Page:History of Barrington, Rhode Island (Bicknell).djvu/299

 CO^NDITION OF CHURCH. 237 The Deacon's power was then so great, He bid him go without debate. The next step, then, was to find Sufficient tnen all of one mind. To come with all their hearts' delight. And turn awaj what they called Wright. Then Mr. P. came on so stout, To see the battle well fought out, And found the pay was coming scant. So he concluded to recant. The next brought in was Mr. K., An humble man as they all say; To preach the Gospel he was bound, And always true to it was found. Six months the term that he must stay. They locked the house on the Lord's Day, And none was suffered there to be. Neither to hear nor for to see. The Sergeant (K) ordered him to start, Which grieved him to the very heart. The Deacon's power was then so great, He bid him go without debate. The time had come that he must go. And on that very moment, too. Then he was forced to leave the ground, His wife no chance to change her gown. Now Mr. W. has come forth, Though not far distant from the North, To take the lead of all the band. And guide them to the Heavenly Land. Now may they all united be. And pay him up so he shan't flee. Nor go from this which he calls home, 'Till he go hence whence none returns. May our people live in such a form. That when they die they may be borne To Abraham's bosom there to be Forever blest eternally. Rev. Francis Wood was ordained and installed February 26th, 1823. After a brief but useful pastorate he was dis- missed November 22, 1826. Dissension having arisen in the Church, which earnest efforts failed to harmonize, a period of religious depression followed.