Concord, Middlesex co, MA   History Chapter X

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transcribed by Janice Farnsworth  Farns10th@aol.com

History of Concord, Mass. by Lemuel Shattuck, 1835.
   
                                   CHAPTER X
                        ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF CONCORD
p.148

Embarrassment attends any attempt to prepare the early history of the church in Concord.
No records are preserved during the first hundred years of its existence; and such facts
only can be given, during this long and interesting period, as can be gleaned from early
historians, ancient manuscripts, and family records.  By careful and laborious researches, 
I am fortunately enabled to supply some important information.

This church was organized at Cambridge, July 5, 1636; and was the thirteenth established in
the colony.

Insert:
[Gov. John Winthrop in his Journal mentions Concord thusly - (p.143) "April 24, 1638,
the governor (John Winthrop) and deputy went to Concord to view some land for farms, and
going down the river about four miles they made choice of a place for one thousand acres
for each of them (footnote - in November, 1637,the General Court had awarded John Winthrop
and Dudley 1,000 acres apiece. - MR 1:026).  So, at the place where the Deputy's land was
to begin, there were two great stones, which they called "The Two Brothers", in rembrance
that they were brothers by their children's marriage (footnote: John Winthrop's daughter,
Mary had married Dudley's son Samuel Dudley), and did so brotherly agree, and for that a
little creek near those stones was to part their lands.  At the Court in the 4th month after, two hundred acres were added to the governor's part.

The meeting was called by the Rev. Peter Bulkeley (footnote: This name is also spelt
Bulkley, Bulkly and Buckly. The Rev. Peter Bulkeley and his family wrote it Bulkeley, 
which orthography I have followed - Lemuel Shattuck) and the Rev. John Jones, who, with
others, had previously begun the settlement at Concord.  The Governor and Deputy-Governor
were invited to be present on the occasion but, because they supposed there was an informal-
ity in the invitation, at variance with their over-precise notions of etiquette, they did
not attend. "They sent word, three days before to the governor and deputy, to desire their
presence; but they took it in ill part and thought not fit to go, because they had not come
to them before, as they ought to have done and as others had done before, to acquaint them
with their purpose."

On the 6th of April, 1637, the church "kept a day of humiliation" at Cambridge, preparatory
to the ordination, or installation of Mr. Bulkeley, whom they chose teacher, and of Mr.
Jones, whom they chose pastor.  Delegates were present from most of the churches in the 
colony to assist in this ordination; but, says Winthrop, "the governor (Winthrop always
referred to himself as "the governor") and Mr. Cotton and Mr. Wheelwright, and the two 
ruling elders of Boston, and the rest of that church which were of any note, did none of
them come to this meeting.  The reason was conceived to be, because they counted these as
legal preachers

p.149 and therefore would not give approbation to their ordination."  One of the delegates
from Salem proposed a question which led to the adoption of the following opinions. Such as
had been clergymen in England and received ordination in the established church by the
bishop, were to be respected as having there legally sustained the office of ministers by
the call of the people; and such ordination was considered valid here.  But for receiving
this ordination by the bishop they ought to humble themselves, acknowledge their sin and
repent.  Having come to this country, they should not consider themselves regular ministers
until called by another church.  When thus elected, they were to be considered as ministers
even before ordination.

footnote:
Some historians, for whose opinion I have great respect, have asserted, that the first
settlers of Massachusetts were Episcopalians. But this, as it seems to me, if true at all,
can be so only in a very limited sense.  The colonists regarded Episcopacy with abhorrence
and looked with jealousy on the least appearance of propagating it in this American wilder-
nexx.  They came here to get rid of Episcopacy; and if they did not cease to be Episcopalians when they refused to conform to the ceremonies of the "mother church," when,
it may be asked, did they cease to be Episcopaleans?  They lived Non-conformists in England,
and were Congregationalists on their arrival in America.  They acknowledge a respect to the
church of England as their mother, but being free children they set up for themselves in
ways of their own choosing - pure Congregationalists.  Their ministers even considered it
a sin to have received their ordination from such a mother.  It might be equally proper to
call a Congregationalist, who had chosen to adopt the peculiar ceremonies of the Baptist
Church, a Congregationalist after he was really a Baptist; and in the same manner of any
other change from one denomination to another.

No man had a greater aversion to Episcopacy than Mr. Bulkeley, as his writings most fully
show.  There was, however, some difference in opinion between him and some of the leading
men in the colonly.  He was supposed to attach too much importance to good works, though
from his letters and treatise on the Covenant the supposition appears to be without founda-
tion.  The ostensible reason assigned for not giving approbation to his ordination was,
that he was considered a legal preacher, - one who was for a covenant of works instead of a
covenant of grace, or one who held to the doctrines of the law in distinction from the
doctrines of grace.  The former were Legalists and the latter, Antinomians.  The discussion
of this question produced great excitement

p.150

and alienation; and all classes of society joined in it. (footnote: Neal, in his "History
of New England," informs us that this question was agitated even by the soldiers composing
the army sent against the Pequots in 1636; and that they had to stop in the wilderness
and settle the question, whether they were in a covenant of works or a covenant of grace,
before they could proceed!)

