not presume to say they were without blemish,-the sun has spots, but "their faults leaned to virtue's side." They had more of merit in them than many men's virtues. Thus moved by a faith that gives dignity to man,-purity to woman,-and loveliness to the child,—it would have been strange indeed if they had neglected to provide all needful accommodations for the worship of God. As early as 1666, the farmers of the village were incorporated into a society for religious worship. This was the Second Parish in Salem. Parish privileges and rights of citizens were then essentially connected. No man could exercise the rights of a citizen who did not belong to the Church. In the meetings of the Church, matters of business were moulded as much as they now are in caucus assembled.

The first thirty years of the Village Parish covers that period when the witch delusion and other controversies were agitated to such extent that little may be said of the religious influences then prevalent,-if regard be paid to the text, "By their fruits shall ye know them."

In 1697, Rev. Joseph Green became the pastor of this society, and so continued for a period of eighteen years. He died among his people, universally beloved and respected. He must have been a very good man to have lived and died as he did, at such a time, surrounded with such influences.

He was succeeded by Rev. Peter Clark, who continued to minister until all those who settled him had left the stage; a period of more than fifty years. His funeral discourse was preached June 16, 1768, by Rev. Thomas Barnard, of Salem. Such permanency in the ministry speaks well of pastor and people; and is in accordance with our best New England notions. I know that many have grown up of late who think they know more than their fathers did,-but I have heard it said old Doctor Clark once said to his son Caleb, "Caleb! is there no nearer way to Heaven than round by Chebacco?"— meaning thereby to reprove the new light influences then prevalent. So in modern times, many are not content to pursue the good old way to Heaven, but want to go by steam; when they start thus, there is danger of bursting the boiler.

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Rev. Benjamin Wadsworth succeeded Mr. Clark, and ministered unto this people for more than fifty years. My first impressions of a model minister were taken from this gentleman when a boy at school. Subsequently, when an older boy, myself attempting "to teach the young idea how to shoot," I had the pleasure of a more intimate acquaintance, which confirmed my first impressions. He was a gentleman, in the best sense of the term. He knew what to say, and when to say it. He too lived a long life harmoniously with his people, and died beloved and respected. What Christian minister can ask a better eulogy? Who that remembers the words of wisdom that fell from the lips of these venerable men, will fail to rejoice at their good fortune in being thus instructed? I know of nothing that savors more of Heaven, than lessons of instruction from a virtuous, modest, wise old minister. Very few societies can render so good an account of their stewardship.

Since the decease of Dr. Wadsworth, the increase of population has been such as to demand a division, and two societies are now sustained on the old foundation. Of the living, I forbear to speak, well knowing that the sound of their own voices will be their highest encomium. They are favorably esteemed wherever learning or piety is regarded.

The inhabitants of the southerly part of the town worshiped with the First Church in Salem, until 1710, when a new society was incorporated, under the name of the Middle Precinct Parish. This was the Third Parish in Salem.

Their first effort

was, to obtain from the town, a grant of "a quarter of an acre of land to set a meeting-house on." This was so located, that, in process of time, it expanded to more than an acre. Whether fortunately, or not, involves too many incidents to admit of discussion on this occasion.

In 1713, Rev. Benjamin Prescott was settled as pastor over this parish, and remained such for a period of forty years. His pastoral relations were closed in 1752, (the year of the separation from Salem,) in consequence of contentions that had arisen about the collection and payment of his salary. There were, within the parish, Quakers and others, who thought they

could not conscientiously pay for such preaching. The laws had no regard to scruples of conscience of such a character. After the dissolution of his pastoral relations, Mr. Prescott continued to reside in the parish, a worthy citizen and magistrate, dying in good old age, respected for his talents and virtues, and was buried at the foot of the hill bearing his name. A shrewd observer, with much experience in ministerial affairs, remarked, in relation to Mr. Prescott's ministry, "When a minister and people cannot get along without quarrelling about his salary, it is better for both that the connection should be dissolved. God and Mammon cannot peaceably occupy the same tenement."

