Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 4.

Each one of these articles seems worthy of comment.

With relation to the first: One who is familiar with the language of Universalism to-day will have the thought brought forcibly to mind that the Universalist church in common with all other churches has made a long advance in the better understanding of its own faith since this compact was drawn up, nearly seventy years ago.

The second article is remarkable for what it leaves out rather than for what it puts in. There is no obligation of conduct or character mentioned save this sacred one of observing the Lord's supper.

The third article of the compact is a rule of government rather than a basis of fellowship, but it served its purpose for nearly ten years, for not until Oct. 24, 1843, was this simple compact supplemented by a code of by-laws.

For the first eight years the records relate only to the admission of new members; but from 1842 until the present time there has been an increasing tendency to give full details as to what occurred at each meeting.

In 1850 appears this record showing that a happy relation existed between this society and the First Parish:

‘Our meeting-house and vestry being under repair, and our church and congregation holding public service on Sundays with the First Parish (Rev. Mr. Pierpont) in this town, there were no regular meetings of the church in May and June.’

May 22, 1851, it was voted to receive Bro. Sumner