X r P. PREFACE. It has, for several years, been the desire and in- tention of the Rhode-Island Historical Society to cause Callender's Historical Discourse, with ap- propriate notes and a selection of documents requi- site for its illustration, to be embodied in their pub- lished Collections. The original edition of the Discourse, which was published in 1739, has long been out of print. Of that edition but few copies remain perfect, and even those are extremely rare. The propriety, and indeed necessity, of its repub- lication has been rendered greater during each succeeding year, by the increased attention which has been paid to the early history of New-England, among the memorials of which, this work has ever been held in high and merited estimation. In the accomplishment of this object, it has been fortunate for the Society that the editorship of the present edition, with the task of preparing such notes and additions as it was desirable should ac- company it, has been undertaken by one qualified to discharge it with so much ability. The original materials which Professor Elton has contributed, the information contained in the notes, respecting distinguished individuals whose names are con- nected with the history of the Colony during the first century, add much to the value of the work ; and when it is considered how little has been IV PREFACE. known in relation to the life of Mr. Callendcr, we feel confident that every reader of the Discourse will be gratified to find so interesting a Memoir of its author. The Appendix of historical documents is exten- sive and well selected. All the papers which it contains, not only deserve a place in the Collections of the Society, but are also particularly valuable as explanatory of the facts narrated in the Dis- course, conveying, as they do, full information on many points to which brief references only could he made in a work written for such an occasion. With regard to the manner in which these docu- ments are here published, the Committee are happy in bearing testimony to the unwearied care and minute examination which have been bestowed in their preparation for the press. In every instance, they have been carefully compared with the origi- nals, and no pains have been spared to ensure their correctness. In presenting this volume, the Committee can therefore speak with much confidence respecting the manner in which Professor Elton has met the wishes of the Historical Society. He is entitled to the thanks of that Society, for the valuable ad- dition which he has made to their Collections, and deserves the grateful remembrance of the people of our State, for the satisfactory manner in which he has illustrated this history of their forefather.--. Eor the Committee of Publication; ALB RUT G. GREENE, WILLIAM G. GODDARD. Providence, April. 1838. NTED BY JBME IJAAC R. HHT, WASHINGTON, I), c. -193J AN HISTORICAL DISCOURSE, TH E CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS OF THE COLONY OF RHODE-ISLAND. BY JOHN CALLENDER, M. A. WITH A MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR; BIOGRAPHICAL NOTICES OK SOME OF HIS DISTINGUISHED CONTEMPORARIES : AND ANNOTATIONS AND ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS, ILLUSTRATIVE OF THE HISTORY OF RHODE-ISLAND AND PROVIDENCE PLAN- TATIONS, FROM THE FIRST SETTLEMENT TO THE END OF THE FIRST CENTURY. BY ROMEO ELTON, M. A., F. S. U. S., Member of the Royal Society of Northern Antiquaries, at Copenhagen; one of the Vice Presidents of the Rhode-Island Historical Society ; and Professor of the Latin and Greek Languages and Lite- rature in Brown University. Yeecife quid antea quam natus sis accidcrit, id est semper esse pacriu Cicero. SECOND REVISED EDITION. PROVIDENCE: KiNUWLES, VOSE&COMPANYi 1838. F<8£ Entered according to Act of Congress, in tlie year 1838, by Romeo Elton, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, within and for the District of Rhode-Island. Gift Judge and Mrs.lsaac R.Hltt July 6,18131 CONTENTS. Pago Memoir of the Rev. John Callenper, M. A. - - 9 Dr. Cotton Mather. — Letter sent to Dr. Mather's Church, on Mr. Callender's ordination, ----- 27 Thomas Hollis, Esq. - - - - - -28 Professor Wigglesworth, ----- 29 Biographical sketch of Dean Berkeley, - - - - 30 Letter from the first Baptist Church in Boston to the Congrega- tional Church in Cambridge, 37 Rev. John Comer, - - - - - - -38 Biographical notice of Rev. Nathaniel Clap, 39 Mary Callender. — Dr. Waterhouse's sketch of her character, 40 Callender's Historical Discourse, - - - - 47 No. APPENDIX. 1. Biographical notice of Rev. Thomas Prince, - - 177 2. Ante-Columbian Discoveries, .... 178 Biographical notice of President Stiles, ... 18G 3. Voyage of Verazzano to America, ... - 189 4. Roger Williams. — His address to the Clergy, - - 190 5. Rev. William Blackstone, - - - - - 202 C. Deed of the chief Sachems of Narragansett to Roger Williams, 204 7. Deed of Roger Williams to his twelve original associates, 20C> 8. Deposition of Roger Williams, ... - 207 9. Biographical notice of John Clarke, ... - 210 10. Form of Civil Compact agreed to by the first settlers on the Isl- and of Rhode Island, ----- 212 11. Indian Deed of the Island of Aquetneck, - - - 214 12. Deposition of William Coddington, - - - 220 13. Reference to Simplicity's Defence; — and the Early History of Narragansett, ..-.-. 221 14. The first Patent of Rhode-Island, - - - - 221 15. Letter to the Massachusetts Governor and Assistants, from mem- bers of Parliament, in commendation of Roger Williams, 226 VIII CONTENTS. Page 10. Laws of Rhode Island, 1047, - 228 17. Letter from Oliver Cromwell to Rhode-Island, - - 230 18. From the General Assembly to the Commissioners of the United Colonies, 231 19. Letter of Commissioners to John Clarke, - - - 234 20. Commission to John Clarke, - - 23!) 21. The Charter granted by King Charles II. July 8, 1CG3, - 241 22. Derision of Carr, &c, relative to Misquamacock, 202 2)5. Commission from Carr, &c, 1 6(55, - - - 2015 24. Establishment of the Episcopal Church in Rhode-Island, 265 25. Phillip's War, 1075, - - - 267 20. List of Presidents and Governors of Rhode-Island, 268 MEMOIR OF THE REV. JOHN CALLENDER, A.M. Biography, as well as history, is too frequently employed in eulogizing men who have distinguished themselves merely as crafty statesmen or as ambi- tious warriors. The historian and the biographer say little of those characters who are actuated by christian principle, and who seek not the 'praise of men, bat of God. Moral excellence, however, is the most beneficial to mankind ; and it is but justice to allow it to participate in those honors which are more usually appropriated to men of great depravity of heart, and who employ their fellow men only as tools for advancing their own ambition. The biog- raphy of a person of unostentatious piety and good- ness, may afford more useful instruction to the ma- jority of readers, than the dazzling exploits of an Alexander the Great, a Julius Csesar, or a Buo- naparte. The subject of the following memoir, died nearly a century ago, and it is to be regretted that the materials to fill up his character are not more ample ; particularly those parts of his private con- 10 MEMOIR OF duct, which would have made us familiar with this excellent man, and imparted a graphic reality to the portrait. The imperfect sketch which follows, will not do justice to the subject, but it may, at least, furnish a few facts respecting a man who possessed a mind of no ordinary vigor, and whose memory is still precious. The Rev. John Callender was born of reputable parents, in the city of Boston, Mass., A. D. 1706. His father, John Callender, Esq., was the son of the Rev. Ellis Callender, the highly honored and es- teemed minister of the first Baptist Church in Boston from 1708 till 1726. Elisha Callender, his son, uncle to the subject of this memoir, became his successor in the pastoral office. This gentle- man was educated at Harvard College, and was one of the fourteen students who were graduated in the year 1710. At his ordination, which took place May 21, 1718, three Congregational ministers gave their assistance, viz. Dr. Increase Mather, Dr. Cotton Mather, and Rev. John Webb. Dr. Cotton Mather preached the ordination sermon, which was entitled, Good Men United* This expression of Christian feeling on the part of the Congregational ministers in Boston, and the catholic spirit which existed at Cambridge, in- duced Thomas Hollis, Esq. of London, a wealthy merchant, of the Baptist denomination, to bestow * See note A. JOHN CALLENDER. 