It probably influenced the gentlemen invited to this ordination.  I have a long letter before me, written by Mr. Bulkeley before his ordination, to the Rev. Mr. Cotton of Boston,
in which this subject is discussed in his usual logical style.  Its great length prevents
it insertion here.  In a postscript he says, "I should have acquainted you yesterday, that
the ordination of the elders of the church of Concord is to be on Wednesday come sevenight.
It is to be here at New-Town. I pray take notice of it. If it be necessary to give any other
notice to other persons, or in any other way, we would not be wanting therein for avoiding 
of offence. And I have spoken also to Mr. Wilson."

The distinguished reputation of Mr. Bulkeley of noble family, a man of wealth, a scholar
and divine, might have excited the envy of his fellow clergymen.  He however received their
approbation; and on the 30th of the following August, was chosen one of the moderators of
the first great ecclesiastical council, or synod, of the colony, which was then held in
Cambridge.  Winthrop mentions the Rev. Mr. Hooker as also a moderator.  This assembly was
attended by nearly all the clergy and magistrates and many other distinguished laymen of
the colony.  It continued in session twenty-four days, and examined and condemned eighty-two
opinions which had crept into the church, "some blasphemous, others erroneous and all un-
safe."

Among other old family papers, transmitted from an early member of the church, is the
following endorsed "Concord Church Covenant, which was adoptted by them."  Though without
signatures or date, it has internal evidence of authenticity, and of being the first church
covenant. The orthography only is altered.

"Considering the instability and inconstancy of our hearts in cleaving to the Lord in that
which is good, we do bind ourselves one with another this day before the Lord, that we will
endeavor, by the grace of God assisting us, henceforward to walk as becometh the people of
God, according to the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

p.151

"And more particularly we do promise and covenant before the Lord, that, whereas he hath
of his great goodness brought us from under the yoke and burdening of men's traditions to
the precious liberty of his ordinances, which we now do enjoy, we will, according to our
places and callings, stand for the maintenance of this liberty to our utmost endeavour, and
not return to any human ordinances from which we are escaped.  And we further convenant to
subject ourselves to every ordinance of Christ which he shall please to make known to us
to be his will.  Also we do take him to be our only Priest to instruct us, our only High
Priest to make peace with the Father for us; so we will set him up as our King and Sovereign
to command us, to rule in us and reign over us by the help of his word and Spirit. And that
we may be better be kept in an holy subjection to him and his will, we will watch over each
other in the Lord, admonishing one another both to prevent the evils into which we may fall,
and to recover ourselves out of those that we have been overtaken with, not suffering any
raging pollution or spiritual uncleanness amongst us, but labor to cast it forth by the
power which Christ hath given to his church.  And further, considering that we are members
one of another, and have civil respect, and are liable to be oppressed and devoured one of
another; and considering also the increase of this evil, daily getting strength through the
abounding of self-love so mightily prevailing in us; we do therefore here solemnly promise
before the Lord, that we will carefully avoid all oppression, griping, and hard dealing, and
walk in peace, love, mercy and equity towards each other, doing to others as we would they
should do to us.  And in testimony of our willing assent to this covenant we have hereunto
subscribed our names."

"Letchford's Plain Dealing" mentions the church in Concord as the first one in the colony
which had adopted the practice of catechizing children.  Mather says, this was one of the
constant exercises of the Sabbath.  All the unmarried people were required to answer questions, after which expositions and applications were made by Mr. Bulkeley to the whole
congregation.  This exercise was, however, soon after adopted in other churches.

footnote: One case of discipline is mentioned by the Hon. James Savage in his valuable notes
on Winthrop (vol i. p.289) of Ambrose Martin, who was fine ten pounds "and counselled to go
to Mr. Mather to be instructed by him," for calling the church covenant "a stinking carrion
and a human invention." and uttering some other impudent expressions. The following petition
containing the original signatures of the first two pastors and several members of the
church relates to him.

