USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Confession of faith, and covenant, also a brief history of Union Church, Essex Street > Part 1
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org.
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7
Gc 974.402 B65bou 1822069
N. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00084 1624
£
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/confessionoffait00unio
CONFESSION OF FAITH,
AND
COVENANT.
ALSO
A BRIEF HISTORY
OF
UNION CHURCH, ESSEX STREET,
PRINTED FOR THE USE OF THE MEMBERS. Tr'L. NEWBERRY LIBRARY CHICAGO
BOSTON : PRINTED BY PEIRCE AND WILLIAMS. 1830.
1822069
1:
Boston. Essex street church.
D 28441 . 063 Confession of faith and covenant, also a brief history of Union church, Essex street ... Boston, 1830.
Boston, 1852.
SHELF CAND
1057-both copies NL 31-4104
Je Verreck
1
CONFESSION
AND
COVENANT
OF
CHURCH UNION
ESSEX STREET
BOSTON
THE NEWBERRY LIB TRY CHICAGO
£
BRIEF HISTORY
OF
UNION CHURCH.
THIS Church, originally composed of ten individuals regularly dismissed from Essex Street Church, and two from the Church in Halifax, Mass. was organized June 10, 1822, by an Ecclesiastical Council, called for that purpose.
Soon after, application having been made for assistance, by this infant Church, to the Old South and Park Street Churches, and the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom seeming to require that aid should be afforded,-several · members after very serious deliberation, consented to a separation from their beloved Pastors and brethren, and were united with this Church, on the 26th August, 1822 : on which occasion, to mark the transaction and for the purpose of a distinct designation, the name of Union Church was adopted. At the same time, Deacon Nathan Parker, by whose pecuniary aid, chiefly, the meet- ing house in Essex Street had been erected, conveyed by deed the house, and land upon which it is built, to a board of Trustees, for the use of Union. Church ; to be occupied for the worship of the one living and true God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While these measures were in progress, a very liberal subscription was made by the brethren of
4
Old South, and Park Street Churches, to enable the Church to call and support a Pastor.
On the 12th Nov. 1822, the Church unanimously made choice of the Rev. Samuel Green, of Reading, to become their Pastor ; who signified his acceptance, by letter, February 8th, 1823, and was installed March 26th following.
During the years 1823 and 1824, the Evangelical Con- gregational Churches in this city were favored with the 'special effusions of the Holy Spirit, which resulted in very considerable accessions of members to the respective churches, in both which this church liberally participated. As an expression of gratitude to God and to extend the means of evangelical instruction in the city, many members of Old South, Park Street, and Union Churches, in Jan. 1825, united in the erection of a new house* of wor- ship in Hanover Street : and on the 18th of July fol- lowing, Hanover Church, composed of members dismissed from the bosom of the above Churches, was organized, to occupy the house when completed. To this object Union Church furnished six members.
Another season of revival followed in IS26 and 1827; and as the fruit of these seasons of spiritual prosperity, during the year 1827, two new houses of worship were erected in the same manner as before ; and also two new Evangelical Churches, Pine Street and Salem, were or- ganized at the same time, September 2, 1827, composed, principally, of members dismissed with cordial affection from Old South, Park Street, Union, and Hanover Churches. On this occasion this Church parted with
* Burnt February 1st, 1830.
5
seventeen members. Since the commencement of the present year, 1830, there has been unusual seriousness among the congregation, and a considerable number of hopeful conversions.
The subject of sacred music has engaged, to some extent, the attention of the church. They consider it the duty of all, possessing the requisite natural talents, to cultivate them, and to unite in the music of the sanc- . tuary.
On the subject of the use of Ardent Spirit,-the Church unanimously resolved, on the 28th of March, 1827,-" That we will not use ardent spirit ourselves, nor permit its use in our families, except for medical pur- poses."
By vote of the Church, one third of the collections at the communion seasons is appropriated, to constitute a fund, for the support of such families of the Pastors of this Church, as may need charitable assistance; and the other two thirds, for the use of the poor of the Church.
The Table annexed, will shew that the whole num- ber of members belonging to the Church in 1822, was 28; Added since, up to June, 1830, by letter 129; by profession 238 ; Total 395. Dismissed 55 ; de- ceased 21 ; and excommunicated 4; Present number 315.
PASTORS. Rev. Samuel Green, installed March 23, 1823. DEACONS.
