Re: todays update sample _ 24.jpg (1/1) Thigh Highs

are as sober, orderly,
and good sort of people, as in any part of New England; and I believe
they have been preserved the freest by far of any part of the country,
from error, and variety of sects and opinions. Our being so far within
the land, at a distance from sea-ports, and in a corner of the country,
has doubtless been one reason why we have not been so much corrupted
with vice, as most other parts. But without question, the religion and
good order of the county, and purity in doctrine, has, under God, been
very much owing to the great abilities, and eminent piety of my
venerable and honored grandfather Stoddard. I suppose we have been the
freest of any part of the land from unhappy divisions and quarrels in
our ecclesiastical and religious affairs, till the late lamentable
Springfield contention. [The Springfield Contention relates to the
settlement of a minister there, which occasioned too warm debates
between some, both pastors and people, that were for it, and others that
were against it, on account of their different apprehensions about his
principles, and about som