he let fall seeds of division and doubt that ripened into contention in subsequent generations.  The only ripple on the surface of the Village Church during its long record of peace, since the close of his disastrous ministry, was occasioned by differing opinions on this subject.  It required all the wisdom of his successors to quiet them.  From time to time, formulas had to be constructed, half-way covenants of varying expressions to be framed, to meet and dispose of the difficulties thus gratuitously raised by him.

The following passages from his record-book show how he made much of a matter which any other pastor would have quietly arranged without calling for the intervention of church or congregation:  they are also interesting as a picture of the times:—­

“Sab:  9 Aug. 1691.—­After all public worship was over, and the church stayed on purpose, I proposed to the church whether they were free to admit to baptism, upon occasion, such as were not at present free to come up to full communion.  I told them there was a young woman, by name Han:  Wilkins, the daughter of our Brother Thomas Wilkins, who much desired to be baptized, but yet did not dare to come to the Lord’s Supper.  If they had nothing against it, I should take their silence for consent, and in due time acquaint them with what she had offered me to my satisfaction, and proceed accordingly.”

No answer was made pro or con, and so the church was dismissed.

“Sab:  23 Aug. 1691.—­Hannah Wilkins, aged about twenty-one years, was called forth, and her relation read in the full assembly, and then it was propounded to the church, that, if they had just exceptions, or, on the other hand, had any thing farther to encourage, they had opportunity and liberty to speak.  None said any thing but Brother Bray Wilkins (Han:  grandfather), who said, that, for all he knew, such a relation as had been given and a conversation suitable (as he judged hers to be) was enough to enjoy full communion.  None else saying any thing, it was put to vote whether they were so well satisfied as to receive this young woman into membership, and therefore initiate her therein by baptism.  It was voted fully.  Whereupon the covenant was given to her as if she had entered into full communion.  And the pastor told her, in the name of the church, that we would expect and wait for her rising higher, and therefore advised her to attend all means conscientiously for that end.

     “After all, I pronounced her a member of this church, and
     then baptized her.

     “28 August, 1691.—­This day, Sister Hannah Wilkins aforesaid
     came to me, and spake to this like effect, following:—­