PROCEEDINGS
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OF THK
SECOND CHURCH AND PARISH
IN
EXHIBITED
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A COLLECTION OF PAPERS.
lUBLISHBD ACHBEABLY TO A VOTE 07 THB (/CBCK.
Second Edition.
BOSTON/ PRINTED BY SAMUEL f. ARMSTRONG,
No, 50, Corahjll.
ADAMS
At a Meeting of the Second Church in Dorchester, April 20, 1812.
WHEREAS a Second Ecclesiastical Council is to be convened on the I2thdai/ of May next, at the request of a majority of the Second Parish in this town and some aggri^ed members of this Church: and as many misrepresentatians have been made, and erroneous re- ports are in circulation,
VOTED, That the Papers, relating to the agree- ment made with our Pastor previous to his Ordination, and the proceedings, which have since taken place, and led to the existing difficulties in the Parish, be printed for the use of the Council, and all others who wish to obtain connect information on the subject: and, that Deacons Stephen Badlam, Ebenezer Withington, avd Joseph Clav, jun. and Brethren James Baker, JotN Capen, jifji. Joseph Clap, and Stephen Robin- BON he a Committee to carry this vote into effect.
Attest, JOHN CODMAN,
Clerk of the Church.
IV CONTENTS.
Page. Church Meeting ---.-.. 103 Letter from the Parish Committee withdrawing the third article of charge - - - - . . .. 105
Mesult of Council •-.>... lb.
Petition of Ebenezer Dorr and others .... 109
Parish Meeting - . . . - . m
T. Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codmaii . . - - 112
Application for a Church Meeting • - - - ib.
Rev. Mr. Codman to T. Tileston, Esq. - . - 113
Church Meeting ...... ib.
Rev. Mr. Codman to T. Tileston, Esq. - . - - ib. j"
T. Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman ... 114 f
Report of the Committee of the Church . . . . 116
Rev. Mr. Codman to T. Tileston, Esq. . . - - 120
Stephen Badlam, Esq. to T, Tileston, Esq, ... 121
T. Tileston, Esq, to Stephen Badlam, Esq. - . - ib-
Proposals for accommodation - - . i 122
Vote of the Church respecting a deed of seven acres of land . 124
Second Ecclesiastical Council . . , . , ib.
Result ©f Second Councii. - . - - ii>«
ERRATUM. Page 18, line 13 from bottom for effect read affect
CONTENTS.
Page. Vote of the Church giving Mr. Codnoan a Call - - • 9
Vote of the Parish concurring with the Church - - • 10
Letter enclosing the Votes of the Church and Parish - - ib.
Mr. Codman's Answer - - - - - - ib.
Mr. Codman's Communication previous to accepting his Call - 11 Vote of the Church accepting i be Communication - - 14
Vote of the Parish accepting ilie Communication - - - ib.
Letter of the Parish Committee - - - - - ib.
Mr Codman's Answer to his Call - - - - - 16
Mr. Codman's Confession of Faith - - - - 17
Address to Rev. Mr. Codman respecting Exchanges - - - 22
Letter accompanying the Address - - - - 83
Rev. Mr. Codman's Answer - , - - - - ib.
Anonymous Application to the Assessors of the Second Parish 24
Assessors' Reply ....... ib.
Proceedings at the Parish Meeting • - • .25
Pews advertised in the Centinel - - ■ - - 26
Application for a Parish Meeting • - - .27
Proceedings at the Parish Meeting ... - jb.
Letter to several Ministers - . - - - 29
Address to Rev. Mr. Codman from several Gentlemen in his Parish SO Address from several Ladies - - ... 32
Rev. Mr. Codman's Answer to the Addresses - - - 33
Petition to the General Court - . . . . ?.4i
Pews advertised in the Centinel and Chronicle - • - 35
Rev. Mr. Bates's Letter to the Parish Committee . - 36
Rev. Dr. Morse's Lettrr to the Parish Committee - - -40
Address to Rev. Mr. Codman from several Gentlemen in his Parish 42 Proceedings at a Palish Meeting - - - . - 44
Thomas Tileston> Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman - - - 45
Proceedings at a Meeting of the Friends of the Rev. Mr. Codman ib. Correspondence between Rev. Mr. Codman and T. Tileston, Esq. respecting a Council ..... 45.— 63
Application for a Churcii Meeting . .... ib.
Letter from the Parish Committee contained Charges against Rev.
Mr. Codman . . - - - . - 63
Letter from the aggrieved Members of the Church containing CAar^es against Rev. Mr. Codman ..... 66
Church Meeting - - . - . - -68
Rev. Mr, Codman to T. Tileston, Esq. - . . - 70
Church Meeting - - . . - . - ib.
RevMr, Codman's Defence . . . . - 71
Report of Church Committee . - . . - 85
Church Committee to Rev. Mr. Codman respecting his salary . 93 Rev. Mr. Codman's Answer « . . - - 94
Correspondence between Rev. Mr. Codman and T. Tileston, Esq. 95 — 101 Council chosen . . .... 103
Letter Missive - - - - . - - ib.
COLLECTION OF PAPERS.
Vofe of the Church.
J\T a meetint? of the second Church of Christ in Dorchester, duly notified Sept. 9th, 1808, for the purpose of consulting to- gether respecting a Pastor, and if agreeable to them of inviting Mr. John Codman to accept the pastoral office in said Church; Prayer being made by the Rev. Mr. Harris for divine direction, light, and assistance in the solemn and impoi'tant business for which the church was convened, the meeting was opened, and the following votes passed unanimously.
1. That the Rev. Mr. Harris be the Moderator and Clerk of the meeting.
2. That the Church are now ready to proceed to the choice of a Pastor.
3. That the choice be made by written votes.
The brethren being then called upon to prepare and bring in their votes, they did so, all of which were for Mr. John Codman of Boston. The Moderator then declared the vote.
They then voted to request the Assessors to call a meeting oi' the second parish as soon as convenient; to Uy before them the vote of the Church, making choice of Mr. John Codman as their Pastor, for their concurrence and approbation, and should they concur in the same, to request that they would make provision for the settlement and support of the Pastor elect.
Voted, That the meeting be dissolved.
After which the Moderator united with the Church in devout acknowledgements of praise to Almighty God for the entire harmony and unanimity with which tlie business had been transacted and accomplished.
(Cofiy) Attest. Thaddeus Mason Harris, Clerk* %
10 Tote of the Parish.
At a legal meeting of the second parish in Dorchester, dw Tuesday, the 20th September, Anno Domini, 1808,
Voted., To concur witli the Church in their vote of the Qth instant, in giving Mr. John Codman a call to settle in the min- istry in the second parish in Dorchester; which was unanimously agreed to, with the exception of four votes.
Voted, To give Mr. John Codman one thousand dollars aU" nually for his services as our gospel minister.
Voted, To choose a committee of three persons to make the communication to Mr. John Codman of the doings of the- Church and parish, when Messrs. Thomas Tileston, Samuel Withington, and Joseph Clap, were accordingly chosen.
^ true copy, ylttest, Thomas Tileston, Parish Clerk.
To Mr. John Codman, resident in Portland.
Sir, With the greatest pleasure we announce to yovi the great- unanimity which has prevailed both in the Church and Parish in giving you a call to settle with us, and however pleasing your acceptance of their invitation may be to them, you may rest •assured, sir, that it will not be less so to the committee, who have the honor of transmitting to you the result of their pro- ceedings. We herewith enclose you the proceedings of the Church, and wish to hear from you as soon as convenient. With great respect, we subscribe ourselves your humble servants, Thomas Tileston,
Samuel Withington, Dorcheater, Sept. 2lst, 1808. Joseph Clap. Committee, Mr. J. Codman.
Rev. Mr. Cod^nan's Answer.
Messrs. Thomas Tileston, Samuel IVithington, and Josefih Clajia
Committee of the second fiarish in Dorchester. Gentlemen, It is with sentiments of the most heartfelt gratitude and esteem towards the parish you represent that I acknowledge the receipt of their kind invitation, which you have been so good fts to communicate to me. You must be fully sensible of the
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interestins: situation in wliich I am now placed, and I must tlierefore beg the indulgence of the Church and society in al- lowing me time for prayer and consideration on a subject so intimately connected with my future happiness. As soon as I •shall have given the subject the attention it so eminently de- serves, I will return an answer to the invitation. In the mean time believe me lo be with great regard for the Church and society which you represent, your mucii obliged friend and ser- Tani. John Codman.
Portland, Sept. 23, 1808.
Rev Mr. Codman^s Communication previous to ae- cepfiiig his Call.
To the members of tlie second Church of Christ in Dorchester. My christian fkiends and brethren, I have received your uuiinimous call to settle with you as your Pastor, with sentiments difficult, indeed impossible, for me to express. The entire unanimity of the call demands my most devout acknowledge- ments to the great Head of the Church, and my warmest grat^ itude to those who have thought proper to give me their votes.
I have endeavored to lay this very important subject at the footstool of the throne of grace; and to seek that wisdom which Cometh from above, which is profitable to direct. It has also been my endeavor to advise with pious and judicious iriends upon a subject so intimately connected with my future happi- ness. But, before I give a definite answer to your application, 1 think it my duty to make a few remarks, and to enter into some explanations, which are highly important and interesting, botli to vou and me.
You must be sensible that the office of a minister of the Gos- pel is in the greatest degree important and responsible.
Immortal souls are committed to his charge, and we are as- sured that the Lord will require their blood at his hands. It becomes him then, as he regards the commands, and values the favor of the great Jehovah, as he regards his ordination vows, as he values immortal souls, to declare the whole counsel of God, to deliver his message with boldness, to be faithful unto death. He will necessarily sometimes speak of doctrines that may not be altogether congenial to his hearers. It therefore ap-
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pears to tne h\^h\y irmporidint to fir event /uture difficulties for the people, and especially the Church, in their choice of a min- ister, to be tuUy acquainted with his views, with regard to the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel.
The second Church and Society in Dorchester, before they gave me a call had but little opportunity to form an opinion of my Theological sentiments, having heard me only two sabbaths and one lecture.
On those occasions however, I endeavored to be plain, explicit, and decided in the avowal of my religious opinions.
Lest, however, there should be a doubt in the mind of any one upon this subject, I think it my duty in the presence of a heart searching God, and of this Church, to declare my firm, unshaken faith in those doctrines, that are sometimes called the doctrines of the reformation, the doctrines of the cross, the peculiar doctrines of the Gospel.
These doctrines, through the help of God, I intend to preach; in the faith of these doctrines I hope to live; and in the faith of these doctrines I hope to die.
It gives me great pleasure to have it in my power to say, that I believe my faith is the same with that of our venerable forefathers; and particularly with that of the former Pastors of the Church of Dorchester, Warham, Maverick, Mather, Burr, See. &c. &c.
As Arian and Socinian errors have of late years crept into some of our Churches, I think it my duty to declare to that Church of Christ, of whom I may have the pastoral charge, that I believe the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost to be the one living and true God; and, that my faith, in general, is conformable to the assembly's catechism, and to the confession of faith drawn up by the elders and messengers of the Congregational Churches in the year 1680, and recommended to the Churches by the General Court of Massachusetts.
With regard to the discipline of the Church, I shall be guided by that excellent platform of Church discipline, drawn up at Cambridge, principally by the Reverend Richard Mather, for- merly minister of Dorchester.
I have thus discharged a duty, which I thought I owed to the Great Head of the Church, and to you his visible members.
Before 1 conclude, allow me to ask a favor ot the Church and Society v. hich will much conduce to my future happiness. It is ?ny desire to use Dr. Watts's Psalms and Hymns in our worship;
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of their merit as pious, poetical coinpositions no candid person can doubt, and it would be difficult to assign a sufficient reason why they should not be sung in our Churches.
The collection now used, contains many excellent hymns^ particularly those of Mrs. Steele's, Dr. Doddridge's, 8cc £cc. &c.. But on many accounts it appears to me exceedingly defective. Unwarrantable liberties are taken in altering Dr. Watts's lan- guage.
The doxologies of Dr. Watts, the ascriptions of praise to the glorious Trinity, are expressly left out, and the pnr face contains expressions in my humble opinion, derogatory to the glory due to the one God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
Should the Church and Society think proper to grant this re- quest, I will endeavor to select a few hymns from Mrs. Steele, and Dr. Doddridge, and others, as a supplement to Dr. Watts; should it be urged as an objection that the expense would be considerable to many families, who could not well afford it; I am willing to bear part of the expense myself, and will be ready to furnish any family, that cannot afford to purchase a new hymn book,with Watts's collection, and take their old ones in exchange.
Another favor, which I would ask of the Church and Society, is, that they would grant me the use of the porch, back of the pulpit for a vestry; that is, that they would allow me to have a stove or fire place erected in it and fitted up in such a manner as to suit my convenience; my object is to have a room to retire to in bad weather, before going into the pulpit; to catechise the children in it, and to accommodate those mothers and nurses who may bring their children to baptism. As this would so much conduce to my convenience and to the convenience of others, I trust tne society will think fit to relinquish the porch for a passage Avay, and to grant it for the purpose above men- tioned.
I have made this communication, my dear Christian friends and brethren, to prevent any mi,'iunderslai,.ding betiveen us; I wish you to know the sentiments of the man you have chosen to be your Pastor.
If this communication should be agreeable, and you should indulge me by complying with my request, I shall soon be pre- pared to give my answer. In the mean time, believe me to be with Christian regards, your willing servant in the Gospel of Christ. John Codman.
Cofiy.
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Vote of the Church accepting the Communication.
At a meeting of the second Church of Christ in Dorchester, held pursuant to usual notice, Monday, October the thirty-first, A. D. 1808.
Fated, That we agree to the communication and request of Mr. John Codman, whom we have unanimously elected, i;nd called to be our Pastor, and as all the members of the religious society to which we belong are interested, and we believe desirous of promoting his convenience and future happiness, we refer all further proceedings on this subject to them.
True Cofiyt Attest, Stephen Badlam,
Dorchester, Oct. 31, 1808. Clerk of the Church.
Vote of the Parish accepting the Communication.
At a meeting of the second parish in Dorchester, on Monday the 31st day of October, Anno Domini, 1808, continued by ad- journment, from the 1 1th day of said month.
Mr. Samuel Withington, Moderator, Voted, That we agree to the communication and request of Mr. John Codman^ our Pastor elect, and if he accepts our call to be our Gospel minister; that General Stephen Badlam, Deacon Joseph CLp, Messrs. Benjamin Fuller, Samuel Withington, Reuben Blake, Thomas Tileston, and John Capen, jun. be a committee to con- sult with him, and make such arrangements and alterations respecting the Psalms and Hymns to be used in future, and the vestry, as shall best accommodate his wishes and convenience, and that of the members of the parish in genei-al.
And that said committee prepare and forward an answer to said communication.
A true Copy^ Attest. Thomas Tileston, Parish Clerk.
Letter of the Parish Committee.
Dorchester, October Zlst, 1808. Mr. John Codman, Dear friend and brother. Although there may be a differ- ence iji opinion, among us, respecting some parts of the Holy
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Scriptures; your communication is receivecl with pleasure, and general satisfaction; and we venerate the principles of our fore- fathers, especially the pious and worthy pastors of the Church of Christ in Dorchester, who have been as shining lights in the golden candlestick; and are happy to find you agree with thera in sentiment.
We are sensible that the office of a misister of the Gospel is in the highest degree important and responsible; but if you accept that office, and we are the people of your charge; we hope it will not be rendered difficult, or unpleasant by the want of candor or propriety of conduct on our part, and that no root of bitterness will spring up to trouble us.
In our present imperfect state, various opinions and discord- ant sentiments will exists and occasions occur for the exercise of a spirit of condescension, patience, and toleration; this spirit we wish to cultivate, as we all acknowledge the same Great Head of the church, and in him are all brethren; and if we foll©w his example shall be all friends.
We all have important duties to perform, and may reasonably expect many difficulties to encounter, but we hope the guidance and blessing of the Father of lights will attend us, and bring us at lust to the knowledge of the truth, and enjoyment of himself, through the merits of our glorious Redeemer.
In respect to the Psalms and Hymns you mention, some have a preference for those now used in Dorchester, but there is a disposition to comply with your request concerning those com- posed by Dr. Watts, and also respecting the vestry, and measures will be taken accordingly.
A general unanimity and spirit of accommodation, we hope, will continue among us, and should you accept our call to the important duties of a Gospel minister, we have no doubt but you will use your endeavors to promote peace and friendship among the people of your charge, and to continue and confirm it among our sister churches and their pastors, and the univer- sity, of which you will be an overseer; by this means, social happiness and useful knowledge will be increased, religion will be honored and promoted, and even in this imperfect state, some pleasing ideas may be entertained of the heavenly regions of love and peace, when the redeemed of all nations and societies on earth, shall be united in one church of the firstborn; where »ne sentiment shall unite all their hearis, and one anthem of
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praise shall tune all their voices, and heaven's high arch shall rebound their songs of joy.
With high considerations of respect, we are your humble servants Stephen Badlam> Joseph Clap, Jr.
Benj. Fuller, Samuel Withingtoni
Reuben Blake, John Capen, Jr. Thomas Tileston. Committee of the second Pariah in Dorchester. JV. B. The preceding was afterwards unanimously approved at a parish meeting.
Rev. Mr. Codmaii's Answer to his Call.
To the *^«?con(l Cluirch and Society in Dorchester. My christian friends and brethren, The moment haB now arrived, when, in the providence of God, I am called to ac- cept the solemn and responsible charge of immortal souls. When I consider the importance of the ministerial character, and the nature and extent of ministerial duty, and when I reflect •n my own weakness as a worm of the dust, and on my guilt as a sinner, condemned by the righteous law of a Holy God; I am ready to exclaim "Who is sufficient for these things?" And to wonder at the goodness and grace of God "in counting me faithful, puttii g me into the ministry."
Sensible, however, that God can employ the weakest instru- ment to advance his cause, and the chief of sinners to promote his glory, and relying on the promises and encouragements of his holy word, I desire to go forward in the strength of the Lord, to the arduous work of the Gospel ministry. I accept the friendly and affectionate call, which you have so unanimously given me, to be your Pastor, and shall endeavor, with a humble reliance on Divine assistance, to discharge, with faithfulness, the important duties of the pastoral office. The satisfaction with which my communication has been received, and the readi- ness with which my requests has been granted, are considered bv nie, as proofs of your attachment, and will always be remem- bered with lively emotions of gratitude.
The promotion of that peace, which is founded on true Christian firinciple^ and not on carnal security, and of that unanim- ity^ which is the effect of the general rece/ition of evangelical truth, and not of indifference to religious opinions j will be the subject of my prayers and the object of my life.
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It will be my earnest endeavoi", as far as consistent ivith the faithful discharge of 7ni?iisCefiai duty, to promote peace and friendship among the people of my charge, to do all in my pow- er to continue and confirm it among our sister churches and their Pastors, and to promote the best interests of the univer- sity, of which I shall be an overseer.
And now, my Christian friends and brethren, I look to you for encouragement, countenance, and support, in the arduous work in which I have engaged. After the explicit declaration which I have made in a late communication, you can be no strangers to the articles of my faith, and I trust you will unite with me "in holding fast the form of sound words in faith and love, in contending earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, lest any man spoil us through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradiiion of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ."
I ask an interest in your prayers. Frequently think of your Pastor at a throne of grace. Earnestly pray that God would grant him those gifts and graces, which are so essential to a Minister of the Gospe], and that He would make him faithful in declai'ing the Avhole counsel of God, and successful in win- ning souls to Christ.
Accept my prayers for you. Brethren, "my heart's desire and prayer to God for you is, that you may all be saved." If I know my own heart, I have no other motive in coming among you than to promote your eternal happiness. "For what is my hope or joy? or what will be my crown of rejoicing? will not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? I trust ye will be my glory and my joy. And now brethren, I commend you to Gcd, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified." Believe me to be your willing ser- vant in the Gospel of Christ. John Codman,
Rev. Mr. Codmari's Confession of Faith.
Read before the Ecclesiastical Council, Dec. 7, 1808.
In conformity to ancient usages in our Churches, and with a de- pendence on the Spirit of God for illumination and direction, I desire humblv and reverently, in the presence of Almighty
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God, iUid before this venerable council to make a confession- of my faith in tlie great doctrines of revealed religion.
Existence of God. I believe in one God, self-existent, immortal, invisible, unchangeable, infinite in wisdom, power, and goodness, without beginning of days or end of years.
Holy Sckiptures. I believe that God, out of his Sovereign pleasure and boundless goodness, has been pleased to reveal his mind and will in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament; and I believe "that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, and for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
I take the Holy Scriptures to be the standard of my faith, and the rule of my practice, and not from the traditions of men, but from that inspired volume alone I desire to form the articles of my creed.
Trinity. I believe that the Scriptures reveal as a fuvda- 7nental doctrine, that there are Three in the Godhead. The Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and that these Three are the One living and true God, the true Jehovah, the Christian's Covenanted God, the only proper object of religious worship; and although this doctrine is above my reason, I believe it is not contrary to it, but is to be received with meekness and hu- mility, to be spoken of with reverence and godly fear, and al- ways to be considered as a mystery, which to attempt to ex- plain, is presumption; and which to comprehend, is above the capacity of finite beings.
