(lass E2A. 
 
 Book- ' '''-' 
 
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 sot' 
 
 MB. PALMERS 
 
 CENTURY SERMON. 
 
8 E R M O N, 
 
 DELIVERED IN NEEDHAM, 
 
 NOVEMBER 16, 1811, 
 ON THE 
 
 TERMINATION OF A CENTURY, 
 
 SINCE 
 
 THE INCORPORATION OF THE TOWN 
 
 BY STEPHKJVI'JLMER, A. 1 
 
 w 
 PASTOR OF THE FIRSf CHURCH IS SAID 
 
 Jnd theae are ancient tlihigs. 1. Chron. iv. 22. 
 Your fathers, ivhere are they 7 Zech. i- 5. 
 
 DEDHAM : 
 
 PRINTED BY HERMAN MANN, 
 Decembery 1811. 
 

 1 
 
 i 
 
0AMAi'MA^^AAAAi:!A&&thAi 
 
 CENTURY SKiRMON. 
 
 — -V.;- O •»•.{■ m^i^- 
 
 DEUTERONOMY xxxn, 7. 
 
 Bemember the days of old, consider the years of 
 many generations ; ask thy father, and he will 
 shew thee ; thy elders, and they will tell thee. 
 
 XT was a decree of one of the ancient kings of Egypt, 
 that every man in his kingdom should, at stated sea- 
 sons, give an account of himself; how he had spent 
 his time, or in what manner he had lived. It is rca- 
 dily perceived, that such an edict "v^as w isely calcu- 
 lated to produce moral and happy efiects upon the 
 minds and manners of his subjects ; serving to make 
 them wiser and better. No man can be profited by 
 " shutting his eyes upon his own history. " To be 
 acquainted with ourselves, is the most useful know- 
 ledge Ave can acquire. Upon this principle, it is im- 
 portant to know what remotely, as well as immedi- 
 ately, concerns us. To look back upon the days of 
 old, and call up to view transactions and events, which 
 in their ancient date bore a distant relation to our- 
 selves ; and even to this cUiy are felt in their effects, 
 13 both a pleasing and a profitable cmplcynient- 
 
What was interesting to our fathers, can be neither 
 uninteresting nor uninstructive to us. 
 
 In pursuing the journey of life, it is important, 
 that we should reflect by the way ; and while we are 
 passing on to the future, we should occasionally look 
 back upon the past. Such a review will be instruc- 
 tive and useful. Various scenes and events will oc- 
 cur, from the knowledge of which we may derive 
 some moral and religious advantage. While, in our 
 reflections, we pass from scene to scene, and recount 
 one event after another, we cannot but notice the 
 hand of Providence ; admire the wisdom of its dis- 
 pensations ; and moralize upon the mighty works 
 which have been wrought, and upon the many changes 
 and vicissitudes, which have taken place in the world. 
 
 It was from conviction of the moral influences and 
 advantages of reflection, that Moses enjoined it upon 
 the people of Israel to remember the days of old., and 
 consider the years of many generations. As God 
 had wrought numerous wonders for their fatliers and 
 for them, they ought in honor to their divine Protec- 
 tor and in duty to tliemselves, to bear these things in 
 mind, and reflect seriously upon them. To call up 
 to view the special mercies and protections, which 
 their ancestors and themselves had experienced, would 
 naturally tend to awaken gratitude in their hearts, 
 and excite them to future obedience. By recurring 
 to the records of ancient times, and by looking back 
 upon the transactions of Providence, tlirough many 
 
generations^ they would be able to collect a very use- 
 ful histor}', from which they might be instructed and^ 
 encouraged still to trust in God. 
 
 For the knowledge of later events, they might 
 apply to their fathers and elders, who were still liv- 
 ing ; who could tell them, what God had done for 
 them in their day ; and who undoubtedly would be 
 willing to impart instruction to their children, that 
 they might set their hope in God, and not forget the 
 works oj God, but keep his commandments. 
 
 The occasion, also, upon which this exhortation 
 was given, is worthy of notice. The connexion be- 
 tween Moses and the people of his charge was about 
 to be dissolved. For he had been wamed of God, 
 tliat his days approached that he must die. Add to 
 this, the Israelites A\'ere now finishing their journey 
 through the wilderness. They were soon to enter 
 the land of promise ; and in a sense be incorporated 
 as a nation. It was, therefore, an important period 
 of their history, and a very suitable time for reflection. 
 With much propriety are they now exhorted to pause 
 upon the occasion ; to look back upon past scenes ; 
 to remember the days of old, and consider the years 
 of many generations, that fi^om the past experiences 
 of divine mercy, they might know where to place 
 their confidence, and be wise for themselves. 
 
 But though this exhortation was immediately di- 
 rect^^iff^the people of Israel ; yet it would be re- 
 stricting the use of Scripture to confine it to them . 
 
 J^ 
 
I|ln numerous periods and on various occasions, it has 
 applied to others — and in the course of events, has 
 at length become applicable to the people of this town. 
 As a centur}' is now completed, since the town was 
 incorporated, it is both natural and proper, that we 
 should look back to the days of our fathers ; and call 
 up to \'iew the circumstances, w^hich attended their 
 settlement in this place ;. in connexion with that train 
 of e^ ents, A\'hich has led to the present order and state 
 of society among us. As this day, in a relative 
 view, is memorable to us, it is suitable, that we 
 should take notice of it in gratitude to God, for what 
 he has done for our fathers and for us ; and for the 
 purpose of instructing ourselves by a review of past 
 occurrences, or by an historical sketch of ancient 
 
 t/iin^s. 
 
 It is not my design to give an account of the 
 origin and settlement of the Country at large ; but 
 shall confine myself to the affairs of this tOM''n. It is 
 merely a local history, which the occasion requires, 
 and in my discourse, I shall endeavour to be exclu- 
 sively occasional. 
 
 Tirr tract of land, which was primarily included 
 and in the main still falls within the limits of this- 
 toun, agreeably to ancient and authentic records, ori- 
 ginally belonged to an Indian y by the nameof Wil- 
 li a m N E !i o I D E N , of whom it was purchased by 
 the Inhabitants of Dedham on the 13th of April, 
 ■IG30. And, like the price of land in those times, the 
 
compensation required would, at the present day, be 
 deemed a very humble pittance. * This tract of 
 land being thus purchased was annexed to Dedham, 
 and was afterwards denominated that part of the town 
 which lay on ihe North side of Charles River. 
 
 According to traditional information, this tov/n 
 was first settled from that part of Dedliam, which is 
 called the Island. The settlement began in the North- 
 ' easterly part of the town. But the precise period, 
 when it began there, cannot be fully ascertained. 
 From circumstances, hov/ever, it is probable, that it 
 was not long after the purchase, which has been men- 
 tioned. For b}^ ancient records in the town of Ded- 
 
 Ihe Comm ttetf, appo'nted and empowered, by the Se- 
 lect Men of D diiam, to makd tiic pure lase and take a deed 
 of this tt'Lict ofktnd, stipulated with NEHoioiiN, to give hina 
 ten pounds in nnoney, fifty acres of land, and a quarttity of In- 
 dian corn to the value of forty sliillings, and which was all the 
 compensation eventually reqiiircd. 
 
 It is to be understood, that Dedhai7i-Lsland, containing a- 
 bnut nine hundred acres, whicli was never set off to Needham, 
 was also included in tliis purchase. 
 
 By an act of the G neral Court, passed in the year 1797, aa 
 alteration was made m the li.ie between Ntedliam and Naiick. 
 By vir'ue of this \ct. sixteen hundred t.nd fifry six acres of 
 land were set off from Needham to Natick; and in exchange, 
 four hundred and four acres and an half, exclusive of pond, 
 were set off from \atick and annexed to Needham, leaving a 
 bnlance in favor of Natick of twelve hundred, fitty one and an 
 lialf acres. 
 
