1111 ! 111 ii ill Mr llks H ¦i SHawS H6T43 (LC •YALE-waniviEiasinnr- ARRATIVE OP THE fROCfEEDlNGS IN IpfcB NORTI? PARISH OF HIMGfllVM, FROM THe'&IME OP THE AeV. DR. WARE'S LEAVING IT, TO THE ORDINATION QP THE REV. JOSEPH RICHARD- SON. OVER " fHE FIRST CHURCH AND CONGREGATION, AND 6F MR. HENRY COLMAN OVER THE THIRD CHURCH AND, SOCIETY IN THE NORTH PARISH. BY AN INHABITANT. *• And I will shew tie nations thy nakedness t and th£ kingdoms thy shame." Nahum iii. 6. SALEM i SaiSTED BY JOSHUA COSHINC. 1807. TO THE READER. MA¥fY and fctttotradfetory repbrts have be eh circulated cbii- ^rniiig ttfe unhappy difeculties which "have taken "place fe the ntorth parish ¦of Hingham, subsequent to the Rev. Dr. Ware's removal %o the university at Cambridge. Mr. Rich ardson, who has obtained a 'settlement in that p#rish as Ws successor, in opposition to the wifehes tof a large portion of the society, has always pretended "an ability,4io confiite ttie " charges against him, and a desire to be brought before an <¦* impartial tribunal, face to face with his accusers, in order ,w to convince his opposers in this parish that they have been '* misinformed." Why he has never yet done this— whether owing to Jiimself, his friends, or opposers — and how. far there was reason to object to him as a gospel minister-r-are left to an impartial public to determine. The opposition to Mr. Richardson was not generated in political animosity ; nor was the information respecting his character, which gave rise to that opposition, obtained through political channels. Acci dent, as will be seen, first* led to suspicion, which facts, gra dually unfolded, afterwards confirmed. It is not to be sup posed that those who composed the opposition^were so re gardless of their own interest, as to suffer a mere difference in political sentiments to drive them from their fathers' house of worship, in which they held one half or more of the pri- ' vate pews (besides their share in the public property) which pews alone would have been considered equal to six thousand dollars, had the former harmony continued : we trust they have been govlrned by higher motives — by a conscious re gard to duty and principle. The tie is at length broken, by which the parish was held together. The writer of this nar rative, before he left the house, did personally, and also through the medium of some of Mr. Richardson's friendgj, so licit for an interview, in order to be convinced of the false- jlQod of the reports which affected Mr, Rjcharclson's charao [4 ] ter j but it never could be obtained ; and at the ordination, he was forbid, by a constable Who guarded the door of the council, to enter to hear what his vindication might be. But as many hard things have been said against the writer, and much injury to his interest attempted, for the undissembled part he has taken in the affair, that desire which every man ought to have for the approbation of the wise and good, has induced him to submit this, in justification of his conduct ; and he pledges himself for its being a correct statement , of , what has come to his knowledge. Conscious of having aet-* ed with a view to the good of the parish, and without preju dice against Mr. Richardson or his friends, he has no further apology to make than this : If, after having first heard those reports, to have industriously searched for the truth, is a fault -—then hevhas done wrong ; and if, after Relieving them true, to object against such a character fpr his ttiinister, is a fault, «««rthen he may be said to be in the wrong. A NARRATIVE, &c. A FULL narrative of our parish difficulties, with their rise and progress, will lead to the mention of the names of some persons, and of some private conversations, which would be gladly omitted. But as truth, and information to the public at large, as well as a just understanding of the subject by the people of the town, are the objects, it cannot be avoided. On the Rev. Dr. Ware's being called to the professorship of divinity in the university of Cambridge, it of course became necessary to procure some other person to supply the pulpit. A parish meeting was therefore held on the 22d of April, 1805 (CoL Nathan Rice moderator) and the following gen tlemen were chosen a committee for that purpose, with in structions to engage a preacher for not more than four sab baths successively, viz. Hawkes Fearing, Benjamin Andrews, •Caleb Thaxter, Levi Lincoln, jun. and Benjamin dishing. This committee engaged three candidates, who preached a month each. At the expiration of this time, it being under stood by a part of the committee, and by some other persons, that said committee was to stand but three months — as no material objections had been made to either of the gentle men who had preached with us — and as some persons thought hearing a large number might create a division, and that we should not do better than to hear one of these >again, some of the committee wished for another meeting. Ac cordingly a parish meeting was called July 27th, 1805. At this meeting (Col. Rice moderator) it was voted not to engage either of the three candidates who had preached, for •the present. The same committee was continued, with liber- ty to engage a candidate, after hearing him three sabbaths, for a longer, time, if they should judge it proper; or to engage another perspn to supply the pulpit. At this meeting there was discovered something of that spirit which has .since produced so much disturbance in the parish, and finally issued in its division. At its opening it was inquired by whom the meeting had been called, and a great degree of astonishment expressed, by Mr. Jacob Lea- vitt in particular, that a meeting should be called at so busy a time in. the year, especially aftef It was so well understood at a former meeting, that a number of candidates were to be heard four weeks at a time until the fall, when we should be more at leisure. For his Jpwn part he hoped that resolution would be adhered to. It was further observed by some others, that to call back either of the gentlemen who, had fteen already employed, unless we settled them, might hurt their feelings > and as same people .did not like either, it was best not to hear them again $t present. Prudence forbade its being urged. After the expiration of the term for which the last candi date had been engaged j Mr. Joseph Richardson, having been suggested by Mr. Hawke* Fearing* was engaged by Dr. Le vi Lincoln, jun. How Mr. Fearing came to the knowledge of such a person is not exapfly, known ; but it has been hint ed that it was by the recommendation of a Mr. Benjamin Gleason, a young man who kept a school in Charlestown, who was at Hingham in the winter of 1 804-5, teaching ma sonic principles. Mr. Richardson came into town, in other respects, a stran ger to every one ; of consequence there was a general, in quiry, who the preacher was, from whence he came, at what college he was educated* &c. On his name and place of re-> sidence {which was Charlestown) being mentioned* some person, who had an acquaintance with that town, being then in Hingham, inquired whether /he was the Mr. Richardson who had been sued aud cast for a breach of premise of mar riage. It was ascertained front Dr. Dunn, who had resided some time m Charlestownj and who had connexions in Hing ham, that this was the same Mr. Richardson ; that he had been so unfortunate as not only to have the imputation serious concern respecting the character of the man who might become their minister. In this state of affairs Mr. Richardson and his adherents were not indifferent or inactive, and in- their zeal1 betrayed some evidences of what' were their intensions. Tfhis natural ly excited the attention of some steady and discerning per sons towards the conduct of1 the candidate and his friends, and led them to make further inquiry into his past conduct. Mr. Richardson furnished his friends with the certificate of John Smith, pastor of the church at Dartmouth college, dat ed Hanover, N. H. August- 30th, 1802; the approbation of Andover Association, dated Oct. 4, 1803 ; a letter of recom mendation from Dr. Cumminga to Dr. Morse, dated Billeri- ca, Jan. 2d, 1804 ; and a certificate from David Goodwin, Thomas Harris and' Matthew Bridge, trustees of Charlestown free schools* dated August 16th, 1805. His friends had these recommendatory papers read to particular individuals, and in collected companies* representing them as satisfactory- evi dences of the goodness* of his character, and as a full' confu tation "of the facts alledged against him; although the dates: were all, except' the last* antecedent to the publicity of those facts. About this time MK Richardson brought* with him to Hing ham a man from Charlestown, by the name of Sweetser, and, they together furnished the following reports for general circulation, in order to destroy all doubts respecting theamia- bleness of his character* and to wipe off' all' imputation of fault in him respecting the accounts we had heard. His friends strongly charged any person who mentioned those ac counts with being inimical to Mr. Richardson from political views, thereby endeavouring to engage all republicans (as they called themselves) in his favour, by giving the dispute a polit-teal turn* though the opposers did not know, nor perhaps generally care, what his polities were. Mr. Charles Lincoln, one of Mr. Riehardson's adherents, told the following story, respecting the affair between Daniel Packer, Esq- and Mr* Rich^son :«—"Mt\ Parker and Mr. [ 8 ]- " Riehardson, walking out together at a particular time, pa«» " sed a well dressed woman, to whom Parker bowed, which <* occasioned Mr. Richardson to bow also. After they had " gone, on a little way, Parker inquired if he knew to whom ¦•* he had been bowing; and being answered in the negative — [Here follows an observation respecting her character,- which from its indecency we decline repeating.] " To which Mr. "Richardson replied, he did not know that; but he had " bowe,d, being in company with him, and supposing she " might be a lady of virtue. A few days afterwards, when «* she met Parker, and inquired what little handsome devil " he had with him at that time, he fold her it was Mr. " Richardson,, a young clergyman, who boarded with him. " After this, Parker would be frequently rallying him about " it before company, and insinuating that he was acquainted " with her. Parker, with Mr. Gleason, a young gentleman *' who kept a school in Charlestown, went to the house where *' this same young woman boarded, arid introduced Gleason " by the name of Richardson, a young clergyman. By this " name Gleason continued his visits, to said house undiscover- " ed some time, till a woman belonging to the same house di- " ed, for the appraisement of whose apparel a Mr. Nichols,. *' either keeper of the hotel? or his brother, was called. At " this place, when on this business, Mr. Nichols frequently (< heard Mr. Richardson mentioned as a person who visited " that house, and with whom they seeined well- acquainted. " He took an opportunity, and mentioned it to Mr- Richard- " son, who was struck with surprise, "and wondered from a what cause it could have arisen ; but upon inquiry found ** Mr. Parker and Mr. Gleason had been visiting, and making " the aforesaid imposition. In an explanation on the subject " betwixt Parker and Richardson, some warm wordshad en- * sued, but that no blows ever took place, though Richardson " Would have done no more than justice if he had broken " Parker's neck." This, Mr. Charles Lincoln conveyed in such a manner as if he had had it from Mr. Richardson him*. self, and as if it was the whole truth. The same being re lated to Mr, James Stevenson, (another of Mr. Richardson's adherents) some short time after, he was asked whether it was true, and whether it came from Mr. Richardson. His reply was, « Yes, I believe it did : although I did not hear it " from Mr. Richardson myself I believe Mr. Hawkes Fearing " did* and that it is correct, except the last part, that there r 9 j 'W were no blows;" for Parkeirtdid strike him witft a little «* stick." . » - . i At the same time Mr. Stevenson said* in exteriua*ion of Mr. Richardson's, conduct as it respected Miss Robinson* the young woman, who had prosecuted him for a breach of pro mise, ".that, although he had been cast at the inferiour coujri " at Concord, he was not guilty vo£a breach of promise ; and *i that if he had brought forward his' defence, Mr. Dana had «£.said he would have bee r& acquitted :* that he had a letter lf from her, consenting to their patting, which delicacy to- *f ward her had kept back : that tBis letter would be brought " forward at the Supreme Court, when there Was ho doubt " he would be acquitted, as Mr.-> .Richaidsjjn* said there'was " no evidence produced against him in the trial, either from " his letters or Otherwise, until her brother came on the "stand, and swore to a strange something." It, was also reported in town, that she had been indiscreet enough to keep company with dther Men*: which Mr. /Rich ardson had 4w-overed by coming upon them himself. As to QomnToiiOre' Nicholson, they said he, was a quarrel some old; man;, that: he had oome with his son tilth Mr. Rich- ardsoB's«6chooL,in school time** and treated him like a%rute by.jf&lling upon him with violence* consequently?; there was no av^?jn|>tSel£, defence. ( •" * '' ! ,v"' ' ' .Mr.jParfeer was generally represented by Mr, Richardson's. friends, at this timts*< as a quarrelsome* debauched, unprinci pled man. '' In this way did they mitigate Mr. Richardson's conduct among his republican partisans. ; .V ' *' , Mr. Charles. Lincoln reported, that Mri Richardson said there was not any thing communicated by Dr. Morse, enjoin* ing secresyon him; that the Doctor had spoken disrespect? ¦¦ !»,, v t.'. ¦- *'.4-t"i •¦ <• ' • ¦; '' *. Alg, Riototdsou ]jj>t: only told the same to others, but since his ordi- uation he told the Rev. Mr. Morton, of Weymouth, *' that he never was •' ilndef any tengat£e"mentj and that at, the inieriour court he1 looked upon •' hiirselP'so i'liVfeeent as not to think it necessary to make any defence; ea;t'o bring forward such tffed;" eight 'on Mr. Norton's mind, as to fc|duce him to writfe alwter, to Gbl. "Rice*,' TnVhich he states, <".»-¦ 1 Sjjc|irW£re, the reports got into circulation, i When#«ert. B£r, Richardson was, in. town* the, little time he , spent here. •vfeasitaken.up.ia, visiting: a ffew friends, and in being carried bjLthejn. to p&y„witbJthe "old.and inifMi, to give an appear* apc.e ;of *gjreat piety and- attention. '* He was also uncommon* lytfparU.cular to notice the fioor ; of.whiehrhis friends took, ad vantage, and. gave it. Ait al another, reason;. which caused the Opposition. By this means the minds -of. those people were prejudiced; iahis; favour* andHpiepared. to believe any thing whi^h was fold them, without, any. examination of its truth os. probability/ ' ' -• •**• - In this time the opposefsXhad^heawr. more particulars of. the' chargeifiagSinst Mb. Rachards|8^esp&cially. that of Mr^ Par ker, ahd the cause ,of his whipping him» His friends, zealous to secjuTe'. himj lest so .good a- man should, betaken up by. another parish* spjead-a report* that the.cftmmlttee fox supplying the-pulpit Would- not engage him'- after Ae foiir first sabbaths1 sheuld'be out.- ;~ "Bheirefore aipeti- tion . for' a parish- meeting at a formei^meeting ' were now^ fiirHed on MrvRichardson'si#jendsftry reminding them it Would be best not to engage.hiiii longer at present* lesCif he , should not . be fira£|jy'^i|l;ed rhsre, his. feeljitgg. might be Wrt, and 'it would abjSoad be- imputed' to.,a want of character, and he be injured ; nut-that, if we det hhg| retire now,as the other gentlemen ha^d^ne* We; might at somexfo- ture time, ihyite„nim ag^in, ^Ia th*.tnean time his. character might, be better known'; as some people were doubtful whe ther he pqsselsia "alt that discretion which was re%\njjte in, our situation,;, and non.e appeared, to he acquainted witbj&iis religious tenets (which were thought to be concealed) former % *» 3 ¦*afl eouldsfeesgwrhwed fttflnthefew sMm'6hs;he:had'p^e;a®h- ¦"Cd* some ^f*which appeared !t0 be very tT'alvinlstic* dft'd Others very different. To this it *vas replied, that He hail 'said of himself he wasmot Calvinistic. 'It was in 'this'nWet- -ittgpfrdpdsed, hy his fifiehfl Fearing, to bring forWafd"the re. teomtflehdations in his favour* which had been given him by the Rev. Mr; Smith and -'otherts^as before mentioned, atw •every ttitoig which had been said against hyh abroad Was %svi«h '.great warmth assertedto be fa'lse, and any person cliA- •flengel toiftlentiGn eveh'ofte of them as fact. In fendeVrieSs Slo Mr. Richardson this Subject was waved, hy, his 'OpgtisWs'; "•who observed* that out-door ;talk-jpoflld hot be prevented^ Ijjut: to intrOdude the 'disfeugsiom Of sta^hi^ktsintQ a 'parish rneet- ~mg would fjtjve thenra publicity, Which Ought to he aVo'fde'd : that Mr. Richardson's ch&ractet Ought to be IvjeXfeed is sa wed, 'and tinted m igood, at present ; aad that 'the farYsu should proceed hi feuch itkaj$6$x as Wofltd best ^Sni&te tfteh: common good. .,:• •¦¦ ^-* '•"•- j£ > This feytiie *4Jmte to which Mr. Richardson 'mj$i\ThYdS, twhen: in hite«ans^!er to the< parish -he says* the "purpose was «nderstood'"J— ;n6>*doubt by him and a feW1 frferiq^* that jfe ehauld be pabned hpon this .parish. Aecordingly a y&te ?frafis obtained tovhire- him f^ght^vjndays i#Or*<4 after hfe .preseSft >4hne should iHsph-e. The hefojtoamed committee was ^is- ahfesed, :a»di'ithe. standing ^eir^ tf^stasitiee ^erMlfrdered % engage Mr- Riohardian fejfcjthe time -voted* Itad Stsb ?o see the'|^pitlsuppU^d:afUE^hm*t ^hrdifficyl^if to eotdin an exchange with an ordained minister* -so a* to have. (He Christian (5ra> ^Btoees.admfalisjseired; . Thiii wa'Sftofrged to his oppo'sets. At 'last he puoESured; the* Rey. Mr. Ha4*& ©ifcej- Wbicn was ec-ff- aiddredBy histfri&nds as '"very nMch ia his favout. About t>sto ot tfciipe^sekiwe remained 45re¥t$r d^uie^ {hough fhe -SfnWectf^rds a g^eperal topic of eOHverWttdhi. Mir: RlchaYd. son^^fein^thiB jtifn% w«« e&refet, to Kftiig" his man* &<$&. ( 1.? ] Charlestown with him almost* every time he came, in order to give favourable reports concerning him. -. As they now boarded together in Charlestown, -his friends were invited to come and see them, and hear, for themselves how well he was liked and spoken of thejre. Those who accepted the in vitation expressed great satisfaction at their reception and the attention shewn them, and reported what an amiable character every one, whom they had fallen in with, gave Mr. Richardson. He began now to be very cautious of seeing any of hjs opposers, never, calling on them when ia town, and seldom beingjo »be found at his lodgings. It is true, he did not tarry long Jn town at any one time ; but .that time was^evoted altogether to a chosen part, to carry ¦on that, intrigue which was now " well understood.". In or- .der to keep up the farce of religion, whenever an opportuni ty presented, he was carried, to some plac,e for nrayer, with a crowd: of followers, to give an after ^sonnd,. of praise. There was a caucus held by his friends, in which it was . agreed ;to call another parish meeting at -the expiration of . his last sabbath ; to choose q,, new parish; committee, and in what majmer to choose them, and also what mode of con duct to pursue during |hf time he* must be abspnt, which would "be four , Sundays, and^ perhaps Jonger, Jo attend the court at Cambridge;' and, as his friend Jacob, Leavitt icbserv- ed, he might be forced to jail, to,, satisfy judgment.. T,his apprehension of his arpse, perhaps, , from .? having seen a copy of ' Mr, Richardson's letter to the lady he had abandon ed, after the1 vferdict which' was, given at . the Court of Com mon Pleas, where'he's^sj" If- after: aU, you should get. your " cause at the Supreme Ccgirt, wiych I will not warrant, I tc shall ; a'hswer aU your pretended^ obligiations in thirty " days,''' &c. [Se\ document NqiM48.] t* ... A petition- was presented for;,ariothar narish .njeeting, to be held Oct. 14, 1805:; at which, a^ter.ehoosiuig i<»ap*L Thomas Fearing moderator,^ was voted, tbatjpiere be a committee jpf seven to supply the pulpit,' and that; they he fihosera by .written votes, with all their. names on each ticket. ' "K Hawkes Fearing, Jacob Leavitt, Thomas Fearing, Seth Lin coln, Ezra Lincoln, Laban Hersey and JohhMaKsh were cho sen, as had been agreed on at the caucus* > As. all 4he votes haf been prepared for Jhe purpose, no person carried injany oljhejs. The committee were instructed to hire a preacher four- sab baths, with liberty at the expiration of this time to ;emploj i 13 ] the same person, of any other, "for four sabbaths more, unless, Otherwise ordered by the parish. It was alto voted that this committee be instructed to inquire into Mr. Richardson's cha racter -and' report to the parish what may be depended upon with regard to his former conduct. *' At this meeting a great deal of desultory condensation took place. As it was well known by the 'opposers of Mr. Rrichard- son, that his friends1 interided tohife'him again'as soon as he should be free from ¦ court, it was observed, since every one's mind was made up as to his like Or dislike of him as a preacher, •Ms character ought to be ascertained in the first place. To "which his friends replied, His character is good ; we do not want any p'erson who has not a good one ; if he cannot get a recommendation from the ministers- of his association^ and neighbourhood, we will give him up. Such were the* impres sions made on*the minds oS many good men) by Mr. Richard son's own declaration, of the*falsehood of the reports against him, and of 'his readiness for ah examination";. But a number of the opposers now very well knew, that some of the sto ries* which his friends circulated in hfevfayour, were incorrect, if hot false. It was again" asserted in this meeting, with much warmth, that everything alledged against 'Mr. Richard son was False ;tand any. one whbdared assert the contrary was challenged* to come forward! 'tfjpon which one of the opposers said he would pledge'himself To support the' four fol lowing facts. First, that Mft^Richardson had been sued for a "breach of promise 'df- marriage, and .cast in the Court of Common Pleas at Concord-for five hundred dollars. Second ly, that he had made a communication of a private conversa tion between himself and Dr..Morife. -Thirdly, that he had had a quarrel With Commodore Nicholson, which came to blows. Fourthly, that he arid Daniel Parker Esq. had bad a fracas*' in 'whidh Parker horse-whipped him. How far Mr. Richardson had been blaraable, he did not take upon himself to 'say ;T but he4thou|Pfe''ihq&y ought tojje made. g.For his*Own pair*, lie felt'lissatisfiecf*.. 'fie further observed, .that some gentlemen, while vindicating Mr. Richardson's charac ter^ seemelt'regartllqss-'of bth'er people's. Here he 'mentioned the^story fcldV%*Mr. Chsfrles Lincoln, and confirmed by Mr. Jfmes'Stevensra^Hl vindication of Mr.' Richardson in his fra-,. cas* yith'in'whichvwas exhibited a certain hypocritical character:, which /Parker '"ap plied to Richardson. He mentioried the injustioe of rsacrifi- 4ing Messrs. Packer and Gleason's characters, ift sdpport of Richardson, and ^referred >to a number of youflg gentltnten, who were better acquainted with their broth#r '©leastoh than he was, for the iprobjability of the two 'stories : whether' they thought Mr. GkasOn such a villain as tohbrrow Mr. Richard* son's; name to visjt 'a house? he was' ashamed tb visit irhder his own namev; or whether if hey thought him fool enough to tak^a witness if he "did go* se'eaig' that hisfuture fortane wa8 likely to. depend tfpon the -character he should mamtain, Af- terjmtting their heads' ^ogether tfeey answered* it was not brother Gjleasoh, H* then askfrd what Gleason It was. To which they replied, they did not know. This story had-ciit culatfd.-sjx weeks or more* every body -supposing it to be the same Benjamin Gleason Who taiight masonry here in 1804, nor could any ot$|er be conjured Up aftefwarH. But it hasi been done ,T6r4 the benefit Of Mr. Richardsoh by has friends^ and probably* the -first materials of it were furnished to them by hia, means., ' " ", After this relation sOfi|e other people of the parish thought an Hiqiijr|f had oetterl be made, and various methods "were proposed* by. some of His friends'* who' had not be^11 m tne sei erf \ caucus. One* that Mr.^jRidlterdson bring recommenda tions from the ffiinisjters, or; deacons. , But it wa*s tr emafked^ that the places' proper & inquire at were where he had been ; that if taverriS, hotels of brothels Wete the places of his imprudences," tney were the fittest places to learn his" character, which ministers and deafjon* probably knew no thing about. Another, that tw*p persons, one of his friend^ and '6pe of his opppsers^should^go w|fh Mr. Richardson to the pe'rsons "knowing the fact|J7and inqXiife, and bring back the result in writing: then thWe eould be no further"dispute about what was tfuth, as there b.aa been difFererft relations made by the partief on ei'ery Subjects After Various propo sals of this kind, Mr. Jacob Leavitt* *©ne of the cabinet* pro*- posed, wit^. a little modesty, ihat ttte. paf teh dommlttee (he being qjte) should make this inquiry.* To this some*bf 'Bre opposition replied* that theylmaSgiSed it would glve"&irt liftfe I 1* ] s^Jsfafition.ta^the^dlseontentedifar, such' men to- inquire, and tjiat the. proposal for one on. each side would be much betters As.this was/ nottbe result- in- the caucus, it was overruled'; and after insulting thei opposition by proposing to addi two of their number to the committee, which they said was more; than theyudflserv*d>'.it "was,; concludedythat: the.; first chosen should bei the men. ¦"' ** . Theidjasatisfied,' being is this<;sitnatio% informed the parish; |hatcthey;should inquirefor themselvesj; and procured a-num-, ben of yw'$$m docuinienl|s.fnomr;gfintl£men'of>respectability cori- QBnaingjhiSiConduct atCharJestowjia From certain reports1 ^ttchbhadibeen^spjead by hi& friends- respecting Miss-- Robins son* .and. big havingishbwn. an extract of a; letter from her to; him^iQ. wJhich>> ifcwpasisajdj "-she I gave her consent to dissolvej the. connexion," a particular .inquiry, was made. into'her*cha~ racter*. and measures taken- to knownthetruth ofthese reports^ the. result of whiichtconviiio'edsthe opposers -that their .,obj§c--s ticns sto. the < man were not. without foundation. ' [See^ docu~ jnentaNoS" 35* 3% 37, 38 and 3&j] " } '>,{Jromt^the:stqry>of:Mr. CSbarLes >lJipcohij brother iRenjamiri* GJeasoa'sii "character stoodjso implicated itt; was. necessary sqanetbing/should he donq to set it tfight.' The next time-Mr* Bachwdsoh. came. toi.Hingham* and I think the>last of his eightsSimdays", 'previous. to 'his leaving town on Monday' he' was applied to by Mr. Jotham Lincoln^ jua»i,tto know^wlio the' beforenamed ,Mr. Reason was. . ' " Mr Richardson <. was Very much surprised. toitbiak .so. much' clnsequence had been at- - tached, tojthe.ihatter* and, told ajstoryiof this; nature* : Paiker-' and: himselffc|ealking out. together, at a certain, timey passed a Tfl^;,d);esa?ichwQinarji* to .whom Barker bowed; and»"he also ; after, which he, Parker, would .be frequently galryirag him for jfcjin company. * AsitfrespeetedPaikerandiGleasoiiythatona *timei.they»!pa«sedthei/hQuse-.wl!i,ere thejwoman.liveoVand Par- ier stopped at the door or window, to speak to her. Mr. ^leaso^ turning. hims'e^? about a: little to, wait,- she inquired vjho. that*. little .banjgome. man was.. Parker answered,^ Jaung clergyman,; but called no names^ Respecting the cir- epnistanog of the faEste/he .was: silent at this time, .excusing lunjs|^,1as-han)fg<.in--a bnrrf.. yThistlastiSnB^iJvgr* P«cember 1805, he?gave some evidence of'ijjl aBalitiei tOiitealthfi division's and effecta reconciliation between the parties*!, by .exhibiting the pride of the rich and •^to^^c^aipt^o^thejjBomnaunity,. who, he said, after they ,1 10 1 had supplied themselves with all the blessings they wanted* if ¦< any remained,, would suffer the poor then to come in ; and expressing his fears lest after him wolves might come in and devour us.. And with these suggestions he quitted for the present. The desk being now at the disposal of the committee and Mr. Richardson, the committee procured a, gentleman to preach four Sundays, who had a general attendance in the house, and easily obtained an exchange for the communion.,/ -Both parties at this time were, engaged in making their ins- quiries, and' warm disputes arose in the parish about each other's conduct. The. opposers were charged with ruining Mr. Richardson's character; and his friends said they were- bound as Christians to assist in setting it right in the eyes ofy the world. Mr. Richardson said, he was hold en here by du ty to himself. in vindication of his character. To this it was replied, that his : character was not made in this town, but that, he brought it with him; that every man's character, would follow him whenever he offered himself for public office; that he. came here a stranger; that we reported nothing but what was knownjgvhere he was known, and what had been related to us; that we did not yet presume to mention any thing whiph we miftt have in our minds against him for his conduct here, consequently in this he could not have suffered by coming among us. , - . It was mentioned ;to his friends by someJndlviduals, that their minds were open tc* conviction, and if Mr. (Richardson would call on them, '"and make it appear that these reports were calumnies,. tiifey would assist in evidence" agamst the'i persons-- who had raised theih, and even go' so far'as.to give pecuniary aid toanrocure satisfaction; but if true, they could. not be Willing such a man should be set over them in thej Gospel; but atpreSent they were led.to believe most of them* were true. '¦'•-«'.* It was also stated, 'that a regular ecclesiastical 'council of neighfllmring chufches never could be obtained to ordam him ; that with such an opposition, and with a man whose cha racter required so much patching, we -had better quit him, and try some other, person ; otherwise the parish, which4had many years been united,v would-*e broken .up- .But it was insisted upon that his character was good* and. must be tried in justification to Mr. Richardson. At this time it. was»;>cur- rently reported by his. friends, that there were only, .eight ©i\ ten unprincipled old tories against him. { 1" 1 The parish being in this ferment, many stories circulated ; among others, that Mr. Richardson had been excdrnmuhicat- ed from Dr. Morse's church ; which arose from some persona not distinguishing between' excommunication and suspension*, or whether it was voluntary or otherwise. This gave great offence, and was called another. lie, raised by his opposers.- In order, to confirm it, Mr. Richardson applied to Dr. Morse for a certificate that he had not been excommunicated. The Doctor gave him one, that he had been neither , excommuni cated nor suspended ; because he never belonged to his church. With . this he furnished his friends, who used it among the people without, and probably would have brought it forward at their next parish meeting ; but discovering that. the opposers had the whole truth (as may be seen from Docu- ment No. 7) it was kept back. The opposers having procured written statements of seve ral facts, it was agreed to have several copies taken of the- documents Nos. I, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, in order to be shewn to any person in the parish, who was disposed to read them. To prevent any incorrectness, no others were allowed to. tran scribe them, nor those to go out of the hands of* certain per sons; but to be read by any in their presence. This in, a few daysbrought from the committee for inquiring into Mr.Richard- son's character, a recommendation of him from the selectmen of Charlestown. [Document No. 15.] It may be noted here, that this committee may truly be called the secret committee ; for all their, business was prepared in conclave, and nothing of it known to. the opposers* except by accident from some of the subordinate attendants on the caucus, who were admitted in order to tate directions how to vote. Copies of this re commendation were given to all the friends who wished for them. At the same time care was taken to fault the oppo sers for not doing the same by theirs, and falsehood and for gery were assigned to be the reasons why they durst not. It was said they never would dare come forth openly with them. , These gentlemen selectmen of Charlestown were applied to for. further information on the subject, as may he seen by Document. No. 21. But their wisdom prevented an answer. Another tale was, that Deacon Goodwin had said, although as one of the trustees he had recommended him, he should not choose him for his own gospel minister. This was car ried back to him, which occasioned him to write again* that t 18 ) he had not altered his formef opinion ; which may be seen by Document No. 16, and also how far he would now ap prove of him for his own minister. As it was understood by the committee, and Mr. Richard son* that he was to have a call, the gentleman who had preached the last month was dismissed, lest he should make a division among the friends, because many appeared to like him ; and a man by the name of Huse was sent by Mr. Richardsonjo supply the desk (till he should be prepared to come himself) and to answer in some measure the purposes of the man from Charlestown, whose usefulness had been in some measure lost since the detection of the falsehood con cerning Gleason and Parker.