Page:History of Barrington, Rhode Island (Bicknell).djvu/260

 206 THE HISTORY OF BARRIXGTON. abated zeal, and the fifth time with success. The salary of jQiio and a settlement of ;^200 were offered to Mr. Peleg Heath, of Roxbury, Mass., to become the minister of the Church and town. Lieut. Adams, Lieut. Peck, Mr. Viall, Mr. Tiffany and Mr. Bicknell, all of whom have had large experi- ence in making ministerial proposals, were the Committee to report to Mr. Heath and to the town. August 1 5th, the salary vote of the town was increased ^10, making it ^120, to be paid quarterly, and the settlement p{^200 to be paid in two years, ;!^ioo a year. Mr. Heath's reply was as follows: MR. heath's answer TO THE TOWN. " Whereas, you the people of God in this place have given an invitation to labor in the Gospel among you ; having taken it into deliberate consideration, as it is a call of God, I do therefore in His strength engage therein and desire your prayers that I may be directed, assisted, succeeded and accepted. Harrington, September 9, 1728. Peleg Heath." Mr. Heath belonged to a Massachusetts family of excellent rank and character, one of whom, Maj.-Gen, William Heath of Roxbury, distinguished himself in the Revolutionary War. He was educated in the schools of Roxbury, graduated from Harvard College, with the degree of A. M., in the class of 1721, and came to Harrington, with the enthusiasm of a novi- tiate for his first pastorate, at the age of twenty-six. The young pastor was intellectually well equipped for his work. His Christian character and theology partook of the severe type of his time. He readily won the confidence of his people by his marked ability, sincere Christian earnestness, and zeal for the spiritual welfare of his people. Possessing a will of unusual vigor, and a purpose clear and strong, it was not possible for the pastor not to come into positions of disagree- ment with the Church and the town authorities, both of which held control of the situation.