Decrees of God. I believe that God, from all eternity, has fore-ordained whatsoever comes to pass; yet in such a manner as not to be the author of sin, nor to effect the accountability of man. '
I believe that God has elected some to everlasting life, while others are left to suffer the just punishment due to their sins.
I believe that this doctrine is not without its practical uses, in making us humble, under a sense of our entire insufficiency, and in leading us to attribute our salvation, not to our own works, but to the free and sovereign grace of God.
Creation and Providence. 1 believe that God, the Father,- Son, and Holy Ghost, created the world and all things therein, visible and invisible, in the space of six days, and that He up- holds the same by the M'ord of his power, exercising a general and particular providence over the work of his hands.
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Covenant of Works. I believe that God created man up- right, and gave him a law as the rule of his obedience, Avhen h« said, "Of the tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil thou shalt not eat; for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die." I believe that it thus pleased God to enter into covenant with man, and that the first covenant made with man was a covenant of works, "wherein life was promised to Adam, and in him to all his posterity upon condition of perfect obedience."
The Fall» I believe, that, enticed by the craft and subtilty of the devil, our first parents disobeyed the command of their Maker, broke his covenant, fell from the estate in which they were created, and thus exposed themselves and all their poster- ity to the penalty of God's most righteous law, temporal, spirit- ual, and eternal death.
Original Sin and ac ruAL Transgression. I believe, that in consequence of Adam's transgression, all his posterity are "■by nature children of wrath;" and in addition to this original pollution every one v,'ho arrives at an age to distinguish good from evil is guilty of actual transgression; and I believe, tliat God might have left our first parents and all their posterity, to have perished eternally, and his justice have remained uninfringed and unimpaired.
Covenant of Grace. But I believe, that, out of his free and sovereign grace, He has been pleased to have mercy on man, and to enter into another covenant with him, commonly called the covenant of grace: wherein he freely offers sinners life and salvation by Jesus Christ, requiring of them faith in him, that they may be saved.
Jesus Christ. I believe that God the Father, in his eternal purpose hath appointed the Lord Jesus Christ, to be the only mediator between God and man; and I believe, that in the ful- ness of time, the second person in the glorious Trinity, who is God over all, blessed forevermore; and who thought it no rob- bery to be equal with God the Father, condescended to take upon himself the human nature, to be subject to all its infirmi- ties, yet without sin. I believe, that, he was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, that he was truly God, and truly man; and I believe that this glorious Person, myste- rioiisly uniting the Divine and human natures, is the true Christ, the only sure foundation upon which sinful man can buil4 his hopes. I believe, that, he fulfilled the violated law,
2f)
by a perfectly holy life, and by offering himself on the cross as a sacrifice for sin, thereby satisfying the justice of God, and making an atonement for the sins of men; so that *'God can now be just, and justify every one who believeth in Jesus.** I believe, that, he descended into the grave, that he rose the third day from the dead, that he ascended into heaven, and now sitteth at the right hand of God the Father, and ever liveth to make intercession for his people.
Holy Ghost. I believe, that, the Holy Ghost is the third person in the Godhead, and that it is his office in the plan of Redemption, to renew the hearts of the elect, and to carry on the work of Sanctification until the day of Jesus Christ.
Regeneration. I believe that Regeneration is the imme- diate work of the Holy Spirit; opening thj eyes of the spirit- ually blind, taking away the heart of stone, and giving a heart of flesh; renewing the will and changing the disposition from the love of sin to the love of holiness; and from the power of satan unto God.
S4,NCTiFicATioN. Sanctification, I believe also to be a work of the Spirit, and to be a continuation of the work of Regen- eration.
Saving Faith. Saving Faith, I believe to be the gift of God; and to be that grace by which a sinner receives Christ as offer- ed to him in the Gospel, and relies upon his merits for salva- tion.
Justification by Faith. I believe, that, by the deeds of the law, no flesh shall be justified; but I believe that all God's people are justified by faith in the Son of God; the righteous- ness of Christ being imputed to them, and they receiving the same by faith.
Adoption. I believe, that, those whom God justifies, he adopts into his family, and makes heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.
Repentance unto Life. Repentance unto life I believe to be that grace, by which a sinner mourns for his sins, as offen- sive to a pure and holy God, and turns from them unto God, re- solving in the strength of the Lord to keep his commandments.
Good Works. I believe, that, Good Works, a holy life and blameless conversation, and a general conformity to the moral law is a requisite evidence of a sincere faith and repentance.
Perseverance of the Saints. I believe, that, those who ^re renewed, justified and sanctified, notwithstanding all the
assaults of the world, the flesh and the deyil, shall persevere unto the end, and obtain everlasting life.
Invisible and Visible Church. I believe, that, Christ has a Church in the world, and that the "gates of hell shall not pre- vail against it." I believe, that, this Church is invisible and visible. That the invisible Church consists of all those who are, have been, or ever shall be gathered into one, under Christ, its head; and that there is a visible Church, consisting of all those who have made a profession of their faith in Christ, with their children. I believe, that, Christ has instituted two Sacraments in his Church; Baptism, and the Lord's Supper.
Baptism. I believe, that, Baptism is the mode which God has been pleased to appoint for admission into the visible Church; and is to be considered as a sign and seal of the covenant of grace; and that it is to be administered to believers and their offspring only.
Lord's Supper. I believe, that the Lord has been pleased to institute the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, in perpetual commemoration of his death and sufferings, to be observed by all his disciples, and his disciples only, to the end of the world.
Resurrection. I believe, that after death, the dust shall re- turn to the earth, as it was, and the spirit unto God, who gave it; and that at the sound of the last trump, the dead shall be raised, incorruptible, and they which are alive and remain, shall be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.
Judgment. I believe, that, God has appointed a day wherein he will judge the world in righteousness, by Jesus Christ; when all men shall appear before the Judgment seat of Christ, to give an account of their thoughts, words, and actions, and to receive according to what they have done in the body, whether good or evil.
Final State of the righteous and the wicked. I believe, that there are distinct states prepared for the rights eous and the wicked. A state of endless felicity for the righteous, and of endless torments for the wicked; and that after sentence is pronounced, the ''wicked shall go away intc^ everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal."
John Codman.
22
ADDRESS
to
Rev, Mr. Codman
respecting
EXCHANGES.
Rev, Mr. Codman,
Sir, We your parishioners, with diffidence address you, on a subject which we think, a very important one. We are fully aware that quarrels and dissentions between clergymen, and their people, are fraught with serious evils; they set the father against the son, and the son against the father, and thereby all the peace and happiness of society is undermined; this we have all witnessed near at home. And to prevent as much as in our power this awful calamity, we have thought fit to submit to you, for your consideration, the following:
We do not presume, neither have we a wish to prescribe what doctrine would be most congenial to our feelings to hear from you; but are willing you should exercise your own opinion. It is however,our humble opinion,that for a clergyman to be enabled to do good, promote the happiness and welfare of his parish, he must have the love, goodwill, and affections of his people, and thereby cause a punctual attendance on public worship. But the prin- cifial object we have in view, at this time^ is to represent to you, that there is a dissatisfaction and uneasiness in the parish, which appears to be daily increasing, and we fear if it is not soon checked, there will be much disorder and confusion in the parish, which we sincerely deprecate.
The principal cause of which, we apprehend, arises from a disappointment that many of your parishioners feel from your not making your exchanges generally, with those ministers who preach the public lectures in Boston, on Thursdays, and with them indiscriminately .
This we did expect, and this we think we have a just claim to expect from your own observations, previous to your being settled as our Minister. This we humbly submit to your candid consideration, and remain your friends, well wishers, and obedi- ent humble servants. Siifned by
Edmund Baker, Tho's Crehore, Benj. P'uller, and 37 others,
JDorchester, ,Yo~o. lOth, J 809.
23 Letter accompanying the Address.
Dorchester. Dec. 6th, 180g. Rev. Mr. John Codman, Sir, The undersigned are requested by the subscribers to the enclosed to transmit the same to you, and we by their request beg your indulgence so far as to receive the same and inves- tigate it, and make such use of it as you in your judgment may think most expedient. And we feel a lively hope, that you will be so directed by Divine Providence, as topursue such measures as may have a tendency to promote our spiritual and temporal good, and that we may long dwell together in unity.
And we are authorized to say, if any one sentence of the enclosed should be thought expressed in a harsh or indecorous manner, or if any part of it can be so construed as to have the least semblance of imperative language, the same is an error of judgment and not of design, and we beg you to receive it as such- We are led to make those remarks, from suggestions of some who have seen the enclosed,thatyou possibly might so consider it. We remain with seniiments of the utmost friendship and es^ teem, your devoted servants and friends.
Thomas Crehore, Benj. Fullkr, Saml. B. Lyon, Stephen Pierce,
Edward W. Baxter. Committee.
Rev. Mr. Cx)dman''s Answer.
Dorchester, Dec. 8th, 1809.
Gent. I beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of a letter from you of the 6th inst. enclosing an address from a number of my parishioners; and I lose no time in returning through you an answer to the same.
No one can be more sensible than myself "that quarrels and' dissentions between clergymen and their people are fraught with serious evils," and no one can be more desirous "to pre- vent so awful a calamity." I also fully agree with you in sentiment "that for a clergyman to do good, promote the happiness and welfare of his parish, he must have the lovCy goodwill, and affection of his people, and thereby cause a punc- tual attendance on public worship." But with regard to '■'■the principal object which you profess to have in view at this time" you must give me leave to say, that I never can nor never shall SLEDGE myself to exchange pulpits with tiiiy man or body oi
24
men whatever; and that I never did, from any observations previous to my being settled as your minister, give you any just claim to expect it. At the same time you may rest assured that, in my exchanges, as in every part of ministerial duty, it will be my endeavor as it always has been, to conciliate the affections and to promote the peace and happiness, but espe- cially the spiritual welfare of the people committed to my charge. And now Gentlemen of the Committee, 1 beg you to accept my thanks for your friendly and polite letter enclosing the address. Whatever might have been my opinion and feel- ings concerning several sentiments contained in the address, I am disposed to consider them, '-as an error of judgment and not of design, and as such to receive them."
I remain gentlemen, with sentiments of the utmost friendship and esteem, your afFeclionate Pastor, John Codmav.
Thomas Creliore, Benj. Fuller, Saml. B. Lyon, Stephen Pierce,
Edwai-d W. Baxter. Committee.
Anonymous Application to the Assesors of the Second
Parish.
Gentlemen .Assessors of the Secojid Parishy Please to insert the following Articles in the Warrant for the Annual Parish Meeting, viz.
Article. To know if it is the desire of the Parish, that Mr. Codman should exchange with the ministers who compose the Boston association, more especially those they heard when under the Rev. Mr. Harris's charge, and those who composed the Council at the Rev. Mr. Codman's ordination.
Art. To know if the Society will exchange the Psalm Books now in use, and use Dr. Belknap's in their stead.
Art. To know if the Society are willing the Meeting-Iiouse shall be opened for private Lectures.
Dorchester, March I7th, 1810.
Assessors^ Reply.
Dorchester, March 2Gth, IS 10. The assessors above mentioned, vicv/ing with the deepest con- cern and regret, the increasing dissentions in the parish, so
25
lately cemented by a happy and honorable union, decline the insertion of the above articles upon their own responsibilityj fearing they may increase the difficulties which have already grown inveterate, and threaten the Society with calamity and decline.
If those who wish to have the articles inserted, will add their names as the law provides, they will receive the most respect- ful attention.
Cofiy signed, Stephen Badlam, John Capen, jr.
Joseph Clap, jr. Assessors of the Second Parish in Dorchester.
Gentlemen assessors of the Second Parish, Whereas the undersigned,being qualified Voters in said Parish, and being desirous to have the annexed Articles brought before the Parish, that they may be legally acted upon, therefore re- quest you to insert the same in the Warrant for the annual April meeting. Benj. Fuller, Thomas Crehore.
Edw. W. Baxter, Benj. Pierce, Saml. Richards, Stephen Pierce, James Blackman, Isaac N. Field, Edmund Tileston, Saml. B. Lyon, Lewis Leach. Dorchester, Afiril 2, 1810.
Art. To know if it is the desire of the Parish, that Mr. Codman should exchange with the ministers who compose the Boston association, more especially those they heard when under the Rev. Mr. Harris's charge, and those who composed the Council at the Rev. Mr. Codman's ordination.
Art. To know if the Society will exchange the Psalm Books now in use, and use Dr. Belknap's in their stead.
Art. To know if the Society are willing the Meeting-house shall be opened for private Lectures.
Proceedings at the Parish Meeting.
At a meeting of the Second Parish in Dorchester on Thursday the 19th day of April, Anno Domini 1810. 4
26
J\Ir. Samuel Withington, Moderator.
Voted 14th. Motioned to agree to the 7th article as inserted in the Warrant respecting the Rev. Mr. Codman's exchanging ivith the Boston association, &c. the house divided on this ques- tion— for the motion thirty-four; against 'wfifty-ttvo.
15th. That the eighth article in the warrant be dismissed.
16th. That the Meeting-house as it respects Lectures in future be under the control of the Rev. Mr. Codman as usual. Attest Thomas Tileston, Clerk.
jifiril20th, 1810.
Advertisement in the Columbian Ceniinel, Jug. 1810.
^CrS8 PEWS FOR SALE.
For sale 38 Pews in the Rev. Mr. Codman's Meeting-house in Dorchester, comprising the following Numbers, viz. 2, 4, 9, 16. 17, 18,21,23,30,31, 32,40,43,44,45,46,48,52,54,61,64,72, 73, 74, 78, 80, 8 1, 84, 85, 86, 9 1, 98, 100, 103, 104, 107, 108, 1 15.
Also for Sale, Sheds No. 2, 3, and 8. A rare chance now offers for purchasing the aforesaid Pews, some of which are the best in the Meeting-house, and were the highest apprized, and will now be sold very low. Any person disposed to purchase will please to call on Mr. M'Intosh, Sexton to said House, who will show the Pews and Sheds, and refer them to the owners for the price.
Note. Numbei-of the Pews and Sheds, and Names of the Owners.
No. No. No.
•2 Benjamin Pierce, 45 Joseph Arnold, 85 Lemuel Shepherd,
*4 Benjamin Fuller, 46 J. Delano and E. 86 Edward llolden,
•9 Edmund Baker, Hayiies, -[91 Eben. Wales the 3d
•16 Stephen Pierce, 48 John Bnssey, Gallery.
*17 Thomas Crehore, 152 James Everett, 98 Saml. Richards,
•fl8 Edward Holden, "54 Hurry Smith, lUO Joseph Arnold, 21 Lewis Leach, 61 Eben. Trescott, '103 Isaac N. Field,
*23 Saml. Richards, O.-i Henry K. Bailey, 104 Sami. Richards,
30 Henry Gardner, ^72 Tho. T. Robinson, 107 John Nightingale,
4-31 Edward Robinson, 73 R. P. Tolman, 103 Tliomas Crehore,
32 Saml. Richards, 74 Richard Hall, 115 Thomas Crehore,
40 John Hawes, 78 Joseph Foster, Sheds.
43 Jacob Foster &. D. 80 Edmund Baker, 2 Saml. Richards,
Withington, 81 Edmund Baker, 3 Thomas Crehore,
44 Euclid Tileston, 84 Isaac Withinglon, 8 Edmund Baker.
•Persotis who afterwards applied for a Parish meeting, on the ground of the above advertisement
fNot members of the Parish,
27 ApplicciHon for a Parish Meeting.
To Stefihen Badlam^ Esq. Mr. John Cafien., jr. and Dea. Josejih Clap^ Assessors of the Second Parish in Dorchester.
Gent. The alarming situation into which our Parish is brought^ by the unprecedenled and surprising conduct of the Rev. Mr. Codman, particularly in selecting gentlemen to preach in his pulpit by way of exchange, is to us a matter of deep regret; and we are apprehensive that unless the Parish immediately take measures to change this mode of procedure, that inevitable ruin must soon follow. You are not insensible, gentlemen of the commotions which have taken place in our Parish for a con- siderable time past. Thirty-eight Petos and three Sheds have been advertized for sale, and new difficulties are still arising.
We the undersigned, therefore request you to call a Parish Meeting as early in October current, as may be convenient, to take Into serious consideration the existing difficulties between the Rev. Mr. Codman and said second Parish; also to insert th« following Articles in the Warrant for said Meeting, viz.
1st. To choose a Moderator to regulate the meeting.
2d. To know what measures the Parish will take respecting the exchanges made by the Rev. Mr. Codman, to the exclusion of the Rev. Gentlemen who compose the Boston association, of which he is a member. Also to raise money for any particular purposes if necessary; and to act generally on all matters and things that concern said second Parish, or any of its members, and the Rev. Mr. Codman.
We subscribe ourselves, gentlemen with sentiments of re- spect) your humble servants.
Benj. Pierce, Thomas Crehore,
Benj. Fuller, Edmund Baker,
Stephen Pierce, Harry Smith, S. WiTHiNGTON, jr. Isaac N. Field, Saml. Richards, Henry Cox. Dorchester, Sefit. 2Sth, 1810.
Proceedings at the Parish Meeting.
At a meeting of the Second Parish in Dorchester, on Monday the 8th day of October, Anno Domini 1810.
2»
General Stephen Badlam, Moderator.
Votedi That the Rev. Mr. Codman be requested to exchange •with the ministers who compose the Boston association of which he is a member, and that Stephen Badlam, Esq. Messrs. Benj. Pierce, Samuel Withington, Thomas Tileston, Jolin Capen, jr. Deacon Clap, Deacon "Withington, Thomas Ci'ehore, Benjamin Fuller, Edmund Baker, Isaac Withington, Edmund Tileston, and Ebenezer Trescott, be a Committee to wait on him for the purpose of obtaining (if possible) a definite answer, whether he •will, or will not comply with our sincere wishes in the above request. ►^ true Cofiy^
Attest Thomas Tileston, Pariah Clerk.
Rev. John Codman.
Report of the Committee.
The Committee appointed by the Second Parish in Dorchester on the 8th day of October current, to wait on the Rev. Mr. Cod- man, and obtain (if possible) a definite answer whether he ■would or would not exchange with the Rev. Gentlemen com- posing the Boston association, have attended that service, and have received the following answer: "That he cannot pledge himself to exchange with any man, or any body of men what- ever." In behalf of the Committee,
Thomas Tileston, Chairman. Dor Chester y Oct. 15, 1810.
Proceedings at the adjourned Meeting.
At a Meeting of the Second Parish in Dorchester, October 22d continued by adjournment from the 8th day of said October Anno Domini 18 lO.
Gejieral Stephen Badlam, Moderator.
On motion to accept the report of the committee, chosen at the last meeting to wait on the Rev. Mr. Codman, and obtain (if possible) a definite answer, whether he would or would not comply with the sincere wishes of the parish, in their request- was decided by written Nays and Yeas. Yeas 31 — Nays 41.
Voted, That the Parish regret the Rev. Mr. Codman's not complying -with their request, by giving them a decided answer
29
ill the affirmative, which would in their opinion have restored their former peace and harmony: That they most ardently wish to be on terms of amity and friendship w ith the Rev. Gentlemen composing; the Boston association, and the churches immedi- ately under their care. But, if the Rev. Mr. Codman's princi- ples are such that he cannot comply with our request, w hich we conceive all important to our future peace and prosperity, that the conneocion between him and ua become extinct. — The Yeas and Nays being taken on the above question, there were Yeas 40 — Nays 35.
Voted, That a committee be chosen to write to the rninisters in the several towns, with whom the Rev. Mr. Codman has been in the habit of exchanging, requesting them not to ftreach in his pulfiit any more, until the difficulties which now seriously threaten the parish with destruction, are removed.
N. B. The Yeas and Nays on the above were as follows: Yeas 34 — Nays 9. And Thomas Tileston, Thomas Crehore, and Benjamin Pierce were chosen a committee for the above purpose. On motion to reconsider the last vote, the question was divided by written Yeas and Nays. Nays 39 — Yeas 33.
Copy. Attest Thomas Tileston, Parish Clerk.
Dorchester, Oct. 23rf, 1810. Rev. Mr. Codman.
Letter to several Ministers.
The following Circular Letter enclosing the vole of the Parish,, was accordingly written and transmitted to Rev. William Greenough, Rev. Jonathan Homer, Rev. Jedidiah Morse, D.D. Rev. E. D. Griffin, D.D. Rev. Jonathan Strong, Rev. Joshua. Bates, Rev. Samuel Gile, Rev. Joshua Huntington.
Rev. Sir, The singular mode pursued by the Rev. Mr. Cod- man in respect to the exchanges he has made, has been a matter of serious regret with almost every member of his parish. Why he should select gentlemen from several associations, with whom he is nut connected, to preach in his pulpit, to the almost total exclusion of the gentlemen who compose the association of which he is a member, and of whom the council that ordained him were principally composed is to us so novel, that we con- fess we are unable to account for it.
30
The people of Dorchester from time immemorial, have been ^n the habit of hearing- (in turn) the members of the Boston association; and it Avill be a very difficult matter to persuade the second parish to relinquish that right. We therefore pre- sume Rev. Sir, that you will comply with the above vote, and not take any step to convulse a parish already shaken to its centre.
We subscribe ourselves, Rev. Sir, with sentiments of respect^ your humble servants.
Copy sigfied, Tho. Tii.eston, Tho. Cbehore.
Benj. Pierce. Committee.
Dorchester, A'ov. 7th, 1810.