10 
 
 ham, 1 find aii account of a more interior settlement^ 
 as far back as the 21st of March, 1694 — And on the 
 2d of July, 1705, the Select- men of Dedham ap- 
 probated a person -^ for licence to keep a house of 
 public entertainment near the Lower Falls. 
 
 On the 9th of March, 1709, there was such a num- 
 ber of inhabitants in this place, tliat they petitioned 
 to the to'tVTi of Dedham, and obtained the grimt of 
 eight pounds, to defray the expense of three months 
 preaching among themselves. 
 
 In the month of May, 1710, yvhtn they consisted 
 of about forty five families, they petitioned to Gener- 
 al Court for an Act of incorporation ; and the petition 
 was signed by forty persons. This measure, how- 
 ever, was opposed by the town of Dedham, and a 
 committee was chosen to appear at General Court, in 
 theii' session in October, and renioriStrate against it. 
 
 In consequence of thisremonsti-ance, or for some oth- 
 er reason, the prayer of the petition was not immedi- 
 ately granted. The Court, however, at this session, 
 advised the Inhabitants ofDedliam to exempt the pe- 
 titioners from paying taxes for the support of the 
 minister, then settled in the towai; provided they 
 would have preaching among themselves — And this 
 advice v.as complied with, by a vote of the town, on 
 the 13th of November following. 
 
 * Benjamin Mills. 
 
11 
 
 In addition to this, on the 19th of March, 1711, 
 the proijrietori) of uiidivided land in Dedham, in con- 
 sequence of a previous petition, granted to the set- 
 tlers here two lots of land, containing collectively a- 
 bout one hundred and thirty three acres, for tlie sup- 
 port of the ministry among them ; Avhich tracts ol' 
 land are still appropriated to this use. 
 
 Under these circumstances, the situation of the 
 petitioners was now virtually that of a separate 
 Precinct, as they were permitted and enabled to have 
 preachiiig among themselves. But for reasons set 
 forth in their petition, they were still desirous of be- 
 ing incorporated as a Town — And the Inhabitants of 
 Dedham., perceiving them still disposed to persevere, 
 finally voted, May 28th, 1711, to set them off, with 
 a view to their being made a township ; but at the 
 same time, restjicfed thtm as to extent of territory^ 
 which had bten asked for in their petition. In pass- 
 ing this vote, it v.as particulmly specified, that what 
 is now the Northeasterly boundary between this town 
 and Dedham, should commence at "what is called the 
 Landing Place at Charles Ri^-er, and thence run a 
 straight line tov/ards the South West, to Charles Riv- 
 er again. Whereas the Petitioners had requested, 
 that this boundary might extend to vi^hat is com- 
 monly called the Long Ditch, and continue the same 
 course until it comes to Chai^les River, Southerly 
 and Northerly. The difference between these two 
 boundaries was of considerable consequence, and be- 
 came a subject of much altercation and debate be* 
 tween tlie piaties concerned. 
 
12 
 
 But on the IGtli of November, according to the 
 present style, in the year 1711, the prayer oi the Pe- 
 titioners, in its /till exte?it, was granLtd, when they 
 became a corporate bod} ; aiidiiud the name, Need- 
 ham, given to their Township. What occasioned 
 this name is not mentioned in any record I ha\e sten. 
 Whctlier it was a matter of fancy, or whether any par- 
 ticular reason ^\'as then assigned, I am un.ibie to deter- 
 mine. ^' 
 
 This act, so interesting to our fathers, and now 
 commemorated b}^ their distant descendants, was pass- 
 ed in the lOdi year of the reign of Queen Anne 
 in England, and in the 9th }'ear of the administration 
 of Governor Dudley in this Commonwealth, wh.ch 
 was then a British Colony — about niriCty one years 
 after the landing of our forefathers at Plymouth, and 
 
 ONE HUNDRED YEARS AGO THIS DAY. 
 
 Needham may now be ranked among tlie an- 
 cient settlements in New England. It Avas but the 
 eighty eighth town incorporated in this Common- 
 
 * Since the tklivtry of this Discourse, the Author has 
 lieen infovriK (1 by aw: of tlie Def:cvvda7itfi of the A'cncrcible Tr- 
 Tioi HY Dmiciit of Dfflliam, vho was a membfr <if ihe Legis- 
 lature \vhen,i!iis town was incorporated, that it was named 
 Khedham. at the rtqufbt of Gov. Dudley, after Nr:KDHAM in 
 ringland ; und because thut town '.s near to D.dnam, liiough 
 
 in a diflcrent county Accordii;^^ to Baickfay's Dictiona- 
 
 ry. Dedham is a town in F.ssex. 58 miies N. E- of London, and 
 lias a market en Tuesdays And Xetdham is a town in Siif- 
 Iblk, ten in'les N. W. of Ipswich, and 73 mdes E. of London ; 
 and lias a market on Wednesdays. 
 
18 
 
 wealth. The number has since increased to more 
 than lour hundied and fifty. 
 
 After this act of incorporation, the misunder- 
 standing between Dedham cUid Needham, respecting 
 the boundary, which has been mentioned, still con- 
 tinued ; and repeated efforts to come to an agreement 
 proving ineffectual, the matter was finally settled by 
 a Ccn.mittee from the General Court, August 22, 
 1712 — \\ho decided in favor of the new Township ; 
 and llie line originaliy establiLhed still remaiiiS, as the 
 boundaiy between the two to-aiis. 
 
 On the 4th of December, 1711, the first to\m- 
 mecting was held m this j^lace, when Timothy 
 Kmgsbia'y v.as chosen town-cierk ; and John Fish- 
 er^JoJin Smith, Benjamin Mills and Fiohtrt Cook'^ 
 were chosen Select Men, to serve till the then riext 
 March meeting. These are the first municipal offi- 
 cers chosen in this town — At the same miceting it 
 was voted, that the Select Men, with Jonathan Gay, 
 Jeremiah TFoodcock, Thomas Metcalf and Eleazer 
 Kingsbury, should be a Committe to select a suita- 
 ble place for burying the dead. This Committee 
 selected yonder well known spot, v.hich long ago 
 emil osomed their own dust, and where man}' a tear 
 has since l^een shed o\tv the deposited remains of 
 kindrc d sr.d friends, f 
 
 * Rob fit C^(;X- was also clioscn tlie first Keprcser.talivfc of 
 the town, May 19, 1712. 
 
 t — According to tradition this place l.ad betn ccrnsinrally 
 
14 
 
 It is to the honor of tlie first settlers m this town, 
 that tiiey turned an early attention to the support of 
 the Gospel among them. To this end, on the 25th 
 of December, 1711, and in less than two months af- 
 ter their incorporation, they voted to build a house 
 for public worship, and granted eighty pounds to- 
 wai-ds defraying the expense of the same ; the one 
 half to be paid in money, and the other half in labor. 
 
 Th e building of a meeting-house was to them an 
 arduous and expensive undertaking. Their numbers 
 
 were lew, coiisisimg of but little more than a fifth 
 pait of the present inhabitants. They were scattered 
 in tlieu" settlements. There lands ^^■ere in a gerat de- 
 gree wild and uncultivated. In a sense, they dwelt 
 
 in a wilderness, Avhich w\is still haunted by wild 
 beasts ; the country was then involved in the calam- 
 ities of war ; * and they had many hardships to en- 
 dure, which we expereince not. But still they felt 
 it their duty to make this early provision for the pub- 
 lic \Vorship of God among them ; and amidst all their 
 discouragements, they hesitated not to engage in the 
 important work. 
 
 ust;d for this purpose; before the incorporation of the town ; 
 and It 13 further related, that l!ie first interment there was that 
 of a child in the winter season, 
 
 * With the French and Indians — And this year was partic- 
 ularly memorable for the great loss, which the combined army 
 of English and Americans sustained, in attemnling the reduc- 
 tion ot Quebec, o\\\ which cccasiontd the rehnquisiiment of 
 the cxpediUon. This loss and disappointment were very keen- 
 ly felt by the Colonists, while the cneniy were soon aft< r en- 
 COMra-^eu lo harrass the frontiers. 
 