* After Mr. Huse had preached a while,' Mr. Richardson came himself to preach the thanksgiving discourse. The day "after, formal notice was given for the opposers' to meet him in the presence of his friends, and inform him what charges they' had against him. Some of the opposers thought it best not "to notice this call, as it would be of no use, and probahly many false reports might arise from it ; therefore they refus ed. Col. Rice, Mr. Thomas Loring and others, being of a different opinion, they met him and his friends, and read to him documents Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6; of which he re quested copies. He was answered, as he knew the facts, and the gentlemen who furnished them, he, or his friends, might procure the'm whenever they pleased ; as the gentlemen wh6 furnished us, would give them the same. He Was now ques tioned, whether the contents were true ; to which he an swered in the negative.. He was then asked, whether he meant that . the statements were false, or that the whole trnth was not told. To this question he replied, that the co louring gave them a very different appearance from what they would have, told otherwise. This occasioned what was at first conjectured would be the issue : his friends came out with a report, that Mr. Richardson denied the charges, and wished for copies of the documents, which were unreasona bly refused him. Whereas his opposers conceived that he ac knowledged the facts, but said the colouring conveyed too much. The assurance with which Mr. Richardson heard these documents led some of his friends to confess, • that though they believed them true, they would still support him. * This story was traced so far as to discover that it must have rested upon him or Mr. Richardson." [ 19 ] - The minds of the parish having been prepared, a parish meeting was holden December 9th, 1805. At this meeting (Jacob-fLeavitt moderator) it was voted " that no papers for *' or against Mr. Richardson's character be read in this meet- " ing, but such as may be deposited with the clerk to be re- " corded, and the originals be returned to a committee which *' the parish shall appoint .to receive them, after they are re- " corded." The following documents were read. A certificate of John Smith, No. 9 ; approbation of Andover, Association, No. ,10; a letter of Dr. Cummings, No. II ; a certificate of Da vid Goodwin and others, No. 12; one of Nathaniel Hawkins and others, No. 15; one of Pierson Nichols, No. 14; one of A. Adams, No. 18 ; statement of S. Dana;* a recommenda- dation of Nathaniel Huse* No. 17. It was also voted, " that " the documents which may be produced, unfavourable to the " character of Mr. Richardson, and his letter of defence, may '5 be read without being given up or recorded," The same were accordingly read. After which, the meeting was ad journed till 8 o'clock next morning, at which time the parish met again. It was " voted to accept the report of the committee to, investigate the character of Mr. Richardson," which is as follows : — "Your committee, appointed to inves- " tigate the character of Mr. Richardson, ask leave to re- " port, that they have attended that service ; and from the " hest information we can obtain, we believe him a gentle man of good moral character, as the accompanying docu ments will abundantly testify. We now request any gen- " tlemen to come forward with any -thing to. the contrary. # ThoMas Fearing, Chairman, December 9, I805i" The parish then " voted Mr. Richardson, to settle in this " parish in the gospel ministry ; there being 111 votes in " favour, and 41 against him. The committee^ appointed to " investigate his character, were ordered to inform him of " the result of the meeting, and request his answer to the " same, " If he accepted the offer from the parish, the com- " mittee were instructed to make -a contract that should be " equally binding on one side as the other. The same com- * This statement is notinserted among- the documents, as it does not respect the merits ot the cause, but relates to a conversation between Da na and a Mr. Caldwell, in which they disagree about what is the truth. (< « E 20 } " mittee were appointed to receive the documents, lodged " with the clerk for record, and return them to the owners." They were also continued for supplying the pulpit until fur ther order from the parish.. At this meeting a vote passed, " that the persons present* " who were twentyrone years of age, and upwards, " and not qualified by law to vote, might express their fc minds by a ppll on the question of giving him a ca^* The " result. of which was, that there were sixty voters of this " description in favour of the question, and none against it." A protest against the proceedings, signed by fifty persons, was then read, ' and given up for record. [Document No. 22.] jfhe meeting was then dissolved. In order to giye every influence to obtain the vote, it had been for some days urged to the benevolent, that the great injury we had done Mr. Richardson's character ought to in duce people to vote in his favour for settlement ; that his re fusal, which was probable, might be an advantage to him abroad. Mr. Huse, who was very busy here, gave this als» as his opinion, and corroborated this sentiment, by BETTlNtt that Mr. Richardson's answer would be in the negative ; and^ in order to enhance his great worth, and future prospects for the ministry, said that he had refused an invitation from. Fitchburg, with an handsome offer. Many were thus influenced in favour of the vote, who wish ed and expected him to refuse the invitation, but meant to assist in giving him an easy and honourable retreat from the parish. It may be thought, from the manner in which the com mittee called upon " any, gentlemen to come forward with *' any thing to the contrary," that they wished for an impar tial investigation of his character ; but the manner of con ducting the meeting will shew their sincerity, especially to those who know that this committee,- and. a few others, had consulted together, and determined the mode of conducting it, and had the entire controul -to-' themselves. This meeting was opened and conducted with confusion. Every person Who could be prevailed upon by the friends of Mr. Richardson, was invited to attend the meeting, placed among the legal voters, and told he had as good a right to vote as any other person. The records of the meeting will ghew this. The meeting, oppressed the first afternoon with sixty or more illegal voters mixed with the legal ones* and t 21 ] voting as they and the moderator saw fit, a'rid by' a number of lads in the gallery,- who disturbed by their noise* and oc casionally hissed the speakers on the opposition, led the oppo«- sers to read a list of illegal voters who were alphabetically arranged, and to object to their voting on the main question. This served the purpose of making several act in his favour^. among those who were 'called the constitutional voters, by "the opposition being held up to them as an aristocratic usur pation to deprive them of a'just and constitutional right. A man of colour happened, from the alphabetical arrangement, to be placed within a few of the head in the list :' this was immediately hissed, and called another reflection on the whole number, which affronted many more, and is supposed to be the occasion Of giving an unanimous vote of all present of this description of voters in favour of the call. The committee to inform Mr. Richardson of his call, gave in the vote as 171 to 41, which was also handed by some persons to the Chronicle office, whereas the vote stood 111 legal voters to 41.' - At an early hour in this meeting, it was proposed by one of the leading friends to Mr. ¦ Richardson, that no papers be read except the originals should be given up to be disposed of as the parish pleased. As it was well known that this was a manoeuvre to get those which belonged to the opposition into their own hands (perhaps to destroy them) they were told it was needless to take the vote, for the opposition commanded their own papers, and would choose the time when to give" them out of their hands. If the parish did not' wish to hear them on those conditions, they might refuse. If they could not get into their possession the original papers, the com mittee and the most active partisans did not so much wish to have them read in meeting, as they had seen and knew the substance of their contents ; and besides had nothing which went to disprove one of the statements, except Mr. Richard- ardson's own denial. This they possessed from an answer of* his to the docu ments, which had been read to him the day after thanksgiv ing; which they Wished tp be read in the meeting, but in tended to keep from the examination of the opposers. In this stage of the meeting, as the opposers wished for a copy of this answer, they offered to give up their papers for record, if his answer was ; but the parish saw fit to pass by their for mer vote, and now voted, that this answer, with the docu-- ments in possession of the opposeps* should be read-, without I 22 J either being given up,ror recorded. Documents Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,8, and this answer or defence, were according ly read. After the parish had heard the report of their committee, and the several documents in support of the same, before they had passed the vote of acceptance, the committee were questioned by some of the opposition, whether they had no thing else to offer either in writing or verbally;, to which a negative answer was given. It was then requested that Mr, Hawkes Fearing should be. questioned, whether he had no thing ; to which he replied in the negative. He was again asked if he had never received a letter from Westford on the subject. To this he finally replied— Ah ! O yes — I had a letter, but I did not consider it any thing. It contained some compliments to me, but nothing worth notice ; I have left it at home. To this it was. replied, that he might let the pa rish judge for themselves. That if he woidd not bring it for ward, as it appeared the rest of the committee did not know the contents, a copy of. it would be produced, and if not al- lowedrto be read in meeting, such use would be made of it without as should he thought fit. On this he sent home, and got the letter (Document No. 18) which was read, and very soon after the report was accepted, j. This may be a fit time to give the reasons why the oppo sers withheld a copy of their documents from Mr. Richardson and friends, which was thought unreasonable and unjust by many; while. they were reproached with falsehood and for gery for keeping them back, and suffered all the disadvantage consequent therefrom. Several reasons operated ; among others these are some :— Mr. Richardson had been officious in hurrying the matter on before a due inquiry had been made, and in his representations of himself had bee.n very in correct. The opposers suspected that.be intended, instead of producing evidence which would invalidate the facts therein stated, to continue his endeavours to explain away their force, and that if they kept them back, they should thus dis cover the disposition of the man, and better shew it to others. They yet hoped the committee would go to Dr. Morse and the other gentlemen, and get themselves the same statements which they had been informed of, and bring forward to the parish the result of a free andjmpartial inquiry, as it would have been better received from them, and convinced, the pa rish that Mr. Richardson wanted the necessary prudence for f 23 | the ministry; which at this time had never been touched upon By the ¦ opposers, further than they were constrained by- his friends insisting upon it, that that should be the only objec tion. These statements they supposed^ would have been suf ficient, without bringing forward some letters the opposers possessed respecting his courtship of Miss Robinson, which were known to but few, and never intended for publicity if he should go away— unwilling to injure him by an exposure. Why the committee for inquiring his'-'true character neglected clbingit, is best answered -by themselves._ We also thought we could come forward at last before a regular ecclesiastical council (if they had one) which he and they pretended they Were willing for, and that if he' could not be settled m thai manner he would not in any other. In such a council we expected a quiet and impartial hearing. It will perhaps never be enough lamented, that this com mittee neglected the good of the parish, which was so much in their power, and indeed Mr. Richardson's future happiness, if he be not more actuated by a little pecuniary advantage, than by piety, and the promotion of religion and happiness among the people of this place. Five of these gentlemen at this time commanded confidence from the parish at large, with very few, if any, minds mistrustful of their integrity. Therefore if they had inquired into the whole of Mr. Richard son's character, and brought it forward* instead of searching only for the fair side of it, and shutting their ears against every person who said any'thing unfavourable or doubtful about him, without knowing their reasons, they would have performed their duty and done much good. But instead of this, they would not hear nor bring forward any thing except oh one side, saying; it was their duty to collect only what was favourable ; and left it to the experience of the parish af ter he should be settled to determine his true character. Per haps well meaning themselves* some of them did not use enough of that prudent jealousy towards others to prevent "being enthralled in the designs of artful intrigue, and thereby became instruments to deceive others. •¦" One of them was heard to say, he wondered any person could think ill of Mr. Richardson. For himself, the more he inquired, the more bright his character appeared. Very true, because pains were taken to direct his inquiries to men who had a partial interest to answer, and many of them were pointed out by Mr. Richardson himself. 1 24 ) If all the documents, together with his general character* had been brought before the parish by the committee, then they would have been examined by the people dispassionate ly, and judged deliberately, which would have determined them to avoid at best a doubtful character, and cautioned them not suddenly to lay hands on a stranger. But as all on the dark part of his character was brought by the oppo sers, they .were read with prejudice and confusion, which gave the designing an advantage to represent them as the ef fect of malice, federalism, and his attention to the poor, and thus to exert all the power of politics and popular disgust to hoodwink the judgment. From this, and only from this mode of inquiry, can the report of the committee, and its re sult,.! be accounted for ; as it is believed that no person can travel thirty miles through the county of Middlesex, or .wherever he is b.est known, without hearing two out of three, who shall be acquainted with him, on being asked his character, answer, We know no good, or you will find him out within a year or two ; or give some insinuation that will lead the mind to suggest something rotten at bottom. The first four sabbaths which Mr. Huse preached here, twenty or more families left the meeting, being determin ed not to hear Mr. Richardson or his representative, till^ his character was cleared up. When Mr. Huse's'time had expired, Mr. Richardson not being prepared to come himself*' the committee themselves engaged Mr. Huse longer, as they said no other person could be procured to come in the present situation of the parish. Part of the opposers returned to hear him ; but a part would not until the difficulties should be finally settled. Mr. Huse, after a time, making himself more of a partisan than became a stranger, occasioned a part of those who had returned to hear him, to leave him again. The parish being in this state, and many friends growing uneasy, as thejr disliked Mr. Huse for a preacher, aroused the committee and the active part of the friends to think of some expedient. Accordingly, after considerable passing and re passing from Charlestown, and communication by letters, Mr. Richardson sent a letter to Col. Rice (Document No. 19) and received in answer No. 20. Mr. Richardson's answer to the parish also was sent about this time, which, from its nature, and in order to make some observations on it, and to shew, how exactly he adhered to its professions, though done after prayerful deliberation* shall here be inserted. ( 25 ] ; To the Inhabitants of the North Parish in Hingham, Brethren and Friends* Whereas it has pleased the Great Head of the Church and Glorious Author of Religion, in his wise and unerring provi dence, to leave this parish destitute of a gospel minister, and to put it into the hearts of so great a proportion of this people to invite me to settle with them in, that sacred office and re lation : and whereas this invitation has been duly and re>», spectfully presented to me by the committee appointed for the purpose : I most cheerfully, in firm presence of mind, pre sent you this address in reply. That you, my brethren and . friends, have honoured me with this result after the most thorough and scrupulous attention to my character and quali- . ficafions, is a consideration, that affords me the fullest confi dence in your friendship and fidelity. . Would to God that all concerned in this event were of one heart, and of one mind*.- for this to me would be an unspeakable joy. The various events which have taken place relative to this subject, have made' deep, very deep impressions on my mind. These im- .' pressions lead me to acknowledge the distinguishing hand of Providence in thus overruling events.. On my first engagement to preach to this people, no idea, was entertained by me of being considered a candidate for settlement. When the se cond application was made, the ¦purpose was understood; but such things had already transpired relative to my charac ter^ as forbid me to decline, since my name must then have suffered without possibility of a vindication.-,' Even", now no alternative remains for me in duty, whatever has been my inclination, but to evince to the minds, of those who are dis satisfied respecting my moral character, that they have the misfortune to be misinformed. But I, haye not a wish that their opinion should rest solely on my own word. I have ever been cheerfully willing to 'sjubmit my -character to the mpst thorough investigation. I now most solicitously; anticK pate the pleasure of appearing, face to face, with my accu sers, before ah impartial council. libokjng forward to that event inspires my heart with a hofe, that all ^understandings, and differences will be ad justed, that harmony may then be restored* and peace be multiplied to the people of this parish. With such sentiments and views, I have solemnly and prayerfully deliberated on the subject before you, and thus trust I am duly jprepared to reply to' your invitation* D [ 23 ) I now cheerfully and cordially accept your invitation to settle as your gospel minister, with a readiness of mind fully to comply' with all the conditions of the same. This. I do in a reliance on the aid and support of divine grace, and under a humiliating sense of liability to the failings and imperfections incident to human nature* Brethren and Friends, In this interesting and solemn un dertaking I shall need your kind aid, and I humbly ask your united prayers, that, should the Holy Authqr of Religion see fit to consecrate me to his service among you, as a minister of Jesus Christ, he would be pleased to endow his un worthy servant with all the ,gifts and graces requisite -to adorn his holy profession ; that all this people may be of the same mind one toward another, united in the bpnds of charir tyj and supported by the blessed, consolations of the gospel* until ye- are " built up in the messt holy faith ;" and so *f keeping yourselves in the love^of God," " looking for the *' mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life." - My Christian Brethren and Friends, Be assured that I re main, with sentiments ©f high respect and unfeigned love, ¦* ,-. Your hiamble servant, Charlestown Jan. 6* 1806. Joseph RICHARDSON. Copies of this* answer were talten, and distributed among the friends some time before it was communicated to the pa rish, ahd_wprd. "was given out that he Would not preach any foore until regularly or&ain%fi. Iii this answer the reader perceives expressjpns of great piety* an ardent desire to satis fy the opposers by meeting his accusers face to face before an impartial council, a love of order, anda wish to restore jiarmony to the parish. Can it be supposed, after reading this answer, that any but the jaundiced mind of opposition would construe it into "studi ed hypocrisy, aud a snare lb catch the credulous, and enslave the consciences of the opposition to receive him as their gos pel minister ? But what wilj be said when it is known, that at this very time he was busily engaged, with some of his friends, in inquiring how he might be imposed on the parish without a call from the church of Christ in this place; know ing the church had met, and protested against the irregular proceedings of the conjugation ?' [See Document Jfot 23.] that after being informed Sy ministers it would be ecclesiasti cally irregular, they then consulted law characters to know t 27 ] • * 1 how it coujd bg effected constitutionally? and that at the same time they were planning a mode of inquiry into, his moral; character ? He also expresses his satisfaction, si that te after the most thorough and scrupulous attention, to hjs " character and qualifications, they had formed this result ;" when he knew that nothing in all the evidence in support of his character had gone directly in answer to the facts ^Hedg ed against him (which may be seen in the documents) except what he himself had said in the beforenamed letter of defence, fyhich contained so much inconsistency and prevarication, that it was kept from the critical, examination of the oppo sers, and only used to confirm his 'friends, as was afterwards said, and then returned to him, again ; les.t it might in future be called for* in testimony against the trura of it. Therefore it can only be given generally, as taken from memory after a careful reafing of it. [Document No. 49.] Mr. Hup continued" to preach until the parish generally be came so uneasy that nothing further was done* that at length Mr. Ricfiard&on came to Hingham to fix pn thevexpected in vestigation, and the best mode to conduct it, in order to de ceive the people at large, and to prevent the opposition, $am coming forward, and thus turn it to then; disadvantage, • A number of friends- therefore met him, and, agreed upon a plan, which was left to them to carry into effect, at a parish 'meeting to be called for the^'purpose ; and he returned to Charlestown. " In the iijterinj^ particular agents were tam pering with, the opposition separately, in order to" divide them respecting the number of me council, and the . method of choosing them, and to deceive; them with regard to the ge neral plan which was to be pursued at the meeting. A large number of subscriber's were procured to the petition of this meeting, that they might become interested to support it, Feb. 1<0, 1806, a parish meeting was holden to see if it was the mind' of the parish tp unite with Mf. Jiseph Richard- Son in calling an ecclesiastical council to investigate his mo ral character. >Mr. Jacob; Leavitt was chosen moderator, and the following; vqtes passed ; ,- -. . 1st. '< That it is tlies mind of the parish to unite with Mr. u Joseph Rjcb§fdson in calling an ecclesiastical council to in- •*c vestigate his ^jonal^character, 2d£" That the council consist of five, and that the parish " .choose; three, of tlje council, and Mr. Rjchard^on two of * them* ip' investigate his moral character. r 28 3 «* On a motion made to see if the parish would reconsider « their former vote* and allow those who are in the opposi- *f tion to Mr. Richardson to choose half the council* it passed " in the negative. " Voted, That the parish choose their three of the council a, bytwritten votes, and the names of the three whom they " choose be inserted in each ticket. " The moderator declared there were for Dr. Cummings,. rt for the Rev. Mr. Bentley, and for the Rev. Mr. Foster, of. " Littleton, each of them ninety-four votes, and not any for '* any other person, ,. " Voted, That the present committee for supplying the desk " be a committee to request the attendance of said council, at « such time and place as they shall think proper, and to ** provide accommodations for the same, and give seasonable " notice thereof to all parties concerned. Also, in case *' of failure of any of said council, that said committee be era-.. *' powered to appoint a substitute* or be authorised to request ¦' " the procedure of the council* though the whole number be *' not assembled. " Voted, That said committee call on the parish committee >, " for orders on the treasury for money to defray the cost of " the investigating council." The meeting was then dissolved, • i It was inquired in this meeting whether the parish would also provide for the expenses of the opposition to procure their evidences, as it had been expressed by some of the friends that they would be required in person : but no answer was obtained. Soon after the meeting was opened, it was proposed to the parish, that they should allow the opposition to choose one half of this council ; there being, as the opposition thought* only two sides to .the question, Mr. Richardson and his friends » making one, and his opposers the other. The committee, and several of the friends, either pretended, or did think, there were three. Two or three of them spoke otherwise ; but it was overruled* and they chose the whole without % ne gative, agreeable to the list prepared by them and Mr. Rich ardson when he was at Hingham. ' t We here observed that our request had been just and rea*. sonable. If they would not grant it we must put up wlth'fit. They must also know they had no power to compel us to ap pear, and that we should not. If they met the council \y. I 29 ] themselves, and the council consisted of good' and wise men-, they would not enter into the subject; therefore it would be of no use. This availed nothing ; because a different proce dure would have been contrary to the previous agreement be tween the committee and Mr. Richardson. The three men chosen by the parish were unknown to us generally. Parson Bentley's name we had seen in the pa pers as a politician, but not as a divine. Whom Mr. Richard son would choose, we could obtain no information at present; whether they were to come from this state or Rhode-Island. After some days it was reported he would) choose Dr. Os good, and a Mr. Stone. In this state of ignorance were we left respecting the council — whether Doctors Cummings and Osgood would be able to attend, by reason of the incle ment season, or who would be substituted for them ; they be ing the only persons knqwn by -us. We were also much sur prised when told that this council, so called, would be only a ^reference of ministers, or whatever else the committee should substitute, and would meet at Boston or Charlestown. The Monday evening preceding, one week before the coun cil met, Dea. William Cushing, as clerk of the church, and Mr. Thomas Loring, as one of the opposition in the congre gation, were furnished each with a notification, signed by Thomas Fearing, chairman of the committee, that the coun cil would meet ill Charleston [See Document No. 24} where any person choosing' might' appear. Thus only one week was given, if they had been disposed* to notify and warn a meeting of about sixty persons* to determine a plan, make ar rangements to appear, and procure their evidences, who who were in different places thirty or forty miles distant from ourselves and each other. > As we did not recognise their council* either as a regular, .civil* "or ecclesiastical bticjy; but as ah ex-parte something, or anything, we considered that we had nothing to do ; only, as they had been invited in the name of the parish, and might be Ignorant of the manner of their election, and the purpose for whichlfchey'were chosen, we would1 notice them as gentlemen. Consequently Mr. Abner Lincoln was appoint ed to wait oh them, a"nd present a remonstrance (Document No/ 25) disavowing their authority. The gentlemen met at Mr. Seaton's, in Charlestown, agree able to request, Feb. 25, 1806. After hearing Mr. Richard son and friends* and reading the documents delivered by Mr. r( 30 ] Lincoln, they concluded, as they -were not invested with any regular power, but only an assembly of ministers, to separate again, after giving some friendly advice, and addressing f lettef to each party. [Document No. 29.] Thus ended th|s first impartial council; for which so much religious desire had^been expressed by Mr. Richardson in his answer to, the parish, in order to satisfy his opposers that they had been mis informed — called at a place so distant as necessarily tp pre vent most of them from attending to hear for themselves, instead of being at Hingham, where such attendance would have been convenient, and consisting of men whom the op posers knew, and in whose election they had had some voice. This transaction. in some measure answered the purpose of Mr. Richardson' and friends. They returned, claiming the triumph of going* and challenging the opposers to come fo|s> ward, and that none dursV, They reported,? that even Df. Morse, though repeatedly requested, refused to state any thing he knew against his character. It is true Mr. Richard son (having sagacity to see that the gentlemen had no busi ness with the matter, and of consequence would nOt act* and also that we had; requested those, whom we expected to call before a regular councilj not to answer any calls from this bo dy in our behalf) came forward wifh the effrontery and as surance of innocence, pressing the gentlemen to proceed, and affirming* that as a Christian' he had a right to* and did de mand his accusers to come forward, and give him a chance to defend himsejf. It is said he thus continued, till one of the venerable gentlemen replied, "Stop, stop* my young " friend, and let me set you right. You ought, as a Chrjs- " tian, yourself tp go and call a mutual ecclesiastical council, " and then as Christians your accusers ought to meet you; " but in this they have no business. You might as well " have taken four or five of your neighbours* or any other " persons* and then have called *upon them as you now do " upon us. We are no more jthan they would be. Go home " and do this. If they then refuse, it will be unchsistianlike." Nothing of this however was said by Mr. Richardson, and friends on their return. Even the written ,adyice was with reluctance shewn, and everyjpejhod was used to cast blame on the opposers for-not attending and answering befoi¥,«o reasonably a council of good men, after all the <(trouMe #nd expense to give satisfaction. It was further said by^them, that the opposers never wished or daiedto meet' Mr. Rich- [ 3i 3. ardson on equal grounds** and that the contrary was pretended by them only to cause delay and embarrassment r therefore how was the time for his friends to act with decision and dis patch. J' ¦ ' *•¦* • The ftihids of the people being inflamed in this manner, while the passions were up they were1 hurried to petition for a constitutional meeting, , as it was called. This- meeting was petitioned for by forty or fifty persons, and fhe warrant $ame out, instead of the usual form, for "all persons of twen- '* ty-*one yearo and upwards, qualified by the constitution to "-choose and contract for a public teacher of religion," &c. p meet on March 8, 1806.' ' THe situation the parish was now in, from the proceedings &t Charlestown, and other causes, became alarming tp some tfiscerrimg and moderate men* who liked Mr. Richardson aS a preacher, but disapproved of what-they supposed to be the "conduct of his friends. These became interested in repre senting' the necessity .to relax' from so much violence, and to attempt ah intef*iew and coalition of parties ;, that otherwise the parish wPuid be broken up. This interference led the committee to think some measure must fee taken to appease their minds : especially Mr. Ezra Lincoln, one of the com- thittee, at 'this time discovered some reluctance to go all lengths with them. Accordingly one or two of the commit tee/proposed -a meeting of au equal number on each side to talk amicably upon' the subjedt, and see if 'some plan could not be adjusted, and brought Forward to the parish to be adopted at their next meeting. This was readily fallen ra with by the opposers, who chose seven persons to meet an equal number Of the 'friends to Mr. Richardson. It was agreed to meet at an early hour on Wednesday, the 5th in stant, at, Capt. Andrews's, house ; but it was 'between seven and 'eight O'clock before the friends all came ; as Mr. Rich- frdson arrived in toWn this afternoon, and some of them had llheir r|spe%fs!topay him, knd probably to consult on the bu- sinesspf the "evening. At 'last the parish committee appeared in ]#?«" of the fritmds. * This evening there was. also a caucus of the friends, cbn- ttftcted ! by- sdme "agents of the committee"; the" result of .* . . * Ifo^hin^eould be more unti»iie( as the opposition never wished, or BjSkejjTor more than an impartial council, to prop theic charges before, jn tfte presence of the whole parish. I 3* 1 which was communicated the next evening to the joint committee. The gentlemen of the joint committee agreed, that it was best to have a mutual council called : but on the vote being put whether the opposers should choose one half, and Mr.' Richardson and friend* the other, or either he or they, as they7 might agree, they divided ih opinion. Mr. H. Fearing said he did not conceive any thing, unless an unanimous vote, would be binding on the individuals to support it in meeting, and that he considered there were three sides, and should adhere thereto. Mr. Ezra Lincoln said he conceived there were but two parties, and that Mr. Richardson had said he was willing for himself that the opposition should choose half, and that he believed he would, now consent to it. On this it was proposed, as Mr. Richardson .was nigh, td* send to him, and know from himself. Two gentlemen pro posed to go ; but Messrs. Leavitt and H. Fearing particular ly objected, and proposed to adjourn till next evening. They said they would call on him that, evening or next morning, time enough for his mind to be known arid commimicated to his friends to direct theni and gain a general sentiment. Here a suspicion was first excited, that, instead of being ' in vited to meet in order to suggest some method to unite the parties, which should be brought forward to the parish, they were to .hear and adopt a plan to be prepared by some other body. The next evening, oh inquiring the result of the in terview with Mr. Richardson, it was said he submitted the subject to the direction of his friends. Here it was observed", if he gave' it up to thenij it then reduced it to two parts biily, and if they could now agree upon a number of churchei among themselves to be proposed to the parish, it was no matter which was considered to be chosen by one party* or which by the other. They would be the choice of both. A method to carry this design into effect was then suggested^ But Mr. H. Fearing replied, they might as well come to the point at once, and pulled out a paper from his pocket, bbserv- ing it was the result of a meeting of. seventy or more per sons,* convened for the purpose- the last evening ; and asked leave to read it. The substance of this "paper was, that seven * These were petitioners for the constitutional meeting-, and had agreed to stand by each other and by Mr. Richardson,, if -he wc-uld ac cept their invitation as a teacher of religion, till such time as the opposi* tiirn should conform to these terms. [\S3 3 congregational ministers be chosen in the following maimer* Viz. two by the opposers, two by the, friends, and two by Mr. Richardson, the seventh by Mr. Richardson and the opposers: they to be an ecclesiastical reference to hear the parties, and if they should not determine that he, was an unsuitable man in his moral character for a gospel minister* then the opposers shouid withdraw their opposisioh,} but if they should determine that he was an unsuitable man, then his friends would give him up. On this he was asked, whether these were the, best and only terms which could be offered us. He answered, Yes. It, was replied, that it was understood, this meeting was in tended to agree on a plan to be proposed to the parish ; but if it was to adopt one provided by some other body of men, as the intent had been to meet and part in harmony, they might as well drop the subject, and converse on indifferent topics. Thus ended the conference. The next evening the opposers generally met, and heard the result from the gentlemen who had been appointed to converse with, the committee. Being sensible the proposition for an interview had been made only tp draw off our atten tion from any plan of our own, we concluded, that the gen tlemen had done right in not yielding the privilege of choos ing one half of the council. We now appointed three of pur number to wait on Mr. Richardson the morning before the 'meeting, and to know of him in writing, whether he would consent for the opposition to choose one half of the council, and himself the other. To which he replied, if his friends were willing, he was. It was then remarked, that as he of fered himself as a minister to the whole parish, and as his character was exceptionable to a part, he ought not, if inno cent, to let any manor men prevent him from setting it right in the minds pf that part, and the world. He replied, that if he left his friends, he might as "well leave the parish at once. It was remarked to him, that the disguise was too thin to hjde the intention, and if that was his case he had betterquit the parish ; for it was desirably for a man to, settle in only from, its numbers and habitual harmony. If that was broken, as it would be* the case would Be greatly altered. He was told also, that, as he had said he would not preach among us again till regularly ordained, it was hoped this breach • of promise would not be to be added to the catalogue of com plaints ; but he intimated that he thought this pf little conse quence. K fhe constitutional 'meeting was hdldeh March i8th* lSOtJ, for the follovying puVpPses : "1st. To cn66s*e a moderator. , ^ '" 2d. To see if the parish will -contract with Mr. Joseph "Rlcha?a1s6h a's their public teacher of religion, imtil such time il" as 'he 'snail be Ordained over 'the church and cohgrfegatrbn " as a; gb'spei 'minister. Alsb,'to see what compensation they " "will make 'him for nis service's, aiid act On any thing relative frmerefo. '« 3&. To See wTiethel- the parish 'Will agree that la miftttal "¦ecc'1'eslk^tical council ih'ouidbe ca'ri'ed., agreeably to the rtr- *e null arid void.