Address to the Rev. Mr. Codman from several Gen- tlemen in his Parish.
Dorchester, Oct, 23, 1810. To the Rev. Mr. John Codman. Dear Sir, The proceedings of a majority of the second parish in Dorchester, at a late parish meeting, the subscribers consider unprecedented, and not calculated to settle the controversy which occasioned the meeting, or produce any legal or salutary effect; and regret extremely that occasions so soon occnr for the exer- cise of patience, forbearance, and condescension; and that a root of bitterness has sprung up to trouble us in the early period of your ministry. Animosity and party spirit degrades the char- acter and vitiates the morals of a people, and prostitutes the most permanent institutions, which are formed to promote that religion which improves our natures, corrects our errors, regu- lates our lives, and fits us for a more important and glorious state of existence; and we feel deeply concerned for the honor, peace, and safety of our religious society, so lately formed and bound together by the ties of friendship, and the contract almost unanimously made with you to be our pastor. But we hope the things which belong to our peace, will not be hid from our eyes; and that a spirit of conciliation will be restored; and that we may again know how good and pleasant it is for brethren to live to- gether in unity; though there may be a diversity of opinions respecting the measures which are best calculated to promote so desirable an object. If schisms and contentions now succeed to the peace and harmony which has prevailed, and are not
31
speedily checked, many years may roll away before the cloud which hangs over our heads shall be dissipated, and many of us may spend the remainder of our days in contention with our neighbors, relations, and most intimate connexions, and descend to the grave unlamented, and mingle with the dust of, our oppo- nents. Nearly all your parishioners appear satisfied with your performances, and acknowledge you have conformed to the docti'ines and principles held out to us in your communication, previous to your ordination; and the foundation of the difficulties professedly is, your declining to exchange ministerial labors with the association of ministers to which you belong. And you know by the frequent applications and individual requests of many of the subscribers, that we should be very happy to see all gratified in that respect, as far as circumstances and a diff'erence of theological sentiments would permit. But, the right being vested in you by the custom of ages,, to decide in respect to exchanges, and as many difficulties may exist which are un- known, or not understood by us, and are not under your control} but depend in a great degree on the opinion and convenience of other ministers and their people, such gratifications cannot be demanded as our right without an invasion of the right of others, which we hope our brethren in the majority will take into their serious consideration, and will see that their reason- able request, as it is termed, by their subsequent proceedings has grown up into a most positive demand; and, as we have all the same interest to promote, and reconciliation is very de- sirable, we hope that we shall not, on either side, be governed by our feelings, but by our judgment, — not by our prejudices but by our reason, and that we may not be influenced by the cal- umny, tareats, or fear of man, but by a regard for justice, and by the love of God and our neighbor.
Your happiness and success in the work of the ministry, is materially affected and embarked with us in the result of these unhappy disputes, and we cannot doubt but you will co- operate with us in all proper measures for removing them; and we devoutly look to the Father of Lights and God of all grace for wisdom to direct us, and so to dispose of all events, that we may be effectually secured from the evils which threaten us, and to build us up in the true faiih and hope of the gospel, and to give u# an inheritance among those who are sanctified, through the merits of our glorious Redeemer. Signed by Bknj. Highborn, Saml. 'W'ithinoton-, Joseph Clap, and Seventy others.
32
Address to Rev. Mr.Codman from several Ladies in his Parish.
Dorchester, Oct. 26, ISIO. Rev. John Codman,
Beloved Pastor, We, the female part of your congregation, viewing with deep concern the dissentions and animosities that have arisen among the people of your charge, do with diffidence address you at this critical moment. Although it is not our prov- ince to take an active and effective part in this melancholy con- test, and likewise considering ourselves rightly styled "the weaker vessels:" yet we would gladly off"er you our feeble con- solation and support.
We, beloved Sir, when you were settled as our pastor, echoed the voice of joy that proceeded from our husbands, fathers, brothers, and friends; and although we could not become public advocates for your settlement,the eye of approbation disclosed the happiness of the heart. The power of sympathy has never been denied us; the virtue of sincerity we hope is not withheld. With aff"ectionate sympathy and Christian sincerity, we beseech you to bear up ag;ainst the host of troubles that beset you, and like a good soldier of Christ, having on the whole armor of the gospel, we hope you will fight manfully, and come off conqueror, and more than conqueror, in this important conflict.
You have this consolation and our hearts gratefully bear wit- ness to the truth, — that your preaching has not been in vain, but, that by a blessing attending your fuithful and affectionate administration of the word, many of us have been awakened, comforted, animated, and strengthened.
Go on, beloved Sir, receive our most ardent prayers and best wishes for your peace and usefulness in this part of Zion; and may it please the great Master of the vineyard to grant, that we may be additional seals of jour ministry, and crowns of rejoicing at the great day of account.
With religious sentiments of attachment and respect we sub- scribe ourselves, your friends and parishioners. Signed by Hannah IIichborn, Lucy Withixgton, Abigail Clap, and One Hundred and Seven(u-eii(ht others.
sa
Rev. Mr. Codmari's Answer to the Addresses,
Extracts from a Sermon preached on the Anniversary of Mr. Codman's OrdiHft> tion. Dec. 7, 1819.
"I TAKE this public opportunity to return my most sincere and unfeigned thanks to those members of my congregation, who have recently addressed me on the unhappy state of the Parish. In answer to the address signed by seventy-three of my parishioners, "disapproving of the late proceedings as unprece- dented, and not calculated to settle the controversy," allow me to say, that I feel gratified by their assurances of support in this trying crisis, and that I feel "my liappiness and usefulness ma- terially affected and embarked with them in the result of these unhappy disputes," and that I shall do all in my power "to co-ope- rate with them in all proper measures for removing them." I unite with them "in devoutly looking to the Father of lights and God of grace, for wisdom to direct us, and so to dispose of all events, that we may be effectually secured from the evils which threaten us; and to build us up in the true faith and hope of the gospel; and to give us an inheritance among those who are sanc- tified through the merits of our glorious Redeemer."
To the female part of my congregation, who have taken such a deep and lively interest in the distressing trials to which I have been called, allow me to return my most grateful acknowl- edgments for their affectionate and animated address.
"Although it is not your province to take an active and effec- tive part in this melancholy contest," your approbation and regard is a great support to your minister under all his trials.
I thank you for your sympathy in my afflictions, and for your prayers that "I may bear up under the host of troubles that beset me, and like a good soldier of Christ may fight manfully, and come off conqueror, and more than conqueror in this important conflict."
I desire to praise God if my ministry has been in any degree blessed to you. I thank you for your prayers that I may be use- ful in this part of Zion, and may God grant that you may be "the seals of my ministry, and crowns of rejoicing in the great day of account."
34
PETITION
To the Honorable Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts^ in General Court assembled: The Petition of the Subscribers, Inhabitants of the Towns of Dorchester and Roxbury, Humbly sheweth, That when the second parish in Dorchester was incorporated, such persons only as signified their desire in writing to join the same within one year were permitted, and as there was no minister of the gospel settled within that time, the subscribers who belong to said Dorchester omitted so to do, though most of them live near to the Meeting-house in said second parish, in which like- wise they can be accommodated with pews and seats, and at which place they generally attend public worship, but are now precluded from so doing, unless they have the sanction of the leg- islature; which sanction your petitioners hope to obtain; other- wise they will be deprived in some degree of the privileges so •wisely secured by the constitution of the commonwealth. And as some of the members in each parish in said Dorchester, have a desire to change their relations and become members of the other parish in said town, and can be accommodated without any inconvenience to each other, by the legislature's giving lib- erty to the inhabitants in each parish to change their relations, and connect themselves with the other, under proper regulations and restrictions at their election;
Your petitioners therefore pray, that provision may be made by law for a general accommodation in that respect in future, if the legislature should think proper; or, that the subscribers who belong to the first parish in Dorchester with their families and estates may be connected with the second parish in said town; and those of your petitioners who belong to the town of Roxbury, as they live near the Meeting-house in said second par- ish in Dorchester, and attend public worship therein; therefore they pray, that they with their families and estates may be set off from the parishes to which they belong in Roxbury and be jinnexed to the south parish in Dorchester.
Joseph W. Withington, Edward Foster, John ToLMAN, Stephen Tolman,
William Vcse, Thomas Leeds,
Samxel Tolman, John Lemist,
Jamks Clap, Ebenezer Dorr,
Phinehas Tolman, Josiah Foster.
Porcheaterj Jan. \9t/i, 1811.
as
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS*
In Senate. Feb. 8lh, 1811.
On the Petition aforesaid, Ordered, that the Petitioners cause an attested Copy of their Petition, and the names of the Petition- ers with this Order thereon, to be served on the Clerks of the first and second Parishes in Dorchester, and the town Clerk of Roxbury, thirty days, at least, before the second Wednesday of the first session of the next General Court, that all persons interested may then appear, and shew cause (if any they have) why the pi'ayer of said Petition should not be granted. Sent down for concurrence.
H. G. Otis, President.
Feb. 9th, 1811.
In the House of Representatives, read and concurred,
Joseph Story, Speaker. A true Copy. Jlttest, N. Coffin, Clerk of the Senate,
The first parish inDorchester chose a committee of three to op- pose the preceding petition, who appeared before the committee of the General Court, but the law, passed at the same session of the General Court, respecting public worship and religious free- dom, was supposed to supersede the necessity of granting the prayer of the petition, and it was therefore referred to the next session of the General Court, by consent of the petitioners.
Advertisement in the Centinel and Chronicle. Dec. I, 1810.
JCPSIXTY NINE PEWS FOR SALE.
For Sale in the Rev. Mr. Codman's meeting house, in Dor- chester, Sixty nine Pews, together with all the right, title, and interest the proprietors of the above pews have in the Rev. Mr, Codman.
./v. B. If the above are not sold at private sale, they will be exposed at public auction. Inquire oi Mr. Mc Intoshy the Sexton.
36 Jdvertisement in the Chronicle.
A CORRESPONDENT hopcs for the honor of our country, that the advertisement offering for sale a number of pews in one of the meeting houses in Dorchester, will noi be repeated, unless it is stripped of its indecent and illiberal reflections on the character of the Rev. Mr. Codman. Although the wi'iter of this, has nei- ther a personal acquaintance with the Reverend gentleman, nor subscribes to his religious tenets; yet he maintains that he is justly esteemed by the virtuous and good, for the purity and the sincerity of his life and conversation; and that expressions sim- ilar to those held up in the advertisement alluded to, have a tendency to prostrate all religion, and to introduce levity and anarchy in our churches. A. MAYHEWITE.
Rev. Mr. Bates^s Letter, in answer to a Letter from the Parish Committee.
Dedham, Dec 11, 1810. To Messrs. Thomas Tileston^ a?id Benjamin Pierce^ Committee of the second fiarish in Dorchester.
Gentlkmen, I take the first opportunity to answer a letter, which this morning came to hand; in which you, as a com- mittee of the second parish in Dorchester, communicate a vote of said parish, and apply it to me. As you have become voluntary agents in this business, you will suffer me through you to make the following reply; requesting you to embrace the earliest suitable occasion to communicate it.
To the Second Parish in Dorchester. Men and Brethren, I this morning received a letter from Messrs. Thomas Tileston, and Benjamin Pierce, as your com- mittee, containing a copy of a vote, purporting to have been passed by you in a pai'ish meeting, October 2 2d, 1810, relative to ministers, with whom the Rev. Mr. Codman had been in the hab^t of exchanging, with an additional request from the com- mittee, that I would in future govern myself according to said vote. If you designed this vote to be applied to me, or gave your committee direction thus to apply it, you will permit me, by way of reply, to say in the spirit of meekness, that 1 have a right to complain of this unchristian and uncivil treatment. I
37
feel myself injured and aggrieved by this singular vote, eom- municated in this singular manner. What have I said or done to deserve this public denunciation; or rather to provoke this unkind censure? For which of my evil deeds am I accused by you? Have I preached to you false doctrine? Have I been among you in an irregular, and improper manner, contrary to the order of the Gospel, and the regulations of the congre- gational churches? Have I crept into your houses, to foment divisions and lead you astray? Have I at the call of those, who have itching ears, preached in your school houses or taverns? Have I without the consent of your minister performed any min- isterial act within the limits of your parish, to gratify mal-con- tents, and encourage a spirit of disorganization? Have I in my ministerial conduct towards you in any respect violated the precepts of the Gospel, the rules of our Church platform, or the votes and regulations of the Massachusetts convention of con- gregational ministers?
While you were destitute of a minister, I preached a few times in your meeting house on exchange with candidates, whom you employed; and once by particular request and with some inconvenience to myself I administered there the ordi- nance of the Lord's Supper.
With Mr. Codman, since his ordination, I have exchanged, I believe, three times. I have preached for him and by his re- quest two or three lectures; this as far as my memory serves me (for I do not think it necessary to search my diary for numbers and dates) is a correct history of my official intercourse with you. Why then am I thus censured and proscribed by you? Let me repeat the question, and let me address i to your con- sciences; What have I said or done to deserve this public cen- sure from you?
I certainly have a right to call upon you for an answer to this inquiry. I have a right to call upon you, and do hereby call upon you, and solemnly urge you by every principle of justice, and even common civility, either to reconsider the vote, which by your committee you have applied to me, or to substantiate the implied charge against my ministerial character.
However, be it known unto you this day, whatever course you may choose to pursue, that I cannot conscientiously, and shall not voluntarily submit to your unauthorized and unexam- pled command. Our commission as ministers of Jesus Christ, requires us to "preach the Gospel to every creature." To dc-
58
Clare wherever and whenever we have opportunity, what we have seen and learned of the kingdom of heaven, whether men will hear or whether they will forbear. Now "whether it be rii^ht in the sight of God to hearken unto you more than unto God, judge ye."
Such is the state of my health, that I may not be able to ex- change pulpits this winter, perhaps never. But I could not receive your censorious letter in silence; I could not neglect to bear testimony against such irregular and unprecedented pro- ceedings in a Christian land.
I have yet to subjoin the particular reasons, all of which are virtually included in the ove stated above, why I cannot comply with your request. First then, I cannot comply with it, because such compliance would sanction irregular pro- ceedings. Parishes in our country are legal, not ecclesiastical, divisions. The vote of a parish therefore can avail nothing in ecclesiastical matters. This is indeed a regulation of the very first importance, since from such a vote we can never learn, who made the request contained in it. They may be meii of sober lives and conversation; they m^yhQ firofessors of religionj they may be real^ experimental Christians. Or they may be men of intemperate llvss^ and firofane conversation; men devot- ed to vain amusements and worldly pleasures; unprincipled scoffers^ thoughtless nniversalists, or even open infidels. What confidence, therefore, can be placed in the votes of parishes; which may be, and probably for the most part are composed of all these classes of men? With regard to the second pai'ish in Dorchester, I can sincerely say, that I believe that there are in it many real Christians. I um personally acquainted with several, who afford abundant evidence for such belief. But whether any of these, or any, who have even made a Christian profes- sion, were concerned in the passage of the vote, communicated, the vote does not prove, nor do I know.
This vote, therefore, can by no means be considered, as an ec- clesiastical act, or a rule for ministerial conduct; nor can it be regarded by a congregational minister without sanctioning ir- regularity.
Secondly^ I cannot comply with your request; because such a compliance would be taking a part in your parochial contro- versy. It is well known that there are divisions among you If, therefore, at the request of one party I should in future refuse" to exchange with your minister, would not the other party say.
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and with truth, that, by this change of conduct, I had condemned them without a hearing? This leads me to observe,
Thirdly^ That I cannot comply with your request, because I should thus publicly denounce a brother in the ministry; a brother, whom I love and esteem, as a faithful minister of Jesus Christ. By thus declaring my esteem for Mr. Codman, I do not mean to interfere in your controversy with him: nor express an opinion on the policy or impolicy of his mode of exchanging. But, till he is judged and condemned by some regular ecclesias- tical council, by the Church with which he is connected, or some other proper tribunal, till he is thus regularly judged and con- demned either of error in doctrine.^ or immorality in firactice^ of ^^bringingin damnable heresies" or ^^holding the truth in unright- eousness" and, while I have reason to believe, on the contrary, that he is a faithful minister I cannot, by a voluntary compli- ance with your request, publicly denounce him.
Finally^ I cannot comply with your request; because I do not believe, that such a comipliance would have the least tendency to promote your lasting peace and happiness.
Nor do I apprehend that a steady course in the plain path of my duty will increase your difficulties, or (to use the language of your committee,) "convulse a Parish already shaken to its centre." For these reasons I cannot comply with your request. It is therefore my determination, by permission of Providence, to continue my usual friendly intercourse with your minister, to exchange with him when mutual convenience requires, and to conduct towards him in all respects, as I should have done, if this irregular interdiction had never been made.
Although this letter is addressed to the second parish in Dor- chester, justice requires me to add, that I do not consider the great body of the people in that parish concerned in the per- sonal injury, which I have received, and of which I here com- plain. I do not believe, that half those, who in the hurry of a confused meeting, were influenced to give their vote in favor of this measure, really considered the purport of the vote, or intended personal abuse. I will even hope, that the individual or individuals, who previously prepared the vote^ have before this time received a reproof from their own con- sciences, and that they are now ready to acknowledge their fault.
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Men and Brethren, Permit me in the close of this long epis- tle, to wish you peace and prosperity; and be assured, that I shall do every thing in my power to promote your real peace and spiritual prosperity.
With this solemn assurance I subscribe myself your humble servant, and the servant of all men for Jesus's sake.
Joshua Bates. Messrs. Thomas Tileaton^ and Benjamin Fierce^ To be coinrauHlcated.
P. S. There is another reason, which did not occur to my mind, when writing the above, against complying with your re- quest; that is, that I should thus cruelly deprive the people of my particular charge of the occasional labors of Mr. Cod man, whose preaching with us has been peculiarly pleasing, and I hope profitablf,
N, B. The above letter was never cominunlcated to the Farlsh.
Rev. Dr. Morsels Letter in answer to a Letter from the Parish Committee.
Charlestown. April 12th, 1811.
Messrs, Thomas Tileston, Thomas Crehore^and Benjamin Pierce, Committee of the second Parish in Dorchester,
Gentlemen, I received shortly after date your official letter of the 7th of November last, to which was prefixed an attested copy of a vote of the second Parish in Dorchester, passed on the 22d of October preceding. By this vote it appears, that you, gentlemen, were chosen a committee "to write to the min- isters in the several towns, with whom the Rev. Mr. Codman has been in the habit of exchanging, requesting them not to preach in his pulpit any more, until the difficulties, which now seriously threaten the Parish with destruction, are removed."
This vote, gentlemen, is of so extraordinary and unprece- dented a nature, that I have really been at a loss to know how to notice it, or in what manner to conduct in reference to the very singular request which it contains.
Tnese considerations, gentlemen, and not any disregard to the respectable Parish whom you x'epresent, be assured, constitute the sole reason why I have delayed answering your letter to this late period.
41
When tbe nature of your request is coolly and deliberately Considered, I cannot but think you will at once perceive its im- propriety, inconsistency, and direct tendency to excite divisions, and to subvei't all ecclesiastical order. There is no charge of offence given to the parish on my part; on the contrary, you profess to entertain "sentiments of respect" for me. There is no pretence that your minister is not in regular and good stand- ing among his brethren, or that there would be any objection in your minds to his exchanging with the ministers of his own association, if he were so disposed. On the contrary, the ground of your complaint against him is, that he does not more f'eely and frequently make exchanges with them; which implies your belief that he is in good standing among his brethren.
In accordance with the uniform opinion of all christian com- munities, you recognize in your vote Mr. Codman's right to the pulpit; you very properly call it "A's pulpit;" you will therefore readily perceive that it is an infringement of his acknowledged right to say he shall not do what he pleases with his own!
Besides, since I was a member of the council, who ordained Mr. Codman, and belong also to the same association with him, there is an obvious inconsistency in requesting jnenot to preach in his pulpit, merely because, in his exchanges, he selects mem- bers of other associations in pi-eference to those of his own. If, as it seems, it would be most agreeable to you for your min- ister to exchange with the ministers of his own association in preference to those of others, one would naturally suppose, that, so far as he should introduce members of his own associo' tion into his pulpit, his conduct would meet your approbation.
It would seem reasonable to expect, that if a man should do a part of his duty, though he might not, in our opinion, do the whole, he should be approved in that part which he does fulfil; at least he has a right to expect not to be obstructed in doing that part which he is willing to perform
As it is not my practice lo make exchanges at a distance, in the winter, (and I have made but one, with Pr. Holmes, since t received your letter) I have had no occasion, were I so disposed, to contravene your wishes in respect to preaching in Mr. Cod- man's pulpit. It would therefore be incorrect in you, gentle- men, to infer from this circumstance of delay, that the right of Mr. Codman to invite whom he pleases "into his pulpit," is yield ed to his parish. Nothing of this kind is intended either by Mr. 0
42
Codman or myself. In conformity to the usages of the church- es, from time immemorial, he maintains the right of inviting whom he pleases into his pulpit, and those whom he may invite of accepting or declining his invitation. All things, hovpever, which are lawful.^ are not exfiedient. We may easily conceive of a state of things, in which it might be prudent to suspend the exerciseof a right for a season, when an attempt to exercise it, might, through unreasonable ofifiosition.^ hazard the peace of a society, the sacredness of religious worship, and occasion a profanation of the Sabbath. I would not. Gentlemen, willingly, be even the innocent cause of evil; I would in all cases wave the exercis6 of a right, if by so doing, it would promote the peace and welfare of the Christian Church. It would be un- pleasant, however, to constrain your pastor and his friends, to whom you have ti'ansmitted your vote, to maintain a right, which they may not feel it their duty to relinquish, in a way which may be painful to them and you.
