A history of the Baptists in Maine; together with brief notices of societies and institutions, and a dictionary of the labors of each minister

Preface

The following work was commenced amidst much hope and fear. The Author saw the desirableness of arresting ^ from oblivion many facts important to the history of the Baptists in Maine, before the fathers and all the original members fell asleep. He therefore, for some years previous to commencing himself, suggested the importance of the undertaking to several ministers whom he believed competent to the undertaking. But no one was disposed to engage ; and he saw many obstacles to forbid his commencing so important a work. He anticipated a variety of perplexities, a long and arduous labor, and felt his incompetency.

Nothing therefore but an impression of duty, and the desirableness of the object induced him to begin. And even then little more was expected to be accomplished by him than the collection of materials, which some other person might arrange and publish to the world. But by prayer, and the blessing of heaven upon his persevering toil, he is rejoiced to be able to give to the public the following sketches. No labors have been spared, that could be consistently devoted to the work, to collect the necessary information and to arrange the facts in an intelligible manner. A chronological order is observed so far as possible. There has been also a constant and careful aim at correctness, and yet, considering the statistical character of the work, and the defectiveness, in many instances, of the sources of information, the reader will not be surprised to find some errors, especially in the numbers, names and dates. Nothing, however, has been stated which did not appear to have a strong'^probability at least of correctness.

Information has been gathered from Backus' History of the Baptists ; Benedict's History of the Baptists ; Greenleaf's Ecclesiastical Sketches of Maine ; Williamson's History of Maine ; Willis' History of Portland ; Bancroft's History of America ; Waterville Intelligencer ; Baptist Herald ; Zion's Advocate ; Journals of aged ministers, especially those of Elders Isaac Case and James Potter ; Records of Churches; Minutes of Associations, and other religious Bodies ; and something from the memories of aged brethren still lingering among the living ; and Biographical Sketches of deceased ministers. The Author would here gratefully acknowledge the important aid he has received from many of his minister- ^ ing and lay brethren, with whom he has corresponded.

In the history of the Associations, the most important things transacted, resolved, decided, or recommended, are given. In the accounts given of the Churches, the most important facts touching their history, were carefully selected from the information received. In some instances no direct information was received. The sketches therefore of such churches are necessarily brief.

In regard to the Tables, they are as correct as the records of the denomination from which they are made, can make them. It is not pretended that they are entirely perfect, but nearly so.

The Dictionary of the labors of the Ministers is intended to embrace all the stated labors of each minister who have labored and are now laboring in the State. Many of the dates have been gathered from the Minutes of the Associations and churches where these labors were performed, and therefore believed to be correct.

In speaking of the adversity and prosperity of the Denomination, those things only are admitted which were deemed important and necessary, to show the causes of their peculiar trials, and their means and opportunities for advancement.

Contents

Preface, 7

Chapter I

The shores of Maine discovered by Pring 1603 — a temporary English settlement at the mouth of the Kennebec 1607 — a temporary French Catholic settlement the same year at Mt. Desert — first permanent settlement at Saco 1623 — the first settlers, Episcopalians — Maine, on account of her religious tenets, not admitted to the confederacy of the other New-England Colonies — Massachusetts obtains the jurisdiction, first west of Saco river, and then over the whole province — and with her civil power gradually extends her religious influence, 13

CHAPTER n.

First manifestation of Baptist sentiments in Maine fifty-eight years after the first settlement at Saco — Character and ministry of Mr. Screven — the first church at Kittery — the feelings of the people toward Baptists — the proceedings of the Government — Mr. Screven forbidden to preach^ — Mr. S. and his principal adherants driven from the Province — no other Baptist church gathered for a period of eighty-five years— changes in civil laws, 24

CHAPTER HI.

Churches in Berwick— Berwick and Madbury— a temporary church in Gorham — first Baptist Ordination in Maine — Church in Sanford — first Baptist meeting-house in Maine — Churches in Wells and Lyman, - - 30

CHAPTER lY,

Waterbbrough — Cornish — a temporary church in Fryeburg — Parsonsfield — Limerick — Buxton, 41

CHAPTER V.

Lebanon and North Berwick — Berwick 2d — Berwick 3d — Limington— Kennebunk-port — Kennebunk — Waterborough 2d, a temporary church Hollis — Newfield 1st and 2d, both temporary — Hiram, - - 49

CHAPTER VI.