"To the Honoured Court. The Petition of the church of Concord in behalfe of our brother
Mr. Ambrose Martin.  "Your humble petitioners do intreate, that whereas some years ago
our said brother Mr. Martin was fined by the Court for some unadvised speeches uttered
against the church-covenant, for which he was fined ten pounds, and had to the value of
20 pounds by distress taken from him, of which 20 pounds there is one-halfe remayning in
the hands of the country to this day, which ten pounds he cannot be persuaded to accept of
unless he may hve the whole restored to him (which we doe impute unto his infirmitye and
weakness.)  We now considering the great decay of his estate, and the necessityes (if not
extremityes) which the familye is come unto, we entreat that his honored Court would please
to pittye his necessitous condition, and remit unto him the whole fine which was layd upon
him without which he cannot be perswaded to receive that which is due to him.  Wherein if
this honoured Court shall please to grant this our petition, we shall be bound bo prayse
God for your tender compassion toward this our poor brother.  (Signed):

Peter Bulkeley
John Jones
Richard Griffin
Simon Willard
Robert Merriam
Thomas Wheeler
George Wheeler
Robert Fletcher
Luke Potter
Joseph Wheeler
Thomas Foxe
William Busse
Henry Farwell
James Hosmer
John Graves.

"The 5th of the 4th month, 1644.
The case appears to the magestreates to be now past help through his own obstinacye; but for
the overplus upon sale of the distresse he or his wife may have it when they will call for
it.  (signed) Jo: Endecotte, Governor."


The church was numerous soon after its organization and continued some time in harmony.
But the unexpected pecuniary difficulties of the town, occasioned by its peculiar local
situation and its condition at that time induced many to remove, which rendered it diffi-
cult for the remainder to support two ministers; Mr. Bulkeley's salary as teacher being
70 pounds per annum.  Some difficulty arose in the church on this account.  The subject of
a separation was often discussed; and on the 28th of July, 1642, "some of the elders went
to Concord, being sent for by the church there to advise with them about the maintenance
of their elders, etc.  They found them wavering about removal, not finding their plantation

p.153

answerable to their expectation, and the maintenace of two elders too heavy a burden for them.  The elder's advice was that they should continue and wait upon God, and be helpful 
to their elders in labor and what they could, and all to be ordered by the deacons, (whose
office had not formerly been improved this way amongst them,) and the the elders should be
content with what means the church was able at present to afford them, and if either of 
them should be called to some other place then to advise with other churches about their
removal.

the advice of this council was followed a short time; but about October, 1644, a separation
took place and Mr. Jones removed to Fairfield, Conn.  Mather gives the following account
of this affair in his own peculiar style.  Upon Mr. Bulkeley's "pressing a piece of charity,
disagreeble to the will of the ruling elder, thee was occasioned an unhappy discord in the
church of Concord; which was at last healed by their calling in the help of a council, and
the ruling elder's (Mr. Jones) abdication.  Of the temptations which occurred on these
occasions, Mr. Bulkeley would say,

"he thereby came - 

1. To know more of God.
2. To know more of himself.
3. To know more of men."

Peace being thus restored, the small things in the church there incearsed in the hands of
their faithful Bulkeley, until he was translated into the regions which afford nothing but
concord and glory; leaving his well-fed flock in the wilderness under the pastoral care of
his worthy son, Mr. Edward Bulkeley."

The Rev. John Jones was born, educated and regularly ordained as a preacher of the gospel
in England; but at what place is not known.  He arrived in New England, October 2, 1635 with 
the Rev. Mr. Shepard, afterwards of Cambridge and the Rev. Mr. John Wilson of Boston. After
remaining as the colleague pastor of the church of Concord about eight years, he removed with part of his society to Fairfield, Conn., and there undertook the charge of a newly
organized church, where he spent the remainder of his life.  He attain an age exceeding
"three score and ten," and died about 1664.  Few records are preserved concerning this
early, devoted friend to the cause of Christian liberty, or concerning his family. Tradition
gives him a highly respectable

p.154

character.  He left six children of whom, John Jones, Jr. was grad. Harvard Coll., 1643.
Eliphalet Jones another son was born in Concord Jan 9, 1640; studied divinity and was the
first minister of Huntington, Long Isalnd where he died aged about 100 years old.

After the removal of Mr. Jones, the sole care of the church devolved on Mr. Bulkeley for
the remaining fourteen years of his life.  At this time, according to Johnson, it contained
about seventy communicants; but none of its proceedings have been transmitted to us. The
following letters of Mr. Bulkeley are deemed worthy of publicaton:

                      From Rev. Peter Bulkeley

"To his dear and loving friend, Mr. Shepard of the Church att Cambridge.
"Dear Sir.
"I hear the Lord hath so far strengthened you, as that you were the last Lord's day at the
assembly.  The Lord go on with the work of his goodness towards you.  Being that now the
Lord hath enabled you thus far, I desire a word or two from you, what you judge concerning
the teacher in a congregation, whether the administration of discipline and sacrements doe
equally belong unto him with the pastor, and whether he ought therein equally to interest
himself.  I would also desire you to add a word more concerning this, viz., what you mean
by the execution of disipline, when you distinguish it from the power.  We have had speech
sometimes concerning the churches' power in matters of discipline wherein you seemed to put
the power itself into the hands of the church, but to reserve the execution to the elder-
ship.  Here also I would see what you comprehend under the word execution.  I would gladly
hear how the common affairs of the churches stand with you.  I am here shut up, and o
neither see nor hear. 

