of necessary supplies for him; and that said messengers should make their return to the church the next tenth day, an hour before sunset, at the minister’s house, where they would expect it.

“10 Nov. 1691.—­The messengers abovesaid came with their return, as appointed; which was, that the committee did not see good to take notice of their message, without they had some letter to show under the church’s and pastor’s hand.  But, at this last church meeting, besides the three messengers, but three other brethren did appear,—­namely, Brother Thomas Putnam, Thomas Wilkins, and Peter Prescot,—­which slight and neglect of other brethren did not a little trouble me, as I expressed myself.  But I told these brethren I expected the church should be more mindful of me than other people, and their way was plain before them, &c.

“Sab:  15 Nov. 1691.—­The church were desired to meet at Brother Nathaniel Putnam’s, the next 18th instant, at twelve o’clock, to spend some time in prayer, and seeking God’s presence with us, the next Lord’s Day, at his table, as has been usual with us, some time before the sacrament.

“18 Nov. 1691.—­After some time spent, as above said, at this church meeting, the pastor desired the brethren to stay, forasmuch as he had somewhat to offer to them, which was to this purpose; viz.:  Brethren, several church meetings have been occasionally warned, and sometimes the appearance of the brethren is but small to what it might be expected, and particularly the case mentioned 10th instant.  I told them I did not desire to warn meetings unnecessarily, and, therefore, when I did, I prayed them they would regularly attend them.

“Furthermore, I told them I had scarce wood enough to burn till the morrow, and prayed that some care might be taken.  In fine, after discourses passed, these following votes were made unanimously, namely:—­

“1.  That it was needful that complaint should be made to the next honored County Court, to sit at Salem, the next third day of the week, against the neglects of the present committee.

     “2.  That the said complaint should be drawn up, which was
     immediately done by one of the brethren, and consented to.

     “3.  That our brethren, Nathaniel Putnam, Thomas Putnam, and
     Thomas Wilkins, should sign said complaint in behalf of the
     church.

     “4.  Last, That our brethren, Captain John Putnam and the two
     deacons, should be improved to present the said complaint to
     the said Court.

     “In the mean time, the pastor desired the brethren that care
     might be taken that he might not be destitute of wood.”