USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Declaration of faith, with the church covenant and list of members of the Rowe Street Baptist Church, Boston, constituted July 16, 1827 > Part 1
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Gc 974.402 B65boro 1822087
N. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01095 4136
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Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/declarationoffai00unse
THE
DECLARATION OF FAITH,
WITH THE
CHURCH COVENANT AND
LIST OF MEMBERS,
OF THE
ROWE STREET BAPTIST CHURCH, 1
BOSTON.
CONSTITUTED JULY 16, 1827. RY .
WBERRY
FIFTH EDITION.
BOSTON: GOULD, KENDALL AND LINCOLN. 1848.
1822087
-BOSTON. ROTE STREET BAPTIST CHURCH. p 28441 .1
The declaration of faith, with the church covenant and list of members, of the Rowe street Baptist church, Boston. Constituted July 16,
1827. 5th edition. Boston, Gould, 1843. 71p.
NL 36-2907
.3771
-
BOSTON : Dickinson Printing-House . . . Damrell & Moore, 52 Washington Street. 5
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHURCHI.
ABOUT the year 1820, the subject of establishing a new Church in Boston, more central than either of the others, began to engage the attention of a few Baptist friends. Partly with this view, and partly to provide gospel instruc- tion in a destitute vicinity, meetings for prayer and public worship were instituted in the eastern part of the city, and continued for several years, with various degrees of en- couragement. In August, 1821, was formed " The Baptist Society for promoting morality and piety in Boston," which, in October, 1828, assumed the name of the "Bos- ton Baptist Evangelical Society." By this Society, meet- ings were maintained in a convenient hall over the Ship Market, in Purchase Street, supplied by Mr. E. Lincoln and others, till the Rev. R. W. Cushman was engaged, who, for a number of months, regularly occupied the sta- tion. In April, 1826, the spacious Julien Hall, in Milk Street, was procured, where the meetings were continued till they were removed into the meeting-house.
Early in 1825, active measures began to be taken toward erecting a meeting-house, in which a cordial interest was taken by the pastors and members of the three churches. After several preliminary meetings by a few friends of the undertaking, a general meeting was held, at the Lecture Room of the Second Baptist Church, to consult on the
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subject (Dr. Baldwin presiding), at which it was unani- mously voted to procced immediately to ercet a central house of public worship.
On the 25th of Sept., 1826, the corner-stone of the present edifice (86 feet long, by 74 wide) was laid, ac- companied with appropriate religious services. The whole structure was reared without the least injury occurring to any of the builders.
The preexisting churches cach appointed committees, at the request of the Building Committee, to meet and unitedly deliberate on the measures proper for forming a church. Various steps were taken toward this object, by these united committees, and the third Thursday in May, 1827, was appointed for a meeting of all those members who felt it their duty to embark in this enterprise. The pastors of all the churches were present, to aid by their counsels and prayers. At length, 65 brethren and sisters cordially united in the work, who were, on the 16th of July, constituted into a Christian church. The meeting- house was opened on the 18th of July, 1827. [Sce Bap. Mag. 1827.]
Until about this time, the brethren had not been able to fix their minds on any minister as their spiritual guide ; and this fact had added much to the sacrifice made by such as had given themselves to this cause. The present pastor, at that time General Agent of the American Sun- day School Union, having visited this city on the business of that Society a few weeks before the constitution of the church, became known to the brethren, and was invited, Aug. 29, 1827, by a unanimous call, to the care of the Church and Society. After returning to the city to learn the path of duty by a few weeks' residence among the people, the invitation was accepted October 16, and he entered upon his labors November 13, 1827.
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Among the early additions to the church were a num- ber of persons residing in that part of the city called South Boston, where meetings had been maintained by the " Evangelical Society," from the time when their efforts in relation to this church terminated. These persons were, on the 28th of August, 1828, empowered, in con- junction with a committee of three brethren, to hold church meetings for business on their side of the bridge. Their place of meeting proving too small, the members of this church and congregation, assisted by a few other friends, erected a meeting-house, 72 feet by 57, which was dedi- cated July 22, 1830, in which are regularly maintained the stated ordinances of the gospel. The divine blessing evidently descended on this branch of the church, not only in peace and edification to the members, but in the con- version of souls, and growth of the congregation. On the first of March, 1831, it was deemed expedient that these members be formed into a church. The measure was adopted with perfect unanimity, and 55 brethren and sis- ters were affectionately dismissed to constitute the " South Baptist Church of the City of Boston."