South Berwick Village — Saco — Acton — Cape Neddock — North Kennebunk port — Kennebunk Village — Alfred — Parsonsfield 2d — Shapleigh 2d — 1st Kennebunk and Lyman — Sanford 2d — Mt. Hope — Springvale, 59

CHAPTER VH.

York Association — Brentwood Conference — New Hampshire Association, - 73

CHAPTER VHI.

Central parts of the State — origin of Baptist principles in this part of the State — first Church in these parts at Bowdoinham — second at Thomaston— -third at Harpswell — first Association in these parts, formed by these three Churches in a dwelling-house in the town of Bowdoinham, and called the Bowdoinham Association,'' 86

X

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IX,

Origin of Bowdoinham Association, - - _ - 101

CHAPTER X.

Churches added to the Bowdoinham Association from 1788 to the lime of its division, 18C4— Fust Bowdoin — First Vassalboro' — Second Vassalboro' — WhitefieW- -First Sidney — Litchfield — Hebron— First Buckfield — Paris — Lewiston — Readfield — Fayette — Miscongus Isle and Bristol — First Livermore — First Nobleboro'— -Greene — Wayne — Webster — Hope — ^New Gloucester — Clinton — 2d China — Farmington — Second Litchfield — Wales — Jay — Mt. Vernon — Brunswick — Leeds — Woolwich — Friendship— Warren — Portland — First China — Swanville— -Second Buckfield — New Sharon — Canaan — Islesboro' — Vinalhaven — ^Jefferson and Lancaster— Sumner — Bethel, ------ 105

CHAPTER XL

History of the Bowdoinham Association from 1790 to the formation of the Lincoln Association in 1804 — Extensive revivals in 1798 and 1799 — the Lord's Supper administered at the Association in '98 — an Ordination in ^99 — success ot the ' Gospel Mission' — Dr. Baldwin present, and Ordination of Mr. Titcomb in 1801— Revision of Articles of Faith in 1802, 192

CHAPTER XH.

Churches which united with the Bowdoinham Association during the seven years, between the formation of the Lincoln Association in 1804, and the formation of the Cumberland Association in 1811 : Second Sidney — Second Bowdoin — Belgrade — Norway — Hallowell — Minot (now Auburn)— Freeport — Second Lisbon (now first in Webster) — Perjepscott (now Danville,) — C ornville — Harmony — Denmark — Weld — Sangerville — Bridgton — Hartford — Monmouth — Palmyra — New Portland, 200

CHAPTER Xni,

Churches added to the Bowdoinham Association since 1811 — Third Church Livermore — Second Canaan, (now Skowhegan) — Moscow — Philips- Second Mt. Vernon, a temporary church — Topsham — First Church Gardiner— Guilford — Waterville — Parkman— Brighton, a temporary church — Canaan, formerly Canaan Second — Norridgewock — Athens — Gardiner Second Church — Anson — Second Bowdoinliam—EastDixfield — Ripley — Corinna — Winthrop— -Newport — Monmouth — Norridgewock— Madison — Hallowell — Third Gardiner — South Bowdoin — East Monmouth — Piltston —Monmouth Centre — Second Litchfield — Second Leeds, - - 222

CHAPTER XIV.

Bowdoinham Association from 1804 to 1843, - - - - 244

CHAPTER XV.

Histories of its sixteen original Churches have been given, Thomaston, p. 95; Vassalboro', p. 109 5 Ballstown, p. 114 j Miscongus Isle, p. Vo5; St. George, p. 186 5 Nobleboro', 139 3 Hope, p. 145 5 Harlem, p. 150. Woolwich, p. 165 5 Medumcook, p. 166 j Warren, p. 168 5 Fairfax, p. 176 ; Mt. Ephraim, p. 177} Islesboro', p. 188 3 Vinalhaven, p'. J89 5 Bowdoinham, p. 93.

