He began his studies during the American Revolution, and served as a minuteman, and was present, at the battles of both Lexington and Bunker Hill.

He graduated from Harvard in 1778 and subsequently taught, studied theology and spent three years as a missionary in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia.

In 1785, he settled in Worcester, Massachusetts as pastor of the Congregational church, and remained in the same post until his death in 1839.

During the middle of his life his theological views leaned toward Arminianism and by his advocacy of liberalism he became a noted leader in the early period of the Unitarian schism.

[4] Although president of the American Unitarian Association, he adhered to the name and system of Congregationalism until his death in Worcester, Massachusetts.