15 
 
 But the best of men are not without their imper* 
 fections ; and the most laudable designs are notunfre- 
 quently attended by altercations and difficulties. The' 
 tliere appears to have been a union for building a 
 meetins-house ; yet there was soon an unhappy divi- 
 sion respecting the location of it. Two places were 
 proposed, the one upon an eminence, en the land 
 gi-anted for the use of the mmistry ; the other upon 
 the south end of what is well known by the name of 
 North Hill. Though these two places are nei.r to 
 each other, yet much controversy arose ; and like hu- 
 man nature in every age, neither party was disposed 
 to yield. The same spirit, in short, prevailed then, 
 which has so often appeared in modern times. The 
 matter, however, was eventually settled by a Com- 
 mittee from General Court, who reported in favor 
 of the first mentioned place, and where the house 
 w^as afterwai'ds built. 
 
 The first meeting-house, which some present 
 may still remember, so fiir as can be ascertained by 
 the records of the town, w^as raised in the 3 ear 1712, 
 in the summer season. But there is no particular re- 
 cord either of the day or of the month. 
 
 Though prospects, after the meeting-house was 
 raised, became more flattering ; yet those difficulties 
 and embaiTassments, which commonly attend new 
 settlements, necessarily retailed the completion oi 
 the work. Under existing circumstances, a gradual 
 rather than a rapid progress, was ail that cculd bt 
 expected. 
 
16 
 
 By the records, however, I find, that on the 23d of 
 June, 1713, money was granted for glazing the 
 house ; and on the 15th of September following, it 
 was voted to finish certain parts of the inside of it — 
 And in the two following years, sums of considerable 
 amount were also granted for the same purpose. 
 But it does not appecU', that die house was ever en- 
 tirely finished ; nor is there any account, that it was 
 ever dedicated. 
 
 While the first settlers were thus employed in pre- 
 paring a house for public worship, they were equally 
 engaged in procuring the settlement of a minister. 
 But for more than eight years they were uniformly 
 unsuccessful. During this period, they employed 
 a large number of candidates to preach to them ; and 
 no less than Jive received invitations to settle. — 
 Mi\ Demmg Avas invited March 16, 1713 — Mr, 
 Terry, May 31, 1715, and Mr. Craghead, August 
 23, of the same yeiu' — Mr. Elmer, August 13, 1718 
 and Mr. Prentice, July 29, 1719 — And after all, no 
 settlement \\"as yet effected. 
 
 But notwithstanding these frowns, the people still 
 persevered ; and the repeated disappointments the}' 
 experienced, instead of discouraging, seemed only to 
 animate dieir exertions. In the mean time, they were 
 not unmindful of their dependance upon the great 
 Head of the Church for aid and assistance. To this 
 end, April 13, 1715, and June 10, 1719, were set a- 
 part and observed as days of fasting and pra}-er, to 
 ask for divine direction in the choice of a minister. 
 
17 
 
 Besides looking to Heaven for counsel, they re- 
 peatedly voted to ask advice of reverend Elders in 
 the vicinity. And Dr. Increase Mather^ Dr. Cot- 
 ton Mather^ with Mr. Pembertoiiy of Boston — Mr. 
 Belcher^ of Dedham — Mr. Thaclier, of Milton— 
 Mr. Danforth, of Dorchester — and jl/r. Baxter ^ of 
 Medfield, are among the venerable names of those, 
 who were consulted, and occasionally gave advice. 
 
 Such was the engagedness of our fathers, and 
 such were the pious and prudential measures they a- 
 dopted, to obtain the settlement of a goi»pei minister 
 among them ; and through the goodness of God, they 
 finally succeeded. 
 
 On the 29th of December, 1719, they unani- 
 mouh.!}" incited Mr. Jonathan Townsend to take the 
 pastoral charge of them, which invitation he accepted. 
 His answer was dated at Boston, Janur.iy 25, 1720; 
 and was soon after read in town meeting at Needham, 
 to the great satisfaction of die people here. 
 
 On the 20th of March, 1720, being Lord's day, tliis 
 Church was imbodied by the reverend Mr. Belcher^ 
 of Dedliam, consisting of twenty male members, in- 
 cluding the Pastor elect. The covenant, which ^vas 
 subscribed to at the time, comprises the great articles 
 of christian belief, as revealed in the Scriptures; 
 and while it breathes a spirit of piety, meekness and 
 love, is happily free from tinctures of enthusiasm and 
 bigotiy. 
 
18 
 
 On the 3d day after the Church was inibodied^ 
 \iz. March 23d, Mr. Toxvnsend was ordained the 
 first Pastor in this town. * Thus the important ob- 
 ject, after many difficulties and discouragements, was 
 at lengdi obtained ; and the people here were now 
 made to rejoice in the peaceable and happy settle- 
 ment of a minister. 
 
 Soon after the ordination o^Mr, Townsend^ Tho- 
 mas Metcalf im{\. Jos'iah Newell Avere chosen dea- 
 cons ; but as they declined the service, the Church 
 afterwards made choice of Jeremiah Woodcock and 
 Timothy Kingsbury^ m ho accepted the appointment, 
 and were the first deacons, who officiated in this 
 Church, 
 
 July 3, 1720, the ordinance of the Lord's Sup- 
 per was, for the first time, administered in this place, 
 Avhen about fifty communicants ^vere present — On 
 the same day a child of deacon Timothy Kingsbury 
 
 * The ministers sent to for assistance in the ordination, 
 were the Rev. Joseph Belcher, of Detlham — Rtv. Joseph Bax- 
 ter, of Medfield — Rev. John Svvif', of Framingham — Rev. VVil- 
 liatn Williams, of Weston — and Rev. Jolin Cotton, of Newton. 
 
 Mr. Townsend himself preached, from Romans I. 15, 16— 
 
 So as Tfiu'Ch as in me is, J am ready to fireach the gosfiel to youy 
 that are o^ Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gosfiel of 
 Christ ; for it is the fiu".ver of God unto salvation, to every one 
 thaf believeth, to the Jeiv first and also to the Greek,— Mv. Bel- 
 cher gave the charge, and Mr. Baxter gaye the right hand o-f 
 fellowship. 
 
19 
 
 was baptized, and which was the first baptism admin- 
 istered ill this Church. * 
 
 Mr. Town send continued the minister of this 
 town till September 30, 1762, when his useful life 
 and labors were ended, in the 65th year of his age, 
 and 43d of his ministry, f 
 
 Mr. Townsend was highly esteemed in love 
 for his works' sake ; and his praise is still in the 
 churches. He had the character of a great and good 
 man ; and his memory has been much venerated by 
 all, who knew him. Possessing strong powers of 
 mind, cultivated and improved by education and stu- 
 dy, he was enabled to think deeply and correctly. 
 Jie was a thoughtful observer of Providence ; was 
 very careful to notice occurrences ; and was so re- 
 markably accurate in all his habits, tliat he was fre- 
 quently applied to for information respecting the date 
 and particular circumstances of events ; and such was 
 
 * The name of tlie child, Ruth. 
 
 t He was born at Lynn in the year 1698, At the age of 14 
 he entered Havard College, and was graduated there in the 
 year 1716, 
 
 Soon after his settlement at Needham he married Miss Ma- 
 ry Sugars, of Boston, by vviiom he Iiad seven children, viz. Jon- 
 at/ia7J, jMary, Est/ier, Jane, Samuel, Sarah and Grpgorn ; one on- 
 ly of whom is nov^ living, viz Lieut. Samuel Tonvneend, of Ty™ 
 ringham, in the 83d year of his age, 
 
20 
 
 the confidence reposed in him, that there was rarely 
 an appeal from his decision. Such also was the o- 
 pinion entertained of his judgment and integiity, that 
 he was repeatedly called to sit in ecclesiastical Coun- 
 cils, for the settlement of controversies and difficul- 
 ties. In matters of more private concern, his advice 
 Avas often asked and aiwaj's had weight. Gravity, 
 circumspection and prudence marked his whole de- 
 portment. He was a sound divine ; and to the peo- 
 ple of his charge, was uniformly affectionate and faith, 
 ful. He preached statedly in the sanctuary, and dai- 
 ly by example. In the course of his miiiistry, he 
 published six sermons * upon particular occasions, 
 :md which may be still read to the honor of his mem- 
 ory. 
 