Nathan Parker and James Melledge (for the time be- ing) 18th June, 1822, permanently Dec. 11, 1822.
Josiah Vinton, Jr. Dec. 25, 1822.
John Gulliver, Sept. 23, 1825. Ordained Nov. 25, 1825.
*1
6
FORM OF ADMISSION.
ADDRESS.
Beloved Friends,
You have presented yourselves before God, and his people, and the world, to make a solemn profession of your religious faith, and to take upon you the bonds of the everlasting covenant ; We trust you have well con- sidered the nature of this transaction, the most solemn and momentous in which a mortal can ever engage, and that you are prepared, by divine grace, to give yourselves away, as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
Having examined and assented to the articles of faith adopted by this Church, you will now profess the same before these witnesses.
CONFESSION OF FAITH.
(ACCOMPANIED BY SCRIPTURE PROOFS.)
ARTICLE I.
You believe there is one, and but one, God, the Cre- ator, Preserver, and Governor of the universe ; a Being self-existent, independent, and immutable; infinite in power, knowledge, wisdom, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.
7
The Being and Perfections of God.
I am the Lord, and there is none else ; there is no God besides me. The Lord is the true God, he is the living God. God is a spirit. And God said unto Moses, 1 Am that I Am. The eternal God is thy refuge. I am the Lord, I change not. Do not I fill heaven and earth ? saith the Lord. Known unto God are all his works from the beginning of the world The Lord God omnipotent reigneth. One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Thou art good and doest good, To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Losts Righteous art thou, () Lord! and upright are thy judg- ments. The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion. Thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth. Is. 45. 5. Jer. 10. 10. Jn. 4. 24. Ex. 3. 14. Dt. 33. 27. Mal. 3. 6. Jer. 23. 24. Acts, 15. 18. Rev. 19. 6. Eph. 4. 6. Ps. 119. 68. Rom. 16. 27. Is. 6. 3. Ps. 119. 137. Ps. 145. 8. Is. 25. 1.
ARTICLE II.
You believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God ; that they contain a complete and harmonious system of truth ; and that they are a perfect rule of doctrinal belief and reli- gious practice.
Inspiration of Scripture.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man ; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth. But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. Ye do err, not knowing the Scrip- tures. To the law and to the testimony ; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book : and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. 2 Tim. 3. 16. 2 Pet. 1. 21. 1 Cor. 2. 13. Gal. 1. 11, 12. Matt. 22. 29. Is. 8. 20. Gal. 1. 8. Rev. 22. 18, 19.
ARTICLE III.
You believe that God is revealed in the Scriptures as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and that these three are one, and equal in all divine attributes.
8
The Sacred Trinity.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. The Lord (the Holy Ghost) direct your hearts into the love of God, (the Father) and into the patient waiting for Christ. Elect accord- ing to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. And God said, Let us make man in our own image, after our likeness. Matt. 28. 19. 2 Cor. 13. 14. 2 Thess. 3. 5. 1 Pet. 1.2. Gen. 1. 26.
Christ is God.
Who, (Christ) being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God. For unto us a child (Christ) is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. In the beginning was the Word, (Christ) and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. I and my Father are one. And Thomas answered, and said unto him, (Christ) my Lord and my God. But unto the Son he (the Father) saith, Thy throne, O God, is forever and ever; a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. This (Christ) is the true God and eternal life. Whose are the Fathers and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, (Christ) whichis, and which was, and which is to come, the Almigh- ty. Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, and to day, and forever. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. And he said unto hini, Lord, thou knowest all things, thou knowest that I love thee. For by him (Christ) were all things created that are in heaven and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers ; all things were created by him, and for him ; and lie is before all things and by him all things, consist. And- he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the judge of quick and dead. That all men should honor the Son even as they honor the Father. And again, when he bringeth in the first begotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And every creature which is in heaven and on the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing and honor, and glory, and power, be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, (Christ) forever. And they stoned Stephen, calling npon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. Phil. 2. 6. Is. 9. 6. Jn. 1. 1. Jn. 10. 30. Jn. 20. 28. Heb. 1. 8. 1 Jn. 5.20. Rom. 9.5. Rev. 1.8. Hieb. 13. 8. Matt. 18. 20. Jn. 21. 17. Col. 1. 16, 17. Acts 10. 42. Jn. 5.23. Heb. 1.6. Rev. 5. 13. Acts 7. 39.
