But when the first sheet was near composed at the press, I stopped it,
with a desire to make one attempt more for the bringing of this people to
reason. I drew up a proposal, and, with another minister, carried it unto
them, who at first rejected it, but afterward so far embraced it, as to
promise that they will the next week publicly recognize their covenant
with God and one another, and therewithall declare their adherence to the
Heads of Agreement of the United Brethren in England, and request the
communion of our churches in that foundation." [Footnote: _History of
Harvard_, i. 487, App. x.]
This last statement is marked by the exuberance of imagination for which
the Mathers are so famed. In truth, Dr. Mather had nothing to do with the
settlement. The facts were these: after Brattle Street Church was
organized, the congregation voted that Mr. Colman should ask the ministers
of the town to keep a day of prayer with them. On the 28th of December,
1699, they received the following suggestive answer:--
* * * * *
MR. COLMAN:
Whereas you have signified to us that your society have desired us to join
with them in a public fast, in order to your intended communion, our
answer is, that as we have formerly once and again insinuated unto you,
that if you would in due manner lay aside what you call your manifesto,
and resolve and declare that you will keep to the heads of agreement on
which the United Brethren in London have made their union, and then
publicly proceed with the presence, countenance, and concurrence of the
New England churches, we should be free to give you our fellowship and our
best assistance, which things you have altogether declined and neglected
to do; thus we must now answer, that, if you will give us the satisfaction
which the law of Christ requires for your disorderly proceedings, we shall
be happy to gratify your desires; otherwise, we may not do it, lest .
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