_The Elders and Messengers of the churches met at_ Salem _Village_, April 3, 1695, _to consider and determine what is to be done, for the composure of the present unhappy differences in that place. After solemn invocation of God in Christ for his direction, do unanimously declare, as followeth_, viz. 1. WE judge that all be it in the late and dark time of the confusions, wherein Satan had obtained a more than ordinary liberty, to be sifting of this Plantation, there were sundry unwarrantable, and uncomfortable steps, taken by Mr. _Samuel Parris_, the Pastor of the Church in _Salem_ Village, then under the hurrying distractions of amazing Afflictions; yet the said Mr. _Parris_, by the good hand of God brought unto a better sense of things, hath so fully exprest it, that a Christian charity may and should receive satisfaction therewith. [60] 2. Inasmuch as diverse Christian Brethren, in the Church of _Salem_ Village, have been offended at Mr. _Parris_, for his conduct in the time of their difficulties, which have distressed them; we now advise them Charitably to accept the satisfaction which he hath tendered in his Christian acknowledgment of the Errors therein committed; yea to endeavour, as far as it is possible, the fullest reconciliation of their minds unto Communion with him, in the whole Exercise of his Ministry, and with the rest of the Church, _Matt._ vi. 12, 14. _Luke_ xvii. 3. _James_ v. 16. 3. Considering the extream tryals and troubles, which the dissatisfied Brethren in the Church of _Salem_ Village have undergone, in the day of sore temptation, which hath been upon them; we cannot but advise the Church to treat them with bowels of much compassion, instead of all more critical, or rigorous proceedings against them for the Infirmities discovered by them, in such an heart-breaking day; and if after a patient waiting for it, the said Brethren cannot so far overcome the uneasiness of their Spirits, in the remembrance of the disasters that have hapned, as to sit under his Ministry; we advise the Church with all tenderness to grant them admission to any other Society of the Faithful, whereunto they may be desired to be dismist. _Gal._ vi. 1, 2. _Psal._ ciii. 13, 14. _Job_ xix. 21. 4. Mr. _Parris_ having (as we understand) with much fidelity and integrity acquitted himself, in the main course of his Ministry, since he hath been Pastor of the Church of _Salem_ Village; about his first call whereunto, we look upon all contestations now to be both unreasonable and unseasonable: And our Lord having made him a blessing to the Souls of not a few, both old and young in this place, we advise that he be accordingly respected, honour'd and supported, with all the regards that are due to a painful Minister of the gospel. 1 _Thes._ v. 12, 13. 1 _Tim._ v. 17.