(footnote: Mr. Bulkeley often laments his situation. In a letter to
the Rev. Mr. Cotton, dated December 17, 1640, he says, "I lose much in this retired wilderness in which I live; but the Lord will at last lighten my candle. In the mean while'
help us with some of that which God hath imparted unto you."

"Write me what you know. Let me alsoe understand which way Mr. Phillips doth incline, whether towards you or otherwise; and which way Mr. Rogers is like to turn, whether to stay
in these parts or goe inton Coniticote (Connecticut).  I wrote to you not long agoe advising
you to consider quid valent humeri.  I know not whether you received that letter.

p.155

"The Lord in mercy bless all our labours to his churches' good. Rembember my love to Mrs.
Shepard with Mrs. Herlakenden.  Grace be with you all.
"Yours in Christ Jesus,                             P. Bulkeley
"February 12, 1639."


"To his reverence and loving friend, Mr. Cotton, Teacher of the Church at Boston.
"Reverence in the Lord,
These are to desire you to convey this letter inclosed in one of your own to Boston. I do rather send it to you, because I suppose those you commit your letters to, will be careful 
of the delivery, and this letter concerns matters of some moment, in regard whereof I desire
you to take the more notice of it, and convey it by a safe hand.  If the business concerning
Virginia be finished, I desire to know how it stands; or if not finished, what is intended
or though upon.  My wife hath bin ill ever since our coming home, but now, I thank the Lord,
begins to recover.  This day she began to go down into the house. Remember her in your prayers, and us all. And so with both our loves to yourself and Mrs. Cotton, I leave you
with all yours to the Lord's rich goodness and grace, resting yours ever in him.
September 26, 1642                              Pet: Bulkeley.

"To the Reverend his honoured friend, Mr. Cotton, Teacher of the Church at Boston, give these.
"Reverend in the Lord,

"Some other things I am full of, but will not write with paper and ink; only in a word I
bless God for what I hear, how the Lord doth fill your ministry with abundance of grace,
life, and power, to the exceeding joy of those that are true-hearted towards the Lord. But
withall I stand amazed and wonder att God's forbearance, considering what I hear in another
kind; which I doe also believe to be true in some parts; true I mean, as don and spoken by
some, though untrue, in respect of any cause given on your part.  Truly Sir, it is to me a
wonder that the earth swallows up not such wretches, or that fire comes not downe from heaven to consume them.  The Lord hath a number

p.156

of holy and humbles ones here amongst us [in the country generally], for whose sakes he doth
spare, and will spare long; but were it not for such a remnant, we should see the Lord would
make quick work amongst us.  Shall I tell you what I think to be the ground of all this
insolency which discovers itself in the speach of men?  Truly I cannot acribe it so much to
any outward thing, as to the putting of too much liberty and power into the hands of the
multitude, which they are too weak to manage, many growing conceited, proud, arrogant, self-
sufficient, as wanting nothing.  And I am persuaded, that except there be some means used to
change the course of things in this point, our churches will grow more corrupt day by day;
and tumult will arise hardly to be stilled.  Remember the former days which you had in old
Boston where though (through the Lord's blessing upon your labours), there was an increase
daily added to your church, yet the number of professors is far more here, than it was there.  But answer me, which place was better governed?  Where matters were swayed there by
your wisdom and counsel, matters went on with strength and power for good.  But here, where
the heady or headless multitude have gotten the power into their hands, there is insolency
and confusion.

And I know not how it can be avoided in this way, unless we should make the doors of the
church narrower.  This we have warrat for from the word; which course, if it should be taken would bring its inconveniency also in another kind.  But of these things no more.  Only I
pray the Lord to heal the evils of the places and times we live in, and remove that woeful
contempt of his gospel which doth abound.  O what mischief doth one proud, lofty spirit
that is in reputation for understanding, amongst a number of others that are weak; and some
of both such there are in every place.  But our comfort is, God's end and work shall go
forward.  Some shall be converted, some hardened.  The God of mercy carry on his work in our
hearts and hands to the glorifying of his rich grace in Christ Jesus.  I pray remember my
harty love to good Mrs. Cotton, thanking her for her kind remembrance of my little ones.
I pray God give us both to see his grace increasing in those that he hath continued towards
us.  Farewell, dearly beloved and honoured in the Lord, comfort yourself in him, who is most
ready to be found in time of need.  In him I rest.         Yours ever, Pet: Bulkeley.
"April 4, 1650.

p.157

"I could wish you would write to Mr. Goodwin to deal with those that are in place of authority in England, to take care that the Scripture may be printed more truly. I have a
bible, printed 1648, which hath (little and great) above an 100 faults in the printing of it.  And I have an old Bible, printed 1581 which hath but one or two, and those very small
ones. I intend to write to my nephew, St. John about it.  A word from yourself to Mr.
Goodwin, who is a man of so much respect there, would do much good."

