T FOREWORD HIS little volume does not offer a history of the old churches in New England. Interesting and valuable as such a work would prove, far be it from me to attempt to write it. Nor does it seek to present an account of the noble and enduring influence of that splendid body of New England clergy who, before and during the Revolutionary War, rendered such signal service to American freedom. Another and more gifted pen would be needed adequately to record their glorious deeds. The present work is much less ambitious; it merely aims to give the story side of those old meeting-houses and ministers whose names and aspects are more or less familiar to the general reader. If ministers' sons and daughters also have a place here it is because they were bound to be in such a work. And if once or twice space is given to churches and preachers who cannot lay claim to even the one hundred and fifty years of life which passes in this country for antiquity, it is because they seemed to me really to belong in the narrative. My hope is that the book, while it reiterates the well-known fact that early New England sheltered under its humble parsonage roofs many of the greatest men and women our country has produced, may make clear as well the truth that these parsons were not prigs. It will abundantly have attained its purpose if it shows that colour and adventure, pure passion and sweet, true love may as often be found in the life story of the Christian minister as in that of the dashing hero of swashbuckling romance. It but remains to acknowledge with gratitude the help of those many kind friends from far and near who have aided in the preparation of the manuscript, and especially to thank Messrs. Houghton, Mifflin & Company, by permission of, and special arrangement with, whom the selections from the letters of John and Abigail Adams are used. Also I have to thank the Reverend A. V. G. Allen, who kindly granted the privilege of here incorporating a generous portion of the correspondence first published in his "Life and Letters of Phillips Brooks." I might add, in explanation of the change of base which readers of "The Romance of Old New England Rooftrees " may observe in the chapter, "The Lost Prince at Longmeadow," that another careful examination of all the evidence has led me to change the opinion ventured in the first book concerning the validity of the Reverend Eleazer Williams's claims to the throne of France. M. C. C. Charlestown, Massachusetts, 1903. THE ROMANCE OF OLD NEW ENGLAND CHURCHES A PRE-REVOLUTIONARY "This humble stone, Elizabeth Whitman, Is inscribed by her weeping friends, to whom she Endeared herself By uncommon tenderness and affection. Endowed with superior acquirements, she was Still more distinguished By humility and benevolence. Let candour throw a veil over her frailties, for Great was her charity to others. |