INASMUCH as this Town is of ancient date, and, compared with most of the Towns in this County, even with the Shire-Town itself, is like an elder Matron amidst a group of youngerly Females; and inasmuch as it has been famous for Indian inhabi­tants, Indian wars, and Indian barbarities, I have for a considerable time felt a strong inclination and desire [Page 6] to search into it's history—to find out it's origin— the difficulties and hardships of it's first English inha­bitants—it's gradual increase and progressive improve­ments. In short, I wished to be acquainted with whatever was curious, entertaining or instructive in the circumstances of the town, and the transactions or sufferings of it's early settlers. With this view I have searched all the histories of the country I could meet with—enquired for manuscripts that might have preserved a circumstantial account of some occurrences which the printed histories are wholly silent about, or give but a general sketch of. I have consulted many of the descendants of the first settlers, and those that have been most acquainted with the affairs of the town. I have perused records, &c. But the result of my enquiries does not wholly satisfy my curiosity or answer my wish. No intelligence is to be obtained concerning some things that have happened; and many circumstances relative to divers events that might have been entertaining at this day, have not been handed down by tradition. Our ancestors were under great disadvantages as to making extensive observations, or keeping exact records, or preserving them for the perusal of posterity. However, I have gleaned a few things relative to the settling and subsequent improvements of this town, which may serve as a clue to trace the conduct of divine provi­dence—to point out many instances of the divine goodness—to lead our minds to some religious reflec­tions—to excite gratitude in our hearts for the won­derful works which God hath done for us and our fathers—to encourage our hope and trust in the same power and goodness to protect and bless us and our posterity—and to engage us to keep his commandments.

[Page 7]It was the practice of God's people of old not only to be glad for the great things which He did for them and their country—to praise the Lord for his goodness, and to talk of his doings, but to preserve memorials, or written accounts of the interesting events that took place with respect to their nation— the most remarkable interpositions of Providence in their favor, and to transmit them to their children and future generations, for their notice, instruction and excitation to gratitude and a becoming conduct. This is apparent from the words of the Psalmist in my text, as well as from many other passages in the sacred writings. I will utter dark sayings of old—Things wonderful and mysterious, performed in ancient times, and in danger of being forgotten, but which ought to be had in everlasting remembrance. Which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children—we will make known those remarkable providences both to their posterity and our's; to the generation now on the stage, and to that which is to arise; shewing to the generation to come the praises of the Lord and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done— those mighty and merciful works which deserve per­petual praise and thanksgiving. That the generation to come might know them, even the children which should be born; who should arise and declare them to their children; that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his com­mandments—that by reviewing past transactions, and considering what God had heretofore done for his people, they might be led to place their trust and dependence upon the same wise and gracious Provi­dence, and might conduct in a manner answerable to [Page 8] such benefits.—And it has not been unusual in this country (which was planted, and has since been pre­served, protected and prospered in a manner almost as astonishing, and by a power almost as visibly divine, as was that of the children of Israel) it has not been unusual in this country, at some remarkable periods, to look back upon past events, to rehearse the past dealings of God, and to republish some pages of history out of the book of Providence, to refresh the minds and entertain and gladden the hearts of those that were then on the stage, and also for the instruc­tion and benefit of those that were to come; that they might not forget the works of God; but might set their hope in God, and keep his commandments.—And since the providence of God has not only been concerned, but his goodness in a variety of instances has been visible, in the growth and increase of this Town. amidst the difficulties which the first christianized planters had to encounter, I thought a Sermon to bring to remembrance might be seasonable, entertaining and profitable. Such a Sermon I had proposed with myself to have delivered the 2d day of last August, being the day that just compleated a century from the time that Brookfield was laid in ashes by the cruel savages of the wilderness. But the public distresses and confusions, that burst in such a storm upon this Country last spring and summer, prevented my executing my design. But not willing it should prove wholly abortive, I thought it might be acceptable to deliver such a dis­course on the last day of the year—a day proper for reviewing past time, and strengthning our faith, hope and trust in God, and quickening our obedience, by recollecting the past dealings of God with our ancestors and ourselves—and a day rendered remarkable by its [Page 9] being the anniversary of that sabbath which our pious ancestors, the first settlers of Plimouth, first observed in social worship in the place of their intended habitation: which being December 31, 1620, is just 155 years from this day.

