite opinions, or
reminded him of any instances of credulity, with which he might
be charged. In some respects he seemed to be completely under
the control of prejudice. His manners were unpolished ; his fig-
ure and dcportm.ent wei'C not very attracting ; nor was his temper
very mild and amiable. Notwithstanding his singularities no man
could accuse him of the wilful violation of any principle of moral
rectitude. He published a sermon at the ordination of Samuel
West of Needham, 1764; election sermon, before the provincial
convention, 1776 ; at the anniversary of the landing of the forefa-
thers at Plymouth, 1777 ; at the ordination of John AUyn, 1788 ;
a small tract on infant baptism ; essays on liberty and necessity, in
which the arguments of president Edwards and others for necessity-
are considered, the first part in 1793, the second in 1795. To these
essays Dr. Edwards, the son of the president, wrote an answer, and
Dr. West left behind him a reply almost completed. — Monthbj an-
thology^ v. 133 — 137 ; Panoplist, iii. 537 — 541.
WEST (Samuel, d. d.), minister in Boston, was born at Mar-
tha's Vineyard November 19, 1738. His father, the reverend
Thomas West, was the colleague of the reverend Experience May-
hew, but afterwards removed to Rochester. He was graduated at
Harvard college in 1761, and soon afterwards was appointed chap-
lain at fort Pownall in Penobscot, where he had a good opportunity
for pursuing his theological studies. He was ordained minister of
Needham April 25, 1764. In this place he continued till 1788,
when his relation with his people was dissolved in consequence of a
pressing invitation to remove to Boston, which he had received. He
was installed pastor of the church in Hollis street, as successor of
the reverend Mr. Wight, March 12, 1789. After a lingering ill-
ness of several years, he died April 10, 1808, in the seventieth year
of his age. He has been succeeded by the reverend Mr. Holley.
Dr. West was educated in the system of Calvin. Being of a
mild disposition he was never disposed to intolerance, to polemi-
598 WES.
cal discussion, or acrimonious censure of others. He could live in
hubits of friendship with men, wliose opinions were opposite to his
own. His sentiments in the latter periods of his life, it is represent-
ed, suffered considerable change. Having an excellent memory, he
■was in the practice of preaching without the use of his notes, though
his sermons were always the iruit of deep study and reflection.
While at Needham he presided over what were called family meet-
ings. It was his design in them to give instruction to those, who
either by age or sickness were detained from public worship on the
sabbath, and to be more plain and familiar in his address, than when
in the pulpit. He used lo say, that in no branch of his ministerial
duty did lie enjoy more satisfaction, than in these meetings. His
candor and charity towards all men were as abundant and extensive,
as could possibly be consistent with moral rectitude. In his politi-
cal suntimenis and conduct he exhibited remarkable moderation
both during the struggle with Great Britain, and in the conflict of
parties since tiie levoiution. He published a sermon at the ordi-
nation of Jonatlian Neweil, 1774 ; a funeral sermon ; two fast ser-
mons, 1785 ; election sermon, 1786; a sermon at his own instal-
ment, 1789; artillery election sermon, 1794; a thanksgiving ser-
mon, 1795 ; a sermon on the death of George Washington, 1800 ;
a series of essays in the Columbian centinel with the signature of
*' an old man," commenced November 29, 1806, and continued to
August 22, l807.—.T/iac/ie7-'s biograjihical memoir; Lathr op's fun.
sermon ; Panojilht^ iii. 574.
WESTERLO (EiLAKDUs, d. d.), minister in Albany, was a na-
tive of Holland. He had just finished his studies in the university
of Groningen, when a call from the Dutch church in Albany was
put in his hands, Avhich he accepted. He came to America in 1760.
In 1771 he readily imparted his aid in conjunction with the rever-
end Dr. Livingston and others towards effecting a union of the
Dutch churches, then divided into parties, and he had the happiness
of seeing this object completed in the following year. He was
highly popular and useful as a preacher, and lived in great honor
and esteem with his brethren in the ministry and with the churches
in general until his removal by death December 6, 1790. He was
a man of a strong mind, of eminent piety, and of great erudition,
especially in theology, his favorite study, and in oriental literature.
'—Chrifttiati's magazine., ii. 270.
WETMORE (James), an episcopalian missionary, was graduated
at the college in Saybrook, Connecticut, in 1714. He was ordained
the first minister of North Haven in November 1718, but in Sep-
tember 1722 he announced his conversion to the episcopal persua-
sion. This was the time, at which Dr. Cutler ciianged his senti-
ments. After going to England for orders in 1723, Mr. Wetmore
was on his return estai)lished rector of the church at Rye in the
province of New York under the patronage of the society for prop*
WHE, 599
agating the gospel. In this place he contuiued till his death, May
14, 1760. His successor at North Haven, the reverend Isaac Stiles,
died on the same day. Such was his zeal for episcopacy, thut he
once declared he would rather join in w^orship wiih a Jewish syna-
gogue than with a presbyterian church. He published a letter
against Mr. Dickinson in defence of Dr. Wateriaiid's discourse on
regeneration, about the year 1744 ; a vindication of the professors
of the church of England in Connecticut in answer to Mr. Hobart's
sermon in favor of presbyterian ordination, 1747 ; a rejoinder to
Mr. Hobart's serious address ; an appendix to Mr. Beach's vindi-
cation. — Trumbull's cent, sermon ; Chandler's life of Johnson^ 10, 27,
37; Holme h' annals., n. 107; Hobart's second address^ 143.
WHEATLEY (Phillis), a poet, was a native of Africa, and
was brought to America in 1761, whbn she was between seven and
eight years old. She soon acquired a knowledge of the English
language, and made some progress in the Latin. While she was a
slave in the family of Mr. John Wheatley in Boston, she wrote a
volume of poems. Africa may well boast^that one of her daughters,
not twenty years of age, should produce the following lines. They
ai'e extracted from the poem on imagination.
Though winter frowns, to Fancy's raptured eyes
The fields may flourish, and gay scenes arise ;
The frozen deeps may break their iron bands,
And bid their waters murmur o'er the sands ;
Fair Flora may resume her fragrant reign.
And with her flowery riches deck the plain ;
Sylvanus may dilfuse his honors round,
And all the forest may with leaves be crown'd ;.
Show'rs may descend, and dews their gems disclose,
And nectar sparkle on the blooming rose.
She afterwards was married to a Mr. Peters. She died at Boston
December 5, 1784, aged thirty one years. She published, besides
©ther separate pieces, poems on various subjects, religious and moral,
8vo, London, 1773. — Preface to that work.
WHEELOCK (Eleazer, D.D.), first president of Dartmouth
eoUege, was born about the year 1710, and was graduated at Yale
college, in 1733. While he was the minister of Lebanon in Con-
necticut, he revived the design of an Indian school, which was first
formed by Mr. Sergeant. Desirous of bringing the savages to an
acquaintance with the truths of the gospel, he conceived, that if he
could educate Indian youth for missionaries, there would be n.ore
prospect of success from their labors, than from the exertions of the
whites. With these views he undertook himself the care and ex-
pense of educating two Indian lads in 1754 ; but the design was so
benevolent, that a number of gentlemen soon united with liini. His
pupils increased, and after receiving numerous benefactions, the
largest of which was the donation of Mr. Joshua Moor of Mansfield,
600 WHE.
he called his institution " Moor's school." In 1762 he had more
than twenty youth under his care. To enlarge the power ot doing
good contributions were solicited not only in various parts of this
country, but also in England and Scotland. The money, collected
in England, was put into the hands of a board of trustees, of whom
the earl of Dartmouth was at the head. From this circumstance>
when Dr. Wheclock was invited by the government of New Hamp-
shire to remove to Hanover and establish a college in that place, it
was called Dartmouth college. This seminary was incorporated in
1769, and Dr. Wheelock was declared its founder and president
with the right of appointing his successor. He lived for some time
at Hanover in a log hut. In 1770 he removed his school. The
number of his scholars, destined for missionaries, was at this time
twenty four, of whom eighteen were whites and only six Indians.
This alteration of his plan was the result of experience. He
had found, that of forty Indian youth, who hud been under his
care, twenty h:id returned to the vices of sa\ age life. The first
commencement was held in 1771, when the degree of bachelor
of arts was conferred on four students, one of whoiii was John
Wheelock, the son and successor ol the founder, and who is now
at the head of the institution. Dr. Wheelock died April 24,
1779 in the sixty ninth year of his age. He published a narrative
of the Indian charity school at Lebanon, 1762 ; narratives in several
numbers from 1763 to 1771 ; continuation of the narrative, 1773,
to which is added an abstract of a mission to the Delaware Indians
west of the Ohio by David Macclure and Levi Frisbie ; a sermon
on liberty of conscience, 1775. — Belknap's JV. H. ii. 349 — 353 ; iii.
298; Holinea' annals, ii. 292, 292; Backus, iii. 289 ; Wheelock's
narratives.
