present year; voted that the committee for hiring preaching, employ Rev. Frederick Parker.
In October, they voted to hire Mr. Parker six Sabbaths; also, to unite with the church in giving him a call, which was done.
His answer was in the negative. The people were so anxious to have him for their minister, that they chose a Committee of two to make further proposals to him, such as they anticipated he would accept, but all of no avail.
July 21st, 1791, the inhabitants of the town were legally called together, for the purpose of showing their minds with regard to giving Rev. Jonathan Osgood a call to settle in the work of the gospel ministry in Gardner; sixty-four in favor, and three otherwise.
Mr. Osgood's Answer.
To the Church and Congregation in Gardner:
Brethren and Friends:
Whereas in the Providence of God you have seen fit to give me an invitation to settle with you in the work of the gospel ministry, I have taken it into serious consideration, advised with my friends and fathers in the ministry, and devoted myself to God in solemn prayer for direction, in a matter of so much importance. I feel my own inability to undertake so great a work. But being confident of the mighty power of God, and knowing that the