I cannot find exactly at how early a period the first English settlements began in this town, nor who the persons were that began them. A tribe of Indians were the original inhabitants; nor did they move off before, or at the coming of the white people; but both English and Indians lived together in friendship for some time. ^* It is certain there were English inhabitants here many years before there were any between this place and Marlborough on the East, Con­necticut River on the West, and Canada on the North.

In the year 1660, i. e. 40 years after the first settlement of Plimouth, and upwards of 115 years ago▪ several of the inhabitants of Ipswich petitioned the Great and General Court for a grant of land in these [Page 10] parts. The Court granted them 6 miles square, or so much land as should be contained in such a com­pass, near Quaboag Pond, upon certain conditions ^† This was the legal origin of the town. These men, [Page 11] that they might have a just and equitable, as well as a legal right to the land▪ purchased it of the Natives, who claimed and possessed it, and it was conveyed to them by deed. ^‡ It is somewhat probable there were some small beginnings made here by the English before this grant. But this is not material. It is certain that from small and early beginnings, the settlement increased, even under the disadvantages and discou­ragements of that day, so that upon application made to the General Court in the year 1673, the inhabitants were incorporated into a Township by the name of Brookfield. ^* And in the year 1675, when the town was burnt, they had at least 20 families, a meeting-house, and preaching, though no settled minister.— The circumstances of it's desolation I shall relate chiefly in the words of the late Governor Hutchinson, in his History of the Massachusetts Bay. "The Nipnet, or Nipmuck Indians, had killed 4 or 5 people at Mendon in the Massachusetts Colony the 14th of July 1675. The Governor and Council, in hopes of reclaiming the Nipnets, sent Captain Hutchinson with 20 horse­men to Quaboag (Brookfield) near which place there was to be a great rendezvous of those Indians. The Inhabitants of Brookfield had been deluded with the promise of a treaty at a place agreed upon the 2d of August. Some of the principal of them accompanied Captain Hutchinson thither. ^‖ Not finding the Indians [Page 12] there, they rode forward about 4 or 5 miles towards the Nipnets chief town. When they came to a place called Meminimisset, a narrow passage between a steep hill and a thick swamp, they were ambushed by 2 or 300 Indians, who shot down 8 of the company, and mortally wounded 3 more, Captain Hutchinson being one of the number. The rest escaped through a by path to Quaboag. The Indians flocked into the town; but the inhabitants being alarmed, had all gathered together in the principal house. They had the mortification to see all their dwelling-houses, about 20, with all their barns and out-houses burnt. The house where they had assembled was then surrounded, and a variety of attempts were made to set fire to it. At length the Indians filled a cart with hemp and other combustible matter, which they kindled; and whilst they were thrusting it towards the house, a violent shower of rain fell suddenly and extinguished the fire. [This is according to Mr. Hubbard. Mr. Mather takes no notice of the rain, but says Willard came upon the Indians and prevented the execution." This latter account is nearest the truth.] "August 4th Major Willard, who had been sent after some other Indians westward, heard of the distress of Brookfield when he was about 4 or 5 miles from Lancaster, which caused him to alter his course; and the same night he reached Brookfield, after 30 miles march. And though the Indian scouts discovered him and fired their alarm guns, yet the main body, from their high joy, always accompanied with a horrid noise, heard them not. Willard joined the besieged, and the Indians immediately poured in all the shot they could, but without execution, and then quitted the siege, and destroyed all the horses and cattle they [Page 13] could find, and then withdrew to their dens. They were not pursued, being much superior in number." ^*

[Page 14]Several years did the town lie desolate and in ruins; —the buildings in ashes—the farms uncultivated— and the inhabitants scattered abroad. But peace being settled with the Indians, some of the dispersed, after a while, returned to the place of their former habitation, and, in conjunction with others, gradually resettled the town. ^† But it being still in the midst of a wil­derness [Page 15] and always exposed to the blood-thirsty Savages, whenever they should take it into their heads to molest the English, it's increase and improvements were slow. ^*