11 very large benefactions upon Harvard College. Besides making large additions to its library and philosophical apparatus, he founded two professor- ships in that Institution, one of Divinity, and one of Mathematics and Natural Philosophy, and endowed the College to the amount of a hundred pounds a year, to be distributed among ten scholars of good character.* Mr. Callender continued faithful and successful in the pastoral office, till his death, March 31, 1738. A few days before he died, he said, " When I look on one hand, I see nothing but sin, guilt and dis- couragement; but when I look on the other, I see my glorious Saviour, and the merits of his precious blood which cleanseth from all sin. I cannot say, 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." His obituary in the public newspaper, three days after his death, was in the following words: "On Friday morning last, after a lingering sickness, deceased the Rev. Mr. Elisha Callender, minister of the Baptist Church in this town; a gentleman universally beloved by people of all persuasions for his charitable and catholic way of thinking. His life was unspotted, and his conversation always affable, religious, and truly manly. During his long illness, he was re- markably patient, and, in his last hours, like the blessed above, pacific and entirely serene; his * See note B. 12 MEMOIR OF senses were good to the last. ' I shall,' said he, 1 sleep in Jesus,' and that moment expired, very much lamented by all that knew him." He pub- lished a century sermon in the year 1720, com- memorative of the landing of our forefathers at Plymouth, which has furnished important informa- tion for succeeding historians. Of the early years of John Callender, the sub- ject of the following narrative, we have little infor- mation. At the age of thirteen he entered Harvard College, where he received the benefit of Mr. Hollis's donation. The Hon. John Leverett, F. R. S. was at that time its President, a man whose mental excellencies were adorned by the noblest moral qualities. Here, his vigorous understanding was cultivated, a proper direction given to his activity, and his mind imbued with the principles of virtue and religion. He graduated from that Institution in 1723. In the same year, he was baptised on a pro- fession of faith, and united with the first Baptist Church in Boston, of which his uncle was pastor. He was licensed to preach by this church, in June, 1727. In August, 1728, he received and accepted an invitation from the Baptist Church in Swansey, the oldest in Massachusetts, to supply their pulpit, and continued laboring among this people until February 15, 1730. Soon after, he received a re- quest from the first Baptist Church in Newport, to visit and preach to them. This was the second Baptist Church in America, and was founded in JOHN CALLENDER. 13 1644. After long and mature deliberation and earnest prayer, he accepted the invitation of that Church to the pastoral office, and was ordained, October 13, 1731. Rev. Elisha Callender, of Bos- ton, preached on the occasion, from Matthew xxviii; 18, 19. Mr. Callender continued the faithful and beloved pastor of this church and congregation, till he was called to his final rest. Soon after his settlement in Newport, he became a member of a literary and philosophical society es- tablished in that place. The celebrated Dean, afterwards Bishop Berkeley, who resided there at that time, is thought to have suggested its forma- tion.* The society was select, and some of its members were men of great intellectual power — among whom were Judge Edward Scott, Hon. Daniel Updike, Governor Josias Lyndon, Dr. John Brett, Hon. Thomas Ward, Hon. William Ellery, Rev. James Honyman, Rev. James Searing, Rev. John Checkley, jun., and Rev. Jeremiah Condy, of Boston. Among the occasional members were Governor Stephen Hopkins and Samuel Johnson, D. D., afterwards President of Columbia College, New-York. As this was probably one of the earliest societies of the kind in this country, we have thought proper to subjoin a copy of its rules and regulations, the original of which, (in the hand writing of Judge Scott,) is in the archives of the Rhode-Island Historical Society. * See note C. 14 MEMOIR OF "Whereas, A. D. 1730, Messrs. Daniel Updike, Peter Bouts, James Searing, Edward Scott, Henry Collins, Nathan Townsend, Jeremiah Condy and James Honeyman, jun. did form a Society for the promotion of Knowledge and Virtue, by a free con- versation according to several regulations by them agreed. " We the present members of the said Society, finding it necessary on many accounts for the more effectual answering the end of our Institution, do agree to enter into a more strict engagement, and establish the following as the laws and orders to be observed in this Society. " 1. The members of the Society shall meet every Monday evening, at the house of one of the mem- bers, seriatim, and converse about and debate, some useful question in Divinity, Morality, Philosophy, History, &c. "2. The member who proposed the question, shall be moderator, (pro hac vice) and see that order and decency be maintained in all the debates and conversation. "3. Every member in order shall freely give his opinion with his reasons, having liberty to explain the sense of the question, or his own expressions, and to retract or alter his opinion as to him shall seem right. JOHN CALLENDER. 15 " 4. The member at whose house we meet shall propose a question for the next evening's conver- sation, the Society to judge of its propriety and usefulness, only nothing shall ever be proposed or debated which is a distinguishing religious tenet of any one member. " 5. No member shall divulge the opinion or ar- guments of any particular member as to any sub- ject debated in the Society, on penalty of a per- petual exclusion. Nevertheless, any member may gratify the curiosity of any that may inquire the names, number, general design, method and laws of the Society, and the opinions or conclusions of the major part, without discovering how any par- ticular member voted. " 6. The moderator for the time being shall keep a book, in which he shall register the questions and the solutions or answers, and another for the fines and forfeits that may become due. "7. The question shall be propounded by the moderator exactly at seven in the evening, or if he be then absent, another shall be chosen in his room, and whoever shall come after that, shall for- feit one shilling; whoever is absent the whole evening, shall forfeit two shillings and six pence ; only the moderator shall forfeit double. Whoever shall make it an excuse to avoid giving his opinion, that he has not thought of the question, or has for- 16 MEMOIR OF got what the question is, shall forfeit one shilling. Whoever is unprovided of a proper question, on his turn to propound it, shall forfeit one shilling. He that omits to register the question or solution in his turn, shall forfeit two shillings and six pence. A treasurer shall be chosen once in three months, and whoever shall refuse an office when chosen, shall forfeit five shillings. And every treasurer that is deficient in his duty in collecting the fines, shall pay them himself. No excuse shall be taken for absence but sickness in person, or family, or the being out of town. The fines shall be gathered every month, and be laid out in books, (fee, as the Society shall think best. Whoever shall absent himself a quarter of a year successively, Avithout sufficient excuse, shall have his name struck out of the list. " 8. Any member may bring with him any friend or stranger who shall desire it, and whom he may think may not be offensive to any other member. " 9. Any member may propose a candidate, but none shall be admitted without the full and free consent of every member, to be manifested in written votes, after a month's probation. However, the same person that has been negatived, may be propounded again by another member. " 10. If the Society incline to choose any gentle- men at a distance to be occasional members, their JOHN CALLENDER. 