N
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some steps that were taken to procure his
ordination.]
Being much separated from other parts of the province and having
comparatively but little intercourse with them, we have always managed
our ecclesiastical affairs within ourselves. It is the way in which the
country, from its infancy, has gone on, by the practical agreement of
all and the way in which our peace and good order has hitherto been
maintained.
The town of Northampton is of about 82 years standing, and has now about
200 families which mostly dwell more compactly together than any town
of such a size in these parts of the country. This probably has been an
occasion, that both our corruptions and reformations have been, from
time to time, the more swiftly propagated from one to another through
the town. Take the town in general, and so far as I can judge, they are
as rational and intelligent a people as most I have been acquainted
with. Many of them have been noted for religion and particularly
remarkable for their distinct knowledge in things that relate to heart
religion, and Christian experience, and their great regards thereto.
I am the third minister who has been settled in the town. The Rev. Mr.
Eleazer Mather, who was the first, was ordained in July, 1669. He was
one whose heart was much in his work, and abundant in labors for the
good of precious souls. He had the high esteem and great love for his
people, and was blessed with no small success. The Rev. Mr. Stoddard who
succeeded him, came first to the town the November after his death but
was not ordained till S
ordination.]
Being much separated from other parts of the province and having
comparatively but little intercourse with them, we have always managed
our ecclesiastical affairs within ourselves. It is the way in which the
country, from its infancy, has gone on, by the practical agreement of
all and the way in which our peace and good order has hitherto been
maintained.
The town of Northampton is of about 82 years standing, and has now about
200 families which mostly dwell more compactly together than any town
of such a size in these parts of the country. This probably has been an
occasion, that both our corruptions and reformations have been, from
time to time, the more swiftly propagated from one to another through
the town. Take the town in general, and so far as I can judge, they are
as rational and intelligent a people as most I have been acquainted
with. Many of them have been noted for religion and particularly
remarkable for their distinct knowledge in things that relate to heart
religion, and Christian experience, and their great regards thereto.
I am the third minister who has been settled in the town. The Rev. Mr.
Eleazer Mather, who was the first, was ordained in July, 1669. He was
one whose heart was much in his work, and abundant in labors for the
good of precious souls. He had the high esteem and great love for his
people, and was blessed with no small success. The Rev. Mr. Stoddard who
succeeded him, came first to the town the November after his death but
was not ordained till S