WHEELWRIGHT (John), the founder of Exeter, New Hamp-
shire, after being a minister in England, was induced in consequence
of the impositions of the established church to come to Massachusetts
soon after its first settlement. He was a brother in law to the famous
Mrs. Hutchinson, and partook of her antinomian zeal. He preached
in Boston on a fast day in 1636, and his sermon was filled with invec-
tives against the magistrates and ministers. The court of magis-
trates in return adjudged him guilty of sedition. As all endeavors
to convince him of his error were in vain, sentence of banishment
was passed upon him in November 1637. In 1638, accompanied
by a number of persons from Braintree, where he had been a preach-
er, and which was a part of Boston, he went to New Hampshire,
and laid the foundation of the church and town of Exeter. The
next year, thinking themselves out of the jurisdiction of Massachu-
setts, they combined into a separate body politic ; but in 1642, when
Exeter was annexed to Essex county, Mr. Wheelwright, being still
mider the sentence of banishment, removed with a part of his church
to Wells in the district of iMoine. In 1644 he was restored to the
WHi. mi
freedom of the colony upon his making an acknowledgment. In
1647 he removed to Hampton, where he was minister several years.
In 1658 he was in England and in favor with Cromwell. After the
restoration he returned to America, and settled at Salisbury, New
Hampshire, where he died in 1680 at a very advanced age. He was
the oldest mimster in tlie colony, and was a man of learning, piety,
andzQal.—Mal's JV. Ji.i. 186,'l90; Welde ; limt/iro/i, 122,329
—.331 ; Hutchinsoih i. 55, 70, 74, 106 ; Sullivan's diet. Maine, 231
— 254 ; Belkna/i's .AC //. i. 14, 22, 36, 58 ; Holmes' afi7ials, i. 287,
304, 452.
WHITE (Peregrine), the first Englishman, born in New
fengland, was born at Plymouth in November 1620, and died at
Marshfield July 22, 1704, in the eighty fourth year of his age. — =
Prince's annals, 76 ; Hutchinson, ii. 148.
WHITEFIELD (George), an eloquent itinerant preacher, was
horn in Gloucester, England, December 16, 1714. After having
luade some progress in classical learning, he was obliged to assist
his motiier, Avho kept an inn, in her business ; but at the age of
eighteen he entered onte of the colleges at Oxford. Here he be-
came acquainted with Messrs. John and Charles Wesley, whose
piety was ardent and singular like his own. From the strict rules
and methods of life, which these young men followed, they were
called methodists, and they were the founders of the sect thus de-
nominated. Mr. Whitefield^s benevolent zeal led him to visit the
poor and even to search out the miserable objects in the gaols, not
only to diminish their wants, but that he might impart to them the
consolations and hopes of the gospel. He took orders, being or-
dained by the bishop June 20, 1736, and preached his first sermon
in the church at Gloucester. When a compliint was afterwards
entered with the bishop, that by this sermon he drove fifteen per-
sons mad ; the worthy prelate only expressed a wish, that the mad-
ness might not be forgotten before the next Sunday. After preach-
ing at various places he was induced by a letter from Mr. Wesley,
who was in Georgia, to embai-k for America. He arrived at Sa-
vannah May 7, 1738. After laboring in this place with unwearied
fidelity for several months to promote the interests of religion, he
embarked for England on the sixth of Septeml)er. He was ordained
priest at Oxford by bishop Benson January 14, 1739. In Noveni"
ber he again arrived in America, and he travelled through the mid-
dle and southern colonies, dispensing the gospel to immense multi-
tudes. In September 1740 he arrived at Rhode Island from Sa-
vannah, having been invited by the ministers of Boston, and he
preached in different parts of New England. At the end of Octo-
ber he went to New York, and he soon returned to Georgia. He
Avas much occupied in the establishment of an orphan house near
Savannah. In January 1741 he sailed for England. He arrived
again in America in October 1 7-14» and he now spent between three
77
602 WHI.
and four years in this country. In March 1748 he went to the
Bermudas, and in July he reached London. Having crossed the
Atlantic for the fourth time, he arrived at Savannah October 27,
1751, and returned to his native country in April 1752. In his
fifth visit to the new world he remained herefrom May 1754 to
March 1755. His sixth voyage brought him to Virginia in August
1763, and he did not set sail again for Great Britain till June 1765.
For the seventh and last time his zeal to do good induced him to
brave the dangers of the ocean, and he landed upon ihe American
shore November 30, 1769, never again to leave it. After preach-
ing in different parts of the country, he died suddenly at Newbury-
port, Massachusetts, September 30, 1770, in the fifty sixth year of
his age. Perhaps no man since the days of the apostles ever labor-
ed with such indefatigable zeal in preaching the gospel of salvation,
as Mr. White field. When he commenced his career in England,
the religion of the heart was much neglected in the care to defend
the GUtvvorks of Christianity against the assaults of infidels. If
these assailants were repulsed ; still the ingenious disquisitions of
the day carried no terror into the enemy's camp, and the over anx-
ious attempts to conciliate unhumbled reason rather than to reduce
the unholy heart to the obedience of the cross could not fail to en-
courage the opposers of the truth. Mr. Whitefield, while aware of
the necessity of enlightening the mind, knew also that there was
much theological learning, which had little influence upon the life.
He therefore chose to content himself with preaching the plain and
important doctrines of the gospel. These he presented so distinct-
ly to the view, and enforced by such awful considerations and with
such energy and unexampled eloquence, that through the divine
agency, without which he knew that his labors would be utterly in
vain, he was the means of imparting the pure principles and the
elevated hopes of religion to thousands both in Great Britain and
America. No preacher ever had such astonishing power over the
passions of his auditory, or was attended by such multitudes, as he
sometimes addressed in the fields. In the early periods of his life he
was guilty in some instances of uncharitableness and indiscretion ;
but he afte'rwards had the magnanimity to confess his fault. He was
in reality a man of a very liberal and catholic spirit, for he had little
attachment to forms, and embraced all, who loved the Lord Jesus in
sincerity. His life was spent in most disinterested and benevolent
exertion. The following lines will show the opinion, which was
formed of his character by the evangelical poet, Cowper.
He lov'd the world, that hated him ; the tear,
That dropp'd upon his bible, was sincere ;
Assail'd by scandal and the tongue of strife,
His only answer was a blameless life,
And he, that forg'd, and he, that threw the dart.
Had each a brother's interest in his heart.
WHI. 603
Paul*s love of Christ and steadiness unbrib'd
Were copied close in him, and well transcrib'd ;
He foUow'd Paul, his zeal a kindred flame,
His apostolic charity the same.
Like him cross'd cheerfully tempestuous seas,
Forsaking country, kindred, friends, and ease ;
Like him he labor'd, and like him, content
To bear it, suffer'd shame where'er he went.
Blush, calumny ! and write upon his tomb,
If honest eulogy can spare thee room.
Thy deep repentance of thy thousand lies.
Which, aim'd at him, have pierc'd th' offended skies,
And say, blot out mv sin, confessed, deplor'd.
Against thine image in thy saint, O Lord !
Mr. Whitefield's letters, sermons, and controversial and other
tracts, with an account of his life, were published in seven volumes,
8vo, 1771. — •Gillies' account of his life ; Middleton's biografihia e-van-
^e/icc, iv. 418— 448 ; Parsons\ Pemberton's^mid Wesley's sermons
on his death ; Christian history for 1743, 282 ; for 1744, 379 — 386 j
Chauncy's thoughts ; Coiufier's kofie.
WHITFIELD (Henry), first minister of Guilford, Connecticut,
was born in England in 1597, and was settled in Surry before he
came to this country in 1639. He continued at Guilford until 1750,
when he returned to his native country, and finished his life in tne
ministry at Winchester. He was a good scholar, a dibtinguished
divine, and an excellent preacher. He published the light appear-
ing more and more Sec, giving an account of the progTess of the
gospel among the Indians, 1651 . — Magnalia^ iii. 217,218 ; Trum-
bull's Connect, i. 292, 298, 309 ; Collect, hist. soc. iv. 186,
WHITING (Samuel), first minister of Lynn, Massachusetts,
was born in England in 1 597, and was educated at Cambridge. He
arrived at Boston May 26, 1636. In about a month he went to
Lynn, where a church was gathered on the eighth of November.
Mr. Cobbet was his colleague for a number of years, and after his
removal one of his own sons was his assistant. He died December
11,1 679, in the eighty third year of his age. He possessed an ac-
curate knowledge of Hebrew and wrote Latin with elegance. His
disposition was peculiarly amiable, and the sanctity of his life im-
pressed all men with respect for him. From his writings Nortori's
life of Cotton was partly composed. He published a treatise upoti
the last judgment, 1664; Abraham interceding for Sodom, a volume
of sermons, 1666. — •Mather's magnalia^ni. 156 — 161 ; Johnson., 89 ;
IVinthro/i, 113.
WHITTELSEY (Samuel), minister of Wallingford, Connecti-
cut, was graduated at Yale college in 1705, and was ordained as the
colleague of the reverend Mr. Street in May 1710. He died A-
pi'il 15, 1752, in the sixty seventh year of his age. He was one of
604 WIG.
the most dislinguished preachers and faithful niinistevs of the colo-
ny, ill which he lived. Such was the vigor and penetration of his
mind) that he easily comprehended subjects, which presented great
diiUculdos to others. His son, Chauncy Whittelsey, an eminent
scholar, was minister of New Haven from 175 8 till his death in
1787. He published a sermon upon the death of John Hall, 1730 ;
an election sermon ; a sermon on the awful condition of impen-
itent souls in their separate state, 173,1 ; a sermon at the ordi-
ation cf his son, Samuel Whittelsey, at Milford, 1737.i — Dana's cen-
tury, discourse at Waltins^ford ; Collect, hist. soc. s.. lo9.
