For several years, he was at Fort Dummer (Brattleboro) as a missionary to the Indians under the auspices of the Edinburgh Society for the propagation of the gospel.
He was Belchertown, Massachusetts' first minister having served the Congregational Church there in the years 1739-1752 and had graduated with honors from Harvard College 1731; he ranked number 30 out of 37. Received his Harvard MA 1734.
He Spent the next few years surveying and preaching on western frontiers.
The Rev. Edward Billings was ordained, probably, in 1739 and became Reverend May 7, 1740 for the town of Cold Springs (now called Belchertown, Mass); and in 1741 it was voted that money should be raised to pay the expenses of his wedding to Miss Lucy Parsons.
In 1738, a meeting house was erected and was occupied as a place of worship, though the building was not completed until 1746. Since the early settlers were "greatly embarrassed by debt" they had to partially pay their minister in firewood. They did not finish their meeting house for eight years because of the lack of tax money. In 1752 there were fifty families; and Mr. Billings was that year dismissed for his views in regard to "the half-way covenant." When Rev. Billings was dismissed in April, 1752, the population had increased to 50 families in Cold Springs (Belchertown).
He preached for a time after his Belchertown dismissal in a place called Nine Partners in New York.
He was installed at Greenfield, Mass. as their new reverend on March 28, 1754 and had moved his family there. His brief answer to the call given him to settle there, follows : —
" To the inhabitants of Greenfield : — I have taken into consideration your call of me to settle as minister of the Gospel among you, and thereupon determine to accept of it, though there be some circumstances attending my settlement among you that are far from being pleasing. I wish you may be directed by God in managing the important affair of settling the gospel ministry, and that I may be interested in your prayers, that when I come to you, I may come in the fullness of the blessing of the Gospel. Your friend and servant,
Edward Billing.
November 5th, 1763."
He resided at a place called Stocking fort or Fort Stocking in Greenfield, where Mr. Abner Wells now lives. This house was picketed for defense, and soldiers were stationed there in the time of the Indian wars. He died within a few years after his settlement holding the position of minister until his untimely death in 1760. He was buried in the old yard on the brow of the hill, near Mr. OsterhOut's house, but no stone marks the spot. He lived at a place called Stocking Fort, on the Turner’s Falls road, nearly opposite Snow green-house.
A new minister was installed in Greenfield in 1761.
He published several books most of his ministry discourses
From the town’s Petitions, and from others presented about the same period from the same source, we obtain these facts: that these settlers began to bring forward a permanent settlement here (Belchertown -previously known as Cold Spring) in July 1731; that between that period and 1736, inclusive, they had increased to twenty families; that in November 1740, they were but twenty families, and greatly embarrassed with debt; that they had sustained preaching five or six years with that number and under very severe trials. The first records to be found remaining of the doings here by these settlers, are under date February 1739, and relate to the settlement of the Rev. Edward Billing, the first settled minister in the place. Time or accident has removed a part of the record; what remains is a part of Mr. Billing's answer to the call of the people to settle with them in the gospel ministry. Rev. Edward Billing says, "The two hundred acres of land which cost two hundred and pounds, and one hundred and sixty pounds to be paid in work towards building, at present, and forty pounds more to be paid in eight years, viz. five pounds a year, all which is reckoned as settlement. After a consideration of the call and invitation which the people of Cold-spring have given me to settle in the ministry among them, I have, I hope, determined with a sense of my insufficiency for so great a work without di vine conduct and assistance, and with a dependence upon the Lord Jesus in that work in this place, and do declare my acceptance of your call.” Edward Billing. Cold Spring, February 22d, 1739. In 1744, at a precinct meeting, they appointed a committee to settle with Mr. Billing concerning the 40s for EACH FAMILY THAT COMES INTO THE PLACE, there being some difficulty that arose by reason of some families going out of the place. Mr. Billing's salary was one hundred pounds a year and his wood, but varied, as the value of money varied. In 1745 a vote passed in precinct meeting, that Mr. Billing's salary should be paid as to rising and falling of money as near to what Hatfield and Hadley pay to their minister (as may be,) Mr. Billing being present and agreeing to the same. The salary also varied according to the number of the families; one hundred pounds was predicated on twenty families; if more came into the place, an addition of forty shillings was made to the salary for each family. This was upon the principle that all were to be partakers in the support, as well as the benefits of these institutions — held as indispensable, not to a part only, but to all — and if so, the inference was irresistible that all should bear a share in their support. When the salary had risen to one hundred and sixty pounds, it was deemed sufficient. It was never to extend beyond that sum, and to be varied, as to the number of families, only when that number should be between twenty and fifty. It was a general practice in New England, from its earliest settlement till about the commencement of the present century, to connect with the call of a minister a stipend called a settlement, in addition to his annual salary. Such a stipend was deemed needful to enable him to sustain the expenses of living till the salary became due at the end of the year; this settlement, in amount, was