74 
chives of the Massachusetts Historical Society, and forms 
volumes V. and VI. of their printed “Collections.” In 
1688, after the departure of President IncREAsE MATHER 
for England, he was commissioned by Governor ANDROS to 
officiate as President or Rector at the Harvard Commence- 
ment, being the oldest clerical Alumnus in New England; 
and as there were no graduates in that year, it is recorded 
in Sewall’s Diary that he delivered an oration on the occa- 
sion, although this has not been transmitted to us.* His 
first wife, and the mother of his children, was Margaret, 
daughter of Rev. Natwanret Rogers, and said to have 
been the great-granddaughter of that Joun RocErs who 
was burnt at the stake in Smithfield, 1555, — although, ac- 
cording to that accurate investigator, Mr. SavaGe, this claim 
is not well substantiated. 
* — ih ‘Witiiam HUBBARD was a man of no small indepen- 
den of character, may easily be inferred from his works ; 
but other indications of his mental and moral force are not wanting: 
In the ecclesiastical troubles of 1667, connected with the ene 
of the “ Old South Church ” in Boston, he took stro trong ground an 
part ; and on the passage of a vote of censure upon al 
mn Dunton, who visited him in 1686, gives oe Hist. ate 
Pp. 5) ~ baat description of Mr. Hubbard: “The benefit of 
nature and the fatigue of study have equally éotitsibabel to ae emi- 
nence. sired are we less obliged to both than himself; he freely’ 
communicates of his learning to all who have the happiness to share in 
his converse. In a word, he is learned without ostentation and vanity, 
and gives all his Se oe a a turn and grace, . that 
the features and lineaments child make a clear discovery and 
distinction of the father; yet is is a man of singular modesty, of strict 
morals, and has done as much for the conversion of the Indians a8 
most men in New England.” 
5 ae 