The Rev. Peter Bulkeley, B.D. was of honorable and noble descent.  He was the tenth generation from Robert Bulkeley, Esq. one of the English Barons, who, in the reign of King
John (who died in 1216), was lord manor of Bulkeley in the county palatine of Chester. (see
Lineal Descendants in footnote below)

footnote: The names of the lineal descendants from Robert Bulkeley furnished me by Charles
Bulkeley, Esq., of New London, a great grandson of Gershom Bulkeley were:

1. William Bulkeley
2. Robert Bulkeley
3. Peter Bulkeley who married Nicholaus Bird of Haughton.
4. John Bulkeley who married Andryne, daughter and heir to John Colley of Ward and died 1450
5. Hugh Bulkeley who married Hellen Wilbriham of Woodley.
6. Humphrey Bulkeley who married Cyle, daughter and heir of John Mutten.
7. William Bulkeley who married Beatryce, daughter and heir to William of Bulausdale.
8. Thomas Bulkeley who married Elizabeth, daughter of Randell Grovenor.
9. Edward Bulkeley D.D., of Woodhill, who married Olive Irlby of Lincolnshire.
10. Peter Bulkeley, of Concord, Massachusetts.

He had two brothers, Nathaniel and Paul Bulkeley.  The latter died Fellow of Queen's College, Cambridge, England. From William, a brother of Peter, of the third generation,
were also many ennobled descendants; among whom are recorded, in the Irish Peerage, seven
Viscounts in succession.  Other branches have been much distinguished. The mott adopted
in the family coat of arms was "Nec lemere, nec timide," "Neither rashly nor timidly,"
and contains a beautiful sentiment, characteristic of the eminent father of the American
family.

The Rev. Peter Bulkeley, B.D. was born at Woodhill, in Bedfordshire on January 31, 1583.
His father, the Rev. Edward Bulkeley, D.d. was a faithful minister of the gospel under whose
direction his son received a learned and religious education, suited to his distinguished
rank.  About the age of sixteen he was admitted a member of St. John's College in Cambridge,
England, of which he was afterwards chosen fellow, and from which he received the degree of
Bachelor of Divinity.  He succeeded his father in the ministry in his native town and en-
joyed his rich benefice and estate; where he was a zealous preacher of evangelical truth
about twenty years and, for the most part of the time, lived an

p.158

unmolested non-comformist.  At length, his preaching meeting with distinguished success, and
his church being very much increased, complaints were entered against him by Archbishop
Laud and he was silenced for his non-conformity to the requirements of the English church.
This circumstance induced him to emigrate to New England where he might enjoy liberty of
conscience.  He arrived in Cambridge in 1634 or 1635 (footnote: The Rev. Edward Bulkeley
was admitted freeman May 6, 1635; and from the Cambridge records it seems probable that
Mr. Bulkeley came to America in 1634.) and was the leader of those resolute men and self-
denying Christians, who soon after "went further up into the woods and settled the plantation at Musketaquid."  Here he expended most of his estate for the benefit of his
people; and after a laborious and useful life, died March 9, 1659 in his 77th year.

Mr. Bulkeley was remarkable for his benevolence. He had many servants on whom, after they
had lived with him several years, he bestowed farms, and then received others to be treated
in a like benevolent manner.  By great familiarity of manners he drew around him persons of
all ages; and his easy address, great learning, and eminent piety, rendered his society
pleasing and profitable to all.  Persons seldom separated from his company, without having
heard some remark calculated to impress the mind with the importance of religion. Though
sometimes suffering under bodily infirmities, he was distinguished for the holiness of his
life, and a most scrupulous observance of the duties of the Christian ministry.  He avoided
all novelties in dress, and wore his hair short. Being strict in his own virtues, he was
occasionally sevee in censuring the follies of others.  He was considered as the father of
his people, and "addressed as father, prophet, or counsellor, by them and all the ministers
of the country."  Had the scene of Mr. Bulkeley's labors been in Boston, or its immediate
vicinity, and not, as he expresses it, "shut up" in this remote spot, then of difficult
access, his name would have appeared more conspicuously in the published annals of the
country.  He was a thorough scholar; an elevated, devotional Christian; laborious in his
profession; and, as a preacher, evangelical, faithful and of remarkably energetic, powerful
and persuasive eloquence.

p.159

He often wrote a series of sermons on a particular book or passage of Scripture.  One of these series on Zachariah ix.11, was published as "the first born of New England," and passed through several editions.  The edition bfore me bears the following title: "The
Gospel Covenant, or the Covenant of Grace opened; wherein are explained:

1. The difference between the covenant of grace and covenant of works.
2. The different administration of the covenant before and since Christ.
3. The benefits and blessing of it.
4. The conditions.
5. The properties of it. Preached at Concord in New England by REv. Peter Bulkeley, sometime
   fellow of Saint John's College in Cambridge, England.  Here follow quotations, Genesis
   xvii. 1-7 and Isaiah 1v. 3.