ordinarily about the same as one year's salary. It is evident that the settlement connected with the call to Mr. Billing, was estimated at a much greater amount. As the lands and labor in building a house were estimated, they were about 400 pounds; the lands were unproductive and nearly useless. At the close of the first year after the settlement of Mr. Billing, May 1st, 1740, a vote passed, "to pay up Mr. Billing's salary annually to the first of May, and it is to be remembered that silver goes at twenty-nine shillings per ounce, and we propose to pay equal to that." This was called old tenor. In October, 1741, at a precinct meeting, a vote passed "that money should be raised in the next rate to pay the cost of Rev. Mr. Billing's wedding. At another meeting held soon after, a vote passed to pay Deacon John Smith one pound eleven shillings and four pence, for Veal had for Mr. Billing's wedding." Better, far better would be a dinner of herbs on such an occasion, with, the feelings that prompted these acts towards their minister, than a stalled ox and contention therewith. Such a vote, to pay for a leg of veal, for such an occasion, at this day, might lead some "to sign of," or cast a grimace-look at goodness such as this; for modish vice, with ease, can dart a sneer at virtues obsolete. Another vote passed at the same meeting, to pay Thomas Brown thirteen shillings for candle wood got for Mr. Billing. These acts, though trifling in themselves, spoke a language full of import; the spirit that prompted them, gave life and energy and martyr zeal and faith to persevere under trials most severe and discouraging. While voluntarily assuming on themselves these expenses, for the benefit of their minister, even to minute items, they had but scanty means; they were burdened with heavy taxes, and compelled to make great sacrifices for the support of themselves and their families. I give their own story in the case. In a petition to the General Court, they say, “Three quarters of the township is in the hands of five or six or a few more proprietors, who have drawn us into difficulties; and now seem to cut us off. Some of us who own 150 acres of land only, have been rated in a single rate over twenty pounds. Some proprietors (non-resident) own thousands of acres around us, and pay not a penny." They pray the government to allow them to raise a tax on lands of non-resident proprietors; this petition was dated 1741, drawn by Col, Timothy Dwight, of Northampton, who was the first signer; the petition was not at that time granted, but they persevered in their requests. In May, 1742, they petition again to the General Court for the same power, to tax non-resident lands. They say, "this township is a part of the equivalent land, so called; the whole was owned by a few gentlemen who bought it of Connecticut, and four fifths of it or more is now in the hands of these gentlemen, or others that hold under them, and live at a distance. About twenty of us have actually removed to this place with our families, and have settled a minister, raised, covered and glazed a meeting house. The minister's settlement is but half accomplished, nor has the cost of finishing the meeting house been yet expended (paid). The minister's house which we undertook, is neglected, and may rot down half finished; this is all discouraging. Our minister must leave us if we cannot have aid. “This petition prevailed, and leave was given to tax “all lands in the township, one penny an acre, to fulfil the contract with the minister and finish the meeting house." The embarrassed condition of the settlers referred to in those petitions, ******** the growth of the settlement. There was very little, if any, increase of population, from 1736 to 1742. After the power was granted to tax the property in just and equal proportions, to sustain their Religious institutions, which were indispensable to their prosperity, the settlement advanced, and success attended them. Some of the means which they took to secure and perpetuate success appear in their votes. One was an increase of the minister's salary, that his labors may not be lost. Another vote was taken to appoint a committee to see that there should be no disorderly conduct upon the Sabbath. With such vigilance, success attended them. The population, for ten years next following 1742, more than doubled. At Mr. Billing's dismission, April 1 752, there were 50 families or over. The causes which lead to the dismission of Mr. Billing arose from a difference between him and the church, as to the qualifications for church membership. A major city of the church had adopted the system of faith, known at the day, as "the half way covenant." More than forty years previously, a controversy had arisen on this subject between Rev. Increase Mather, of Boston, and Rev. Solomon Stoddard, of Northampton. This controversy had been carried on through the press; many of the New England churches were divided in opinion on the subject, Mr. Stoddard maintaining the “half way covenant " doctrine, Mr. Mather rejecting it. The occasion which raised the difficulty between Mr. Billing and the church at that time was the calling the council at Northampton for the dismission of President Edwards. That council convened, by letters missive, June 22d, 1750; this church received a letter requesting their attendance to sit in council, by pastor and delegate. A majority of the church refused a compliance, alleging as a reason, that they did not agree with Mr. Edwards on this point, (the half way covenant), and voted their unwillingness that Mr. Billing should attend the council. He did however attend, and sat in that council, as appears by their doings, contained in the life of President Edwards. In naming the members of that ever-memorable council, it is said, "The Rev. Mr. Billing, from Cold Spring, was present, without a Delegate." Mr. Edwards was ordained at Northampton as colleague pastor with Mr. Stoddard, Feb. 15, 1727. Soon after his dismission, difficulties arose here between Mr. Billing and the church. Several councils were called. This