WiClGLESWORTH (Michaei,), a poet, was graduated at
Harvard college in 1651, and was afterwards ordained minister of
Maiden, Massachusetts, where he continued till his death in 1705
at the age of seventy four years. He was useful not only as a min-.
ister but as a physician. During an illness, which occasionally in-
terrupted his exertions as a preacher for several years, he still
sought to do good by his labors as a poet. He published the day
of doom, or a poetical description of the great and last judgment,
with a short discourse about eternity, fifth edition, 1701 ; meat out
of the eater, or a meditation concerning tjie necessity, end, and
usefulness of afflictions unto God's children, fifth edition, 1718. —
Holmes^ annals., ii. 66 ; Hutchinson.^ i. 173.
WIGGLESVVORTH (Edwaud, u.d.), first Holiis professor of
divinity in Harvard college, was the son of the preceding, and was
graduated at Harvard college in 1710. After he commenced preach-
ing, his services were enjoyed in different places. So conspicuous
■were his talents, and so exemplary was he for every Christian virtue,
that when the professorship of divinity in Harvard college was found-
ed by Mr. Thomas Hollis, he was unanimously appointed first profes-
sor and was inducted into this office October 24, 1722. In this station
he continued more than forty two years. He died conscious of the
failings of his life, yet hopuig for pardon through Jesus Christ, Jan-
uary 16, 1765, in the seventy third year of his age. His son of the
same name succeeded him in this year, and remained in office till
his resignation in 1791. The next professor was the reverend Dr.
Tappan. Dr. Wigglesworth was an eminent theologian, and was
distinguished for learning, humility, and piety. He discussed the
various points of controversy with candor, and explained and vindi-
cated the grand doctrines of religion with per.T,picuity and solid ar-
gument. He possessed great strength and comprehension of mind,
and a peculiar talent at reasoning. With regard to his own senti-
ments, in the examination, which took place at the time of his
election in order to fulfil the statutes of the founder, requiring the
professor to be " of sound or orthodox principles," he declared his
assent to the doctrine of the Holy Trinity^ of the eternal Godhead
pf our blessed Savior, of predestination, of special, efficacious grace,
^^lld of the divine right of int^int baptism. Bu'. though he was steady
WIL. 605
10 his own principles, he was charitable towards others, who widely
diffei"ed fram him. Dr. Chauncy pronounces him to have been far
removed from bigotry, and a truly great and excellent man. In
private life, though a defect in hearing cut him oft" in a great degree
from the ijleasures of social intercourse, yet he was aflable, conde*
scending, and obliging. He published sober remarks, 1724; on
the duration of the future punishment of the wicked, 1729; trial of
the spirits, 1735 ; a sermon on the death ot president Wadsworth>
1737; inquiry into the truth of the imputation of the guilt of Ad-
am's sin to his posterity, 1738 ; a letter to Mr. Whitefield, 1745 ;
on the inspiration of the old testament, 1753 ; two lectures on the
ordinary and extraordinary ministers of Clyist, 1754; Dudleiaii
lecture on the infallibility of the church of Rome, 1757 ; doctrine
of reprobation briefly considered, 1763.— J/i/ileion's discourse ojihis
death; Taylor* a oratiofunebris ; Boston evening post^ number 1533;
Monthly anthology^ ii. 209 ; Collect, hist. soc. x. 160.
WILLARD (Samuel), minister in Boston and vice president of
Harvard college, was the son of Mr. Simon Wiilurd, who sustained
some important offices in Massachusetts both civil and military.
lie was graduated at Harvard college in 1659. He was afterwards
the minister of Groton ; but the ravages of the Indian war drove
^lim from that place about the year 1676. He was settled colleague
with Mr. Thacher, the first minister of the old south church in
Boston, April 10, 1678. In 1700 he received Mr. Peraberton as
an assistant minister. After the resignation of president Mather,
he as vice president took the superintendence of Harvard college
September 6, 1701, and presided over that seminary till his death
September 12, 1707, at the age of sixty eight years. President
Leverett succeeded him. Mr. Willard possessed very superior
powers of mind. His imagination was rich though not luxuiiant,
his perception was rapid and correct, and in argument he was pro-
found and clear. His learning also was very considerable. To his
other accomplishments he added remarkable and unaffected modes-
ty. In controversy he was a champion, defending the cause of
truth with courage, and with enUghtened and affectionate zeal. Ali
his talents and acquisitions were devoted to God, who had created
him anew in Christ Jesus, and implanted in his heart all the pure,
and humble, and lovely virtues of Christianity. In the time of
the witchcraft delusion he distinguished himself by opposing the
vash proceedings of the courts. He published a sermon to the
second church after they had received the covenant ; a discourse
on the death of John Leverett, 1679 ; animadversions on the bap-
lists, 1681 ; covenant keeping the way to blessedness ; on the fiery
trial ; a fast sennon ; election sermon, 1682 ; the child's portion,
or the unseen glory of the children of God, 1684 ; a discourse up-
on justification ; heavenly merchandise, 1686; on laying hands on
the bible in swearing, 1689 ; the barren fig tree's doom ; against:
606 WIL.
excessive sorrow ; the danger of taking the name of God in vain ;
on promise keeping, 1691; on worsnipping God ; on discerning
the times ; on the doctrine of the covenant of redemption, 1693 ;
election sermon ; a fast sermon ; the law estabUshcd by the gospel,
1694 ; spiritual desertions discovered and remedied, 1699 ; a rem-
edy against despair ; love's pedigree ; the perils of the times dis-
played, the substance of several sermons ; on the calling of the
Jews, 1700; the Christian's exercises by satan's temptations;
caution about swearing ; a sermon on the death of William Stough-
ton, 1701 ; fast sermon ; Israel's true safety, 1704; fountain open-
ed, or blessings to be dispensed at the national conversion of the
Jews, second edition, 1723 and third, 1727 with an appendix by judge
Sewall ; sacramental meditations. Mr, Willard's largest work,
and the first folio volume on divinity printed in this country, was
published in 1726, entitled a body of divinity in two hundred and
fifty expository lectures on the assembly's shorter catechism. It
is considered as a work of great merit— 'Peinberton's sermons, 130
— 144 ; Panofilist^ iii. 97 — 101 ; Collect, hist. soc. viii. 182 ; ix.
193 ; X. 168.
WILLARD (Josiah), secretary of Massachusetts, was the son
of the preceding and was graduated nt Harvard college in 1698.
After being for some time a tutor in that seminary he visited the
West Indies and England, retaining every where the purity of his
moral character, and the correctness of his religious views. In
June 1717 the king appointed him secretary of his native province,
and he was continued in that station thirty nine years till his death.
He was also a judge of the probate of wills and a member of the
council. He died December 6, 1756, in the seventy sixth year of
his age. While he cominanded the highest respect in the public
offices, which he sustained, his heart was the abode of all the Christ-
ian virtues. His zeal for religion was united with the deepest hu-
mility. He ever was conscious of his ill desert, and this consciousness
made him admire the love and condescension of a divine Savior,
on whose righteousness he rested his whole hope of salvation.—
Sewall's and Prince's sermons, and judge Oliver's jiocm on his death ;
Miriot, i. 304.
WILLARD (Joseph, D.D. ll.d.), president of Harvard college,
was born at Biddeford, Massachusetts, December 29, 1738, and was
the son of the reverend Samuel Willard, grandson of vice president
Willard. He was graduated at Harvard college in 1765, and was
afterwards a tutor in that seminary about six years. He was or-
dained November 25, 1772, as colleague with the reverend Mr^
Champney, minister of the first church in Beverly, where he con-
tinued in the high esteem of the people of his charge till he was
elected in the place of Dr. Lungdon to the presidentship of Harvard
college. Into this office he was inducted December 19, 1781.
Durinc: the last six vears of his life his usual health was unsettled.
WIL. 607
He died at New Bedford September 25,1 804, in the sixty sixth year
of his age. His successor is the reverend Dr. Samuel Webber.
President Willard was particularly distinguished for his acquaint-
ance with classical literaturc and with mathematical and astronom-
ical science. His attainments in Greek learning have been equalled
by few in America. At the head of the university he mingled pa-
ternal tenderness with strict authority, and by his dignified person
and deportment united with candor, generosity, and benevolence, he
secured at the same time respect and affection. He was remark-
ably punctual and faithful in attending to the various duties of his
office. As a preacher of the gospel, intent upon the great object of
the ministry, that of doing good, he was plain, and less anxious to
display his critical learning than to impart the most useful instruc-
tion. He sincerely believed the doctrines, which he preached.
His integrity was unquestioned, and his piety, equally remote from
the preciseness of superstition and the wildness of enthusiasm, was
manifested by his resignation to the will of God under pains and af-
flictions, by his constant devotion, and his exertions to promote the in-
terests of the Redeemer's kingdom. He published a thanksgiving
sermon, preached December 1783; a sermon at the ordination of Jo-
seph M'Keen, 1785 ; a sermon on the death of Timothy Hiiliardj
1790 ; asermon at the ordination of Hezekiah Packard, 1793 ; aLat-
in address on the death of George Washington, prefixed to Tappan's
discourse, 1800 ; andseveral mathematical and astronomical commu-
nications in the memoirs of the American academy of arts and sci-
ences.— Webber's eulogy ; Holmes' fun. scrm. ; Pearson's public lect. j
Memoirs of Jmer. acad.'i. 1 — 61,70 — 80, 129 — 142; ii. 22 — 36.