17 election shall be made in the same manner ; they shall be subject to the same rules of secrecy, and have the same liberty to speak and debate any sub- ject with the other members, and shall vote in all occasional matters. "11. The laws shall be publicly read in the So- ciety every three months, on the same evening that the treasurer is chosen. And every member shall then produce his copy, upon the forfeiture of two shillings and six pence. " 12. Every member shall promote the good of the Society, as far as lies in his power. " 13. Each of the present members shall sign these articles in the book, and shall have a copy of them, signed by the moderator for the time being, to be and remain as a proof and token of our fellow- ship and society. And every gentleman that may hereafter be chosen a member, shall enter his name in the same manner, and have a copy of the laws signed as above, together with a list of the Society, and a copy of the additional or explanatory laws that may hereafter be made. Newport, February 2, 1735. DANIEL UPDIKE, JOHN BRETT, PETER BOURS, CHARLES BARDIN, EDWARD SCOTT, J. HONYMAN, jun. Feb. 9th. NATHAN TOWNSEND, HEZ. CARPENTER, May 24, 1736 SAMUEL WICKHAM, JAMES SEARING, 18 MEMOIR OF THOMAS WARD, JOSEPH JACOB, JOSIAS LYNDON, WILLIAM ELLERY, Oct. 3, 1737 JOHN CALLENDER.jun. JOS. SYLVESTER, SUETON GRANT, JOHN CHECKLEY, jun. Occasional Members. JOHN ADAMS, JOHN WALLACE, DANIEL HUBBARD, STEPHEN HOPKINS, JEREMIAH CONDY, SAMUEL JOHNSON. " Oct. 3, 1737. Voted, That every member who shall neglect to bring or send the book of fines, shall forfeit two shillings and six pence. A true copy, compared with the Society's book, by EDWARD SCOTT, Moderator." One of the objects of this Society was the col- lection of valuable books. It was subsequently joined by Abraham Redwood, Esq. who gave the the sum of five hundred pounds sterling to increase its library, on condition the Society would build a suitable edifice. The Society obtained a charter from the Colony in 1747, by the name of The Company of the Redwood Library. In 1748, the present classical building was erected, from a de- sign by Harrison, the assistant architect of Blen- heim House, England. This library contains many choice and rare European editions. Apart from his more ordinary employment and influence as a minister of the gospel, Mr. Callender acted an important part in relation to the more general and public interests of the town and State, JOHN CALLENDER. 19 In civil matters he was much consulted, and fre- quent and honorable mention of his name appears on the records of the town. His character com- manded the respect and confidence not only of his own church and society, but also of the State of which he was an intelligent and useful citizen. In 1739, Mr. Callender published a historical discourse on the civil and religious affairs of the Colony of Rhode-Island, from the settlement in 1638 to the end of the first century, usually known by the name of the " Century Sermon." This is the only history of the Colony or State of Rhode Island, which has been written, and though small, it is a noble and enduring monument to the talent and piety of its author. It is written with great fidelity, is distinguished by solid and profound phi- losophical views, and by an ardent attachment to the principles of civil and religious freedom. It breathes a spirit of candor, impartiality, and en- lightened piety, in ever page. Mr. Callender evi- dently took great pains in investigating the sources from which he drew his information, and his ob- servations on men and things indicate an acute, observant and reflecting mind. In the same year, he published a sermon preached at the ordination of Mr. Jeremiah Condy, A. M ., to the pastoral care of the Baptist Church in Bos- ton. In this sermon, the liberal sentiments of Mr. Callender on the subject of free communion, are 20 MEMOIR OF fully exhibited. After earnestly inculcating the duty of all Christians loving one another as brethren, he observes, " But I have trespassed too much upon your patience already, and shall there- fore only beg leave to add, that if that glorious principle which was a fundamental article in the constitution of the first Baptist Church, gathered in this Province, could be fully acted upon, we might with the utmost propriety, join the heavenly host, and sing, Glory to God in the highest : Peace on earth, and good will towards and among men. For they declared in their church covenant, " That union to Christ ivas the sole ground of their com- munion with each other, and that they were ready to accept of, receive to, and hold church-communion with, all such, a* in a judgment of charity, were fellow-members with them in their head Christ Jesus, though differing in such controversial points, as are not absolutely and essentially necessary to salvation.''''* The religious sentiments of Mr. Callender were ever thus fearlessly avowed and honestly main- tained. His inflexible integrity did not permit him to conceal the convictions of his mind on any sub- ject which he thought affected the social, political or moral interests of mankind. Mr. Callender was ingenious in devising plans of usefulness, and especially in endeavoring to pro- mote the welfare of the young. In 1741, he pub- " See note D. JOHN CALLENDER. 21 lished a sermon on the advantages of early religion, preached to a society of young men in Newport. This sermon is replete with sound practical in- struction, flowing from a heart warmed with the love of God. In the year 1745, Mr. Callender published a dis- course occasioned by the death of his friend, the Rev. Mr. Clap, in which he pays a tribute of affec- tionate veneration to his memory. Mr. Callender's sermon was founded on Hebrews xiii. 7, 8. The prominent traits in the character of Mr. Clap, are faithfully delineated in the following extracts from that sermon : " The main stroke in his character was his eminent sanctity and piety, and an ardent desire to promote the knowledge and practice of true godliness in others. As his understanding was above the common level, so was his learning, though he studiously concealed it. He thought his station required more than common instances of innocency, self-denial and caution. " He was zealously attached to what he considered as the true doctrines of grace, and to the forms of worship he thought to be of divine institution. But his charity embraced good men of all denominations. He had little value for mere speculative, local, nominal Christianity, and a form of godliness without the power. He insisted most on those things on which our interest in Jesus Christ and our title to eternal life must depend : that faith 22 MEMOIR OP by which we are justified and have peace with God through our Lord Jesus, and that repentance towards God and neiif obedience, which are the necessary effect and evidence of our regeneration, and the proper exercise of Christianity. " He abounded in contrivances to do good by scattering books of piety and virtue, not such as minister questions and strife, but godly edifying, and put himself to a very considerable expense, that he might, in this method, awaken the careless and secure, comfort the feeble mind- ed, succor the tempted, instruct the ignorant, and quicken, animate and encourage all. " He abounded in acts of charity to the poor and ne- cessitous — to whom he was a kind father and guardian. " In fine, he was a public blessing, as an able minister of the New Testament, an example of unsuspected piety, and an honor to religion. " There are two things in which he excelled in so re- markable a manner, that I must not omit them : his care about the education of children, and his concern for the instruction of servants. " The conclusion of his life and ministry was a peace- ful and happy death, without those raptures which some boast of, but with perfect resignation to the will of God, and good hope and humble confidence in Christ Jesus, who was the sum of his doctrine and the end of his con- versation."* * See Note E. JOHN CALLENDER. 