Palermo and Beaver Hill ; First Sedgwick ; Unity, now Knox ; Columbia 5 First Blu<^hill; Northport, a temporary Church j First Montville 5 Carmel, Surry ; First Jefferson ; Second Jeff'erson 5 Matinicus 5 Deer Island 5 Stetson, a temporary Church 5 Camden, First and Second Church ; Union, first called Second Hope 5 Second Palermo 3 First Belfast 3 Dixmont; Cherryfield 5 Steuben 3 First Trenton 3 Sullivan 3 Charleston 3 Belmont 3 Castine 5 Freedom 3 Second Montville 3 Isle au Haut 3 Second Thomaston ;

CONTENTS.

xi

Second Sedg-wick ; Brooksville ; Second Brooksville ; Mount Desert ; Monroe 5 Appleton 5 Second St George j Eden 3 Prospect ; Second Nobleboro' 5 Bangor j Windsor; New Castle and Alna ; Waldo; Dover 5 Wiscasset ; Corinth ; Waldoboro' 3 Atkinson and Milton ; Third Jefferson 5 Searsmont 3 Third Whitefield 3 North Whitefield 3 Richmond 3 Patricktown Plantation ; Washington 3 Third Nobleboro' 3 First West Thomaston3 Damariscotta Mills 3 Cashing 5 3d Camden 3 3d St. George, 262

CHAPTER XVL

Lmcoln Association, organized in 1805. After 13 years it gave rise to Eastern Maine in 1818 3 and in 7 years more to the Penobscot in 1825 ; and 17 years later to the Damariscotta, in 1842, - - - 325

CHAPTER XVn.

Eastern Maine Association. Whole period of its existence 16 years from 1818 to 1834- 5 then yielded its name to two Associations, one to be called Hancock, the other Washington, 335

CHAPTER XVni.

Churches added to the Eastern Maine Association between 1818 and 1834. Eastport ; Gouldsboro' 3 Deer Isle 5 Columbia and Addison 5 Penobscot 3 Swan Island 3 Jonesboro' and Addison 3 Lubec 3 Mariaville ; Cutler 5 2d Sullivan 3 Hancock 3 Franklin 3 Addison 3 2d Bluehill ; 2d Sedgwick ; Ellsworth 3 Dennysville 3 Charleston 3 Cooper 3 2d Mariaville 3 Calais ; Harrington 3 Branch Pond 3 Reed's Brook, and East Machias. 337

CHAPTER XIX.

Hancock Association. Original Churches — Eden, p. 309 3 First Sedgwick, 263 5 Bluehill, 272 3 Surry, 278 3 Deer Isle, 282 3 Isle au Haut, 302 3 Trenton, 296 ; Sullivan, 297 3 Orland and Bucksport, 285; Brooksville, 305 5 Mt. Desert, 3053 Gouldsboro',340 3 Penobscot, 342 ; Swan Island, 343; Amherst, 3463 Hancock, 348 5 Franklin, 348 3 Second Bluehill, 351; Second Sedgwick, 304 5 Ellsworth, 351 3 Mariaville, 354 3 Branch Pond, 358 3 Reed's Brook, 358.

Churches added between 1835 and 1843 — Village church Ellsworth 3 Little Deer Isle 3 West Trenton 3 North Penobscot 3 Second Hancock 3 North Sedgwick 5 Long Island 3 Aurora, 360

CHAPTER XX.

Washington Association. Original Churches — Columbia, 269 3 Cherryfield, 294; Eastport, 337 3 Steuben, 295 3 Machias-port, 340 3 Jonesboro' and Addison, 344 3 Lubec, 345 ; Cutler, 347 ; Crawford, 351 ; Addison, 350 ; Cooper, 354 ; Pembroke, 352 ; Harrington, 357 ; East Machias, 358 3 Calais, 344 5 Charlotte, 353,

Churches added between 1835 and 1843 — Hodgdon 5 Eastern Calais 3 Baring 3 Beddington 3 Jonesboro' 5 Topsfield 3 Amity and Orient 3 Calais Village 3 Second Lubec 5 Houlton 3 Second Harrington 3 East Harrington 3 Hodgdon and Richmond, N. B. - - - - 366

CHAPTER XXI.

Penobscot Association. Original Churches — Harmony, p. 212 5 Sangerville, 2153 Guilford, 2273 Parkman, 231 3 Athens, 233 3 Rip^ey, now Cambridge, 2373 Corinna, 238 3 Carmel, 2773 Hampden, 291 3 Dixmont, 2933 Charleston, 299 3 Dover, 3153 Corinth, 316.

Added at their first session from Bowdoinham Association — Frankfort, 286 ; N. Hill, 2323 Bangor,31l3Munroe, 3073 Palmyra, 2193 Newport, 240.