The second edition much enlarged and correct by the author.  And the chiefe heads of things
(which was omitted in the former) distinguished into chapters.  London, printed by Mathew
Simmins, dwelling in Aldersgate-Street, next door to the Golden Lion, 1651." pp.xvi and 442,
quarto.

It was dedicated "to the church and congregation at Concord" and to his nephew, "the Rt.
Hon. Oliver St. John, Lord Embassador extraordinary from the Parliament of the Commonwealth
of England to the High and Mighty Lords, the States General of the United Provinces in the 
Netherlands; and Lord Chief Justice at the Common Pleas."  It is a work of great merit for
that age and considering that it was "preached in the remote ends of the earth."  "The church of God," says the Rev. Mr. Shephard of Cambridge, "is bound to bless God for the holy, judicious and learned labours of this aged, experienced andprecious servant of Christ."  After reading this book, President Stiles observes "He was a masterly reasoner
in theology and equal to the first characters in all Christendom and in all ages."

Two of Mr. Bulkeley's manuscripts are preserved in the library of the American Antiquarian 
Society.  One contains answers to several theological questions, and is addressed to the 
Rev. Mr. Phillips of Watertown.  The other is on the character and government of the church.
The following analysis is given at the close of this work.

Part I. 
"The visible church is:
     1. For the efficent cause, called of God.
     2. For the material cause, a number of visible saints and believrs in the judgment of
        man.
     3. For the formal cause, union by an explicate covenant together.
p.160
     4. For the final cause, to set out God's praises."
Part II. The churches' government.
     1. Is originally in the people's hands.
     2. Which people are to elect their own officers, teachers, elders, and deacons.
     3. By which officers they are to rule and govern - by admitting fit members, and by
        watching over, admonishing and casting out those that be bad."

This is a most able defence of the Congregatonalism in opposition to Episcopacy; and touches
with the author's peculiar power and clearness, the ecclesiastical questions in discussion
at that period.  I can scarcely resist an inclination to extract some passages. Its publication entire is recommended to the Society to whom it belongs.

Mr. Bulkeley married for his first wife, Jane, daughter of Sir Thomas Allen of Goldington,
England, whose nephew was Lord Manor of London.  By her he had nine sons and two daughters.
Edward, Thomas who married a daughter of the Rev. John Jones, removed to Fairfield, Conn.,
and died about 1652. John, Joseph, William and Richard are all the names Ihave seen mentioned.  He lived eight years a widower and then married Grace, daughter of Sir Richard
Chitwood, by whom he had three sons and one daughter, Gershom, Eleazer, Peter and Dorothy.
His wife survived him and removed to Connecticut a few years after his death.

His Will, dated February 26, 1659, appears in the Middlesex Records, in which he specifies
legacies in books to his sons, Edward, John & Joseph, his cousin Samuel Hough and his nephew
Oliver St. John, "as a thankful acknowledgment of his kindness and bounty towards me; his
liberality having been a great help and support unto me in these my lonely times and my
struggles."  Legacies are also made to the widow of his son Thomas, deceased, and to this three youngest children, Eleazer, Peter and Dorothy; "and in case any of my children before
named by me in this my will, to whom I have bequeathed the legacies named, shall prove
disobedient to their mother, or otherwise vicious and wicked, shall be wholly in the power
of my said wife, their mother, to deal with them therein, as she herself in Christian wisdom
shall think meet, either to give their legacy or to keep it to herself."  He alludes to his
"wasted estate, which

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is now very little in comparison of what it was when I came first to these places," having
made great sacrifices in "the beginning of these plantations." and "Having little to leave
to the children God hath given me, and to my precious wife, whose unfeigned piety and singular grace of God shining in her, doth deserve more than I can do for her."  The inventory of his estate amounted to 1,302 pounds of which 123 pounds was in books. He had
previously given a part of his library and some other donations to Harvard College.

The Rev. Edward Bulkeley succeeded his father in the ministerial care of the church with an
annual salary of 80 pounds. The duties of his office increasing with the growth of the town
assistance was judged necessary and the Rev. Joseph Estabrook was ordained as his colleague
in 1667.  His salary was also 80 pounds of which 40 pounds was to be paid in money and 40
in grain, - wheat to be estimated at 5 shillings, rye at 3 shillings and corn a 2 shillings
per bushel.

