The history of the town of Dorchester, Massachusetts, By a committee of the Dorchester antiquarian and historical society ...

HISTORY OF DORCHESTER. 185
plantation, to catechize their children, servants and
others within their several charge, in some sound
and orthodox catechism, that they may be able to
render account thereof when they shall be thereunto
required, either in the Church, or privately, as upon
advice shall be judged most conducive to the general
good. And fail not herein upon such penalty as
the Court shall see reason to inflict, on information
given against such as shall be found delinquent
therein."
By order of General Court, the bounds between
Dorchester and Dedham were fixed. The persons
who were appointed for that purpose were William
Sumner, William Clarke, Nathaniel Glover, and
Mahaleel Munnings, for Dorchester; and Joshua
Fisher, Daniel Fisher, and William Avery, for
Dedham.
1656. Selectmen - Nathaniel Patten, Edward
Breck, Hopestill Foster, Mr. Jones and Nathaniel
Glover. William Blake, sen., was chosen Recorder,
and was to have 20s. and be rate free. He was the
first Recorder chosen.
A strict order was issued by the Selectmen, this
year, in relation to cattle being allowed or suffered to
destroy the corn, grass, &c., of persons not their
owners. It begins as follows: "Forasmuch as
righteousness among men is not only the commandment of God, but the way to continue love and
peace, &c." It then goes on to state the penalty for
trespassing.
Many of the early documents of the town are
drawn up with great care and ability.