**— —Previous 'th the foregoing vote beirig" passed, a motion was made t6 fb amend it, 'by permitting the Opposition to'chbOse dtte'ha'lf * This vote was predated and brijng'Ht'toTneetingyagreeably'to the de termination of the seventy j --and it will be observed, that it was to impose a duty upon the council to ; be called, which no men conic} be supposed willing to undertake ; that is, "instead of determining on the truth of the charges 'against Mi-. ttidfcrllstro/eUHe'r positively to denounce his «0rs;l character-, vt virtually to impose him on the parish as their minister. » '{ 30 1 therefes«n so few in number* he thought he might go with boldness to his meeting house;' and that he would have something to, the. purpose. :• Accordingly f 37 3 he 'did,' in a discourse reflecting on the petty ge'Htry, &c. as he called them. Text, Romans i. 16. When some of the friends came to1 reflect how they had been taken in at their constitutional meeting; that there was no probability the opposers would ever consent to such une qual terms ; and that* however great the defection might be come, they were involved in a dilemma by the contract (it being of a civil nature) with the terms of which they must comply, while two friends remained* or ordain him* and theii ieontrive to dismiss him ; they were uneasy ; and several of the church were also dissatisfied, that none of the ordinances were performed, as no minister had been prevailed on to ex change .with hini, or to preach here since the first month of Mr. Huse's preaching in this place. This caused an expedient to be made use of through the medium of his friends in the church. They now called a meeting of the church, to see if tiie members could not be prevailed on to have a communion at the meeting house, and meet once more alltogether be fore they parted. This proposal was objected to -hy the bppbs- ers, on the ground that they had been refused a place in the house to worship, when unoccupied; and as they could not bear Mr. Richardson themselves, they could riot consistently assist to introduce him to the desk of any other person*' especially in the divided and disorderly state of the parish. However, by; the aid of one member, who had a little inter val from insanity y one who had held himself from commu nion for some years ; and one or two who had before de termined they never would take any public' part, but were prevailed upon to attend meeting ; a' vote was obtained, by a majority of one member; there being twenty-one for, and twenty against the measure. The meeting was then dissolv ed, Without fixing any time for the communion. The uneasiness still increasing, some who had heretofore been his heaters* now began either to "stayat home, or to at tend other meetings. This again awakerted his adherents to same new expedient ; as they saw the first opposers- were firm in their resolution to apply for a division of the parish, rather than to sit down under such a man, and that Others would soon join them if they remained in this situation. They therefore agreed for Mr. Richardson to send to* the opposers a proposition, directed to Gen. B. Lincoln (Document No. 27) expecting by this to make it appear that they arid he were , Willing to meet on fair and' equal -groundsi but the opposers [ 9» J Snew too -well by their proceedings at ChariestowB., and other measures which they had taken* that if they could ge\ them to comply wkh the smaU number of fivfe, they had fix ed it so as to be sure of an equilibrium, if not a turning vote, by the choice of a moderator., who was to be chosen by th* parties. Mr. Richardson was answered to this by Document Ho. 28; to which he replied, .Document N$. 31,: this was answered by Document No. 32. Matters remained^ thjf situation about a week or ten days ; during which, time tbj friends were busyiiir shewing how fair they had been ja thejf offers, and that the opposers sefused to meet them. The parish being |n such a situation, many supposed that there never could be an union and happiness again, as the friends frequently declared they never WQt^d. agree %} any other man, if they had not him. The opposers now drew a petition for a meeting,, which was so just and reasonable that many who were fond of Mr. Richardson as a preacher were induced, to sign it. .Ms, Richardson, foreseeing by this that something must be done* and as he now principally directed meters,: took the pccasfon to give the parish a seasonable hint of, Abraham's and Lot** situation, when Abraham, adyjsed a separation ; and. ushered it in from the. words of Solomon, chosen as a text; that "A " word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in ipjctu^es of sU» " ver :" and a report was given abroad, that he, would take up with a less sum than his contract, if the parish should di vide. The petition ran thus, viz. for a meeting to be called at the north meetipg-house in Hjngham, on May 1 7tk> 1 8,06* for the following purposes : 1. ". To choose- a moderator. 2. " To see if the parish will propose to Mr. Joseph Rich; " ardson, to agree with his opposers in calling a reference of " eleven, or thirteen, congregational ministers, one of whom « to be agreed on between him and his.ppposers, the others *c to be chosen one half by him, the other half by then*, to in- " quhe into his moral character* and on the following. *condi- « tions : That after hearing, all the allegations,, that shall ,be " brought before them, against his character and conduct, to gether with, the evidences in isuppprt.cf fa^ same*, and hj« « defence, if they should then give it as their opinion, that he " is a man of good moral - character, and true piety, and as " such do recommend him as- really suitable for a gospel mi- i 3© > * mster ; then the opposers shall withdraw their ©ppt)si8ten: " but if they should not so recommend him, then all eomnex- ** ion between him and the parish shall cease. And the w aforesaid reference shall assemble at the meeCJtog-house' m 4t this parish. And fell the iexpVflses attending the same, with " the evidences on hath /sides of the igttes&on* shall be horn* ** by the parish." 3. " If the parish Should not "agree to *he for-egoing pirtfpo- ^Bhionjto see if the parish will give their assent that the op- *' posers be set off . iflto a separate parish or society, 'by su«h «* an act as the legfelatyfe shall Mtk proper to grant, and as ** is usual 5n like corporations." His MSadS, finding the petition was gi*en to the parisk ?bmitaittee for a warrant, procured the insertion of the fol lowing, as had been agreed on in caucus, by ** the result of said reference. Should -the reference de$er- ** mine his nroF&l''character to be such as to disqualify him for " a gospel minister, then are all his friends obliged to relin- v ^uish Mm ; if, on the other hand, *he reference determine * his moral character arid conduct in life to be such as not to ** ^qualify him for the office, then are all his epposers bound B to relinquish all opposition toJ his settlement as the gospal u minister of .this parish ; that the expense* be home by *he " parties :— -and act thereon.1!.' The meeting being opened, it was w^otod, I. To choose * JaeOb Leavitt -moderator. 2. Wot to action the second ar- *' ticle. "3. To pass over the third artiele far tbeippesent, and " take up the fourth. 4. That the parish agree with Mr. do? K seph 'RMiatrdson, as expressed in the fourth article. 5. That * By thisflthey intended to aeouee tbfemodoratar^itei^.stireef'the -pa lish and Mr. Richaiidson voting Jou, . .the -same persqn.; and as .there would Be three parties, two- would te agamst tire opposers' one vote?. t 40 ] « the parish give their assent, as stated in the third article.*' The meeting was then dissolved. . In this meeting it was immediately proposed, by the friends, not to act on the second article ; but was objected to by the opposition, without any effect, though urged by former ar guments, and the safety of both by a large number on the re ference. * On the third article being read,' it was also proposed by the friends not to act on that; but the opposers argued, if they would not consent to the advice of their ministers, who met at Charlestown for a mutual ecclesiastical council, nor yet to a reference of a suitable number of congregational ministers* , it was but reasonable, as Christians, that they consent to our being set off as a separate parish ; that then they might pro ceed to ordain him, and each party enjoy religious worship in a separate and peaceful manner. One of their principal speakers replied, that there was no religion about it; for his own part he confessed, that he had acted for six months without it, and that he was bold to say, if ever he was to have any, it must all come anew, On this they concluded to pass it over for the present, and tp proceed to the fourth' article, which the friends had put into the warrant. This article being accepted by a majority, and proposals made for choosing a committee to carry it into effect, as the former meeting at Charlestown was not forgotten, some inquiry was made where it was expected this reference would meet, &c. ; but as no satisfactory answer was obtained, Col. Rice observed, that it was needless to spend time in this •way ; . that if those were the only terms they meant to give the opposition, they might as well stop here ; that they were different from what Mr. Richardson himself had expressed in his answer of acceptance to the parish to be their gospel minister, which answer he begged foave to read an extract from. After he had read it, and made some observations upon it, the, parish saw fit to return to the third article.; and, agreeable to the hint given by Mr,. Richardson in his sermon, voted their assent to the opposition heing set off as a separate parish. Soon after the ,last church, meeting, one , of the members, a friend to Mr. Richardson, died very suddenly ; which left the number equally divided ; but, in order to obtain a majority, several 6f the congregation as suddenly determined to join it. [;. 41 ] The deacdns.bemg in the opposition* and having the table furniture in; their possession, the: opposers. called a meeting of the whole church ; but Mr. Richardson's friends, fearing they should now be the minority, refused to attend, as they ex pected soon to bej the majority, whenever they could get an ordained, minister to come andperforrri the services, which- Mjr. Richardson encouraged- them his brother Bentley "would do the next Sunday. .! ,, _ , ' The opposers in .'the church met at $he north meetmgrhouse, ' June; 7, 1806* agreeable. to the warning ; and voted that the table furniture of the church should be equally divided be- , tween the adherents of Mr." Richardson and his opponents"; and further, that the deacons be authorised to lend' to the ad- he rents, of,, Mr. Richardson any part of said furniture more than one half,. they giving their receipt for the same. . Mr. Bentley came, .according to expectation, and (to, use an irreverent expression said to have been .applied to the oc- . casion) chucked*, eight males and as many females into the church, making out a full majority for any future purpose ; and gave, it is said, his" opinion, that they might now pro- •ceed as they saw fit, without any regard to the minority, as they had taken themselves off. -He then went on to. the southward the ensuing week* to procure,, as was supposed, his men for the • intended ordina tion. " :',> .," _ •''¦• ..;; The friends pf Mr Richardson, now feeling their strength in the church, agreed on a meeting to be holden June 19, in.^ the north meeting-house, in order to see if the church would renew their concurrence with the parish in calling Mr. Rich-5 ardson, as obtained by private signatures. The opposers, hear ing of this meeting, went to it; but there was an. objection made to their acting on this occasion. Mr. Isaac Cushing said, that tie had been informed by a person on whose judg^ ment he' could depend' [probably Mr. Bentley] that theif had ' nov right to act. In reply to him it was Observed, that mem bers once admitted into a church, , were considered as be longing to it until they were regularly transferred to another, or excommunicated. If this was correct, as, there had been no transfer of those members* it was requested a voter triight * Robison raeotions an orJer of the Illmiiioiti, tint had arriyed to that -State of perfectibility, as to display the table of our Lord and Saviour t» tl 4» ]; be. «aien tQ inw* Wkether they weie considered as excoro- niunicsrteS. This the moderator did not choose to notice ; and they were suffered to tarry in the meeting-house. The church proceeded as though the minority had nothing tot do whlh them. Instead of the eldest deacon's presiding, as is Usual, they chose Thomas Fearing moderator, and Isaac Cashing clerk, for the present meeting, though the standing clerk was present. They then passed the following votes : ** Voted, to .renew their concurrence with the parish in " calling Mr. Joseph Richardson to be their gospel minister*^ " as obtained by signatures.'* -** Voted, to call a council to ordain him. *? Voted, to send to seven churches. « Voted, that Mr. Richardson choose three of the council. u Voted, that Seth Lincoln inform Mr. Richardson* that he- " has the liberty of choosing three of the council. "^ Veted* to choose a committee of three to write to the " council, viz. Thomas Fearing, Isaac Cusbing and Seth Lib- tf com. & Voted, that toe ordination be on July 2, 1806." The churches agreed tp be sent to, though a part of them were ostensibly chosen by the church, were all* it is presum ed* pointed put by. Mr. Bentley and Mr. Richardson, as they were brought ready prepared to the meeting ; and the friends themselves declared in the meeting that they did not know the men. The opposers observed, that they wished for men with whom they were acquainted; but that they knew nothing of the characters of those who had been designat ed, excepting that of Mr. Bentley* who in this particular Case had already given hfe opinion* and therefore could not be. thought to. be impartial, These suggestions were however *Tbis aHudfs tQ the first church, meeting being called, -when they pr,o- tested, against the doings. of, the pasisb, at which time, the church consist ed of forty-seven male members, including Mr. J. BeaJ, who had partook in the church nearly forty years, and hi some isntances acted in their, ait fails, but was never regularly transferred from hra own. Fiye of the whole- number, by reason of age and otherwise, were unable, and probably some always would be, to attend any meeting; and there were three others that refused to take any part, in the matter. Before this meeting, individuals friends to Mil. B/ichsrrdson, went among them to, obtain signatures., in hie-. behalf; giving as a reason to some, that it was the only method to keep peace in the parish ; but finding tb,ey should fall short of, a majority ,o£ the w hole, none of the friends attended the meeting, but continued the."pa-~ per until Mr. Bcntley's new members gave them a decided majority { 43 } disregarded by Mr. Richardson's friends, who did not think fit to. substitute any other, but voted them all in together, as had of late beeii practised in the parish meetings. , . . The next week a parish meeting was called, to see if they would concur with the church in their"call to Mr. Richardson^ As the friends how considered themselves, from Mr. Ben- tley's opinion, as acting in a clear, ecclesiastical manner, and aS the opposers had preferred a petition to the General Couri for a separation pf the parish, there.probably would have been an "issue of the contest, hadit hpt been that Mr. H. Fearing* our member at Court, refused' his assent to the Court's com mittee, appointed to set off parishes, reporting to giif e leave.to bring in a bill, without an order of notice ; and that some among the friends, exulting in their prospect "of an ordina tion, began to threaten that the. opposition should never be set off. These circumstances, with Mr. Richardson's letter to Geii. Lincoln (Document. No. 49) induced the opposjtion, in a, meeting for the purpose of consulting what, was,. best tp.be done, tQ offer to the principal, characters among the friends* that if they would sign a paper, giving their assent that the opposition should be set off as a' parish, and that they would not try to obstruct it, then they would make no objections on their part tp Mr. Richardson's being settled in this place. This offer was rejected.; .. ,¦ ,.„.;..-, The majority thus .manifesting their intention not only to have Mr. 'Richardson for. their own minis,ter> but also to, com pel hjs ppppsqrs.tgsit under and support him, or change their; denomination* the latter determined to employ the 'little -time they had in. making arrangements to meet sueh a council as, might convene for the purpose of ord|*ning him, > and to state and support their objections in the best manner they could! prepare to in sp short a time. For this purpose, the following gentlemen were chosen a committee* viz., the Hon. B. Lin coln, Col. Nathan Rice, Samuel Norton, Esq, Abner Lin coln} Esq. Thomas .Loring, Dea. "William Cu&hing*' Dr. Levi Lincoln, jun. Dr. Robert Thaxter and Jerom Gushing ; who had pnly jten .days to go to Boston, Charlestown, Cambridge* Grbtori, Concord and Westford for evidences and attested do cuments* ' -• ; ' '.' ... 1 . \ .'.*. '. ./•. ."\-\ They found that the R^v^Dr', Morse was under apre-en- gagement on the Tuesday appointed for the first day's' sitting of the council; and that Mr. Rpckwobd had sbjhe business to' attend. They however would endeavour* together with Dea- [¦ 44 ] con Goodwin's son, to come the next day. if possible, Mr, fSly, another witness, was in the state of Connecticut, The time appointed for the council to meet was, the first of July, at Mr, Hawkes Fearing's tavern hall, at nine o'clock, A. M. to hear any objections that should be made against- Mr, Richardson. The committee of the opposition appeared at the how, and waited till past ten o'clock, without finding any Of the council in the hall, although they learnt that Mr. Bent ley, and others of the council, were below in a room with the committee and friends that belonged to the church. The opposition committee inquired of Mr. H. Fearing, the reason why the council did not appear, to proceed tb business, agree able to notice given. He informed them, that they were not ready ; and, as all the council had not arrived, it was proba ble they would not proceed to business until after dinner, and that it was therefore needless for this committee to tarry, When the council shpuld be ready, word wpuld be sent them. pn this the committee retired, and waited until- past five o'clock, P. M. when they received a billet frpm .Mr- Richard- Son, directed to Gen, Lincoln, informing him, that the council were assembled, and were ready to 'hear any witnesses in. support of the allegations contained in the protest signed by himself and others* and (hat an immediate attendance Was re quested. The committee Went directly up, and found the hall, < in which the council were assembled, guarded by a constable with his staff, and an assistant with a cane. After being in terrogated whether they were a committee, in behalf of. the Opposition, they were admitted,; but admittance was refused to any other persons, who were not specially pointed oufhy the friepds., The council had previously organized themselves,. and were surrounded by (tbe parish committee, and, that part Of the church who were adherents of Mr. Richardson ; Mr. Barker, the mpderator* haying arrived about half an hour af ter eleven o'clock, A. M. The council consisted of a deputation from four churches only, but of the seven intended, among whom were three ministers, with each a delegate, and two delegates -from Tewksbury, one of them Mr. Richardson's father-in-law, and the other said to be his cousin. It appeared,that the council, or a part, of them, previous to admitting the opposition committee, had heard sucjh, state ments as Mr. Richardson andjiis adherents had thought fit to [ 45 ] make, and that they had proceeded under the impression ^hat ihe opposers were not considered a part of the society, "and contributed nothing toward the support of the parish expen ses ; which were not facts. It further appeared that they in tended, no allegations should be admitted in addition to those contained in the protest, alluded to in Mr. Richardson's billet to Gen. Lincoln. The committee presented a written request to the council* that the question, which was to be submitted to their decision, Should be discussed In the meeting-house, that all persons in terested might have an opportunity of hearing and juding for themselves. In support of this request it was urged, that if |he business was conducted in private, appearances would be Suspicious, and the result unsatisfactory ; that the most effectu al way for Mr. Richardson to vindicate his character, and place it in a fair light to the world, if he was really innocent, Was," to have it publicHy investigated ; that on the other hand, the characters of Mr* Richardson's opposers were impli cated, they having been accused of fabricating the charges against him ; and' therefore were in justice entitled to the privilege at least of proving their own innocence in a pub- lick manner. But it was all unavailing. This, request being refused, it was then observed to the council, that as the opposition had thought it expedient to so licit the advice of an ecclesiastical council, in'respect to the Conduct they ought to- pursue on the occasion, they had in vited from their churches the Rev. Dr. Reed of BridgeWater, Rev. Mr. Harris of Dorchester, Rev. Mr. Porter of Roxbury* and the Rev. Mr- Alleyne of Duxbury, with" each a delegate ; that they were then fn session, and that to be, able to form a correct opinion, and advise understanding^, it was necessary they should be acquainted with all the facts on both sides of the question; for which purpose it was requested that, they might be admitted. This request was denied, and admit tance also refused to any of the clergymen who were in town. In all these objections, and in every part of the trial, Mr. Sentley took a very distinguished part in advocating the can didate and the proceedings of the parish ; so much sp, .that it would not be. improper to call him an attorney for the party, rather than one of an ecclesiastical council. Even one of the "friends in the church noticed the good -effect of his offices to them so much as to say, if they had given him five hundred dollars it would not have been too Hutch, t 46 ] The opposition committee objected to Mr. Richardson's ©r^ dinatiori, for two general reasons : _ , 1. Because the manner and acceptance of his call were ir regular and unprecedented. ._ >. 2. Because they believed him an unsuitable person, in point of moral character, to be employed in the gospel ministry. In proof of the first they, stated the manner of the parish proceeding without the consent of the church, and Mr. Richt ardson's knowledge thereof* and the church's protest against the same. In the second a number of charges of a more specific na ture were contained, viz. 1. That Mr. Richardson had been guilty of violating one of the most solemn contracts in social fife, for which he stood condemned in a court of justice. 2. That he had been guilty of base ingratitude, and created much, disturbance, by divulging and misrepresenting a confix dential communication , made to him, at his request, by one who had patronised him, and conducted toward hini in the most friendly rhanner. 3. That he had avowed principles inconsistent with the peace and happiness of civil society. 4. That, independent of the foregoing instances, he had been guilty of deception, prevarication and falsehood. 5. That he had, by his improper speeches and conduct, manifested an unguarded* petulant and quarrelsome disposi tion. 6. That he had,, by his acceptance and residence here, in an irregular and unprecedented manner, made himself an in strument to destroy the pqace of this parish, and the happi ness of individuals ;* and although the consequences were long since well known to him, he has manifested a determi nation still to remain here. In support of these several charges were brought forward the documents subjoined to, this narrative, including a number of his4 letters written to Miss Robinson; and the personal tes timony of the Rev. Dr. Morse, Messrs. Rockwood and Good win, together with a number of his iriisrepresentations, arid false relations of facts, since he had been in Hingham* with * Many were constrained to go and hear him against their inclination, by a husband, or father, or wrought upon by fear, through some combiira- tion against their interest, or otherwise. I 47 1 the testimonies in support of the same, but they were not ad mitted by the council, who wished tp be a few minutes by themselves, as they had been a considerable time in session, and felt exhausted. As Dr. Morse had not yet arrived,*, with Messrs. Rockwood and Goodwin, the council retired. , » After waiting for some time, the comriiittee began to sus pect that there might possibly be some misunderstanding be tween them and the council, with regard to their being fur ther heard, or that the council had determined to hear no more ; and handed in a written request, that the ordinatipn might be postponed, until the fate of the petition for a separa tion might be known. > . Immediately after this' was sent to the council, a letter from the opposition's council was received, containing their advice. On this another written request, founded on this advice* was sent to the council, viz. That the ordination might be postponed* until a mutual council should be called to investi gate the _ subject, and determine on the expediency of Mr. Richardson's' settlement in this place. To' neither of these requests did the council think fit to re turn an answer ; and in a very short time1 it was proclaimed that they would be in the meeting-house at half after twelve q'clock." Just before, the council separated, Dr. Morse and Messrs. Rockwood. and Goodwin arrived at the door, it being no later than half past eleven, A.M. The council being made ac quainted with it, Mr. Bentley said, "We cannot help that;" and they immediately dispersed. The moderator was sought* ''and found; and Dr. Morse in troduced to him. He . informed Mr. Barker, that he had made great exertions to come here; that, such was the feeble state of his health, nothing but business of the greatest impor tance would have induced him to have undertaken the jour ney; that he had come by the request of the opposition to Mr. Richardson,* and in justice to his own character (it hav ing been said he durst not appear), as well as to the catise oi that religion he was bound to protect; and, after making sotoe pertinent remarks on the subject that engaged his pre- * Where was Mr. Richardson now, that he did not come forward, and Solicit, with the earnestness that he did at Charlestown, for his accusers to meet him, and give him an opportunity to vindicate himself? If he had done this,, undoubtedly Dr. Morse and Messrs. Rockwood and Goodwin would have been attended to. - ( -4M seat attention, Said, he could prove* by such evidence as would be considered conclusive in a court of justice, that Mr. Richardson did not pay that regard to truth which a minister ought to do; and that he had avowed principles fatal to the peace of civil society, and in one instance at least had acted Ori those principles. The moderator said he would communi cate the matter to the council. The Doctor, after waiting a time with the opposers' committee without hearing from hilri*' finally sent a letter, in order that he might have an explicit answer whether he could be heard or not. No answer was given him, and in a short time the procession formed,1 and set out for the meeting-house, with their candidate, under the same guard; that had protected them in the hall, secure and inaccessible to any but those- pointed out for admittance, witk music, playing a march. The result of the ordaining council, as given by themselves* is as follows, viz. ' Hingham, July 1, 1806. At the house of Mr. Hawkes Fearing, innholder, in said Hingham. ¦ ¦• ' '° Present, by letters missive — Frorii the first church in Middle bury, Plymouth County, Mass. '. Rev„ Joseph- Barker and Capt. William Thompson. From the church in Plympton, Plymouth County, Mass. Rev. John Briggs and Mr. George Sampson. From the second church in Salem, Essex County, Mass. Rev. WiUiam Bentley and. Capt. Benjamin Ward, From the church in Tewksbury, Middlesex County, Mass. Mr. John Spaulding and Mr. Jacob Marshall, with certificates; The church and congregation of- the first parish in Hin* gham having unanimously agreed, that said churches* repre sented as above, be a council, with fujl powers to hear all ec clesiastical differences relating to the re-settlement of said church, The following officers' weg; chosen : Rev. Joseph Barker, moderator, Rev. William Bentley, scribe'. * The council, having on that day, and by adjournment, con sidered all the objections agahist Jthe candidate* and haying E 49 ] examined the recommendation of the Rev. Dr. Cummings' df Rilleripai given to the trustees of Charlestown schools, white tljercandidate was pursuing his theological studies at the. house off said Dr. Cummings, pf great reputation in pur churches, and, having received the favourable testimonies of the, trustees qf,, said .schools, and the selectmen of Charlestown ; and hay ing, heayd no objections to the life and doctrine of Mr. Joseph Richardson, while in Hingham; and having certificates of his early admission into the. Christian church, and of his exempla ry deportment, from the professor, of divinity (Dr. Smith) of Dartmouth College, with good assurances of his: reputation during his collegiate life; did unanimously, on,fthe second,, of July,> Jj&Qq'*; agree to proceed to his ordination, having satisfi ed themselves, ofjhis qualifications and re commendations for the, -office of a Christian minister. .Joseph Barker, Moderator. A true copy, William Bentley* &cMe.- Attest.. Jq6ekh:Richardson. '" ; It is ieft for the reader to determine whether those reye- rendj.gerAlemen would not have giyeri.as just and candid an account of the proceedings in the council^ if they had left out the words,' *c'$ra& having heard no objections to the life and " dqctriiie of ^M*4. Joseph Richardson while in Hingham," and introduced their dpings whh the words, ** On thatetienmg, " and the. 'next, morning, 'we heard a part 6ftih!e objbciions **' that wpulotndye been brought figainst h,im}if tgme could H have. 6eehailowed.,> ,','.' , Sorije. geri,Uemen, admiring how a parish which had'always beeri'sb averse to Hopkinsianism, qpuld have made choice of a preacher of sentiments congenial , witty those Of the Rev. Mr. Barkerj ^[|iestibned him, Whether Mr. Richardson had, been ordained on Mr. Bentley'S political creeg*, or on his relv- gz'oMs.'te'iifts';, Who replied,' that J Mr. Richardson had an swered ni'm to all questions with as much satisfaction as any candidate lie ;ever examined. And again, to another, that time did riot admit of so many Questions being put'as some times Were.;, 'but that air the essential ones* of total depravi ty, special election, 8?c. were pu£,,to' him. in. the council by Mr. Briggs and himself, in which Mr. Richardson professed his belief. This being heard of in Hingham, Mr. Richardson furnished the following to" his friends, to convince them he Was not* nor did pretend to be* an Hopkinsian: viz. G I to ) «*¦! prbf^a 'serious beKef of the saered scri£*Hrkr-Of the " old and new testament, as epntairiihg a 'revelation fre-rn ** God, graciously intended for the instruction of marikhid in « the great things pertaining to their everlasting -salvation > * and^artictrlarly ni the great doctrines of fall m Adatfi* and to recovery by Jesus Christ ; of pardon and salvation on con1 * drtioSB of faith and repentance, and of the influences and * aids of the Holy Spirit, promised to those who 'ask, & ena* n hie them to fulfil the conditions of the gospel eorenafii".; of ** an -universal governing Providence ; of the resurrection of ** the tfead ; of a future judgment-, and -firture state of re- M wards arid punishments. ' ' ,*=-%%3'H:'-'-> -:<< ?~ "c • <* This is the confession of faith, w^ar^-ii^fafcMed to ** the consideration of the cotihiffl for my ordination* " '* " A^e copy from the original^ ^.^ ^ t After Mr. Richardson was erdatfifed 'msfl.1ta& chinch sod iends d'e- ninder ¦ ^"e7 iried aft lip* aiif} le' with pdwever failed in act of incorporatfon/omlti! gaye a unanimous calf tp p|e, The^oppp^tlpn-pb ESajeJlves a housil ^wbi W. Henry Colmaj-rtb' se them as their minister j -which pah he accepted. evening preceding the day assigned for the dedication of the, house, "and the ordination* of Mr. Cblman, the . <$$M$!*m}t^ r£sPect *° dsY*i so much to blame as people in genera! will vwagine from seeing this statorjicnt/as the esquire was from. time to time joking him very much to his displeasure. P. N. [No, in. 3 Sift, ¦ CbWttord, Neveinfcr -6ii90$. ' ¦i thisinornmg received your letter of yesterday, requesting informa tion concerning M-r, Joseph Richardson-'s eondur* and character in Cftar1i«i and advanced this ex- tfaoralniifj' prrnchj(!e— That if, even in' « confidential manner, art opittiSn wete given iii' lira pfeSe-hee, tlrrfSvtfurllDte to a«absem -person,- he always considered WfliUelf at liberty to dr? nlge it. Tie gentlemen min board- :f te \ ing -with- Mr. AdWs, considering it disreputable and dangerous to live longer with Mr. Richardson, infprme'd Mr! Adams, in Mr. Richards©^** presence, that they is/?haiv»ote!r, my opinion was fevouraWfii wey .feelings friendly, and sgnttpBtiops ch«er£«C .During, fhe former; part ofhis residence in Charlestown, my acquaintance with (ton was&ow- e-ver outgeneral.' It gave me -b»t -Jittfe k»owledgef©ftheraan.fe»t con vinced me, however, that his character was doubtful and concealed. Af ter he had been in Charlestown four months,, jt was our fortune , to board in the same house, in company with Mr. Hoar, Mr. Rogers and Mr. Ely. Here he soon became-jk«S?i which by request I now state in writing, viz. That fronxthe time said Richardson came to reside in this town, till the last November (1804) he * it it worthy of notice, that Mr. Rockwood lived jn the family with him, and after writing this, came with Dr. Morse and Mr. ¦Goodwin, with a desire of seeing Mr. Richardson face to face,' and giving in detail the foundation tf those sentiments, to convince whomsoever it concerned, that his opposers half not been " misinformed," But it was so contrived that he. and they ceuld nat be heard. I S7 ] occasional cftmmuniim'with the church under rriy pastoral care; SlnceTthat time, though a constant resident in this town, he has seldom, ifever, at* tended public worship on the sabbath, to my knowledge, in the congrega tional society, where before he usually worshipped when in town ; and not once has he been present at the administration of the Lord's supper. The known. cause ofhis thus withdrawing from statedly worshipping and com* miming- with said congregational church and society (viz. his ungrateful treatment of his instructor and patron) would have rendered his presence at the communion table, had he appeared there as usual, unacceptable to many members of the church, and particularly so to myself. Indeed, if he had presented himself at the communion table, I had determined to have requested him to withdraw, believing, that hi so doing I should have been supported by a respectable number of my Christian friends. As Mr.' Richardson has manifested no disposition to heal the breach which he made by his offensive conduct in respect to a like case with that mentioned, my determination remains unaltered. ¦Charlestown, November 8, 1S0.5. JEDEDIAH MORSE. . [ No. VIII. ] . ..,:-.