March 12, 1681, the town voted, "that every householder that hath a teame, greater or lessor
shall carry yearly one load of wood to the minister; and every other householder or votable
person shall cut wood one day for the minister; and that the wood be equally divided to the
ministers as the selectmen shall appoint."  The arrangement, which the following vote specifies, was made March 5, 1694.  "Whereas the Rev. pastor, Mr. Edward Bulkeley, is under such infirmities of body, by reason of great age, that he is not capable of attending the
work of the ministry as in times past; being also sensible of the obligations the town is
under to afford him a comfortable maintenance during the term of his natural life; that
thereby the people may testifie their gratitude for his former services in the gospel, they
do hereby oblige the town to pay Mr. Bulkeley yearly, during his natural life, the sum of
30 pounds in liew of his former salary."  This proposition was assent to by Mr. Bulkeley on
condition that he should have liberty to preach or not as he should choose.

The Rev. Edward Bulkeley was the eldest son of the Rev. Peter Bulkeley and born and chiefly
educated in England.  He emigrated to this country and was admitted a member of the First
Church of Boston in 1634.  Having acquired a professional education under the instruction
of his father, he was licensed to preach the gospel and ordained in Marshfield in 1642 or
1643.  On the death of his father in 1659, he was dismissed and installed

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over the church in Concord.  He died at a great age, in the 53d year of his ministry, at
Chelmsford, January 2, 1696, probably on a visit to his grandson, and was buried in Concord.
Few records are preserved concerning his ministry or himself.  He is represented by tradition to have been lame, and of a feeble constitution.  He was, however, greatly re-
spected for his talents, acquirements, irreproachable character and piety.  He preached
an Election Sermon in 1680 from 1 Sam. ii.30; and one before the Ancient and Honorable
Artillery Company in 1679, from 1 Peter ii. 11.  His only printed work that I have seen,
is that noticed in our general history under date of 1676, preached in commemmoration of
the safe return of Captain Thomas Wheeler and his associates after the battle of Brookfield.

I have not learned whom Edward Bulkeley married. 

[Torrey, p.115 - Edward Bulkeley (1614-1696)
& Lucian ___, widow, who had a dau. Lucy, who married John Lake.]  

[Torrey, p.447 -John Lake (d. 1677) & 2nd wife, Lucy Bishop (d. 1678) dau of Lucien , wife of Rev. Edward Bulkeley; Boston]

The children of Rev. Edward Bulkeley were John, Peter, Jane, who m. Ephraim Flint, and
Elizabeth who married in 1665, the Rev. Joseph Emerson, great grandfather of the Rev. William Emerson hereafter to be noticed and after Mr. Emerson's death (which took place in
Concord, Jan 3, 1680) for a second husband, John Brown, Esq., of Reading.  She was the only
child of Edward Bulkley, it is supposed, who had issue.

The Rev. Joseph Estabrook died September 16, 1711, aged 71. He was born in Enfield, England
and, after receiving a preparatory education, emigrated to this country, entered Harvard
College and was graduated in 1664.  The following obituary notice, dated September 18th, 
appeared in the "Boston News Letter." "This day was interred in Concord, the Rev. Mr. Joseph
Estabrook, minister of the gospel in said town for about forty-four years (and for many of
them was colleage with the famous Mr. Bulkeley.) He was eminent for his sill in the Hebrew
language; and a most orthodox, learned and worthy divine, of excellent principles in religion, indefatigably laborious in the ministry, and of holy life and conversaton." He was
a man of great worth, and eminently fitted for his office. In his preaching he was plain,
practical and persuasive; and in his intercourse with his people, grave, affectionate,
communicative and conciliatory, earnestly desiring their happiness and welfare. His appearance carried with it so

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much patriarchal dignity, that people were induced to love him as a friend, and reverence
him as a father.  These distinguished traits in his character obtained for him, in the latter part of his life, the name of The Apostle.  His judgment was much respected, and his
advice sought for in all the neighbouring churches.  He was much admired wherever he preached; and was invited to remove from Concord; for, said his admirers, "He was too bright
a star to be muffled up in the woods amongst the Indians and ought to come to Boston where 
he could do more good.  His only printed work, which has come down to us, is an Election
Sermon preached in 1705.

Mr. Estabrook married Mary, daughter of Capt. Hugh Mason of Watertown, May 20, 1668 and had
six children.

1. Joseph born 1669, lived several years in Hingham but settled in Lexington where he died
   September 24, 1733 aged 65, having been a deacon 17 years (he was grandfather to the Rev.
   Joseph Estabrook late of Athol).
2. Benjamin
3. Mary who married Jonathan Green of Newton.
4. Samuel 
5. Daniel b. 1676 m. Abigail Flint of Concord and settled first in Cambridge but removed
   to Sudbury where he died.
6. Ann who married Joshua Haynes of Sudbury.

Benjamin and Samuel will be noticed among the Concord college graduates.

