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

274 HISTORY OF DORCHESTER.
and the fury of the people began to abate, the trials
were stopped, and the delusion vanished. Miay its
history be a lesson and a solemn warning in all coming time.
Gov. Stoughton and Mr. Peter Bulkley were the
deputed agents of the colony to answer to the complaint of Mason and Gorges, that the colony had
taken land granted to them. The agents went to
England in 1676, and returned in 1679.
Gov. Stoughton's funeral sermon was preached at
the lecture in Boston, July 17, 1701, by Rev. Samuel
Willard, of the Old South Church. He was one of
the last of the original Puritans-that slandered, but
inestimable race of men. Their work is done; their
mission is ended. The world was galvanized by
their heroism, stability and magnanimous achievements. They opened an eventful future; their names
are connected with the most momentous questions
which have since agitated the civilized world.
Much has been written and reported concerning
Gov. Stoughton's will. The following extracts from
it contain the portions which more particularly relate to his public bequests:To the Church at Dorchester, two pieces of plate for the
Communion of six pounds value each; also the sum of ~50,
to be left under improvement by the care and diligence of the
Deacons for the time being, under the oversight of the Teaching and Ruling officers of that Church.
Towards the relief of the poor of Dorchester I give the like
sum of ~50, to be improved by the care of the Selectmen, and
the income to be distributed to the most needy inhabitants.
Unto the schools of Dorchester I give the sum of one hundred and fifty pounds, to be secured and settled under im