The Rev. Nathan Holt succeeded Mr. Prescott, and ministered with good fidelity for a period of thirty-four years. He was a peaceable, clever man, deeply imbued with the patriotic spirit of the times. Of his services in the pulpit, I have heard but little. His labors among his people were highly prized, and productive of a happy influence. "He was an Israelite indeed, in whom there was no guile."

Rev. Samuel Mead followed Mr. Holt, and was pastor about ten years. The record of this period is lost; it is not safe, therefore, to speak, where the best evidence is wanting. I remember him well. His peculiarities were many.

In 1805, the Rev. Samuel Walker was settled, and remained the pastor for a period of twenty-one years. His life was terminated by a painful casualty. He was faithful to his calling, discreet in his movements, and died with a kind remembrance in many a bosom. Since his death, a Unitarian, a Methodist, a Baptist, and a Universalist society have grown up in the parish, and flourished with various degrees of success, leaving the Old South Society still one of the largest and ablest in the county.

For a few years they were ministered unto by the Rev. George Cowles, who, while on his way south with his lady, in search of health, was suddenly lost on board the steamer Home, dying with these last words, "He that trusteth in Jesus is safe, even among the perils of the sea." He died deeply lamented,

having previously resigned his pastoral care on account of ill health.

The Rev. H. G. Park followed for a short time.

The Rev. Thomas P. Field succeeded Mr. Park for a period of ten years, laboring successfully to a harmonious and happy people,—which labors were unfortunately interrupted by his being called to a position of more extended usefulness at Troy, N. Y., with the offer of a compensation better proportioned to the worth of his services. When it was too late, the people saw their error. The disappointment experienced in parting with one so highly esteemed, with no appreciable reason assigned therefor, poorly prepared the way to treat with kindness and Christian sympathy his successor, the Rev. James D. Butler, who, after a conditional settlement of one year, was crowded off, without ceremony. May his eminent learning and Christian humility command a position in which they will be duly appreciated.

Several other religious societies have grown up in different parts of the town, and been sustained with varied success. A Baptist society was organized at the New Mills Village, under the pastoral care of Rev. Benj. Foster, sixty-eight years since. The present pastor, Rev. A. W. Chapin. There is also a Universalist society in that neighborhood, which was organized thirty-seven years since, now under the pastoral care of the Rev. J. W. Putnam.

Within my memory, four valuable churches have been destroyed by fire, probably caused by incendiaries. One offender only has been brought to justice, and he under his own confession.

Within the last twelve years, there has been expended in the construction and finish of churches, more than $50,000.

The present annual payments within the town, for the support of religious instruction, cannot be estimated at less than $10,000.

The predominant faith at the present time, (exclusive of those who have no faith at all,) is a modified version of the notions of the Puritan Fathers of New England;-how far improved

by the modification, must be left to the better judgment of those who have really experienced its purifying influences. That there may be such, I cannot doubt, but something more than mere profession of religion is wanted, to satisfy my mind. I incline to the belief, that his faith cannot be wrong whose life is right. And where the life does not illustrate and adorn the profession, the profession will be found “a sounding brass and tinkling cymbal."

EDUCATION.

Popular education, in the broadest sense of the term, has engrossed the attention of the people of Danvers as much as any other topic. From the time of their first meeting, March 4th, 1752, when Daniel Eppes, father and son, were moderator and clerk, each year's record shows more or less of interest in the education of the rising generation.

Previous to the separation, but little attention had been given to supporting schools for the children on the borders.

In 1783, when revolutionary troubles had subsided, the people began to look after the condition of the schools.

In 1793, an interesting report on the reorganization of the schools was made to the town, by Dr. Archelaus Putnam, which appears in full upon the records, a fact worthy of notice, because many a report, placed on file only, is not now to be found. Files that are handled by every body, soon become every body's property.

In 1794, pursuant to a plan proposed by Gideon Foster, Samuel Page, and John Kettelle, the town was divided into districts.

In 1802, the districts were remodelled, at the suggestion of Sylvester Osborn. Thus we find Holten, Foster, Page, Osborn, and others, who were foremost in their efforts to secure our rights, going ahead in their endeavors to educate the children to understand those rights.

In 1809, the present system of school districts was established, then nine, now fourteen ;-then containing 800 children, now more than 2000, of age suitable to attend school.