I will hope therefore. Gentlemen, that that portion of the second parish in Dorchester, who have been instrumental, by the vole above recited, in obstructing the exercise of the minis- terial rights of their pastor and his friends, tvho feel it their duty to give him their cordial sufifiort, will, on cool reflection, recon- sider their vote, and thus leave their pastor and his surrounding brethren to the free and peaceable enjoyment of their acknowl- edged rights.
With very sincere wishes for the peace and prosperity of the parish, you represent, I am. Gentlemen, with sentiments of es- teem, your obedient and humble servant,
Jedidiah Morse.
N. B. The above letter was never communicated to the parish
Address to the Rev. Mr. Codman, from several Gen- tlemen in his Parish.
Dorchester, April 22d, 1811.
To the Rev. Mr. John Codman.
Dear Sir, On the 22d of October last, some of the subscribers
taok the liberty to address you, on the painful subject of the dis-
sentions in your parish, and pointed out some ef the distressing
43
consequences of such a state of things; In hopes that those, who fomented these clissentions, would see their evil tendency, and change their measures for those which promote peace; but our holies were vain. Our endeavors to restore tranquillity have been taken for timidity, and opposition took courage and became more violent. We have viewed, with deep concern and regret, (and with sympathy for yourself,) the evils which have sprung up and increased among us, to the distui'bance of our peace, and, which we fear, are intended to dissolve the pastoral connexion which subsists between us.
Though some may differ from you respecting the expediency of certain measures which have been adopted, yet, none will pretend that you have neglected your duty, violated your con- tract, or are unable to fulfil the sacred obligations of your pastoral office, as far as might reasonably be expected. We are free to declare that we see nothing to justify the origin or continuance of the existing evils.
As it has been, so it still is, our earnest desire, (and we doubt not it is yours also,) that the divisions may be healed in a way g^dapted to promote the best interest of our Christian society. But we cannot believe your removal from us would produce this effect; we hope therefore, you will not think of taking such a atefi'
Though others are engaged in spreading contention fa.r and wide, let it be our aim to follow those things which make for peace, and always to be ready to meet our brethren on any reasonable and christian terms of conciliation; and pray for divine Wisdom to direct us.
While we make our fervent supplications to Heaven, for your comfort and direction under all your trials, you will rest assured of our esteem and affection, and of our determination to iUliliort you as our fiastor^ so long as you cofitimie to sustain your /iresent character as a minister of the gosfielf and give no other occasion of comjilaint than that vjhich is alleged against tjou by those, who now wish to dissolve the compact^ so recently, solemnly, and unanimously made between you and the /leo/ile of you charge.
Whatever differences may exist in this imperfect state, let it be our prayer and zealous endeavor, that we be enabled, so to turn them to our spiritual improvement, as that we may all finally be united in the Church of the first-iiorn in heaven.
With true rfcspect and christian regards, ue are your frienda and humble servants.
Signed by Bekj. Hitchborn, SrEPmsN Badlam, James Bakes.
and Jifty -four others.
Proceedings at a Parish Meeting.
At a legal Meeting of the Second Parish in Dorchester, oa* Monday the 24th day of June, Anno Domini 1811. Mr. Samuel Wit/iington, AToderator. Whereas a inajority of the second Parish of the town of Dor- chester, feel aggrieved at some of the conduct and proceedings of their pastor, the Rev. Mr. Codman, and whereas the continu- ance of controversies and complaints between a people and minister is injurious and disgraceful to the cause of virtue, and the pure and peaceful religion of the gospel, and also destruc- tive to the peace and happiness of civil society. And, whereas in church and parochial, as well as in civil and state affairs and controversies, men and christians ought not to be judges of the justice of their own claims and complaints, but ought at all times, to be willing to submit their cause to the decision of a constitutional and impartial tribunal; therefore.
Voted, that Thomas Tilcston, Thomas Crehore, Isaac With- ington, Ebenezer Daggett, Edward W. Baxter, Benjamin Fuller, Ebenezer Trescott, Isaac N. Field, and Samuel B. Lyon be a committee to confer with the Rev. Mr. Codman, and request that a separation take place between him and the society, over which he presides; but should he not comply with the request, to pro- pose to him to join in calling a mutual ecclesiastical council, (to be impartially chosen) to hear and determine on all matters of controversy existing betAveen him and said society; and in case of his not acceding to either of the above propositions, then, the committee are directed to proceed immediately to the choice of an exparte council, and prepare and lay before the same such articles of charge, or cause of complaint, as in their opinion may be thought expedient. «^ true Copy.
Attest^ Thomas Tileston, Parhh Clerk.
porchestery June 2^th-, i 8 11 .
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Letter from Thomas Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman.
D.archester, June 26, 1811,
Rev. Sir, I herewith enclose you a copy of the vote passed at the parish meeting on the 24th instant, on the unhappy differ- ences existing between them and their pastor. As it is import- ant both to minister and people that a speedy settlement should be made of all matters in dispute, and which have for a long time agitated the parish; I must therefore request you Sir, (in behalf of the committee chosen for the purpose,) as soon as you have given the subject due consideration, to inform us at what place and when you will meet us, and enter on a discussion of this very important subject. I subscribe myself, Rev. Sir, with due I'espect yours, &c. Thomas Tileston, Chair. Com,
Rev. Mr. Codman.
Proceedings at a Meeting of the Rev. Mr. Codman^s
Friends.
At a meeting of a number of the friends of Mr. Codman, oli the evening of the 27th instant,
Voted, To choose a Moderator to regulate the meeting, Benjamin Parsons^ £sg. nas chosen.
2d. Voted, To choose a Clerk. Samuel Top.liff was chosen.
3d. Voted, To request the Rev. Mr. Codman not to accede to the first request -voted at a late parish meeting.
4th. Voted, To choose a committee of nine persons to com- municate to the Rev. Mr. Codman the sense of this meeting, and to render him all the assistance, by way of advice or other- wise, he may want, in what has already taken place, or may take place between him and any part of hisparish,and to be considered, through the whole business, as acting for, and representing all I i
his friends in his parish, and doing, in all matters that may con- cern them jointly, as they, in their discretion, may think proper
The following gentlemen were chosen on this committee, viz. General Stephen Badlam, Benjamin Hitchborn, Esq. Dea. Ebenezer Withington, Dea. Joseph Clap, Mr. John Capen, jr. Mr. Joseph Clap, Capt. Lemuel Foster, Dr. James Baker, Mr. Samuel ToplifT. A true Copy of the Proceedings.
Attest., Sa.ml. Topliff, Clerk of the M,eetijig.
4^'
Voted in committee, That the Clerk communicate the above Votes to the Rev. Mr. Codman, in behalf of the committee. Dorchester^ June 2^thi 1811.
Letter from Rev. Mt. Codman to Tho. Tilesion, Es^.
Dorchester, June 28th, 1811.
DeaU Sir, Having been absent from home several days, I did not receive your note, enclosing a copy of the votes passed at a late parish meeting, until late this evening.
I need not assure you, the committee, or the parish, that I sincerely lament the unhappy disputes and divisions which exist in our religious society, and that I am ready to do every thing in my power, consistent with the dictates of my conscience, to procure a speedy and amicable settlement, and to restore peace and tranquillity.
I shall not be able to attend to this subject until the latter part of next week, or the week after, as my time will be occu- pied, in the beginning of the week, by two or three public ser- vices, to which 1 must necessarily attend. Any time, after the 4th of July, I shall be ready to receive any communications the committee may think proper to make. As I perceive, by the votes of the parish, the comm.ittee are authorized to make sev- eral specific propositions to me, it is my wish that they may be made in writing, and, that this mode may be observed in all the communications between the committee and myself, on a subject so important both to minister and people.
I am. Sir, with due respect, your friend and pastor,
Co/iy. John Codman.
Thomas Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman.
Dorchester, July 8th, 1811.
Rev. Sir, Your note of the 28th of June ult. has been duly re- ceived, by v^hich it appears to be your wish that all communi- cations between yourself and the parish committee upon the interesting subject in dispute, should be made in writing.
47 .
The committee would have no objection in proceeding agree- ably to your wish, were they not apprehensive that it would be attended with great difficulty on their part, and also lead to a procrastination of the adjustment of existing difficulties, which the parish and their committee so ardently wish may be brought to a speedy issue.
We are therefore of opinion Rev. Sir, that a personal interview will be preferable to the mode you suggest, as a better explana- tion can be had of the several points in dispute, than can be made in writing.
We therefore hope you will cKeerfuUy join us in conducting this business as we propose, and inform us when and where it will be most agreeable for you to meet us. I am, Rev. Sir, in behalf of the committee, yours respectfully.
Thomas Tileston, Chairman. Rev, Mr. Codman. Cofiy.
Rev. Mr. Codman to Thomas Tileston, Esq.
Dorchester, July 9th, 1811.
Dear Sir, I received your note of yesterday, and am sorry to find that any difference of opinion should exist between the committee and myself relative to the mode of communication.
It surely cannot be considered an unreasonable request on ' my part, that business of such vast importance to my personal feelings and future happiness, should be transacted in writing, I must therefore repeat my desire, that this method of commu- nication, as far as is practicable, may be adopted between the committee and myself. At the same time I beg leave to assure you and the committee, that I will endeavor, by a prompt attention to their communications, to save them as much time and trouble as possible. I am. Sir, with due respect, your friend and pastor, Go/iy. John Codman.
Thomas Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman.
Dorchester, July 10th, 1811. Rev. Sir, Yourfiote of yesterday, I received this morning. My business is such this day, that I cannot attend on seeinc? thr
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committee. But Sir, as soon as they can be convened, I will
inform you of their result. I am, Rev. Sir, yours, kc.
Thomas Tileston. Rev. Mr.John Codman.
Thomas Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman.
Dorchester, July 12th, 1811.
Rev. Sir, I sent you a note on the 10th instant, acknowledging the receipt of yours the day before, in Avhich I informed you that I would convene the committee as early as possible, and let you know their result.
They accordingly met last evening, and as you appear to be so desirous, that the communications between yourself and the committee, should be made in writing as far as practicable, have requested me to inform you. Sir, that they so far agree to your request, as to commence the negociation in that way; and are willing so to continue, unless circumstances (in their opinion) render it necessary to adopt the mode which they have repeat- edly suggested to you.
You are therefore, Rev. Sir, requfsted to answer the first Section of the vote, passed at the parish meeting, June 24th, 1811, now in your possession. I am, Rev. Sir, in behalf of the committee, yours respectfully Thomas Tilestok.
Rev. Mf. Codman to Thomas Tileston, Esq.
Dorchester, J ulj I5th, 1811.
Dear Sir, Your note of the 12ih instant, politely agreeing that the communication should be in writing, and requesting an an-- swer to the first section of the vote passed at the parish meet- ing, June 24th, 1811, was received on Friday afternoon, but owing to my necessary preparations for the Sabbath, I have not been able to return an answer, till this morning.
Presuming that you mean to request tha# a separation may fiike place between me and the people over whom I was ordain-
49
ed, I shall take the subject into the most serious consideration, and devoutly seek Divine aid and direction, being fully sensible that "the continuance of complaints of a people against their minister, is injurious and disgraceful to the cause of virtue, and the pure and peaceful religion of the gospel; and also destruc- tive to the peace and happiness of civil society."
Anxious (0 prevent future difftcuUies^^ and particularly tho&f 'verij difficultien which have unhappily arisen, I gave the church and society a full and particular statement of my views and be- lief respecting the doctrines of the gospel, previous to my ac- ceptance of their call to be their ministerj* and the answer I received,t led me to suppose that the articles of belief were agreeable to my people; and I entertained the fond expectation, that I should never afterwards experience any difficulty on ac- count of my sentiments in religio?i, or 07i account of any line of conduct, ivhich I co7iceived to be consistent ivith those sentiments. But, in this expectation, I have been disappointed.
It has given m.e pain to see an opposition excited by some of my parishioners, who not only differ from me in religious senti- timents, but some of whom openly profess a gystein entirely opposite to the one upon ivhich I was settled.
With regard to their sentiments I have nothing to say; they surely have the same right to the enjoyment of them as /, and ■those ivho think ivith me, have to the enjoyment of ours: and I should be the last person on earth to disturb them in the exer- cise of this right.
Blessed be God we yet live in a land of religious, as well as civil liberty; and under a government, which appears to be dis- posed to regard and secure the rights of conscience. But may I not ask, gentlemen of the committee, whether, if you had a minister, fairly and honorably settled on the ground of senti- ments, perfectly congenial to yours, you would not consider it manifestly unkind, unreasonable, and ungenerous in those of a different persuasion to attempt to remove him?
I can call God to witness, that, since I have been your minister, I have endeavored to act up to my engagements, and to preserve, as irreproachable as possible, my ministerial and moral charac- ter: I know not in what respect I have deviated from the con- tract that subsists between us;^ or of what crimes and misde- meanors I have been guilty, that should warrant such a spirit of apposition and persecution as has been manifested against me, and render it necessary that I should be separated from a people
7
• See page 11. f See page 14,
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over whom I have been solemnly sel apart in the Lord, with whom I had expected to spend ray days, among whom I hope I have been, in some humble measure useful, whom, notwith- standing the opposition that exists, I sincerely love, and many of whom I trust, entertain a reciprocal regard and affection for me.
I most ardently wish that the committee and the parish might reconsider their proceedings, and restore the society to their former state of peace and friendship; but if the application for my dismission is persisted in, I must request, Gentlemen of the committee, that you will let me know your reasons for wishing SI separation, and furnish me with all the specific articles of comfilainty that 1 may know what answer to give to the request in the first section of the vote of the parish. I am, Sir, and gen- tlemen of the committee, with due respect, your friend and
pastor, / John Codman.
Cofiy. f
Thomas Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman.
' Dorchester, July 17th, 1811,
Rev. Sir, Your note of the l5th instant, I received yesterday morning, and must confess. Sir, that I felt extremely disappoint- ed in finding your evasion to an answer to the first section of a vote passed at a late parish meeting, which has been in your possession since the 26th of June ult.
In your note of the 9th instant, you assure the committee that you will endeavor by a prompt attention to their communication, to save them as much time and trouble as possible, and on this ground, Sir, they have partially acceded to your request.
It is your request that the committee state to you their rea- sons why they wish a separation; also to furnish you with all the specific articles of complaint, that you may know what answer to give to the request. Sec.
It is impossible, Sir, that you should be unacquainted with the material cause of complaint which the pai'ish will undoubtedly allege, and which they have so repeatedly and in various ways stated to you.
, More than eighteen months have elapsed, since you was ad- monished in a most friendly manner, and cautioned against pursuing a system which was then thought would bring you
51
into your present unhappy situation. I must therefore repeat Rev. Sir, that you cannot be at a loss to know what the osten- sible ground of complaint is with the parish.
Should the committee think proper to introduce any minor articles of complaint, you may rest assured, Sir, (if it is neces- sary,) you shall be furnished seasonably with all the charges alleged.
I must therefore request you, Rev. Sir, to give an unequivocal answer to the first section of the vote passed at the parish meeting, June 24th, 181 1. I have the honor to be, Rev. Sir, in behalf of the committee, yours respectfully,
Cofiy. Thomas Tileston, Chairman.
Rev. Mr, Codman fo Thomas Tileston, Esq.
Dorchester, July 18th, 1811.
Dear Sir, Your note of yesterday I received this morning, and am sorry that your disappointment, in not receiving an une- quivocal answer to the first section of the vote of the parishp should have excited any unpleasant feelings. You intimate that I have not regarded my engagements to be "prompt in my attention to your communications." You surely must have for- gotten the reason which I gave for the delay in my last note. Though the vote of the parish was received on the 26th of June, your request to answer the first section of it was not handed to me till Friday afternoon last, and my answer was sent to you on the following Monday, the only day therefore, in which I could have returned an earlier answer was Saturday, when I was ne- cessai'ily engaged in preparations for the Sabbath.
I have certainly not the least disposition to evade or delay the answer to your request, and if you are ready to say, that you have no other reasons for wishing a separation, than those which form "^//<? ostensible ground of comfilaint" by which, I under- stand, the objections that have been made respecting my ex- changes, my answer will be as unequivocal as you desire. But, if you have any other charges against me, with which I have not yet been acquainted, it surely cannot be considered
52
unreasonable that I should renew my request, viz. That you vrould assign your reasons for wishing a separation, and furnish me with all the sfiecific articles of comfilaint. I am, Sir, and gen- tlemen of the committee, with due respect, your friend and pastor, John Codman.
Co^iy.
Thomas Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman.
Rev. Sir, Your note of the 18th instant was receired this morning, and I am sorry to say, that the committee believe you mean to evade giving a direct answer to the question they have repeatedly proposed to you. In reply, Sir, I have only to re- quest you, by direction of the committee, to give an answer to the second section of the vote passed Juhe the 24th, 1811.
Should you agree with the committee in calling a mutual council, to be impartially chosen, they will meet you at any time and place that you may think proper to appoint for that purpose, and will then and there state to you the several charges which they intend to bring against you. I am. Sir, in behalf of the committee, yours respectfully, Thomas Tileston,
Friday morning, July 19^/i, 181J. Chairman of Com,
Re^. Mr. Codman to Thomas Tileston, Esq.
Dorchester, July 22d, 1811.
Thomas Tileston, Esq. Chairman of the Coinmittee of the Second Parish in Dorchester.
Dear Sir, Your note of the 19ih instant I am informed, was delivered at my house on Saturday last, but being from home, it has not been in my power to answer it until this day.
Having in my last note assured you, that I had not the least disposition to evade or delay giving an answer to the first sec- tion of the vote of the parish, I was not a little surprised and hurt at your insinuation of a want of sincerity in me, when you state that the committee believe that / meayi to evade giving a direct answer to their request.
Remaining still of the opinion that it is not only expedient, but indispensable, that I should know your reasons for wishing a separation, and be furnished with all the specific articles of
53
complaint, before it would be proper for me to give an explicit answer to a question so important, not only lo myself, but to the flock committed to my charge, as that contained in the first section of the vote, you must allov/ me again to say, that, until I am in possession of these articles officially and in nvritiiig, I cannot give an answer to your first request.
With regard to the second section of the vote I have to ob- serve, that, as it proposes instituting a tribunal before which I am to be tried, it is of still greater importance, previously to my assenting to a measure of such moment, that I should be furnished with all the sfiecijic articles of complaint in writing'.
It is, indeed, a provision in our wise and happy constitution, that "no subject of the Commonwealth shall be held to answer for any crime or offence until the same is fully andfilainly, sub- stantially and formally described to him." In asking for your charges against me in loriting^ therefore gentlemen, I do but claim a constitutional right, which I trust you have no disposi- tion to deny me.
You observe <'that, should I agree with the committee in call- ing a mutual covmcil, to be impartially chosen, they (the com- mittee,) will meet me at any time and place that I may think proper to appoint forthat purpose, and that they will then and there state to me the several charges which they intend to bring against me." Surely, Sir, if any part of the business be- tween us ought to be transacted in writing, it should be the statement of specific articles of complaint . This also is consonant to invariable custom, in all cases of the kind how in question.
Will you allow me to ask. Sir, and gentlemen of the com- mittee, nuhy you object to this common and most reasonable mode of communication?
If I have been guilty of such crimes and misdemeanors as to render it necessary or expedient that I should be separated from my people, it surely cannot be a difficult matter to specify those charges in toriting!
It ever has been, and still is my ardent wish, to prevent dis- sentions in the parish, by all proper and consistent means in my power; and, although for myself, I can see no reason to jus- tify such a step as you propose, yet, if the committee are of opinion, that a Mutual £cclesiastical Council, regularly and im- partially chosen, will tend to heal the difficulties and restore peace and tranquillity, I shall not shrink from an investigation of my character and conduct; but shall be perfectly ivilling to
54
unite with the disaffected members of my society in their sec- ond proposition; provided hoivever, that the committee will ^rst furnish me with all the specific articles of comfilaint in writ- i7ig, which I have so often requested, and which I once more repeat, is absolutely indisjiensable. I am. Sir, and gentlemen of the committee, with due respect, your friend and pastor,
Dorchester.) Monday, July 2'2dy 1811. John Codman.
Copy.
Thomas Tilesion, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman.
Dorchester, July 23d, 1811.
Rev. Sik, Your note of yesterday I received this morning, and am not pleased at finding no decisive answer to either of the questions which the committee have stated to you.
You still insist, Sir, that the committee furnish you with all the charges they intend to exhibit against you in wi'iting pre- vious to your giving an answer to either of the sections of the vote passed June 24th, 1811.
The line of conduct you have seen fit to pursue. Sir, since your settlement with us, has been so different from what might have (rationally) been expected from your previous intimations, that you cannot be insensible what has occasioned all the diffi- culties which have so seriously threatened the parish with ruin.
The committee are therefore, Sir, clearly of opinion that your usefulness as a minister of the gospel in the society over which you preside, is at an end.
It is your opinion, Sir, as you justly state in your note of the 15th instant, "that the continuance of complaints of a people against their minister, is injurious and disgraceful to the cause of virtue, and the pure and peaceful religion of the gospel, and also destructive to the peace and happiness of civil society."