After the death of Mr. Estabrook, a committee of the town, consisting of Deacon John Heywood, Mr. Benjamin Whittemore, and Lieut. William Wilson, was chosen to "procure preaching."  the Rev. Edward Holyoke afterwards president of Harvard College, the Rev.
Benjamin Prescott, one of our native graduates, and the Rev. John Whiting were employed 
as candidates for

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six sabbaths.  A liberal settlement was offered the town by Mr. Prescott's father, should 
he be chosen, but the proposition was not accepted.  The church gave Mr. Whiting a call, in
which the town concurred by 110 votes in his favor, November 19, 1711.  December 7th following it was agreed by 84 to 37 "paper votes," to give him 100 pounds as a settlement,
and 100 pounds as an annual salary and pay the expenses of his ordination which took place
May 14, 1712.

Judge Sewall, one of the delegates, makes the following entry in his journal on that day.
"I go to Concord in Austin's calash; set out from home at 5 a.m., got to Mr. Whiting's at
10. Excercises began about half an hour past eleven, ended about a quarter past one. Great
assembly.  Mr. Whiting prayed, and preached from 1 Tim. iii.1.  Mr. Nehemiah Hobart asked 
if any had to object -
1. Of the church
2. Of the congregation
3. Of all the present assembly.

Declared that the elders and messengers of churches had appointed him to give the charge;
Mr. Angier, Brattle, and Hancock to join in laying on hands. Mr. Hobart prayed excellently
and so gave the charge.  One word in it was diligence or labour, or to that purpose; prayed
again. Declared that Mr. Angier was to give the right hand of fellowship, which he did.
Sung the 47th psalm. Mr. Whiting bless the people. Went and dined at young Mr. Prescott's.
Set out to come down about half an hour after three."

Fifteen pounds were subsequently granted to provide Mr. Whiting with fire-wood; and in 
addition to his stated salary, special contributions and grants were frequently made. From
1728 he received 150 pounds; in 1734, 180 pounds and in 1735, 190 pounds.  These grants
were probably owing to the depreciation in value of the public currency.  During this period
Mr. Timothy Minott occasionally assisted Mr. Whiting and was compensated by contributions or
town assessments.  In 1732 the town raised 20 pounds for this purpose. Some objections were
brought against Mr. Whiting in the latter part of his ministry; and several councils were
called to investigate them.

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In March, 1737, the deacons were chosen a committee "to treat with the Rev. Mr. Whiting to
see whether he would join with the town in calling another minister."  He approved of this
proposition.  On presenting their report, on the 16th of May following, the town voted 41
to 33, "to call and settle another minister with Mr. Whiting."  On the 18th of october an
ecclesiastical council was convened here of which the Rev. John Hancock of Lexington was
moderator which, after a public examination of the charges, advised the church to dismiss
Mr. Whiting. The result was read on the 21st and the church accepted it, 83 yeas and 11 nays
and voted, that the pastoral relation it held to Mr. Whiting should be dissolved.  The town
concurred on the 6th of March following, "nemine contradicente."

The Rev. John Whiting died May 4, 1752 aged 71.  He was the son of the Rev. Joseph Whiting
who was graduated at Harvard College in 1661, and was afterwards minister of Southampton,
Long Island.  His mother, I suppose was daughter of the Hon. Thomas Danforth of Cambridge
deputy governor of Massachusetts colony; and as he died without issue, perhaps a good
portion of his estate descended on Mr. Whiting.  His grandfather was the Rev. Samuel Whiting
of Lynn, whose wife was Elizabeth St. John, daughter of the Right Honorable Oliver St. John
nephew to the Rev. Peter Bulkeley and mentioned in the history of England.  The father of the Rev. Samuel was John Whiting, mayor of the city of Boston, Lincolnshire, England. The
Rev. John Whiting of Concord was the sixth son of the Rev. Joseph Whiting, the five preceding him having died in infancy.  He was born at Lynn, June 20, 1681.  He was graduated
at Harvard College in 1700 and was subsequently chosen a tutor and fellow of that institution.  He was pastor of the church of Concord about twenty-six years.  After his
dismission he resided in this town principally as a private citizen.  He was a man of
wealth, learning, influence and talents; and as his modest epitaph informs us, "a gentleman
of singular hospitality and generosity, who never detrated from the character of any man, 
and was a universal lover of mankind."   He married Mary, daughter of the Rev. John Cotton
of Hampton, N.H., grandaughter of the Rev. Seaborn Cotton, great

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grandaughter of the Rev. John Cotton of Boston and Governor Simon Bradstreet and great 
great grandaughter of Governor Thomas Dudley; and had four sons and four daughters - Mary,
who married the Rev. Daniel Rogers of Littleton; John of Royalston; Thomas, Esq., of Concord
Stephen of Boston; Elizabeth who married the Rev. Samuel Webster of Salisbury; and three
others who died in infancy or unmarried.  She died May 29, 1731.  He married for a second
wife the widow of Dr. Jonathan Prescott.

End Chapter 10.
Transcribed by Janice Farnsworth