23 Mr. Callender collected many papers relating to the history of the Baptist denomination in this country, which were used by the Rev. Isaac Backus in his Church History of New-England. After a long and painful illness, which he bore with Christian resignation, he died in full expecta- tion of the blessedness of the righteous, January 26, 1748, in the 42d year of his age. Mr. Callender, on the 15th of February, 1730, was married to Elizabeth Hardin, of Swansey, Mass. By this lady he had six children : Eliza- beth, Mary, John, Elias, Sarah and Josias. The following description of his person is taken princi- pally from an original portrait : He was about the middle size, graceful and well proportioned. His complexion was fair, his features were regular, his forehead was high and prominent, and in his coun- tenance there was an admirable mixture of gravi- ty and sweetness. His eyes were of a dark blue, and said to be remarkable for their intelligence and brilliancy. The character of Mr. Callender, both in public and private life, was truly amiable and excellent. Whether viewed as a citizen, a relative, a friend, a christian, or a minister of the gospel, he adorned the sphere in which he moved. 24 MEMOIR OF His remains were interred in the common bury- ing ground at Newport, where a tomb was erected to his memory, on which is the following inscription, composed by Dr. Moffatt, a celebrated physician of that town : "Confident of awaking, here reposeth JOHN CALLENDER; Of very excellent endowments from nature ; And of an accomplished education, Improved by application in the wide circle Of the more polite arts and useful sciences. From motives of conscience and grace He dedicated himself to the immediate service Of God, In which he was distinguished as a shining And very burning light by a true and faithful Ministry of seventeen years in the first Baptist Church of Rhode-Island ; where the purity And evangelical simplicity of his doctrine,confirmed And embellished by the virtuous and devout tenor Of his own life, Endeared him to his flock, and justly conciliated The esteem, love and reverence of all the Wise, worthy and good. Much humility, benevolence and charity Breathed in his conversation, discourses and writ- JOHN CALLENDER. 25 Which were all pertinent, reasonable and useful. Regretted by all ; lamented by his friends ; and Deeply deplored by a wife and numerous issue, He died, In the forty-second year of his age, January 26, 1748 ; Having struggled through the vale of life In adversity, much sickness and pain, With fortitude, dignity and elevation of soul, Worthy of the Philosopher, Christian and Divine." NOTES TO THE MEMOIR. Note A — p. 10. Dr. Cotton Mather, in his ordination sermon, after alluding- to the severities which had been used against Christians by the ruling powers, says : "Cursed the anger, for it is fierce, and the wrath, for it is cruel ; good for nothing but only to make divisions in Jacob and dispersions in Israel. Good men, alas ! good men have done such ill things as these ; yea few churches of the reformation have been wholly clear of these iniqui- ties. New-England, also, has in some former times done something of this aspect, which would not now be so well approved of; in which, if the brethren in whose house we are now convened, met with any thing too unbrotherly, they now with satisfaction hear us expres- sing our dislike of every thing which looked like perse- cution in the days that have passed over us." The following is the copy of the letter sent to the Church under the care of Dr. Mather and Rev. Mr. Webb, on Mr. Callender's ordination : " Honored and beloved in the Lord, " Considering that there ought to be a holy fellowship maintained among godly Christians, and that it is a duty 28 NOTES TO THE MEMOIR. for us to receive one another as Christ also received us to the glory of God, notwithstanding some differing per- suasions in matters of doubtful disputation ; and although we have not so great latitude as to the subject of baptism as the churches of New-England generally have ; not- withstanding, as to the fundamental principles in your doctrine of Christ, both as to the faith and order of the gospel, we concur with them ; being also satisfied that particular churches have power from Christ to choose their own pastors, and that elders ought to be ordained in every Church ; and having chosen our well beloved brother, Elisha Callender, to be our pastor, we entreat you to send your elders and messengers to give the Right Hand of Fellowship in his ordination." Note B — p. 11. Thomas Mollis, Esq., was a great patron and friend of learning. He was a Baptist, but not a sectarian. What he required in the character of the professor of divinity was, "that lie should be a man of solid learning in divinity, of sound and orthodox principles, one who is well gifted to teach, of a sober and pious life, and of a grave conversation."* The following extract is taken from a sermon delivered before the General Court, by Dr. Benja- min Colman, of Boston, occasioned by the death of Mr. Hollis : " He was one of those righteous men who should be had in everlasting remembrance. Like Araunah, he gave " Pierce's History of Harvard University, Ap. p. 96. NOTES TO THE MEMOIR. 29 as a prince. Of his own mere motion he poured in upon us, and upon other places also, from time to time, as a living spring whose waters fail not. That which is sin- gulan in the piety and benefits of Mr. Hollis unto these churches was, that he was not strictly of our way, nor in judgment with us in point of infant baptism ; yet his heart and hand was the same to us, as if we had been one in opinion and practice with him. And in this let him stand a teaching pattern and example to us of a noble, Christian, and catholic spirit of love." " It was some account he received from us of the free and catholic air we breathe at Cambridge, where protes- tants of every denomination may have their children edu- cated, and graduated in our college, if they behave with sobriety and virtue, that took his generous heart and fixed it on us, and enlarged it to us. And this shall be with me among his distinguishing praises, while we rise up and bless hismemory ; that is, bless God in remembrance of all the undeserved favors done us by him." — Colman r s Life, The first professor of divinity in Harvard College, was Rev. Edward Wigglesworth, D. D., chosen in 1721, at the age of thirty. He was a classmate of Rev. Elisha Callender, and occupied the divini- ty chair more than forty years, with a high repu- tation for piety and learning. 30 NOTES TO THE MEMOIR. Note C— p. 13. Biographical Sketch of Dean Berkeley, afterwards Bishop of Cloync, who resided on Bhodc-Island, 1729—1731. Dr. George Berkeley was born at Kilkrin, in Ireland, in 1684. He was educated at Trinity College, Dublin, where he distinguished himself by his literary attainments and the superior powers of his mind. He became a Fellow of Trinity College in 1707 ; and was created D. D. in 1717. By the recommendation of Swift, he accompanied, as chaplain and secretary, the celebrated Earl of Peterborough, who was appointed ambassador to Sicily; and afterwards, when disappointed in his expectations of preferment, he spent four years on the Continent, as travelling tutor to the son of Dr. Ashe, Bishop of Clogher. Shortly after his return to London, in 1721, he was appointed chaplain to the lord lieutenant of Ireland, the Duke of Grafton. By a legacy of Miss Vanhomrigh, the Vanessa of Swift, his fortune was considerably increased. In 1724, on being promoted to the Deanry of Derry, he resigned his Fellowship. He now published his proposals for the conversion of the American savages to Christianity, by the establishment of a College in the Bermuda Islands. The plan was very favorably received ; and he obtained a charter for a College, in which he was named the first President. He received, also, from Sir Robert Walpole, a promise of a grant of twenty thousand NOTES TO THE MEMOIR. 