This being your opinion, Rev. Sir, and there being no proba- bility of the difficulties subsiding, the committee are the more surprised at your hesitating a moment in giving your decisive answer to the first section of the parish vote, 8cc.
Nor can they perceive the absolute necessity (or importance to you) of stating all the specific articles in writing, which they may allege against you; more especially to obtain an answer to a question they have so repeatedly proposed to you.
55
The committee are therefore of opinion, Sir, that it would be improper and unnecessary for them at the present time, to comply with your repeated requisitions in furnishing you by writing with all the specific articles of charge which they may prefer against you, (as a preliminary) to your answering either of the questions proposed; but, Sir, the committee are willing to meet you as we proposed in our last note, at any time and place that may be agreeable to you to appoint, and state to you as before expressed.
The committee arc unanimously of opinion that it will be timely for them to state their charges in writing, when they shall have received your negative to the first section of the vote passed at the parish meeting, &c. or have agreed to join us in calling a Mutual Council, Sec. I have the honor to be, Rev. Sir, in behalf of the committee, yours respectfully.
Cofiy. Thomas Tilestonj Chairman.
Rev. Mr. Codman to Thomas Tilesion, Esq.
Dorchester, July 24th, 1811.
Dear Sir, Your note of the 23d instant, was handed me last evening.
. As the committee still refuse to furnish me with all the spe- cific articles of complaint in writing, and have constituted them- selves into a tribunal, to decide that 7nii usefulness is at a?i end; any farther proceedings on my part might seem unnecessa,ry, were there not a considerable and respectable number in my parish. Civ/to apfiear to have been forgotten by the committee,) who are of a different opinion respecting my usefulness, and my continuance as their minister.
Should I see fit to accede to the request in the first section of the vote of the parish, (so often alluded to,) they would justly claim a right to my reasons for such a singular step, and as I have never been furnished with all the specific articles of com- plaint against rne, the only reason which it is in my power to give them would be, that "it is the opinion of the committee, that my usefulness as a minister of tl'.e gospel in the soeietv over
56
which I preside, is at an end"— a reason, which would, probably, be as unsatisfactory to them as to myself.
As you appear to insist upon my giving an answer to the first section of the vote, without assigning the reasons which I have so repeatedly requested, I presume I shall be justified by all parties, after having in vain endeavored to obtain your charges against me, in returning a negative to your first request.
In your note, you argue, "that, because I acknowledge that the continuance of complaints of a people against their minister, is injurious and disgraceful to the cuuse of virtue, and the pure and peaceful religion of the gospel; and also destructive to the peace and happiness of civil society:" therefore^ the committee are the more surprised at my hesitating a moment in giving them a decided answer to the first section of the parish vote."
This, Sir, and gentlemen of the committee, is a singular mode of reasoning, your conclusion is predicated upon the idea, that /have been the source^ and the blameable cause of all the diffi- culties in the parish.
I presume it is unnecessary for me to remind you of a well known principle in law '•'■that no man shall take advantage of his own torong;" and, as the parish, in their vote, acknowledge, "that in church and parochial affairs, men and Christians ought not to be the judges of the justice of their own claims and complaints," perhaps it may appear, when the case comes to be tried before a "constitutional and impartial tribunal," to which the parish say they are "wilUng to submit their cause," that others have unreasonably promoted contentions and divis- ions in the parish.
If this should be the case, it will not be so obvious, as you im- agine, that, on account of existing difficulties^ I ought to be separated from a church and people whom I love, and many of whom, I trust, entertain a regard for me.
I make these remarks, merely to justify myself from the imputation contained in your note, and not to reflect on you, gentlemen, or any individuals in the parish; for, notwithstanding all the unkind treatment and unreasonable opposition I have received, I bear you no ill will, and am ready "to forgive and forget, as far as possible, all that has passed, and to live peacea- bly with you and with all men."
With regard to the second section of the vote, it is impossi- ble for me to express myself in stronger language, than in the words of the last pur^igraph of my last note July 22d, to which
57
I beg leave to refer you, beginning with the words, It ever has been, 8cc. to the end of the note. That paragraph, gentlemen, contains my sentiments on the subject of a council; and, as I coaceive them to be p.erfectly reasonable and just, it is my de- termination steadfastly to adhere to them. I am, Sir, and gen- tlemen of the committee,\vith due respect, your friend and pastor.
John Coohan.
Thomas Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman.
Dorchester, July 26th, 1811.
Rev. Sir, Your note of the 24th I received late in the evening of the same day. Thinking it expedient to call the committee together, it has not been convenient sooner to return an answer.
I find, Sir, you have given your negative as it respects com- plying with the first section of the parish vote.
The committee would ha\e felt happy, had you likewise given a decided answer to the second section of the same vote. But, Sir, as it respects that particular, you refer us to the closing paragraph in your note of July 22d, where you request us first to furnish you with all the specific articles of complaint in writ- ing; you also observe in the last paragraph in your note July 24th, "that it is your determination steadfastly to adhere to them."
The committee stated to you, as their opinion, in their last note July 23d, that your usefulness, as a minister of the gospel in the society over which you preside, was at an end; this was the opinion, Sir, of a parish committee, and not as you have been pleased to state. Sir, a tribunal: believing now as they did then, that nothing short of a separation will restore peace and tranquillity to the society, which is a most desirable object with ■A great majority of the parish.
The committee, therefore, cannot agree with you, that all the articles of complaint should be made specifically in writing, previous to obtaining your answer.
But, Sir, as you appear so anxious to know the articles of complaint which may be brought against you, the committee are willing to exhibit those, Mhich at the presefkt time, they R
58
may have a knowledge"of, as soon as ihc same can be properly arratiged, 8cc.
But, Sir, we have no idea of pledging ourselves that they shall be the only articles that may be presented. We wish to be understood, Rev. Sii, that it is our intention to ofi'er every article of complaint which may tend to throw any light upon the impor- tant subject now in dispute, which has transpired, and not within our knowledge; or may transpire between this time and the result of a Council, if one should be chosen.
We therefore presume, Sir, you will see the impropriety, if not the impossibility, of stating, as you have repeatedly request- ed, and be induced to take such steps as will bring this unhappy contest to a final and speedy issue.
I am, Rev. Sir, in behalf of the Committee.
Thomas Tileston, Chair, of Com.
Re'c. Mr. Codman^ io T. Tllesion, Esq.
Dorchester, July 29, 1811.
Deau Sir, Yours of the 26th was duly received, in which you state, "that the Committee are willing to exhibit," (in wri- ting, I presume, though not expressed in your note,) those arti- cles of complaint which at the present time they may have a knowledge of, as soon as the same can be properly arranged, 8cc." I am happy to find. Sir, that the Committee are thus, at length, disposed to grant my request, for I did not wish them to exhibit articles of complaint q/wAzcA i/iey had no knowledge.) and nvhich had not yet transpired.
This, would, indeed, have been unreasonable. Upon your exhibiting all the articles of complaint in writing ''which have transliired" and '■'■of which you have a knowledge," I shall be ready and perfectly willing to unite with the disaffected mem- bei's of my Society in a Mutual Ecclesiastical Council, regularly and impartially chosen, to hear and determine upon these articles.
Your own good sense, gentlemen, w ill convince you "of the impropriety, if not the impobsibility" of my consenting to be
59
U-ied upon articles, of which the plaintiffs themselves have no l^noivledge, and which they confess, have not yet transpired.
I am, Sir, and Gentlemen of the Committee with due respect, your friend and pastor, John Codma^'.
T. Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman.
Dorcliester, August 1st, 18tl.
Rev. Sir, Your note of the 29th instant has been received. The Committee in their note (of July 26th) fully stated to you the impropriety (if not impossibility) of furnishinsj you with all the specific articles of complaint in writing, and go on to say: the Committee are willing to exhibit those, which at the pres- ent time they may have a knowledge of, as soon as the same can be properly arranged, 8cc.
After this explicit declaration of the Committee, they had iiQ hesitancy in believing, that your answer would have been as ex- plicit. But, Sir, what do you in reply say, "in your last note?"
"Upon your exhibiting all the articles of complaint in writing, which have transpired, and which you have a knowledge, I shall be ready and perfectly willing to unite with the disaffected members of my society, in a mutual ecclesiastical coun- cil, regularly and impartially chosen, to hear and determine upon these articles.' By this. Sir, it must be your intention, to ex-i elude the Committee from offering any other articles of com» plaint against you, than those, which they may, as soon as may be convenient, (should you agree to our proposition) furnish you in writing.
The Committee, Sir, will not agree to any proposition, that may deprive them of bringing forward, and laying before the council, "all such articles of charge, or cause of complaint, as, in their opinion, nr^ay be thought expedient.'
A month has elapsed since the negociation has been opened, and you are not insensible, Sir, what progress has been made, in bringing to an issue, an affair so important both to yourself, and your society.
The Committee are therefore. Sir, landcr the necessity of stating to you, that the present mode of communication must be broken off (unless a speedy and satisfactory decision can be had) on the particular point at this moment ia dispute; should
(50
this not be the case, the Committee will then proceed agreeable to the directions of the parish vote. I am. Rev. Sir, in behalf of the Committee, yours respectfully, Thomas Tileston, Chair:
Rev. Mr. Codman to T. Tileston, Esq.
Dear Sir, Yesterday I received your note, which was dated the day before; in which you intimate that I have not been ex- plicit in my answer to your request, and observe "that the Com- mittee are under the necessity of stating to me that unless a speedy and satisfactory decision can be had on the particular point at this moment in dispute, the present mode of commu- nication must be broken off, and the Committee (should this not be the case) will proceed agreeably to the parish vote."
I wish you t© remember. Sir and Gentlemen of the Com- mittee, what I have repeatedly stated to you. That so far from shrinkin,^ from an investigation of my character and conduct, I am now, and always have been, I'eady and perfectly willing, agreeably to the second proposition in the parish vote, to join the disaffected members of my society in calling a mutual ec- clesiastical council, to be regularly and impurti. lly chosen, to hear and determine upon all mattersof controversy between me and my society, or, more properly, upon all articles of complaint which my society have against me, (for I have no controversy with them, and bear them no ill will,) with this reasonable firovis' iorif that a/l the said matters of controversy, or articles of com- plaint be fireviously exhibited to me sfiecijically and in writing.
These are my sentiments. Gentlemen, respecting a council, and, as I observed once before, I am now constrained to repeat, tliat, believing them to be. perfectly reasonable and just, it is my determination steadfastly to adhere to them.
If a month has elapsed since the negociation has been open- ed, the impartial can easily judge, by the writings which have passed between us, whether the fault is chargeable to m.y ac- count. I am. Sir and Gentlemen of the Committee, with du^ respect, your friend and pastor, John Codman.
Dorchester, S;\turday, Au§, 3d, 1811.
61
T. Tilesfon, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman.
Dorchester, Aug. 5th, 1811.
Rev. Sir, Your note of Saturday last was handed me by the bearer; the committee believe your request to be not only un- reasonable, but unprecedented; and do not agree thereto. They therefore direct me, Sir, to inform you, that tiiey intend meeting at Mr. E. Thayer's Hall on Monday next, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon; at which time and place, they request your attend- ance for the purpose, (if possible,) to agree upon calling a mu- tual ecclesiastical council, to settle the unhappy differences existing between you and your society.
In case of your non-compliance, the committee will consider you as declining to join them, kc. and will immediately proceed agreeably to the directions given them in the 3d section of the parish vote.
Should you meet them, they will state to you generally their causes of complaint, uneasiiiCss, and dissatisfaction; but should you join them in calling a mu'.ual ecclesiastical council, they will furnish you, in writing, (as far as is customary in such cases,) with the articles of complaint they intend to lay before the same, a reasonable time pr. vious to their sitting.
I am, Rev. Sir, in behalf of the Committee, yours respectfully,
Thomas Tileston, Chairman.
N. B. Should the time appointed for the meeting militate with any previous engagements of yours, any other early day will be as agreeable to the committee, by your giving them the necessary information.
Rev. Mr. Codman to T. Tileslon, Esq.
Dear Sir, Your note of the 5th instant, was received last eve- ning, in which you observe, "that the committee believe my request to be not only unreasonable, but unprecedented; and do not agree thereto." I must beg leave to difTer from t'ae committee, and can neither think my request "unreasonable, nor unprecedented."
Surely nothing can be more reasonable than for a person, in ntiy situation, before he consents to be tried by an ecclesiastical
62
council, to require that he should be previously funiished with all the articles of complaint in writing. This right, Gentlemen, I have before reminded you (although you have thought proper in your correspondence, to pass it over, with maiiy other things, without the least notice,) is guaranteed to me, in common with every citizen in the commonwealth, by our excellent constitu- tion; and it is a right, which, I presume I shall be justified in maintaining by an impartial public. Should a council be con- vened, upon the principles which you wish,* not knowing for what purpose, only as you might inform them, from time to time, as new articles of complaint "transpired," or "came to your knowledge," how could the defendant be prepared to answei', and be fully heard in his defence, or produce all proofs that may be favorable to him, as the constitution provides? And how could the council know when such proceedings might end?
The defendant too, in such a mode of communication might
1)9 compelled not only to answer to his opponents who make
one party in the case, but to every individual of the same party,
who could form an article of complaint, either feigned or real,
at any time during the course of the trial.
I must therefore repeat, that I consider it absolutely indis- pensable that 1 should be furnished with all your specific arti- cles of complaint in writing, previously to calling an ecclesias- tical council. Until this is done, I cannot consent to meet the committee, as you propose; being of the same opinion now as formerly, that business of such vast importance to the future happiness both of my society and myself, ought to be transacted by ivritten and not by verbal communication.
If this will not satisfy you, gentlemen, I can do no more. I have endeavored to do all in my power to restore peace and tranquillity, by offering to unite with you in a mutual council, upon the most reasonableterms. But, if you wish still to contend, no efforts of mine can prevent it; and you must take such measures as your wisdom dictates.
You observe, "that in case of my non-compliance, the com- mittee will consider me us declining to join them, Sec, and will accordingly proceed agreeably to the directions given them in the parish vote."
Allow me to remind you, gentlemen, that by the parish vote, you are not empowered to call an exparte council, except in
• See page 58, first paragraph.
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case of my not acceding to the 2d proposition, viz. "to join in calling a mutual ecclesiastical council, (to be impartially chosen,) to hear and determine on all matters of controversy eorzsfiw^ be- tween me and my society."
Even the parish does not wish me to be tried upon articles of complaint, which did not exist at the time the vote was passed, or in other words "which have not transpired^ and which have not come within your knowledge."
I always have been, and am now ready to unite with the disaf- fected members of my society, in calling- a mutual council, to hear and determine upon all articles of complaint, which do now exists provided that the same be /ireviously exhibited to me specif- ically in vjviting; or in the words of the constitution, which I had occasion to quote before, '■'■he fully and plainly^ substantially and formally described to me," The impartial must judge whether my not agreeing to meet the committee at Mr. Thayer's Hall, can be considered as declining to join the parish in a mutual council. I am, Sir and Gentlemen of the com- mittee, with due respect, your friend and pastor,
John Codman. Dorchester, Aug. 7th, 1811.
Application for a Church Meeting.
Dorchester, Aug. 31, 1811.
Rev. Sir, We the snbscribers, aggrieved members of your Church, wish yau to call a Church Meeting on Friday next, af- ter lecture, to join us in the choice of a mutual council to hear and act upon the difficulties now existing between us, and we will state our grievances prior to that time.
Samuel B. Lyon, Isaac N. Field,
Isaac Withington, Samuel B Pierce, Ebeneh Davenport, William Henley. To the Rev. John Codmau.
Letter from the Parish Committee, containing CHARGES against the Rev. Mr. Codman.
Dorchester, Sept. 4th, 1811. Dear Sir, Yours of the 7th of August was duly received; your not agreeing to the proposition made in eurlastnotCj for calling
64
a mutiui] Council; the Committee have nccessanly delayed far- ther troubling- you on the iniporlant subject, which has for so lonj^ a time been under discussion until the present time.*
The Commiliee met agreeably to assignment, as stated to you in onr lust note; and waited in hopes tl'-.t you would have co!v- descended to have met with them; but being disappointed in that respect, they have agreed to furnish you with the follcving^ articles of charge, Avhich are all they intend to allege, that htive already come Avithin their knowledge; and probably all they will allege, although ihcy are fully of opinion that they are not bound so to do, pievioufely to your joining them in calling a Council. But, Rev. Sir,' the Committee being desirous to evince to you, and an impartial public, their readiness to comply with any reasonable proposition, that may tend to bring to an issue an affair of such vast importance, both to yourself and your society, is^the object with them, in stating to you their articles at the pyesent time; i-eserving however, the right of bringing forward, all such articles of complaiiit as may transpire between this time and the sitting of the council, fust fuinishing you with the same, a reasonable time, previously, that you may make preparation for vour defence.
The committee cannot omit expressing their surprise at that part of your last note, (Aug. 7,) where you say "should a council be convened upon the principles which you wish, not knowing for what purpose, only as you might inform them from time to time, as new articles, of complaint, transpired, or came within your knowledge, how could the defendant be prepared to an- swer and be fully heard in his defence?" and so on to the end of the paragraph.
Tn what instance, have the committee refused furnishing you with all their articles of comphiint of which they have a knowl- edge? They have indeed, invariably made the reservation of bringing forward new articles of complaint, should any trans- pire; accompanied with a promise that you should be seasonnbly furnished with the same.
This right we still claim; but. Sir, if our intentions are such as you have been pleased to intimate, what must be your opin- ion of a venerable council, that would sanction such unprece- dented, unconstitutional, and abominable proceedings!
Therefore, agreeably to your request, ihey row state to you the several particulars (which if necessary) they propose to lay before the council.
•An interval of a month.
65
They wish to obtain their opinion, whether, under existing circumstances, it will not be expedient that your pastoral rela- tion to this society should be dissolved; and shall assign (if needful) the following reasons, why we are desirous of its dis- solution.
I St. Because the great disappointment, that a respectable nuin- berof your Church, and a majority of your society, have experi- enced at your not exchaHging mir.isteriul labors, with the Rev. Clergy composing the Boston Association generaily, unore espe- cially those that were present and performed at the dedication of the meeting-house, and at the organization of the Church; and those that were particularly concerned and assisted in your ordination; which the parish had every reason to expect, from your intimations, both antecedent and subsequent to your settle- ment.
2d. Because, though we would not deny to a minister all dis- cretion in the choice of those with whom he changes pulpits; yet you have, in our opinion, gone in this respect, to such an improper and unwarrantable extrenie, as in effect to make us a separate religious society; cutting us off" from that intercourse with the greater part of those Christian societies (and of our own denomination) with which we have been on terms of friend- ship and communion.
3d. Because we conceive, that the lectures and religious meetings which you appoint, or encourage, are so frequent, and held at such times and places, as that they tend rather to disor- der and the interruption of domestic union, comfort, and duties, than to the promotion of the social virtues and genuine reli- gion.
4th. Because of your unfeeling and unnatural conduct, in at- tempting to prevent the neighbors and friends of Mr. Thomas Crehore, from attending the funeral of his son, by urging seve- ral of them personally to attend your lecture; and requesting them to call on your friends to do likewise; also, threatening to forsake them, in case of refusal.
5th. Because you personally, or by your instigation, circu- lated cards in Rev. Mr. Harris's parish, respecting the cate- chism, cautioning them to beware of innovation; undoubtedly meaning for them to guard against their Rev. Pastor; who had previously introduced Dr. Watts's Catechism, agreeably to the 0
66
printed directions of the School Committee, of which you are a member.
6th. Because of your overbearing conduct in neglect of the wishes of a majority of the parish in admitting into the pul- pit a number of ministers, whom the parish, at a legal meeting, had requested not to preach therein, until their difficulties had subsided; also, your endeavoring to prevent the customary toll- ing the bell for a funeral, as an interference with your lecture.
7th. Because of your disrespectful observations, towards some of your fathers and brethren in the ministry, whom, we believe, sustain unimpeachable characters, both as men and Christians.
8th. Finally, because we conceive, that, while your ministe- rial relation to us shall continue, there will be no prospect of the restoration of that harmony, peace, and brotherly love, which have been so unhappily interrupted, and which we ar- dently wish may soon return.
The articles above stated are the primary causes of our com- plaints and dissatisfaction. Many other complaints of minor con- sequence might be offered, but presuming they might be con- strued merely as faults incident to human nature, the committee think proper to dispense with them.
It is the wish of the committee. Rev. Sir, that you inform them, as early as possible, whether you will, or will not, join them in a mutual, ecclesiastical council upon the principles above stated.
I am, Rev. Sir, inbehalf of the committee, yours respectfully.
Thomas Tileston, Chairman.
Letter from the aggrieved Members of the CJiurch, containing charges against the Rev. Mr. Cod- man.
Dorchester, September 5th, 1811,
Sir, agreeably to our promise in a note requesting you to call a Church meeting, we, as aggrieved members of your Church, now present you a statem.ent of our grievances.
1st. We are aggrieved because we fuily believe that yov: have designedly practised upon us the arts of deception.
