Concord Monument Square, Concord

In the 18th century, ministers not only interpreted scripture, but they were also leading members of the community, often the most well-educated, and active in all parts of town life. Rev. William Emerson of Concord was a champion of the idea of political liberty. In this capacity, he delivered remarks to the mustered Minute and Militia companies of Concord on 13 March 1775. Emerson took up the musket himself one month later.

By the spring of 1775, Massachusetts revolutionaries were growing more and more convinced that force was required to settle the matter. But even so, they were reluctant to be the first to do so. The bonds of empire were still strong and most people still very much identified as British. “Let every single Step taken in this most intricate Affair, be upon the Defensive," cautioned Concord's minister, Rev. William Emerson on 13 March 1775. "God Forbid that we should give our Enemies the Opportunity of saying justly that we have brought a civil War upon ourselves, by the smallest offensive Action.” 

Gross, The Minutemen and their World, 108