- - Dear Sir, Billerica, November 36, 1805.; \ I was not a little surprised to hear that my letter, recommending Mr. Joseph Richardson to the patronage of Dr. Morse, had been made use of to vindicate said Richardson against -unfavourable reports concerning him, which refer-to instances of his conduct posterior to the date of said letter ; as if I had pledged myself for his future correct behaviour. The letter aforesaid expresses my ideas of Mr. Richardson at the time when it was written ; at which titoe I presumed, with good reason, as I thought, that by a -propriety of conduct he would secure and enjoy the/ben. efit of that patronage which I solicited for him. It -he, has fof'eited and lost it by improper behaviour, my expectations ara, disappointed, but I do not feel myself amenable. As to the affair between him and the young woman, who charges him with a violation of a promise of marriage (which he denies) and who has on .that ground sued bin] for damages, I would only observe, that as there was never any suggestion of criminal intimacy that I know of, I am fully persuaded, that had the affair never been prosecuted in the law (as it was almost a year after his leaving-my bous.p) ty would soon have been buried in oblivion by the generality of his acquaintance, among the venial impru dences of .unexperienced youth, which 4a not essentially affect character. The law-swt is not yet ended, Jf you wish for a statement of Mr. Richardson's conduct sincelie left Billerica, I am not able to give it, as I have had very little correspondence With him, since, that time. I know there ajrc reports in circulation respect. ing him, calculated to wound his reputation ; some of Which are so cir- cumstanced as to Jay a foundation to suspect that all is not right. The impression of such suspicions may reasonably restrain me from recommend' ing without further inquiry and satisfaction ; at the same time .Christian candour .forbids a decided censure, especially as I have not conversed with Mi,-. Richardson on. the subject! and know not what defence he would make, or bis lrjends on his behalf. Whatever may be my apprehensions respecting (.he result pf a thorough, inquiry, I feel myself obliged, for want of sufficient hghtajjslevjdenpc, tp suspend my judgment upon theques. ticm whether hejs guilty or innocent in whole or in.part. I add, that when I joined in approbating him as a candidate for th? ministry, I view* ed him as a, fairt*haracter, . of competent Uterat^ure andtahjlits, and as a irrii believer in the gospel doctrine of salvation. What he is now in re- H [ *8 ] gard to faith or character, is another question, which I am not better able to answer than yourself. . In regard to the doctrines, religious sentiments and ministerial abili ties of a candidate, if he cannot recommend himself he must take the con-. sequence. Persuaded that the Christian society in Hingham arc not des titute of competent judges, I presume they will never settle a man who cannot give them rational satisfaction on these points, either by his public performances or private conversation, though they have no other objec tion. From your representations I feel anxiously concerned for the good peo ple of Hingham, and do, with the utmost sincerity, implore the Father of Lights to grant them that wisdom which is profitable to direct. With respectful consideration, Mr. Abnek Lincoln, I am, Sir, your obedient friend. Adieu. Preceptor. HENRY CUMMINGS. [ No. IX. ] Hanover, (N. H.J August, 1802. It is hereby certified, that1" Mr. Joseph Richardson is a member of the Church of Christ, at Dartmouth College ; and that he is in regular and good standing. He is recommended to the Christian Care, fellowship and communion of any regular Church of Christ, wherever God in his •Providence may call him to be, or to reside. By, JOHN SMITH, Pastor of said Church, at Dartmouth College. [ No. X. ] Ai a meeting of the Andover Association, at the Rev. Dr. Symmes's, December 4th* 1803, Mr. Joseph Richardson having applied for appro bation, and having satisfied ourselves respecting his moral character* theological studies and qualifications — we do hereby recommend him t» the notice and employment of the Churches of Christ, wherever God in his Providence shall call him. Wm. SYMMES, Moderator. JESSE FRENCH, Scribe. [No. XI.] Reverend Sin, Billerica, January 2, 1804-. This is to inform you, that Mr. Joseph Richardson, the bearer, was born in Billerica ; has been for the most part in his native town, and in a town adjoining ; his character is fair, as far as I have heard. He has had the reputation of good morals from his youth up. I believe you will find him a young gentleman of good disposition and promising talents, and worthy of your friendly patronage. He taugbt a school last year in Bil lerica for several months, to universal , satisfaction ; and I have no doubt but- he is competent to the business of the school in which I un derstand he is engaged at Charlestown. Having sufficient credentials relative to his education and Christian profession at Dartmouth College, and having also an approbation as a candidate for the ministry, from the association to which I belong, it is needless for me to enlarge in his recommendation. It may be proper, however, to observe, that not -being in affluent circumstances, the ex penses of his education invelved him in such circumstances as made it expedient for him to commence a candidate for the sacred science afore- . said, sooner than he would otherwise have done. That holy employment I W 3 being his object, I wish him success and all needful encouragement in the prosecution of his theological studies. : , -,,. • With respectful consideration, Your friend and brother, Rev. J. Morsb. HENRY CUMMINGS. [No. XII.]- Charlestown, August 1(5, 1805. ¦ We the subscribers, trustees of Charlestown free schools, having been applied to by Mr. Hawkes Fearing, of Hingham, to know, the character of Mr. Joseph Richardson, who now keeps the- school under our care, say, as far as we have had an opportunity of knowing him, we find in him a very good school-master ; and his character in all other respects, as far as our* own knowledge of him, is that of an honest man, and one whom we should be glad to retain in the school over which he now pre sides. DAVID GOODWIN, > THOMAS HARRIS, £ Trustees. MATTHEW BRIDGE,} [No. XIII, ] Charlestown, November 15, 1805. This may certify whom it. may concern, that Mr. Joseph Richardson boarded with me' for a considerable time in the year 1804 ', and his con- duct towards me arid my family was at all times very civil and respectful, and such as gave us no reason to complain. A, ADAMS. [ No. XIV. ] Charlestown, NovemberlS, 1805. This may certify whom it may concern, that Mr. Joseph Richardson hoarded in the house Hvith me a number of months, and I considered him a quiet, peaceable boarder. PEARSON NICHOLS. [Np. XV. ] Charlestown, October 25, 1805. We the subscribers, Selectmen of Charlestown, having been desired to express our opinion of Mr. Joseph Richardson, since his residence in this town, are compelled in justice to say, that as a gentleman he is high ly respectable, frank, open and sociable ; that hvthe capacity of an in structor he has' given very "general satisfaction, both to parents and chil dren ; and as a moral and gpod man, -we believe his character to be fair and exemplary. We do not hesitate to 'say, further, that if any illiberal surmises or dishonourable charges have been hinted to this gentleman's prejudice, we believe them to be wholly groundless. We further give him the testimony of our highest respect and best wishes, and should esteem it a misfortune to lose him as a public instructor. NATHANIEL HAWKINS, ") RICHARD FROTHINGHAM,! DANIEL TUFTS,' \ Selectmen SOLOMON PHIPPS, } of JONATHAN TEAL, j Charlestown. J ABEZ FROTHINGHAM, | TIMOTHY THOMPSON, J , [ dO J [ No. XVI. ] Dear Sir, Charlestown, December 19, 1805. I received yours of the 14th instant, in which you inform me a report is in circulation.in your parish fliat I should not, if again called upon, give" my opinion as I have heretofore done with the other Trustees iw fa vour of Mr. Joseph Richardson's moral character. I know not from what quarter they get such fabulous reports: : they are so untrue, that I now confirm my former good opinion of him. I have frequently been in com pany with him, and often find him at Dr. Stillman'slecttires. I observe when returning home with him, that he always introduces religious sub jects, and appears to be fond oi conversing upon thett*. I am always ready to support die character of the innocent and virtuous, which I think is the character of Mr. Richardson j and m addition thereto can conscientiously say, as one of the trustees, I am very much pleased with him as a school-master ; J can further say the scholars under his care both love and respect him, as far as I can find out— and should it please the great Head of the Church to settle him among you, I pray God to make him a rich and lasting blessing to the dear Church and Congrega. "tion. And may the God of love and peace dwell with you all — is the pray er of your friend, DAVID GOODWIN. To H. Fearing. [ No. XVII. ] Hihgham, December 9( 1805. This certifies, that Mr. Joseph Richardson and I fitted for College to gether at Tewksbury, with the- Rev. Mr. Barton ; that we were class- nates and Chum's the whole time, being near two years ; that we entered Dartmouth College together, and roomed together and boarded together the four years of our residence at College-; and that we lived peaceably and happily: That since we graduated we have corresponded together by letter, and frequently visited each other ; that, our acquaintance has been intimate, and our friendship I believe sincere : That Mr. Richard son sustained a distinguishedLy religious character whilst we were fitting for College, and whilst, we were at College ; that he was uncommonly charitable to the poor, arid liberal in contribution to promote the public happiness. Thus far is fact. '..-,. Having been so long and so intimately acquainted with Mr. Richardson, niy opinion of bisr natural temper and disposition may be desired. I therefore in sincerity certify, that I Consider him- of an openi generous. benevolent, glowing, exquisitely feeling heart, ana Of a temper naturally sanguine, and habitually inclined to virtue. NATHANIEL HUSE. J No. XVIII. ], Mr. H. Fearing, tVesford, November 9, 1865. Sir — I wrote you a few days since, and again I address myself to you as one wishing well to the parish of which you are a member, and a leading character of that, and the town to which you belong. If I am correct in my ideas of your general and moral character and principle as a useful member in society, I have no doubt but you wish to promote or der and harmony in the town and parish where you reside in particular (and at large.) To such a man I say,, I leam you are endeavouring to settle a minister, and if I am correct, are in favour of Mr. J. Richard son* a man educated and fitted in and, near this town. He was courting a very fine young woman here for five or six years, and was considered as promised in marriage ; but at once he" broke off, and wrote her the $ 81 } following words, via.' " Think of the subscriber no more, and for God'x Jake forgive me." " Forgive me" what J If he was not faulty, what is there to forgive ? For what does he crave -forgiveness ! This breach is now pending before our Supreme Court- at Cambridge. And at present his character here stands such as you would not wish to have as a divinei With you. For my own part, I have no personal knowledge of him. Eermit me the liberty, to say, look- before you leap. His conduct to Miss_ Robinson is here- universally condemned :by the most respectable people; of this town, and from what I can learn, should be sorry to have our re* publican principles supported by such men. I wish you a good man set tled, and a republican- in principles ; but of a good moral character. Pol iticks should never interfere in religious concerns. They are two dis*. tinct characters or orders, and ever ought to be kept separate. I remain ~ Your obedient servant and friend, LUTHER LINCOLU/ [ No. IX. ] JSih, Charlestown, December 26, 1805. As the letters, or "written documents," which you or your friends have in possession, containing charges and reports prejudicial to my mor al character, have been publicly read and every way employed to my in- jury ; and as the means of making a full defence have been denied me, I see not how any principle of honour or rectitude can justify the posses sors in withholding them longer. 'i - Sir, I again earnestly solicit copies of all those documents, or ^an op portunity that I or my friends may copy them. I say, Sir, if tliey contain the Wtfth,' it is not for my power, nor is it in my disposition, to prevent your receiving all the due advantage that can result from them. I cannot bat feel assured that your generosity will cheerfully grant, what, in my humble opinion, Justice-demands. With due respect, Col. Nathan Rice. JOSEPH RICHARDSON. X No. XX. j Sir, Hingham, December 31, 1805. In answer to your letter requesting me to furnish youiwith a copy of certain letters, or documents, containing charges and reports prejudicial to your moral character, which -yow say have been publicly read, and in every .way made use of to your injury, and Which you observe are in my possession, or- that of my friends—it m'ight be'stifficiemrfor me to re- ma!*-, wftat I did when I Saw you at the MHss\Barker's, that I was not the proprietor of those documents, none Of tftenrfaaving been sent to me — that therefore I had no right to dispose of them. I think you will have the candour to acquit me of a; disposition to deny you the' means of.mafcing a full defence of your character, after the free discussion I had with you, and communication of those documents to you, in the presence of your friends. They contained a narrative of certain transactions, and the opinions of particular gentlemen who relate. That yon thoroughly understood them, and well knew the persons from whom they came, is very manifest, from, the document you furnished, which was publicly read, in which you give your statement of all the transactions referred to in them, with such cir cumstances as you expeoted no doubt would fully justify your conduct j in whieh ^as 1 understood it) you do not hesitate to bestow opprobrious; [ © ] epithets on, but explicitly impeach the veracity of the writers of them. Nor do I recollect in any part of your narrative, any thing that looked like ignorance of the subject matter ot which you are accused therein, or of the persons exhibiting the accusations. To them, it was always in your power, and in that of your friends, to apply, and obtain that infor mation which you now request of me. On this knowledge, I say, yon proceeded to justify yourself, and that justification it is presumable must have bein intended to satisfy those who had doubts of the proprie ty of your conduct. But that was denied them ; a copy was refused, even after an offer was made to give a copy of the documents against you. I cannot therefore perceive any ground of complaint of being deprived of information already in your possession; or which you or your friends could have obtained on so easy terms. How far y^jux statement would have satisfied my mind, had I been in dulged with a perusal of it, I cannot say ; but I do most candidly say, that the charges contained in-those letters, and which appear to be the only things noticed by you, are not the only nor the greatest difficulties with me. There are such evidences of impropriety in your conduct towards Miss Robinson— your denial of being under a promise of marriage to her, which is stated by Dr. Cummings, and which seems to be incompatible with truth, as manifested by a certificate or deposition made by the Rev. Mr. Barton, and which is also pretty fully proved by your own letter to her, in which you " beg her to place no more confidence in you, but for God's sake so forgive you" — and by her letter to you of August, 1803 ; the very com plexion of which would give the lie to such an assertion. For if no promise existed, why the request for forgiveness of her ! I say, Sir, these, together with your insinuation that you had a letter from her, in which she gives her full assent to a discontinuance of the connexion, evidently intending thereby to satisfy the minds of people on that head, together with your apparent determination to remain here, notwithstand ing the great and serious opposition thereto, and the unhappiness it will inevitably create ; so unlike that disposition which we lately experienced in our late worthy Pastor, the small opposition to whom in the parish was a very powerful inducement with him to leave us, and accept the-in. vilation at Cambridge — are difficulties in my mind,, among others, I am unable to surmount, and determine my belief in your being an unsuitable man for the sacred office of a minister of the gospel. With due respect, Joseph Richardson. N. RICE. [ No. XXI. ] To Messrs. Nathaniel Hawkins, R. Froth'mgbam, D. Tufts, S. Phipps, J. Teal, J. Frothingham, and T. Thompson, jun. — Selectmen of the Totun of Cbarlesto-wn. GENTLEfJEN, You are individually strangers to me, and perhaps always would have remained such, but for the respectablity of your offices, and a letter of recommendation to Mr. Joseph Richardson, with an intent to introduce him to the Pastoral charge of the first Parish in Hingham, of which I am an attendant. How far political'matters ought, or how far you mean that they should influence you, may at present be passed over. But you must be sensible, for the regular social bonds of society, it is necessary for a good understanding and a mutual confidence to exist among the members thereof ; more especially in that which is to carrv forward the mutual request and adoration of its constituents to the Supreme Being. Therefore With me you will agree, that a Minister of the Gospel ought to [ 63 ] be a pious, discreet, exemplary man, in order to make a due impression. on the hearts of his hearers, as well as to. Walk prudently between them ; and that when gentlemen use the power of their office to enforce a re commendation of any one for a minister, they ought to be scrupulously cautious how they suddenly take up an opinion, and upon what founda tion they support it. Although candour forbids our saying ought against, (nay, may command our well-wishes to an, individual) yet the greater good of society demands the first attention. As you, Gentlemen, have, in your recommendation of Mr. Richardson, been careful to add, that " if' any illiberal surmises or dishonourable charges have been hinted to " the contrary, we believe- them groundless," you will give me leave, Gentlemen, to make the following suggestions and queries to yourselves : viz. Whether you have not heard of a suit against him at Concord, in which he was cast in damage for a breach of promise to a young Lady, which case is now pending at the Supreme Court in Cambridge. 2nd. Whether you know any thing about his communication of the confidential conversation between Dr. Morse and himself, and the cir cumstances thereof. 3d. The conversation between Mr. Ezra S. Ely and Mr. Richardson, respecting his (Richardson's) going .to Dr. Morse to tempt him to say something about his dining, with the Republican party in Charlestown j and whether any or all of you were present at the conversation. 4th., Whether any or all of you were present at the conversation which took place between Messrs. Richardson, Hoar, Rogers, Rockwood and Ely, at Mr. Adams's, after that affair, and know the substance of it in that manner. 5th. Also whether any of you were present at the affray between Mr. Richardson and Dan. Parker, Esq. at the Hotel, which terminated in a fight or something like to one. , , 6th. And whether you know any thing to the contrary, why the testi mony of Dr., Morse, the Rev. Titus, Theodore Barton of Fitchburg, Dan. Parker, Esq. Samuel Hoar, Esq. Ephraim Rockwood, Esq. Mr: Rogers, Ezra Stiles Ely, William Tuckerman and P. Nichols, should not be received as truth, or either of them. These questions, I hope, Gentlemen, you will not refuse to indulge me with an answer to in writing, in, order to let your past recommenda tion have its just weight and influence by being communicated to the Parish.* I am, Centlemen, with due respect, Your humble servant, THOMAS THAXTER. * This is not only my own, but the request of a number of Gentlemen in Hingham. v [ No. XXII. ] To- the North Parish in Hingham, assembled in Parish Meeting, on the gth and ioth days of December, 1805. c The Subscribers, Inhabitants of said Parish, deeply impressed with the importance of having for our Minister a man of pious and exemplary character, whose conduct has been prudent and discreet, and whose" lift? and conversation have been such as become the Gospel ; not only for our own profit as hearers, and for the benefit of. the rising;generation, but for the cause of religion and morality in. the world— do, for ourselves. Our posterity, and our Christian brethren in general, enter this our sol emn protest against the proceedings of this Parish, in calling Mr. JoserJh. C 04 ] Richardson tothe Fastoral care of this Church and Congregation. View ing him, as we most sincerely do, to be destitute of those qualifications in point of moral character, which every Minister of the Gospel ought to possess, in order to command the respecl, the confidence and attention of his hearers, and to enforce the truths of the Gospel which he may preach — and believing him, as we do, to have been guilty ef such viola tions of faith and confidence, and' such indecencies of conduct, as are by no means calculated to adorn the doctrine which he teaches, and which he Ought to exemplify ; but, on the contrary, in our minds eutirely dis qualify him for his profession.— we deem it our duty thus publicly and solemnly'lo bear testimony against this procedure. The facts on w hich our opinion is grounded, are not merely unauthenticated reports, but written documents, from gentlemen of respectability and undoubted ve racity ; who are answerable for what they have asserted, and consequent ly must be liable to very serious and severe consequences, both in pro* perty and reputation, if in their statements they departed from the truth. We will here recapitulate some of the grounds on which we rest our be lief, and appeal to every person of candour whether they are not substan tiated. In the first place, we believe Mr. Richardson to have been guilty of a breach of promise, under circumstances of an aggravated nature. The fact on which this belief is grounded, is of such notoriety, that no one pretends to dispute it ; viz. — That he was prosecuted at the Infrriour Court at Concord, where it may fairly be presumed that every evidence was adduced, and every argument used, which could destroy or mitigate the force of the charge ; and that after hearing this evidence, and the arguments of able counsel, a jury of twelve impartial men did, on their oaths, adjudge Mr. Richardson to pay damages to the amount of five hundred dollars. We believe Mr. Richardson to have been guilty of a breach of confi dence, in divulging a confidential communication made to him by Dr. Morse, by his own particular and urgent request, and which was given by the Doctor from motives of friendship to Mr. Richardson ; but which appears to have been obtained by Mr. -Richardson for the base and un generous 'purpose of being communicated ; by which some individuals were highly irritated and offended, and which created a serious difficulty between a Minister and some of his people ; with whom the most perfect harmony ought to subsist. Our belief of these circumstances is founded on the testimony of Di*'. Morse and Messrs. Hoar and Ely. From the authority of Messrs. Hoar, Rockwood, and Ely, we believe hini to have been guilty of such indecencies of conduct, and to have avow ed such principles, as rendered him in the eyes of his acquaintance a disagreeable and dangerous companion : in consequence of which, the gentlemen with whom he boarded unanimously requested him to leave the house. From the authority of the two last mentioned Gentlemen, we believe his conduct to have been such as to deprive him of the liberty of visiting many respectable families in Charlestown with whom he had before asso ciated. From the testimony of Messrs, Parker, Tuckerman, Nichols and Gor don, we believe him to have been concerned in an affray with Mr. Par ker, in which contest his language; was highly irritating and insulting, and his conduct such as would be derogatory to the character of any gentleman, but peculiarly a candidate for the sacred office of a min ister of the Gospel ; and on this occasion he manifested a disposition very different from that which is pure, peaceable, gentle, and easy to be en- treated ; which is an indispensable requisite in a preacher of Christianity. [ 65 ] Finally, we believer frorn a review of the several' well-altesled state ments alluded to, and from the character generally given of Mr. Rich ardson where he is known, that his settlemgnVin this parish would have a tendency to destroy that social order and haru-ony for which we have -for^omTn^ys3rs-b«€u..disUn^u]sjjcd,--tad to introduce confusion, dis- cord and immorality. 'Under these Solemn impressions *"e Would again make our remon strances to the parish,; and call on them to review what-they have done, and to consider well What they are about to do : to reflect seriously On the importance of the transaction which- now engages their attention ; to remember that the consequences of their present decision are not con; fined to this life, but extend beyond tile bounds of time ; and that tlie' future arid eternal happiness of -the present and sacBeedtfig generations is perhaps suspended on tlie result of this day's proceedings. B. Lincoln Samuel Norton Thomas Gill ( T'homas Thaxter Abner Lincoln John Seal Isaiah Gushing Noah Hearsey Nathan /Rice Levi Lincoln Thomas Loring Lpripg Bailey Moses Whiton Joseph Hammond Jacob Thaxter Robert Thaxter Ephraim Andrews Maftin Lincoln Thomas Thaxter, jnn. Samuel Jlobart David Lane Samuel Andrews. Benjamin Jones Jerom Gushing John Beat, 32 PeTez .Lincoln Clateb Bates gipincy' Thaxter- 'Thomas Andrews Jibed Hear sey Jairus Leavitt Daniel Thaxter' . . Levi Lincoln, juh. Benjamin Andrews Warren Burr Ambrose Lathrefi Nathan Lincoln Joseph Hammond; jti Peter Loring JEbenezer Gay Samuel Norton, jun. Joseph Thaxter Benjamin Gushing David Lincoln^ jttrl., "tyilliam Cushing Ensign Barnes Spilfer Fillmore Jared Lane £knry Nye fyohn Marker I No. XXII I. j A\ a Meeting of tlie First Church in Hingham, holden at the Derby Academy, January 9, I80o^-21 members preserU — Hon. Benjamin Lincoun Moderator :— Voted, unanimously, That the Church .consider, the settlement of a gospel minister is one of the most important and interesting transactions which carl ever arrest th? attention of any Christian society. In the cor rectness of it, the cause of religion, the well-being of society and the happiness of Individuals are deeply involved. In the selection of reli- gious instructors, our pious forefathers were extremely cautious 'and con. scientious. They wei* firm believers, that tlie traits of character, which St. Paul described as requisite in a bishop, were absolutely necessary in a Christian minister v — That he should be blameless, as the steward of Cod ; not self-willed, not soon angry, no striker, not given to filthy lucre ; but a lover of good men, Sober? just', holy, temperate ; that* he might be. able both to exhort and to convince : also, that he should have a good report of them who are without, lest he fall -into reproach. The congregational' churches in Newjtngland early adopted the ad vice of 'St. Paul, and their strict adherence thereto greatly promoted the cause and interests of religion. Any deviation therefrom is considered dangerous and hostile to Christianity. Under these impressions the" Church cannot-but view the late' conduct of the Farishyin inviting Mr, Joseph Richardson to the pastoral care of this church and congregation, as irregular and improper, , , 1 66 3 ¦1st. Irregular, because the invitation was given by the Parish without first obtaining or ever requesting the concurrence of the Church, contra ry to the uniform practice of the churches in New-England. 2nd. Improper, because there are strong and insuperable objections i in the minds of manyagainst MP: Richardson, on account oflrts "moral cnar- acter. . 3d. Improper, because Of the division and great unhappiness which Hie invitation, if accepted, would occasion in this- Church and Society. 4th. Improper, because if the Candidate should be settled under pre sent circumstances, his usefulness, even if he were a good man, would ~ in a great measure be lost, and his conduct in accepting would be totally different from the directions of St. Paul, who said, It is not good todo any thing whfcrebv a brother is offended. ' With these views, therefore, the Church do totally disapprove of the conduct of the Parish in choosing and inviting Mr. Joseph Richardson for their pastor, and do hereby enter their solemn protest thereto, under the solemn and awful impressions of future accountability to that Being, from whom no action can be concealed, and to whom no thought nor de- ' sign of the heart is unknown. Attest. WILLIAM CUSHING, Clerk. [ No. XXIV. ] Gentlemen, Hingham, February 18, 1806. You are hereby informed that the ecclesiastical council, appointed by the parish and Mr. Joseph Richardson, to investigate his moral charac ter, will sit at the house of Mr. Andrew Seton, in Charlestown, on Tuesday, 25lh instant, at ten o'clock, A.M. at which time and place, you, "and all others opposed to Mr. Richardson, may have an opportunity, to shew cause why he is not a man of gocd moral character. To Deacon William Cushing, THOMAS FE ARINGr and Mr. Thomas Lobing. In behalf of the Parish Committee. [ No. XXV. ] . To the Sev. Gentlemen, Dr! Cummings and others, assembled for the purpose of investigating the moral character of Mr. Joseph Richardson. i Gentlemen, I have been notified, as clerk to the First Church of Christ in Hing. ham, by the chairman of a committee of the parish, that an ecclesiastical council will meet at Charlestown, the 25th instant, to investigate the moral character of Mr. Joseph Richardson, and that myself and any oth ers who are opposed to his settlement in this place as a gospel minister, may have an opportunity of stating our objections. Waving communicated the subject to a number of my brethren of the church, -and having reflectedon.it, I hope with all that seriousness which its importance demands, we were unanimously of opinion, that, as tlie church have remonstrated to the parish against the calling of Mr. Rich ardson to the gospel ministry in this place, as they have never been con sulted in the invitation of this council, and as the calling of an ecclesi astical council without the concurrence of the church, is unauthorised by tlie platform, and contrary to the uniform practice of the churches of New-England, that therefore any statements by the church, of our ob jections to Mr. Richardson, would be recognising the authority of the council, and sanctioning an innovation dangerous to the rights of the church, and the general interests of religion. I 'feel it my duty, therefore, as an individual interested in the main. tenance of that good order, decorum and propriety, for Which our pious ancestors were so eminently distinguished, and which is an essential pil- [ «J ] lar of Morality and Religion — for myself, and in b :!iaTf of my brethren, of the church, to remonstrate against the irregular proceeding of the parish in edling'this council, and to disavow the jurisdiction of the council in, .the subject' referred to them, however confident we may be in the. wis dom and integrity of the gentlemen who compose it. Whf> due respect, Gentlemen, I am youi«-obedient servant, WILLIAM CUSHINP, Clerk of the First Church of Christ in Hingham. We, the undersigned members of the first Church of Christ in Hing ham, do approve and agree to the foregoing remonstrance. Is 1 o \> o f =1 Jp Isaiah Cushing Robert Thaxter Samuel Norton Jairus Leavitt , Noah Hearsey John Beat Jibed Hearsey Nathan. Lincoln David Lincoln . . , Caleb Thaxter Abner Lincoln Nathan Rice Benjamin Jones We, the undersigned, inhabitants of the First Parish in Hingham, but not members of the churcht considering ourselves under the jurisdiction of the church in- ecclesiastical affairs, do approve and agree to the fore going remonstrance. Joseph Thaxter Bern. Cushing William Cushing David Lincoln, jr B. Lincoln Levi Lincoln Thomas Gill Thomas Loring Loring Bailey Joseph Hammotid Thomas Thaxter Jacob Thaxter ' John Barker Mnsign Barnes Jacob Williams < §>itinc'y Thaxter Warren Burr Thomas Thaxter, juni Ephraim Andrews Samuel Andrews Peter Loring David Lane Henry Nye Perez Lincoln Jerom Cushing Jared Lane ">' Thomas Andrews Samitel Norton, jun. Henry Thaxter Samuel Hobart Peter Hearsey Peter Hearsey, jun. Joseph Blake Joseph Hammond, jun. Benjamin Andrews John Seal, 3d. ¦Martin Lincoln ¦Benjamin Barnes George Barnes Moses Whitsm Nathaniel Wilder Daniel Thaxter Spiller Fillmore Eben. Gay Levi Lincoln, jun. Caleb Bates Seth Stodder Canterbury Barnes Elijah Whiten, 3d. [ No. XXVI. ] The Parish having this day voted to engage Mr. Joseph Richardson to reside among them as a public teacher or religion, until he shall be reg ularly settled as a gospel minister -. — ,We, whose names are underwritten, having borne testimony or voted against that measure, do hereby declare that we cannot conscientiously and conveniently attend upon the instructions of said Joseph, for the fol lowing reasons, viz; — 1st. Because objections to the moral character of the said Joseph have Jjeen made, of which ample evidence -exists, and which we fully believe. 2nd. Because the advocates, of said Joseph in this parish have rejected our proposition to convene an ecclesiastical council, mutually to be cho sen' by the said Joseph and his- advocates"on the one part, and his oppo nents on the other, to settle all matters in controversy relative to the said Joseph, pursuant to the recommendation of the late convention of minis- ters at Charlestown, chosen by themselves. 3d. Because we are confirmed-in the truth and propriety of our objec tions to the said Joseph by the conduct ofhis advocates, in rejecting the only equitable means of fairly determining upon the subject in controver sy, and are constrained to believe, their refusal arises from an appreher.- [ m } sion that the result of such an investigation would be unfavourable to their wishes. , We do therefore solemnly protest against the introduction of the said Joseph among us, as a measure of deleterious effect, tending to conse quences hazardous, if not fatal, to domestic peace and harmony in this society. Under these impressions, and the sanction of the constitution, we de termine not to contribute towards the support of the said Joseph, but to provide a public teacher for ourselves during the time the said Joseph ^hall be employed as aforesaid. To this Protest and Declaration we wish all due publicity to be given, and desire the same may be entered on the parish recordsas an evidence of our intentions here expressed. \ ^ Hingham, March 8, 1806. T Signed by sixty-two males, and twenty females who pay taxes.] [No. XXVII.]' Hingham, April 4, 1806. fpGzn. Benjamin Lincoln and others, protestors againt the proceedings of the North Parish in Hingham, in calling Joseph Richardson to the pafr tqral care of the Church and Congregation of 'said Parish. As the allegations, contained in your " solemn protest," against my moral character, remain still unsupported by proper evidence, before any impartial tribunal chosen by the parties, concerned ; I now am authorised, hy the ppnsent of'my friends, to make you this proposition of a method of adjusting all differences respecting my moral character. That a reference, consisting of five gospel ministers, be chosen in the following manner, and with the following restrictions, viz — ' 1. That the parties agree in choosing a moderator. ' 2. That the others he chosen, two by the opposers, and two by the friends. 3. That no other question be submitted to the consideration of said re ference than this :—j Whether my moral ckqracter be found by investigation really such as to disqualify me, or render me an unsuitable person, for the office of a gospel minister. 4. That (he parties obligate themselves to abide by the result of said reference. Should the result determine my moral character to be such as disqualifies me for the office of a gospel minister, then are my friends obligated to relinquisli me. If on the other, hand the reference determine my moral character and condiigt in life to be such as not to disqualify me for the office aforesaid; then are all my opposers bound to relinquish all opposstion to my settlement as the gospel minister ot the North Parish in Hingham. 