who severely censured the Church for their proceedings, and fully justified the Pastor and his adherents. The great political questions so vehemently agitated at that day, now lent their aid to embitter and prolong the controversy. Mr. Mellen and his friends were stigmatized as tories, and considered as enemies to the civil and ecclesiastical liberties of the people. He was excluded by violence from the sacred desk, but performed public worship with his faithful followers at his own house. Here and at the school house, he continued to preach and administer the ordinances for a space of about ten years, after which he removed from town.* 2. The charges of false doctrine were few, and generally trifling, they mainly consisted of detached sentences from his Sermons, and loose conversations; they were all susceptible of the satisfactory explanation we have before given of them. The charge that God was the author of Sin, which was alledged against him eight years previous by Mr. Josiah Kendall, was then brought before the Church in the absence of the Complainant, and after an explanation by Mr. Mellen, it was dismissed. It was now again adduced as the principal charge under this head, but was overruled by the Council. 3. To support the class of charges called false speaking, much evidence was adduced. But nothing was satisfactorily proved, that discovered any great obliquity of moral principle. In fact, but a small part of the dispute related to the moral or christian character of the minister, it was rather of a political cast, and grew out of the public animosities of the day. Mr. M. was an advocate for High Church and prerogative, when his people were embarking their all in pursuit of liberty. Both sides acted consistently in conformity with their avowed principles, and at this period neither party should be condemned. It is one of the many incidents connected with the commencement of the revolution, and may serve to illustrate the character of that glorious age. *The character of Mr. Mellen may be drawn from these imperfect notes, and from the various publications he left behind him. Liberally endowed by nature, with a strong and energetic mind, which was highly improved by diligent and successful cultivation, he obtained a high rank, both as a preacher and a scholar. Besides the volume of doctrinal Sermons, before noticed, there were printed eleven of his occasional Sermons. Of these we have seen his Thanksgiving Sermon, on the reduction of Canada, in 1760, which contains a faithful and lucid account of the several Campaigns in that memorable war. Sermon on account of the Sickness, in 1756. Sermon at the General Muster, in 1756. Sermon occasioned by the death of Sebastian Smith, in 1765. Notwithstanding the exasperated state of public feelings at the time of his dismission, soon after his re-settlement at Hanover, he returned to Sterling, when he preached a most impressive and pathetic discourse, which won the affections of all who had not been partizans in the controversy, and tended much to soften the asperities of his old opponents. His occasional preaching there was cordially received for many years, and his memory is still held in affectionate remembrance. Of his high qualifications as a preacher and a theologian, the aged people ever speak with the most profound veneration. After the settlement of the Rev. Mr. Holcomb, it was difficult to reconcile Mr. Mellen, and six or seven of his adhering brethren. Several councils were 1778. The people finding themselves in a broken state, and being desirous of the reestablishment of the ministry among them, now sent for another council who censured their proceedings and advised them to pass a penitential vote, acknowledging their irregularity and the disorderly character of their conduct in the dismission of their minister, and to make him some pecuniary consideration. A vote passed the Church sufficiently humiliating, upon the subject but was not assented to by six of the brethren. This tended to prolong the contest among a few individuals for some years. The pecuniary question was submitted to referees who went into a public hearing of the subject during two or three days in the Meeting House. The parties were heard by counsel. The elder Judge Lincoln was for the people, and William Stearns, Esq. of Worcester, for the minister. No charges respecting moral conduct or private character were alledged by the people against Mr. Mellen. The award was in his favor, for a small sum with costs, and a further provision that his estate should be exempt from taxation, while he remained an inhabitant of the Parish. 