Added between 1826 and 1843 — Dexter 3 Enfield 3 Bradford 3 Monson; Levant; Kirkland and No. 8, temporary churches 3 Second Hampden; Greenfield 3 First St. Albans 3 Abbot 3 Lincoln 3 Lee 3 Blanchard, a temporary church 3 Plymouth 3 Foxcroft, a temporary church 3 Garland 5 Pittsxii

CONTENTS.

field 5 Athens Village 5 Exeter 5 Old Town 5 Sebec ; Bangor and Glenburn 5 Newburg 5 Passadunkeag 5 Palmyra ; Springfield : Eddington : Argyle : Newport Village : North Bangor : Patten^ - - 375

CHAPTER XXir.

Piscataquis Association. Original Churches — Parkman, p. 231 ; First Sangerville, 215 3 Sebec, 388 3 Dover, 315 5 Abbot, 382 5 Athens Village, 387^ St. Albans, 382 5 Harmony, 212 ; Guilford, 227 5 Athens, 233 3 Corinna, 238 3 Dexter, 376 5 Monson, 3793 Cambridge, 237.

From Lincoln Association — Atkinson and Milton, 318 3 St. Albans and Hartland 3 North-Hill, 232.

Added between 1839 and 1843 — Second Sangerville 3 Foxcroft and Dover Village 5 East St. Albans 3 Milo3 Greenville and Shirley 3 Second Palmyra 3 Hartland, - 393

CHAPTER XXni.

Waldo Association. Churches whose histories have been given — First Vassalboro', 109 : Second Vassalboro', 112 : First China, 176 3 Second China, 150 1 First Palermo, 262 : Second Palermo, 288 : First Montville, 276 : Second Montville, 302 3 Freedom, 302: Knox, 268 : Appleton, 307 : Belfast, 289 : Waldo, 314: Albion, 217: Searsmont, 319 : Monroe, 307 : Frankfort, 286 : Windsor, 313: Dixmont, 293 : Swan ville, 177 : Islesboro', 188: Belmont, 301.

Added between 1828 and 1843 — Winslow : Second Searsmont : Second Belfast : Frankfort Village : Unity. - - - - - - 397

CHAPTER XXIV.

Kennebec Association. Churches from other Associations — First Sidney, p. 116 3 Second Sidney, 200 3 Clinton, 1493 Industry, 151 : Farmington, 1533 Mt Vernon, 1583 New Sharon. 178 3 Bloomfield. 180 5 Belgrade, 2023 Cornville, 241 3 Milburn, 223 3 Moscow, 223 3 W'aterville, 229 5 Canaan, 232 3 First Norridgewock, 233 3 Second Norridgewock, 241 3 Strong, 2343 Chesterville, 235 3 Madison, 261 3 Anson, 235 5 New Portland, 221.

Added between 1830 and 1843 — Fairfield 5 Augusta 3 Starks 3 Avon 5 Second Bloomfield 3 Solon 3 Oak Hill, 401

CHAPTER XXV.

Cumberland Association. Original Churches — East Brunswick, p. 99 5 Hebron, 1193 First Buckfield, 122 3 Paris, 123 5 First Li vermore, 135 3 New Gloucester, 147 3 Jay, 156 3 Brunswick, 159 3 First Portland, 170 3 Second Buckfield, 1775 North Yarmouth, 183 3 Jefferson and Lancaster, I9O3 Sumner, 190 5 Bethel, 191 5 Norway, 204 5 Minot, 207 : Freeport 208 : Danville, 210 : Denmark, 213 : Weld, 214 : Bridgton 217 : Hartford, 218. Added between 1811 and 1843 — Bath : Second Livermore : Waterford : Scarboro' : Peru : Cape Elizabeth : Byron : Canton : Turner : Poland : Oxford: Harrison: Hamlin's Gore : Woodstock : Village Church Bruns- ; wick : Chebeague Island : Free Street Portland : Harpswell : Durham : * Main St. Brunswick, 406

CHAPTER XXVI.

Oxford Association. Original Churches — Hebron, 119 : First Buckfield, 122: Paris, 123: First Livermore, 135: Second Buckfield, 177: Sumner, 190: Bethel, 191: Norway, 204 : Denmark, 213: Weld, 214: Bridgton, 217 : Hartford, 218 : Second Livermore, 409 : Peru, 412 : Byron, 413 : Canton, 413 : Turner, 413 : Harrison, 416 : Hamlin's Gore, 416: Woodstock, 416.