In the war which is commonly denominated Queen Anne's war, which broke out not long after the second settlement of the town, and continued several [Page 16] years, Brookfield, as well as many other towns; was greatly harrassed and annoyed; the Indians frequently making sudden inroads, killing and scalping, or cap­tivating one and another of the inhabitants—women and children fleeing like frighted birds to the fortified houses; nor had they always time to escape. During this war 12 or 13 men were killed, 6 at one time. Two women also, and 4 or 5 children, fell a sacrifice to Indian barbarity: Several men and one woman were taken prisoners, and 3 men were wounded. ^‖

[Page 17]Though there were several Indian wars afterwards, in which other towns were visited by the enemy, and distressed more or less, and Brookfield often alarmed [Page 18] and put in fear, yet not invaded, nor any person in it either killed, wounded or captivated. The inhabitants were interrupted and retarded in their business, espe­cially in their husbandry, but never attacked. In the [Page 19] year 1723, Rutland was invaded by the Savages, who killed, among others, the Rev. Mr. Willard: But still Brookfield escaped.— Amidst such difficulties and discouragements, no wonder the increase and im­provements of this town were so slow and gradual. It was in the year 1716, i. e. 40 years after the burning of the Town before the Inhabitants erected another meeting-house, and 1718, before they were invested with the powers and privileges of a town, having then scarce 50 families. ^* They hired preachers at different times, but did not proceed to settle a [Page 20] minister till several years after the troubles, on account of the Indian wars, had subsided. They invited Mr. Thomas Cheney, who had been preaching to them a considerable time, to take the charge of their souls; and he was ordained the third Wednesday in October 1717. He lived in harmony with his people, and ministred both to their acceptance and spiritual ad­vantage more than 30 years. He obtained the cha­racter of a good man and a faithful pastor, and died December 11, 1747, aged 57 years, leaving no issue. The people remained destitute of a settled minister almost two years, and on the 13th of September 1749 (having previously observed a day of fasting and prayer, as they had done before previous to the ordination of Mr. Cheney, to ask direction of Heaven) Mr. Elisha Harding was solemnly seperated to the work of the ministry in this town. In his day was the town divided. For so fast did it fill with inhabitants, that soon after the settlement of Mr. Harding a considera­ble number of families incorporated and formed the [Page 21] second precinct. ^* They gathered a church, observed a day of prayer, and gave an invitation to Mr. Eli Forbes, who took the oversight of them by solemn ordination, June 3, 1752. The Rev. Mr. Harding continued the minister of the other part of the town till the people fell into unhappy disputes and diffi­culties about erecting a new meeting-house. The contention was so sharp, and the opposite parties so uncomplying, that they parted asunder, erected two meeting-houses and incorporated into two distinct parishes. ^† These things proved such a discourage­ment to Mr. Harding that he requested a dismission, which was granted by the church and confirmed by an ecclesiastical council mutually chosen, May 8, 1755. He was a gentleman of great benevolence; and his public administrations were serious, and calculated to edify and benefit his hearers.—That part which still retained the denomination of the first church and precinct obtained the consent of Mr. Joseph Parsons to administer the word and ordinances statedly among them, which he was regularly authorised to do by an ordaining council, November 23, 1757. He continued in the ministry upwards of 13 years, though bodily infirmities increased upon him to that degree as to disable him from carrying on the work for about 3 years before his death. He was released from his pains and received to his reward, January 17, 1771, in the 14th year of his ministry and 38th of [Page 22] his age. He was a gentleman of sprightly powers, an accurate reasoner, and a sensible preacher—In his life a promoter of peace and order, and an example of the christian virtues—In his sickness, a pattern of patience and resignation—and in his death, strong in faith and full of hope. The bereaved flock did not long continue destitute of the stated administration of the ordinances; but, studying the things which make for peace, and the things wherewith one might edify another, they soon united in the choice of Mr. Ephraim Ward for their minister; and he was instated in the pastoral office the 23d of October 1771, where we hope he will continue for a long time an ornament to the ministry, and a peculiar blessing to his flock.— The Rev. Mr. Forbes continued in the faithful dis­charge of the ministerial work amongst the people of the second precinct almost 23 years; and on the first of March 1775 the pastoral relation was dissolved by mutual consent, under the conduct of an ecclesi­astical council, each party in charity with, and heartily recommending the other.—A church was embodied in this third precinct, April 15, 1756, when 25 males and 14 females subscribed a church covenant. And on the 24th of May 1758, I was honored by being put into the ministry in this place.

