women, after solemn caution to be careful and tell the truth, said that Brother Williams did say "By God." The man was not so confident, "but rather thought he did." Brother Williams chose Col. Bliss to manage his case. Two witnesses were called, both men. After being solemnly cautioned, one said he didn't hear only "By"; the other positively knew he said "By George"!! After remarks on the evidence by both parties, the church voted that the complaint was supported, and suspended Brother Williams from communion till he should make satisfaction. Brother Williams asked for a mutual council. Church not ready to grant it; but adjourned to Friday previous to first Sabbath in June. Met; voted to unite with Br. Williams in calling a mutual council, and to call in the assistance of the churches in Somers, Longmeadow, and Springfield, to meet July 1st, and chose three men to lay the case before the council. Council met, organized, reviewed the case, and adjourned to the next day. Met; stated that they "did not think the charge supported in manner and form as alleged," but admonished Mr. Williams to take special heed to his ways, and especially to his tongue; (!) and the church were rebuked for not complying with Matt. xviii; then said that the church should consider Br. Williams' acceptance of their verdict ground of restoration. When asked if he accepted, he said "Yes." The church wished for time before answering; but at last yielded, and voted Br. Williams back. We are not through. Three men had a church meeting called, July 27, to see if the church would not reconsider their vote. They met. They reconsidered. They offered Br. Williams another mutual council; then dissolved. In September, Br. Williams petitioned for a committee to lay his case before the association. The church would not unite in the choice of a committee; but offered a mutual council, which Br. Williams declined in turn. Then the church chose a committee of three to confer with Br. Williams, and see if some method could not be adopted to heal the unhappy breach, and adjourned to Friday. Met; prayed; committee reported, "could effect nothing." Then could not agree to send to the association. The trouble bubbles faster. Dea. Hitchcock asks to be dismissed from the deaconship, because John Bliss had not represented him fairly before the ecclesiastical council. He was "much grieved." "Much was said about the matter," but the church could neither censure Bliss nor release the deacon then, and adjourned to the 24th. Church met; prayed. Deacon Hitchcock persisted in resigning; church voted he should not; he did. Col. Bliss was not dealt with; wholly dropt. In October, 1795, Dea. Hitchcock asked a certificate of dismission from the church; got it. Where is brother Williams? Not a ray of light is thrown upon his destiny. He is left suspended between the church and the world, in perilous proximity to the latter. Let who will choose the old paths! Rev. Moses Warren was born in Upton, 1758; graduated at Harvard College, 1784; studied theology with Rev. Mr. Fish, of Upton; was licensed at Milford, 1785; was ordained, September 3, 1788; married Lydia Bliss, 1789, (?) and died, Feb. 29, 1829, aged 71. MINISTERS IN THE SOUTH PARISH AFTER REV. MR. WRIGHT, James A. Hazen, ordained Jan. 30, 1839, discharged June 22, 1847. |