44 History of Hingham. 



the great political questions which agitated the country, — the former 

 bein<^ a moderate Tory and the latter an ardent Whig. Their political 

 differences, however, caused no interruption to their friendship. During 

 a severe illness of Mr. Shute, Dr. Gay manifested the most anxious 

 solicitude for his recovery, and expressed the warmest feelings of attach- 

 ment. The first marriage of Mr. Shute was solemnized by Dr. Gay, and 

 at the funeral of the latter, Mr. Shute, in his discourse on that occasion, 

 paid a most affectionate tribute to the memory of his distinguished friend. 



The ministry of this venerable man covered more than the last half of 

 the last century. During that period pastors and people were severely 

 tried by the French and Revolutionary wars. In both, Mr. Shute 

 entered warmly into the feelings of the great body of the people, and 

 used an active influence in forming and guiding public opinion. In 

 175S, he was appointed by Governor Powuall chaplain of a regiment 

 commanded by Col. Joseph Williams, raised " for a general invasion of 

 Canada." 



In 1767 he delivered the Annual Sermon before the Ancient and Hon- 

 orable Artillery Company, from the text, Ecclesiastes ix. ltf : " Wisdom 

 is better than weapons of war." In 17G8 he preached the Election Ser- 

 mon from the text, Ezra x. 4: "Arise, for this matter belongeth unto 

 thee ; he will also be with thee ; be of good courage and do it." Both 

 these discourses were printed, and bear marks of careful composition, 

 sound views, and strong common sense. His sermon at the funeral of his 

 venerated friend. Dr. Gay, in 1787, was also published, and was a most 

 impressive and fitting memorial of the character of that eminent divine, 

 in whose footsteps he delighted to tread. 



No discourse of his has been published which presents any discussion 

 of points of controversial theology. Indeed, tradition informs us that 

 his public performances were remarked for the absence of all such topics; 

 yet it is well understood that he sympathized with those who entertained 

 what were termed " more liberal views " than those entertained by the 

 great body of the clergy. In this respect there was great harmony of 

 opinion in the whole town, and in all the parishes which it then contained. 



The sound judgment and knowledge of the human character possessed 

 by him were often called into requisition on Ecclesiastical Councils. 

 From his papers, which have been carefully preserved by his descendants, 

 who hold his memory in veneration, he appears often to have been a 

 peacemaker, and to have aided, by his moderation and discreet advice, in 

 composing unhappy differences in parishes quite remote from his own, but 

 to which his reputation had extended. 



His salary was a moderate one. His parish was not large, and was 

 composed chiefly of substantial farmers and mechanics. To procure the 

 means of a more independent support, he took scholars to prepare them 

 for college and the pursuits of business. His pupils being generally sons 

 of wealthy patrons, he derived a considerable income from their board 

 and tuition, whereby he enlarged his library, and acquired a respectable 

 amount of real estate, which is now held by his descendants. Among his 

 scholars are recollected the Hon. Thomas H. Perkins and the Hon. John 

 Welles of Boston, and sons of General Lincoln and Governor Hancock. 



In 1780 he was chosen by his townsmen a delegate to the convention 

 to frame a Constitution for the State, — such was the confidence reposed 

 in his abilities and patriotism. 



In 1788 he was associated with General Lincoln to represent the town 