 But notwithstanding his prudence and fidelity ; 
 yet he was not wholly exempted from trials. His min- 
 istry, however, in general ^vas quiet and peaceable, 
 till about the year 1746, when some of his Church 
 and Society became disaffected. This was occasion- 
 by their claiming a right to employ illiterate teach- 
 
 * T-\vo, on the annual Fast, March 21, 1723. 
 
 Two, upon th':.- death o[' Sclomon Cooi- and Samuel Khigsbury, 
 who were drowned in Boston harbour — May 13, 1737. 
 
 One, on the death of Thomas Gari/«cr, jun. killed by light- 
 ning — April 4, 1746. 
 
 One, at the annual Convention of ministers in Boston- 
 Tune I, 1758, 
 
21 
 
 crs, and to have separate meetings among them= 
 selves as often as they pleased. 
 
 Evil consequences, in a gi'eater or less degree, al- 
 ways result from such practices. U^e are not to be 
 wise above what is written ; and it is a divine direc- 
 tion — JL.et all thi'Ags be done decently and in order. 
 Religion requires limits to prevent abuse ; and we 
 ought to be temperate in our devotions, as well as 
 in odier things. Illiterate teachers and supereroga- 
 tory meetings^ in their natural tendency, lead to 
 schisms, aiiiuiosities and a false zeal in religion. It is 
 to the honor of the venerable Pastor, of whom we are 
 speaking, that he did not countenance these things. * 
 
 * The fallowing hxtract from Mr. Townsend's Convention 
 Sermon will give his sentiments upon this subject. 
 
 " If it should be inquired — How may those, who are in no 
 "public ecclesiastical station be helpful to the ministers of 
 *' the Gospel in their Wurk ? I answer negatively — Not by in- 
 " vading the priest's office, or assuming to themselves that 
 " work, rule and power, which Christ has assigned and given to 
 " the stewards of his house. The ministry is not a business 
 '■'■■ common to all. It is pecul ar to an appointed order of men, 
 *' who are Separated unto the Gospel ot God. The great King 
 " of Heaven disiikes and has terr b'y fr owned uptn a presuming- 
 " to act the part of an ambassador from h m, withcuthis aijpro- 
 " bdtion and a commission for it. K'ng Uzziah was smitttn 
 " with Itprosy for invading the priest's rffice, which leprosy 
 " clave to bim to the day of his death — If it should be haidly 
 " taken, when the ministry is thus pleuded fui by those, who 
 '* are employed :n the work of it, It-t it be considered, that there 
 " is but little of that in the sacred office, which the world is dis- 
 *' posed to make the ground of envy. " 
 
 See his Sermon, pages 10, II. 
 
02 
 
 Unshaken in his firmness, he still pursued his duty ; 
 and notwithstanding this defection and uneasiness, 
 was enabled to preserve general order in his society. 
 Tnough some left him ; yet a sufficient number re- 
 mained to encourage and support him. In the main, 
 he was happy witli his people, sharnig much in theii* 
 affection and esteem. In tlie course of liis ministry, 
 they repeatedly made additions to his salary — And 
 when he deceased, they generously voted to defray 
 the expense of his funeral. 
 
 After tlie death of the rev. 3//'. Towjisend, the 
 Church and Society in this place remained destitute 
 about two years and seven months. In tlieir desti- 
 tute stite, like a tlioughtful people, and in imitation 
 of their fathers, they voted to keep a day of fasting 
 and prayer, for divine direction in the choice of a 
 minister — And October the 27th, 1763, was set a- 
 part and observed accordingly. 
 
 On the 7th of November, 1763, Mr. Samuel 
 JFest received a call from the Church ; and on the 
 5th of December following, the Congregation con- 
 curred. 
 
 Mr. West gave his answ^er of acceptance, Feb- 
 ruary 4, 1764 — and \^\is ordained on the 25th of A- 
 pril following. * 
 
 * The ministers sent to for assistance in the ordination were 
 —the rev. Thomas West, Pastor of the 3d Church in Roches- 
 ter—the rev. Thomas Balch, Pastor of the 2d, and the rev. An- 
 
23 
 
 About nine years and an half after the ordination 
 of the rev. Mr. JFest, the first meeting house in tliis 
 town, having stood about sixty one yeai's, was con- 
 sumed by fire. This event took place Lord's day 
 night, between the 17th and 18th of October, 1773.* 
 
 drew Tyler, Pastor of the 3d Churches in Dcdham — the rev. 
 Samuel Woodward, Pastor of the Church m Weston — the rev. 
 Amos Adams, Pastor of the 1st Chuich in Roxbury — the rev, 
 Jason Haven, Pastor of the 1st Church in Dcdham — and the 
 rev. Samuel West, Pastor of the Church in Dartmouth. 
 
 Mr. West of Dartmouth preached from I Cor. ii. 1, 2 — And 
 J, brrt/iren, ivhcn I came to you., came not ivilh excellency ofsfieech^ 
 or of ivisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I 
 determined not to kn'^nv any thitig among ytti, save Jesus Christy 
 and him crucified, 
 
 Mr. West of Rochester j^ave the charge ; and Mr. Balch 
 gave the right hand of fellowship- 
 
 * No mention is made in the records of the exact time, when 
 religious worship was first performed in this house ; nor who 
 preached on the occasion. It is probable, liowever, that the 
 people assembled in it soon after it was raised ; and as Mr. Bc' 
 viing was then preaching in the town, it is also probable, that 
 he wasthe^r*^ person, who preached in it. 
 
 The last sermon, delivered in this house, was by toe rev. 
 Mr. West, Oct. 17, 1773, from Psalm iv. 5 — Offer the sacri- 
 fices of righteousness^ aud fiut your trust in the Lord. On the 
 same day Jeremiah Fuller wan baptized, which was the last bap- 
 tism administered in this house, — This was the youngest child 
 of Mr. Amos Fuller; and, by the mother's side, was a great 
 ^rand child of deacon Timothy Kingsbury.^ whose daughter, by 
 the name of Ruth., had been baptized a little more than fifty 
 three years before : and which, as has been mentioned, was the 
 first baptism administered in this Church. 
 
2^ 
 
 On the 18th of November foliowing, it was voted 
 in town meeting, that a reward should be given to a- 
 ny one, who should discover the person or persons, 
 concerned in burning the meeting house. But no 
 one was ever apprehended — At the same meeting the 
 sum of two hundred pounds was voted towards build- 
 ing this house, in which we are now convened ; and 
 a Committee of five * was chosen to make an'ange- 
 meuts and forward the work. 
 
 This house was raised on the 3d and 4th days of 
 August, 1774; and was finished about fourye-irs af- 
 ter it was raised, f ^^e may now add, tiiat in the 
 course of the, present season, this house has been 
 repaii'ed; and besides this, a handsome tower has 
 been erected, much to the ornament of the house 
 — And so recently as Yesterday, a Church Bell 
 was, for the Jirst time, rung in the town. 
 
 * Mr . Michael Mttca'J^ Deacon John Fisher, Capt, Lemuel 
 Pratt, Col. William Mc Intonh and Mr. Amos Fuller. 
 
 t Divine service, however, was performed in it on the third 
 Lord's day after it was raised, viz. August 21 — when the rev. 
 
