[35]
1753
The Artillery Election Sermon, 1753, was by Samuel Cooke, Cambridge.—1 Sam. XVII. 38, 39. See Whitman's Hist. Art. Co., 2d Ed. p. 299. Probably not printed.1754
Nov. 25, 1754, it was voted to adjourn the meeting to the house of Mr. Thomas Adams, innholder in this Precinct.1755
Galleries in the meeting-house, and the custom of ‘dignifying’ the pews mentioned. New seats over the gallery stairs made for the negroes to sit in.1756
Sept. 26, Mr. Cooke preached a sermon from 2 Chron. 34:28, which he delivered at Lexington on April 24, 1757. It contains this passage:‘And I believe it may be said of New England, notwithstanding our advantages and high profession, that in point of morality, we are much worse than the Indians in the darkest corners of this land. This is awful to think of, but must be allowed by all who perceive the abominations which are committed among us. Multitudes of vices are common among us, which are hardly so much as named or known among these poor heathen, except those who have learned them from those who call themselves Christians. Such as whoredom and lewdness; and the various methods we too often practice to over-reach and cheat one another, and often to betray our friends and country for the sake of gain. * * * For though these vices are not universal, yet they are too commonly to be found among us.’ In the closing passage, we are counselled to live comfortably, and to be public blessings; to live desired, and die lamented.
1757
Aug. 13 or 14, 1757, Mr. Cooke preached a sermon ‘on occasion of an eclipse of the sun this day, and the awful news of the surrender of Fort William Henry, the 8th instant.’ The text was Zech. 14:6, 7, and the subject was divided into two discourses. The sermon was repeated at Stoneham, Feb. 23, 1758; on June 4, 1773; at Lexington, Sept. 5, 1779; at Watertown, Sept. 12, 1779; and on May 21, 1780.It contains the observation, ‘that though the churches of Asia and Africa are no more, though the churches of New England, or Old, should be no more, God will yet in some other place build up his elect, and his ordinances shall be observed in remembrance of Christ.’ A few words are offered ‘concerning the eclipse of the grand luminary of heaven this day, which though it may not be seen by us, has employed the thoughts and discourse of many through the land.’ He considered that this had no influence in a natural way on men, only as it excited their fear; ‘there is no reason in Nature why this ’