5. That if either of the parties decline producing their evidence, it shaH be considered as entirely giving up the cause of that party. To Gen. B. Lincoln. Sib— =Be pleased to communicate the within written proposition to the, aforementioned protestors, and favour me with information of their res olutions on the subject. With due respect, Gen, JR. Lincoln. JOSEPH RICHARDSON. [No-XXVm. ] Sin, Hingham, April 15, 1806. Your letter of the 4th instant, addressed to Gen. Lincoln and others, containing overtures for the settlement of existing difficulties in this pa rish, has been attentively considered, and has had all the reflection be stowed on it which its importance demanded. [»1 Your opposers have ever been anxious to restore the peace and harmo ny of the parish, and to settle all differences in a just, honourable and equitable manner, and embrace, with pleasure, this opportunity to renew the assurance of these their wishes. The undersigned are instructed to inform you, that they are entirely willing to comply with the recom mendation of the ministers who some time since assembled at Charles town at the request of yourself and friends, 'in calling a regular ecclesi astical council, to assemble in the meeting-house in this parish, for the purposes expressed by them ; but, as it appears to be the particular wish of yourself and friends, that a reference, consisting of ordained ministers of the gospel, should be substituted instead of a council, they agree there to, on condition that it consist of a suitable number, equally chosen by the parties, to assemble at the place and for the purposes aforesaid. Should the foregoing principles meet your wishes, the parties, may hereafter agree on the mode of carrying the same into effect. With due consideration, ' N RICE * THOMAS LORING, ABNER LINCOLN, }• Committee. ROBERT THAXTER, JEROM CUSHING, J [No. XXIX."] Charlestown, February 25, 1806- The undersigned ministers, being invited by the North Parish in Hing ham, and by Mr. Joseph Richardson, to investigate his moral character, having read a remonstrance of the dissatisfied people in said Hingham, but no persons appearing to support said allegations, we are utterly unable to form any judgment upon the subject ; and are constrained to recom mend itjo Mf. Richardson and the people in Hingham, as the only regu lar expedient for settling their differences, to convene a mutual ecclesi astical council to judge and decide upon all matters of dispute among them relative to Mr: Richardson- A true copy of the result of said ministers. Attest. EDMIJND FOSTER. ([No* XXX. ] Sir, - Hingham, March 15, 1806. "-' Having considered the proposition brought forward yesterday at the parish meeting by Col. Rice, with that seriousness which.the importance" of the subject requires , respecting the opposers of Mr. Richardson assem bling in our meeting-house with another minister ; we are induced to say" that it is not only our own, but it is the opinion of the present supporters of Mr. Richardson, that such a measure would lead to great confusion, and be the means of much disturbance on the Lord's day. We therefore, at the request of a number of the inhabitants of said parish, feel it our duty to deny, and do forbid the opening of the meeting-house before the' usual time, and continuing it open after the usual time, on Sunday. SOLOMON JONES, "> Committee To Jacob Thaxtek,") JEDEDIAH LINCOLN, C. of the Sexton. j JOHN LEAVITT, $ North Parish. [No. XXXI.] Hingham, April 16, 1806. Messrs. Nathan Bice, Thomas Loring, Abner Lincoln, Robert' Thaxter, and Jerom Cushing, a Committee. Gentlemen — Your letter of the 15th instant is received. It is the opinion of a number of my friends, and without hesitation my own, tiiat [ 70 ] it is improper for us to make any reply to your propositions, unfil you fa vour us -with a positive determination whether you will or will not adopt ¦our proposition. Be pleased, Gentlemen, without delay, to favour me with a decision. Respectfully, yours, To the Committee.' JOSEPH RICHARDSON. [No. XXXII. ] Sir, " Hingham, April 19, 1806. In reply to yours of the 16lh instant, we would observe, that our com. munication of the 15th was predicated on the recommendation of the ministers who assembled at Charlestown at the particular request of you and your friends, where they declare it to be the only regular expedient for settling our differences, and which is perfectly consonant with our own sentiments. No reasons have since occurred to induce us to alter our opinion : we would now only 'say, that we decidedly adhere to the prin ciples contained in the communication. You, Sir, can judge whether they are conformable to those propositions offered by you. With due consideration, &c. By order /-e*rott-k-Selectmen, " [ No. XXXVI. ] This is to certify that I, Titus Theodore Barton, of Fitchburg, had, when I lived at Tewksbuxy, some knowledge of -the attention which-Mr. Joseph Richardson paid to Miss Betsy Robinson, of Westford. The said Joseph had put himself under my tuition to fit for college. After he had been 'with me perhaps a year, 1 was informed that he was attend. ing to Miss Robinson, whereupon, according to the best of .my recollec tion, I conversed with and informed him of the impropriety of attending to two so important objects as courting a wife and obtaining an education st the same time,' and advised him to suspend the courtship until after he had completed his education. In reply to my reasoning, according to the best of my recollection, the said Joseph represented to me that he had advanced in the courtship too far to go back. If I do not greally misre- ntember, what he said made this impression on my mind, that he viewed \himself under- obligations to the said Betsy, as binding as could precede marriage ; whereupon I gave up a rule With scholars, as it respected said Joseph,, which I never departed from in any other case ; viz. that young gentlemen, while under my tuition, should pay -no particular attention to young ladies ; and conducted toward him differently in that respect, from \ what I did toward other scholars. He frequently had my horse and chaise to visit, her, and wait on her to visit his and her relations. [No. XXXVII. ] Sir, Westford, June, 1803.- I have received a letter from yonr hand that disturbs, me exceedingly, for I know not, nor I cannot imagine, the cause of your so doing. It con- tained the se words ; " Friend, place no more confidence in the subscri ber, but for God's sake forgive him!!,!;' Is itpossible.it came from you, whom . I thought, and ever have had the greatest reason to believe, my true andi loyal friend > Can it be pos sible you wish to dissolve connection with me > I cannot believe it, as it is what I never thought of. If.you had thought or wished for any such things so much honour as you always -professed, I think you must have come and told me yourself, and have given me -the reasons for such un expected disappointment-^ I should not think of you as I. now do', perhaps, a cruel, unmerciful man. Had you come and wished for, me to release jou, and give up the idea of considering you any longer as a .companion, and given me sufficient reasons for your so doing, I think it likely. we might have agreed to have parted in peace and content, for I hope I shall never - wish to connect myself with the perspn that dislikes me. But what your reasons are I know not, therefore I cannot give up the thoughts of seeing, you again, and knowing your reasons for so doing. Believe me, friend, I shall feel very anxious and -Uneasy until I see you. Believe me your true but much disturbed friend, BETSY ROBINSON. [ 72 ] Middlesex, ss. June 28, 1806. Then the above named Betsy Robinson appeared and made oath, that the foregoing letter is a true copy of a. letter sent by her to Joseph Rich ardson, according to her best recollection ; and that no separation was ever proposed or mentioned by her before the letter written to her aboyc. referred to, in the words " Friend, place no more confidence in the sub- " scriber, but for God's sake forgive him." Before JOHN ABBOT, Justice of the Peace. A true copy from the original. r No. xxxviii. ] Westford, August, 1803. Well, Mr. External Saint, as you once used to appear, but now In ternal Elf; you now nave put in practice what I always heard you con demn. People say you can now wait on your sweetheart to balls, and spend evenings where there is music and dancing. I have heard Voli say any person that practised such things was going immediately to hell. You say the person whom, you now are partial to, does not approve of such conduct. Indeed. I presume she does not. You know that there is not a person of respectability that would justify it. It is said, that you lie to every one who says any thing to you about your misconduct, and are deceitful beyond expression. If you were not vokl; of justice and feeling, I should think you would tremble at the precipice on whieh you stand, if what I have lately heard you have said is true-; as I have not the least doubt but it is, concerning your not breaking any. promises, which you know is false. I think you are one of the most unrighteous wretches that ever had an existence in a Cliristiaiv land. Yqu> once professed.a great deal of honour and principle ; but you have shewn none in your late treatment to me. I think you might have come and told me your inten tions yourself, and not sent me that little short scrawl of an imposition that you did. You are now become one of the worst of all the human species. Do you expect any thing better than the curses of God to fob low you, after such conduct ? Any person, that has so repeatedly sworn, and solemnly promised to perform any vow, of whatever nature, as you have, and. withal wished the curses of God to follow thern if they didnot perform to the utmost of their ability, must, if they voluntarily break their promises, expect the curses .of God to follow them. This is just , yours, exactly yoiw case, and what you have done. You knew not whtit would be the result of such an unexpected overturn-. Why, you knew not but it would prove fatal to me, as well as to others; that have been treated in like manner. You hnew not but it would deprive meoflife, or happi ness. Therefore you are as bad as a murderer to disappoint me in such manner; I hear youpromise yourself great happiness in the new connec-. tion you are forming ; however, you may be disappointed as well as f . Your happiness is wot certain. Any person that lias publicly made a proiessionof the most serious importance, to' conduct in such an ungrateful manner as you- have done, 1 think will meet with his disagreeables. If you appear openly to- the world to flourish and be happy, I think you will have your late conduct to haunt your mind, that will make you un happy. You know that you have repeatedly said, that you felt yourself as sincerely and as strongly engaged^ as ever any man could, and'tfiat, if you had been married' for years, you could not feel more sincerely en- gagedthan you did. Amd you know that you have repeatedly sworn ne. ver to leave me nor forsake me through life s but in aft situations to abide by me till Death should part u»: and now you have broken alt' those pro mises, without giving me the least reason for so doing. You are one of thvs most inhuman wretches that ever lived. Such treatment is too I 73 3 ftiBch to endr.re from one whom' I' thought my friend. You are cruel ler than the grave. 1 hope your conduct will be a means of your feel ing u/ipappy. I Wish it mightiUirn on your own head, that you may feel it Bensib|y. You are worse than, a wolf in sheep's clothing, and full of deceit as apevil spirit. Hweyer, I hope you will, for I think you have jt yet to do, that ifi, make your peace with God before you die ; but -I care little for youi" happiness in this life, &r- you know your conduct has been cruel to Her that was your friend.* To Mr. Joseph Richardson, BETSY ROBINSON. Middlesex, ss. JmeSS, 1806. Then the aforenamed ;Betsy Robinson appeared, and made oath that the foregoing letter is a triie copy of a letter by her sent to Joseph Rich ardson ^according to her best recollection. Before JOHN ABBOT, Justice of the Peace. A true cqpyfrom the original. * This and the foregoing letter were taken from the original copies of those $ent in consequence ofhis—'1. Friend, put no mere confidence in the subscriber, isfc." i No. XXXIX. ]„ I, John Robinson, of Westford;, in the County of Middlesex, do d©. pose and say, that about the first of June, 1803, after my sister Betsy Ro. binson had received from Joseph, Richardson a very short, letter, I went to see said Richardson, and asked .him what he meant by said letter ; he said he did not know, he had gotten into a deep study, into a long pasture, and did not know how to get out of it. Further I asked him if it was any thing my sister Betsey had done or said, or any' thing he had heard about her : he replied it was not, thftt he liked her as well as he ever did, and had reason to respedt her. I then remarked to said Richardson, You then never intended to marry lief, but keep her along in suspense till you had gotten through college, and then leave her: he replied, it was no such' thing j he djd intend to marry her, and. it was but a short time since he had thoughts »f leaving her. I then said* You mustknowit is undoing her. He said, It is undoing myself. I requested him to call and see my sister : he said it could be of no consequence. , I told him I thought it would, and urged him so m.ucb, he gave me to understand he would. Said Richardson did not come, and in ajout one fortnight I went to see him again, and said to him, You have not made it in(your way to call yet. He said. No, I have not, for it can be of no consequence. I told him it would.really be of consequence, for toy sister Betsy wished to see him for a few minutes, to know tbe meaning of such treatment. I then asked him if he had been at-home lately. , He said, No, his, father-in-law had (jailed to see him, and .appeared to be anxious about something, and re quested him to go home, for bis mother wished to see ihini very much. I then asked him if he had been home since his father called on him : he said, No, he dared not go, fof he heard that 'his friends at Tewksbury had said he was as- much worse than the devil, as the devil was worse than a common good Christian. And tie was afraid if he went home they would catch him and tar and feather him. JOHN ROBINSON. Middlesex, ss. June 28, 1806. Then the abovenamed John Robinson made oath that the -above fact? subscribed are true, according to his best recollection. Before JOHN ABBOT, Justice of the- Peace:. A true eepyfrom the orightal. [ 74 ] [No. XL. ] ¦ Mr.Richardson, in what he calls his letter of defence, expresses himself to the following effect :— As it respects the affair with Dr. Morse, which has led to measures calculated both to injure his character, and deprive him even of the means to get his bread, he went to the Doctor, not for ad* vice, but, as he Was a clergyman of the town, merely as a compliment; that Dr. Morse spoke lo him without enjoining confidence ; that he (the Doctor) said Mr. Jefferson was an infidel, and his support ers men generally void of principle: that the republican party m Charlestown were generally unprincipled, weak, and ignorant men : and that Mr. Richardson would be sorry for joining them : that two of the trustees in particular were vile, wicked and unprincipled men : that what Mr. Ely had written respecting his going to Dr. Morse was false : that Ely had frequently said the republicans were generally knaves and dupes, of the former Of which Mr; Richardson was one, and frequently provoked him with such language : that Mr. Parker visited a scandalous house in Bqston, and when he (Richardson)" was. passing without, mentioned his beiriga yoiing clergyman in Charlestown, thereby making it to appear to persons of ill fame, that he visited such houses or places : that Mr. Parker would frequently be mentioning these matters, particu larly at table, and before strangers, after he had been repeatedly request ed not to : that the subject of dispute betwixt himself and Parker arose from Parker's applying the character of a certain Quaker to him, which was without foundation, for which he gave him the lie, and called him puppy, and left the table •. that when he went out to school, Mr. Parker desired an explanation, and on his refusing to retract what he had before said, Parker struck him with a little stick, on which he took Parker by the collar and held him. That the statement of the affair made by Tuck- erman, is all false, scandalous, and beneath contempt : that as to Messrs. Rockwood's and Hoar's, it is no more then that he has enemies who calum niate his character; that although he treated them with respect whilst board- - ing together, they were dissatisfied, w hich- induced him to leave the house ;, after which, the lardlord and wife expressed to him their satis faction of , his conduct whilst boarding there, and their regret at his leav ing leaving them ; and the gentlemen's sorrow for their crinduct towards him, and requested for him to return back again ; but as he had engaged another place, he did not, and offered that as the reason. %* The reader is requested carefully to compare this with the story re lated by Mr. Charles Lincoln, and the one told to Mr.Jotham Lincoln,jun. on Mr, Richardson's coming to town, after the matter had been brought up in the parish ireeting, October 14, 1805. The same relation he makes in this defence with regard to his leaving Mr. Adams's house, Mr. Charles Lincoln told with his first tale, and said he had it from Mr. Richardson, and connected it with Mr. Parker's affray, so as to lead some to think they both happened at one and the same house, and that those gentlemen were displeased with Air. Richardson merely for being a clergyman. [ No. XLI. ] I hereby certify, that Mr. Joseph Richardson hoarded at my house some time in the year 1804, and that his general conduct toward myself and family was perfectly satisfactory to me ; but that, in consequence of his declaring it to be a principle with him in certain instances to divulge communications of a confidential nature, and his having practised, upon that principle in an affair relating to the Rev. Dr. Morse, several gentle men who boarded with me at the same time passed a unanimous vote to exclude Mr. Richardson from their society, and he accordingly left the house. And whereas it has been renorterlHiat «in» iw>nt.i»m«ri n As to reports that have since been circulated to his disadvan tage, and tlie, things alleged against him in your remonstrance, it has been my uniform advice, to refer them to the judgment and decision of a, council, or of any other tribunal ; in the choice of which, tlie parties con cerned should have an equal voice. If I have rightly understood Mr. Richardson, he has been ready and desirous to submit to a thorough in vestigation and trial, but could not succeed according to his wishes. — Proceeding on this supposition, I say, " let common sense decide &c"; I do not-assert positively, as my decided opinion, that Mr. Richardson had, '•.•-. I am,. Sir, Your sincere friend, Mr. A. Lincoln. HENRY CUMMINGS. [ No. XLIV. ] Miss Betsy, Having a convenient opportunity, 'improve this time in writing these few lines ; and as 1 tan take more pleasure than in attending on balls, ar in i £ 77 3 ieiag in any person's company, I think it more Advantageous, Although X_ lately had the pleasure of seeing you, yet I think it may be an advantage to write to one another, if agreeable ; and I shall be glad to hear from you of- tener than I can sec you. Ihad, rather devote my time to that purpose, than 'attend to any amusement whatever. I did lately attempt to spend an even ing where there was music and dancing, but I, could not take any satis faction in it, and left the company immediately. Those are -Welcome to it, who wish to enjoy it. I find it is vain, by experience ; and every Can did mind must acknowledge it to be so. I wish not to flatter any person', I only wish to have the matter weighed in the minds of those who practise it. 1 hope you will not be bfiendfed at my writing in this manner, fori ' hope it is from a true charitable disposition, and I hope you will receive these lines from me as a token of friendship,* for ITiave nothing Worse in View than to promote the happiness of a person in high estimation. Thus I inform you, hoping ybu are in good health, as I am. I hope yon Will Soon write to me, as I shall be happy in writing to you. I shall improve the first opportunity to visit yon. I shall come with Mr. and Mrs.' Wood* if not disappointed ; yet it is uncertain, as we know not what may happen. I hope I can put my trust in the hand of a just God, therefore I subscribe myself, JOSEPH RICHARDSON. Superscribed, Miss Betsy Robinson, Westford. Tewisbury, December 3, 1797. A true copy from the original, [ No. XLV. ] Benign Friend, Hanover, September 22, 1798- / now engage my attention to write the ties of permanent friendship, as X trust I may with immediate confidence- I trust you are well, as when I saw you, which is not long since. .1 am now in an agreeable situation. Al though gained with some fatigue, my journey was -very good in some in stances ;' such as a prospect of a new part of the world. To view this extensive orb of the world, covered with lofty hills, adorned with verdant proves ; the valleys veil'd ; the river's cascades with sweeping torrents, all fill the mind with ideas sublime — raise a thought which transcends many delusive appearances, when we contemplate they were formed by the pure hand of a perfect God. I am now ill good health since I arrived. I have ausopassedexaroinaciow, and found it to be very favourable ; although I was exceedingly pressed with timidity. Friday morning I aramed, Sat-. urday we were invited to breakfast with one of the professors ; then: ex amined and invited to see the president j Whd, with great affability, of fered his best services. Thus I conclude, with respect, - ¦ ' Your ceaseless friend, JOSEPH RICHARDSON. N. B. Be pleased to give my love to Mr. and Mrs. Wood. Superscribed, Mis&.Betsy Robinson, Tewksbury, A true copy from, the original. ..[.No-XLVL ], Congenial Fr-lenit, Dartmouth College, July, 1806. . Notwithstanding I am., surrounded with business which is of importance and agreeable, yet I can, with less difficulty than what my friends -appear to labour under, divert my attention with pleasure to them, and employ " many agreeable moments in reflection. •• The sources of all our ideas are sensation and reflection ; but we may ¦ perceive and refleGt all our days, and by concealing the exercises of our minds, nobody become either happier or. wiser; andl do not conceive that we oufselves are : for a great part of human happiness consists in a C 78 ] reciprocal intercourse among friendsi Not thai I am fond of an insipid fondness ; but the expressions of a lively and genuine soul. Were my mind as much confined as is my body, I should be an unhap py wretch indeed ; but it soars aloft on the pinions of imagination, and contemplates not only the glories of this world, but a fairer world. How ever, perhaps I enjoy health superiour to almost any, and doubtless su perior to some, which blessing 1 know not how to prize. I trust ypu dp ; but I hope vour mind is tranquil, and enjoys a certain serenity which is not derived from any temporal contemplations. Upon the whole, I must confess that I am happier here, than among- my relations, being more secluded from all intercourse, except with a few particular inti mates, whose company is not only agreeable, but edifying t whereas, when I am at home, I naturally fall into different kind of company,, and old habits, of which I wish to be entirely divested ; such as a nightTgath- cring of my mates, and some insignificant plays, which are neither cal culated to improve the mind, nor afford the least matter of happy reflec tion. Under present circumstances, I am much happiest in a solitary life. The situation of my brother made me more unhappy at home than I am here, as my mind is more employed about other things ; but I can sympathise with my parents ; I know what their feelings must be. Not but that I have as high a value for my friends as ever I had. My friend, your welfare is nearest my heart. Though no person is possessed of a spirit of more general philanthropy, yet no person's affections centre more immedi ately in one person. However, lest 1 shall give reasons for your thinking ihe an impostor, I forbear. > The young man who was sickof a fever, survived ; but the young man in a consumption is at the last extremity, on the verge of eternity. It does not seem to be Sickly with any contagion ; but a number are exer cised with consumptive complaints. "* Please to give my complimerits to every inquiring friend. Favour me with a letter to«n«pl-»»»-my happiness. Be faithful- to yourself, as well as others, and I will remain also faithful. Miss B. Robinson. JOSEPH RICHARDSON. Superscribed, Miss Betsy Robinson, Tewksbury. By the politeness of J Mr. Blood. _$ Copy from the original. [There were a>nu4nber -more of letters to the same purpose, which it in my power ; but all ideas of any penalty I'despise, and will therefore. perish. before 1 will yield to an unjust claim. - Contend as much as you please, the worst fruit of contention Will still be your own. I never have hated you, nor do I wish to hate you, but I fear you will force me to the exercise of that base passion. .J,fmt Miss Betsy Robinson. JQSEPHTFlCHARDSON. Superscribed, Miss Betsy Robinson, Westford. A true copy frotn the original.. [ No. XLIX. ] .Gen, Bemjami v Lincoln. Hingham, June 27, 1806. , Sir — Your name is at the head of many others, pledged to support several highly coloured, allegations prejudicial to my cliacacter, contained. in a protest against the proceedings of the inhabitants pf the North Pa rish in Hingham in calling me to settle as their gospel minister. On Tuesday the first day of July next a council will convene in Hing ham at the house of Mr. Huwkes Fearing. Before that council I am prepared to meet my accusers face to faoe, and to be judged concerning the charges you alledge against me. Sir, I call qn you and the other protestors to produce your evidences in support of these' -charges. Sir, I appeal to the tribunal of your own conscience, whether principles of uprightness;, of integrity and honour, do not most solemnly demand that you support those charges, wounding fo my'name.or suffer me to obtain the justice of an acquittal. With due respect, Gen. B, Lincoln. " JOSEPH RICHARDSON. [No. L. ] [ Thefollowing is an extract from a report of the proceedings of the Council for Mr- Richardson's ordination, &c. made to the opposition, by their commit' tee appointed to represent them before that Council."] -> «< Mr. Adams, from Acton, states, that he was in company with Mr. " J ~ *¦=¦¦' ">™«"i" hpRire he came to, preach in this { eo ] place -—that Mr. R. then expressed himself to this effect-i-that he' had quilted preaching because he despised the clergy and the profession, and appeared to wish the company to understand that he was ashamed of ever having had any connexion with' the clerical order. — Mr. R. said he did not recollect. ever to have said any such, thing, or even to have seen Mr. Adams before, and wished him to state the place and circumstance* when this declaration was made. Mr. A. accordingly stated the- place, circumstances, and persons present, all which Mr. R. remembered, but said it was a new charge, which he was not prepared to answer, hut had he known it ir» season he could have produced the persons who were present. [ No. LI. ] Minutes of an Ecclesiastical Council convened at Hingham, TueSday/July 1, ; 1806, in consequence of letters missive from " the aggrieved members, be ing about one half, of the First Church of Christ in Hingham. ," ' The following churches attended by their pastors and delegates, vii!, . • That in the West Parish in Bridgewater ; Rev. John /feed D.D. pas^ tor. — That in the First Parish of Roxbury ; Rev; Eliphalet Potter^ pastor, Dea. Joshua Felton, delegate. — That in Dtixbury, Rev. John Alleyne, pas tor,. George Partridge. Esq, delegate. — That in Dorchester ; Rev. Tbad- deus Mason Harris, pastor, Moses Everett, Esq. delegate. ( The council chose the Rev. Dr. Reed as moderator, and the Rev. Mr. Harris as scribe. The moderator then opened the meeting by prayer to Almighty God, for divine light, direction and guidance on the solemn occasion. The council next attended to a written statement of the difficulties and divisions which have taken place in this large and once happily united and prosperous church; with the motives which have influenced the aggriev; ed members in their opposition to the call and settlement of Mr. Joseph! Richardson. The proceedings of the church and- parish were then stated, and certain records and documents produced, together with the repeated remonstrances of those of the church and parish who were opposed to Mr. Richardson's settlement : all .whiclv ,-being seriously deliberated upon, the council passed the following votes, viz. 1. That they consider the aggrieved as .having manifested a disposi tion to adhere to, and'prevent a departure from.-the usages of the church es in New-England in the call and settlement of gospel ministers. ' 2. That they recommend to the aggrieved to solicit, that no determi nation be had on the ordination of Mr. Richardson, until opportunity be- irfforded for calling a mutual council, to hear their objections, and judge. of the propriety of his settlement under existing circumstances.- 3. That if disappointed in the request, and they cannot approve of the ordinatipn of Mr. Richardson, or hereafter conscientiously attend on his ministry, they be advised tb pursue those measures which wisdom and prudence may dictate as the most likely means for ensuring the stated en joyment of gospel ordinances, and the promotion of Christian edification among them. The council having, as they trust, convened with no other disposition' ahdjriew than tp lend their aid in the promotion of Christian peace and order, and the advancement ot" pure and undented religion, cannot wil lingly separate without expressing their sincere wishes and devout pray ers on behalf of this ancient and respectable, but at present unhappily di- vided, Christian society and church of our Lord Jesus Christ ; that they may ever enjoy -the divine protection, guidance and blessing, and, in a particular manner, in this season of their peculiar difficulty and trial, , t 81 ] that- they may be under the prevailing jnfluence-of that heavenly wisdom wflch is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and seed 'fruits, wilhout-partiality and witfiout hvpocrisy. •- JOHN REED, Moderator. THADDEUS M. HARRIS,, -Strife* A true copy from the oKigitial. [ No. LII. ] The proceedings of an Ecclesiastical Council convened in the Third Congrega tional Society in Hingham, June 16, 1807. The churches invited to assist on the occasion by their pastors and de legates, were, those in Boston under the care "of Doctors Lathrop, Elliot and. Kirkland, Mr Freeman, Mr. Emerson and Mr. Lowell s in Bridge- water, the church under the pastoral care of Dr. Reed ; in Roxbury, un der the care of Mr. Porter; in Duxbury, under Mr. Alleyne; in Dor chester, under Mr. Harris ; in Quincy, under Mr. Whitney ; in Hing ham, under Mr. Whitney; in Brpokline, under Mr. Peirce ; in Coh as set, under Mr. Flint"; in Chelsea, under Mr. Tuckerman ; and the Rev. Professor Ware. : 1. Voted that Dr. Elliot be moderator ; who opened the meeting bjp prayer. 2. Voted that Mr., Whitney, of Quincy, be scribe. ' 3. Attended to all the proceedings' of the Third Society from the peri od of their separation from the First Society. , 4. Read a remonstrance from Mr.Richardson's society against the church, connected with the Third Congregational Society in Hingham, assuming the Style of the First Church in Hingham. After some dis cussion of the subject, the church withdrew, and unanimously agreed to take the style of the Third Church in Hingham ; not, however, as being induced to do it from the remonstrance, which tliey considered to be fun damentally erroneous iii its statements, but merely to prevent any alterca tion in future. . The council also considered this to be their sole motive" for the measure. , 5. Attended to the invitation of this society to Mr. Colman to settle with them, and his anSwer. 6: Attended to a letter from Dr. Smith, certifying'Mr. Colman to be a member of the church of Christ in ¦ Hanover ; and his approbation fop preaching, from the President and Professor of Dartmouth College. 7. Voted, that Mr. Whitney of Hihgbam be requested to admit Mr. Colman into the Third Church in Hingham. Mr. Whitfiey informed the council that he had performed their request. , 8. Having considered the literary, moral and religious qualifications of Mr. Colman for the important work to which he was devoting himself— voted unanimously, that this council are fully satisfied with his attain ments and views, and are prepared to assign the performances for' his or dination. ¦ . 9. Voted, that Dr. Lathrop be requested to give the charge :" that Mr,. Whitney of Hingham express the fellowship of the churches : that Drs". Elliot and Reed make tlie ; introductory and ordaining prayers as they shall agree ; and that Mr. Alleyne, of Duxbury,. make the concluding prayer. * - .. 10'. Votedtoi adjourn to the Derby HaU till half past 8 o'clock on the 17th instant. • June 17 — Met agreeable to adjournment, and passed the following vote [which .was. publicly read in the meeting-bouse by theTnoderator of the gouncil.^' Voted, that this council, having attended to the proceedings L I z* } nf the Third Church and Society in Hingham relative to their separation from the First Church and Society, and the preliminary measures, which they have taken for the ordination of Mr. Henry. Colman, do Consider them as perfectly correct, regular, and satisfactory. A true copy. ,. Attest. PETER WHITNEY, Scribe. »©< ON reviewing the foregoing narrative, I have thought it expedient, in consequence of some things which have recently taken place, to make the following additional observations. With respect to Mr. Richardson, it may be said, that the circumstances which rendered his character suspicious, and - provoked inquiry concerning it, existed prior to his coming to Hingham to offer himself as a candidate for the ministry, and therefore could not be imputable either to his supporters of opposers; and the task of investigation could riot be supposed agreeable to the latter ; but it was a task that was imposed upon. tfte'm ; and if the result of it has been such as was injurious to him, it may truly be said, that his friends have had their share in contributing to the injury ; for the first details we had oil those circumstances were from them, the materials of which. Were probably fiirjiished by Mr. Richardson himself: at least he must have known the method adopted to vindicate his character; and why did he not then, as an honest man, put" a stop to relations which hsid a tendency to sacrifice the re putation of others for the purpose of shielding his own ? Let; him produ'ce to the world his " Letter of Defence," that they may be enabled to judge from whende the original materials of the reports coricer.ning him were derived. The persons connected with the transactions were generally strangers in Hingham, arid. their names became known there only as join ed with the reports respecting Mr. Richardson which accoiri-. pianied him into the. town. . Much, blame has been thrown upon the opposers of Mr. Richardson, as having been officious in preventing, exchanges between him and the neighbouring ministers ; for want of which he doubtless sdffers sorpef inconvenience ; but a little at tention -to the gradual progress of affairs in the, jparish will »how, that while their natural tendency might be to throw Obstacles in the way of such exchanges,, yet that the opposers might be innocent of any special agency with a design tb that effect. During the first four sabbaths of' Mr. Richardson's of- [ 83 ] ficiating with usj he obtained an exchangej without difficulty it is' presumed, with Mr. Flint of Cdhasset; Afterwards; as -Mr. Richardson's character became questionable, the Continu al conversation concerning it gave a publicity to the reports respecting him, which could hot be avoided : these of course ca'me to the ears of the neighhouring ministers, and excited their caution respecting an intercourse, till they should be bet ter informed about him. Notwithstanding a strong op position which now prevailed, grounded on circumstances which were continually unfolding, affecting his moral charac ter, his friends determined still to force him upon the opposers as their minister, and accordingly engaged him for a further- time. They then found it expedient, in order to keep ppen the channeT of intercourse between him and the neighbouring iniriisters, to make some exertions to support his character: with this' view they exhibited in various places the recommen dations which had been given hini previous to a general knowledge of the charges which stood against him, the truth of1 which charges tney at the same time denied. It is well known th^t the greater part ' of tBose ministers were^ thus applied to by Mr. Richardson or his friend's, and had' those recommendatory papers shown to them, before any thing had been given them by the opposers : even Mr. Nor-' ton, of Weymouth, who has taken such a warm part in fa-' Your of Mr". Richardson,* I dare say will acknowledge this, as' respects himself. In this stage of the business, the opposers^ on the other hand, did doubtless' communicate to some of those ministers the ground 'of their distrust of Mr. Richard-* son's character V and" if, on weighing in their'mihds the oppo-* site accounts, the result was, to keep themselves- from a con nection with Mi-. Richardson, it is some' evidence of the we aTmess ofhis own 'ground. Again, much has been said by Mr. Richardson's' friends' In favour of the good" Mr*. Bentley, respecting his' disinterested and benevolent labours for establishing Christianity in this place. The part which Mr. Bentley has taken in our affairs ,1s indeed astonishing! He had an unviable opportunity when '¦ he was sent for to give advice, had , he been actuated by a sincere Christian sp!rit,"to~ heal the differences, and close the breach, which existed in the parish. He had the confidence '¦ of the friends of Mr. Richardson, and might probably have easily led them into those measures that would have made for their peace. But instead of that, we find him giving advice> [ 84 ] and pursuing measures, which must eventually effect a tola! separation, as detrimental to those whom he was advising, as to their opposers. At length we see him the principal agent in giving the finishing stroke to the work of his own hands, and exulting in a melancholy victory, which broke up as it were a large and ancient family, that had lived in harmony through a long course of time. He apparently managed the ordaining council as he pleased. If we may judge from what appeared at the time, and from a letter since written .to Mr. H. Fearing, he sustained, in that body, the threefold ¦ character of witness, advocate and judge.: He. had heard'.Mr. R's statement — he had prejudged the cause— and, in defiance of the principle of.impartiality and equity, he sat on, the final ¦decision.