31 pounds to carry it into effect. Having resigned his living, worth eleven thousand pounds per annum, and all his hopes of preferment, he set sail for the field of his distant labors, with his family, and three Fellows of Trinity College, and several literary and scientfiic gentlemen. He landed at Newport, after a tedious passage of five months, January 23, 1729. His arrival is thus announced in the New- England Weekly Journal : "Newport, January 24, 1729. " Yesterday arrived here, Dean Berkeley, of London- de?Ty, in a pretty large ship. He is a gentleman of mid- dle stature, of an 'agreeable, pleasant, and erect aspect. He was ushered into the town with a great number of gentlemen, to whom he behaved after a very complaisant manner. ' Tis said he purposes to tarry here with his family about three months." The following extract of a letter was written by Dean Berkeley to Thomas Prior, Esq., of Dublin, soon after his arrival at Newport : "Newport, in Rhode-Island, April 24, 1729. " I can by this time say something to you, from my own experience, of this place and people. The inhabi- tants are of a mixed kind, consisting of many sects and subdivisions of sects. Here are four sorts of Anabaptists, besides Presbyterians, Quakers, Independents, and many of no profession at all. Notwithstanding so many differences, here are fewer quarrels about religion than elsewhere, the people living peaceably with their neighbors of whatsoever 32 NOTES TO THE MEMOIR. persuasion. They all agree in one point; that the church of England is the second best. The climate is like that of Italy, and not at all colder in the winter than I have- known it every where north of Rome. The spring is late ; but to make amends, they assure me the autumns are the finest and longest in the world ; and the sum- mers are much pleasanter than those of Italy by all ac- counts, forasmuch as the grass continues green, which it doth not there. This island is pleasantly laid out in hills, and vales and rising grounds, hath plenty of excellent springs and fine rivulets, and many delightful landscapes of rocks and promontories, and adjacent lands. The pro- visions are very good, so are the fruits, which are quite neglected, though vines sprout up of themselves to an ex- traordinary size, and seem as natural to this soil as to any I ever saw. The town of Newport contains about six thousand souls, and is the most thriving place in all America for bigness. It is very pretty, and pleasantly situated. I was never more agreeably surprised than at the first sight of the town and harbor." Soon after his arrival, the Dean purchased a country seat and farm about three miles from Newport, and there erected a house which lie named Whitehall. He was admitted a freeman of the Colony, at the General Assembly, in May, 1729. He resided at Newport about two years and a half, and often preached at Trinity Church. Though he was obliged to return to Europe with- out effecting his original design, yet his visit was of great utility in imparting an impulse to the lite- rature of our country, particularly in Rhode-Island. NOTES TO THE MEMOIR. 33 and Connecticut. During his residence on the Island of Rhode-Island, he meditated and com- posed his Alciphron, or Minute Philosopher, and tradition says, principally at a place about half a mile southerly from Whitehall. There, in the most elevated part of the Hanging Rocks, (so called,) he found a natural alcove, roofed and open to the south, commanding at once a beautiful view of the ocean and the circumjacent islands. This place is said to have been his favorite retreat. His Minute Philosopher was published in London, in 1732, shortly after his return. This acute and ingenious defence of the Christian religion, is written in a series of dialogues after the model of Plato. It contains many allusions to the scenery about his residence on Rhode-Island. In the introduction, he alludes, with the resignation of a Christian phi- losopher, to the miscarriage of his plan in founding a College. He says : " I nattered myself, Theages, that before this time I might have been able to have sent you an agreeable ac- count of the success of the affair that brought me into this remote corner of the country. But instead of this, 1 should now give the detail of the miscarriage, if I did not choose to entertain you with some incidents which have helped to make me easy under the circumstance which I could neither obviate nor foresee. Events are not al- ways in our power, but it always is to make a good use of the very worst. And I must needs own, the course and event of this affair gave me opportunity for reflections that make me some amends for a great loss of time, pains 5 34 NOTES TO THE MEMOIR. and expense. For several months past, I enjoyed much liberty and leisure in this distant retreat." To Bishop Berkeley, the literary institutions of New-England are much indebted. He visited Cambridge, Massachusetts, in 1731, and during his residence at Newport, augmented the library of Harvard College by valuable donations of the Latin and Greek classics. To Yale College, he presented eight hundred and eighty volumes, and, on his departure from Newport, he gave the White- hall estate, consisting of his mansion and one hun- dred acres of land, for three scholarships in Latin and Greek. After his return to England, in 1733, he sent a magnificent organ, as a donation to Trinity Church, in Newport, which is still in con- stant use, and bears an inscription, which per- petuates the generosity of the donor. Parliament having failed to afford him that as- sistance for the establishment of a College, which had been promised, his project miscarried. After he had spent more than seven years of the prime of his life, and a large part of his private fortune in endeavors to accomplish it, he returned to England. In 1734, he was raised to the See of Cloyne, and, twelve years after, he refused the offer from lord Chesterfield of a translation to the Bishopric of Clogher. In the discharge of his high office, his gen- NOTES TO THE MEMOIR. 35 erosity was conspicuous in the sacrifices he made, as well as in the tokens of his beneficence which he scattered around him. When, in consequence of the infirmities of age, he was unable to at- tend to his episcopal duties, he was unwilling to receive the emoluments of his Bishopric, and gen- erously signed over the demense lands to be renew- ed at a yearly rent of two hundred pounds sterling, which sum, by his orders, was distributed among the poor. In 1752, he retired to Oxford, that he might pass the remainder of his days in learned leisure, and for the purpose of superintending the education of his son. This excellent man died suddenly and calmly at Oxford, January 14, 1753, in the seventy-third year of his age. Berkeley was endued with great powers of mind, and possessed of vast stores of erudition. His intellectual and moral qualities conspired to form in him a character of high and attractive excel- lence. The learned Bishop Atterbury said of him : " So much understanding, so much knowledge, so much innocence, and such humility, I did not think had been the portion of any but angels, until I saw this gentleman.'' Pope, who, as a friend, knew him well, describes him as possessed of " every virtue under Heaven." 36 NOTES TO THE MEMOIR. The following verses were written by Bishop Berkeley, during his residence in Newport. " On the prospect of planting Arts and Learning in America. " The muse, disgusted at an age and clime, Barren of every glorious theme, In distant lands now waits a better time, Producing subjects worthy fame : "In happy climes, where from the genial sun And virgin earth fresh scenes ensue, The force of art by nature seems outdone, And fancied beauties by the true : " In happy climes, the seat of innocence, Where nature guides and virtue rules, Where men shall not impose for truth and sense The pedantry of courts and schools : " There shall be sung another golden age, The rise of empire and of arts, The good and great inspiring epic rage, The wisest heads and noblest hearts. " Not such as Europe breeds in her decay ; Such as she bred when fresh and young, When heavenly flame did animate the clay By future ages shall be sung." " Westward the course of empire takes its way ; The four first acts already past, A fifth shall close the drama with the day : Time's noblest offspring is the last." NOTES TO THE MEMOIR. 37 Note D— p. 20. The following extract is from the letter sent by the First Baptist Church in Boston, to the Con- gregational Church in Cambridge, when Mr. Condy was to be ordained. u To the Church of Christ in Cambridge, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Nathaniel Applcton. " Honored and beloved in the Lord: " This is to request you to send your Reverend Elders and Messengers to assist in the ordination of our elected Pastor, on the second Wednesday in February next. A request of the like tenor with this we have made to the churches in Boston, under the care of the Rev. Messrs. Webster and Gray, and Mr. William Hooper. " Honored and beloved, we heartily wish you all spir- itual blessings in Christ Jesus, the glorious head of the Church. We are, in behalf and by order of the Church, your affectionate brethren in the Gospel. "SHEM DROWNE, Deacon. "JOHN CALLENDER,* "JAMES BOUND, "BENJ. LANDON, "JOHN PROCTOR." " This gentleman was the father of the subject of this Memoir. 