WHXIAMS (RoGEii), the father of Providence plantation, was
born in Wales in 1699 and was educated at Oxford. After having
been for some time a minister in the church of England, his non-
conformity induced him to seek religious liberty in America. He
arrived at Boston February 5, 1631. In April he was chosen an as-
sistant to Mr. Skelton in the ministry at Salem. Such was his pu-
ritanic zeal, that he contended for a complete separation from the
English church, and even refused to join in fellowship with his breth-
ren in Boston unless they would declare their repentance for having
communed, before they came to this covmtry, with the church of
England. He was of opinion also, that the magistrate might not
punish the breach of the sabbath, or any violation of the precepts
of the first table. Before the close of the summer he was obliged
to retire to Plymouth, where he preached as an assistant to Mr.
Smith about two years. In 1633 he I'eturned to Salem, and after
the death of Mr. Skelton in 1634 was the sole minister of the
church. His peculiar sentiments and conduct soon brought him
before the court, where he was accused of asserting, that offences
against the first table of the law ought not to be punished, unless
they disturbed the public peace, that an oath ought not to be ten-
608 WlL.
dered to an unvcgenerate man, that a Christian should not pray with
the vniregenerate, and that thanks ought not to be given afier the
sacrament, nor after meat. He asserted, that the Massachusetts
patent was invalid and unjust, because a fair purchase luid not been
made of the Indians. He even refused to commune with the mem-
bers of his own church, unless they would separate from the pol-
luted and antichristian churches of New England. As he could
not be induced to retract any of his opinions sentence of banish-
ment Avas passed upon him in 1635. He obtained permission to
remain till spring ; but as he persisted in preaching in his own
house, orders were sent in January 1636 to seize him and send him
to England. He escaped, and went with four of his friends to
Seckhonck, now Rehoboth, and crossing the river laid the founda-
tion of a town, which in acknowledgment of God's goodness to
him he called Providence. He purchased the land honestly of the
Indians, and while he enjoyed liberty of conscience himself he
gi'antcd it to others. Having embraced the sentiments of the bap-
tists, he was baptized in March 1639 by one of his brethren, and
he then baptized about ten others. But he soon entertained doubts
respecting the correctness of his principles ; the church, which he
had formed, was dissolved ; and he came to the conclusion, that
baptism ought not to be administered in any mode without an im-
mediate revelation from heaven. At this period he studied the In-
dian language and used his endeavors to impart to the savages the
blessings of the gospel. In 1643 he went to England, as agent for
the colonists to procure an act confirming their voluntary govern-
ment. He obtained a charter, and returning with it landed at Bos-
ton in September 1644. Though he was still under sentence of
banishment, a letter of recommendation from some of the princi-
pal members of parliament secured him from any interruption on
his way to Providence. In 1651 he went again as an agent for the
colony to England, and continued there till 1654. On his return
he was chosen president of the government, in which station he
was continued till 1657, when Mr. Benedict Arnold was appointed.
Being zealous against the quakers, he in 1672 held a public dispute
with three of their most eminent preachers, which occupied three
days at Newport and one day at Providence. Of this dispute he
afterwards published an account. He died in April 1683 at the age
of eighty four years. He seems in the early part of his residence
in this country to have been governed in some respects by a blind
zeal ; but his memory is deserving of lasting honor for the cor-
rectness of his opinions respecting liberty of conscience, and for
the generous toleration, which he established. So superior was he
to the meanness of revenge, and such was his ma^manimity, that
he exerted all his influence with the Indians in favor of Massachu-
setts, and ever evinced the greatest tt iendship for the colony, from
which he had been driven. Eor some of its principal men he pre-
WIL. 609
served the hit^hest affection, and maintained a correspondence with
them. In his controversial writings especially with Mr. Cotton
respecting toleration he shows himself a master of argument. His
talents were of a superior order. In the religious doctrines, which
he embraced, he seems to have been remarkably consistent. The
scriptures he read in the originals. Though his writings and his con-
duct in the latter periods of his life evince, that he was under the in-
fluence of the Christian spirit ; yet his mind was so shrouded in doubt
and uncertainty, that he lived in the neglect of the ordinances ot
the gospel. He did not contend, like the quakers, that they were
superseded; but found himself incapable of determining to what
church it was his duty to unite himself. He would pray and preach
with all, who would hear him, of whatever denomination. If his
conscience had been enlightened, one would suppose, it must have
reproved him for not partaking of the sacrament also with different
sects. His first baptism he appeal's to have renounced, not so much
because he was dibsatisfied with the time or the mode of its admin-
istration, as because it was received in the chuixh oi England, which
he deemed antichristian. He published a key to the language of
America or a help to the tongue of the New England Indians, 8vo,
1643, which has been lately reprinted in the collections of the Mas-
sachusetts historical society ; an answer to Mr. Cotton's letter con-
cerning the power of the magistrate in matters of religion ; the
bloody tenet of persecution for the cause of conscience, 1 644 ; the
bloody tenet yet more bloody by Mr. Cotton's endeavor to wash it
white in the blood of the Lamb, &C. to which is added a letter to
Mr. Endicot, 4to, 1652 ; the hireling ministry none of Christ's, or
a discourse on the propagation of tlie gospel of Christ Jesus ; ex-
periments of spiritual life and health, and their preservatives, Lon-
don, 1652; George Fox digged out of his burrows, 1676, wliich
Avas written against Fox and Burrowes, and gives an account of his
dispute with the quakers. An answer to it was published in 1678,
entitled, a New England fire brand quenched. An interesting letter
of Mr. Williams to major Mason is preserved in the collections of
the historical society. — Winthrofi, 23, 25, 57, 60, 84 — 92, 103 — 105,
273,356; Callender ; .A'ea/'s A*. £. i. 158 — 160; ilfo;YO?2, 86 — 90;
Hutchimouy i. 37 — 39, 118, 138 ; Backus' abridg. 27 — 109, 130 ;
Mather's magnalia^ vii. 7 — 9 ; ^davis' JY. E. 54 — 61 ; Morse and
Parish's AT. E. 163 — 169 ; Collect, hist. soc. i. 275 ; iii. 203 — 239 ;
V. 80 — 105; vi. 144, 231, 245 — 250; vii. iii — iv ; viii. 1 — 4; ix.
20 — 26; x. 15 — 23.
WILLIAMS (John), first minister of Deerfield, Massachusetts,
was born in Roxbury December 10, 1664, and was graduated at
Harvard college in 1683. In May 1686 he was ordained at Deer-
field, a frontier town, much exposed to the incursions of tiie savages.
In the beginning of 1704 information was received from colonel
Schuyler of Albany of tlie designs of the enemy og;i',nst Deerfield,.
610 WIL.
and the government at the solicitation of Mr, Williams ordereCf
twenty soldiers its a guard. In the night of Februaiy ihe twenty
eighth the watch patroled the streets, but betore morning tlicy went
to sleep. Three hundred French and Indians, who had been
hovering about the town, when they perceived all to be quiet, sur-
prised the garrison house. A party of them then broke into the
house of Mr. Williams, who, as soon as he was awakened, snatched
his pistol from the tester, and put it to the breast of the first Indian,
who approached. It missed fire, and it was well that it did ; other-
wise his scalp would have instantly been taken off by other savages,
who now surrounded his bed. They seized and bound him. Two
of his children and a negro woman of his family were taken to the
door and murdered. His wife, who was the only daughter ol Mr.
Mather of Northampton, and all his surviving children, excepting
his eldest son, who was absent, with himself were compelled imme-
diately to begin their march towards C'anada. In wading through a
small river on the second day Mrs. Williams, who had hardly recov-
ered from a late confinement, and was much fatigued, fell down ; and
Soon afterwards the Indian, who took her, killed her with his hatchet.
About twenty other prisoners were murdered, because their strength
began to fail them in travelling through the wilderness. At length
after witnessing the most agonizing scenes during a journer of three
hundred miles Mr. Williams arrived in Canada. Here new trials
awaited him, for every exertion was made to convert this heretic to
popery. His Indian master, after seeing the inefiicacy of other
methods, lifted his hatchet over the head of his prisoner, and threat-
ened to burv it in his brains, if he did not instantly cross himself and
kiss a crucifix; but Mr. Williams was governed by too elevated
principles to be made to violate conscience from regard to his life.
He was redeemed in 1706. One of his daughters he was u'lable to
bring with him. She had become assimilated to the Indians, and
afterwards married one of them and embraced the Roman catholic
religion. Settling again in Deerfield, he continvied in that place
till his death June 12, 1729, in the sixty fifth year of his age. He
was succeeded by Mr. Ashley. His three eldest sons, Eleazer,
Stephen, and Warham, were ministers of Mansfield, Springfield,
and Watertown, and were highly respected and useful. He pub-
lished a sermon preached at Boston lecture after his return from
(Canada; God in the camp, 1707; the redeemed captive, 12mo,
Avhich gives a minute account of his sufferings, and has passed
through two or three editions ; a serious word to the posterity of
holy men, calling upon them to exalt their fathers' God, being the
alvitract of a number of sermons, 1729 — Redeemed cafUive ; Fox-
croft^ s aermon on his death ; Weekly ijenvsletter^number 1 30 ; Holmes*
annal.i, ii. 63, 124 ; Hiitchinnon^ ii. 137 — 139.