Added between 1828 and 1843 — Paris and Woodstock : Second Brunswick : Second Bath : Sweden : Andover : Rumford : Rumford and Milton, 420 General Operations, - 424 Dictionary of Ministers, 433 Statistics, - - - - - - - 461

HISTOEJ.

CHAPTER 1.

Tke shores of Maine discovered by Pring 1603 — a temporary English settlement at the mouth of the Kennebec 1607 — a temporary French Catholic settlement the same year at Mt. Desert — first permanent settlement at Saco 1623 — the first settlers Episcopalians — Maine, on account of her reliffious tenets, not admitted to the confederacy of the other New-England Colonies — Massachusetts obtains the jurisdiction^ first west of Saco river, and then over the whole province — and with her civil power gradually extends her religious influence.

Previous to 1602, the territory of Maine was unknown to civilized man. Savages and wild beasts were its sole and natural occupants. Bartholomew Gosnold, an English navigator, and one of those bold adventurers, trained to the career of discovery by the exertionsof Sir Walter Raleigh, conceived the idea of a shorter route across the Atlantic, than by the Canary or West India Islands.* Encouraged by Raleigh, he attempted to make the discovery in 1602 ; and supposed that in May he saw some of the islands and points of land along the coast of Maine. But it was soon discovered that Gosnold was mistaken, from the fact that the places which he saw, were in a much higher latitude than he had given to them.t His reports of these places, and the valuable cargo of furs and sasafras which he procured during his voyage, gained for him, however, much honor and respect, and awakened a spirit of commercial enterprise in England. But the honor of discovering these shores belongs to Martin Pring.|:

^Williamson's his. Me. vol. 1, p. 184. fp. 185. tp. 185, and Bancroft's his. of Amer. vol. 1, p. 114.

CIVIL CONDITION OP MAINE, I6^D7— 1767,

Moved by commercial intetestSy a»d encouraged by Raleigh and others, several merchants of Bristol, Eng., fitted out the small ship Speedwell,'^ of 56 tons, with trinkets and merchandize suited to a traffic with the natives ; and Mr. Pring was appointed the principal agent. This expedition w^as commenced April 30^ 1603, a few days after the death of Queen Elizabeth ; and on the 7th of June they found themselves in the waters of Penobscot Bay,* Interested to astonishment with the lofty appearance of the forests and high lands, and cheered with success in their undertaking, the expedition was continued till most of the islands and the principal bays and inlets along the whole coast of Maine were visited,t

This voyage was most successful, and the reports of it awakened a more general interest for the new country, both in England and in France, They became at once delighted with an imaginary view of these extensive dominions, and each resolved on possession • consequently from this time, like expeditions and for similar purposes were annually made to these shores. To secure a prior claim to these dominions was now an object with both these rival nations^!

In the spring of 1605, prompted by the Earl of Southampton and Lord Arundel, Geo. Weymouth was despatched from England for the purpose of exploring this territory, and of establishing a claim to its advantages. On the 11th of May he was among the islands along the shores of Maine, and remained here several weeks, mostly in Penobscot Bay. He and his comrades made frequent excursions on shore, and were not a little amused with the novel and picturesque scenery. At a point of land near Belfast, the ultimate end of their route, Weymouth erected the cross as the lawful sign of possession. Subsequently the right of possession to

*Wmg. his. vol. 1, p. 185, and Ban. his. vol. 1, p. 111. fWms. his. Me. vol. I, pp. 184, 185. ^Wms. his. Me. vol. 1, p. 185.

other portions of the territory was claimed by other associations, their title being established in like manner. The lines marking the territory claimed by each not being accurately defined, and titles to the same territory being often granted to different persons or communities, many fiery disputes, many labored and bloody contentions about rights of possession, arose among these claimants.* The first settlement attempted on these shores, was commenced by an association of English planters, 1607. They colonized on the extreme western point of 1 and at the mouth of Ken^ nebec river, and called it the Sagadahock Colony.'' But the death of Capt. Geo. Popham, their president, together with other disappointments, caused a total abandonment of the undertaking in 1608. t During this year another settlement was commenced by two French Jesuits, " Bairde and Masse,'' on Mt. Desert island. This opened the way for the introduction of a French colony. The magistrates of Virginia regarding these French and Catholic settlers as intruders upon their chartered rights, sent Capt, Argal, in 1613, with an armed posse, who expelled these settlers from the island, destroyed their rude habitations, broke down their cross, and erected another in the name of their king. Thus ended this Jesuitical colony on the shores of Maine. J Between the years 1607 and 1620, several attempts were made to establish permanent colonies within the new Province ; but hostilities among the natives, in 1615 and '16, and a severe pestilence in 1617 and '18, rendered the purpose of every adventurer abortive. No permanent settlement was therefore gained till 1620.