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The following instances we will name. You made a declara- tion to Deacon Clap, and a similar one to Esq. Tileston, previa ous to your ordination, that it was your determination to join the Boston Association, with whom you expected to be on the most intimate terms of friendship. In consequence of this declara- tion, which was circulated at the time, some of us, believing it to amount to a promise to exchange with the ministers of the association, gave up our opposition to your settlement. This promise, except as to joining that association, according to fair construction, you have neglected or refused to fulfil. Brother Field stated to you, as matter of grivance to him, that you, as it was believed, had circulated a certain card in the Rev. Mr. Har- ris's society in this town. You made to brother Field, in pres- ence of brother Pieixe, a solemn declaration, that you had not circulated any card in that parish. Contrary to the natural con- struction of this declaration, you did put into the hands of each of two women, belonging to that parish, several of those cai'ds, tell- ing them to give them to whom they pleased. These instances • of your conduct, we are persuaded, are very inconsistent with Christian sincerity.
2. We are of opinion, that your refusing to exchange minis- terial labors with many of the gentlemen who composed the council which ordained you, and with many of the gentlemen of the association, of which you are a member, is inconsistent with the charitable spirit of the Gospel, and tends to interrupt, if not wholly destroy, the fellowship of this Church with the neigh- boring Churches.
The ministers of these Churches are gentlemen, who are in regular standing, and, as far as we know, unimpeached and un- impeachable. They have heretofore taken an interest in our welfare, and we have always held them in high esteem, and shall continue to love and esteem them, until it shall be made to appear that they have forfeited our charity and fellowship.
Your refusing to exchange with these gentlemen, without giving us any satisfactory reason for your conduct, has given us much uneasiness. The course you have taken in this respect, is altogether contrary to our expectations, and to the expecta-^ tions of the majority of the parish; and we think contrary to the spirit of your own declaration before your ordination.
3d. We are aggrieved by your exchanging with some min.v isters, who have been requested, in cpnformity to a vote of the
parish, not to preach in our meeting-houstf, while our difficul- ties remained unsettled.
In this conduct we apprehend, you have discovered a great want of the spirit of conciliation, and a disposition to grieve our hearts, already too deeply wounded by your other proceedings.
4th. We think you have violated an express rule, given by Christ, in refusing an aggrieved brother, when he requested it» an opportunity to tell you his grievances "between thee and him alone;" and likewise, when, in conformity to the same rule of Christ, he "took with him one or two more,"
These, Rev. Sir, are the principal causes of our grievance and dissatisfaction, and we lay them before you, we trust, in the spirit of Christians. But we do not think it would be just for you to require, nor proper for us to promise, that other matters of grievance, if they should occur, shall not hereafter be pre- sented to you.
The above grievances we expect to be laid before the Church • at their meeting on Friday next, ifthetj, with such others as have been jiresented by the parish committee, cannot be removed by the Churchy or by yourself, we request you (with the Church, if they please) on the one part, to join with us, and a committee of the parish, on the other part, in choosing a mutual council to advise us in our present difficulties, and to give us their opin- ion in respect to the expediency of your dismission from your pastoral relation to us; and to deliberate and advise in all mat- ters and things relating to our unhappy controversy.
Samuel B. Lyon, Ebenezer Davenport,
Isaac N. Field, John Mellish,
Isaac Withington, Samuel B. Pierce, William Henley.
Church Meeting,
At a meeting of the Second Church in Dorchester, September 6, 1811, after lecture, being duly notified on the preceding Sab- bath, in consequence of the request of the aggrieved brethren of the Church.
A motion was made by brother Lyon, and seconded by one of the aggrieved brethreh, that the Pastor, with the Church, i they please, on the one part, now unite with the aggrieve^
brethren and the parish committee on the other part, in the choice of a mutual council, to hear and determine on the arti- cles of complaint furnished by the aggrieved brethren and the parish committee.
The Church were of opinion that inquiry ought first to be made whether the steps had been taken according to Gospel rules-
The aggrieved brethren answered that they had, but without effect. As the Pastor was of opinion that they had not been regularly taken, and as this question constituted one of the charges against him, it was agreed to be waved.
The Church were also of opinion that it was necessary for them to know, in order to act understandingly, what had been done by the parish committee, and accordingly voted that their communications to Mr. Codman and his answers be read.
After these papers were read, the Church passed the follow- ing vote.
"Voted, That it is the opinion of this Church that the Rev. Mr. Codman is correct, and must be justified in requiring that all the articles of complaint of his opponents should be in writ- ing, and "be fully and filainly, subataritially and formally de- scribed to him" before he should be held to answer to them; it being a right guaranteed to every citizen of the Commonwealth by the Constitution. And that it is also essential and reasona- ble that the same should be done previous to his agreeing to join in the choice of an ecclesiastical council, who shall judge of these complaints; as the variation of complaints might vary his judgment in the choice of the men)bers of such council, otherwise his opponents (who know all the charges they mean to bring against him) would have an unequal advantage in the choice."
Brother Lyon's motion being called for, passed in the nega- tive; the Church being of the opinion that it was more regular for them, first, to make inquiry into the grievances, and see if they could remove them, as requested by the aggrieved brethren in their letter.
It was accordingly moved and seconded that a committee of five be chosen "to take the complaint of our aggrieved breth- ren into consideration, and see if any settlement can be made, which will terminate their difficulties, and restore peace and union in the Church and Society; and should their attenjpts he
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unsuccessful, to take into consideration the expediency of a council, and to report at the adjournment."
The brethren were then called upon to bring in their votes, and the following brethren were unanimously chosen, Deacon Badlam, Deacon Withington, Deacon Clap, brother John Ca- pen, jun. and brother Joseph Clap. The meeting was then ad- journed to Wednesday the 18th instant at 3 o'clock, P. M.
Attest, John Codman, Clerk.
Rev. Mr. Codman io T. Tileston, Esq.
Dorchester, September 7th, 1811.
Dear Sir, Yours of the 4th instant, containing the complaints and charges of the committee against me, or reasons why my ■oastoral relation to my Church and Society should be dissolved has been received, in which you request me to inform you, as early as possible, whether I will or will not join you in a mutual Ecclesiastical Council.
Some of the members of my Church, part of whom are also members of said committee, have made similar complaints and laid thein befoi-e the Church at their meeting, yesterday, "re- questing tliat if said complaints with others, which have been presented by the parish committee, cannot be removed by the Church or myself, that I, with the Church (if they please) on the one part, and they, with the parish committee on the other part, join in calling a mutual council, to advise, Sec. respecting the expediency of my dismission;" and the Church have chosen a committee to take the matter into consideration, as requested.
I have already stated to you my willingness to join in the choice of a council on fair firincifiles^ and only wait for the re- sult of the said committee, which will be made known, without delav, after it is received. I am, Sir, Sec. John Codman.
Church Mccling. At a mccling of the Second Church in Dorchester, September 18th, 1811, by adjournment.
The meeting being opened with prayer for divine assistance and direction in the important business before the Church.
The following Report of the committee, chosen at the last meeting, was read and accepted.
Dorchester, Sept. 14, 1811.
"Wk, the committee, appointed by the Second Church in Dor- chester," to take the grievances of a number of our brethren against our reverend pastor, into consideration, and see if any settlement can be made, which will terminate their difficulties and restore peace and union in the Church and Society; and should our attempts be unsuccessful, to take into consideration the expediency of a mutual council, and report at the adjourn- ment."
Met our aggrieved brethren at the vestry in the South
Meeting-House on the 14th instant, at 3 o'clock, P. M. they be- ing all present, except brother William Henley.
The Rev. Mr. Codman having been requested to attend, pre- sented a letter to us, which he read, containing his DEFENCE and answer to the grievances complained of, by which it appears he thinks himself justified; but, if the complainants entertain a different opinion, he asks their forgiveness on some particular points, and in all things ivhcrein it was possible lie might be ivrong; which letter we lay before the Church with pleasure and satis- faction.
The Church, in this place, Voted, that the said letter be now read. Accordingly the following letter was read.
Esr. Mr. Codman's Le'T'Ter ro ^he Commii'i'ee of the Second Church in DoRCHESfER, containing his DE- FE.VCE against THE articles of complaint presented against him br several aggrieved brethren, of the Church and The Parish Committee^— to be communi- cated To The aggrieved Brethren, The Church, and
ALL CONCERNED.
Deacon Stephen Badlam, ~]
Deacon Ebenezer Withington, ,' ^ . c ^ c ^
Deacon Joseph Clap, jun ! Committee of the Second
Brother John Capen, jun. j ^-l^u^'ch, &c.
Sc Brother Joseph Clap, J
Brethren, It is with feelings, difficult for me to express, that I now address you on a subject peculiarly painful and distress- ing. The unhappy difficulties which have, for some time, agi tated our religious society, have been of such a nature, as to ex- cite the liveliest emotions oi regret and anxiety; oi regret, that at so early a period of my ministry, "a root «f bitterness sho'ild
72
have sprung up to trouble us;" oi anxiety, "lest thereby many be defiled," and the peace and harmony of the church and par- ish be interrupted and destroyed. I have watched the growing uneasiness with emotions which none but a pastor, who tenderly loves his people, can feel; and I trust I have not ceased to im- plore the interpositions of divine Providence, and to do every thing- in my power, consistently with the dictates of my con- science, to heal the difficulties, and to restore peace and tran- quillity. As a Church of Christ, we have hitherto "dwelt to- gether in unity;" all our proceedings have been conducted with a spirit of uncommon unanimity ; frequent additions have been made to our number of such, as we humbly hope, will be saved; and notwithstanding the unhappy difficulties in the society^ we have had the satisfaction of having been at Jieace among ourselves. Within a few days, however, several of our brethren, who con- sider themselves aggrieved, have laid before the Church several charges, of a very serious nature, against their pastor; and have requested, "in case their grievances, together with those alrea- dy presented by the parish committee, cannot be removed by the Church or myself, that we should unite with them and the parish committee in the choice of a mutual council." The Church, agreeably to their request, having thought proper to appoint you, brethren, a committee, for the purpose of inquiry, whether the grievances abovementioned can be removed bjr the Church or myself, I think it my duty to address you on this occasion, and to do all in my power, so far as I am concerned in this unhappy controversy, to endeavor to remove the griev- ances of the aggrieved brethren, and the parish committee.
In doing this I am confident you will make suitable allow- ance for the peculiarly delicate situation in which I am now placed, as the difficulties I am about to consider are of such a nature as to involve not only my own personal feelings, but the personal feelings of some of my brethren in the ministry, whom, noininihfitanding the difference in our theological teneta, I sincere- ly respect and esteem.
Should I be so unhappy as not to satisfy our aggrieved breth- ren, I shall have the consolation of having made the attempt.
The aggrieved brethren state in their letter of the 5th of Sep- tember, "that they fully believe that I have designedly practised upon them the arts of dccefition."
I must confess, that the shock which this charge produced upon my feelings was as great as it was unexpected; and I
would fain hope that our brethren, when they made the charge, were not sensible of its meaning — -I would willingly suppose, that, in the warmth of the moment, occasioned by an ardent desire to effect the object they had in view, they were betrayed into ex- pressions, which, upon cooler reflection, they will be disposed to moderate, if not wholly to retract.
What must be their opinion of a pastor who could designedly practise upon the members of his church the arts of decefition? and with what propriety could they receive from such a man the ordinances of religion?
The charge, as stated by the aggrieved brethren, implies fire- meditated wickedness. In civil life it is considered a high crime for an individual designedly to practise the arts of deception up- on his fellow-men; how great then must be the crime in the minister of that gospel whose characteristics are sincerity and truth?
I am sensible of many sins and imperfections, both as a man and minister, and I have reason to be deeply humbled on account of them; but, if I know my own heart, I am free from the charge oi insincerity; on the contrary, the natural frankness of my dis- position, and the unreserved communication of my thoughts and feelings, have not unfrequently involved me in difficulties,which a more prudent and cautious mode of expression might have pre- vented. I must submit it to Him, who knows my heart, and to those of my friends who know me best, whether I deserve the character of a man who has designedly practised the arts of de- cefition upon the Church of Christ. I should have thought that the peculiarly ofien and exjilicit manner in which I avowed my religious sentiments fireviously to my accepting the call of this church and people, would have forever exempted me from the charge of ifisinccrity.
You well know, brethren, that I used no arts to obtain the sit- uation I novi^ fill. It was in compliance with your urgent and repeated solicitations that I consented to supply the pulpit for two Sabbaths, as a candidate; and when the Church unanimously invited me to settle with them, and the parish, almost unani- mously, sanctioned their choice, — it was not till after a consider- able time had elapsed, after much prayer and consideration, and a full and exfilicit communication of my religious sentiments., that I returned an aflirmative answer to their request.
From the time I was licensed to preach the Gospel, I have never concealed my views of the Sacred Scriptures, but, on all 10
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proper occasions, have uniformly manifested my firm and warm attachment to those doctrines, which are commonly called the doctrinet cf grace^ and which^ in my opinion, are admirably ex- pressed and comprehended in the Assanbhj^s Catechism^ and in the confc'saion of faith of the Congregational Churches In Alassa- chuaettSf drawn up. in the year 1 680.
The doctrine of the Trinity, in particular, the mysterious union of the Father^ Son, and Ho/y Gh st in the G idhend, I have long considei'cd an important and fundamental doctrine in the Christian system.
These views I fully stated to my people in the Commu7iication alluded to,* and these views I fully stated to the Ecclesiastical Council, from whom I received my ordination. t
In entertaining these opinions / may be in an error; I pretend not to infallibility. I may now consider to be fundamen- tal, what I may hereafter view as non-essential, but, as long as I retain my present opinions, I hope I shall be allowed, in this land of civil and religious liberty, to act consistently with them. If I am wrong, I most sincerely pray that God would forgive me, and preserve me from all dangerous error, and lead me into all necessary truth. You may rest assured, my friends, that, the moment 1 see cause to change my religious sentiments, I shall be ready to communicate the change to you with the same sincerity, which you must allow me to say, I trust has hitherto marked my ministerial conduct.
Having thus declared my sentiments previous to my ordina- tion, and having been assured that they were agreeable to my society,^: I have endeavored in every part of ministerial duty to act consistently with them. If, in any respect, I have not been consistent, I am ready to acknowledge my fiiult, and to pursue a different line of conduct in future. I trust it will now appear that I have not designedly practised the arts of deception upon our aggrieved brethren. But it is proper, before I leave this article of complaint, to consider the instances they produce to substantiate their charge.
One io that I made a declaration to Deacon Clap, and a simi- lar ooe to Esquire Tileston, "that it was my determination to join the Boston association, with whom I expected to be on the most intimate terms of friendship." Although I have no particular recollection of making such a declaration to those gentlemen,
•Seep. 11. fSeep. 17. :fSee p. 14, 15.
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yet I think it very probable I did so, as it certainly was my in- tention at that time to join the Boston Association, and undoubt- edly my wish to be on friendly terms with them. The above declaration, if made at all, which I am ready to admit, was made in answer to questions from those gentlemen in tlie course of desultory conversation; and not by way of firomise or pledge on my part, as a condition of settlement^ or in any degree whatever implying an obligation to exchange; for, to the best of my re- collection THE SUBJECT OF EXCHANGES was not cvcn mention- ed till after my ordination, or if mentioned, was certainly never agreed upon by me. As to the declaration above mentioned, being circulated at the time, as a motive to induce some of the aggrieved brethren to give up their opposition to me, it was en- tirely without my knowledge and consent, for until very lately I never heard the circumstance suggested. That I have com- plied with the declaration, I need only appeal to facts. I joined the Boston Association soon after my ordination, and have always wished and endeavored to be on terms of friendship with them. The liberal principles upon which that association is founded, admit of a great variety of religiovis opinions among its mem- bers; and it is well known that such a variety exists. Had I un- derstood that a connexion with that body laid any individual member under an obligation express or implied to indiscrimi- nate EXCHANGES, I Certainly should have never joined it. Such an obligation I have ahvays considered inconsistent with the principles and customs of that association, as I well knew, pre- vious to my being admitted a member, that there was one or more individuals in the association, Avho did not exchange gen- erally with the rest; and I always calculated to be indulged the same privilege which my brethren enjoyed. Should the incon- sistency of my joining an association with whom I do not gener- ally exchange still be urged as an objection against me, I can only say, in answer, that my intentions were good, and, that by such conduct, it was my object, so far from denouncing my fa- thers and brethren in the Ministry, to convince them, that, al- though we differed in our views of i-eligion, I could associate with them with pleasure, and manifest towards them that' re- spect and esteem, which their characters as men of literature and science, and their office, as ministers of the sanctuary, de- mand.
The second instance which the aggrieved brethren bring to substantiate their charge of my having practised the arts ofdc'
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cefition, is, "That when brother Field stated to me, as a matter of grievance to him, that I, as it was believed, had circulated a certain card in the Rev. Mr. Harris's society in this town; I made to brother Field, in the presence of brother Pierce, a sol- emn declaration that I had not circulated any card in that parish. In this connexion I shall also notice a complaint of a similar kind contained in the articles of charge presented by the Parish Committee, viz.^
Akt. 5th. "Because personally, or by my instigation, I circu- lated cards in the Rev. Mr. Harris's parish respecting the cate- chism, cauticning them to beware of innovation, undoubtedly meaning for them to guard against their Rev. Pastor, who had previously inti'oduced Dr. Watts's Catechism egreeably to the printed directions of the school committee."
The Assembly's Catechism, I have been informed, has, from the first settlement of this ancient and venerable town, been taught in schools and families, until a few years past. When I was settled, and entered upon my duties, as one of the school committee, if I recollect right, no other catechism was generally taught in' the schools. My attachment to that catechism, as con- taining an excellent compeTulium of the truths of the Bible, I Jiave never concealed, but on the contrary have openly avowed. The uneasiness and anxiety which I felt when an attempt was made, soon after my settlement, to introduce another catechism in its place, may be more easily conceived than described. In reference to the schools in this town, I have always consider- ed myself as acting, not merely as pastor of the second par- ish, but as one of the ministers of the town of Dorchester. le is ivell knoion^ that the parishes in Dorchester are not divided by parish linea^ as in some other places. Some of Mr. Har- ris's society live nearer my meeting house than his, and some of my society nearer his than mine. This being the case, I had not in the affair, under consideration, any regard to parish bounds, but considered myself as acting with a view to the in- terests of the town at large. Having understood that Dr. Watts's catechism had been introduced into some of the schools in the town, I immediately examined Dr. Walls's Catechism as contain- ed in his works, and was highly pleased with its plan and object; but,-on reading his preface, I observed that it never was the in- tention of that great and good man to exclude the assemblifs cate- chism out of religiousfamilies^ "for," as he justly observes, "if that should once be done, he had much reason {o ie^v there wovld
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scarce cornea better zk the room of it" This idea I thought very important, and ought generally to be known, esfiecially in this toivn when an attempt was made contrary to the Dr's. intention, to substitute his catechism in place of the assembly's. It was ray wish to give this opinion of Dr. Watts all the publicity I could; and I accordingly had it printed in the form of a card, with this motto, JVecessary Caution. Innovations are Dangerous, accompanied with this quotation from Scripture, Jer. yi, 16, i^Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye z?z the ivays and see and ask for the old fiaths, where is the good way, and ye shall find rest for your souls."* Soon after I had it printed I gave some of them to Miss Lydia Baker, one of my parishioners, for distribution. I also gave some of them to Mrs. Howe and Miss Lydia Lewis, if I recollect right, for the same purpose. These persons were at my house several times previous to their being admitted members of my church, and several times since. It was on one of these occasions that I gave them these cards. I may possi- bly have given them to some others, but of this I have not the least recollection. Soon after these few cards, which I had dis-- tributed, were in circulation, I understood they excited consid- erable uneasiness. The moment this came to my knowledge, I stopped the circulation, so far as it then lay in my power. I immediately locked up the remaining cards in my desk, and have never distributed them, not even to my own people, except within a few days to gratify the curiosity excited by the above complaint.
When brother Field called at my house, previous to our late church meeting, he mentioned, as one of his grievances, that I had circulated the above mentioned cards in the Rev. Mr. Har- ris's parish. It not occurring to me that he could have refer- ence to Mrs. Howe and Miss Lewis, who, (although not mem- bers of my parish, are members of my church, and constantly attend my meeting.) / denied the charge in Jxrcsence of brother
•THE CARD.
A NECESSARY CAUTION.
Innovations are dangerous.
"I cnn sincerely declare," said tlint great and good man, Dr. Watts, in his pre- face to his Catechisms for Children, "tlutt it is-- far from rwy design or my \\'k\i to exclude the Assembly's Catechism out of religious families; for if that should once be done, I have much reason to fear, in our age, there would scarce eonie a better in the room of it " Watts's Works, vol. 8. p 214. Jer. vi, 16, "Thus saith the Lord, Siavd ye in the lunys, and see, mid ask fur the old paths, inhere is the good v/a'jf andzvalk therein, and ye shnl/f ndrest/or ijoiir souls."
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Pierce. Had brother Field stated the circumstances I certainly should not have denied the charge. This" being the true state of the case, I must leave it to you, brethren, and to the impartial to judge, whether, in this instance, I have been guilty of de^-?gn- edly practising the arls of decejition on our aggrieved brethren.