—" But had no one (he says in his letter to Mr. " Fearing) of the [ordaining] council heard the statements «5 at' Charlestown'; and therefore cpuld they not get all the ". information/ they wished for, in the most regular manner? " Coiu'd the council .proceed, and not ask what had been '* "done in the matter?" . ' As much as to say, Ihave been of the council which met at Charlestown ; I heard Mr. Rich ardson's statements there ; I there obtained all the informa tion Twisliedj that was the most regular channel for obtain ing information on the subject ; my mind was already made up; all irifdrma'fiQ'n thropgh any other channel was needless, and must, be. vitiated ; if, any members of the ordaining coun cil asked any questions, I was 'competent to satisfying their minds, for 1 could tell them " what had been (tone in the mat ter." Thus was this mockery of an examination conducted ; and the common forms of ordination seemed to be prostituted to mere party purposes, The narrative which I have herein given, with the docu ments I have adduced in elucidation of it, is respectfully sub mitted to the public THOMAS THAXTER, rr^Qs^^^^0^4^ ERRATA. 'Vage 4, line l, "instead of " never could be," read " never wo* obtained.1' 33, - 1, dele "which," and read "as his moral character at this time," &c. Document No. 2, line 17, read " I will leave the room, and settle," &c. No. 5, .. 8, instead of " hereby certify," read " moreover certify." No. 7,. .. 6, read "he enjoyed occasional communion." No. 10 i ' i instead of " Jesse," read " Jonathan French." No. 12, .. 6, instead of " an honest man," read " an honest, . moral, good man." No. 18, .. o, read "educated and fitted for college in and near this town." No. 41, ,. 13, " his return would have been," read "bis re. turn, unaccompanied with the most ample ac knowledgment, would have been," &c. No. 43, .. 33, read " and trial before such a tribunal, but," &c. .. 40, instead of " I understood there had been," read " I understand there have been." No. 46 — -the date should be July 16, 1300, instead of liOS. APPENDIX. yo Benjamin Lincoln, Esq. and others, a committee, ap pointed to appear before the council which was convened for the ordination of Mr. Joseph Richardson, in behalf of those ivho were opposed to that measure. Gentlemen,' HAVING collected and arranged such papers, &c. apper taining to the late unhappy disputes in this place, as would af ford the impartial and unprejudiced mind a correct view of those disputes ; and being about to publish the same, with some few observations-of my own thereon ; 1 have lately seen a pamphlet published by a committee of the First Church and Parish, containing a narrative of those proceedings, many of which, as stated in said pamphlet, appear to me very oppo site to truths or at least' are so related and coloured as to con vey a very different idea from what I have always entertain ed, from the knowledge I have bad of those transactions. As many of them, however, did not pass: under my immediate view,, particularly those which appertained to the ordination of Mr. Richardson, not being one of the committee instructed to appear before that council by his opposers ; and as the ac count given thereof by Mr. Bentley, one of that council, is contradictory to the report made by that committee, I could wish, for my own satisfaction, and for the cause of truth, that you would take the trouble to state an account of that, and ' such other transactions relative thereto, as you may think prq- per. I am your most obedient, humble servant, THOMAS THAXTER. To Dr. Thomas Thaxter. Sir, To every sincere friend and wehV Wisher to the town of Hingham, and the good people of/the two societies, which formerly composed the North J2a"rish thereof, it must give pain that any circumstance should take place which should have a-tendency to revive that animosity which the division of the parish into two distinct Migious. societies we hoped had* A * t * 3 6r shpr'tiy would have, happily terminated.. We caii tinbit Sincerely say for ourselves, and we believe we speak the opinion of our society in general, that as a conscientious sense of duty, in opposing the majority of our brethren in the mea sures they, were-adopting, governed us ; so also the attainment of those best of. Heaven's blessings, peace, harmony and friendly intercourse, induced us to make the great sacrifice of interest, which was the necessary attendant on a separation. That the pamphlet to which you allude, and which We have also seen, is. calculated to. revive and increase that ani mosity, we strongly apprehend. Whether the compilers and publishers of , that pamphlet intended that such should be its operation, we cannot say, but.it certainly argued great want of discernment if they did not foresee this natural effect ; arid if they did, it would seem to manifest a malignancy of heart. Avery critical scrutiny of that performance is unnecessary to discover some traits of that disposition; for he must be base indeed, who could touch on private character, by which the merits of a cause in dispute are not in the least affected. In deed, without taking into consideration this natural and de plorable tendency of the pamphlet, a slight view of , the pro duction would lead one to suppose, that its compilers had fully embraced the sentiments of one of their number, an ac tive and influential member of their society, Who explicitly de clared in public meeting, that, in the parish controversy, " re ligion had nothing to do in the business, with him." Such, sir, being our view of the tendency of the aforesaid pamphlet, and indeed in a degree of any publication or narra tive on that subject, however correct, we exceedingly jregret that any should have appeared,, and especially in a form which compels us in justification of ourselves, and in vindication' of —the truth, to correct some gross errors therein ; and to make a few observations on the productions of two reverend gen tlemen, contained in, the said pamphlet, on which it would seem, by the manqer in which they are introduced, the com pilers thereof build great expectations. The pamphlet purports to be a Vindication of the proceed ings of the First Church "and Parish in Hingham, in settling the Rev. Joseph Richardson~as their gospel minister. It pro fesses to contain a narrative of their doings from the first of Mr. R's coming among them, untiHiis ordination and the in corporation of the . Third Congregational Society. It a!so5ex-= [ '* 1 hibitsthe evidences of the good character of the candidate, anil ahews the satisfaction which those evidences produced on their minds — that it was sufficient to induce them to give him & call. Their first doing was, hiring Mr. Richardson for four sab baths ; to vindicate which, as it appears by their note they considered it requisite, they say he was first introduced by Dr. Levi Lincoln and Eben. Gay, Esq. and by the insinuation that their politics were different from those of the candidate, they exonerate those gentlemen from improper motives in inviting him. But who was the cause ofhis being put on the "list of candidates, and who insisted on its being done, pretend ing at the same time he hardly knew his name, or the place of his abode? It wag Mr.'Hawkes Fearing; who it is be-* lieved had little knowledge of him, except of his political cha racter. Their next' doing was (contrary to the spirit of a pre vious vote of the parish, not to hear any candidate but four eabbaths) to hire him for eigtA sabbaths longer; and this they state, in the "Vindication," to have' been done, after many wounding reports respecting him were in circulation. Whe ther this part of their proceedings needed vindication or not, they do not appear to have attempted one. But the disposition toascertahi what was truth concerning the various reports prejudicial to the character of their candi date,' afterwards apparently manifested by instructing a com mittee to inquire into Mr. Richardson's character, &c. was ve ry proper ; and had the committee executed their trust, the result might have been satisfactory \o his opposers.' What was their instruction? To inquire what was truth concern* ing.the various; reports prejudicial to the character of their can didate. But what was their report ? why "trulyi their opin ion, that Mr. Richardson was a geritlem'ari of a good moral character; and that it was formed from sundry documents which they had obtained, shewing what his character was in the opinions of the writers, prior to the time to which these charges alluded ; and connected with no circumstances relat ing to the reportsin circulation against him ; excepting a ge neral exoneration from all illiberal surmises, and dishonoura ble charges, by the selectmen of Charlestown; and a certi ficate of the trustees of»a school there " that, as far as their ac quaintance with him* went, they found him to be a good schoolmaster ; and believed him an honest, moral, good man." [ 4 ] But was this executing their commission, which was, to in quire what was truth concerning the various reports prejudi cial to his character ? We think not r and we cannot but think that the conduct of the parish in accepting that report as satisfactory, needs more vindication than appears in ihe pamphlet. However extraordinary it may appear to the compilers of the " Vindication," that this report, with the documents ex hibited, should not satisfy all, of the falsehood of the charges-in circulation, to us it appears as extraordinary that it should sa tisfy any ;* and we flatter ourselves we shall stand acquitted, by all persons of discernment and impartiality, from the charge of being predetermined by other reasons than those which re spect moral character, who will view the evidence on which our opinion was formed. Nor can it be considered either uo-^ fair or dishonest, in our preparing a protest against a measure which was clearly foreseen would take place, by the manner in which the inquiry into his character was to be made, and the description of persons composing the committee. Candouir and a solicitude to obtain truth would have dictated an equal numbej; of each party on the/ committee, which might have produced union and harmony: but this was refused; and all the committee were his adherents ; and, as was expected, the acceptance of the report was foUowed by a call of the candi date, and a protest from the opposition. The next step to be vindicated is, the calling of the candi date without the concurrence of the church. This is acknow ledged to have been the case. Their reasons for this extra ordinary conduct (for they appear to view jt as needing an apology; and we believe another instance of tbe kind cannot fee produced, where there was not a perfect harmony in the society) are, the inclemency of the season, sickness, age and infirmity of its members. This statement we believe to be correct ; and to it might have been added, a consciousness that no meeting of the church could be holden in which 3 majority in favour of a concurrence with the parish could be obtained. They say, " It was judged most proper, and * We would not be here understood as calling in question the respecta bility of the' sources from whence these documents were derived, but mere ly that they did not contradict any reports which had been in circulation, prejudicial to the character ot?Mr. R. nor iuwlidate any charge which hail been brought against him { 9 i eqisally fair and valid, to dispense with a formal meeting, and to unite with the parish, by a written instrument, which was done by a majority of the church." We here concede to the statement, that there were then living forty-six male members; of this number, however, three had never heard the candidate preach, nor have they since, nor probably ever Will: two, by a long course of mental, derangement, were Considered as entirely disqualified to transact any business ; two others had for years withdrawn themselves from com munion, and two others had repeatedly declared they would take-no jjart in the business. The names of some of those members, however, must have been among those who con stituted a majority of the forty-six by signature. This being the state of the church, less discernment than the conductors 6f their affairs were known to possess, Would have been am ple to have discovered the result of a meeting of the church, and pretty clearly shews .why no Orie church member of the adherents of Mr. Richardson attended the meeting holden oh the 0th of January, 1806. ' The "Vindication*' states, " that the disaffected members of the church, thinking to take advantage of this measure, pre tend," "Sc. Advantage of what measure ? the concurrence of the church by signature ? No such measure was heard of until after the meeting was holden ; nor, it is believed, was adopted until after the meeting was warned. But the " Vindi cation" deriies that any regular Church meeting was holden* * We eanaot onilt here Hotleiitg one ciiribihy in the "Vindication." In a marginal note, in the thirty-third page, it te'said, " It has been already shewn that there was no regular meeting of the church ou the 9th of Jantr. ary, 190a. This can be proved by substantial evidence, and that a call had been presented to Mr. Richardson, signed by a majority of the members of the,cliarcb, previous to his giving his answer." In the sSeventy-fourth. page, la a note, it is said, "The following document famishes the proof re ferred to ill the thirty-third page." Then follows a document, dated Dec 23, 1806, in which five persons, professing to be a committee of the First Chinch, (f certify that no meeting of the Fir^t Church ii Hingham was holden on the said .9th of January, for reasons which are then stated; This document, it seems (according to the understanding of the vindica tor^ proves, that there was no meeting of the church, and that iftr. irticli- ardson was presented with a call- by signatures, previous to his giving his answer. And it is substantial evidence too. We, on the other hand, proves by tlie retards of the ¦church, that such a meeting was warned ; and can prove, by tlie 9*we reaord.ir th - ,-wch a taeeting was holden. to : one respect, how ever, we confess .our eviu , ce is not So ^substantial as that of oiir brethrerf who compiled tlie " Vindication." Osrs does mt prove that Mr. Richard, Van-bad Hot a-call by signatures. on the Sth of January, 1806, because, it says, the object of the meeting was not generally known, nor was it warned in the usual time, in the customary manner, or holden at the stated place." That the object of the , meeting was fully under stood, is beyond dispute, as the subject was the constant, and almost only topic of conversation. No time, manner or plaGe had ever been established, either by a vote of the church, or statute of the legislature. It was judged, and we think very correctly, that when there was no pastor, the deacons were the regular presiding and governing officers in the churchy These issued a notification for a church meeting, as will ap pear by the following extract from the records pf the church: — :" Application having been made to us the subscrir bers to call a meeting of the male members of the First Church of Christ in Hingham, we hereby give notice that a meeting thereof will, be hplden at the Derby Academy, on Thursday, the 9th day of January instant, at 1 o'clock, P.tyt. at which time and place all the male members are requester! to attend." — [Signed] — "Joseph Thaxter, Benjamin C«sft» ing, William Cushing, David Lincoln, jun. deacons. Hingham, Jan. :6, 1806." "We, the subscribers, being appointed by the deacons; to .warn a meeting of the church agreeably to the above applica tion, hereby certify, that, we have performed that service."-— [Signed] — f Levi Lincoln, Samuel Norton, Nathan Rice,, William Cushing, David Lincoln, jim. committee." This notification, as. certified, was served to every mem ber of the church, except to a Mr. Ebenezer Lincoln, who was forgotten, probably because he had not attended meeting for years, through extreme old age and sickness, and was one. of those who had. never heard the candidate preachy also, Capt. Thomas Fearing, who happened to be out of town ¦when the notification was left at his house. This was cer tainly a more general and sure mode of notification than any .other that could have been adopted. The place for holding the meeting was selected for the accommodation and comfort of the aged and infirm, it being- provided with a good fire. At this meeting, it is true, as stated in the " Vindication," " there were twenty-one members present, who protested against the measure of the parish : but, says the " Vindication," f( one of them, Mr. John Beal, was a member of the church in Cohasset, and his relation to it was never transferred t» t * } that of Hingham." It may be true, but it is'-alsd true he had 6een upwards of forty years a regular communicant in it, and had uniformly acted in the church} particularly in the ordina tion of the Rev. Dr, Ware. The candid arid impartial pufc lie will judge of the regularity of this church meeting, from the foregoing statement of facts; and also of the regularity of the doings of the parish, and the concurrence of a majority of the members of the church by signature. It ought also to be considered, however, that much deception, misrepresenta1- ¦iiori, and management, might have been and probably Were used by those employed to'obtain the signatures Of persons of the aforesaid description, who could have no opportunity of inquiring what was truth respecting such statements, if they had the ability. The candour of these vindicators in not divulging "those circumstances attending this- church meetirigj "which would so unfavourably impress the reader^ if stated^ hut a statement of which they "say justice demanded, is less astonishing to us, as during the whole of these unhappy dis putes they have uniformly refused to do for us what justice 'demanded^ although we donot recollect ever to have heard it ascribed to their candour before. The vindication of the next step of the parish, which Was "'the- convening of a reference of clergymen at Charlestown^ to settle the disputes, between Mr. Richardson on the one part and the parish on the other, we think a pretty difficult undertaking; for it was to vindicate the mode of settling" a dispute which never existed. Had the dispute been be tween Mr. Richardson and the parish, it would probably have heeri settled by a dismissal of the candidate. The fact was, 'the dispute was between Mr. Richardson and the parish on one part, arid certain individuals on the other— and it neems one party in dispute chose to submit the cause to such a refer« ence as they thought proper to select : the other party in dis pute,' as was natural, not agreeing to it, Would have nothing tb do in the business : and that they judged properly is mani fest by the recommendation of those clergyhien to Mr. Rich ardson and the parish : and notwithstanding all the plausible reasoning which the "Vindication?' exhibits, to show that we ought to have appeared before that tribunal for the settle ment of the controversy, considering the parish had been at so much trouble and expense to give them this fair opportu nity of doing itj we doubt whether any but themselves will [ '8 ]. believe "we shunned investigation, or suspected that our' cause -rested on a, trembling, foundation^' Had we been otiliged to have submitted our cause to a reference thus cho sen, and to such persons as might have been selected,- oup> cause would have indeed been hopeless. The "Vindication" proceeds to state, "that-conciliatory! measures were still the wish and object of the parish," and as an. evidence thereof,, it says, "That agreeably to the- recom-i mendation of the reference at Charlestown," at a legal meet-- ing on the 8th of March, 1806, it was voted, That thie parish contract with Mr. Riohardson as their public teacher of reli gion, till such time as he shall be ordained, with this proviso, i that whenever his opposers wish to call a reference of gbspel; ministers, on these conditions* viz. the opposition two, his friend*, twp, Mr. R}chardsen two, and Mr. Richardson and his oppo^ sers a seventhy to investigate his moral diameter,"* &c< A ¦ * This proposition tb«y say was -rejected. What proposition was reject ed? by whom was it rejected? and to. whom was it made? This proposition* > as it is called, was neither more nor less than a vote of the parish, to con tract with Mr. Richardson as their public teacher of religion ; which vote^ (or proposition, as they term it) was accepted by him, and by this accept- ¦ ance he entered into a civil contract, which was equally ¦ binding on both partus, and was to continue in force for life, unless he should be ordained, or unless a reference of ministers (a majority of whom were to be ch»se» by himself and friends) should declare, him to be, in their opinion, disqpa? lined in point of moral character for a gospel minister. It appears, by the manner in which this transaction is stated in the " Vindication," as if no such contract was made, but that it was proposed and rejected. We are, not surprised that fhey,sliould wish to keep so ex traordinary a measure out of sight. By the terms of this contract, if a council had been called for the ordi- vmtion of Mr. Richardson, and if they bad refused to ordain him, for whatever reasons, it would still have remained in force. A nd if his friends should diminish to the number of two, and b;J opposers increase in the same proportion, from whatever cause, the parish would stiH be hokleu by" the contract to support him, unless he should be ordained and then, dis missed, or unless a reference, selected, principally by himself, and his two friends:, should condemn him as provided in the said, contract, and the pa rish would be, comipUtely deprived, by their own act, of those rights of whjch they pretended to be so tenacious. The next proposition, which wis contained in a.letter addressed by Mr.- Ricbardson to Gen. Lincoln, was made, not because Sir. Richardson was not legally established, but, it is believed, because many. Of bis adherents' were^ueeasy, and some actually refined, to attend meeting while his estab lishment was of such, an unprecedented nature. Something was therefore though'tiiecessary to be done, and thisj proposition was made, which they say was rejected, . bit was followed by one from, the .oppcsei's, in these terms, &c. But how it was rejected,,^»id what look pjace before that of the^ppjposera was made, they are careful to rememher to fprget to state- 7*J \? ttj' '* ' C V*'-' te^t&y '¦-¦¦¦-¦3, <- • r ;¦: .--.v---. , ¦,; - :¦ rv -' ^ j^idlca.tio^ of this, transaction j$ not attempted, unless t^ declaration that, it w^s_. adopted ." agreeably to the.recorn-: nujad'at^Qn.of the,>.members..,cooy36suig the. reference at ^tarJest^Wn J,'., is flfae^ $te believe, however, that those gep« t^m^.Wjill .hardly, thank ; the. people, of Hingham for, uisinua^- jpgjd}at they reooinmended so unrighteous and extraordinary ajnyjasure,. ^Nq^sucIj s^ntjmerit was„(fonfained in thejr.re; ^mjnendation, but}th'e c.ontraj-y, ,Such a pfeaniblfi. therefore t^t^is oart.o^fhe narrative, .must be botlj weak a,nd slicked, for .^.slight recurrence to that recomiheridatibn would prbve Vsjllacy. ~ .^ ^,-4..- ..-. •.... , .......... The ^ Vjnoic^ti^i.^next states, " that, the parish hov? re- Jjnguisfaed, jhejr ,i4eajs Qf right, andr agreed to meet the oppo; $e|s on .tj^eir p\vn ground, who! claimed one half the council,; $at,jt j^asreje^ted,,^ thern,, but another offered in. its .steady w||ich waj npt, accepted by the parish." It. may here be pro: per to state the prominent features of distinction in. the fwp gr,oppsjtipii§. „, That of (.M;h Richardsop proposed five . gospel njjnjisj^rs for ^he^referenje j, that, of the opposition, eleven or ^ilieen. .TJaajt of Mr. Richardson provided, that if tlie .refej- §n6e did not conclenin him, by,detefriijhirig his nioral. chara<£ ter to b^really such as^ to jiisqiialify; him for, the offjce pf a go^ejljipmister,,. opposition to, him should cease.', , That of the Opposition provided, triat if the reference, .after hearing the allegations, . 8jq. would recommend, him, and give it as their opinion that he was a man of good moral character, arid .true &!$,& and suitable for a gospel minister, then opposition should •cease j otherwise., the connexion between the candidate and ** ! '..(;¦ - - • - '" r' ¦,'!-.;, ¦ i A T]he facts are these :-r-The proposition of Mr. Richardson was com- fiiunicated by Gen. Lincoln to the opposition, who instructed a committee to answer it. This rjommittee infprmed'Mr, Richardson, hy^lejtteifc. that |ij^ opposers were, entii;ely w-illing. Jo comply with the rgc.pn|njeBdaJion of the minfsters who assembled at Charlestown (at the rerjuest of himself and his friends) in calling a mutual ecclesiastical council, or, if more agreeable to him, a. Reference of miui4ter,s,.fi)r the pjurpjosea. expressed by them. To th\s h e replied, that it,waa thought by himself and friends improper to re^ |>Iy to our propositions until we bad accepted 'or rejected those which he had offered. - tje was;aifswered by the committee, that their other commu nication was, ; predicated on the recommeudatipn of the ministers above mentioned, (which those ministers said was the.qnly regular mode of settling the differences} and jjhat they still adhered to i he principles therein con- fcined.' Thus ended the correspondence. ,i The proposition,, which the *i Vindication ",sta,^ep^olfaYe.befln niadefon jljb^^y.th^f AjpraL was.jnjidcaf.. tec this, correspondence was ended, The whole truth would net answer aWftorpose, B t 10 } parish should cease. The opposers' objections to five only, of rather, their wishes for eleven or thirteen, arose from the con sideration, that in a multitude of counsel there is safety ; tha? the result, whatever it might be, would be more satisfactory^ especially if the reference were pretty "well united ; and would fee less likely to be swayed by prejudice and party considera tions. In respect to the other difference, it way believed that the character of a candidate for the ministry ought to be such as to merit recommendation.; that to condemn is ap unpleasant task, and in such a case would be fatal to. charac ter ; that a reference might decline to condemn, who would le unwilling to recommend. The " Vindication " says, in V he* re marked; 'that copies of alt thb^e WcuH^fftf wefe afterwards bffered to the parish,' at the' pa^srr^eftihl^ Bet'. Id, 1805, and previous 'to the vote for callijig^m",''^ condition that a cop^ of the aforesaid WmmUiiitiCtioft fronv Mr7Richardsbn should also Be |iveh'fo' the 'opposersf'f'Sut thlS! was Jbt Agreed tb by the'" parish. What theiiJcahnbe thbugrrf? 6Tfee'k'de'clarationi made 'in the '78th' pa^e : bf thaV pamphlet;1 thaf:they could' never obtain 'the fatfourBf those" do'ciih^nt's r"' T^hat'a' blush "for the depravityt!bf human 'nature slfoiiW'r/ave rieetf raised, cahnbf be thought extraordinary : fte* Hiiust b%" mWe hardened in iniqiiitjr thfn falls !t0 the'lot of hiariyi thai1 cdald mkfee*luch?la de'felaratiori' without blushing^ '[^ ~ n''{ •^'Kfavirig*|}!,6afiy -court, civil' or 'ecfcle-''4 siastical. .. The, mystery," therefore, how- members of a church; ' thus, .sepaBafcing: themselves, could be formed into, a new;' churchy in ^regular, standing; iexpressed in their next para-; graph, we ithidu> will cease,-'without the aid of the venerable' council who sancttionted atjt= The " Vindication " allows, that" if irhiscounciLhad jheard • the merits of *the' dispute, and had af- ten that> thought' it 'right;} then they might have established" them, as., a separate'-church ; and yet they have just before said, how ;it could Redone was.to-them a mystery. ! We say inireply,' had some-of. the- members of this council beem^d*' mitted to/have iheard the merits1 of the' dispute, at the ordina- tion of Mr. Richardson: -(as i they applied to be,'_but were refus- ed)Ithey anight have been able to have communicated to this council. as>eorrect information, and- it would1 have been asre-1 gular a channel of information, as was MrV;Beiitley to "the other; councils^ '., ,Among34heimany errors ¦ and1 mistatmenwin the1 "Vindi cation;", we cannotomit noticing one; and We are exceed- inglyjat a: lossito-acGount.fbrits introduction^ Unless it be, that ' some, act of candoury benevolence and liberality might appeaV on; their part towards; the aggrieved part of the church; - It saysj : " The ohmurch'. of the ' Firfet Parish had- lent a number of sibf-er, cups; to those who hadiseparatecl- themselves from1 the chuiieh,-, and had suffered! other- 'property to remain in their hands^-With the. assurance they- would -give them up when called, for." In this story there appears riot even the shadow ofstojith-*: ; Tltat.it ,could mot*be the case, is evident from these circumstances.: " All the'.deacons^ -of "whohi -there were four; were among theNaggrieved'members ; the^church plate' and property, as.it is believed: is universally the case,' was' (ex1 of-; ficia) in their hands! for care and -safe- keeping '}'¦ and how the shurch- could, loan the property, or when it was dbne, cannot be conceived ¦ (unless- it~ was- done by some paper containing- th&sigfjaj-arbs of ike. majority of the- church, expressing such a loan, and kept concealed.) Rut a church meeting' was holden in the usual place, when it was voted to divide the ehwch property; upon just principles; according to numbers.* * This meeting was warned in the same manner with that which was held on the 9th of January, 13o6,j hnt none of the -adherents of Mr. Rich ardson atteuded. Probably for the same reasons which prevented them iresi attending the -otoei uaeeting; ¦ i « i A request was also made to the deacons, to loan any addi tional quantity of the table furniture more than half, which should be requested of them by the other part of the church. It. seems therefore the vindicators must have mistaken tnis friendly act of the aggrieved members of the church for. their own, or it was a wilful and designed misrepresentation, to impress the public mind favourably towards them. If doubts were expressed by the deacons, in delivering the property, it was because they viewed themselves responsible therefor; they were not put out of office, nor others appointed in tKeir stead, in what was called the First Church. They were how ever advised to give it up to a committee of that churchy who mjght be chosen for that purpose, taking a receipt therefor, which was done. The public will determine what credit ought to be attached to the account of this transaction in the " Vindication." We cannot but notice, on the closing leaf pf the "Vindica tion," the use made of Dr. Cummings's letter, or testimony, as they call it, to discredit the evidences adduced of certain persons, to substantiate the allegations against Mr. Richard son, notwithstanding, in a note on the 21st page, it is said, " Can any thing be more absurd than a pretence that a letter could be used to defend a man's character and conduct sub sequent to the date of said letter ? Dr. Cummings's letter was used only to vindicate Mr. Richardson's character and conduct prior to the date." This absurdity appears in the use made thereof in the above instance. Being weary of pointing out the absurdities, inconsistencies and mistatements in the " Vindication,"* we shall, without farther noticing them, proceed as was proposed to make some remarks, and correct some errors in the two reverend gentle men's productions,, published in the pamphlet ; and, as these wonderful productions appear to have been intended as stric tures on the report which was made by the committee of ihe opposition to their constituents, it may be proper here to in sert that report. THE Committee appointed, to represent that part of the Church and Congregation in the North Parish in Hingham, * How far Mr. Richardson was concerned in these mistatements. &e may be pretty correctly judged by those who ivill take the trouble to com pare his productions with that which we have been reviewing i is 3 which was opposed to the settlement of Joseph Richardson as gospel minister in that place, have attended the arduous and disagreeable service assigned them, and submit the following report. Agreeably to their instructions, your committee collected a number of documents and evidences in support of the charges which had been alledged against Mr. Richardson, and made such arrangements as the short time allowed them would per mit. On Monday, 30th of June, they met a council, which had been invited to assemble by the aggrieved members of the church, and laid before them a statement of the proceed ings of the parish, the church, and opposition, from the time Mr. Richardson first Came among us. ¦ On Tuesday, July 1st, they appeared at Mr. Fearing's tavern, at the hour appointed ; but the ordaining council not having convened, they retired, ©n being assured by Mr. Fearing -that they should be notified as soon as the council should be assembled and ready to pro ceed. At 5 o'clock, P. M. a billet, signed by Joseph Rich- ardsbn, was received by Gen. Lincoln, informing him that the council were assembled, and were ready to hear any evi dences in support ,of the allegations contained in the protest .signed by himself and others ; and that an immediate attend ance was requested. Your committee immediately repaired to Mr. Fearing's, where they found the room, in which the council were as sembled, guarded by a constable with his staff, and an assist ant with a cane, and after being interrogated whether they were a committee in behan of the Opposition, were admitted to the council^ who had previously organised themselves, and were surrounded by the committee of the parish, and that part of the church who were adherents to Mr. Richardson. The council consisted of a deputation from four churches on ly, among whom were but three clergymen — Rev. Mr. Bar ker of Middleborough, moderator, Rev. Mr. Bentley of Salem, scribe, Rev. Mr. Briggs of Plymton — with one delegate each, find two delegates from the church at Tewksbury, one of whom was father in law to Mr. Richardson. It appeared by subsequent observations, that the council had, previous to the at tendance of your committee, heard such statements as Mr. Richardson and his adherents had thought proper -to make, and that they proceeded under the impression that the oppo sition were not considered a part of the society,, and centribut- [ «o ] ,ed nothing towards the support *>f:iparish -expenses, '-which was not afact. Also, that /they intended notto admit -any al legations in addition to ;th©se contained iin the protest alluded to in Mr. Richardson's billet. .The committee, after-exhibtting^heir credentials, presented ,a,w.ritten request to=the council, that the question which' was ^uh?rpiljted to .their decision should be discussed in ithe meeting- -house, that all persons who felt interested 'might -bave*n *op- ,por,tunity pf. hearing and judging ibr.'themselves. ifoi'support jpf this request it was urged, that if the husimess -was conduct- .ed in private, appearances would be- suspicious; and the result unsatisfactory, and that the most effectual way for Mr.' Rich- ,ardspn to vindicate his character and place it in a fair light to the world, if he was really innocent, was to have it publicly investigated. That, on the other hand, the characters of Mr. 