1779. Difficulties being now settled, the people united in calling to the ministry the Rev. Reuben Holcomb, who was ordained June 2d. He was a native of Simsbury in Connecticut, and graduated at Yale College, in 1774. called, but their results generally favored the party who summoned them. Mr. M. with his followers, continued to worship and enjoy the ordinances by themselves, as a distinct Church, until 1784, when he was called to the work of the ministry in Hanover, County of Plymouth. He was installed. Feb. 11, of that year. Here he remained until Feb. 1805, when he asked a dismission on account of his declining age. In Sept. following, he removed to Reading, and closed his long and active life under the care of his daughter, the relict of Rev. Caleb Prentiss. The following is the inscription on his monument in the Church yard at South Reading. "Sacred to the memory of Rev. John Mellen, born March 14, 1722 ; graduated at Harvard University, 1741; thirty four years pastor of the Church at Sterling; twenty one years at Hanover; died July 4, 1807. Mrs. Rebecca Mellen, daughter of Rev. John Prentice, of Lancaster, born Sept. 22, 1727, having lived 53 years with the husband of her youth, died at Havover, Jan. 11, 1802. Their children, in whose bosoms their virtues are faithfully recorded, in testimony of filial respect, affection and gratitude, have erected this monument." Had his lot been cast at a different time, and under more favorable circumstances, he would undoubtedly have attained to great eminence in his profession. In his domestic character, he combined all that was exemplary and praise worthy. His three sons were fitted for College under his care and parental direction, and have added to the honors of the University, the repuation of eminence in their professions. John, born 1752, H. U. 1770. Henry, who died at Dover, born 1757, H. U. 1784. Prentice, born 1764, H. U. 1784, and now Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Maine. The new administration commenced by a solemn renewal of their ancient covenant, prefaced by a declaration of deep penitence for their past wanderings, miscarriages, and deviations from duty, with a solemn resolution for future watchfulness and fidelity. The Church now had rest, and an unusual degree of prosperity. In 1800, the Pastor introduced some additions into the covenant, with a view, as was suggested, of abolishing the half way covenant, which had existed from the foundation of the Church. The innovations were not accordant to the views of many of the members, but were silently acquiesced in. Those who had once tasted the bitterness of ecclesiastical controversy, were not easily induced to renewed dissensions. During this ministry, a remarkable degree of harmony and unanimity subsisted among the people. The Baptists had made great exertions to obtain converts in a remote quarter of the town. On account of their distance, the people there were unable to attend meeting, without great difficulty; Mr. Holcomb therefore appointed a stated exercise in that part of the parish, which served to recal his people. But two or three families left the parish, and the numbers of dissenters have not since greatly increased. 1814. March. This calm was succeeded by a petition subscribed by upwards of one hundred qualified voters, requesting the town to choose a committee to inquire of Rev. Mr. Holcomb, the terms upon which he would ask a dismission. In the discussion that followed, it was found that a large majority, probably seven eighths of the people, were desirous of a separation. Mr. Holcomb immediately preferred a request to the Church for a dismission, alledging as reasons, want of health in the pastor, and a want of affection and union among the people, and as a result of all, a want of a prospect of future usefulness and comfort. May 19. This request was granted, and the town concurred, after a pecuniary compromise, which was effected by a vote of an additional year's salary.* These proceedings were sanctioned by an Ecclesiastical Council, June 15, 1814. In their Result the Council make the following remarks" While we disapprove and bear our testimony against the dismission of ministers for frivolous causes, and without any specific allegations, affecting their moral, christian, or ministerial character; yet, for the reasons stated in the * The original salary of Mr. Holcomb was £80, annually, predicated upon the prices of the substantial articles of living, together with thirty cords of wood. This was afterwards adjusted by a fixed sum of $383. This he received in cash semi-annually, and it was continued one year after his dis mission. 