Up to the present period, the most perfect harmony has existed, not only in the bosom of this church, but between it and the sister churches of the city. The gracious pres- ence of the Master of assemblies has, at every step, at- tended the little band who ventured this important under- taking. The additions to the Church have been large and continual, and consist, in a great degree, of persons who have not been accustomed to attend a Baptist place of worship. An affectionate and harmonious congregation entirely fills the house, and many who wish to worship there are not able to obtain a place.
BOSTON, MARCHE 10, 1831.
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In resuming the narrative, and carrying it onward for the space of nearly six years, we have to record events of a more checkered aspect.
In the spring of 1831, our pastor's health became so much impaired that a voyage to Europe was deemed requisite. During his absence of eight months, the fruits of his faithful and affectionate ministration exhibited them- selves in a most interesting revival, which embraced a large proportion of the most prominent young persons in the congregation.
Soon after his return, with partially improved health, he, with his church, was called upon to mourn the death of his two most efficient auxiliaries. Mr. Ensign Lincoln, whose active and constant exertions are identified with the origin and support of the Society, died Dee. 2, 1832. The Society may justly be said to be indebted to his fostering care for its survival through the precarious period of in- fancy. He was a resource in every emergency. He par- ticipated affectionately and acceptably in the labors of the pulpit, and in the pastoral care. He was the main, be- cause the constant supporter of the social meeting. To him the pastor might always resort for prompt and prudent counsel, and willing personal service. He made religion . his glory; and perhaps no man has ever died more uni- versally acknowledged a consistent professor and a devoted Christian.
Mrs. Lydia M. Malcom, wife of the pastor, died Jan. 15, 1833. This was a severe deprivation to both pastor and church. The energy and ability with which she managed every concern in which it was proper for her to engage, were remarkable; and her precept and example were worthy of all imitation. Her labors in the Sabbath school, and her active interest in the education of the
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Blind, and in the establishment of Infant Schools and Maternal Associations, will be long remembered.
Further chastisement seemed to await the already lan- guishing piety of the church. An affection of the vocal organs silenced the public instruction of our pastor, and resulted, after a suspense of more than a year, in his ask- ing a dismission from his pastoral charge. This was sor- rowfully, though cordially granted, in September, 1835, under the conviction that, in an appointment which was immediately tendered him to visit the missionary stations in the East, God had provided for him a most extensive field of usefulness, combined with the most promising course for the complete restoration of his health.
In October, 1835, a unanimous call was extended to the Rev. George B. Ide, of Albany, to become the pastor. This invitation was accepted, and he was installed Dec. 30, 1835. Under his faithful labors, the waning prosperity of the Society seems to have been stayed : the harmony of the church remains unbroken, and nothing seems wanting but humility and devotedness in its members to insure the presence and operation of the Holy Spirit, and to cause it to be with us as in times past, when the candle of the Lord shone in our midst.
JANUARY 1, 1837.
In the autumn of 1837, Mr. Ide received an invitation to become the pastor of the First Church in Philadelphia, under circumstances which, in connection with the ill health of' his wife, induced him to accept it. Ile accord- ingly resigned his charge over this church in December, but consented to continue his labors a few months longer. An interesting revival succeeded, and, before his departure,
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in the April following, upwards of sixty were added to the church by baptism.
After invitations to several candidates, who successively declined, in consequence of holding offices in public insti- tutions which they could not feel it their duty to resign, the Rev. Handel G. Nott, with hesitation, accepted a call, in March, 1839, and entered immediately upon his labors, and was installed May 23, 1839. After faithfully laboring one year, and judging that the indications to continue were not decisive, he, in the Christian temper which character- ized all his labors and intercourse, tendered his resignation, which, upon due deliberation, was accepted.