As to the insinuation, in the articles of charge presented by the Parish Committee, that I meant to guard the first Parish against their Rev. Pastor, I can only say, that such an idea never entered my mind; and I take this opportunity to observe that I have never endeavored, in a single instance, to wound the feel- ings or to injure the reputation of the Rev. Mr. Harris; but on the contrary, have uniformly manifested towards him that re- spect, esteem, and brotherly affection, which our situation as ministers of the same town requires. From him I have never heard any thing respecting the circulation of the cards, and had I an opportunity of an explanation, by a personal interview, I have no doubt I could easily convince him that I had not the least intention, however others might wish to represent it, to woimd his sensibility or impair his usefulness.
The second article of complaint, alledged by the aggrieved brethren, is a want of charity in refusing to exchange Avith many of the ministers, who composed the council who ordained me, and who belong to the Boston Association, without giving any satisfactory reason. That I have not generally exchanged with the Rev. Gentlemen referred to, is true, but that I have ever pointedly refused to do it is not correct. I have uniformly said that I could not pledge myself to exchange nvi'h any man or any body of men whatever^ but I consider, that, so far as relates to any thing I have said, I am as much at liberty to exchange with either of those Gentlemen the next Sabbath, provided I could see it to be my duty, and provided they would be willing to exchange with me, as I was, the day I was ordained.
With regard to this peculiarly delicate subject, I can only say, that I have endeavored in viy exchanges^ as well as in every part of ministerial duty, to act conscientiously^ and to conform to the //rz;zc//i/c.s contained in my confession of faith before the ecclesiastical council at my ordination. Unless I have violated these principles, either by my ov/n preaching, or the prcachin^g of others with whom I have exchanged, (for I (onsider every ficrson nvho preaches in iny fiuljiit^ as for. the time^ my refireseniative ) I cannot conceive that I have broken
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the contract, that subsists between us, or have given any just cause why I should be torn from a church and people, among whom I expected to spend my days. I am accused of •want of charity. Chakity is a word often used, but little understood. If I am deficient in this christian grace, I pray God to forgive me, and to shed abroad in my heart more of that true charity^ that love to God and man which is the fulfilling of the law. It is also objected to me, that I have not given a satisfactory reason for my conduct respecting Exchanges. I do not conceive I am bound to give any other reasons than I have given, nor do I think it would be proper. I wish not to cast any reproach whatever on my brethren in the ministry, however they may differ from me in religious opinions. I am perfectly willing to allow them the same liberty, I claim myself, of thinking and acting for thems' Ives. Who am I that I should judge and condemn my brethren? To our own Master, we stand or fall; and at his bar we must give an account of our opinions, as well as our conduct.
It is likewise objected by our aggrieved brethren and the parish committee, that my conduct tends to interrupt, if not wholly to destroy the fellowship of this church with the neigh- boring churches.
No one can more sincerely deprecate and lament such an evil than myself. It always has been my endeavor and ardent desire, to live upon terms of friendship and communion with our sister churches; and it is well known that I have uniformly invited their members to our communion, and we have very recently admitted several, with recommendations from our sister chur- ches in this vicinity to the immediate watch and fellowship of this church.*
It is well known that there is a diversity of religious sentiments in the congregational churches. My church were acquainted with my sentiments before my ordination, a/ifiroved of them, and settled me in conformity to them. I am persuaded that there isnootherdifference existingbetween our church and the neighboring churches than what might naturally be expect- ed from that circumstance, and I solemnly declare that I have no wish, whatever, to separate my church from communion with our sister churches.
• One from Rev. Dr. Porter's, and one from Rev- Mr, Bradford's clmtchcs h* ^oxbury, Sept. 1811,
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The third article of charge alleged by the aggrieved breth- ren relates to my exchanging with some ministers who have been requested not to preach in the meeting house while the difficulties remain unsettled. This article of complaint, if made at all, should be applied to ministers who have thought proper to exchange with me, contrary to the request of the parish, and not to me, as I have never been requested not to exchange with those gentlemen. As the vote of the parish was directly calcu- lated, if not intended, to embarrass me, to deprive me of my re- sources, and to interfere with my rights and privileges, it surely cannot be thought surprising, if the gentlemen referred to, were willing to exchange with me, that I should be willing to exchange with them. But, although all these gentlemen would have exchanged with me, had I wished it, yet to manifest a spirit of mildness and conciliation I have exchanged with only two of them for nearly a year: and an exchange with one of these two,* was agreed upon long before the passing of the par- ish vote.
The fourth article of complaint alleged by the aggrieved brethren is — "That I have violated an express rule of Christ, in refusing an aggrieved brother, when he requested it, an opportunity to tell me his grievances between me and him alone, and likewise, when in conformity to the same rule of Christ, he took with him one or two more." If I have been guilty of this charge, it was through mistake; and I am sincerely sorry for it, and am willing, in the presence of the Church to ask Brother Field's forgiveness. I will state the facts relative to this charge, and leave the committee and the church to iudge how far I have offended. On Saturday morning, Aug. 31st. brother Field called on me, in company with brother Pierce, at my house; After some general conversation on the difficulties in the parish, brother Field requested me to retire into another room. As in the whole course of our difficulties I had cautiously avoided such kind of interviews, I observed to brother Field, that I had no secrets from my family, and thought it unnecessary to retire. During the whole course of conversa- tion I do not recollect that brother Field said a word about my refusing to take the first step with him, agreeably to the 18th, chapter of Matthew. I do solemnly declare, that I had not the
•Rev. Mr. Huntington.
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most distant idea that such was the object of his visit. After requesting me to call a church meeting the next day, and prom- ising to send me an official request signed by several of the brethren, he and brother Pierce withdrew.
On the following Thursday brother Field called upon me again, in company with brother S. B. Lyon, and brother Isaac Withington. He then told me that, as I had refused to take the first step, he had come agreeably to the direction of the Saviour to take the second, and wished me to retire with his brethren for that purpose. I observed to him that, if it was his object to take the first step with me, when he was at my house before, I entirely misunderstood him, but that I was now per- fectly ready to retire with him alone according to the Saviour's rule. This he refused; and wished me to take the second s,tep. I told hivn I thought it was improper, as, in my opinion, the first step had not been taken, and I was now willing to take it. I also expressed a doubt, (whether correct or not, I pre- ■ sume not to say,) whether brethren Lyon and Withington were "suitable persons to be witnesses, as they were of the same party with himself, and might be supprised to be prejudiced.
This, as far as I can recollect, is a correct statement of facts; I again repeat, that in tfii.i^ and in all things where it is fios.'^'ble I 7nay li^ ivroiig I ask forgiveness of our aggrieved brethren.
I have thus noticed the grievances of our aggrieved breth- ren. In respect to other matters of grievance, which may hereafter occur, I have never requested that they may not be presented to me. On the contrary, I view myself under the watch and discipline of the church in common with every other member, and hope they will not neglect to consider me in that light.
As our aggrieved brethren have requested us to endeavor to remove the articles of complaint presented by the parish com- mittee together with theii's, although I am of opinion that they are not regularly brought before the church, I am willing to endeavor to remove them, as far as lies in my power.
The articles presented by the parish committee, not men- tioned or alluded to by the aggrieved brethren, are the following. First, "That I appoint and encourage lectures and religious meetings; and that they are so frequent, and held at such times and places, as to tend rather to disorder, and the interruption
n
of domestic union, comfort, and duties,'than to the promotion of the social virtues and genuine religion."
To the first part of this charge I plead gidltij. I certainly do appoint and encourage lectures and religious meetings. Soon after my settlement, I appointed a lecture on Tuesdays, which has been continued to the present time, and, in the opin- ion of many of the pious and good, has been attended with the happiest effects.
I have also encouraged several prayer meetings, in different parts of the parish, and have done all in my power to counte- nance and revive the young men's society, in this part of the town. When I come to lie on the bed of death I hope I shall have no greater sin to burden my conscience. As to the evil effects with which they have been attended, I have never wit- nessed any disorder, except what was made once or twice by inconsiderate or ill advised youth.
The second article of charge, not mentioned by the aggrieved brethren, is, my unfeeling and unnatural conduct in attempting to prevent the neighbors and friends of Mr. Thomas Crehore from attending the funeral of his Son. In order to explain this unhappy affair I beg leave to lay before the committee the let- ters that have passed between Mr. Crehore and myself on the subject.
Mr. Thomas Crehore' s Letter to Rev. Mr. Codman.
Doi-cliester, Sept 14, 1810.
Sir, Whatever conclusion you may draw, from my addressing you in this way, I assure you, Sir, that my motive is purely to be enabled to contradict a false report, if I have in any way been instrumental in circulating one. And whatever opinion you may have formed respecting my character, I know not; but can sincerely say that I have no wish to circulate any false, malicious, and scandalous reports to the injury of any person, and I do disdain the very idea of fabricating falsehood.
I have therefore taken this method to request you, and I have no hesitation in saying, that I presume you will, with great sat- isfaction and pleasure comply with my request, viz. It has been insinuated by some, and denied by others, that you did, on the evening, previous to my son's funeral, at the house of Mr.
Richard Trow, in'the presence of Mr. Trow, his family, and a number of neighbors, request Mr. Trow, and others present, not to attend the funeral; and likewise threatciied to leave them without a shepherd, if they did attend.
Now, as this report has caused considerable dispute, I request your negation or affirmation to the same, which will enable me to set the thing in its true light, and prevent any farther con- troversy on the subject.
Your immediate attention to this will much oblige your friend and very obedient humble servant, Thomas Crehore,
Rev. Mr. Coclman to Thomas Crehore.
Dorchester, Sept. 14, 1810.
Sir, I received your letter of this day, in answer to which I can only refer you to the circuinstances attending your son's fune- ral, and leave it to you to judge, whether an application to a minister out of town,* to officiate on that occasion, and to one, with whom it was well known, I have not been in the habit of exchanging, was not directly calculated (I do not say intended) to wound my feelings.
It is true that I did say to Mr. Trow, in the presence of seve- ral others, that my feelings were hurt, and that I hoped my friends would not allow the funeral to interfere with their attendance upon the lecture that day.
More than this I have no recollection of saying. I certainly did not threaten to leave them without a shepherd if they did attend.
And now. Sir, permit me to say that had you invited your own minister to have visited your son during his sickness, or to have attended his funeral, I. should not have hesitated a moment in discharging my duty,not,.'ithstanding the unpleasant circum" stances which had previously itaken place. And permit me also to assure you, that I had no dt ign of wounding your feelings by any thing I said to Mr. Trow, anJ'^that I sincerely regret if it has occasioned any painful uneasiness to you or your family; for nothing can be farther from the disposition of my heart, than to add to the distress which such a bereavement is calculated to
* Rev. Mv. Buckminstef.
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excite; for I can truly say, that I bear no ill will to you or yours: but am now, and always shall be, ready, as far as lies in my power, to effect a good undei-standing between us, and shall always be happy to subscribe myself, your sincere well wisher and pastor, John Codman.
I would here repeat what is there contained, that it was not my intention to wound Mr. Crehore's feelings; and that, if I have tinintentioiially done it, / am sorry for it^ and ask his forgiveness.
In the parish charges, mention is made of my endeavoring to pi-event the customary tolling of the bell for a funeral, as an in- terference with my lecture. I am sorry to be obliged to say, that this is not correct,
Mr. Mcintosh, the sexton, called on me to invite me to attend Mr, D. Leeds's funeral.* I told him, I should be happy to attend it, if it would not interfei*e with my lecture. He observed, that it would not, and at the same time he said, that he should be obliged to toll the passing bell during service time. I told him I was afraid this would be a great interruption to the lecture. He assured me he would hasten the funeral as much as possi- ble, so that the passing bell should toll before the lecture began. But if this should not be the case, that the bell would only toll from the time the funeral came in sight, till it reached the four corners. This, he assured me, was the usual time. Contrary to this assurance, the bell tolled a much longer time than was usual, or than was necessary. This circumstance has been magnified into a charge against me. With what propriety the impartial must judge!
I am charged by the parish committee with disrespectful ob- servations towards some of my fathers and brethren in the min- istry.
As the time and place, the words aijd manner, the persons who heard me, and the persons spoken against, are not men- tioned in this article, it is imposs^ 'ile for me to answer it in its present form. I can only say i general, that nothing can be farther from my feelings, thi y^ speak disrespectfully of my fathers and brethren in the miiistry.
The last article produced by the parish committee, cannot I conceive be called an article of charge against me, as it merely
• Not in my official capacity, but as a neighbor.
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expresses their ofiinion that, while my ministerial relation to them shall continue, there will be no prospect of the restoration of that harmony, peace, and brotherly love, which have been so Unhappily interrupted, &c.
No one can more ardently desire the restoration of harmony, peace, and brotherly love than myself; and if the fault is in me, I hope I shall soon be convinced of it. But, if it should be found in any, ivho have incessantlij labored to increase the diffi- culties^ to leaseyi the uaefulness of their minister.) to take advan- tage of their own wrong, and to make it a plea in favor of hia dismission, I hope and trust I shall not be obliged to suffer for their conduct. For if such a principle was once admitted, the faithful ministers of Christ might soon expect to be torn from their churches and societies, to have their ministerial usefulness and happiness destroyed, and be deprived of the necessaries and comforts of life.
I have thus considered the charges alleged against me, by the aggrieved brethren and the parish committee.
I again repeat, that it is my most ardent wish, to have our difhculties settled, and peace and tranquillity restored. But I cannot think that the methods which have been pursued, are calculated to have this effect.
If any thing can be done, brethren, to heal existing difficul- ties, and to restore peace, I shall be ready to make almost any sacrifices, cunsiste?it with the dictates of my conscience, and the doctrines of the gosfiel which I consider essential, to effect so desirable an object, and shall be happy to receive any proposition from you on the subject.
I am, brethren, with sentiments of Christian affection, your friend and pastor, John Codman.
Dorchester, Sept, 14, 1811.
Continuation of the Report.
After the letters referred to, which Mr. Codman handed to the committee, were read, w6-inquired of our aggrieved breth- ren, if what Mr. Codman had offered in his defence, and the acknowledgments he had made, were satisfactory; and whether their grievances were so far removed, that they would forgive him agreeably to his request?
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Brother Lyon answered they were no Jiofies and could give no pardons.
It was then decided by a vote; by which it appeared they all remained dissatisfied, except brother Samuel B. Pierce, who did not vote on the occasion.
Brother Isaac N. Field observed, he thought Mr. Codman was wrong in not conversing with him alone as he was request- ed, and was told it was according to rule, as he could prove by brother Samuel B. Pierce.
Mr. Codman replied, he certainly should have conversed with his brother Field alone, if he had supposed he came to take the first step with him, according to the 18th chapter of Matthew; but that he expected he came to converse upon the general concerns of the parish, which were no secret, and did not even hear him mention the word rule, until he came the second time and explained his meaning, when he offered to converse with his brother Field alone, and he refused.
Brother S:unuel B. Pierce observed, that brother Field re- quested Mr. Codman to converse with him alone, but does not remember any thing was said about any rule, or the 18th chap- ter of Matthew.
The aggrieved brethren observed, they did not consider cither the committee or the church had any right to try their case, and they did not mean to produce any evidence before them, as they had nothing to do with it.
The committee replied, that the church they represented, and others of the same denomination, were independent churches, and had full power to hear and determine in all cases of com- plaint or censure, against an offending brother, which respected his character or good standing in the church, and so far as the Rev. Mr. Codman stood in that light, the church must decide.
The committee did not consider the power was delegated to them, but were of opinion it was their duty to inquire into the complaints, and hear such evidence asUhey were pleased to produce; and in a spirit of meekness, love, and tenderness, to make a fair and candid representation to the church for their information; believing that suc)^ a spirit, though it might not accord with our feelings, ought to prevail among all parties, and in all proceedings in the church, who professedly take the precepts and example of Christ, for the rule of their faith and practice. Not to indulge or countenance sin and error which is manifest, and destructive to religion, and the peace and hap-
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piness of society, but to regard the frailties and infirmities of human nature with an eye of candor, and a spirit of forgiveness, considering our own imperfections, and making all reasonable allowance for faults which are incident to all, — -—The aggriev- ed brethren were then asked by the committee, whether they still believed that their brother Codman had designedly practised upon them the arts of deception? And the Rev. Mr. Codman aSked the same question several times, and to several of the members in particular.
Brother Lyon answered, there was the paper they had signed, that they considered the committee and a majority of the church to be partial to Mr. Codman, and had no right to decide in their case; and that they meant to have an impartial tribunal.
The committee here observed, that neither they nor the church had volunteered their services; and what they had done, was in pursuance of the written request of their aggrieved brethren, and as a happy union had always prevailed in the church, and between the church and 'the parish, the committee would be very happy, if it could have re- mained uninterrupted. But, as the principal cause of com- plaint against Mr Codman, appeared to be in respect to his conduct in exchanging^ or not exchanging rninisterial labors ivith the neighboring ministers^ they inquired of their aggrieved brethren, whether they considered the right of deciding in that case was not vested in Mr. Codman? or whether the right was vested in him, and he exercised it injudiciously?
Brother Lyon replied, they did not pretend to know the laws, nor the constitution; and declined answering the question; and said, he did not consider the committee or the church had any thing to do with it.
The committee then requested the aggrieved brethren to de- cide by a vote, whether they wished the church to comply with their request, in calling a rautual council; and they voted unan- imously in the affirmative; b^ t refused to propose any arrange- ments concerning it, un'il the/ saw the parish committee; and retired.
We have no desirr to make any comments unfavorable to our aggrieved brethren; but feel ourselves bound to say, that so far as brother Codman asked their forgiveness, they were bound to grant it, agreeably to the 18th chapter of Matthew, 21st and 22d verses, and many similar texts of scripture, which we hope,
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they will duly consider; and as freely and fully forgive, as they wish to be forgiven.
The second church in Dorchester has, until now, been favored with peace and friendship amon^ themselves, in all their pro- ceedings; but have undoubtedly witnessed with deep concern and regret, the evil tendency of those contentions and disputes which have perplexed and afilicted some of the neighboring re- ligious societies, and that which has taken place in the parish to which we belong.
This we regard as "the pestilence that walketh in darkness, and the destruction that wasteth at noon-day," and requires the best of our abilities to alleviate and remove.
We hope the things which now belong to our peace, will not be hid from our eyes; and that we shall suitably implore, and timely receive, the Divine aid and wisdom, to direct us in our distressing and unhappy contentions, and to lead us in the paths of peace.
We ought to banish, as far possible, all prejudice and party feelings from our hearts and minds, and not be governed by the influence or fear of man, but by a sacred regard to justice, and the examples of the Prince of peace, and the sacred doc- trines of his gospel; otherwise we shall be unworthy members of his church, and not deserve the name of Christians. We ougiit to guard against every measure which will violate the faith or control the conscience of those, who, from their con- struction of the holy scriptures, hold principles different from our own; esteeming it ouf duty equally to guard against the conspiracies of the few, or the overbearing influence of the many, knowing majorities, which in many cases must govern, may be wrong; not claiming however any power, but what is vested in us as a church of Christ.
Deeply impressed with these sentiments, (and we hope) un- der the influence of these principles, we, with difiidence, now proceed to inquire into the articles itatcd by our aggrieved breth- ren against our reverend pastor.
Ihe articles No. 1 and 3, av consic'. r are so similar, as to form but one in respect to exchanges. We are extremely sorry, to find our aggrieved b re threny '«//!/ believe that Mr. Cod- man has deaignedly practised upon them the arts of deception. We hope, on reflection and full information on the subject, they will have good reason, and a disposition, to change their minds.
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The conclusion they draw from the instances they name, ap- pears to be founded in mistake, or an overstrained and unnat- ural construction of his observations, when he said, (as they have been informed) that it was his determination to join the Boston association, with whom he expected to be on the most intimate terms of friendship: this, we apprehend, does not ne- cessarily imply, that he meant to exchange ministerial labors with all the Boston association, for there are some of them who never exchange with each other, and yet arc on terms of friend- ship.
As the principal difficulty seems to arise in consequence of his not exchanging with some ministers, and exchanging with others, what will be said, in this case, if he is only exercising his own rights, and those who contend with so much zeal, reso- lution, and perseverance, are the invaders of those rights, and at the same time consider it (as it undoubtedly is) their duty to preserve and defend their own?
It is generally, if not universally, allowed, that the right to decide, in respect to exchanges, is vested in the minister; and if this principle is admitted, the question must be at rest:— .And we find a large number in this parish, who have subscribed to that opinion, as will appear by their address to Mr. Codman at the time he was dismissed and sundry ministers requested not to preach in his pulpit, by a parish vote, Oct. 22d, 1810.*
We think Ave have I'eason to hope the fellowship of this church Avith our neighboring churches will not be destroyed. We have had no contention or misunderstanding with any of them; and the ministers of those churches (as our aggrieved brethren justly state) are in regular standing, and highly re- spected, and have taken an interest in our welfare; and we feel grateful to them for their labors of love. And if any of them, or any members of their churches, differ from our pastor or any of the members of our church, in theological sentiments, they have the same right to differ from us, as we have from them. And i\ never ought to excite anger, or any unpleasant feelings between us; for contentions on such ground can never be ended or settled with more satisfaction, than if they were in conse- quence of the diversity of forms and countenances which nature has given us.
• See page 29, in which the parish Voted ^Hhat the coTinexign behveen tht Rev, Mr. Codman and them i/eeonw exiinct^'
1£
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The article No. 2, foi' circulating cards in the Rev. Mr. Har- ris's parish, we have considered. We see nothing in this card that can be considered derogatory or injurious to the Rev. Mr. Harris, or any caution to be aware of him.