After the reorganization of the Northern," or " Plymouth" company in 1620, a new era opened more favorable to the settlement of this then unbroken but inviting count-

ry. This company obtained a new charter from king James, embracing the territory lying between the 40th and 48th degree of N. lat., including the country from Philadelphia to the Bay of Chaleurs. Previous to this time the English had occupied the territory west of the Kennebec, and the French east of that river, with the exception of some interruption. But now it was recognized by this charter as the sole possession of English subjects.*

In 1622, Sir Ferdinand Gorges and Capt. John Mason, obtained of the Plymouth Council, a patent to all the country between the Merrimack river N. H., and Kennebec river Me., and called it the " Province of Livonia." By Gorges, Mason, and their associates was the first permanent settlement commenced within the limits of Maine, and on the island Monhegan,t a suitable place for trading and fishing. In 1623, the first permanent settlement on the main land was commenced at the mouth of Sacoriverf (now Saco and Biddeford). In 1630, John Oldham and Richard Vines, were made patentees to a small tract of land lying on either side, and at the mouth of this river, and immediately entered upon possession. §

About this time, attracted by the advantages of traffic with the natives and other inviting circumstances of the country, emigration to the shores began to be rapid, and as a consequence, the forests about the Kennebec, Sheepscot, Damariscotta, Pemaquid, and St. George rivers began to give way before the industry of the white man.|| Openings in the wilderness then appeared, where now are spread out the fruitful fields, or grows the flourishing village, or stands the imposing city. Notwithstanding the disadvantages peculiar to the settlement of a new country, the work

*Wms. his. Me. vol. 1, p. 221— Willis, his. Port. vol. 1, p. 10. fWillis' his. Port. vol. 1, p. 12. tWms. his. Me. vol.1, p. 226— Willis' his. Port. vol. 1, p. 16. §Wms. his. Me. v. 1, p. 226— Ban. his. Am. v.l, p. 330— Willis' his. Port. vol. 1; p. 16. llWms. his. Me. vol. I, p. 228.

went on vigorously for several years. Trading-houses were erected in several favorable positions, and the abundant fruits of a rich soil cheered the heart of the bold adventurer. Settlements were now commenced at Boothbay, Woolwich, Kittery-Point, Elliot and Berwick.*

Emigration soon however received a serious check. Expenses and disappointments, the direct results of continued contention and disputes about titles and claims, reiled the new settlers in a gloom of discouragement. The constant changing of titles caused a continued changing of residence by occupants. The distance between the settlements, the difficulties of intercourse, together with these ruinous agitations among claimants, tended seriously to interrupt the progress of society in order, morals and religion.

The wars about claims ended in 1675, and Massachusetts was recognized as sole owner of the Province. This peaceful state of things is accredited to the wisdom and influence of the Hon. John Usher, by whose advice Massachusetts purchased all the title which Gorges held to the Province, for 1250 lbs. sterling.t At this time the population did not exceed 6000. J As regards the general character of the people throughout the Province in the first stages of its history, it was loose and immoral. § Many attempts were made to check the increase at least of so loose, so reckless, so licentious an influence as was then too prevalent. These efforts however, did but little more than to check that increase ; for religion was confined to the few, while the many were lawless and wicked.

The first organized form of government in Maine, was established by Sir F. Gorges in 1636, who obtained absolute possession of the territory west of Pemaquid (Nobleborough) in 1635. The French claimed at this time the

*Wms. his. Me. vol. 1, p. 237. tWms.his. Me. vol. 1 , p. 554. |Vol. I, p. 554. §Willis'his. Port, v.l, p|i.97,123.