WILLIAMS (William), minister of Hatfield, Massachusetts*
was graduated at Harvard college in 1683. After a ministry of
WIL. 611
Gonsiderable length he died at an advanced age very suddenly about
the year 1746. He was a man ot distmguished talents. His wife
was the daughter of the reverend Mr. Stoddard. He published a
sermon at the ordination of Stephen Williams, 1716 ; the great sal-
vation explained in several sermons, 1717 ; election sermon, 1719 ;
a sermon at the ordination of Warham Williams, 172 3 ; at the or-
dination of Nehemiah Bull of Westfield ; convention sermon, 1726 ;
a sermon on the death of Solomon Stoddard, 1729; the duty and
interest of a Christian people to be steadfast ; directions to obtain a
true conversion, 1736; a sermon on the death. of his wife, 1745. —
Collect, hist. soc. X. 157.
WILLIAMS (Eliska), president of Yale college, was the son
of the preceding and was graduated at the university of Cambridge
in 1711. He was afterwards the minister of Newington in Weth-
ersfield, Connecticut. In 1726 he was inaugurated president in the
place of Dr. Cutler ; but his impaired health induced him in Octo-
ber 1739 to resign his office, and Mr. Clap succeeded him. He
now lived at Wethersfield and was soon inade a justice of the supe-
rior court. In 1745 he went as chaplain in the expedition against
cape Breton. In the following year he was appointed colonel of a
regiment on the proposed expedition against Canada. He after-
wards went to England, where he married a lady of superior ac-
complishments. He died at Wethersfield July 24, 1750, aged sixty
years. Dr. Doddridge, who was intimately acquainted with him,
represents him as uniting in his character " an ardent sense of re-
ligion, solid learning, consummate prudence, gieat candor and
sweetness of temper, and a certain nobleness of soul, capable of con-
triving and acting the greatest things, without seeming to be con-
scious of his having done them." He presided at commencements
with great dignity. He published a sermon on divine grace, 1727;
a sermon on the death of Thomas Ruggles, 1728. — Clafi's hist. Yale
college^ 35 — 39 ; Holmen' life of Stiles, 388 — 390 ; Miller, ii. 3-0,;
JLockioood's sermon on his. death} Collect, hist. soc. yi. 157; Chand-
ler's life of Johnson, 61.
WILLIAMS (Solomon, d.d.), minister of Lebanon, Connecti-
cut, was the brother of the preceding, and was graduated at Harvard
college in 1719. He was ordained December 5, 1722, and died, it
is believed, in 17{J9, having been oneof the distinguished men of
his day. He published a sermon at the ordination of Jacob Eliot at
Goshen in Lebanon, 1750; on the death ot John Robinson, 1739;
a sermon on a day of prayer; election sermon, 1741 ; on the death
of Eleazer Williams, 1743; Christ the kina; and witness of t«e
truth, 1744; a vindication of the scripture doctrine of justifying
faith, in answer to Andrew Croswell, 1746; the true state of the
question concerning the qualifications for communion, in answer to
Jonathan Edwards, 1751.
612 WIL.
WILLIAMS (Ephraim), founder of Williams college in Mas-
sachusetts, was the son ol colonel Ephraim Williams of Newlon,
MTho was afterwards one of the first settlers of Stockbridge. In early
life he made several voyages to Europe. Possessing untommon
miiit.-iry taieiits, in the war between England and France from 1740
to 1748 he found opportunity to exert thetn. The couimand of the
line ot the Massacluisetts forts on the west side of Connecticut river
was entrusted to him. At this period he resided chiefly at Hoosack
fort, which stood on the back of Hoosack river in Adams, and he
also commanded a small fort at Williamstown three or four miles
distant. In 1755 he took the command of a regiment and joined
general Johnson to the northward of Albany. On the morning of
the eighth of September he was sent out at the head of a thousand
men with about two hundred Indians to skirmish with the enemy
near lake George. He was ambuscaded, and in the action, which
took place, he was killed, being a little more than forty years of age.
His p-irty retreated to the main body, and in another engagement
on the same day the enemy were reptdsed,and baron Dieskau taken
prisoner. Colonel Williams was a brave soldier, and was beloved
by his troops. He was affable and facetious. His politeness and
address gained him great influence in the general court. He be-
queathed his property to the establishment of a free school in the
township west of fort Massachusetts on the condition, that the town
should be called Williamstown. In 1785 trustees were appointed;
in 1791 the school was opened; and in 1793 it was incorporated as
a college, under the presidency of the reverend Dr. Fitch. It is
now a flourisliing seminaiy, which does honor to the munificence
of its founder, and to the liberality of the general court, which has
patronised it.— Col ect. hist. soc. \'ni. 47 — 53; Holmes^ annals^ ii.
211, 212; Marshall, i. 396.
WILLIAMS (NEHEMiAH),minister of Brimfield, Massachusetts,
was the son of the reverend Chester Williams of Hadley, and was
graduated at Harvard college in 1769. He was ordained in 1775.
His death took place in 1796. As a preacher he was distinguished
for the energy and pathos, with which his discourses we.e delivered,
and he was an able advocate of the doctrines, embraced by strict
Calvinists. He was one of the first members of the American acad-
emy of arts and sciences. His life was most holy and benevolent,
but on his dying bed he declared, that his hope of salvation rested
wholly upon the free and sovereign mercy of God through Jesus
Christ. At the moment of his departure he cried, " I have finished
tny course with joy," and clasping his hands as in devotion expired
without a groan or a struggle. A posthumous volume of twenty
four of his sermons was published. — M'lv York thcolog. 7nag. ii.
WILLIAMS (Otho Holland), a brave officer in the revolution-
ary war, held a command in the Maryland line, and was deputy ad-
jutant general of the American army. In the letrcat of Greene
WIL. 613
from South Carolina to Virginia in the beginning of 1781 colonel
Williams was entrusted with the command of the light corps in
the place of the brave general Morgan, who was indisposed, and by
his manoeuvres he greatly embarrassed Cornwallis in his pursuit.
After the war he resided at Baltimore. He died while on a journey,
July 15, 1794, in the forty fifth year of his age. He was a firm
and disinterested patriot, as well as a gallant soldier. In the rela-
tions of private life his conduct secured esteem. — Gordon, iii. 448,
469 ; iv. 43 ; Gazette of the U. S. Julj 22, 1794.
WILSON (John), first minister of Boston, was born at Wind-
sor, England, in 1588, and was the son of the reverend Dr. William
Wilson. He was educated at king's college, Cambridge, where he
obtained a fellowship ; but was deprived of it for his nonconformity
to the English church. After studying law for thi-ee years at one
of the Inns of court, he directed his attention to theology, and was
a chaplain in several honorable families. He was then settled in
the ministry at Sudbury in Suffolk. In 1630 he came to this coun-
try in the same fleet with governor Winthrop and the first settlers
of Massachusetts. In the beginning of July Chai^lestown was fixed
upon as a place of settlement, and Mr. Wilson and Mr. Phillips
preached under a tree. A church was formed on Friday the thir-
tieth ol July, and on the twenty seventh of August Mr. Wilson was
ordained as teacher by the imposition of hands. This ceremony
was performed by some of the orethren merely as a sign of his elec-
tion to be their minister and not because he had renounced his for-
mer ordination. In a few months, when the greater part of his church
removed across the river to Shawmut, or Boston, he accompanied
them. In 1631 he returned to England for his wife, whom he had
left behind, enjoining it upon governor Winthrop and some other
brethren to " prophesy," or to impart instruction and give exhorta-
tions in the church during his absence. In October 1632 thirty
three members were dismissed to form a new chuixh at Charles-
town. They had Mr. James for their pastor, to whom Mr. Symmes
was soon united as teacher. In November Mr. Wilson was again
ordained as pastor. In the following year he received Mr. Cotton
as his colleague, and after his death Mr. Norton in 1653 or 1654.
He survived them both. His death took place August 7, 1667 at
the age of seventy eight years. Mr. Davenport succeeded him.
Mr. Wilson was one of the most humble, pious, and benevolent
men of the age, in which he lived. Kind affections and zeal were
the prominent traits in his character. Such was his readiness to
relieve the distressed, that his purse was often emptied into the
hands of the needy. Every one loved him, and he was regarded as
the father of the new plantation. He appears fre ;uently to have
possessed a particular faith in prayer. Events sometimes took
place according to his predictions. The blessings pronounced by
hin^ had be«n observed to be so prophetical, that on his death bed
614 WIL.
the most consiJevable persons brought their children to him to re-
ceive his benediction. Hiwing a most wonderful talent at rhyming,
he used to write pieces of poetry on all occasions and to send them
to all persons, He was also a great anagrammatist. Dr. Mather
thinks, that he made more anagrams, and made them more nimbly,
than any man since the days of Adam. They generally conveyed
some religious truth or advice. But it was not always the case,
tiiat the letters of his anagram corresponded with those of the name.
It was perhaps in pleasant allusion to this discordance, as well as in
reference to the hospitable temper ot Mr. Wilson, that Mr. Ward,
the witty author of the simple cobler of Aggawan», said that the
anagram of John Wilson was, " 1 pray, come in, you are heartily
welcome." In the early periods of his life his discourses were very
correct ; but as he advanced in years his sermons consisted princi-
pally of exhortations, admonitions, and counsels without much con-
nexion or method, but delivered with afi'ectionate warmth. He
partook of the common error of his times in calling upon the civil
magistrate to punish those, who were deemed heretical in doctrine.