And now having run through the various stages of the town since it's first settlement, let us turn about and review the steps we have taken, that we may leisurely observe the kind hand of Providence direct­ing, supporting, defending and prospering our ancestors and their successors down to the present day. When we consider the many Indian wars, and some of them of long continuance, which have harrassed and distressed [Page 23] New-England, and often driven in and broken up the out-settlements for many miles, we can't but wonder that the whole country, as well as the frontiers, and this town in particular, was not crampt and kept from flourishing much more than it was. In how many instances, and at how many times, might our fore­fathers set up an Ebenezer, and say, hitherto hath the Lord helped us? When the inhabitants both of this town and of this country were few in number, yea very few, and strangers in it, how easily might the Savages, which were very numerous have swallowed them up quick, when their wrath was kindled against them? But the Lord was on our side; he restrained the wrath of the Heathen, and gave their lands into the hands of our fathers for a possession. With what amazing ra­pidity has this country increased under the patronage of Jehovah, whose kingdom ruleth over all, who forsaketh not his saints, and hath engaged that the righteous shall inherit the land and dwell therein forever. ^†

But my business at this time is not so much with the country in general, having in the forenoon con­sidered it's growth and increase through formidable difficulties and discouragements. Let us confine our view to our own town: And we need not go back 60 years to find the beginning of it's church-state. Sixty years ago there was no meeting-house, nor settled minister in the town. And when the inha­bitants had built a house for the worship of God, they had no occasion for galleries for the people to [Page 24] fit in, though the house was not large. But now, not to reckon a great part of Western, which was then Brookfield, but was set off about 35 years ago, nor a considerable number of families which joined with others to form the district of New-Braintree, about 25 years ago, there are within this town three distinct parishes, the least of which contains upwards of 100 families—three commodious well-finished meeting-houses—three regular congregational churches—and in the whole town at least 3000 souls.—It would have been pleasing to a curious mind to have known the exact number of births, deaths, baptisms and admissions to full communion, since the commencement of the town: But this I find impossible to ascertain; because records of these things have not been pre­served. The birth of earliest date that I find upon record is in the year 1701. ^* As to deaths, even since a book was kept, many people have been, and are still, negligent in transmitting an account of them to the town-clerk. And as to church records, I cannot find that any were kept in Mr. Cheney's or Mr. Harding's day. During the Rev. Mr. Parsons's ministry 203 were baptized in the first church; and since the Rev. Mr. Ward's ordination 87, in all 290. In the second church since it's incorporation I find the record of 426 baptisms. Since my settlement 366 have been baptized in this church; 98 admitted to full communion which added to the 39 which were first embodied, make 137: 19 of which are dead, and 15 dismissed to other churches. So that there are now 103 members of this third church.—Of this town therefore, as well as of the country in general, [Page 25] we may say, though thy beginning is small, yet thy latter end is greatly increased. And we may adopt the pious wish of the Psalmist, the Lord increase you more and more, you and your children, and that from generation to ge­neration. Especially have we reason to wish and pray, and endeavor, that the children which shall be born, shall be a seed to serve the Lord, that shall be accounted unto him for a generation: and that they shall come and declare his righteousness unto a people that shall be born, that he hath done this. For as to the present gene­ration, is there not reason to fear, that it is, in many respects, degenerated from that regularity of behavior, that family-decorum and religion, and that love to divine ordinances, for which our fore-fathers were remarkable? At the least, every one must allow, that there is great room, and great occasion for amendment. To increase in numbers, in wealth, in elegance and refinements, and at the same time to increase in luxury, profaneness, impiety, and a disesteem of things sacred, is to go backward and not forward. 'Tis worse than mortgaging one's estate to buy gewgaws.