 Mr. West preached from Job xxii. 21 icqunint noiv thyself 
 
 •with htm and be at peace., thereby good thall come un!o thee. And 
 this is all the account, which I have been able to find of the ded- 
 ication of the house. 
 
 It is well knov/n, that the dedicating? of meeting houses, in 
 former periods of the New-Eneland Churches, was not so cus- 
 tomary, as of late years. Perhaps it was formerly thought, 
 that such an act savoured too much of Popish consecrations. 
 But since a more liberal spirit has prevailed, this practice has 
 become more general and formal. 
 
2S 
 
 It is well kno^vn, that the locating of this house, 
 like that of the former one, occasioned much uneasi- 
 ness and contention in the tow^n. In public measures, 
 or ill any affair where many ai'e concerned, it is very 
 difficult for all to be suited, and equally rare for all to 
 agree. But it would be an unpleasant as well as un- 
 profitable task, to bring up to view the debates and 
 difficulties, which then prevailed. The scene has 
 passed away, and many of the actors are gone. The 
 great Head of the Church has already judged num- 
 bers of both parties ; and there is reason to believe, 
 that many of them are now together praising him, 
 who pities and pardons the infirmities of fallen man. 
 
 Suffice it to say, that this disagreement occasion- 
 ed a division of the town into two Precincts. The 
 Westerly Precinct was set oif by a vote of the toun, 
 October 3, 1774 — and m the year 1778, by an act 
 of general Court, it was made a corporate Society. 
 In the month of June, three years before this act of 
 incorporation, a meeting house was raised in that Pre- 
 cinct ; but was not wholly finished till the month of 
 December, 1794. 
 
 After the incorporation of the Westerly Precinct, 
 the rev. Mr. West continued his ministrations in this 
 place till the month of November, 1788, -^ when he 
 
 * The last time Mr. West preached in Needham was No- 
 vember ?., 1788— His text iit;b. ix. 28— 5b Qhrist ivas ^nce of' 
 
 D 
 
2)5 
 
 left his charge here, by reason of a pressing invita- 
 tion to become the Pastor of the Church and Society 
 in Holiis street, Boston, where he was installed, 
 Mai'ch 12, 1789. He continued the Pastor of that 
 people, till April 10, 1808, when he finished his 
 course, in the 70th yeiir of his age ; having been in 
 the ministr^', from the time of his settlement at Need- 
 ham, about forty four years. 
 
 fired to bear the sins of mamj ; and unto them that lo'>k for him 
 shall he a'ljiear the Necond time, luuhout sin unto salvaiion. 
 
 About a fortnight after this, viz. Nov. 15, Mr. West made 
 the following communication to the people in this place, upon 
 the subject of his leaving them. 
 
 "To THE East Parish in Needham.' 
 " Gentlemev, 
 " It is too piiinful for me to take a formal leave of my peo- 
 " pie. I shall, thtrefore, refer you to what was said at our last 
 " meeting; and only add, that I consider the relation between 
 '^ ut;, of minister and people, dissolved. My principal reason 
 « for this is, our different opinions with respect to ministerial 
 "support. I cannot admit of compulsion, and am convinced 
 '' you cannot efTjct it without. 
 
 " REspECTl^'G what is due to me, you riKiy depend upon the 
 " most generous treatment; as v.e have lived, so I liope we 
 '* shall part, in p-.ace. You wdl be ever dear to my heart ; 
 « and that the God of love and peace may be wit^. you and b!ess 
 " you, M ill be the constant and eariicst prayer of your friend 
 " and brother." ( tiGNED ) SAMUEL WEST. 
 
 At a Paris') meeting, Jan. 12, 1789 — 
 It was put to the vote of tb.e Parish to see, if they would 
 ilismiss the rev. Mr. West, upon the Committee'.^ settling with 
 him, and it passed in the aflirmative. 
 
 See first Parish Recortfs. 
 
As the character of Mr. West has been drawn by 
 *n able hand, *' and is already before the public, a 
 particular delineation is unnecessary on this occasion. 
 
 Permit me however, to observe, that he was a 
 man of talents ; of extensive erudition; and of very 
 amiable and polished manners. This is acknowledg- 
 ed by all, who were acc]uainted with him. While 
 he continued in the ministry here, he was esteemed 
 a faithful and affectionate Pastor ; and was liighly ac- 
 cepti.ble to the people of his charge. They much 
 res]3ected and very tenderly loved him. But whedi- 
 er he eventuiilly did right in leaving them ; or wheth- 
 er his dismission was in all respects honorable, those, 
 \^'ho are most intimately acquainted \'.'ith circumstan- 
 ces, are best able to judge. 
 
 After the dismission of Mr. West, the Church 
 and Society in this place were without a settled min- 
 ister about tour years. The circumstances, under 
 which they became destitute, rendered theii' prospects 
 at first dark and discouraging. But they happily kept 
 united, and pursued measures to obtain a resettlement. 
 With this view, and in humble dependance upon the 
 great Head of the Church, they set apart June 10, 
 1790, for the special purpose of asking divine assis- 
 tance and blessing. 
 
 It is to the honor of this Church, that in every pe- 
 riod of its destitute state, a day of fasting and prayer 
 
 * Rev. Thomas Thacher. 
 
has been set apart, to ask counsel and direction of 
 God in the choice of a minister — And permit me to 
 add, I sincerely hope, that this will be the case, when 
 the Church shall be destitute again. 
 
 On the 2d of August, 1790, Mr. Hendricus DoxVy 
 a candidate from the State of Coimecticut, was invit- 
 ed to settle in this place ; but the invitation he did 
 not accept. 
 
 On the 11th of June 1792, the Speaker received 
 his call, both from the Church and Congregation. 
 After mature deliberation he gave his answer of ac- 
 ceptance, August 5 ; and was ordained on the 7th of 
 November follo\ving; a little more than nineteen 
 years ago. 
 
 Four hundi^ed and twenty two persons have been 
 admitted into this Church, since it was imbodied. * 
 
 * Two hundred and ten were admitter! by the rev, Mr. 
 Townsend, besides twenty eit^lu received from other Churches. 
 One hundred and three were admiued by the rev. Mr. West, 
 besides four received from other Churches. Two were admit- 
 ted in the vacancy, after Mr. West's dismission. Seventy-four 
 have been admitted by the present Pastor, besides one received 
 from anolher Church. 
 
 Nine hundred anJ forty seven persons were baptized b/ the 
 rev. Mr. Townsend. Three hundred and fifty nine, ty the 
 rev. Mr, West. And one hundred and eighty four, by the 
 present Pastor- Forty one were also baptized in the vacancies 
 after the death of Mr. Townsend and the dismission of Mr. 
 \V^st. 
 
29 
 
 One thousand five hundred and thii-ty one persons^ 
 including infants and adults, have been baptized. 
 Nine persons also have sustained the office oi dea- 
 con. * 
 
 On the 6th of September 1798, the Church in 
 the West Precinct was imbodied by the rev. Mr. 
 Caryl of Dover, consisting of eight male members. 
 On rhe 25ih ot December following, Mr. Jonathan 
 Whitaker was invited to settle in that place ; but 
 gave a negative answer. 
 
 May 10, 1799, the first and present Pastor f of 
 tliat Church and Society received his call — gave his 
 answer of acceptance, June 16 — and was ordained 
 July 10th, of the same year. 
 
 Since the imbodying of that Church, fifty four 
 persons ha\^e been admitted as members ; one hun- 
 dred and thirty four, infants and adults, have been 
 baptized ; and tliree persons have been appointed to 
 the office of deacon. % 
 
 * Jeremiah Woodcock and Timothy Kingsbury^ cliosen May 
 17, 1720 — t'Jeuzt-r King&bury^ Feb. 4, 1730 — Josiuh Ktivel^ 
 jQfthua F.llis. and John Fisher^ Jan 9, 1747 — Isaac Shejiard, 
 Nov. 21, 1783 — IVilliatn Mc Inlosh, April 19, 1790 — and Silas 
 Aiden, Nov. 22, 1803. 
 
 t The rev. Thomas Notes. 
 