38 NOTES TO THE MEMOIR. The following is an extract from the manuscript journal of Rev. John Comer, A. B., who was the predecessor of Rev. John Callender in the pastoral care of the first Baptist Church in Newport. "January 31, 1725. This day I was baptised by the Rev. Mr. Elisha Callender, and was admitted into full communion with the Baptist Church in Boston, having before waited on the Rev. Mr. Appleton, of Cambridge, and discoursed with him on the point of baptism, together with my resolution — upon which he signified I might, notwithstanding, maintain my communion in his church: by which I discovered the candor and catholic temper of his spirit." Mr. Comer's manuscript journal, two volumes folio, is now deposited in the cabinet of the Rhode- Island Historical Society. It is a curious produc- tion, giving an account of all the remarkable events with which he became acquainted, interspersed with prayers, religious reflections, &c. Mr. Comer had formed the design of writing the history of the American Baptists, and had collected many useful materials for this purpose, which were of great ad- vantage to Edwards, Backus, and Benedict in their histories. For an account of this excellent man, we refer the reader to Backus, vol. 2, p. 66, 111 ; Benedict, vol. 1, p. 497. NOTES TO THE MEMOIR. 39 Note E.— p. 22 Biographical notice of Rev. Nathaniel Clap. The Rev. Nathaniel Clap, minister of the first Congregational Church in Newport, Rhode-Island, was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts, January, 1668. He was a descendant from one of the first planters in Massachusetts. He was graduated at Harvard College, in 1690, and while he was young his praise was in the churches, for his piety, learn- ing, and pulpit talents. He began to preach in Newport, 1695, and in the midst of many dis- couragements, continued his labors till a church was formed, of which he was ordained pastor, No- vember 3, 1720. He was minister in Newport near fifty years, and continued his pastoral care over the first Congregational Church till his death. When Mr. Whitefield arrived at Newport from Charleston, in the year 1740, he called upon Mr. Clap, and he speaks of him as the most venerable man he ever beheld. " He looked," says Mr. Whitefield, " like a good old puritan, and gave me an idea of what stamp those men were, who first settled New-England. His countenance was very heavenly, and he prayed most affectionately for a blessing on my coining to Rhode-Island. I could not but think, that I was sitting by one of the patriarchs." — Whitefield 's Journal. Dean Berkeley was intimate with Mr. Clap, and often spoke of his good deeds and exemplary 40 NOTES TO THE MEMOIR. character. He said, "Before I saw father Clap, I thought the Bishop of Rome had the most grave aspect of any man I ever saw, but really the min- ister of Newport has the most venerable appear- ance." Mr. Clap died October 30, 1745, in the seventy-eighth year of his age. Note F— p. 23. Mary Callender, daughter of the subject of this Memoir, was born in Newport, Dec. 12, 1731. She was about sixteen years of age when her father died ; and soon after his decease, at the request of his friends, Joseph Jacob and wife, she became an inmate in their family. At the age of twenty, she become a member of the first Baptist Church, of which her father had been pastor. In the year 1762, she united with the Society of Friends, and in the 37th year of her age she became a preacher in that denomination. November 11th, 1778, she was married in Providence to Joseph Mitchell, a worthy member of the Society of Friends. In 1787, she removed to Nantucket. She quietly de- parted this life June 26, 1810, in the 78th year of her age. A short account of her life has been pub- lished, written by herself, with selections from some of her writings. She sustained, during the whole of her life, a most exemplary Christian char- acter, and was held in great esteem by the Society of Friends, and by all who had the pleasure of her acquaintance. NOTES TO THE MEMOIR. 41 In her account of her life, Mary Mitchell fre- quently speaks in the most affectionate terms of her parents. In page 9, she says : " My father was much beloved and respected by people of all ranks that were acquainted with him ; he being a person of an enlarged mind, embraced the virtuous of every denomination, and lived in strict friendship with many worthy persons, from whom he differed in some religious sentiments. Among this number was Joseph Jacob and his truly virtuous wife ; these were sensible of his worth ; and my dear father's removal by death was justly es- teemed by many, a public loss, he possessing qualifica- tions for much usefulness. My dear mother was a vir- tuous woman, a pattern of patience, humility and resig- nation to the dispensations of Providence. She, with my dear father, experienced many seasons of adversity ; she survived him many years, and died in sweet com- posure of mind, and no doubt is now at rest with the Lord." The following account of Mary Callender is ex- tracted from a letter which the editor has received from the learned Dr. Benjamin Waterhouse, late Professor in Harvard University, do-baptists prove the infants of those who are not members of some visible church, are not to be baptised ; and the like powerful arguments, with which others prove that other infants have an equal right and claim with the infants of church members ; I say, it would be no wonder, if such a person should believe them both, and conclude in the words of the late ex- cellent Dr. C. Mather, on a like occasion, " that regeneration is the thing, without which, a title unto sacraments is not to be pretended ; that real regeneration is that which, before God, renders men capable of claiming sacraments ; and visible or expressed regeneration, is that which, before men, enables them to make such a claim." Comp. for Coram, p. 31.) But to return. About the year 1653 or 54, there was a division in the Baptist Church, at Provi- dence, about the right of laying on of hands, which some pleaded for as essentially necessary to church communion, and the others would leave indifferent. Hereupon they walked in two churches, one under Mr. C. Browne, Mr. Wickenden, APPENDIX. 203 soon becoming discontented with the power of the Lords Brethren here," he sold his lands on the pen- insula, in the year 1635, and made a removal about the year 1636. The place to which he removed, was about six miles north of Mr. Williams. His house was situated near the east bank of the river which perpetuates his name, a few rods eastward of a knoll, which he called " Study Hilly It was surrounded by a park, which was his favorite walk. His house he named " Study Hall" Here, also, he planted an orchard, the first that ever bore apples in Rhode-Island. " Many of the trees which he planted, about one hundred and thirty years ago," says Governor Hopkins, in 1765, " are still pretty thrifty fruit-bearing trees. He had the first of that sort called yellow sweetings, that were ever in the world, perhaps the richest and most delicious apple of the whole kind." Mr. Blackstone used fre- quently to preach in Providence and other places adjacent. He was a man of talent, and though somewhat eccentric, sustained the character of an exemplary Christian. He died, May 26, 1675, having lived in New-England, about fifty years. His death occurred at a critical period, a few weeks before the commencement of Philips War. His estate was desolated, and his house and library laid in ashes, by the ruthless natives. He lies buried about two rods east of his favorite Study Hill, where two rude stones designate the place of his interment. His family here is extinct; but his 204 APPENDIX. name will be found on the first list of freemen of Massachusetts, 1630, and it is identified with the beautiful stream which flows through the valley of the Blackstone. No. VI.