1752 June 3 (Wednesday). Mr. Eli Forbush’s Ordination. A most important Day with one whom I am nearly concern’d for! May God be almightily present with him, and his grace sufficient for him! But it is a Comfort that there is no Objection likely to arise. Captain Ayres[1] does not join, but he does not oppose. We did not form into a Council till it was late in the Day, because the pastors and Deligates of Several Churches did not come Seasonably: and when they came, Several Pastors were unwilling to perform any of the public Service. Mr. Forbush gave the Council to their universal Satisfaction an Account of his Principles; and his Views in undertaking the Ministry. N.B. The Confession of his Faith, contain’d an humble Declaration of his own Hope: and it was to acceptance. N.B. When Mr. Forbush’s Call was read, the Church declar’d that the meaning of those Words “While he shall continue in the Work of the Ministry” did mean, as long as he had the pastoral Care of them, and not merely as long as he was able to preach. In public Mr. Jones[2] of Western began with Prayer. Mr. Martyn preach’d in my stead; his Text [blank]. I gave the Assembly an Account of our Proceedings in Enquiring into the Qualifications of the Candidate, and the regular steps which the people had taken in ripening Matters thus far. To satisfie them all likewise we went over them again, from each party transacting. I gave the Charge. This was the first Time I ever perform’d this Service: and did it Memoriter. Mr. White[3] of Hardwick pray’d after the Charge. Sung last part of Ps. 118. I hear there was much order and Decency among the people afterwards. May God accept our Offerrings, and may the Ordain’d especially have Grace to keep the Solemn Charge! Nor may any of us ever forget these solemn actions! Through Gods great Goodness, my feeble Body was sustain’d and carry’d through in a measure of Comfort. So that my Evening was pleasant. N.B. Mr. Breck[4] of Springfield — Mr. Pynchon[5] of Brookfield there.
[1]William Ayers or Ayres of Brookfield.
[2]Isaac Jones (Yale 1742), the minister of Western (now Warren) Mass., 1744-1784. Dexter, Biographical Sketches, p. 715.
[3]David White (Yale 1730), the minister of Hardwick, Mass., 1736-1784. Dexter, Biographical Sketches, pp. 419-420.
[4]The Reverend Robert Breck, Jr., of Springfield.
[5]Joseph Pynchon of Brookfield.