 \ Joseph Daiiiel and William ^/^-/ow, chosen Aug. 16, 1799 — 
 •and Jsa Kingsbury, May 17, 1805. 
 
30 
 
 It is with much satisfaction Ave this day reflect, 
 that the two Churches in this torni have maintained 
 such peace among themselves, aiid with their respec- 
 tive Pastors, that not a single ecclesiastical Council 
 has been called, for the settlement of any difficul- 
 ty among them, since tlie Churches A^'ere imbodied. 
 
 Five hundred and fifty Couples have been marri- 
 ed in this town by the four ministers, * who have 
 been settled in it. This number is exclusive of 
 those, who have been married by civil magistrates, 
 and neighbouring ministers in times of vacancy in 
 the to\vn. 
 
 According to the records of the town, two thous- 
 and, four hundred and twenty persons have been 
 born ; and six hundred and seventy six have died in 
 the town, since it was incorporated. But this is not 
 mentioned as a correct account. The true number 
 in both respects is undoubtedly larger. Through 
 the inattention of individuals, especially at former pe- 
 riods, the public records of births and deaths, In 
 to^vns in general, are necessarily defective. 
 
 By a maiui script, left by a late father f in this 
 
 * Two hundred and nineteen were married by the rev. Mr. 
 Townsend — One luindrcd and filly three by the rev. Mr. West 
 ^— One hundred and ihu-ty two. by the prtsent Pastor ot the 
 liibt Cimrch — And forty six, by tlie Pastor in the \V est Pre- 
 cinct. The number irianied m the town, by nitigstrutts 
 
 -And iitighbourin!^ ministers, I have not asccrtaiutd. 
 
 ■!■ ]Mn, Amos Fclifk, 
 
31 
 
 Churcli, in connexion with (:it[ier records, I find that 
 the number of deaths, for the last forty years, is six 
 hundred and eighty eight. "'^^^ * ^'^'- 
 
 The average number of births in a year has been 
 about thiriy, and that of deaths about seventeen. '^" 
 Admitting this statement to be coirect, tliree thou- 
 sand persons have teen bom, and seventeen hundred 
 have died in the town, since it was incorporated. 
 
 By calculation it is found, that among those, who 
 have died, one in seven has lived to be between sev- 
 enty and eighty years old ; one in thirteen, to be be- 
 tween eighty and ninety ; one in fifty seven, to be be- 
 tween ninety and an hundred ; and in one solitary in- 
 stance, a person has deceased in the town, at the re- 
 puted age of one hundred and four. J 
 
 But notwithstanding so many have attained to old 
 age, and though the birdis have much exceeded the 
 deaths; yet the population of the town has never 
 been rapid ; and for several years past, but little pro- 
 gressive. According to the last census, the number 
 of souls in the town is one thousand and ninet}- sev- 
 en. By comparing this census with the one taken 
 in 1800, it will be found, that we, have increased but 
 twenty five in the course of ten years. 
 
 * In the two first years of the late war, when the dysenterj- 
 prevailed, the deaths were more numerous. In the year ITZS, 
 fiTty persons died in the town — and m the year 1776, fifty one»- 
 
 t A WOMAN by the name of Cunningham. 
 
This smallness of increase is owing to the fre- 
 quent emigrations of young persons to new settle- 
 ments and other places. The retired situation of the 
 town, and the want of a large or pub'ic road to pass 
 through it, serve to prevent mechanics and tradesmen 
 from settling in it. 
 
 But still retirement is not unfriendly to enjoy- 
 ment ; nor is the town without its advantages. The 
 healthiness of its situation ; the purity of its air; and 
 in many parts of it, the fertility of its soil, together 
 with its proximity to the Capital and to a distinguish- 
 ed seat of science, must be viewed as favorable cir- 
 cumstances. 
 
 It ought to be mentioned, as a tribute to the mem- 
 ory of the first settlers m this town, that they were 
 careful to provide means for the instruction of the 
 rising generation. In their petition to be incorporat- 
 ed, they expressed a concern for the education of 
 tlieir chikfren ; and when they became a corporate 
 body, they paid an eai'ly attention to this subject. 
 Their example has been laudably imitated by their 
 descendants. In each succeeding generation, a par- 
 ticular attention has been paid to schools ; and of late 
 yeai's, this attention has been happily increasing. In 
 respect to w^hat is termed a common education, the 
 people in this town have been, in general, remarka- 
 bly Avell instructed. 
 
 In the year 1796, a Social Libraiy was establish- 
 ed in the town, which has become respectable for the 
 
33 
 
 number of books already purchased, and which is 
 still in an increasing and flourishing state. In the 
 West Precinct, another Library has been formed 
 since, consisting of books, exclusively upon rehg- 
 ious subjects. 
 
 In mentioning these means of instruction and the 
 improvement, which has been made of tlv?m, it may 
 be further related, that ten persons, who were either 
 born in the town or have belonged to it, have receiv- 
 ed a liberal education, all of whom have been gradu- 
 ated at the University in Cambridge. * 
 
 In the late revolutionary -war, the people in this 
 town took an early and active part m the cause of 
 liberty. On the memorable 19th of April, 1775, 
 when hostilities commenced, such was their alertness, 
 that they were upon the scene of action before many 
 others, who lived nearer. They immediately engag- 
 ed in the warmest part of the battle, and did great 
 service in the cause, which they espoused. But to 
 several of them, it was a fatal day. John Bacon, 
 Nathaniel Chamberlain, Amos Mills, E- 
 LisHA Mills, and Jonathan Parker, fell in 
 the action. Besides these five, who Avere slain, E- 
 
 * Jonathan Townskxd, 1741 — Jonathan Newell. 1770 
 — Ephraim Drury, 1776 — riMOTHY Fuller. 1787 — Dan- 
 iel Clauk Sanhers^ 1788 — Samuel West, 1788— Calvin 
 Whiting, 179 1— .I.uther Mills, 1792 — Nathan Plimp- 
 ton VVeoT, 1792— Isaac Morrill, 1805. 
 E 
 
 •'*A3V.>'«!'^*'~ - 
 
34 
 
 LiAZER KiNGSBUiiY and John Tolman were 
 ■\voLiiided ; the latter of whom was so nearly shot 
 thi-oLigh the body, that the ball Avas extracted from 
 the opposite side. But through divine goodness 
 both survived. 
 
 What was a melancholy circumstance attending 
 the slain, they left five widows, and nearly thirty fath- 
 erless children to mourn their loss. It has been sup- 
 posed that this town suffered more on that day, Lex- 
 ington excepted, than any other town in the State. * 
 
 But though this was a distressing event to the 
 people in this town ; yet it did not extinguish their 
 patriotism, nor discourage them from still pursuing 
 tlie sanguinary duties of the field. After this, they 
 sent officers and soldiers into the ai'my, who were 
 justly distinguished for their bravery and heroism. 
 The declaration of Independence was a measure, * 
 they much approved ; and A"i'ere ready to hiizard 
 their li^ cs in the support and defence of it. 
 
 But though they wished to be free ; yet, to their 
 lienor be it spoken, they sought for liberty in con- 
 nexion with order. For when the federal Constitu- 
 tion was proposed, they voted to adopt it, through 
 the medium of their respected and ^-enerable delegate, 
 who is still living among us ; and whom we rejoice 
 to see in the house of God on this occasion. % 
 
 * See Boston Magazine, for June, 178 J. 
 { Col. William Mc In-tosii, now in the 90th year of his age. 
 
