“The pastor spoke to the brethren to this purpose, viz.:—­

“BRETHREN,—­The ordination of Brother Ingersoll has already been voted a good while since, and I thought to have consummated the affair a good time since, but have been put by, by diversity of occurrents; and, seeing it is so long since, I think it needless to make two works of one, and therefore intend the ordination of Brother Putnam together with Brother Ingersoll in the deaconship, if you continue in the same mind as when you elected him:  therefore, if you are so, let a vote manifest it.  Voted by all, or at least the most.  I observed none that voted not.”

At last the mighty work was accomplished.  Deacon Ingersoll had been on probation for eighteen months from the date of his election, which took place five days after Mr. Parris’s ordination.  His final induction to office was observed with great formality, and in the presence of the whole congregation.  Mr. Parris enters the order of performances in the church records as follows:—­

“Sab:  28 June, 1691.—­After the afternoon sermon upon 1 Tim. iii. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, as the brethren had renewed their call of Brother Ingersoll to the office of a deacon, and he himself had declared his acceptance, the pastor proceeded to ordain him, using the form following: 

“BELOVED BROTHER, God having called you to the office of a deacon by the choice of the brethren and your own acceptance, and that call being now to be consummated according to the primitive pattern, 6 Acts 6, by prayer and imposition of hands,—­

“We do, therefore, by this solemnity, declare your investiture into that office, solemnly charging you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, the King of his Church, who walks in the midst of his golden candlesticks, with eyes as of a flame of fire, exactly observing the demeanor of all in his house, both officers and members, that you labor so to carry it, as to evidence you are sanctified by grace, qualified for this work, and to grow in those qualifications; behaving of yourself gravely, sincerely, temperately, with due care for the government of your own house, holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience; that as they in this office are called ‘helps,’ so you be helpful in your place and capacity, doing what is your part for the promoting of the work of Christ here.  We do charge you, that, whatever you do in this office, you do it faithfully, giving with simplicity, showing mercy with cheerfulness.  Look on it, brother, as matter of care, and likewise of encouragement, that both the office itself and also your being set up in it is of God, who, being waited upon, will be with you, and accept you therein, assisting you to use the office of a deacon well, so as that you may be blameless, purchasing to yourself a good degree and great boldness in the faith.

“NOTE.—­That Brother