6 application of Rev. Mr. Holcomb, to the Church and Town, for a dismission, to wit, want of health, want of affection and harmony, and as the result of all, want of a prospect of usefulness and comfort,' in view of the pecuniary provision made by the town as a consideration for his asking a dismission, and his acceptance of that consideration, this council think it expedient that the pastoral relation of the Rev. Reuben Holcomb, to the Christian Society in Sterling, be, and it is hereby dissolved. "This ecclesiastical council, in obedience to a law of Christ, which commands us to bear each others burdens, do sympathise with the late Pastor of this Church, and the members of this religious Society, under their afflictions, arising from the events of this day. The proceedings which have come to our knowledge, evince a spirit of gentleness and mutual accommodation, and a solicitude, for the order and welfare of the town, which reflect on them much honor as individuals, and members of a Christian community. We unreservedly say that the resolution of the Rev. Mr. Holcomb, to unite with his fellow christians here, in an earnest endeavor to build up the cause and interest of the Redeemer, by promoting, as soon as may be, the re-settlement of a Christian minister, is worthy of a servant of the meek and lowly Jesus.' It is to us a cause of happiness, that in the communications made to this body, nothing has appeared that in the least affects the regular standing of the Pastor, or of this Christian Church. We affectionately recommend him to the benediction of Heaven. Wherever God in his Providence shall call him to minister in word and doctrine, we wish him the presence and blessing of the great Head of the Church. From the fulness of that treasure of consolation, which he has opened to others, may he also abundantly receive. We address the members of this society with more than common solicitude. In addition to the portentous scenes which are opening upon the men of this generation, it hath pleased the Supreme Disposer of all things, to spread a dark cloud over many Churches in this vicinity. We cannot, however, withhold from you our expressions of confidence and hope. It is but justice to you to say, that the past character of this people, their laudable attention to the education of children and youth, their general respect for religious institutions, and particularly their freedom from a spirit of sectarianism, are to us tokens for good."* *The Rev. Mr. Holcomb has ever since resided in town, upon his beautiful estate, near the village, enjoying a dignified rest from the labors of a toil The sacred desk was immediately supplied in succession by Mr. Field, now the minister of Weston; Mr. Abbot late pastor of the North Church at Salem; and Mr. Lemuel Capen, of Dorchester, now pastor of a Church at South Boston. 1815. Jan. 30. The Church gave a call to Mr. Capen to settle in the ministry, by a vote of 35 to 15. In this the town concurred, 170 to 31.* It was also voted to allow him $400, as a settlement, and $600 as an annual salary. This was punctually paid him half yearly. The ordination solemnities were held March 22, 1815.† Great unanimity subsisted through the ministry of Mr. C. The covenant was now amended, so that all Congregational Christians might conscientiously assent to it. It was adopted, April, 1815, as follows, and has ever since been unchanged : "1. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, with humble dependance on the Holy Spirit, and with sincere repentance of all our sins, we solemnly enter into covenant with the Lord Jehovah, taking him to be our God, giving up ourselves to his sovereign direction and disposal, and promising to make it one great business in life, to love and serve, to honor and glorify him. "2. We receive the Lord Jesus Christ as he is offered to us in the Gospel, as the only Mediator between God and man, and through whom alone salvation may be obtained by the sinful children of men. "3. We resolve to use the Holy Scriptures as our platform, whereby to discern the mind of Christ, believing them to be the only infallible rule of faith and practice. "4. We promise that by all the means in our power, we will instruct those who are, or may hereafter be, under our care and direction, in the doctrines and duties of our holy religion. "5. We promise to attend on the administration of God's holy some office. He has not unfrequently supplied the neighboring pulpits with occasional preaching. His stated attendance upon the word and ordinances has been continued in the place of his former labors. *Mr. Holcomb and his adherents opposed this call, not from any disaffection to the talents or sentiments of the Candidate. Most of them were his steadfast friends, and constant attendants upon public worship, through his ministry. Mr. Capen was born at Dorchester, November 27, 1788; graduated at H. U. 1810. † On this occasion, Dr. Harris, of Dorchester, preached the Sermon, which was printed. Introductory Prayer by Dr. Porter, of Roxbury; Ordaining Prayer by Professor Ware; Charge by Dr. Sumner, of Shrewsbury; Right hand of Fellowship by Mr. Thayer, of Lancaster; and Concluding Prayer by Mr. Pierce, of Brookline. |