appears by records, though the nature of the difficulties does not appear by records; yet they do by other writings still remaining. These councils were called between June 1750 and April 1752, when he was dismissed. See note B* at end of the volume. He preached here a few Sabbaths after his dismission the same year. Afterwards, 28th March, 1754, he was installed as the first Pastor of the Church in Greenfield, where he died soon after (1760). He was a native of Sunderland. At the time of his birth, Sunderland was a part of Hadley. He was a graduate of Harvard College in 1731 — settled here (Belchertown) in 1739 — married Miss Lucy Parsons of Amherst, a sister of Rev. David Parsons, the first minister of Amherst in 1741. Rev. Mr. Billing died at Greenfield, about 1757 (1760) ; no record can be found of the exact time of his death. His estate was settled in the Probate Office, in this County ; closed August 1 760, when his widow Lucy was appointed Guardian to four minor sons, Edward, Ebenezer, Jonathan and Ethan, all under fourteen years of age. It is to be regretted that so little can be found, from which even a sketch can be drawn of his life and character. I have never found a person that knew him, and have sought in vain the monument to tell me where his body lies. Traditionary history imputes to him unusual energy of character, ardent zeal and devotedness to the work in which he was engaged. *There is nothing to be found on our church or precinct records, stating the nature of the difficulties that existed between Mr. Billing and the church, which lead to his dismission. I have in my possession, manuscripts one hundred years old, handed down from father to son, casting some light on this subject. A presentation of it is in the following document, under date of 1750: " In as much as many are endeavoring to destroy y Rev. Mr. Edward Billing's character, and prevent his being useful and serviceable to ye souls of our fellow men, we think ourselves obliged to let y world know ye following things, namely : that y rise and ground of y fierce contention at Cold Spring with Mr." Billing, was his differing sentiments from most of ye church with respect to y qualifications for y" enjoyment of y two sacraments, upon y account of his holding that none but visible Christians or saints were to be admitted to ye special ordinance. A great clamor was Taised in this part of the country, and church meetings were frequently called to prepare ye way for Mr. Billing's dismission ; and at last y° church and pastor agreed in passing ye following vote : ' The pastor and church at Cold Spring, being divided in their sentiments with regard to y qualifications which give a right to 'full communion' in y" church, when convened at ye meeting house, y° 2d Tuesday of September, 1 750, voted to call a Council, in a convenient time, to consider and give advice with regard to their difficult circumstances, resulting from y" above mentioned different sentiments. Voted, at a church meeting, 9th of October, 1 750, y1 y" business of y" Council, whenever called, shall be this, viz : to endeavor to accommodate the difference between pastor and church, and if the endeavors prove ineffectual, then proceed to determine whether pas tor and church, being of different sentiments as above mentioned, be a reasonable ground for separating them'." The Council convened, but I can find no result specified of their doings. The differences of opinion as to qualifications for the enjoyment of the two sacraments were not reconciled. I can find nowhere the point of difference between Mr. Billing and a majority of the church specifically stated, or the thing claimed by one party, and denied by the other. We have seen (page 16 and 17), that those embracing the half-way, covenants, admitted persons to baptism and to the church, as being in " a state of education," and upon a moral sincerity; yet did not admit them to "full communion" — that in form the church had distinct covenants, one for those thus admit ted, and one for such as were admitted to full communion. From all the sources of information that have come within my reach, I infer that Mr. Billing did not fellow ship this practice, or believe it to be scriptural. It is clear to my own mind, that Mr. Billing maintained that none should be admitted into covenant relation to the church, or entertained as members in any sense, but such as professed experimental religion. Such a faith as the half-way covenant churches required of those that were admitted to "full communion" — that none but such had any right, on their own account, to participate in the ordinances of the church. This question did not touch the right of infant baptism upon the faith of parents, but applied to those only who on their own account sought the privileges of the church, without any profession of experimental religion. I have found no evidence that this question which disturbed the peace of the church in Mr. Billing's day, and caused his dismission, was ever a disturbing subject after the settlement of Mr. Forward. The Articles of Faith adopted at his settlement, were those of the Reformation, and such as have ever been held by the church since. Other trials, however, were visited upon the settlers. The war between England and France, in which the Colonies were involved, was severe in demands on their time, service, and means of living ; heavy drafts for money and men were made repeatedly. In 1757 a draft was made for forty one effective militia men to go into that service as soldiers. The order was complied with. -"Historical Sketch of the Congregational Church in Belchertown, Massachusetts" FROM ITS ORGANIZATION, 114 YEARS, WITH NOTICES OP THE PASTOES AND OFFICERS, AND LIST OF COMMUNICANTS CHRONOLOGICALLY ARRANGED, TRACING GENEALOGIES, INTERMARRIAGES AND FAMILY RELATIVES. ALSO, EMBRACING NUMEROUS FACTS AND INCIDENTS RELATING TO THE FIRST SETTLERS AND EARLY HISTORY OF THE PLACE. written By HON. MARK DOOLITTLE. NORTHAMPTON, MASS. PUBLISHED BY HOPKINS, BEIDGMAN & CO. 1852.
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