[214] We may say a word, in passing, of these customs of our ancestors. The Psalm-book used on this occasion was the “New England Version, or Bay Psalm-book.” The psalm was “deaconed.” The portion sung was ten verses, C. M. The first two lines were:--
Myrrh, aloes, and cassia's smellThe last verse, to which the Judge seems to allude in what he said to the bridegroom, as he presented the “turkey-leather Psalm-book,” read thus:--
All of the garments had.
Thy name remembered I will makeThe tune selected seems to us a singular one for the occasion. “Windsor” is a proper tune for a funeral; but, for a wedding, how dull! So thought not our ancestors. While they gloried in singing sprightly “York” or “St. David's” on Sunday, solemn “Windsor” or “Low Dutch” (Canterbury) was their frequent choice at weddings and other festal occasions. Mr.Porter and Mrs. Porter came to Medford immediately after their marriage, and lived happily together. They were highly esteemed by their uncle, Judge Sewall, who frequently called on them when going to Salem and Newbury. His diary says:--
In generations all;
Therefore, for ever and for aye
Thy people praise thee shall.
July 28, 1714: According to my promise, I carried my daughter Hannah to Meadford, to visit Cousin Porter. In her mother's name, she presented her cousin with a red coat for her little Aaron, blue facing, for the sleeves galoon. Cost about 12s. 2d. I carried her three oranges. Gave the nurse 2s., maid 1s. Hannah gave the nurse 1s. Got thither about one. Over the ferry before dark. 5s. for the calash. Mr. Porter went to Salem on Monday, and was not come home, though the sun scarce half an hour high, when came away. Laus Deo.Rev. Aaron Porter was ordained as the first minister of Medford, February 11, 1713. His own record is as follows:--
May 19, 1712: The town of Medford called me, Aaron Porter, to serve them in the work of the ministry; which call (after serious and frequent application to the God of all grace) I accepted as a call from God.