— [p. 74] Deed of the chief Sachems of JVarragansett to Roger Williams. At Nanhiggansick, the 24th of the first month com- monly called March, in the second year of our plantation, or planting at Mooshausick, or Providence : Memorandum, that we Caunannicus and Miantinomu, the two chief sa- chems of Nanhiggansick, having two years since sold unto Roger Williams the lands and meadows upon the two fresh rivers called Mooshausick and Wanaskatucket,* do now by these presents establish and confirm the bounds of those lands, from the rivers and fields of Pautuckett, the great hill of Neoterconkenittf on the north-west, and the town of Mashapauge on the west. As also, in con- sideration of the many kindnesses and services he hath continually done for us, both for our friends of Massachu- setts, as also at Gtuininkticutt and Apaum, or Plymouth ; " The first of these rivers falls into the cove above Weybosset bridge from the north, the other from the west. i Neoterconkernitt is three miles from Weybosset bridge, Mashapauge is about two miles south of Neoterconkenitt. APPENDIX. 205 we Jo freely give unto him all that land from those rivers reaching to Pautuxett river, as also the grass and meadows upon Pautuxett river. In witness whereof we have here- unto set our hands. 1 The mark of JL . Caunannicus The mark A of Miantinomu. In presence of The mark X of Seatagh. The mark * of Assotemewett. 1639. Memorandum, 3d month, 9th day this was all again confirmed by Miantinomu. He acknowledged this his act and hand [illegible] up the stream of Pautuckett and Pautuxett without limits we might have for our use of cattle. Witness hereof, ROGER WILLIAMS, BENEDICT ARNOLD. [Providence Records.] This deed is dated two years after the settlement of Mr. Williams and his associates at Providence, and bears date the same day and year, with the deed of Aquetneck or the Island of Rhode-Island. Previous to his banishment, he had cultivated an acquaintance with the natives, learned their Jan- guage, and entered into negotiations for lands 206 APPENDIX. with the sachems Canonicus and Ousamequin, pro- vided he should be under the necessity of settling among them. He had made large presents to these chiefs, " and therefore," says he, in one of his letters, " when I came, I was welcome to Ousamequin and to the old prince Canonicus, who was most shy of all English to his last breath." No. VII.— [p. 74.] Deed of Roger Williams to his twelve original as- sociates. Providence, 8th of the 8th month, 1638, (so called,) Memorandum, that I, Roger Williams, having for- merly purchased of Caunannicus and Miantinomu, this our situation, or plantation, of New-Providence, viz. the two fresh rivers, Wanasquatuckett and Mooshausick, and the ground and meadows thereupon ; in consideration of thirty pounds received from the inhabitants of said place, do freely and fully pass, grant and make over equal right and power of enjoying and disposing of the same grounds and lands unto my loving friends and neighbors, Stukely Wescott, William Arnold, Thomas James, Robert Cole, John Greene, John Throckmorton, William Harris, William Carpenter, Thomas Olney, Francis Weston, Richard Waterman, Ezekiel Holliman, and such others as the major part of us shall admit into the same fellow- APPENDIX. 207 ship of vote with us : — As also I do freely make and pass over equal right and power of enjoying and disposing of the lands and grounds reaching from the aforesaid rivers unto the great river Pautuxett, with the grass and meadows thereupon, which was so lately given and granted by the aforesaid sachems to me. Witness my hand, ROGER WILLIAMS. [Providence Records.] Every inhabitant who was received, signed the following covenant : " We whose names are here under-written, being de- sirous to inhabit in the town of Providence, do promise to submit ourselves, in. active or passive obedience, to all such orders or agreements as shall be made for public good of the body, in an orderly way, by the major consent of the present inhabitants, masters of families, incorporated together into a township, and such others whom they shall admit unto the same, only in civil things." No. VIII.— [p. 74.] Deposition of Roger Williams. Narragansett, 18 June, 16S2, Ut. Vul. I testify as in the presence of the all making and all seeing God, that about fifty years since, I coming into this Narragansett country, I found a great contest between three sachems, two (to wit, Cononicus and Miantonomy) 208 APPENDIX. were against Ousamaquin on Plymouth side, I was forced to travel between them three, to pacify, to satisfy all their, and their dependents' spirits of my honest intentions to live peaceably by them. I testify that it was the general and constant declaration that Cononicus his father had three sons, whereof Cononicus was the heir, and his youngest brother's son Miantonomy (because of his youth) was his Marshal and Executioner, and did nothing with- out his uncle Cononicus' consent. And therefore I de- clare to posterity that were it not for the favor that God gave me with Cononicus, none of these parts, no, not Rhode-Island had been purchased or obtained, for I never got any thing out of Cononicus but by gift. I also profess that being inquisitive of what root the title or denomina- tion Nahiganset should come, I heard that Nahiganset was so named from a little Island between Puttisquom- scut and Musquomacuk on the sea and fresh water side. I went on purpose to see it, and about the place called Sugar-loaf Hill, I saw it, and was within a pole of it, but could not learn why it was called Nahiganset. I had learnt that the Massachusetts was called so from the Blue Hills, a little Island thereabout : and Cononicus' father and ancestors living in those southern parts, transferred and brought their authority and name into those northern parts all along by the sea side, as appears by the great destruc- tion of wood all along near the sea side : and I desire pos- terity to see the gracious hand of the Most High, (in whose hands is all hearts,) that when the hearts of my countrymen and friends and brethren failed me, his in- finite wisdom and merits stirred up the barbarous heart of Cononicus to love me as his son to his last gasp, by which means I had not only Miantonomy and all the APPENDIX. 209 Cowesit sachems my friends, but Ousamaquin also, who because of my great friendship with him at Plymouth and the authority of Cononicus, consented freely (being also well gratified by me) to the Governor Winthrop's and my enjoyment of Prudence, yea of Providence itself, and all the other lands I procured of Cononicus which were upon the point, and in effect whatsoever I desired of him. And I never denied him nor Miantonomy whatever they de- sired of me as to goods or gifts, or use of my boats or pinnace and the travels of my own person day and night, which though men know not nor care to know, yet the all-seeing eye hath seen it and his all-powerful hand hath helped me. Blessed be his holy name to eternity. R. WILLIAMS. September 28, 1704, I then being present at the house of Mr. Nathaniel Coddington, there, being presented with this written paper which I attest upon oath to be my fa- ther's own hand writing. JOSEPH WILLIAMS, Assistant. February 11, 1705. True copy of the orignal placed to record and examined by me. WESTON CLARKE, Recorder. [Colony Records.] 210 APPENDIX. No. IX.— [p. 83.] Biographical notice of Rev. John Clarke, Dr. John Clarke, the founder and first Pastor of the first Baptist Church in Newport, was born October 8, 1609. He married Elizabeth, daughter of John Harges, Esq., of Bedfordshire, England. In a power of attorney he signed, May 12, 1656, to receive a legacy given by his wife's father out of the manor of Wreslingworth in Bedfordshire, he styles himself, John Clarke, Physician, of London. It is not certainly known where Mr. Clarke was born, but tradition makes him a native of Bedford- shire. His writings evince him to have been a learned man. In his will he bequeaths to his dear friend, Richard Bailey, his Hebrew and Greek books ; also a Concordance and Lexicon, written by himself, the fruit of several years study. He published in London, in 1652, a book, entitled, "111 News from New-England, or a narrative of New- England's persecution ; wherein it is declared, that while Old England is becoming New, New-England is becoming Old, &c. . 