His portrait is in the library of the historical society. He published
in England some helps to faith, 12mo. In this country an extem-
porary sermon, which he preached at a lecture in 1665, was taken
down by a stenographer and afterwards published. — Tl'iiithro/i, 20,
25, 44, 87, 89, 119 ; Frhicc, i. 212, 243, 247 ; ii. 69 — 73 ; Morton^
194 ; Johnson, 39, 40, 55,74 ; Magnalia, i. 22 ; iii. 41 — 51 ; Mai's
.A. E. \. 148, 365 — 367; Hutchinson, i. 61, 258 ; Holmes^ annals., i.
254 — 256, 267, 401.
WILSON (James, ll.d.), an associate justice of the supreme
court of the United States, after having been a member of congress
from Pennsylvania, received the above appointment at the com-
mencement of the preseiit government, in October 1789. In 1797
he was appointed the first professor of law in the university of Penn-
sylvania. He delivered a course of lectures, but died soon after the
delivery of them. They are preserved in his works, published in
3 vols. Svo, 1804. American mag. March 1788 ; Debates of conven-
tion of Pennsylvania ; Rees* cijclofi. art. college.
WINCHESTER (Eliianan), an itinerant pixiacher of the doc-
trine of restoration, was born in Brookline, Massachusetts, in 1751.
Without an academical education he commenced preaching, and was
the first minister of the baptist church in Newton. In 1778 he
was a minister on Pedee river in South Carolina, zealously teach-
ing the Calvinistic doctrines, as explained by Dr. Gill. In the fol-
lowing year his labors were very useful among the negroes. In
1781 he became a preacher of universal salvation in Philadelphia,
where he remained several years. He afterwards endeavored to
]>ropagate his sentiments in various parts of America and England.
He died at Hartford, Connecticut, in April 1797 in the forty sixth
year of his age. His system is very similar to that of Dr.Chauncy
WIN. 615
He published a volume of hymns, 1776 ; a plain political catechism
for schools ; a sermon on universal restoration, 1781 ; universal res-
toration in four dialogues, 1786 ; a course of lectures on the proph-
ecies, Amer. edit. 2 Vols. 8vo, 1800. — Backus^ iii. 152 — 155 ; Pref.
to dialogues ; Pierce''s cent, discourse^ 13.
WINSLO W (Edward), governor of Plymouth colony, was
born in 1594, and c.\me to this country with the first settlers of
New England in 1620. Possessing great activity and resolution,
he was eminently useful. In 1 623 he visited Masassoit at Narragan-
set to afford him some relief and comfort in his sickness, and the
grateful sachem in return disclosed a plot of the Indians for exter-
minating the English. He v/ent repeatedly to England as an agent
for the colony. In 1633 he was chosen governor in the place of
Mr. Bradford, and again in 1636 and 1644. He exerted his influ-
ence in England to iorm the society for propagating the gospel in
New England, which was incorporated in 1649, and of which he
was an active member. In 1655 he was appointed one of the com-
missioners to superintend the expedition against the Spaniards in
the West Indies. The troops were defeated by an inconsiderable
number of the enemy near St. Domingo. In the passage between
Hispaniola and Jamaica Mr. Winslow died of a fever May 8, 1655,
in the sixty first year of his age. He published good news from
New England, or a relation of things remarkable m that plantation,
to which is annexed an account of the Indian natives, 1623. His
account is republished in Belknap, and the whole work is abridged
in Purchas. Mr. Winslow published also hypocrisy unmasked,
relating to the concimunion of the independent with the reformed
churches, 1646. — Belknafi's Amer. biog. ii. 281 — 309,451 — 462;
Morton^ 153, 154 ; Magnalia, ii. 6, 7 ; Prince., 85, 103, 105, 119,
129, 145, 153 ; Hutchinson., i. 187 ; Ho hues' annals, i. 367 ; Pur~
chas' /iilgri?ns, v. 1853 — 1871.
WINSLOW (Josiah), governor of Plymouth, was the son of
the preceding, and was chosen governor in 1673 as successor of
Mr. Prince, and was continued in this office till 1680. In Philip's
war, being commander of the Plymouth forces, he evinced himself a
brave soldier. He died at Marshfield December 18, 1680 in the
fifty second year of his age. — Morton, supfile7n. 207 ; Magnalia, ii.
7 ; Belknafi's Amer. biog. ii. 308 ; JVeaCs A. E.xi. 41 ; Hutchinson,
i. 276, 286, 299 ; Holmes' annals, i. 452.
WINSLOW (John), major general in the British service, was
the grandson of the preceding. He was a captain in the unfortu-
nate expedition to Cuba in 1740, and afterwards major general in
the several expeditions to Kennebeck, Nova Scotia, and Crown
Point in the French wars. He died at Hingham in April 1774 aged
seventy one years. — Bclkfia/i's Amer. biog. 'n. 309; Minot, i. 217,
224,273,281—297; Holmes' annals, 'n. 2.\&.
616 WIN.
WINTHROP (John), first governor of Massachusetts, was born
at Groton in Suffolk June 12, 1587, and was bred to the law. Hav-
ing converted a fine estate of six or seven hundred pounds sterling
per annum into money, he embarked for America in the forty third
year of his age as the leader of those persons, who settled the colo-
ny of Massachusetts, and with a commission as governor. He ar-
rived at Salem June 12, 1630, and soon removed to Charlestown,
and afterwards crossed the river to Shawmut or Boston. In the
three following years he was rechosen governor, for which office he
was eminently qualified. His time, his exertions, his interest were
all devoted to the infant plantation. In 1634 Mr. Dudley was chos-
en in his place, but he was reelected in the years 1637, 1638, and
1639, and in 1642, 1643, 1646, 1647, and 1648. He died, worn
out by toils and depressed by afflictions, March 26, 1649, in the
sixty third year of his age. Mr Endicot succeeded him. Gover-
nor Winthrop was a most faithful and upright magistrate and ex-
emplary Christian. He at first was very mild in the administration
of justice ; but he afterwards yielded to the opinions of others, who
thought that severer discipline was necessary in a new plantation.
Not having a high opinion of a pure democracy, when the people of
Connecticut were about forming a government, he wrote them a
letter, in which he observed, *' the best part of a community is al-
ways the least, and of that least part the wiser are still less." In a
speech to the general court he took occasion to express his senti-
ments concerning the power of tlie magistracy and the liberty of >he
people. " You have called us", said he, " to office, but being called,
we have authority from God, it is the ordinance of God, and hath
the image of God stamped upon it ; and the contempt of it hath
been vindicated by God vt^ith terrible examples of his vengeance. —
There is a liberty of corrupt nature, which is inconsistent with au-
thority, impatient of restraint, the grand enemy of truth and peace,
and all the ordinances of Ciod are bent against it. But there is a
civil, moral, federal liberty, which consists in every one's enjoying
his property, and havin;< the benefit of the laws of his country, a
li'oerty for that only, which is just and good ; for this liberty you
are to stand with your lives." In the course of his life he repeat-
edly experienced the versatility of the public opinion ; but when he
was left out of office, he possessed perfect calmness of mind, and
still exerted himself to serve his country. In severe trials his mag-
nanimity, wisdom, and patience were conspicuous. He denied
himself many of the elegancies of life, that he might give an exam-
ple of frugality and temperance, and might exercise liljerality with-
out impoverishing his lamily. He wascondesceiidingand benevolent.
In a severe winter, when wood was scarce, he was told, that a neigh-
bor was wont to help himself from the pile at his door. '' Does
he ?" Slid the governor in seeming anger; "call him to me, and I
will take a course with him that shall cure him of stealing." When
WIN. 617
the man appeared, he addressed him *hus, " friend, it is a cold win-
ter, and I hear you are meanly provided with wood ; you are wel-
come to help yourself at my pile till the winter is over." He after-
wards merrily asked his mformant, whether he had not put a stop
to the man's stealing ? Though he was rich when he came to this
country, yet through his devotion to public business, while his
estate was managed by unfaithful servants, he died poor. He was
so much of a theologian, that he sometimes gave the word of exhor-
tation in the church. His zeal against those, who had embraced
erroneous doctrines, diminished in his latter years. He was always
careful in his attendance upon the duties of public and of family
worship. Governor's island in the harbor of Boston was granted
to him, and still remains in the possession of his descendants. He
procured a law against the heathenish practice of health drinking.
From his picture it appears, that he wore a long beard. He kept
9n exact account of occurrences and transactions in thp colony down
to the year 1644, which was of great service to Hubbard, Mather,
and Prince. It was not published till the year 1790, when it was
printed in octavo. — f His journal ; Mather* a inagnalia.) ii. 8—15;
Belknafi's Amer. blog. ii. 337 — 358 ; Morton^ 142 ; JVeuCs M. E.\,
146, 294 ; Hutchinson^ i. 12—40 ; 55 — 75, 147, 151 ; Jdams' A,
E. 2 9, 79 ; Mod. univers. hist, xxxix. 292, 293,
WINTHROP (John, F. R.s ), governor of Connecticut, was
the son of the preceding, and his fine genius was impi'oved by a
liberal education in the universities of Cambridge and of Dublin,
and by travel upon the continent. He arrived at Boston in October
1635, with authority to make a settlement in Connecticut, and the
next month despatched a number of persons to build a fort at Say-
brook. He was chosen governor in 1657 and again in 1659, and
from that period he was annually reelected till his death. In 1661
he went to England and procured a charter, incorporating Connecti-
cut and New Haven into one colony. He died at Boston April 5,
1676, in the seventy first year of his age. He possessed a rich va-
riety of knowledgo, and was particularly skilled in chemistry an.d
physic. His valuable qualities as a gentleman, a Christian, a phi-
losopher, and a magistrate secured to him universal respect. He
published some valuable communications in the philosophical trans-
actionB.— •T'rz^nfiu//'* Connect, i. 258, 261, 362 ; Magnal c^ ii. 30—
33 ; Bdknaii's Amer. biog. ii. 359 — 362 ; Holmes* anyials, i. 382,
438.
