[221] Leonard (H. C. 1719) was chosen: settlement, one hundred pounds; salary, eighty pounds. Mr. Samuel Dexter was afterwards chosen on the same terms. Both these gentlemen declined. Before this period, however, even as early as Oct. 1, 1722, the town, as a town, passed some resolutions which must have sounded bold to English ears. “Voted that they would proceed to the choice of a minister by the majority of votes.” Regardless of the church's claim to two votes, here is a true democracy recognized; and it was meant to look very little like Episcopacy, Presbyterianism, or Romanism. To raise money by contributions in the meeting-house on Sunday was very common. From March 5, 1713, to Oct. 19, 1718, they gathered £ 27. 16s. 8d. From Oct. 28, 1718, to Aug. 2, 1721, they gathered £ 15. 5s. 8d.
Rev. Ebenezer Turell. |