120.] Episcopal Church. The following account of the establishment of the Episcopal Church in Rhode-Island is taken from an historical account of the (; Society for the propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts, by David Humphries, D. D., Secretary to the Sosiety, London, 1730." '•'In September 1702, the Church- wardens of Rhode- Island, wrote to the Society, 'That they cannot forbear expressing their great joy in being under the patronage of so honorable a Corporation, through whose pious en- deavors, with God's assistance, the Church of England hath so fair a prospect of flourishing in those remote parts of the world, and among the rest of her small branches, theirs also in Rhode-Island : That though it is not four years since they began to assemble themselves together to worship God after the manner of the Church of En- gland, yet have they built them a church, finished all on the outside, and the inside is pewed well, though not beautiful ; and whatsoever favors the Society shall be- stow upon them towards the promoting of their Church, shall be received with the humblest gratitude, and seconded with the utmost of their abilities.' p. 61, 62. " The Society resolved to send a Missionary hither, both on account of their being the first, and also a nume- rous people, settled on a flourishing Island. The Rev. Mr. Honyman was appointed in 1704. He discharged 34 266 APPENDIX. the duties of his mission with great diligence, p. 318, 319. He represented also very earnestly to the Society, the want of a Missionary at a town called Providence, about thirty miles from Newport, a place very considerable for the number of its inhabitants. The Society appointed in the next year (1723) the Rev. Mr. Pigot Missionary there. Besides the faithful discharge of his duty at his own station, Mr. Honyman hath been farther instru- mental in gathering several congregations at Naragansett, Tiverton, Freetown, and at the above mentioned place, Providence, p. 320, 321. " The people of Naragansett county (North-Kingston) made application to the Bishop of London, about the year 1707, for a Missionary, and built a church soon after by the voluntary contributions of its inhabitants. In the year 1717, the Society appointed the Rev. Mr. Guy to that place ; he arrived there soon after, and entered upon his mission with much zeal. He removed to South- Carolina, in 1719. The Rev. Mr. M'cSparran was ap- pointed Missionary there in 1720. p. 324, 326. ' : The chief inhabitants of Bristol, in the year 1720, wrote very earnest letters to the Bishop of London and to the Society, for a Minister of the Church of England, and promised to build a church. The Rev. Mr. Orrem was sent Missionary here in 1722. Mr. Orrem gained the esteem and affection of the people very much, and pro- ceeded in his mission with success." p. 331, 332. APPENDIX. 267 No. XXV.— [p. 126.] Philip's Jfar\ On the 29th of March, 1676, a large body of In- dians attacked Providence and burned more than thirty houses in the north part of the town, in one of which were the town records. They were saved by being thrown into the Mooshausick ; from thence they were afterwards taken, though much injured, and sent to Newport for safe keeping, where they remained during the remainder of the war. Philip's War lasted more than a year, and was the most distressing period that New-England had ever seen, and threatened the total extirpation of her colonies. About six hundred men, the flower of her strength, fell in battle or were butchered by the savages. In Massachusetts, Plymouth and Rhode-Island, twelve or thirteen towns were utterly destroyed. About six hundred dwelling houses were burned ; a heavy debt was contracted, and a vast amount of property destroyed. There were few families who did not lose some beloved relative in this calamitous war, and a general gloom spread ■throuffh the country. 2(58 APPENDIX. No. XXVI A list of the Presidents of the Colony of Rliode- Island and Providence Plantations, under the first Patent; and of the Governors, under the second Charter, collected from the State Records. Presidents under the first Patent. 1647 John Coggeshall, to 1648 1648 Jeremiah Clarke, to 1649 1649 John Smith, to 1650 1650 Nicholas Easton, to 1652 In the year 1651, William Coddington went to England, and procured from the Council of State, a commission, dated April 3, 1651, constituting him Governor for life of Rhode-Island, Canonicut, (fee, with which he returned about the 1st of Au- gust, of that year. This produced much uneasiness in the Colony. All the inhabitants on the main, refused to submit to Coddington's government. The Colony appointed Roger Williams and John Clarke to proceed to England, to procure the repeal of Coddington's commission. After much opposition, they effected this in 1652. Mr. Will- iams returned, and at a General Election, held at Warwick, on the 12th of September, 1654, was chosen President of the Colony. Dr. Clarke con- tinued in England as the Colony's agent, till he ob- tained the Charter granted by Charles II. in 1663. 1654 Roger Williams, to 1657 1657 Benedict Arnold, to 1660 APPENDIX. 269 1660 William Brenton, to 1662 1662 Benedict Arnold, to 1663 Governors under the second Charter. 1663 Benedict Arnold, to 1666 1666 William Brenton, to 1669 1669 Benedict Arnold, to 1672 1672 Nicholas Easton, to 1674 1674 William Coddington, to 1676 1676 Walter Clarke, to 1677 1677 Benedict Arnold, to 1679 1679 John Cranston, to 1680 1680 Peleg Sanford, to 1683 1683 William Coddington, to 1685 1685 Henry Bull, to 1686 1686 Walter Clarke 1686 The Charter superseded by Sir Edmund Andross, hut restored in 1689 Henry Bull, to 1690 1690 John Easton, to 1695 1695 Caleb Carr, to 1696 1696 Walter Clarke, to 1698 1698 Samuel Cranston, to 1727 1727 Joseph Jenckes, to 1732 1732 William Wanton, to 1734 1734 John Wanton, to 1741 1741 Richard Ward, to 1743 1743 William Greene, to 1745 1745 Gideon Wanton, to 1746 1746 William Greene, to 1747 270 APPENDIX. 1747 Gideon Wanton, to 1748 1748 William Greene, to 1755 1755 Stephen Hopkins, to 1757 1757 William Greene, to 1758 1758 Stephen Hopkins, to 1762 1762 Samuel Ward, to 1763 1763 Stephen Hopkins, to 1765 1765 Samuel Ward, to 1767 1767 Stephen Hopkins, to 1768 1768 Josias Lyndon, to 1769 1769 Joseph Wanton, to 1775 1775 Nicholas Cooke, to 1778 1778 William Greene, to 1786 1786 John Collins, to 1789 1789 Arthur Fenner, to 1805 1805 Henry Smith, acting Governor to 1806 1806 Isaac Wilbour, lieutenant Governor to 1807 1807 James Fenner, to 1811 1811 William Jones, to 1817 1817 Nehemiah R. Knight, to 1821 1821 William C. Gibbs, to 1824 1824 James Fenner, to 1831 1831 Lemuel H. Arnold, to 1833 1833 John Brown Francis. OFFICERS OF Elected July 19, 1837. JOHN HOWLAND, President. CHRISTOPHER G. CHAMPLIN, First Vice-President. ROMEO ELTON, Second Vice-President. THOMAS H. WEBB, Secretary. THOMAS VV. DORR, Treasurer. WILLIAM R. STAPLES, Librarian and Cabinet Keeper of the Northern District. BENJAMIN B. HOWLAND, Librarian and Cabinet Keeper of the Southern District. TRUSTEES. DAVID BENEDICT, STEPHEN BRANCH, THOMAS H. WEBB, THOMAS F. CARPENTER, ALBERT G. GREENE, JOHN CARTER BROWN, ROBERT JOHNSTON, WILLIAM G. GODDARD, JOHN PITMAN, RICHARD J. ARNOLD, JOSEPH L. TILLINGHAST, EDWARD B. HALL. COMMITTEE OF PUBLICATION, Elected by the Trustees, 1837. ROMEO ELTON, ALBERT G. GREENE, WILLIAM G. GODDARD. CIRCULAR OF The Society would call the attention of members and correspondents, to the following subjects : 1. Topographical Sketches of towns and villages, including an ac- count of their soil, agriculture, manufactures, commerce, natural cu- riosities and statistics. 2. Sketches of the history of the settlement and rise of such towns and villages; and of the introduction and progress of commerce, manu- factures, and the arts, in them. 3. Biographical Notices of original settlers, revolutionary patriots, and other distinguished men who have resided in this State. 4. Original letters and documents, and papers illustrating any of these subjects; particularly those which shew the private habits, manners or pursuits of our ancestors, or are connected with the general history of this State. 5. Sermons, orations, occasional discourses and addresses, books, pamphlets, almanacs and newspapers, printed in this State ; and manu- scripts, especially those written by persons born or residing in this State. 6. Accounts of the Indian tribes which formerly inhabited any part of this State, their numbers and condition when first visited by the whites, their general character and peculiar customs and manners, their wars and treaties, and their original grants to our ancestors. 7. The Indian names of the towns, rivers, islands, bays, and other re- markable places within this State, and the traditional import of those names. 8. Besides these, the Society will receive donations of any other books, pamphlets, manuscripts and printed documents. JUN3Q&- • '! '"APA: LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 0014 111 1371 ^