'Tis with pleasing wonder that we look back both upon this country in general, and this town in parti­cular, and compare the present condition and appearance with what they were a century, yea but little more than half a century ago. Instead of a desolate un­cultivated wilderness—instead of mountains and plains covered with thick untraversed woods—and swamps hideous and impassable, the face of the earth is trim­med, and adorned with a beautiful variety of fields, meadows, orchards and pastures. The desart blossoms as the rose: the little hills rejoice on every side; the pastures are clothed with flocks, the valleys also are [Page 26] covered over with corn; they shout for joy, they also sing. Instead of the dreary haunts of savage beasts, and more savage men, wounding the ear, and terrifying the heart with their dismal yells, we find now only harmless retreats, where the fowls of heaven have their habitation which sing among the branches. Instead of the smoaky huts and wigwams of naked, swarthy barbarians, we now behold thick settlements of a civilized people, and convenient and elegant buildings. In fine, our hearts are now gladdened at the sight of noble edifices reared in honor, and to promote the worship and service of the true God, near to the un­hallowed grounds where Satan's seat once was. This affords a noble pleasure in the contemplation. But how much greater would be our pleasure, if our improvements in benevolence and piety, in all the moral and christian virtues, had kept pace with our improvements in arts, agriculture, and all the elegances of life?—If, as we multiplied temples made with hands, we had taken care that our bodies and souls had become living temples for the residence of the blessed Spirit?