The Holy Ghost is God.
But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thy heart to lie to the Holy Ghost ? Thou hast not lied unto man, but unto God. Except a man be born of water, and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of
9
man, but of God. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God. Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you ? What ! know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you ? Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of Truth, is come. he will guide you into all truth For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what ye ought to say. And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dov . upon him. For the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. Whither shall I go from thy Spirit ? The Spirit of God hath made me By his Spirit he garnisheth the heaven. Els-where the Holy Ghost is called the eternal Spirit, the Spirit of wisdom and knowledge, the Spirit of prayer"-the Spirit of power, the Spirit of holiness. the Holy Spirit, and the Comforter. We are baptized in his name, and prayer is of- fered to lum in the apostolic benediction. Acts 5. 3, 4. Jn 3 5 Jn. 1. 13. 2 Tim 3. 16. 2 Pet. 1 21. 1 Cor. 3. 16. 1 Cor. 6. 19. Jn. 16. 13. Lk. 12. 12. Lk. 3. 22 1 Cor. 2. 10. Ps. 139. 7. Job 26. 13 Job 33. 4.
ARTICLE IV.
You believe that God made all things to show forth . His own glorious perfections ; that known unto Him are all Ilis works from the beginning ; that He governs all things according to the counsel of Ilis own will; and that the principles and administration of His government are perfectly holy, just, and good.
God's Glory the highest Aim.
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power, for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created. For of him, and through him, and to him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Whether, therefore, ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God. The Lord hath made all things for himself; yea, even the wicked for the day of evil. Rev. 4. 11. Rom. 11. 36. 1 Cor. 10. 31. Prov. 16.4.
God's Counsels, Purposes, and Decrees.
Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be hely and without blame before him in love. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. To the praise and glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the Beloved. Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure, which he nath purposed in hinself. In whom also we have ob- tained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and bath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habita-
10
tion. Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass. And truly the Son of inan goeth as it was determined, but wo unto that man by whom he is betrayed. Him being delivered, by the determinate counsel and fore- knowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and slain. For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed both Herod and Pontius Pilate. with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together, for to do whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel de- termined before to be done. hev. 4. 11. Rom. 11. 36. 1 Cor. 10. 31. Prov. 16. 4 Is. 46. 10. Eph. 1. 4, 6, 9, 11. Acts 17. 26. Job 14. 5. Luke 22. 22. Acts 2. 23. Acts 4. 27, 28,
ARTICLE V.
You believe that God created man holy, and that he fell from his happy state by sinning against God ; that in consequence of the fall, mankind are by nature destitute of holiness and alienated from God, and so continue until regenerated by the special influences of the Holy Spirit.
And God said, Let us make man in our image. after our likeness. So God created man in his own image (moral likeness) in the image of God created he him. Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright ; but they have sought out many inventions. Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men. for that all have simed. By the offence of one judgement came upon all men to condemnation. By one man's disobedience, many were made (constituted) sinners. Gen. 1. 26, 27. Eccl. 7. 29. Rom. 5. 12, 18,19
Unrenewed Men, dead in Sin and Enemies of God.
But I know you, that ye have not the love of God in you. For I know that in me, (that is, in my flesh) dwelleth no good thing. Because the car- nal mind is enmity against God ; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then, they that are in the flesh cannot please God. The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked ; who can know it ? And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. What then ? are we better than they ? No, in no wise ; for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin. As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one. There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. They are all gone out of the way, they are altogether become unprofitable ; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. Behold, I was shapen in iniquity ; and in sin did my mother conceive me. Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean ? not one. What is man that he should be clean ? and he which is born of a woman that he should be righteous ? That which is born of flesh is flesh, (carnal in its views, feelings and affections,) and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit, (spiritual in its views, feelings and affections.) For the im- agination of man's heart is evil from his youth. The wicked are estranged
11
from the womb ; they go astray as soon as they be born, speaking lies. Foolishness (wickedness) is bound in the heart of a child. For I know thou wouldst deal very treacherously, and wast called a transgressor from the womb. Eph. 2. 1. Jn. 5. 42. Rom. 7. 18. and 8. 7, 8. Jer. 17. 9. Gen. 6.5. Rom. 3. 9-12. Ps. 51.5. Job 14. 4. and 15. 14. Jn. 3. 6. Gen. 8. 2I. Ps. 58. 3. Prov. 22. 15. Is. 48.8.
