THE AUrO-VOMV OF A PRECINCT. 



197 



He had preached regularly at Cohasset from July, 1721, 

 but not until Monday, December 13, was he ordained. 



It was an occasion of no small concern for the town. 

 They had voted ten pounds ($50) for an ordination dinner, 

 and had invited the two churches of Scituate, besides 

 that of Hingham and that of Hull. 



The ordinary household and farm drudgeries were 

 spurned that day, and the parish gathered at the little 

 old meeting-house on the plain for the impressive reli- 



Photo, Harriet A. Nickerson. 



" When winter's snowy pinions shake the white down in the air." 



gious service, with all its festival and social accompani- 

 ments. They made a solemn compact that day which is 

 worthy of deep regard for its clearness and thorough con- 

 secration. It was read and signed as follows : — 



We do, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the presence 

 of God, and the holy angels, explicitly and expressly covenant 

 and bind ourselves in manner and form following, viz. : We do 

 give up ourselves to God, whose name alone is Jehovah, Father, 