35 
 
 These are some of the most material events, 
 which relate to the settlement and progress of this 
 town. But undoubtedly many ancient occun-ences, 
 which perhaps were interesting at the time, through 
 a defect of record, are now lost, and cannot be retriev- 
 ed. In such a long course ot years, many things are 
 ordinarily buried by the hand of time. JMuch labor 
 has been requisite to collect, what lias been no^v re- 
 lated, 
 
 A CENTURY of years is ranked among the distin- 
 guished eras of time. In the long course of such a 
 period, the historian will firid much to record, for 
 much has been done. 
 
 The century, which has now closed since the in- 
 corporation of this town, has made not only many al- 
 terations here, but has been producti^•e of numerous 
 changes, in the political and moral world. It has 
 shifted the inhabitants of the eaith ; and produced e- 
 vents, which wdll fore\-er distinguish the period of 
 time, which ga^'e them birth. Many volumes would 
 be requisite to record them. 
 
 What alterations has diis century made in the 
 manners and customs of mankind ! How many rev- 
 olutions has it brought about in the \vorld ! How 
 many wars has it enkindled; from which toiTents of 
 liuman blood have been made to flow ; which have 
 overturned empires, and spread extensive and tre-^ 
 mendoTis ruin in their course ! 
 
m 
 
 On the other hand, how many useful inventions 
 and imporUiit discoA'cries have been made in the 
 learned work), since our fathers settled in this place ! 
 Arts and sciences, vhich lor ages had slept in the 
 ci'adle, have, in tiie course or this period, been brought 
 to maturity. Some of liie greatest geiiiuscs, \\ liose 
 writings have done honor to niankihd, hvcd in tlie 
 ceniury we ai'e no\v reviewing. W^hcii diis town was 
 incorporated, the great New to x ^^as alive, who 
 "is supposed j ustiy to be the first of human beings, 
 for intellect, discoveries, and extent of knowlec ge. " 
 It was smce this time, ihat ilie immortal Feanklin 
 unfolded the principles of electricity, ai d shone as 
 one of the luminaries of the world. A host of writ- 
 ers, and a lojig catalogue of usei'ul inventions and dis- 
 coveries might be mentioned, as the production of 
 this memorable era. 
 
 If we turn our attention to the land, in m hich we 
 dwell, how many changes and alterations have been 
 made in the course of one hundred vears ! Durina: 
 this period, our Country has been a theatre of repeat- 
 ed wars, both, ^vith the natives and foreign powers. 
 It was in tliis century, that the memorable rtvoiution 
 was brought about, which freed us from the arbitra- 
 ry exactions of our parent State ; which established 
 our Independence ; and ga^■e us an importiuit 
 rank among the nations of the earth. Permit me to 
 add, and what alone is suflicient to distinguish this 
 period of time, it was in die course of it, diat the great 
 Washington was born, lived, and died. 
 
m 
 
 How different is the appearance of things incur 
 land irom what it was a century ago ! Where are 
 T.ow many populous cities and iruitiul fields, w ls then 
 a howling wilderness. Our government ai d ia^\s ; 
 our customs and modes of living, have gone through 
 various changes and assumed clifierent iorms. 
 
 In looking back upon diis long period of tim^e, and 
 reviewinci' uie innumen.ble c^clits, which have laken 
 place in ihe course of it, the miLa becomes lost in 
 the coritemplation. In the muitiiuele of thcuglils, 
 which croud in upon us, ^\c cauhot but feel impress- 
 ed by a reileclion upon the ravages ol eleaih. Where 
 are many millions, who have been actors upon the 
 stage ol ilie since this town was incorporated ? They 
 are now hi the ca^erued Ccirth. Goel h;;s charigvcl 
 theii- countenances and sent them away. How has 
 tliis period of time swelled the congregation oi the 
 de<:id ! One after another, in all the knigcloms laid 
 nations of the emth, has been constantly droppiiig m- 
 to the dust. In many instances, crow necl he^ds nave 
 been doomed to exchange the tlncne lor the tomb. 
 Where is the kingelom, which in the course ol this 
 period, has not repeatedly lost a monarch ? Arid 
 where is the monarch, who has not lost thousands and 
 thousands of subjects ? 
 
 But to bring the reflection home to ourselves — 
 Our fathers^ where are they ? W^here are the first 
 settlers of this town ? Where are the first members 
 of this Church ? They have gone down to the dust ; 
 gone to the silent gr^ne, whcTC the successive gener- 
 ations of men take up their long abode. 
 
.38 
 
 But while others ai*e no more, through the good- 
 ness of God, we are alive. We live to witness an 
 interesting event; to see a century close, since a cor- 
 porate existence was given to the place, in which we 
 dwell. The like event, however, none of us may ex- 
 pect ever to see again. For though we now and 
 then heai" of a person, in the present stage of tfie 
 world, who attains to the advanced age of one hun- 
 dred years ; yet such instances are but nire. The 
 oldest person in this town was not born when it was 
 incorporated ; nor is it by any means probable, that 
 the youngest will be alive, when another hundred 
 yeai-s shall have passed away. 
 
 What Is to be in the course of another century 
 from this time, is quite unknown to us. Numerous 
 changes and revolutions undoubtedly will take place in 
 the world. There is much reason to believe, that 
 many of the present customs and manners of man- 
 kind will be changed ; and that new features, in vari- 
 ous respects, Avill be given to the face of things. 
 New inventions and discoveries probably will be made. 
 Numerous wai's may break out, and nations be thrown 
 into confusion ; kingdoms and empires, which now 
 rejoice in their strength, may be shaken by revolu- 
 tions and brought to desolation ; old forms of govern- 
 ment may be laid aside, and different systems adopt- 
 ed ; die present generation will be gone ; new actors 
 will come upon the stage of life ; and in numerous 
 respects, the/ashion of this world xvUl pass axvay. 
 
39 
 
 What commotions and changes may take |ilace 
 in our own Country, it is impossible for us to pre- 
 dict. Our present form of government ; our modes 
 of living ; our national habits ; and the state of many 
 things, which is now seen, may undergo innovation 
 and change, and in a measure, be seen no more. 
 One hundred yeai's fi-om this day, perhaps the future 
 inhabitants of this town, in imitation of our example, 
 will meet together ; and look back upon the various 
 transactions of the century, yet to come, but which 
 •will then be gone, as we now look back upon tlie 
 events and changes of the one, already passed away. 
 
 But at that distant period, like our fathers now, 
 we shall not be interested in eaithly occuirences. 
 For undoubtedly before that day, we shall all have 
 passed our great and last change. The things of e- 
 temity, and not of time, will then be our concern. 
 
 How soon our mortal life will end, God only 
 knows. At furthest it will not be long. But "of 
 nothing do we take so little notice, as of the few 
 years we have to live. We see a long perspective, 
 an extensive view, drawn by the flattering pencil of 
 hope ; but wc see not the pit-falls, that lie under our 
 feet ; and while we are looking at a distance, vve sink 
 and are seen no more." 
 
 Let us receive instruction from the occasion, 
 which has now brought us together. While we 7-e- 
 memher the days of old, and consider the years of 
 •many generations, ive JU'e clearly taught the vanity 
 
4Q 
 
 and instability of all earthly things. How deeply, 
 then, does it concern us, to seek a better country^ 
 that isy an heavenly, A treasure in heaven is worth 
 infinitely more, than all the treasures on earth. 
 
 One generation passeth axvay, and another gen- 
 eration cometh ; but He, who governs the world 
 is the same yesterday^ and to-day a.id forever. In 
 the coarse of his pro'/idence, he so orders events 
 that the generation of the upright shall be blessed. 
 In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall di- 
 rect thy paths. He was our fathers' God, and will 
 not forsake their childi'en, if they also trust in him, 
 
 END OF THE SERMOJV. 
 
 1 
 
j^jlJL Jo. 
 
 MAY, A. D. 1710. 
 