'Richardson's opposers iwere implicated, they having been ac- pused of fabricating the charges against him, and "therefore _were in justice; entitled to- the .privilege of at least proving ttheir own innocence in a public manner. All arguments, : however, were unavailing. Mr. Bentlej', ;who assumed and exercised throughout the whole discussion 4he right of deciding for the council on every quest-ion, strong- - ly objected, for two reasons : one, that it would consume too much time ; the other, that the council were convened at the request of the church and parish.; that the parish had appoint ed a. committee to conduct and direct the proceedings, thtft the council had examined and found them regular, and had approved therepf, and by their approbation had bound rherrf* selves to adhere to the regulation bf said committee ; that therefore the council bad- in faefc already determined -the hear ing should.be in the place in which' they were assembled, and they were not at liberty to sit elsewhere. He said, the -pa rish at large were satisfied, and did not wish to be hearers-; but if the qpposers of Mr. Richardson wished to transgress the, rules of order and regularity, and the vote of the parish; he was willing they should be admitted. " There arehut few #f them,'; said he, addressing himself to the council and the adherents of Mr. Richardson; "let them come in :" then, turning to the committee, observed, he thought this a great condescension in the council, and an evidence they had no Wish to exclude any who had an inclination to hear the discus^ sion. Notwithstanding this boated liberality of Mr. Bfcntley, <{ 521 ] *^re%vas "takehhbt to give instructions to the" constable sta tioned at the door to carry it into effect. The request to sit 'in the meetlng-hoUse being refused, it was stated by the "C6mmittee that in consequence of the unhappy division of the -parish, and the appointment of the ordination, the opposed, tabf "fully relying on their own judgment, had thought it ex pedient to 'solicit 'the 'advice 'of 'an ecclesiastical 'council in re- ""Sptect to the bbrfduct they ought . to 'pursue on the occasion ; 'that they had 'accordingly hi'vited 'the "Rev. Dr. Reed of Bridg water, Rev. Mr. Harris of borche'ster, Rev. Mr. 'Aify'ne of ^Duxbiifyj'and^the Rev. Mr. Porter of Roxbury, with their de- ?lfegHtes ; that they were then in session, and that to 'be able to •Form- a correct 'opinion, arid Advise uhderstaridirigly, they con ceived it necessary 'they should be made acquainted with ail -th« facts On fikith sines of the question, and requested they 'might be admitted' for that purpbse. "Mr. Bentley 's'ajd he thought this a very extraordinary re quest ; he had iid notion bf havirig a jury upon 'tneir conduct- There were m'ariy wotidefful events rafeifrg platVin'tnisday 'bf wdriders,, bu't He thought this the hib'st wOHaefful " 0," '¦said -he, '"5;ou'mus"t u's'k for something iriore (reasonable than thaf.'*' After tliis'Vf'equ'egt was made that 'the beforemen- tioned g'eiitl'e'mfen snouid.be a'din'i'ited to hear in tlie capacity 'of private clergymen. This, being objected to by the parish committee, was consequently not granted by the council, al though srbme df fft'e clergymen some time after applied per sonally for idmissioii. These request's being rejected with TftOii'temjit, your committee, after having read a, statement of the proceedings bf th'e parish, the church and file opposition', proceeded 'to' state their bbjectipiis to Mr. Richardson's or^msj- rtie artfdl insinuation, sheer, of contemptuous observation, intended tb destroy its force, andprejiidice'the reinids of the bourjcll, Tlie committee easily foresaw, from the conduct, gf' fhe council', what would be their final decision, ere theyfhad fairly entered oh the niefifs of the question; but a sense of [ 22 ] duty impelled them to proceed, though "under the most dis couraging circumstances. The committee objected to Mr. Richardson's ordination for two general reasons:. — 1st. Because they considered the man ner of his call and acceptance irregular and unprecedented. 2d. Because they believed him an unsuitable person in point of moral character to be employed in the gospel ministry. ,: In support of the first objection, it was shewn that the pa rish, at a meeting December 10th, 1805, voted to give Mr. Richardson a call, without consulting the church, or even com municating to them the result of their meeting : that on the Sth of January, 1806, a meeting of the church was holden, when it was voted to nonconcur the doings of the parish in the call of Mr. Richardson, and protest against the same : that Mr. Richardson's answer of acceptance, dated Jan. 6th, 1806, was read the 19th of the same month : that on the 8th of June following, eight males and a number of females, all ad herents of Mr. Richardson, were admitted into the church by Mr. Bentley, thereby giving a decided majority in that body- in favour of Mr. Richardson : that at a meeting of the church, 19th of June, 1806, it was voted to concur -in the call of the parish, given Dec. 10th, 1S05, and at a subsequent parish meeting, holden 28th bf June, a vote was passed lo concur with the church in their last mentioned vote of concurrence with the parish ; and to this call of the church and parish, if it may be so denominated, Mr. Richardson had never given an answer. Mr. Richardson said he was ready to give one then. Much desultory conversation took place on this ques tion of irregularity, in which Mr. Bentley took his side. He endeavoured, in an artful manner, to draw the committee in- to an acknowledgment that the proceedings of the opposition, as it respected church meetings, had been irregular, intending thereby to destroy the force of their objections against the ir regular proceedings of the parish, and intimated, though he did n^t undertake to assert, that though the parish had not in some instances been perfectly regular in the beginning, they had since corrected their proceedings and set themselves right. Among many other things equally incorrect and irrevelant to the subject, he said he should consider the call and answer perfectly regular if the opposers had uot been consulted, as they had petitioned for a separation, and obtained the consent of the parish for that purphse, and were exempted from the { 23 =J txirden of parish expenses. This kind of sophistry had its ef? feet on the minds Of the council. The committee having clearly proved, as they believe, the propriety of this objection, proceeded to the second : that Mr. Richardson was an unsuitable person in point of moral character to be employed in the gospel ministry. A number of charges of a more specific nature were contained under this head : 1st, That Mr. Richardson had been guilty of vio lating one of the most solemn contracts of social life, for which he stands condemned in a court of justice. 2d, That he had been guilty of base ingratitude, and created much dis turbance, by divulging and misrepresenting a confidential communication made to him, at his request, by one who had patronised him, and Conducted towards him in the most friendly mariner. 3d, Thut he had avowed a principle incon sistent with the peace and happiness of civil society, viz. that if even in a confidential manner an opinion weia given in his presence unfavourable to an absent person, he always consi dered himself at lioerty to divulge it. 4th, That, indepen dent of the foregoing instances, he had been guilty of decep tion,' prevarication and falsehood. 5th, That he had,, f -y iris improper speeches and conduct, manifested an unguarue:^ pe- tubat anl quarrelsome disposition. 6th, That he had, by his acceptance, and residence' here' in an irregular and unprece dented manner,' made himself an instrument to destroy the pea. e of the parish, and the happiness of individuals ; and al though the consequences were long since well known to him, he had manifested a determination still to remain here. In support of the first charge, the committee, in addition to the judgment of court, produced a deposition which was not exhibited on the trial, from the Rev. Mr. Barton, of Fitch- burg, testifying to the fact, and also two letters to Mr. Richardson from Miss Robinson, the lady who prosecuted him for a breach of promise of marriage, written after the receipt of his letter to her by which he broke off the connexion be tween them after five years courtship, but before the prosecu tion was commenced or contemplated. These letters bear internal marks of authenticity, and were sworn by her to be correct copies, to the best of her recollection. In' the first of these she entreats him, in the feeling language of injured innc cenue, to give her some explanation of his strange and une-x-> pected conduct. In the other (he having taken no notice of [: 24;. ], tlie fir^st) she reviews his- conduct towards, herr' and recapitu lates his solemn promises, oaths and imprecations. The. evi dence contained hi .fhe«e,letters 0ffhe truth of the accusation against Mr. "Richardson, and,,the collateral, evidence in, .sup port of it,, were.iri; the. opinion of .the committee, so, explicit. arid conclusive', t^attftcoijl(i' be, resisted, by nothing but the most hardened nrejud'f?^, or determined, blindness. Even .M-r. Bentley seemed for, a .moment to be convinced of its. truth;; but justified' Mr. Richardson's denial, on the ground, that as. Mr. Richardson had appealed from the judgment of the inferi or court, had thrown himself on God .and his country, and the cause was then pending, he had a right to. plead not. guilty,, and such a pica .under such circurnstapces was never consi dered a falsehood ; and further said, he thought it very extra ordinary that a case which was then pending in a court of justice should be brought before that council to be prejudged by them. The committee would here remark, that if such reasoning be admitted as correct, the consequences would-be incalculable. The indictment of a man for crimes of ever, so heinous a nature must form, no objection to his being introdu ced into the ..gospel ..ministry, lest the court before whom the. criminal should afterwards be tried, might possibly be influen ced by the opinion of an ordaining council. [; ¦ Dr. Morse's evidence being necessary to prove the truth of the second accusatiqn, and. he not having arrived,, it was. accordingly postponed. At this stage pf the business, it be ing about 10 o'clock, the .council adjourned, and met, again the next morning at 'about .7 j when the third ,eha*ge was brought forward, and supported by the testimony; of Miy,Hoar> and was not denied by Mr.rRichardson. In support of the fourth, a number pf circumstances were mentioned, wluelj tgjj^onimittee believe .went to substantiate, the 'acqusatjon^'"Bu|^the(.8 most striking instance which was produced yyai "a 'statement in writing to the parish,, at their meetui^ Dec,. 10,. 1 805. Mr. Richardson's, letter of defence (as it was called) which was read at that meeting*,was. called form the committee, and an extract relative.^ hisileaving. the boarding.-hpuse of Mr. Adams in Charlestown.., was read by the, council! Mr. Richardson therein stated, that the day after he left Mr. Adams's he called there on some business,;. thaf Mr. Adams then expressed his regret that, Mr* Rich ard son had left him, and spid the young gentlemen vyhevhoarded t 25 ] With him were also sorry for what had happened, and wish ed him to return and overlook all that had taken place; that he did not return, because he had engaged other lodgings. A deposition was produced from Mr. Adams, testifying that he never made any declaration of the kind, but on the contra ry-he believed nothing but the most ample, acknowledg ments on the part of Mr. Richardson would have satisfied those gentlemen, and that his return' without such acknow ledgments would have been the signal for them to leave the house. An affray which took place between Mr. Richardson and a gentleman in Charlestown, and several other facts, were ad duced in support of the fifth charge. Mr. Adams, from Ac- jton, asserted, that he .was in. company with Mr, Jvicbarusr-n at, Concord a, few months before he came to preach in this .town ; .that Mr. Richardson then said something to this ef fect ; that he had quitted preaching because he despised the clergy and: the profession, and appeared to wish the company to understand that he was ashamed of ever having had any connexion with the clerical order. Mr. Richardson said he did not recollect ever to have said any such thing, or ever to have seen Mr'. Adams before, and wished him to state the place and circumstances when this declaration was made. Mr. Adams, accordingly stated the place, and circiurislances, and persons present ; all which Mr. Richardson remember ed, hut said it was a new charge, which he was not prepared to answer; but had he known it in season, he could have produced the persons who were present. , The sixth charge was considered self evident; and needed no proof. The committee having gone through all the specific charg es except that which required the testimony of Dr. Morse, who was momently expected, one of the council observed, that Mr. Bridge was present, and could give all the informal tion on that subject that was necessary. Mr. Bridge then made a statement to this effect : that some time previous to the difficulty with Dr. Morse, Mr. Richardson and himself were accidentally in company with each other, when no Other person was present ; that some conversation took place which led Mri.Richardson to say, apparently without any ma licious intention, and rather inadvertently, that he knew cer tain persons in Charlestown were not perfectly friendly to " * .— D x ¦*» J 'Mr., Bridge; and on his asking to what he alluded, Mr. Rich- ;ardsqnj.;aftjer some hesitation, told him, that he; had been ad vised by Dj. Morse to avoid, the company of Mr. Bridge, and others,. and-;tbeir families, and- to seek .that of some <*the.r pe'r- .sons, ivhomhe named : that he, Mr. Bridge, feeling.much inr jured, required an explanation of Dr. Morse, which was giv en him by the Doctor. Mr. Richardson then asked -Mr* Bridge, in presence of the council,. if, Dr. Morse had not anade s.ptae concessions .to him. ' Mr. firidge wished-to be ex- __ cused from answering any such questions, as the Doctor and hiniself were dri' friendly, term's, arid wished nothing should be said which might interrupt, their friendship. The committee, .conceiving this to be an.^x-.pa:rte and -inconclusive evidence, wished thatDr. Morse might.be heard. The council said,a« Dr. Morse, had not arrived,, arid as. there were no -other evi dences to be-.gaven,,-ithey wished io.be a, few jminutes by thehj- ¦s'elves. The , committee observed, they hoped the council weivld not adjourn, as. they had many observations -to mak£, fis well as Dr. Morse's evidence ito. exhibit. The council re plied, that they had. not adjourned, hut -as they had-heen 'a .considerable time in session, and felt somewhat exhausted^ they wished .to have a little respite, just to take breath ; inti mating at the same time that the committee should be heard further. All present, except the council, accordingly retired. After the .committee had waitedsame time,-they began to su#- ipect that there might be some misunderstanding between- ' them and the council with regard tb their being heard further* or that the council had determined to hear nothing roore^ . and banded in, a written request that the ordination might be postponed, until the fate of the petition for a separation should ha known'.'' Jrarhediately-after thjs a letter was received from the council of the opposition, containing their advice. Ano1- ther written request, founded on- this advice, was sept to the council, viz. that the ordination- might be pospbned until a. mutual council should be called to investigate the whole -sub ject, and determine on the 'expediency of j Mr. Richardson's 'settlement initbis place. To neither of these did the council, return any.answer, and in a short time it Was proclaimed that' the council, would be in the meeting-house at half past twelve ¦o'clock. Thus the committee were unexpectedly, and, as -they conceived, Unfairly, debarred from • the privilege, which the^ undersfbod had been implicitly promised them, of sup-- jftrtingorie of their mbst important charges, and malting such observations on the whole subject"' as' they deemed- pertinent" tib the -occasion: They believed the business was not closed, ne-t^cniy from' the observations of the council, previous to their Jeavirig the rooriij but from the circumstances of Mr. Richard son's nbt having' made his defence, and the papers which* they: field as' evidences' not having been called for by the' council;; who appeared Indifferent about their contents and about their authenticity; After the decision of the council, and just as they were separating, Dr. Morse's carriage drove lip to the- door, white!? was ho later' than half past 11 orclo6k", A. M; It was' remarked tP?th'em that 'Dr." Morse had: arrived. Mr.: Bentley' Said, " WeTcririnot help that," arid they immediately^ dispersed? TW Doctor eritered' With two other evidence's^ Messrs. RdckwOOd arid Goodwin, arid the moderator' of the council Wirs sought* for,-ahd after' sortie tiirje 'found arid inffd- d'uced. Dr! Morse informed hint that" he had' riiade great ex ertions tb" conSe here; that such Was 'the' feeble state of his' health; ^fhrrig?.bu"l'bu's1hess: of the1 greatest irripbrfahce would1 have inddced him to 'uhdertake'tbe journey ; that he hid ' come' hy the request of the ojlpbsers of Mr. Richardson, arid iii jus-' tice" tb his: ovrti' character (if having beeri said' he dare riot appear) a's'well. as to'the cause of that religion he was'stoMriin- ly bound to protect. He then made some pertinent reiriarks oh' the importance of the' subject which engaged his present. attention, and 'said he could prove, by such evidence as would fc%- cbrisidered-'corieliisive iifa' court of justice, that r Mr. Rich- ardldri did not pay' that ; regard tb' truth which' a minister Sogh't't'6 do, and that" he had avowed principles fatal to the jJjeaCe "bP civil- society;' and that; ih one instance at least he had acted ' oH th'bse prinblples. THe moderator said he would ch:rhmunroate!tr?£ riiatter to the council. The Dqcfor' Waited a- considerable tiine withthe committee without 'hearing' from hfrrij an^-finally se'rit ahillet in' order that he 'might have an explicit "aiis'wer "whether lie could be', heard or riot.' "No1, an swer WSi'giyeri^ and in1 a' shPrf time tfre process'iori seV out for the meeting-house. This- importaht'^videhce, which the committee believe would have fully convicted Mr. Richardson of thesecbh'd charge before irfentipried', they we're : prevented froirri^ Bringing1 forward, under the frivoioiis/preterice of a de lay pf "time ; all if such a. cdrisideratibri ought' to be set against 'the introduction of an iiriprbpet character into the gbspel mi-i nistry. [ 28 ], It maybe proper here to state, that while the council Were in session, several clergymen of the neighbourhood repeatedly applied to be admitted as. hearers, as is customary in similar cases, but were refused : also that the opposition, though ex cluded on Tuesday, were admitted on "Wednesday, but not.' until it was a second time insisted on by tbe committee, and; after it had been understood out of doors that they could not be admitted; so that but three or four persons, and those by mere accident, had an opportunity of availing themselves of the privilege. Your committee have thus endeavoured to -give a concise statement of the most material transactions which took place during this extraordinary business. It is impossible to give a just representation, on paper, of the behaviour of the council towards the committee-, and the contemptuous light in Which they appeared to view the opposition, as well as the serious charges which were exhibited. The committee forbear to, express their feelings in language which the occasion would,. fully justify ; but would only remark generally, that they be lieve, every charge which they brought forward against Mr.. Richardson was completely substantiated, as ample evidence was adduced in support of them, and no documents, or evi dence of any kind, to their knowledge, were produced to the' council, which invalidated a single fact. The moderator of the council, though he was careful to in form the congregation, when assembled in the meeting-house, that the council found nothing against Mr. Richardson to dis qualify him for a gospel minister, was equally careful to avoid saying, tha,t the allegations brought forward by the opposition were unsupported. The committee, therefore, after the op portunity they have had to make themselves acquainted with the facts relative to the subject, are irresistibly led to the con- elusion, and feel it their duty to declare their belief, that these charges were entirely disregarded, and that Mr. Richardson was ordained by a partial council, selected for party purposes, and wholly under the influence of party considerations ; and that the whole transaction is without a parallel in the ecclesi astical history of New England. Benjamin Lincoln, Nathan Rice, Samuel Norton, Tho mas Loring, Aimer Lincoln, Levi Lincoln, Robert Thaxter, Jerom Cushing, William Cushing, Committee. N, B, Ebenezer Gay, Esq. and Mr. Caleb Thaxter, were [29 ]¦ ef the committee, but from necessity; were prevented ' from . attendirig. Hingham, July, 1806, THE Rev. Mr. Norton, in conversation with a gentleman in Hingham, on the day of Mr. Richardson's ordination, hav ing expressed a wish to obtain information on the subject in J controversy, a copy of the foregoing report,* with sundry other documents, was some time after put into his hands' by ' that gentleman. These docurnents ' occasioned * the letter which we are now about to examine. The respect we have entertained for this, gentleman, occa sions some unpleasant sensatioris in proceeding on this part Of our duty : but, as he has consented to the publication of his letter, with an earnest desire that it may be instrumental in the developement of truth ; and as those whose cause and character he has undertaken to advocate, place much reliance on his arguments for support, and consider them a complete refutation- of the charges against Mr. Richardson, and that its publication would ;be an impartaht favour conferred on the. public ; he will certainly pardon us for attempting to analyse *The compilers ofthe '* Vindication" say, " a. strange occurrence threw this i report into their hands." What this strange occurrence was, which soiuos- ierfully threw this report into their hands, will appear, when it is known that the copy which they obtained was handed them by'Mr. Norton. In jus tice, however^ to that gentleman, we wpuU} exonerate him from any impro priety which their insinuation seems to attach to this part ofhis conduct," by stating, that the person from whom he received it gave him full liberty to communicate it to whom lie pleased. We would also add, that the ori ginal was always open to the inspection of every one-, with the liberty of taking as many copies as they pleased. , The compilers seem to have a pe culiar fondness for dealing in the marvellous, and representing themselves as under the guardian care of some propitious deity, who was 'always- rea- . Hy to throw into their hands any thing which might have a tendency to fa vour their cause, and defeat the designs of their opposers. A,a instance of this kind occurs in the l6th page of their pamphlet, where they state, that a vote ofthe opposition, expressing their intention to oppose the or dination of Jlr. Richardson "fell into their hands.'" This intention ofthe opposition, which they so fortunately discovered- by intercepting that docu ment, as they pretend, was very well known to them, without any super natural ageucy^ or any very .extraordinary accident, it. having been the uniform declaration ofthe opposers, that they should use their exertions to prevent the ordination, unless an obligation should be signed by the Other party, not to oppose their act of incorporation. We believe the fact to be, that the compilers ofthe " Vindication" had been so much in, theTiabit of conducting all their affairs in secret conclave, that they sub jected the same conduct-in their opposers. [,30- j iti arid to show how far these several ends are answered* by~ this production. After an elaborate introduction, which with some other cir cumstances would incline us to believe it was originally in-- tended: for publication,, had not the' author declared to' the contrary, Mr. Norton proceeds to .-state- the leading consider* tiohstwhich influenced his mind in the case then before him. The first is the result -of Mr; Richardson's' ordaining courr-- cil. ToMt. N. it is utterly incredible; that such, a council should1 have been . unanimous in deciding' asthey did^ hud they be*' lieved that Mr. Richardson' was ah unworthy and ' unsuitafi ble muw to: be ' inducted- inlothet gospel ministry in the' toxvn of Hingham. To. us we confessfit is "liardly: credible." But' that rsri small a body-'of men (andfoc anghf we know very' good- men: too,- though perhaps-hot^ remarkable fortheir firm* nfessr, independence,;, or 'discernment) should be misled by'thfe' volubility of- a- designing, individual^ isiiot to us so incredible,; That this was the case inthe:instance'before us, we' are firrri^ ly persuaded from whafipassed under our: own immediate blp servationj notwithstanding Mt. Nts" belief ;«1ight he Supposed in some measure, to have evaporated, their .Views are still the same, and 'their opinion remains unaltered. Mr. N. cannot believe that the gentlemen criminated by . the declarations and charges in the report, are so devoid of -the principles , of integrity and religion, as to conduct in the ^mariner 'represented. But Why. should not the same premises -Which Jed hini to -believe the committee had not told the E -32 ] truth, also lead him to believe that these gentlemen might un consciously be in some degree under the secret influence ofthe imperfection inseparable from human nature ? We by no means suppose, with Mr. N. that if the truth of the state ments in the report are admitted, the necessary conclusion is, that all the members of the council are devoid of the princi ples of integrity and religion ; and we think in this we have ¦his own reasoning for our support. In the statements made in the report relative to Mr. Rich ardson's call and answer of acceptance, there is no error of consequence; but as Mr. N. does not consider this matter of much importance, he does not appear to have male up his mind respecting its truth': we will therefore add nothing on this subject. Mr. N. then proceeds to examine the" charges of a specific nature, but he proceeds apparently under a very wrong im- .pression. We could not have believed, had not the gentle man himself told us so, that he could have supposed it was the intention of the committee to state every particular evi dence or testimony which they produced to the cOuncil in sup port of their charges, when the report was made tothose whs Were already acquainted with most of them, and when he finds that in support of one of the charges, " no specific testi mony" is stated. Could he suppose the committee were so weak as to bring forward a charge against Mr. R. when they -.knew they had nothing to support it ? or, having done this, that they were so. stupid as to believe it was completely sub stantiated? If not, it was trifling with common sense, to.say that the existence of any evidence in support of a charge was problematical, and at the same time that he did not think the committee made a designed, misrepresentation when they de clared they believed such a charge was - completely substan tiated. In support of the first charge, the committee have referred to the decision of court as one evidence. This decision- Mr. N. is led to believe incorrect and injurious ; partly from the declaration of Mr. Richardson's counsel, and partly from such documents (which he is not at liberty to mention in relation to their source) as explicitly and solemnly declare that Mr. Richardson never ma,de any prpmise of marriage, &c. After examining the evidences on both sides of the question in this ease, the writer concludes that the testimony in favour of the I $3 j defeased is Equally strong as against him. But ive would in vite thfef genWfriah to lodi oW this, evidence again, and set; «vhethef his ebrfclirston is correct. In the first place, there is the opinion of Mr. Richardson's council on one side, and we Save1 nd doubt thftf ctf'Msk'K6!!>inson,'s might have been oh- tallied to balance it ; but as it was riot, we will set the R6v. Mr. Barton's td&thhdny against- it, an Essential part of which Mr. NOrtO* na$ otnirteft. This We think ought to prepon derate-, btft We will C^tf H even. Then there is the secret evidence, Which, though Mr. Norton is not at liberty to men tion ift relation to its source, every one will perceive could c"0rrre ftpm no one but Mr. Richardson himself; for who could jfnovv' thatth& never made any promise of marriage, "&c, ex cept himself arid MisS Robirisdn ? and she declares he did. ^fpw Mr.. Richardson wass certainly a very interested per son ; his veracity also stood impeached. For these reasons $r*Stefofe, a'nd for ether reasons, which may be found under the head of our remarks on fyfr. BeritleyVletter> We con1 tend that the declarations of Miss' Robinson ought to have much more Weight than those of Mr. Richardson; but for the sake of accommodation in the argument we will set one a1 gainst the other : thus we have all the testimony which' Mr. Norton mentioned in favour of the accused, and the scales are adjusted. Now we have' the unanimous opinion of twelve impartial men, tmder Oath, tb whom the case was referred, and b^ w-hbhi both parties were heard. This opinion has b'een confirmed, before the pitbire'atioh of" Mr. N's. letter, by twelve other impartial riien, also -utider orfth, and. by whom both parties Were also heard. This" .We have to. throw into the scale against the accused, which we think even "Mr. N. himself will riot hesitate tb' acknowledge must decidedly pre ponderate. Mr- N. objects to Miss Robinson's letter as manifesting a ' want of delicacy, &C. , Had not the writer exhausted all his Charity Pri> less worthy dbjects, We s.honld have supposed, from bis known benevolence, he might have found some apology for 'the severity of her lahgu'age, in the abruptness 'with which along a'nd strong attachment was broken, a'nd the su^dehnes*s and severity of her disappointment, ' Iti Regard to 'the second dhaYgC, Mr. N. "after recapitulating what isrsaid about W hi the report, from which it appears that flb evidence in support of it was adduced, in a triumphant E [ 34 } manner inquires, *t Why then do. the committee say that they. believe every charge which they brought forward was com-. , ple.tely substantiated, &c." . We would not accuse the gen tleman of a want of candour, when he professes so much of it; but surely a little attention to the report must have con vinced him that the, committee did not consider this as one of the charges brought forward by them. They expressly say it was postponed. The statement afterwards made by Mr- Bridge was made at the request of the, other party, and his re lation of facts, as far as it goes, certainly gives support to the charge. Mr. Bridge testified that Mr. Richardson did divulge. a communication ; which from its nature must have been .con fidential: it remained to be proved by Dr. Morse and others that this act was premeditated, and that the communication was misrepresented. ., The third charge Mr. N. considers unsubstantiated, .because it was not attested by two or three witnesses. ; We confess*. we supposed that if a fact was attested by a credible witness,. and was. tacitly admitted by the person accused, it wouid be. considered as fully substantiated. If this were not sufficient, however, Dr. Morse, Mr. Rockwood and Mr. E, Goodwiny had they been permitted, would have testified to the same,, and then we should have had three or /bur witnesses. But if it had. been thus substantiated, Mr. N. dpes not admit that the principle which Mr. Richardson avowed was a dangerous one,: because cases may exist in which a person would be justified,., and it would even be his duty, to divulge a confidential com munication. But because a person is justified in acting on such a principle in particular cases, does it follow .that lie is justifi ed in making it a general prinejpie of action? This,appears to>. have been the case with Mr. Ricriardsqri, although Mr. N* with his usual charity, supposes he had some mental reserva?, tion. ,-.-,..,. s __ Under the head of the fourth charge is noticed' the testimo-. ny pf Mr. Adams of Charlestown, which,, though given un der oath by a . disinterested person, the writer considers as entitled to no more weight than Mr. H's declaration to the contrary.! In support of the fifth " charge .Mr- N. says no. evidence is sjtated, and thence concludes that none exists^. We have already made a sufficient explanation in relation to this cjrcumstance, which we should have really supposed the. gentleman might have anticipated^ [ 3'5 ] The assertion of Mr. Adams of Acton, the writer supposes, 'was not wilfully incorrect, but that it was unhappily so. ; It is truly singular that a man of common understanding should. -be so totally mistaken in the expressions and design of ano- -ther, as to believe he wished to impress on the minds of a company any particular sentiment, when in fact he had nb such intention, but would rather have wished- the reverse ; and how Mr. N. can satisfy his own mind as he does, wheii he appears to have nothing but the testimony or declarations of an accused person on Which to found his opinion, is no less singular. The sixth charge the committee have said was self-evident, and needed no proof: Mr. N. asks, What was self-evident f We answer, that certain 'facts arose to the view of the coun cil, in the course of the discussion, which the committee be lieved went to support this charge. It was evident to the " council, without its being particularly stated to them by the committee, that a considerable opposition to the settlement bf Mr. R. existed in the parish, from the circumstance of a committee being admitted to state their objections, arid from a protest in their possession, with about fifty signatures. It was evident, from what appeared on investigating the sub ject, independently of this Charge, that in, Mr. R's call and acceptance, the established customs Were disregarded, and improper innovations introduced' ;- and that a subsequent call -and acceptance; or perhaps mOre properly a civil contract between the par'sTr-atid Mr. R. was totally unprecedented ; and had the council indulged a little reflection on the subject, it rriust we tliink have appeared evident to them that' much Hribappiness was the natural' Consequence of these things, arid that Mr.1 R. was an instrument' in promoting it, and that he could not have resided in the parish soiong without knowing these consequences. It was also evident, from the circum stance of a council being Called for the ordination, "thai" he was determined to remain in the parish, notwithstanding the consequences, It was the intention of the committee tb have remarked on this charge in conclusion ofthe business, had they been admitted. into the council chamber after they re tired with such an expectation ; but as they were not, it was not brought forward to the council. ' Mrl N. has: laboured through sixteen pages, to say what appears to us to amount to little-more than "this, that-he be- i iieves the Gqmpntt.ee and the witnesses- they, produced were' entirely mistaken, but that Jlfr. R. in his statements is per- fecily correct. If we ha.ve phicpd wrong constructions on any part of his letter, or have been uncandjd in our remark*, we hope he \vill forgive us,, and exercise his usual charity for our imperfections. Having noticed- Mr. N?s, reasoning on. the contents of tlie report, it may not be improper to state some circumstances relative to his "conduct in this business, for which we will not undertake to account. In tlie introduction, as an apology fcj- addressing his letter to Col. Kice, lie observes, that, he had received sundry documents, which, he supposed were commu- picated by him, although they were delivered by another hand. We are authorised tp say that Mr. N.was informed, long' before the publication, of hj§ letter, that Co}. Rice had no agency whatever in the business, but that those documents were furnished him. in c.ons^que.qc.Q bf a wish to see them, gome time before expressed by him to the person who furnish ed them. Yet Mr. N- suffers his letter to he published in its original 'form, without noticing this, circumstance. . He may consider thjs a trifling circunistaiitte ; but, when he considers that any correspondence or conversation with clergymen, hy the opposers of Mr, Richardson, is immediately construed-. by his adherents" intp an attempt tp deceive them, and prevent intercourse' between, them aijd bun ;. ajnd tl\e persecution which; is the consequence, of such; suspicions.; lie, will not perhapg think it sb; trifling. W? are also authorised to say4 that Mr* N. was at the same time inforrned. that it was not the inten-; tion of the committer t.b state in their report every evidence; they exhibjjed to the council, but that they had propfe and documents Iii their possession, . in addition, to those stated^ which he mlght'e^amirie ; apd that they could probably set* tisfy Mm that : every thjugepntajped in their report was. Gar, rect. " This Mr. N. could not consider very trifling ; y«MW though he has' several times' since been in Hingham, he has never, taken the trouble tp pa.H pn any ofthe committee tp in quiry for tror/j, noj- has he' noticed thjs circumstance, when. consenting to the publication of blslettei^ Mr, N. undoubted!