It was proposed the last year, to exclude the Assembly's Cat- echism from the schools in this town. Mr. Codman objected; though he approved of Dr. Watts's Catechism for young chil- dren, and made use of Dr. Watts's observations to prove the impropriety of the proposition.
There was some difference of opinion on the subject, between Mr. Harris and Mr. Codman, but the question was amicably set- tled by the school committee, and the school-masters were directed "to hear the children in that catechism which they shall severally bring, with a written request from their parents."
We have no reason to suppose but that the conduct of Mr. Codman has been fair and honorable in this case, and are too well acquainted with Mr. Harris to think otherwise of him. And, if by means of any misrepresentation^ or otherwise, he, or any of his church, have unpleasant feelings to us or our pastor, we hope they will be speedily removed, and that the friendship between us may be renewed and strengthened, and cease only with our existence.
The article No. 4, against Mr. Codman for violating an ex- press rule of Christ, in refusing to converse with brother Field alone as an aggrieved brother, seems to result from a mistake which Mr. Codman was willing to rectify, and has fully explain- ed in his defence.
In considering the grievances of our brethren of the church, we have necessarily taken notice of the articles of complaint No. I, 2, 5, and 6 of the parish committee; they being of the same import with some of the articles of our aggrieved breth- ren; and though we have no disposition to interfere with the civil concerns of the parish, yet, as a failure in the church and Mr. Codman to remove the Avhole grievances of our brethren and the parish committee, is the ground on which the aggrieved brethren request the church to join in choosing a mutual council, we believe it our duty to inquire into their nature, magnitude, and extent.
The 3d article for encouraging lectures and religious meet- ings, Mr. Codman acknowledges to be true, but denies the con- sequences; and considers it a part of his duty, and thinks much good has I'esulted frona it; and the church are so well acquaint-
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ed with all the circumstances as to render our observations unnecessary.
With respect to the 4th article, for unfeeling and unnatural conduct in attempting to prevent the neighbors and friends o*^^ Mr. Thomas Crehore, from attending the funeral of his son, 8cc. Mr. Codman denies part of the conversation which constitutes the crime, if it is one, and explains the other, and declares he had no intention of wounding the feelings of the distressed par- ent, and if he did, he acknowledges it was wrong, and asks his forgiveness. All which is more fully explained by the letters of Mr. Codman to Mr. Crehore and the church committee, to which we beg leave to refer.*
Much conversation has been introduced on this article, and some accusations appear to have far exceeded the truth, and Mr. Codman being an elder and teacher in the church, it is proper we should bear in mind the injunction in the first o£ Timothy, 5th chapter, 1st and 19th verses, where it is written, ''Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father;" and, "against an elder receive not an accusation but before two or three wit- nesses."
The 7th article, for disrespectful observations toward some of his fathers and brethren in the uiinibtry, if true, maybe high^ ly repx'ehensible, but it is so indefinite in all respects, that no pei'son could be prepared to answer it, or know its extent, or who was injured; and we feel ourselves justified in saying, it appears to us improper and inadmissible in its present form.
The 8th article states, that while Mr. Codman's ministerial relation to us shall continue, there will be no prospect of the restoration of harmony, peace, and brotherly love which has been so unhappily interrupted, 8cc.
This we conceive, cannot be considered an article' of charge against Mr. Codman, as it merely expresses the opinion of the parish committee.
If it is the resolution and determination of any of this society, that fieace shall not return, we sincerely lament it. It surely ought not to be considered an article of charge against our pastor, nor be urged as a reason why he should be dismissed; nor do we consider it reasonable or fit that Mr. Codman should be obliged lo submit to an ecclesiastical council, an article of so indefinite a nature, and such unlimited extent, and which does not affect ills ministerial character,
• See pages 82, 83.
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If he is to be dismissed, it ought to be for his ow7i crimes and misdevieanors by which he has forfeited his ministerial char- acter, and not for the crivies of others; for nothing can be more unreasonable or unjust, than to allow any to take advantage of their own wrong to the injury of the innocent.
If the aggrieved brethren and the parish committee wish for a mutual council, it is expedient that they and Mr Codman should agree on the terms; and we are of opinion, that the piin- ciples on which he has offered to unite, are reasonable and just, and do not apprehend there will be much difficulty in making the choice and the necessary arrangements.
But as ecclesiastical councils are attended with much expense, and sometimes unfortunately increase the irritation which is al- ready too obvious; we ought seriously to consider, whether it will be attended with any good effect.
Mr. Codman made known his sentiments and faith in the doctrines of the gospel previous to his ordination, and they met the general approbation of all concerned, and, it is not pretend- ed that he has deviated from them; yet, we are now divided and distressed with feuds and animosities; and who will deny that it is in a great measure owing to a diversity of opinions among ourselves.
An ecclesiastical council, if they were disposed, cannot sep- tate Mr. Codman from his friends and pastoral relation to this church, unless he has really forfeited his ministerial character; and his friends will undoubtedly avail themselves of the advan- tages they fairly possess.
A large number of them stated in their address to him the 22d of April last, "that it is their determination to support their pastor, so long as he shall continue to sustain his present char- acter as a minister of the gospel, and give no other occasion of complaint, than that which is alleged against him by those, who now wish to dissolve the compact, so recently, solemnly, an<j unanimously made between him and the people of his charge.
Unless the parties are disposed to meet each other on terms of conciliation, and make some sacrifices for the sake of peace, they must be deprived of much of the happiness of life, and contention may be entailed to many yet unborn.
Mr. Codman's salary is not his inducement to preach the gos- pel. He has frequently observed, he was willing to make almost any sacrifices which are consistent, and in his power, to
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jjromote peace and harmony in his parish; and his compliance with our proposition is a proof of his sincerity, as it will operate «s a relinquishment of about half his salary, and possibly much more, for the benefit of his hearers.
Which proposition, together with his answer, we beg leave to lay before the church, hoping we shall yet know how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to live together in unity.
But whatever differences may exist in our church and other societies on earth, they must be to many of us oi. short duratioriy and are of no importance, when we consider the glory which will be revealed to those who may be united in the church of the first- born in heaven. Stephen Badlam, Eben. Withington, Joseph Clap, jr. John Capen, jr. Joseph Clap, Comm. of the Second Churclu
The Church Committee to Rev. Mr. Codman respect- ing his SALARY.
Dorchester, Sept. 15th, 1811.
Dear Sir, As you have often expressed your desire to restore and continue peace and harmony in your parish by every means. in your power, and that you was willing to make almost any sacrifices, except of your conscience, and the doctrines of the gosfiel ivhich tjou cojisider essential;
We therefore, a committee of the church, appointed "to attempt to remove and terminate the existing difficulties and grievances of some of our brethren, and restore peace and union in the church and society," being of opinion, that the reduc- tion of your salary upon some equitable principle, would have a tendency to promote this desirable object, make the following proposition for your consideration:
That, after the present year, your parish shall raise such a sum as' shall make the taxes equal on the polls and estates of persons in this parish, to the taxes, which, for the same yea^, in future, may be assessed in the first parish in this town to pay the Rev. Mr. Harris's salary, or any other minister they may have, and the other common expenses; and, after the payment of the common and usual expenses in your parish, not exceed- ing one hundred dollars annually, the remainder, together with such sums as your parish shall be entitled to receive, for their
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proportion of the ministei'ial property and funds, and of the non- resident taxes, to be received by you, instead of your stated salary agreed upon at the time of your settlement.
We are sensible that this arrangement will lessen your salary to a large amount, and perhaps far beyond our intentions; but if it does not meet your approbation, any reasonable proposition you please to make will be taken into consideration, and proba- bly will be accepted by the parish.
With true Christian regards, we are your humble servants, Stephen Badlam, Eben. WiXHiNGTcfN, Joseph Clap, jr. John Capen, Joseph Clap.
Attest John Codman;
Rev. Mr. Codman's Answer.
Messrs. Stefihe7i Badlam.^ Ebenezer Wit/iifigton, Josefih Clafi^jr, John Cajien^ jr. Josefih Clafi.
Dorchester, Sept. 1 6th, ISlh
Gentlemen, I received your note of the l5th of September, containing a proposition respecting the reduction of my salary.
It is true I have expressed my desire to restore and continue peace and harmony in my parish, by every means in my power; and have repeatedly said, that I was willing to make almost any sacrifices (except of my co7iscience^ and the doctrines of the gosfiel which I consider essential.)
It seems, gentlemen, that it is your opinion that the reduc- tion of my salary, upon some equitable principle, might have a tendency to promote this desirable object.
From the great respect and esteem which I have so long en- tertained towards you, and from the confidence I have in your judgment and advice, I cannot but think, that your proposition is founded in a disinterested regard to the best interests of our church and society, and to my personal comfort and happiness. Although I am justly entitled to the salary upon which I was settled, and am clearly of opinion '"'that the laborer is worthy of bis hire," yet, I am not insensible to the pecuniary embarrass-
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ments which my people must experience, owing to our present unhappy difficulties.
I do not wish to lay upon them a burden heavier than they are able to bear, for if I know my own heart, I did not enter the ministry from worldly motives, nor did I settle over this people from a desire of gain.
I trust I can say with the apostle "I will not be burdensome to you, for I seek not yours, but you."
Although my salary may be greatly diminished by complying with your request, yet I shall have the satisfaction of knowing, that my people are not distressed for my support; a satisfaction, which, to my mind, is much superior to the pleasure to be de- rived from thousands of gold and silver. For notwithstanding all the uneasiness in my parish, I sincerely love my people, and there is nol.hing that I am not ready to do, to promote their comfort and happiness, temporal and spiritual, consistently with the dictates of my conscience.
1 am ready, therefore, and I do hereby comply with your re- quest, and am willing, from the first of January, 1812, to relin- quish annually such amount of my stated salary, as may meet the object proposed by you in your communication to me under date of the l5th instant. I am, gentlemen, with sentiments of respect and Christian affection, your friend and pastor.
John Codman.
Voted, That the meeting of the church be dissolved.
Rev. Mr. Codmanio T. Tileston, Esq.
Dear SIr, In my last note I promised to inform you of the re- sult of the church meeting.
The committee reported yesterday, "That if the aggrieved brethren, and the parish committee wish for a m.utual council it is expedient that they and Mr. Codman should agree upon the terms, and are of opinion that the principles on which he has offered to unite are reasonable and just," which report was accepted.
I wish to know, prievous to entering upon the subject of a council, whether it is your intention that the articles of complaint presented by the aggrieved brethren lie submitted together
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-,vith these presented by the parish committee to a council. I am, Sir and gentlemen of the committee, your friend and pastor. John Codman.
Thursday Morning, 19th. Sept. 1811:
T. Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman.
Dorchester, Sept. 20th, 1811.
Rev. §ir, Your note of yesterday was received; as soon as the aggrieved members of the church, and the parish committee can be convened you shall know their result. I am, Rev. Sir, yours respectfully Thomas Tii-eston.
Rev. Mr. Codman.
T. Tilesion, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman.
Dorchester, Sept. 23d, 1811.
Rev. Sir, Conformable to my note of the 20th. instant I have laid before the parish committee, and the aggrieved members of the church your last note.
"You wish to know previous to entering upon the subject of a council, whether it is our intention, that the articles of com- plaint, presented by the aggrieved brethren, be submitted together with those presented by the parish committee to a mutual council."
The aggrieved members have agreed to submit them togeth- er with those of the Parish committee.
The committee had every reason to believe that after the re- port of the church committee, you would. have given a decided f.nswer, as it respects calling a council, as will appear by your note August 7th, where you say, "I have already' stated to you my willingness to join in the choice of a mutual council, on fair principles, and only wait for the result of the said committee which will be made known without delay after it is received." '
It has never been contemplated by the committee to estab- lish any new principle in calling a council, but what they have repeatedly stated to you on the subject of calling a mutual
m
eouncil, ihey have ever thought to be their right, if so they will not relinquish it by any act of theirs.
Should any new articles of complaint, or grievances arise between this time and the sitting of the council, the aggrieved members of the church in conjunction with the parish commit- tee, are perfectly willing to submit to the decision of the coun- cil, the propriety or impropriety, of having the same laid before them.
The committee once more renew their request, contained in the last paragraph of their note of August 4th.
I am, Rev. Sir, in behalf of the committee, Sec. yours respect- fully Thomas Tileston, Chairman,
Rev. Mr. Codman to T. Tlksiou, Esq,
t5EAR Sir, Your note of the 23d instant was received last even- ing, by which I perceive that the aggrieved brethren intend to submit their articles of complaint together with those of the paiHsh committee to a mutual council.
I have frequently stated to you that I v.'as perfectly willing to Unite in a mutual council onfairfirincifiles.
I have uniformly entertained the opinion that all the article* of complaint to be submitted to a reference civil or ecclesiastic cal, ought to be known to the defendant before he agrees to the reference, as the variation of complaints might alter his opinion as to the expediency of agreiing to a reference, and might vary his chjice of persons to whom the reference is to be made.
I am persuaded, Sir, and gentlemen of the committee, that were your characters to be attacked, with a view to deprive you of tne stations you respectively hold in society, you would never agree to submit the subject to referees, without first knowing the nature and extent of the charges to be brought against you, and can you, ought you to expect that I should consent to be tried for my reputation, which is dearer to me than my life; and for my standing in the church, and pastoral relation to my people, which I have a right to expect to retain as long as my ministerial character remains unstained, and the contract that subsists between us inviolate on my part, without 13
US
first knowing every nrticle of conipUunt to be brought against me. I have no wish to deprive you of an opportunity of bring- ing any new articles of complaint or grievances against me, but I am willing you should take as much time as you please to complete your list of articles, and when it is completed, but not before, I am willing to submit it to a mutual council.
In entertaining these views I have no desire to establish a new principle in calling a council, the only principle I wish to establish, is a principle of justice, which I consider as guaran- teed to me by the constitution.
With regard to the charges, already exhibited by the aggriev- ed brethren and the parish committee, I am ready to submit them to a mutual council. '
The 8th article in your letter of the 4ih. instant, doth not appear to me to be an article of charge, as it merely expresses the opinion of the committee, that while my ministerial relation shall continue, there will be no prospect of the restoration of harmony, peace, and brotherly love, &c. as this is merely the opinion of the committee, an opinion, too, which may be found- ed on their own determination^ that peace shall not be restored as long as I conti?iue their minister ^1 cannot conceive that I am bound to submit it to the decision of an ecclesiastical council.
If I must be dismissed, it must be for soniclhing I have done, and not for what others have done, it must be because I hane for- feited nni ministerial and christian character, and violated my contract, atKl?20? because a number of my society have determined that there shall be no peace as long as I stay.
You must perceive, gentlemen, that if such a principle Avas ©nee adopted, there would be no security whatever to the min- isterial office, and a spirit of confusion, anarchy, and disorder •would soon spread like the devouring flame through our relig- ious societies.
A minister, (except in particular cases when there is a spe- cial contract to the contrary) holds this office for life or during good behavior. He may be impeached for mal-conduct before an ecclesiastical council and deposed.
I am perfectly willing, (and as my reputation for sincerity and truth, has been assailed,) I atn desirous to have my charac- ter and conduct, fully and strictly, scrutinized and investigated by a xnutuul council.
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If it should appear, that I have so far forfeited my ministerial character or violated my contract as to reiKler it necessary that I should be dismissed, I shall abide the result; if not, I shall not very readily consent to be separated from a church and peo- ple whom I love, and many of whom have declared '■^their de- termination to supfiort me as their pastor as long as I shall con- tinue to sustain my present character as a minister of the gospel.''*
Upon these principles, which I conceive to be perfectly rea- sonable and just, I am ready, at any time, to unite in a mutual council. I am, Sir and gentlemen. Sec. &c. John (^odmai^.
Borchester, Tuesday, September 24th, 1811.
T. Tileston, Esq. to Rev. Mr. Codman. '
Dorchester, September 25th, 1811.
Rev. Sir, Your note of yesterday Avas received this afternoon. After a correspondence of nearly three months, on the impor- tant subject of calling a mutual council, the aggrieved mem- bers of the church and the parish committee view with rcgTCt your determination not to join them on principles, which they believe to be perfectly just; should they however, be mistaken in this opinion, they are willing to submit it to the decision of the council, as heretofore stated.
Your note would admit of many comments, but the patience of the committee. Sec. being exhausted with the lengthy discus- sion already had, think proper to dispense with troubling you any further on this important subject as it respects that partic- ular point.
I am, Rev. Sir, requested to inform you, that the aggrieved Vriembers of the church, together with the parish committee, will meet at the south meeting-house in Dorchester, on Monday the 30th instant, at 3o'clock, in the afternoon, for the purpose of choosing a council, at which time and place, they again renew their request that you meet them, and join in agreeing upon a mutual ecclesiastical council, to hear, and act upon existuig dif- ficidties between you and your society.
In case you do not meet them, they will consider you as un- reasonably refusing to join them in calling a mutual council, and will proceed agreeably to the parish vote, in calling an exv
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parte council. I am, Rev. Sir, in behalf of the aggrieved ipembers and the parish committee, yours respectfully,
Thomas Tileston, Chairman.
N. B. Should you incline to meet us, if any early day would be more convenient, it would be as agreeable to the committee.
Rev. Mr. Codman, to T. Tileston, Esq.
I RECEIVED your note of the 25th instant, in which you state, that the aggrieved members and the parish committee intend meeting at the south meeting-house in Dorchester, on Monday at S o'clock, p. M. to choose a council, and request me to attend' I have always stated to you the principles upon which I was willing to unite in' a mutual council, and am sorry they do not meet your approbation. Being confident however that they are perfectly reasonable and just, I thought it my duty to state them in the clearest manner in my last note.
It seems that thei'e is a difference of opinion between the committee and myself respecting the propriety of bringing for- ward articles of charge, between the choice and the sitting of the council.
I feel disposed to do every thing in my power towards unit= ing in a council; and, although I remain of the same opinion as formerly, yet I am willing to wave the queetipn of introducing any new articles of charge against me, between the choice and sitting of the council, until their meeting, reserving' to myself the right of revionstrating against it.
I trust that this concession on my part will convince you, Sir, and gentlemen of the committee, that I am not only ready but desirous to unite with you in a mutual council.
It M'ill not be in my power to meet you as proposed, as I ex- pect the pleasu.re of seeing the Association at my house at the time appointed for your meeting.
I will however make the following propositions for your con- sideration, viz.
That the council consist of ten or twelve Churches. Five or six to be chosen by me, and five or six by you, that each Church shall be requested to send their pastor and one delegate, and that no business shall be transacted without the consent of both par- ties, unless all the ministers and delegates are present.
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As to the time for the sitting of the council) I leave it to you to propose it.
I would suggest, however, the propriety of giving lime for ministers at a considerable distance to assemble, as the council may perhaps be composed of such; as they may be thought more ■ impartial than those in the immediate vicinity.
Should you think proper to propose any farther arrangements you will be kind enough to give me information.
I am, Sir, and gentlemen of the committee, with due respect,^ your friend and Pastor, John Codmam.
Saturday, 28th September, ISll.
Dorchester, Sept. 30th, 1811.
Dear Sir, Your note of the 28th instant was received this morning.
The committee would have rejoiced had you, agreeable to their request, appointed a time when you would have met them, and completed the business which they have so ardently wish* ed for.
It appears by your note that you leave it with the committee to appoint the time and place when the business is to be accom.- plished.
They therefore state to you (knowing your engagement to- morrow) that it will be agreeable to them, to meet you on Wednesday next (if so to you) at three o'clock in the afternoon, at the south meeting house in Dorchester, with as many of your friends as you think proper, to agree upon calling a mutual council. The committee suggest this mode as the most expe- dient, as it will save much time and trouble, both to yourself and them, as some questions may arise that may be immediately set- tled by a personal interview, and be a mean of bringing to an issue an aflair which must be so desirable both to miinister an.d people.
I am, Rev. Sir, ii\ behalf of the committee, yoirrs respectful- ly, Thom.\s Tii.kston, Lhnirman.
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Mr. Codman, -with several of his friends, accordingly met the parish committee, agreeably to their request, at the south meet- ing house, on Wednesday afternoon, 2d of October, when the following propositions were presented by Mr. Codman, which were accepted as preliminaries to calling a council.
I am willing to unite in a mutual council, '■Ho hear and dttcr- wine ufion certain articles of charge presented against me by the aggrieved members of the church and the parish committee*'
I am willing to wave the question respecting introducing any new articles of charge between the choice and sitting of the council till their meeting, reserving to myself the right of re- monstrating against it.
I propose that the council consist of ten or twelve churches.
Five or six to be chosen by the aggrieved brethren and the parish committee, and five or six by me.
That each church be requested to send their pastor and a del- egate, and if any pastor or delegate be prevented from attend- ing, the council shall direct in what manner the vacancy shall be supplied or equality be restored.
As to the time of the sitting of the council, I shall agree to any you propose, not less than a month from the time the letters are sent.
You may choose your churches if you please and let me know them, or if you please, you may choose them without my knowl- edge, and I will do likewise.
Letters missive to be sent, in the name of the pastor, the ag- grieved members of the church, and the parish Committee, to certain churches, requesting their attendance by their pastor and a delegate, at Dorchester, on such a day, '■Ho hear ayid determine itfion certain articles of charge presc7ited by the aggrieved breth- ren and the parish committee against their pastor.'^
There is nothing now wanting but to agree upon a day, each party to choose their churches, and to send