Penobscot and the country eastward. They held, however only a disputed right of possession. Sir F. Gorges appointed his nephew, Wm. Gorges, governor, with jurisdictional powers to administer justice, and to punish all criminals within his territorial limits. By him was raised the first court of justice, or of legislation, which was convened at Saco, in 1636. There were at this time, nine settlements or plantations, and the best estimate numbered a population of 1500 souls, under his authority.* The government of Gorges assumed an ecclesiastical character. It embosomed the Episcopal faith. The king of England, in order to aid Gorges in his endeavors to establish and perpetuate the forms of Episcopacy in the new Province, issued his decree that none should leave the shores of England, for these new settlements, until they had taken the oath of supremacy and allegiance to the crown, and pledged themselves to observe strictly the rules of Episcopal discipline.f The people of this Province, therefore, were mostly of that faith, and practiced the usages of the mother church. As a consequence, the affairs of religion were blended with the affairs of state.

The first religious communion was organized on Hogisland in 1639.f A meeting-house was erected, and Rev. Mr. Hull became the officiating minister. Gorges was a firm Episcopalian and royalist, and a zealous friend to the king.§ In 1639, his title to the territory which he claimed was confirmed by the king. The powers of government conferred upon Gorges, were almost absolute ;|| and the forms of legislation and powers of the executive were explicitly defined.1] At the first session of the court convened under this new charter, at Saco 1640, an order was passed that all the inhabitants, who have any children unbaptized,

*Wms. Me. vol. 1, ch. 5— Willis' his. Port. vol. 1, p. 48. f Wms. his. Me. vol. 1, p. 268. + Wms. his. Me. vol. 1, p. 277. ^Willis' his. Port. vol. 1, p. 48. llWms. his. Me. vol. 1, p. 286— VVillis' his. Port. v. 1, p. 45. HWiiu. is. Me. vol. 1, p. 286.

CIVIL CONDITION OF MAINE, 1607—1767. I9 shoald have them baptized as soon as any minister is settled in any of their plantations.* This order was enforced by punishment, if any refused.t This was laying the foundation strong for an Episcopal (a half Roman) a half poiiticai church in Maine ; but the Lord Grod had better things for this new world.

The government established by Gorges was sustained, with some alterations and amendments, for several years ; and the dominant religious influence was decidedly Episcopalian. Previous to 1653, several towns west of Saco river were brought under the government and religious influence of Massachusetts. But east of that river, the most influential men,'' says Mr. Willis, " were decidedly Episcopalian in their form of worship, and looked with dread upon the uncompromising,^' and we may add, the intolerant " spirit of the Puritan government of Massachusetts/^! The religious feelings in Maine therefore were viewed with distrust by the people of the other colonies. Nor were they slow to express their abhorence of Episcopacy. The other colonies in New England, Massachusetts, Plymouth, Connecticut and New Haven, had, for mutual assistance and defence, united in a civil and religious confederacy. Maine was refused the privilege of uniting with them, because of her religious tenets,§

Mai^achusetts having obtained jurisdiction over the territory west of Saco river, continued her exertions to extend it over other parts o^he Province. But she was vigorously resisted. 11 To the religious intolerance practiced in Massachusetts under the authority of the Cambridge Platform against the Jesuits, Quakers and Baptists, the people of Maine were resolved not to submit. U What,'' said they, " have we to do with projects of political ambition,

*WiiIis' his. Port. vol. 1, p. 48— Y. records— Wms. his. Me. vol. 1. p. 286. fp. 286. t Willis' his. Port. vol. 1, p. 57. §Wms. his Me. vol. L p. 297. i Willis' his, P. vol. 1; p. 57. f Wms, his Me. vol. \, p. 379.

or with the weapons forged against heresy. Notwithstanding their passion for Episcopacy, they had more rational ideas of liberty than the Puritans, and were more friendly to religious tolerance.

As soon as Massachusetts obtained the acknowledged right of possession to the Province, she commenced the exercise of her judicial powers. The governor of Massachusetts, with a board of colonial assistants, had the oversight and management of affairs in Maine. This board, or standing council, of eight persons, were to be without exception, of Congregational faith. All other sects were at once excluded from any participation in government. This caused much uneasiness and bitter complaining among the royalists and Episcopalians. They made known their grievances to the court of England, yet they obtained only a prevention of persecution and a partial toleration. All other sects remained unprotected by legislation. The change of government as made by the Province Council, did not relieve the disadvantages of other religious communions. By means of their authority and influence, and from the results of emigration from the other colonies, the religious character and faith of Maine, assumed gradually more and more of the Congregational form.*