- ly has his reasons for all this, but if U not, ipenjobent on us to account for his conduct, or to. d?v,el.ojje his motives,. If Mf. Richardson hasaddregs enough to lead Mr. N. to. believe, that his re'ligipus0ten,ets are cprre^ppn^rit to, hjs, own, ahdt £t tlie-. .[ 37. ] same time persuade the people of his parish,* that' he" subscribes to theirs, however different from those of Mr. Norton, we leave them both in the quiet enjoyment ofthe benefits ofhis ingenuity. Having shewn, as We believe, that Mr. N's reasoning is not very forcible, his arguments not very 'cogent^ and h5s conekisiqas not very correct, we leave him to justify his mo tives to his own conscience, and proceed to a more ¦ difficult part of wir subject. The Rev. Mr. Bentley next claims our attention. Had some courteous friend, better versed it* the Bentleian. laagtiaigte than ourseheesj kindly furnished us with a transla tion of hfe tetter, we might perhaps have proceeded with as wnjoh' ease' in this, as in any part of the business we have un dertaken. We will attempt however, to select from his string of enigma* some passages, the meaning of which, with the help of a fittfe- guess work, we may possibly he able to discover. Th«'fiTs^'thirig which attracts our liotioe is, an insinuation that the committee of the opposition p'efueed the'i* papers to the couneil. « That men who- refused to fr-ust their papers for on© nigh* with a council, should pretend that they were not hoard,' were neglected, were treated' with contempt,' is Indeed' extraordinary." However- extraordinary this*, may appeal to Mfc: '©. to others, who kriow that gentleman,, we presume if will appear highly probable, that the conduct of the council under his controul might* have- been srieh as to prove they w-er-e not trust-worthy, and jasfify a reftisal- of the papers^ as well as a subsequent eomplaint of contemptuous treatriient. But-, however un-WOrthy of confidence the eounr eil might appear to the committee, tlie papens were not ve-fuHed.* ."" ¦ ' As'M^i'B's. insinuation is in direct eontradietioir to what "'£—•' contained1 in'thevreper-t, it was incumbent on him to state what papers We're refused, arid all the circumstances attend41 kig the refusal", that hfe insuiuat-ioh might carry with it some evidence of* truth; He found it, however, much easier to *ontradict than to prove. As the refusal of papers is; several' * I'll the- course ofthe disdn^uoM, some of th® papers were laid- o-n the CQuncJJtS, table, aiwj< oi»e of tham remained itt their hands, which- was ac tually carried tpjSalemby Mv-Benfley.and wa^ao^oji»iajaed.ui>til ^gliC!*r: tion was made fry "fetter some week* dfterwfcrd*. t 38 .] ,tiraes noticed in the "Vindication," tie will make a state ment relative, to this "subject. On the afternoon previous to the day ofthe ordination, the committee appeared before the council, and when the reading of papers was commenced, the moderator, inquired if those papers 'were to be given up for their inspection : to which it was replied, that when the com mittee had gone through with the investigation, the papers should, all be given up to them. The person reading the'm ¦then proceeded, and nothing, more was said on. that subject until some time in the evening; when one of the committed was making some remarks on, the charge against Mr. Rich- .ardson of a breach of promise of marriage. To assist his me mory, he had made some minutes, in writing, among whjgh .were a number of quotations from Mr. Richardson's letters, to Miss Robinson. "When these were read, Mr. Bentley inquir ed if the committee had not the letters ; observing, that these ^xtracjs .might he very .partial, .and .so connected, in the origi- Bal letters as to give them a very different complexion. He was imswered by the gentleman, that the corpmittee had co- ^jjes,pf those; letters, which they intended to read, but that these extracts were read at that time. merely to illustrate the obser vations he was making. Mr. Richardson then rose, and said, he should object to any copies of letters being read. It. wag then asked by one of the council, if the commit tee had riot the originals. They were answered in the affirmative, but that copies were taken to prevent the necessity of using the origi nals^ which were much worn, and would be wanted at the tri al of the case they affected, at the Supreme Court. " Have you the originals ?" said Mr. Richardson : " I should like to see them." "They are at the servjce of the council, said the gentleman speaking, who may compare them with the copies, and return theih,"if the copies are correct, but rijay keep the latter." The letters were thenproduced by another of the committee, whq was about to hand them to the person speak ing, when the hipderator asked if the letters contained any thing which went to prove the fact in question, which was not. contained in the extracts. ; He. was answered, that the extracts which had been read, and. some other passages of sinfilar import^ were all they contained to the point. He then said, he saw no necessity of spending time to read them. "No, said Mr. Bentley, if that is the case^ there is no need of spend ing time to read them." The letters were then put up again, [ $9 ] and the committee we^e requeited by the council to proceed. Nothing more -was said, then Or at any time after, either" on that evening or the next day, about papers being. given up. Should it be asked, why they were not delivered to the coun cil Without any further application on their part, we refer to the report1 of the committee for a satisfactory answer.* '5 The cOinmittee complain, says Mr. B. that one of the Council was father hi law to Mr. Richardson, &'c." They have indeed stated this fact, but have left every person to make his own comriierits. Mr. B. undertakes to justify' this "by ; the authority of cdrilihon usage; which seems tb be for candidates to -" invite their dearest frierids" to assist at their ordination. "Why then, we in our turn would ask, were Messrs. Barker, Bentley and Briggs invited ? Was it because they were the "dear friends" of Mr. Richardson ? or was it because they had any immediate connexion with the church In Hingham ? or because they' agreed with the church, or the candidate, or with each other, in theological, sentiments ? Or was it 'for party purposes ? ; But, however proper and laudable it may be, on ordinary occasions, where unanimity prevails, to invite the friends pf the candidate to assist at his ordination, and to rejoice With 'him, arid the church and congregation committed to his pasto ral, care, on a- pleasing and solemn event, yet where there exists a formidable opposition against him, on account of se rious charges against his moral' character, we conceive he • ought to be tried by persons as free as possible froni any kind of prejudice; by men who possess firmness and independence, as well as principle. Mr.; B. says, " What shall we think of a report which .be gins in such a manner, complains of the corhmon usages of churches, and then dares tp say, in the conclusion^ that the rnos^t regular proceedings are contrary to the usages of the New England churches ? All this we deny : the report says no such thing; and we challenge the ingenuity pf Mr. B. to ¦ prove that it does. ' * Here we are sensible our testimony stands opposed tothat of a number idfb'tir fellow townsmen, as well as to Mr. Betitley's. We appeal, however, to' every impartial person to decide who are entitled to the most credit, those who had the power of conducting matters as they pleased, yet seclud ed themselves in a corner," where but few could be witnesses of their pfo- tfeedi'ugs, or those who courted pnbiic inspection, but were not able to ob- *»in it. I 40 J . "Tlie council," he saysjj "had no improper conference with the cnjnmittee" [of the parish;] Where then did fie get his incorrect information that there Were *d few of the fepposi- tionj that die place In which the council was assembled was sufficiently spacious to aeconwnodate them all ? and that- they paid no part of the parish expenses? "We Conceive that any conference With either committee^ when the other was riot present, was improper ; because incorrect statements might fee made without contradiction, and a Wroiig bias given to th* minds of the council* If any statements Were made, or ktrf documents produced to the council, by the committee ofthe parish, it was ddne previous to our attendance ; WheriftS eve- ry thing ef the kind done on our part Wa& in th*eir pres^hcte. Passing over a jumble of words, which requite no anirHad- Version, as we are obliged to do in many itftstanees, we cdihe to the following : " But they [the eommHt¥e] go ori arid say, that the council was determined not to admit a*ny charges not contained in the- protest^ and then concede that other charges were heard. How then could they be- sure of snch deterihina- tion ?" This Mr* Bi calls a eontrsfficfion. Rut we see ho natural iaipossibility ¦ in the council's being induced" te eliange their determination, and no cohtra&ietioH ifi sayklg they did. The committee, however^ did not say that such was the de termination ofthe council; they merely stated their opinion. Mr. B. says, the usages in the Presbyterian chtirctr require. that an aecased-pei'son shall be allowed at least terit days' to make his defence. Thhlis said in uKiis'fcsri to the fact to which' Mr. Adams of Aefon testified. This fact was one, among ma ny others, which Mr. Richardson's opposers had beard by re port. These reports were many of them so weTl authenticated as to leafeino doubt eri their minds of their truth; bvft were net, under: existing eireuinstarices, susceptible of positive pretax^ tlie -time Which- elapsed between the appoih'tmerii of the oif- dinatibn> arid its consummation, being so short is to render' it impossible -to- obtain from distant placei all the evidence Which- a longer time would have enabled them to procure; The. committee did not know that they should be able to produce any evidence of the charge above alluded to, until they heard that Mr. Adams was in town ; and his being here was rather an accidental circumstance, of which they were not previous^ h'. apprised., Indeed, though they had frequently heard bfMr^ 'Richardson's having spoken disrespectfully of the clergy,. and . •ridiculed ihe, .profession, at different times and places, they had not heard of this particular instance until Mr. Adams's awbal, and- they thought it perfectly proper to avail them- jejvesof his presence to substantiate the accusation. It there- . fore -rested with the council to. allow Mr. R. the necessary time to produce the evidence of his innocence. Mr.-.B, next comes to the conduct of^he council. The reasons he. assigns for their refusal to comply with the request ,pf the cornmittee, byi adjourning- to the meeting-house, were, ,.*hat it -would occasion unnecessary delays,, and that the place in which they were assembled would accommodate all iriter- esfed. -persons. The. first was undoubtedly a great objection in the mind jof Mr. B- who appeared tb be anxious to accom plish the object of his visit with all possible dispatch, and to *' make sbprt; work of it." But when he said that all persons, ,, interested, in the settlement, of a minister, in a parish contain ing upwards of three hundred families, could be accommodat- -ed in a room sixteen, by thirty* feet, he surely could not ex pect that many people would be so credulous as to .believe it. s Me says, "All such interested persons were permitted to en-' , ter." -JYe assert, on the contrary, that two persons were sta tioned at the door to prevent interested persons from entering. Be says,1" It was a just and, necessary inquiry, whether the place could receive the opposers ; and the council was con vinced that they might be well accommodated." We say, up such; inquiry was made of the committee pf the opposers, and if the council -were convinced of that fact, they were *pnvinced of what was not true. He says," If any measures were adopted to prevent such an accommodation as was pro vided by the council, such measures should have been re- sporfed tor-the council, and not have been made a subject bf «epmplanit after the. council was.dissolved." We say, it was reported to .the council, and, byconsiderable exertion on the , pa*^ of the committee, instructions were finally given to the constables stationed to guard the door, tb admit the opposers; hut, as has been before stated, it, was at so late an hpur that at was of very little consequence. It is not much to be won dered at, however, that a man who was so intent on the »pa,in pbject, the ordination, (for we believe it rarely happens *hat -Mr* B., has an opportunity of figuring at an ordination) ignd sp regardless of every thing elsie, should, six months af terwards, fee ignorant of -many .things which took place, and "' F [ 4* ] -in making a statement pf them, be guilty of gross misrepre sentation. The next glaring mistatement in Mr. B's letter is, ft that the committee proposed to unite the ex-parte council with the ordaining council ; and by neglecting to state that fact, the yvhole business," he says, " is misrepresented." So far from this being true, it was expressly stated by the person who. made the proposal for their admission into the council chamber, that the committee did not expect this council to have any voice or influence in the ordination, but only wished they might be admitted to hear the merits of the subject, that they might be qualified to advise the opposition. One ofthe council said, on this subject, "they had no notion of having a jury upon their conduct." This excludes the ides of-unhing the two councils. "Why men who are acting with conscious integrity should be unwilling to have witnesses t<* their conduct, we cannot tell. Mr. B. says, " The committee attempted to discourage the •examination of the witnesses." "What he builds, this asser tion upon, we cannot conjecture. "We know that no, such at tempts were made, and we think few people will be so simple. as to believe that any man, or set of men, would attempt to discourage the examination of witnesses whom they had brought forward to support the allegations they themselves had made.' " Such a disposition," says he " was discovered to over whelm a young man by the worst construction of all bis ac tions, as must have alarmed every upright man." It is truly laughable that Mr. Bentley should talk of being alarmed at .such a disposition. As this assertion, -however, like many others irihis letter, is unsupported by evidence, we will ha zard pur own iri opposition to it; that no disposition was discovered, to place a worse construction on Mr. Richardson'* . actions, than, facts would justify, and every upright man, who bad a correct view of those facts, fully approve. Mr. B. next comes (ashe says) "to the examinatioiij and the first regards a supposed promise of marriage. The state of facts appears to be, that the opposers had sent to Dr. Cummings, in whose, house Mr. Richardson lived when the affair happened, for his judgment on the matter ; and he wrote, that, as far as it was known to him, it was a venial offence, &c, and afterwards he gave him an ample re com- [ «a J niendation.*^ Mr. B.has here attempted to divert the atten tion of his reader from the material facts, by introducing some circumstances' under the imposing name of the state of facts, Which do not in the least affect the merits of the case, and, to give the imposition the greater weight, has: annexed the name of Dr. Cummings, by pretending to quote from the Doctor's letter a passage or sentiment vyhich it does not con tain. The real state of facts may be much better known by application to the records of the iriferior court at Concord, or the Supreme Judical Court at Cambridge, than from Mr. B's letter. The passage, " he afterwards gave him an ample recommendation," stands so connected in that -letter, as td lead the readet to believe (if he believed Mr. Bentley) that the ** ample recommendation " was given by Dr. Cummings af ter the application ofthe oppbsers before, mentioned. This is not 'true. So far from it, the Doctor says, in the letter from which Mr. B. pretends to quote, " that some of the Reports in circulation respecting Mr. Richardson, are so cir cumstanced as to ~lay a foundation to suspect that all is not right; and that the impressions of such a suspicion may rea sonably restrain him from recommending without further inquiry." If Mr. B. means that this " ample recommenda tion " was given after the young lady was discarded, he is correct ; but it Was before the circumstances of the affair were publicly known^ and when Dr. Cummings probably knew nothing of them except from Mr. Richardson himself. " The attorney at law," says Mr. B. " was sent to after the action against Mr.R.issuedj and. he wrote most expressly that -nothing criminal had appeared." It ought here to be known, that although the action had issued at the iriferior court, the cause was still pending, on an appeal, at the su preme courts and that this same attorney was engaged by Mr. Richardson,- to make the best of it. That an attorney, under, sUeh circumstances, should say that nothing criminal had appeared in the conduct of his client, must indeed be *' confirmation, strong as proof from holy writ," of his inno cence. The letter writer proceeds : " The method adopted to- ex cite prejudice was taken from the judgment of court. No thing was said of a possible^ charge against the innocent'; nothing of the nature of many civil actions,- which admit a good geneKal charaQter,notbing ofthe influence which could [ 44' 1 be used after disappointment, for particular ends, and nothing of the true grounds of separation." What, we would ask, should have been said on these subjects ? who should have said it ? and who neglected to say it?- This passage, if it has any meaning, is one of those- knotty ones, which a person- less skilful than Mr. B. we presume would be unable to unraveL We strongly suspect' that if he were to attempt an explanation, he would but involve.it in tenfold' obscurity. "We will therefore, in despair of even making a satisfactory guess at the author's meaning, pass k over, and proceed with the examination. " The reporter, therefore, -he says, '[that isyhecause some body neglected to say something about ^ve cannot tell what} chose to go on?- and. by producing, as of great importance, letters from the memory-of the accuser, of -which, the' ac* cused denied ever having seen the -originals, confirmed the council that nothing could be safely inferred against the general character of Mr. Richardson," he. The council, it seems, had some doubts whether Mr^ Richardson's character was perfectly correct, until the committee entirely removed them by producing these letters, which confirmed the'm that nothing could be inferred against it. This we corifess is something novel, that documents accusing a person of infide lity and falsehood,, and from one- who had felt the effects of this conduct,, should be received by, his judges as proof. posi tive that nothing could be inferred against him, Yet such; according to appearances at the i time; of the Ordination,' and according to Mr. B's letter, was the fact. " And therefore," says the letter, " the council proceeded upon the judgment already given, and not upon any review which might .be taken, as this fact [thie breach of promise!} was 6efore,\but the action after, the approbation given by the Andover Association." By the judgment already given, seems to be intended, the .approbation of tbe Andover Associa tion, which, as Mr*B. says, was before the civil action; and it was before the transactions on which the other charges' against,. Mr. Richardson were founded; and yet the council, he tells us, proceeded upon thfs judgment. The writer has here, we think, though perhaps unintentionally, acknowledg ed that the committee were correct in an opinion stated in their report, " that the .council had predetermined to disregard every objection which shquldhe made to Mr.R'8 character." [ 4S- ] > He has Iiere declared, we must repeat itj that they proceeded: UporiUhe judgment given when Mr; R's character' had not: been called in question, and not upon any review which might be taken ofhis subsequent misconduct. " Of what natare," Mr. B. asksj " are recollected letters ?" These letters, which he Calht " recollected* letters,"- were not copied from membry, as One would suppose from the expres- *ien; but were copied from the originals^ previous to their- "being sent to the persons' to Whom- they were addressed. When the writer was applied to for these copies, not having the originals to compare them, she could only make oath that the copies "Were correct according to Hie best' of her recol* l4etion.i This stfe did, and this we believe would have saHii- fied any reasonable- person, that they were1 silfficiently cor* rect, shOuld-no question? arise reTspectihgher' veracity/ To re*- move any dortbts on thi&poimywe have the testimony of a number of the most respectable gentlemen in Westford}' amoflgr whom are the selectmen, " that they- are acquainted with MlsrRobmsori- [the writer of those letters] and that she has ever sustained a strictly virtuous reputation;" Mf; Bent4 ley lays much stress' upon the recommendation of Mr; Rich-" ardson frOm the "selectmen bf Chariestown, and wer see no reason why the1 selectmen of Westford are not entitled to equal credit* The oath of d-person whose character is thus established, and whost ¦AefAcWy has nevet- been vailed' in' question,* we ^consider sufficient to prove'the truth bfany fact ofthe nature of that to which she has: sworn; * We therefore1 consider it sufficiently proved that1 Miss Rbbinsoir did write two letters tdMr. Richardson, of which those exhibited to the council were-correet copies'. -Whether Mr. R. received these letters** or not* does hot at "all* affect their contents The probability is, that he did, $g she would undoubtedly en trust them to some eareful hand tb *deliver.- To determine the "nature" of these letters,- and the weight they ought to have as -evidence of the fact of which Mr; Richardson is ac cused/ it is necessary to ascertain when they were -written — under what circumstance s^-what was the object of the writ er — and what Were their contents; These letters were written1 after the receipt of his letter requesting her to " place no more confidence irt him,"1 but before a prosecution- was commenced, or probably tbJbtjgfit 6fV Theirs! ' of these "contains the nrost earnest «o'- [ 46 ]. licitatiOns for all interview, that some explanation might be made on his part, of his unexpected conduqt, and that, if they must, part, it might be in peace and harmony. After re peating these solicitations, both by verbal message and in writing,- without success — despairing of accomplishing her ob ject, and feeling a just indignation for his treatment of her, she adopted that mode of proceeding which to everyone must appear justifiable : in her last letter she-placed before' him" a picture of his own conduct, and. reproached him in the sever est terms for his infidelity and falsehood. :,The object at Which she was aiming could be accomplished by, nothing but by telling him the truth, for truth only could excite cbmpunc- t-iori and remorse in'his breast; and therefore truth only could answer her purpose., To our minds, therefore, t\s£f carry much conviction, ' kni; with the other facts and cir cumstances connected with the affair, are ample evidence of > his guilt. " In regard^ to the principle said to be justified by Mr. , Richardson," says Mr. B; "it appeared that it was forced; • from him in a state of unavoidable irritation, and in justifica tion of his conduct." The principle here alluded to is, that he was at liberty to divulge confidential communications. That Mr. Richardson made such an avowal, Mr. B. admits^ ; and we believe no onedenies. Now Mr. Richardson avow-" ed a principle which either was or was not his own. If it was his own;- very few. will deny that he is a dangerous man in society, especially as it seems (by its beingforced from him) he meant to have concealed it, and orily to have acted upon it as occasion might require. If it was not his own, then he had recourse to falsehood to vindicate conduct, which, it would seem, could not be vindicated" by truth. In this alter' native we leave Mr. Richardson to his choice. Mr. B. says, " The letter in which Dr. Morse communicat- , ed this affair " (meaning, as -we guess, the affair in which the Doctor was implicated) « could not be obtained by the council." Dr. Morse never communicated this affair in a let ter. He made a verbal statement to some individuals of Mr.- Richardson's adherents, as well as his opposers, and had given his opinion in writing, that for reasons, thus stated M. Rich ardson was an unsuitable man in point of . moral character to be employed in the gospel piirustry., He had also stated in writing the terms On which Mr. Richardson stood with his [ 47 ] •church, respecting communion, but preferred appearing, per- smally before the council to make a statement of the affair' above alluded^o. The documents above mentioned would have been exhibited at. the proper time, had the committee •been suttered to; bring forward the affair to which they relat ed, after Dr.. Morse's arrival. In speaking: of the charge against Mr. Richardson of hav ing made a false statement (respecting Mr. Adams of Charles town) in his letter of defence to the parish, Mr. B. suppose* he was amply vindicated from a designed misrepresentation, because Mr. Adams and Mr. Hoar testified, that a, year or two before this statement was made, and previous to the dif ficulty which occasioned their separation, his treatment of them was unquestionably good ! .' The reader, we presume,, will not hesitate much in forming his opinion of a man who will, reason thus, and of a cause and character which have no > better support than such a man and such reasoning. "As to the new charge," says the letter writer, (of a contemptuous opinion of his profession) " it was denied by Mr. Richardson." Here we must again contradict this reverend gentleman. Mr. R. did not deny it. In support of this we appeal to his own statement, in a note, in the 39th page of the- f* Vindication." He merely said, he did not re* - collect ever to have expressed such an opinion. We con-v ceive that a candidate for the ministry ought to be able to dp* something more than this — that he ought to be able absolute-! ly to deny such a charge. An apprehension, however, that Other; evidence could be obtained in support of it, we presume. forbade his doing this,and his not doing it we think may fairly be construed into a consciousness, that he had the dispositipn,; and very probably did express the. opinion ascribed to him by Mr. Adams. '•$ The sixth charge,'? Me. .B. says,", may arise against every candidate in tovyns where divisions arise. But because there, is a division in a place respecting a candidate for the ministry, does it follow that he is justified in accepting an irregular and improper call,..aiid residing in the' place, under circumstances of an unprecedented nature ? for Mr. R. not; ojtily gave his answer in the affirmative to a call .from the parish without the concurrence ofthe church, but he aftei> wards entered ipto a civil contract to become their public' teacher of religion until be should be prdajned, or until his : t ,<#* ]] .•epposers- consented to certain propositions £ and, -this, ,. too, .knowing, the division and unhappiness which it occasioned, not only in the, parish, hut. in private- fami}ies> and among friends, a^id^ppnnexipns. ; Mr. R's opppsersconcewd^thMiP suffering himself tp be imposed on so many who disliked him, and especially in the manner he had- done, he . manifested .a disposition very incompatible with, that love of. peace. ,andi harmony., and usefulness, which a minister of the gospel ought to enforpe by- his example, asj well as his, teaching, j Nor was jthis^entweflt confined to his, opppse*s, por y to the^rjsh. ijtfanyc people* who, had npt< perhaps r/so, full, a knowledge., pf jfacts asuthose who had been,, uniform, (in their opposite, or did. not, view them in the, jsame. lights cpnskterjed,, the, gall ,,» touchstone hy, which to try hjs ^character,, and hiss aceeplsflse ,an, evidence, that k was notgpod; .and y.Qted forhim^thathe might, as they jthought, go off witfe bwflur ; hut , Jepretmted his acceptance as aimeasure highly improper on, his part, and dangerous to the union of the parish. > Some of them*, how ever, considered ithemselves pledged by. their vote and ptber proceedings,.and>did not withdraw. Some. pfhers, .who hase since joined those who were his- first. ;opposers, considered themselves absolved from any obligations |o support. him, hy the subsequent irregular, proceedings, of him, and-tbe, parish,* " As his character,'! says. MreB-.'V bad, been violently at tacked in Hingharoj, his. presence. was ^nec.essaryi.to, repel ;hV» It had been attapked in no other way than, by a statement pf facts,, which he has never been able to invalidate, except by .his, own assertions, notwithstanding; his ..presence for that .purpose. , ,' ,"t To .retreat, was death." The.writer .could not mean^a- ^natural, death ;. he. must;, have meant tdeathtoJiis Ijopes.of a? .settlement in the ministry. We shall not contest, this; qttfSP-- tibn,witk:Mr.B. butleaye.it to be settled by bjm-. and'Mr;. . , * * Admitting, what w^ are confident jyity be readily admitted by all ex cept the adl(erents"of Mr.. R. that the meeting orthe. First Church on the 9th of January '-1806 was a legal meeting ;' Vhat lieTcoWeSof the legality of i Mr. R's Ordination ?. At that meet ing.^he clinrclt'*' voted io nonconcuring doings of the parish in the call of Mr. R. and protest against the same." J This vote w.as.iiever zeamqidered by any,, subsequent vote, but still stands 'air and uncDnkadicie'tl on tt»3 records of ibe^Flrst Church 5 and it Was not till many mouths 'after that ordination, that tile opposers waved their l-Jght of precedency. ' . , Yet Mr. Bentley and others pretended to ordain Mr> R. ove* the First Choich in Hingham. ' ¦ ' ' -.--- •'--'-¦ •" : it # j ^iohardsoBVadbe^nts/whoare not very highry complimented W i being told, as we .conceive they are in effect, that a majo* nty of persons could not be, found in any other parish who ^Ptdd moment -to have a, man of Mr. R's character for their gospel ^minister. - -" It must be considered a strange misrepresentation," con' tinues our, author, << that the reporters said they had more ob servations to make, and that men who withdrew with their papers, believed .they were to have another hearing, when ttey had nothing Jo say." It is not pretended that any pa* -pers were .requested immediately previous to the committee's -retiring^ and the circumstance of their withdrawing with their papers is a strong evidence that they expected to be heard '•pgain-.' Is it not customary, in all ConrtSj civil and eceleskstr- -cal, after tlie- examination of witnesses, to take a general mew of the subject} and make such observations and com- tneats as naturally occur, and then to give up all papers? •This Was *b;e course which the committee stated in the open?- 4ng of the business they wished to pursue. But this was not permitted by the council. The question was asked by the council, Have you any other charge to offer ? and they were answered; None, except that in which Dr. Morse's evidence is necessary.* The council replied, as Dr. Morse had not ar- -Wved, they wished to be by themselves a few minutes. The JPOmnErittee inquired if they intended to adjourn. - They an swered, that they were somewhat exhausted, and wished to -*flke a little fresh air, or something to that effect. Under jhese luYcumstanceg had not the committee good ground to believe they should be heard again, especially if Dn, Morse ahpuid arrive; and that the council would wait a reasonable *ime for -jthex Doctor? But instead of this, did not Mr. B. immediately after the council found themselves alorie> ask Ibeyqu^sUonj^iSftail we wait for Dr. Morse?"' and immedi- S$ely jcepb/ ,to bis Qwvere giv- *en to the door-keeper to exclude all persons who had, not special permission to enter ; arid when' they were more than once informed that ministers wished to be admitted, but were excluded; arid we believe the rianies of some who did not belong to the ex^parte council were mentioned. Mr. B. having noticed what he thought proper in the re port, and made such statements as he thought proper relative to the ordination, makes some general observations on the character of Mr. Richardson.' " Few people," he says, « are able to produce such ample testimony of the invariable good ness of their lives as Mr. R.» This he mentions in substance ' three times in the conipass of eight lines,as if he were appro- t ; 51 ] hensive (as we have no doubt he was, and very justly) that nobody, would believe him. He then takes a view of the several recommendations which Mr. Richardson had received, of which it is needless for us tb take particular notice, as most of them were given prior to the date of the facts on which the accusations were founded, and none of them go directly to invalidate any ofthe charges. They are mere evi dences of the good opinion, of the writers; and those who were ip the habit of thinking and judging for fhemselves^id not feel bound by the opinion'of others (most of whom they knew nothing about,, but, whose motives in recommending they were not disposed to call in question) when they were in possession >pf facts on which -to form an opinion of their oiwn. < "Suspicions, when once excited," saysMr.B. "and prejudices once alarmed, and anger when . roused,, can associate guilt to all the actions ,of men." Whether the opposers of Mr. Richardson have associated^guilt with actions to whichit does not really belong, shall be, left to the decision of others. Con scious, however, that they were men of like passions with Others, and aware that they were liable to be led astray by the infirmities inseparable, from human nature, they solicited the advice of a very respectable, independent and impartial council; but Mr. B. did not think proper to suffer this council? to. avail .themselves of such information as was necessary to enable them to form a satisfactory opinion on every part of the subject on which they were called to advise. The writer, in conclusion, bears honourable testimony in our favour, " that we are supported by popular names," and " that we have the approbation of ancient associations." This indeed, next to the approbation of our own consciences, is, pur glory and our boast; and we frankly confess we value the approbation of one ancient association, founded on cor rect and long tried principles, much more highly than that of the whole host of Illuminati and modern philsophers. Having thus noticed what we thought proper in Mr. B'8 letter, we wouid observe, that some comments which might have been made on this, have been anticipated in our preced ing remarks. Many more might still be made, but we con ceive sufficient has been said to give the reader a correct view of the unhappy disputes which have taken place in the ,$torth Parish in Hingham, and of some of the principal cha* pasters epuce0jsd"f We will, only add, that, ,as we rjegoet *b* occasion which gbijged us tjjB do thjs,'sp we have avoided touch ing on any thing whiob JMStiee to ourselves, qw jvati&y. and pur cause did pot seem to us Imperiously :to demand. We bow pledge ourselves afor-tjie truth of svfcajt we i»ve stated #s facts. /Of $be candpur of osr remaps w* leave others *o judge, and submit the whole to the discfiwiing and inapaBtisl public, before whom we are confident we shall stand not fiaJy Acquitted, but approved. &mi. Likgoi-n, Nathan Racse,, Thomas Losing, Abner Lincoln, ^ Committee. 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