History of Durham, Connecticut - From the First Grant of Land in 1662 to 1866 #228234

On the other hand, Durham, a derivative town, settled more than sixty years, or more than two generations later, in more quiet and less heated times, resembled the secondary formations of Geology, which are composed of the fragmentary contributions from the primary, under the working of gentle forces. In the primary formations of Geology, there is more that is grand, striking, and peculiar, in the scenery. In the secondary formations, there are more of the elements of fertility, and a richer outgrowth of vegetation. In the primitive Towns mentioned, the spirit of dissent was rife, nearly as much so, in some cases, as when the settlers left England. Parties arose, measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing them selves among themselves, requiring legislative interference in order to settle their religious differences. Secessions took place from the Churches and from the Towns, for the purpose of forming other Churches and other Towns, where the favorite opinions and measures of the seceders might prevail.