‘ [34] words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the Doctrine which is according to Godliness—He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about Questions, and strifes of Words, whereof cometh Strife, evil Surmisings, perverse Disputings, &c.—Boston, N. E.: Printed by Rogers and Fowle in Queen-street, 1748.’ Text 2 Tim. II. 2. Pp. 31.
1749
The number of deaths recorded in the Second Precinct of Cambridge for this year was 26—the largest mortality in the Precinct of any year from 1739 to 1783, save the year 1775, when the number was 47, besides those who were killed in battle here on April 19, 1775. In this year it was voted to new prime the windows, doors and weather-boards of the meeting-house, and make other needful repairs in said house. Also at same time, a committee ‘to inspect the behavior of young persons in our meeting-house on Sabbath days’ was chosen, consisting of Moses Harrington, Thomas Hall and Andrew Wilson. This interesting committee were by vote of the Precinct ‘desired and directed to take due care of the behavior of young persons on the Sabbath days in our meeting-house, and in case of their misbehavior, after the first admonition, unless they reform, they shall be brought [from the galleries, where young persons sat] into the great alley below, and stand there during the present service.’ As this committee was chosen for only one year afterward, they probably succeeded in frightening the young people to obedience. April 24, 1749, it was voted to raise £ 300, old tenor, to purchase a bell for the meeting-house.1751
Mar. 11, 1751, it was voted to raise money to purchase a burying-cloth for the Precinct.The following is the title of a printed discourse by Mr. Cooke in this year, preserved in the Library of the Massachusetts Historical Society: ‘A Sermon Preached at the Ordination of the Reverend Mr. Nathanael Robbins, to the Pastoral Care of the Church of Christ in Milton, February 13th, 1750, 1—By Samuel Cooke, A. M., Pastor of the Second Church in Cambridge.—Matth. XXVIII. 20. Teaching them to observe all Things, whatsover I have commanded you: And lo, I am with you alway, even unto the End of the World. Amen.—Boston: Printed by S. Kneeland in Queen-street. Mdccli.’ Text, Rev. II. 1. Pp. 20.
