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“ [238] weight of their objections,” &c. This letter of refusal is written with power and feeling; and it re-asserts the doctrine of “the total corruption of the human heart by nature, previous to renovating grace, as a cardinal point in revealed religion.” This doctrine the Arminian brethren believed to be “unscriptural,” and contended that it makes “an infinitely holy God the efficient cause of all sin in his creatures.” The town did not resign the hope of settling their favorite candidate. They chose a Committee to consult with the six dissentients; and the Committee performed their duty kindly and faithfully, but without much success. June 9, 1774, the church and town renew their invitation to Mr. Osgood. Yeas, 67; nays, 5. Salary, eighty pounds (lawful money) during Mr. Turell's life, and ninety pounds afterwards. The opponents of this procedure renew their efforts to prevent the settlement; and, on the 13th July, 1774, respectfully ask the town to call an ecclesiastical council, of their own selection, to examine the theological opinions of the pastor elect before he shall give his answer to their call. This request was refused; and, July 23, Mr. Osgood sends his letter of acceptance. Aug. 12, the dissatisfied brethren sent a communication to the church, through their aged pastor, declaring their reasons for opposing the ordination of Mr. Osgood, and avowing their zeal for justice and peace. They then propose a mutual council, to examine Mr. Osgood's religious opinions. At a church-meeting, held Aug. 16, this proposition was debated, and voted down. At the same meeting, they voted to proceed to the ordination, and agreed to invite nine churches; those in Cambridge, Charlestown, Stoneham, Woburn, Malden, and Andover. The time was the second Wednesday in September; and these words are a part of the vote: “The day to be kept as a fast” ! Sept. 5, 1774, the dissatisfied brethren sent a long communication to the pastor elect, in which they apprise him that they have resolved to oppose his ordination; and they send him a copy of statements which they intend to make. On the morning of the 14th September, 1774, the ordaining council assembled and organized in full numbers; Rev. Dr. Appleton, Moderator; and Rev. Mr. Searl, Scribe. After the usual preliminary exercises, the four dissentients — Thomas Brooks, jun., Edward Brooks, Samuel Angier, and Joshua Simonds — presented themselves before the council, and asked to be heard. They stated that they had
John Wilson and son. 22 School Street. Boston. 1855.
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