That we have increased and multiplied and turned a wilderness into a fruitful field, must be ascribed with gratitude to that God who increaseth the nations and destroyeth them; who enlargeth the nations and strait­neth them again. O bless our God ye people, and make the voice of his praise to be heard: who holdeth our soul in life and suffereth not our feet to be moved. Ascribe ye strength unto God: his excellency is over Israel, and his strength is in the clouds. The God of Israel is he that giveth strength and power unto his people: blessed be God. Every time we discover any [Page 27] vestiges of the aboriginals—any of the points of their arrows, or fragments of their more harmless utensils —any hillocks where their bones are deposited—or any remains of their haunts or fortresses, we should not only remember the dangers and sufferings which those underwent, who first began a settlement here, and laid a foundation for the fair inheritances and peaceful habitations we now possess, but we should cherish a grateful sense of these favors as coming from God; and give thanks to him who has been our habitation in all generations. When we now walk abroad upon business or pleasure, we are not afraid of the terror by night, nor for the arrow which flyeth by day. We are not anxious lest the frightful Savage should spring from his thicket with his murderous tomahawk, or drive the leaden death through our bodies before we are aware; nor lest, when we return home, we should find our dwellings in ashes, our little ones dashed against the stones and our wives carried captive through a perilous, dreadful wilderness, by those whose tender mercies are cruelty. We can now walk in safety over those very grounds which once were stained with the blood, and rendered horrid to the sight by the mangled carcasses, of some of our ancestors. Surely his salvation is nigh them that fear him, that glory may dwell in our land, The Lord is the portion of our inheritance and of our cup: thou maintainest our lot. The lines are fallen to us in pleasant places, yea we have a goodly heritage.— But is there not something that imbitters the relish and lessens the value of these possessions and enjoy­ments? are not the dangers and distresses, the cruelties and sufferings, which our fore-fathers underwent, renewed in part in our day, and practised upon some of [Page 28] their posterity? But what do I say? Are the deceased tribes of Indians risen out of their graves with their hatchets and bows, that our properties wear such a face of uncertainty, and we tremble at what may be the destiny of ourselves, of our children, and dear con­nexions? Or has any other nation of a fierce counte­nance, a hard language and harder hearts, invaded our territories? Who are they that with cruel hands, have, the summer past, wantonly made such havock in our land—plundered and destroyed so many of our villages, and cast fire into so many of our cities?— that have reduced our metropolis to such distress— have profaned the sanctuaries of God, and treated his worshippers with so much perfidy, barbarity and insult? What answer shall I give to these questions?—When our fore-fathers took sanctuary in these then inhospi­table shores, it was to secure to themselves and their progeny "peace, liberty and safety." When they purchased lands of the natives, they thought them their own: and when they cultivated them for their children whom they hoped to leave free and happy, they little thought their posterity would be disturbed in their possessions by Britons, more than themselves were by savage Indians. And at the conclusion of the last war, which seemed to put an end to our fears of any molestation from the Savages for time to come, who could have thought that the same nation that then assisted us in conquering them, would ever have laid such a plan, and taken so much pains to instigate those Savages to renew their cruelties, to ravage our western borders, to murder women and children, and if possible to desolate the country? Who could have thought that Britons would practise what the unculti­vated tribes of Indians have refused to do: and that [Page 29] they themselves would distress and destroy our most populous towns on the sea coast, when the Savages could not be prevailed on by flatteries or gifts to molest our back settlements? What have we done to merit such treatment? What high-handed crimes have we been guilty of to awaken such vengeance? Many crimes have we been guilty of against heaven; but none, adequate to such punishment, against the nation that executes such vengeance upon us. We think we have refused submission in no instance, but where submission would have been unworthy of Englishmen, and a crime in the descendants of such ancestors as ours. We think we have resisted no authority but such as natural and constitutional right warrants us to resist. We have never lifted up a hand but in our own desence, to ward off the blow that was aimed at our heads, or to return the blow after it had bee▪ first given.—But I forbear.—We have appealed to Heaven for the justice of our cause; and GOD, the God of justice, sitteth on the throne judging right. And it would be great ingratitude in us not to acknow­ledge the signal hand of providence in uniting, directing and succeeding us in so remarkable a manner the summer past—in disappointing and restraining our enemies, and in some parts, viz. Ticonderoga, St. Johns, Chamblee, and Montreal, entirely subduing them. But let not him that putteth on the harness boast as he that putteth it off. Let us not trust in our own bow, nor rely upon our own sword to save us; but let us have our dependance on the right hand and on the arm of God, that he may have a favor unto us. He hath given the inhabitants of New England abundant reason to confide in his power and goodness; for many a time hath he made bare his arm for our [Page 30] deliverance. Many a time have they afflicted me from my youth up, may Israel now say; many a time have they afflicted me from my youth up; yet have they not prevailed against me. The Lord is righteous, he hath cut asunder the cords of the wicked. And we know that he who hath hitherto protected and blessed, is still able to protect and bless; in him therefore let us trust, and not in an arm of flesh.—We have been carried through one year of distress and difficulty; and methinks the prospect is rather brighter than darker. I own there are some things which still look formidable and discouraging: the most formidable and discouraging is the little good effect which the providences of God, both merciful and corrective, have had upon us. The great ruler hath tried us with a variety of dispensations. He hath permitted a most unnatural, unbrotherly and distressing civil war to break out amongst us, though he hath not suffered our enemies to triumph over us—he hath testified his anger against us in the unfavorable weather the last summer, when unusual frosts, and a scorching drought, greatly diminished the fruits of the earth in this and many neighboring towns: and almost all parts of the country have been visited by sickness and mortality, whereby multitudes of all ages, particularly children, were swept into the grave. Yet may not God address us as he did his incorrigable people of old? I have withholden the rain from you—and given you cleanness of teeth—and want of bread—yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. I have sent among you the pestilence after the manner of Egypt; yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the Lord. I have overthrown some of you— and ye were as a brand plucked out of the burning—yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the [Page 31] Lord. Amos iv. 6—11. We in this Town have been corrected by the sword of the destroying angel, but with a gentler hand than many others. Sixteen in this parish have, in the course of the year past gone down to the congregation of the dead; all of which excepting two were infants and young children. But we have had almost two births to one death: so that God is still increasing us more and more. Let us all be concerned to improve wisely every dispensation of divine providence whether joyous or grievous, whether personal, domestic or public. Through the distin­guishing goodness of God we have been brought to the close of another year. Let us look back upon the sins of it, and repent—upon the mercies of it, and be unfeignedly thankful. And let us begin a new year with newness of heart and new obedience. And O that our land may still be a land which the Lord our God careth for, and that the eyes of the Lord our God would always be upon it from the beginning of the year even unto the end of the year. O that the present generation would know the God of their fathers, and serve him with a perfect heart and a willing mind; remembering that if they seek him he will be found of them; but if they forsake him he will cast them off forever! And O that the generation to come might know and consider the wonderful dispensations of divine providence towards the church and people of God, that they might set their hope in God, and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments!

And now, the Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us. AMEN and AMEN.