WINTHROP (JoiiK, LL. D. F. R. s), Hollis professor of math-
ematics and natural philosophy in Harvard college, was the son of
the honorable Adam Winthrop, a member of the council, and a
descendant of the governor of Massachusetts. He was graduated
at the university of Cambridge in 1732. In 1738 at the age of
twenty four years he was appointed professor in the [„lace of Mr.
Greenwood. He immediately entered upon the duties of this of-
79
610 WIN.
fice and discharged ihcm with fidelity and high reputation through:
Hie. In 1761 he sailed to St. John's in Newtoundiand to observe
the transit of Venus over the sun's disk on the sixth ot June agree-
ably to the recommendation of Mr. Halley. When the day arrived,
he was favored with a tine, clear morning, and he enjoyed the inex-
pressible satisfaction of observing a phenomenon, wliich had never
before been seen, excepting by Mr. Horrox in 1639, .^y any inhab-
itant of this earth. In 1773, when the controveisy with Great
Britain began to grow warm, he was ctiosen a member of the coun-
cil, and evinced himself a firm friend of his country. He was re-
chi/sen in the following year, but his election was annulled by the
governor in compliance with an express roy;.l mandate. This tes-
timony of his majesty's displeasure on account of his attachment
to the rights of America, he ever esteemed as the highest honor,
which a corrupt court could bestow. When liie British authority
terminated in Massachusetts he was reelected a counsellor. After
having been a professor for more that iorty years he died at Cam-
bridge May 3, 1779, in the sixty fifth year of his age. He was suc-
ceeded by Mr. Williams. Dr, Winthroj) was distinguished for his
very intimate acquaintance with mathemutical science. The most
obstruse reasonings of Newton's principia were familiar to him, and
few philosophers of his day possessed greater \igor and penetration
of mind. His talents in investii^;ating and communicating truth
were very rare. In the variety and extent of his knowledge he has
seldom been equalled. While he wrote Latin witii purity and ele-
gance, and studied the scriptures with critical attention in their
original languages, he was also versed in several of the modern
languages of Europe. He had deeply studied the policies of differ-
ent ages ; he had read the principal fathers ; and he was thoroughly
acquainted with the controversy between Christians and deists.
His firm faith in the Christian religion was founded upon an accu-
rate examination of the evidences of its truth, and the virtues of his
life added a lustre to his intellectual powers and scientific attainments.
In his family he devoutly maintained the worship of the supreme
Being. While he himself attended upon the positive institutions
of the gospel, he could not conceive what reason any one, who called
himself a Christian, could give fi)r neglecting them. The day
before his death he observed to a friend, that the wise me.t of antiq-
uity by every plausible argument endeavored to prove the reality of
a future state, but that the wise men of modern times had bent all
their exertions to weaken the proofs of our immortal existence, and
to undermine the only hope, which can sustain us at the close of
life. " But," added he," the light thrown upon the doctrine of a
future state with me amounts to demonstration. The hope, that is
set before \is in liie New Testament, is the only thing, which will
support a nran in his dying hour. If any man Iniilds on any other
foundation, in my apprehension his foundation will fail." His ac-
WIS. 619
jiurate observations of the transit of Mercury in 1 740 were hon-
orably nuticcci by tiie royal society of Lonaon and recorded ii)
the iorty second volume of its transactions. He pubiisiied a lec-
ture on earthquakes 1755; answer to Mr. Prince's letter upon
eartiiquukes, 1756; two lectures on comets, 1759 ; uu account of
several fiery meteors seen in North America, 1765. — Langdon'sand
Howard's sermons, IVigg/eaivorth's lecture, and SenvaU's oration on
his d^ath; Mwisa. mag. iv. 231—233 ; Amtrican museum, vii. 229
— 231 ; Holmes' annah, ii. 424 ; life of Stiles, 25 8 — 260 ; Miller, ii.
373 ; Collect, hist, soc, x, 159 ; Indejiend. chronicle May 13, 1779.
WISE (John), minisier of Ipswich, Massachusetts, was gradu-
ated at Harvard college in 1673, and was soon afterwards ordained
at Chebacco in Ipswich. In 1688 he was imprisoned by sir Ed-
mund Andros for remonstrating with others agdnst the taxes as a
grievance, because imposed without an asse'nbly. After the revo-
lution he brought an action against Mr. Dudley, the chief justice,
for denying him the benefits of the habeas corpus act. Being a
chaplain in the unhappy expedition against Canada in 1690, he dis-
tinguished himself not only by the pious discharge of the sacred
office, but by his heroic spirit and nrartial skill. When a number
of ministers signed proposals in 1705 for establishing associations,
which should be entrusted with spiritual power, he exerted himself"
:tvith effect to avert the danger, wliich threatened the congregational
churches. In a book, whish he wrote upon this occasion, entitled,
the churches* quarrel espoused, he exhibited no small share of the
wit and satire of a former minister of Ipswich, Mr. Ward. He
contended, that each church contains in itself all ecclesiastical au-
thority. In 1721, when the inoculation of the small pox was first
introduced, ne was one of those ministers, who approved of it. Mr.
Stoddard of Northampton was another. Mr. Wise died April 8,
1725 at an advanced age. He was enriched with the excellencies
of nature and of religion, uniting a graceful form and majestic as-
pect to a lively imagination and sound judgraent, and to incorrupti-
ble integrity, unshaken fortitude, liberal charity, and fervent piety.
His attachment to civil and religious liberty was zealous and firm.
He was a learned scholar and eloquent orator. Being a friend to
the peace of the churches, his services were often required in ec-
clesiastical councils, and when he was bowing down under infirmi-
ties he would go forth, wherever his benevolent labors were xlesired.
In the beginning of his last sickness he observed to a brother in tlve
gospel, that he had been a man of contention, but, as the state of
the church made it necessary, he could say upon the most serious
review of his conduct, that he had fought a good fight. ^^\. the
same time he expressed a deep sense of his own unwo^lhiness in
the sight of heaven, and a conviction, that he needed the divine
jnercyand was entirely dependent on the free grace of God in Christ
Jesus. He published the churches' quarrel espoused, 1710; and,a
620 WIS.
vindication of the government of the New England churches, about
tlie year 1717 or 1718. It was reprinted in 1772. He contends,
that the ecclesiastical government as established by Christ, and as
existing in New England, was a democracy, and was best calculated
for the advantage of all. — yl sermon on his death; Hutc/imson,i. 366,
367; £ackus' abridg. ISO, 13\,\58 ; Holmes' anmls,i. 473 ; Stiles'
Ch'istian uniorif 47.
WISE (Jkhemiah), minister of Berwick, Massachusetts, was
graduated at Harvard college in 1700, and was ordained as succes-
sor of Mr John Wade November 26, 1707. His death took place
in 175 6. He was a man of eminent piety and goodness. The
learning, in which he made great proficiency, was that, Avhich was
most cultivated in the age, in which he lived. He did not excel in
polite learning or in philosophic reseeuxhes, but the scholastic dis-
tinctions and refinements were familiar to him. He published a
sermon on the death of Charles Frost, 1725 ; election sermon,
1729 ; a sermon at the ordination of James Pike, 1730. — Sullivan's
dist. Maine^ 246 ; Collect, hist. soc. x. 170.
WITHERSPOON (John, d.d. ll.d.), president of the college
of New Jersey, was born in Yester near Edinburgh, Scotland, Feb-
ruary 5, 1722, and was lineally descended from John Knox. At
the age of fourteen he entered the university of Edinburgh, where
he continued till he reached the age of twenty one, when he was
licensed to preach the gospel. In the theological hall he had evinced
a taste in sacred criticism, a precision of thought, and a perspicuity
of expression, which were very uncommon. He was soon ordained
at Beith in the west of Scotland. Thence after a few years he was
translated to Paisley. Here he lived in high reputation and great
usefulness until he was called to the presidency of Princeton col-
lege. So extensively was he known, that he was inviied to Dun-
dee, to Dublin, and Rotterdam ; but less regardful ot personal in-
terest than of what he conceived to be the claims of duly, he was
persuaded to listen to the invitation fronr a distant country. He
arrived with his family at Princeton, New Jersey, in the month of
August 1768, and took the charge of a seminary, over which had
presided a Dickinson, Burr, Edwards, Davies, and Finley, men dis-
tinguished for genius, learning, and piety. His name brought a
great accession of students to the college, and by his exertions its
fu.ids were much augmented. But the war of the American revo-
lution prostrated every thing. While the academical shades were
deserted, and his functions as president were suspended, he was in-
troduced into a new field of labor. As he becanic at once an A-
merican on nis landing in this country, the citizens of New Jersey,
%vho knew his distinguished ;ibilities, appointed him a member of
the convention, which formed the constitution of that state. Here
he appeared as profound a civilian, as he had before been known to
be a philosopher and divine. From the revolutionary committees
WIT. 621
and conventions of the state he was sent early in 17^6 a represen-
tative to the congress of United America. He was during seven
years a member of that illustrious boiiy, and he was always collected,
firm, and wise amidst the embarrassing circumstances, in which
congress was placed. His name is affixed to the declaration of in-
dependence. But while he was thxis engaged in political affairs
he did not lay aside his ministry. He gladly embraced every op-
portunity of preaching, for his character as a minister of the gos-
pel he ever considered as his highest honor. As soon as the state
of the country would permit, the college was reestablished, and its
instruction was recommenced under the immediate care of tlie
vice president, the reverend Dr. Smith. After the termination of
the struggle for American liberty. Dr. Witherspoon was induced
from his attachment to the college to cross the ocean, that he might
promote its benefit. Though his success was not so great as could
be wished, his enterprise and zeal were not the less deserving of
commendation. After his return, he entered into that retiremenft,
which was dear to him, and his attention was principally confined to
the duties oi his office as president, and as a minister of the gos-
pel. For more than two years before his death he was afflicted
with the loss of sight ; but during his blindness he was frequently
led into the pulpit, and he always acquitted himself with his usual
accuracy and animation. At length he sunk under the pressure of
his infirmities. He died November 15, 1794, in the seventy third
year of his age. He was succeeded by Dr. Smith, who is now at
the head of the college.