 TO his Excellency JOSEPH DUDLEY, Es- 
 
 (^uiRE, Captain General, Governor in Chief, in and ov- 
 er her Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts Bay, in 
 New England ; and to the honorable the Council and 
 house of Representatives, in general Court Assembly — 
 The humble Petition of sundry of the Inhabitants of 
 the town of Dedham^ in die County of Suffolk, in Nev/ 
 England, whose names are under written, humbly 
 sheweth ; 
 
 THAT whereas there is a certain tract or parcel 
 of land of above five miles square, situate, lying and be- 
 ing within the limits and bounds of the said town of 
 Dedliam, on the Northerly side of Charles River, Wat- 
 erto\vn line and Natick line, upon the which tract, 
 bounded as above said, there ai'e already settled upwards 
 of forty fi\'e families ; many of which by reason of their 
 remote living from the place of die public worship of 
 God, in our own town, some six, se^en, eight and ten 
 miles, which renders it utterly impossible for us with 
 our familes, duly to attend on the public worship of 
 God there, and your petitioners being humbly appre- 
 hensive, that Christ's gospel ordinances, with his grac- 
 ious presence in the midst of them, are the chief glory 
 of our land ; and that it is our indispensible duty to 
 seek after the enjo}'ment of them ; and that the Lord of 
 the universe, who hath made man for iiis own service, 
 takes no pleasure in seeing such a number of families, 
 as we are already arrived unto, content themselves, like 
 the brute creature to graze upon the earth only, and to 
 starve our own souls and the souls of our poor child- 
 ren, whom he hath given us the charge of — We have 
 heretofore and lately made our humble addresses to our 
 town of Dedham, to whom we bear a memberly rela- 
 tion, for redress of our grievances ; humbly praying 
 their leave and approbation, that the present Inhabitants, 
 living within the bounds above named ; together nith 
 such as shall from time to tin inhabit among tliem^ 
 
4^ 
 
 excepting only the Inhabitants hving on the great Isl- 
 and, should be freed from ministerial charge in our 
 town, to the intent, that your Petitioners might be a 
 free people of themselves, for the setting up of the pub- 
 lic worship among them, as in and by the petition we 
 presented to them may more fully appeal' ; } et notwith- 
 standing we ai"e as likely as ever, to remain destitute 
 both of schooling and preaching, unless helped and re- 
 lieved by this honorable Court ; and your honors Avili 
 judge what may be expected of people, who cannot en- 
 joy the means either of education or gi'ace. 
 
 Your Petitioners, therefore, humbly pray this hon- 
 orable Court to pity us, and so" to compassionate our af- 
 fairs, as to gi\e us such relief in this matter, as in their 
 A^isdom you shall see meet — And if it may please this 
 Iicnorable Court to grant that all the present Inhabit- 
 ants, living within the bounds above mentioned ; that 
 is to say, iDetween Charles River, Watertown bounds 
 and Natick bounds, together with such as shall trom 
 time to time inhabit among them, excepting only the 
 Inhabittmts living on the great Island commonly so call- 
 ed and recorded in Dedham toAAii bock, be allowed the 
 bounds abo^"e mentioned, to be a distinct Township ; 
 to the intent wc may be allowed and enabled to settle 
 and support the Gospel of Christ among ourselves, 
 M'ithin said bounds, and in due time, as God shall ena- 
 ble us, a School for the education of our children ; and 
 be freed from all rates and taxes, in any othey part of 
 the town of Dedham ; and be favored with the enjoyment 
 of those immunities and privileges, that we may do 
 duty and receiAe pri\'ilege among ourselves. 
 
 We humbly offer to the consideration of this hon- 
 orable Court some reasons, "why we desire to be a 
 Township, rather than a Precinct, viz. 
 
 1 — Because the tract of land within the bounds 
 petitioned for is, as we apprehend, capable of accom- 
 modating a sufficient number of Inhabitants with those 
 ab-eady settled to make a decent ToA\'nship ; and therefore 
 a School for the education of vouth will soon be necessary. 
 
43 
 
 2— The distance of our living from, and the diffi- 
 culty of the way to, our Church and School in Ded- 
 ham, are such, that at some seasons of the year, by rea- 
 son of the water being high, we can neither attend 
 Church meetings, Town meetings, nor School meet- 
 ings ; and so lose all our privileges at once. 
 
 3 — Because we desire peace and quietness in 
 the enjoyment of the favors petitioned for, ^^•ithout 
 which we cannot be happy. For it has been observed 
 of some, that, in the first planting of Churches, there 
 often arise storms of opposition from their own towns, 
 as sometimes drive the moving, and usually the weak- 
 er psity, under the wing of the civil government for 
 shelter ; and, Avhen freed as a Precinct only, ha^e after- 
 ward met Avith such hard measures from theu- town, as 
 are hard to bear. 
 
 We desire to bless the Lord, who has placed us 
 under the care and conduct of a government so relig- 
 iously disposed as to take care, that the Gospel be 
 preached to all, as far as may be ; so that even the poor 
 Indians ai'e provided for, and not neglected. We are 
 hence encoiu^aged to hope and pra}-, that we may so 
 share in the compassion and favor of this honorable 
 Court, that we may have cause to rejoice in the favors 
 desired and petitioned for, that jour petitioners, as in 
 duty bound, shall ever pray. 
 
 Bejijamin Mills, 
 Andrew Deiving, 
 John Fi slier, 
 Ephraim Ware, 
 Richard More, 
 Robert Cook, 
 
 Josiah Kingsbury, 
 Joseph Halves, 
 Jonathan Derving, 
 John Smith, Jim. 
 Thomas Fuller, 
 Robert Fuller, 
 
 Jeremiah Woodcock, Christopher Smith, 
 
 Henry Alden, John Gill, 
 
 Thomas Metcalf, John Parker, Jun. 
 
 Benjamin Mills, Jun. John Mc Intire, 
 Eleazer Kingsbury, \ Isaac Parker, 
 
 Ebenezer Ware, Hezekiah Broad, 
 
 James Kingsbury, Matthias Ockinton, 
 
44 
 
 Andrew Deming, Jun» 
 
 IF ill I am Mills, 
 Zechariah Mills, 
 Jonathan Parker, 
 Timothy Kingsbury, 
 Samuel Bacon, 
 Andre^v JVadkins, 
 
 Joshua Smith, 
 Samuel Parker, 
 John F'isher, Jun, 
 John Woodcock, 
 Edward Cook, 
 Stephen Hunting, 
 John Parker. 
 
 NOVEMBER 5, 1711. 
 THE following Order passed in Council, concur- 
 red by the House of Representatives— 
 
 IN the affair of the Inhabitants of Dedham, living 
 on the North side of Charles River, by their petition 
 humbly praying to be made a Township, by reason of 
 their great distance from the place of the public wor- 
 ship of God in Dedham, the Petitioners and the Agents 
 in Dedham having been fully heard before this Court — 
 
 ORDERED, that the prayer of the petition be 
 granted ; and that the land, now within the township 
 of Dedliam lying on the North side of Charles River, 
 circumscribed and bounded by Chai-ies River, Water- 
 town line & Natick line, excepting only the Island, com- 
 monly called the Great Island — be made a distinct and 
 seperate Township, by the name of Needham ; and 
 that all the present Inhabitants upon the "iaid tract of 
 land, with such others as shall hereafter inhabit and 
 dwell therein, have, use, exercise and enjoy the immu- 
 nities, powers and privileges, by law granted to other 
 towns — Provided, that they do provide, and hoiiorably 
 support a learned, orthodox minister of good con^ ersa- 
 tion, to reside with them. 
 
 Consented to, J. DUDLEY. 
 
 Attest, ISAAC ADDINGTON, Secretary. 
 
 ERRATA. 
 
 Page 14, line 13, for There read Their. 
 
 — 14, line 18, for exfierei7ici\ read experience 
 
 — 20j line 20; for vccasio?:-, read occasioned 
 
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