In a State of Condemnation.
And were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. The soul that sinneth it shall die. The wages of sin is death. And these (the wicked) shall go away into everlasting punish- ment. Eph. 2. 3. Gal. 3. 10. Ezek. 18. 4. Rom. 6. 23. Matt. 25.46.
ARTICLE VI.
You believe that the Son of God became incarnate, and by his obedience, sufferings, and death, made a full atonement for sin, and thus opened the way for the salva- tion of all who believe on Him; and that such repentance as arises from supreme love to God, and such faith in Jesus Christ, as includes an affectionate submission to Him, and reliance upon Him for pardon and eternal life, are the in- dispensable conditions of salvation.
Christ in his Divine Nature, God ; in his Human Nature, Man.
In the beginning was the Word, (Christ) and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word, (which was God,) was made flesh, and dwelt among us. Who, (Christ,) being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God ; but made himself of no repu- tation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the like- ness of men. For in him (Christ) dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. Behold a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son, (Christ) and they shall call his name Immanuel, which, being interpreted, is, God with us. And without controversy, great is the mystery of godli- ness; God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. The Jews answered him (Christ) saying, For a good work we stone thee not, but for blasphemy, and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. John 1. 1, 14. Philip. 2. 6, 7. Col. 2. 9. Matt. 1. 23. 1 Tim, 3. 16. John 10. 33.
Atonement for Sin by the Death of Christ.
But ye are come-to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant. Jesus said unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is
12
none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Thus it is written, and thus it behoved ( brist to suffer, and to rise from the dead the thir day : nda that repentance and remission of sins should be preached m his name among all nations. For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Without shedding of blood is no remission. And if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous : and he is the propitiation for our sins ; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. Ye were not redeemed with cor- ruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of ( hrist, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot ; who verily was foreordained be- fore the foundation of the world. While we were yet simmers Christ died for us. Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation. The I.ord is well pleased for his righteousness sake; he will magnify the law and make it honorable. Heb. 12. 22 24. John 14. 6. Acts 4. 12. 1Tim 1. 15. Luke 24. 46, 47. Matt. 26. 28 Heb. 9. 22. Jolin 2. 1, 2. 1 Pet. 1. 18-20. Rom. 5. 8. Rev. 5. 9. Is. 42. 21.
Faith in his Blood essential to Salvation.
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness, for the remission of sius that are past, through the forbearance of God, to declare I say at this time, his righteousness, that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoso- ever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Rom. 3. 25, 26. John 3. 16.
ARTICLE VII.
You believe that the invitations of the Gospel are full - and sincere, that all who' will may come and partake of the water of life freely; but that mankind do of their own accord most freely and most wickedly refuse to comply with these conditions, so that none of them do come, unless drawn by the special influences of the Holy Spirit.
God's Invitations to Sinners are most sincere and gracious.
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters. As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Him that com- eth to me, I will in.no wise cast out. Make you a new heart and a new spirit : for why will ye die ? Isaiah 55. 1. Ezek. 33. 11. John 6. 37. Ezek. 18. 31.
Regeneration by the Holy Spirit necessary.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except
13
a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Follow peace with all men ; and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcis- ion, but a new creature. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God ; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you ; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Which were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Not by works of righteousness, which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost. John 3. 3. Heb. 12. 14. Gal. 6. 15. Rom. 8. 7. 1.Cor. 2. 14. Ezek. 36. 26. John 1. 13. Titus 3. 5.
ARTICLE VIII.
You believe the influences of the Holy Spirit are not bestowed on account of any previous merit in the sinner, but as the free gift of God. But that these influences are ordinarily so connected with the careful use of means, as imposes the most solemn obligation to attend upon them, and renders hope of conversion in the neg- lect of means, or while living in sin, eminently presump- tuous.
How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard ? I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath or doubting. If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures ; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord. Ask, and it shall be given you ; seck, and ye shall find. Strive to enter in at the strait gate. The kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent (the earnest and determined seekers) take it by force. Rom. 10. 14, 1 Tim. 2. 8. Prov. 2. 4, 5. Matt. 7. 7. Luke 13. 24. Matt. 11. 12.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.