In 1840, the subject of an associate pastor was first brought forward; and, in 1841, commenced those unfortunate difficulties in regard to it, which continued with little interruption until the fall of 1845, when the proprietors were called together to act upon a proposition to sell the meeting-house and wind up the affairs of the Society.  This proposition was, however, rejected, by a decisive vote of more than two to one, out of one hundred votes cast.  During this period, the pulpit was supplied one half the time by Father Ballou, and the other half by Rev. T.C.  Adam, from May, 1842, to May, 1843; by Rev. H.B.  Soule, from May, 1844, to May, 1845; and the other two years by the Standing Committee.

That portion of the Society who voted against the proposition to sell, had, early in that year, taken counsel together in regard to the future prosperity of the Society.  Father Ballou expressed a willingness to be relieved from all active duties as pastor of the Society, other than those he might choose to perform as senior pastor, and also to relinquish his salary if the Society felt that with their whole means they would be able to secure the services of one who would again unite them together.  Accordingly, September 28, 1845, the proprietors were called together, and his proposition was accepted.  They also unanimously invited the Rev. E.H.  Chapin to become junior pastor, at a yearly salary of two thousand dollars; and on the 8th of November the following acceptance of their call was received by the committee through whom the invitation was tendered.

    Charlestown, Nov. 8, 1845.

    Brethren:—­

The invitation to become associate pastor of your Society, which you have extended to me, is hereby accepted.  Preliminaries relative to the time when I can assume my connection with you must be the subject of future communications.  And that God may bless this decision to your good, to mine, and to his glory,—­is the prayer of

    Yours, Fraternally,
    E.H.  Chapin.

    To the Committee.

Br.  Chapin was installed January 28, 1846.  The sermon was preached by Father Ballou, from I Peter iv, 10 and 11.  Rev. Messrs. Cook, Hichborn, Streeter, II.  Ballou 2d, Skinner, Fay, and Cleverly, took part in the services.  At the annual meeting in May, 1846, a committee was appointed to express to Rev. Hosea Ballou the feelings of high regard unanimously cherished towards him by the Society, in consideration of his long and valuable services as their pastor; and to assure him that their prayers for his welfare were still with him in his relations as senior pastor of the Society.  To this, the following reply was received by the committee.

    Boston, May 25, 1846.

    Messrs. Benajah Brigham,
    Joseph Lincoln, and Bela Beal,

    Brethren:—­