Dr. Witherspoon, though not a man of the most extensive learn-
ing, yet possessed a mass of information well selected and thor-
oughly digested. Scarcely any man of the age had a more vigor-
ous mind or a more sound understanding. As president of the
college he rendered literary inquiries more liberal, extensive, and
profound, and was the means of producing an important revolution
in the system of education. He extended the study of mathemat-
ical science, and it is believed he was the first man, who taught in
America the substance of those doctrines of the philosophy of the
mind, which Dr. Reid afterwards developed with so much success.
He was very distinguished as a preacher. An admirable textuary,
a profound theologian, perspicuous and simple in his manner, an
universal scholar, acquainted intimately with human nature, a grave,
dignified, and solemn speaker ; he brought all the advantages, de-
rived from these sources, to the illustration and enforcement of di-
vine truth. Though not a fervent and animated speaker, it was im-
possible to, hear him without attention. His feelings Avere natiirally
strong, but he had imposed restraints upon himself. All ostenta-
tion in the pulpit he viewed with the utmost aversion. He loved
to dwell on the great doctrines of divine grace. Tliougii he wrote
his sermons, and committed them to memorv. vet as he was gov*
622 WIT.
erned by the desire of doing; good and wished to brins^ his discourses
to the level of every understanding, he was not conhncd when ad-
dressing his hearers within the boundaries of wliat he had written.
His life was upright and holy. Besides the daily intercourse with
heaven, which heheld in the closet, and occasional seasons of solemu
recollection and devotion, he observed the last day of the year with
his family as a day of fasting, humiliation, and prayer. To the
young he Avas particularly attentive, taking every opportunity to im-
part to them useful advice in the most agreeable manner. Having
a rich fund of anecdote, his moments of relaxation were as enter-
taining, as his serious ones Avcre instructive. The following anec-
dote presents a specimen of his good humored wit. When Bur-
goyne's army was captured at Saratoga, general Gates despatched
one of his aids to congress to carry the intelli,,ence. The officer,
after being delayed by amusements, which oftered themselves to
hiiii on his way, at length arrived at Philadelphia, but the report of
the victory had reached there several days before. Congress, ac-
cording to custom, proceeded to«give the messenger some mark of
their esteem. It was proposed to present him with an elegant
sword ; but Dr. Witherspoon rose, and begged leave to move, that
instead of a sword, they should present him with a pair of golden
spurs.
As a writer he holds a high rank. His knowledge of every sub-
ject he handles is considered as extensive and accurate, his thoughts
■weighty and condensed, his style simple, and his method very lucid.
He exhibits great acquaintance with the world and with the human
heart. His works are various, for he wrote on political, moral, lite-
rary, and religious subjects. No one has more strikingly displayed
the pernicious effects of the stage ; and his treatises on the nature
and necessity of regeneration, justification by free grace through
Jesus Christ, the imporrance of truth in religion, or the con-
nexion between sound principles and a holy practice aie highly
esteemed. Though a very serious writer, he yet possessed a fund
of refined humor and delicate satire. In his ecclesiastical charac-
teristics his wit was directed at certain corruptions in principle and
practice, prevalent in the church of Scotland, and it is keen and
cutting. That church was divided into two parties, of which one
was desirous of extending the right of jiatronage, and the other
wished to extend the hifluence of the people in the settlement and
removal of mhiisters. The former, which was called the moderate
party, was considered as not strictly evangelical in their sentiments
and preaching; the latter, distinguished by the name of the ortho-
dox, was zealous for the doctrines of grace and the articles contain-
ed in the national confession of faith. It was against the moderate
men, that the shafts of Dr. AVitherspoon's wit were aimed. He
formed a union of those, who accorded with him, and became at
length their leader. His works were published in 4 vols, with an
WOL. 623
svccountof his life by Dr. Rodgers, 8vo, 1802.^— Rodgers* sermon on
his death i Massa. miss. mag. v. 1 — 10 ; Fiacataqua evaiig. mug. ai.
41, 81, 121 ; Miller, ii. 376 ; Assembli/s 7ni6S. i7iag. i. i7 — 19.
WOLCOTT (Roger), governor of Connecticut, Wus the son of
a farmer, and was born at VVindsor January 4, 1679. His parents
lived in a part of the country, which suffered much from the In-
dians, and in the town there was neither a schoolmusler nor minis-
ter, so that Mr. Wolcott was not a member of a common school for
a single day in his life. When he was twelve years of age he was
bound as an apprentice to a mechanic. At the age of twenty one,
when the laws permitted him to enjoy the fruits of liis labors, he
established himself on the east side of Connecticut river in the same
town, in which he was born, where by the blessing of God upon his
industry and frugality he acquired what was considered as a plenti-
ful ^h'tune. He is an eminent proof of the power of talents and in-
tegrity, in a free country, in raising one to distinction notwithstand-
ing the disadvantages of education and of birth. He rose by degrees
to the highest military and civil honors. In the expedition against
Canada in 1711 he was commissary of the Connecticut forces, and
at the capture of Louisbourg in 174o he bore the commission of ma-
jor general. He was successively a member of the assembly and of
the council, judge of the county court, deputy governor, chief judge
of the superior court, and from 1751 to 1754 governor. He died
May 17, 1767, in the eighty ninth year of his age. In all his ex-
altation above his neighbors he exhibited no haughtiness of deport-
ment, but was easy of access, free and affable, of ready wit and great
humor. His literary attainments were such, that in conversation
with the learned upon most subjects he secured respect. He was
much attached to the peculiar doctrines of the gospel, and was for
many years a member of a Christian church. Fro ii the year 1754,
when his life was more retired, he devoted himself particularly to
reading, meditation, and prayer. He was very careful in searching
into himself, that he might perceive his own character, and know
whether he was rescued from that depravity, to v/hich previously to
the renewing agency of the divine Spirit the human mind is suo-
jected, and whether he was interested in the salvation of the gospel.
In his last moments he was supported by the hopes of the Christian,
and he entered into his rest. He published poetical meditations,
Avith a preface by Mr. Bulkley of Colchester, 1725 ; and a letter to
Mr. Hobart in 1761, entitled, the new English congregational
churches are and always have been consociated churches, and their
liberties greater and belter founded in their platform, agreed upon
at Cambridge in 1648, than in the agreement at Saybrook in 1708,
A long poem, written by governor Wolcott, entitled, a brief account
of the agency of John Winthrop in the court of Charles II in 1662
in procuring the charter of Connecticut, is preserved in the collec-
tions of the historical society. It describes with considerable mi-
624 WOL, ^
nutcness the Pequot war. — Perry^s serm. on his death ; Devotion'*
elect, serm. ; Collect, hint. hoc. iv. 262t-297.
WOLCOT r (Erastus), a judge of the superior court of Con-
necticut, was the son of the preceding, and was born about the
year 1723. His early life was spent in the employments of agri-
culture. Though he was not favored with the advantages of a lib-
eral education, yet profiting by the various situations, in which he
was placed, he gained much useful knowledge. In 1776 he com-
manded a regiment of militia, and assisted in the investment of
Boston. He was appointed a brigadier general in 1777, and went
on an expedition to Peek's kill. He was repeatedly a member of
congress. Towards the close of his life he resigned his office of
judge. He died September 14, 1793, in the seventy first year of
his age. Integrity and patriotism were united in his character with
religion. He was a zealous friend to republican principles, a4|Bble
advocate of the rights of his country. " His last illness he bore
with a cheerful serenity and submission to the will of God. A
short religious tract, written by him, was published at the close of
the following. — M'Clui-e's sermon on his death.
WOLCOTT (Oliver, ll. d.), governor of Connecticut, was
the brother of the preceding, and was born about the year 1727.
He was graduated at Yale college in 1747. He afterwards sustain-
ed a captain's commission in the war witli the French. On retiring
from military service he studied physic ; but his attention was
drawn from this profession by his appointment as high sheriff of
the county of Litchfield, which office he sustained about fourteen
years. He was a member of the ever memorable congress, which
agreed upon the declaration of independence in 1776, and hi- boldly
advocated that measure. He was chosen governor in 1796, but
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