For a series of years, accessions of families to the con- gregation had been very few; while large draughts had been made on it by removals from the city, and by new churches formed in the city about this time. In March, 1839, thirty-one members, many of them heads of families, were dismissed to unite with others in forming the Boylston Church ; and, in the following April, thirty-one were dis- missed at the formation of the First Baptist Free Church. In the autumn of 1839 the building of the church in Bow- doin Square was undertaken, to which many of the most influential and wealthy families remaining, contemplated giving their support; and in September, 1840, nineteen were dismissed to that interest.
Under such deductions in power and numbers, and the attractions of new interests around us, the temporal con- cerns of the church and society assumed a discouraging aspect. These, together with the natural consequences of a frequent change of the pastor, tended to induce despond- ency, which, however, yielded to united efforts for self- preservation.
In July, 1840, the Church and Society united in a most cordial and earnest invitation to the Rev. Wm. Hague,
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formerly pastor of the First Church in this city, to be- come their pastor. He acceded to their wishes, and en- tered upon his labors in September. May God grant that the humility and fidelity of the church may be such as not to arrest the success which has attended his labors else- where, and which already begins to be indicated in our midst.
JANUARY, 1841.
In the winter of 1842, a general attention to the subject of religion prevailed throughout the city, and unusual numbers were added to the churches. But either because the cost had not been counted, or still more probably, be- cause of the unfaithfulness of the Church, too few became zealous Christians, and many turned back to the world; and a period of apathy ensued which has remained almost unbroken to the present time. In these vicissitudes this church participated to a partial extent.
In consequence of the rapid extension of the city, the business part had reached the region where the meeting- house was situated; and all the dwellings in the vicinity were converted into warehouses; so that, as one after another of the congregation disappeared by removal and other ordinary causes, none were near to supply their places. The difficulty of sustaining the interest, under a still existing debt upon the house, consequently became greater and greater; while at the same time, and from the same cause, the value of the estate was enhanced.
Under these cireminstances, it was deemed advisable to dispose of the house, with a view of removing to some more eligible location. Accordingly, April 4, 1844, the Proprietors' Committee was authorized to make sale of
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the estate, with the understanding that the avails, after the payment of debts, should be employed in the erection of a place of worship elsewhere. It was soon disposed of, and public worship was held in the house for the last time, on the 23d of February, 1845; after which it was soon demolished. It stood on the west side of Federal Street, near the corner of Milk Street.
The site of the present house, in Rowe Street, was at length obtained, and a liberal subscription was made, in the hope of erecting a substantial and appropriately de- signed edifice, unencumbered by debt. The corner-stone was laid on the morning of April 27, 1846, the house was dedicated April 7, 1847, and occupied on the next Sabbath. It is of the pointed Gothic style of architecture, built of dark-red sandstone, and finished interiorly with black walnut. It is 96 by 66 feet in extent, having a tower at the corner, surmounted by a spire rising to the height of 175 feet above the sidewalk. It contains 158 pews. The organ, made by Appleton, is of superior tone, contains 32 stops, and is situated in the front angle corre- sponding to the tower.
By an Act of the Legislature, the name of the Society was subsequently changed to the "Rowe Street Baptist Society," and the Church adopted the corresponding name.
During the interval of twenty-two months, until the completion of the Lecture Room, in December, 1846, the Society regularly held worship once or twice each Sabbath, in Amory Hall and the Melodeon; and during the whole period, the commodious Lecture Room of St. Paul's (Epis- copal) Church, was most kindly and liberally granted for the business and devotional meetings of the Church.
A few months after entering the new house, the pastor became convinced that the state of his health required an entire suspension of ministerial labors ; and he consequent-
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ly sent an unconditional resignation of his charge, much to the surprise and regret of his people. An unqualified vote was immediately passed by both Church and Society, that Mr. Hague be requested to retain his connection, and to take such time as he might judge necessary to rečstab- lish his health. To this he assented; and now, after an interval of six months, during which the pulpit has been most acceptably supplied, we have the pleasure of seeing him resume his labors. We have also the gratifying con- viction, that entire and unequivocal harmony exists in all the relations of Church and Society; we would almost venture to say, individually, as well as collectively.
JANUARY 1, 1848.
1
DECLARATION
OF
FAITH AND PRACTICE.
IT having pleased the Lord to put it into the hearts of a number of persons to erect a new house for his worship, which has been accomplished under circumstances pecu- liarly harmonious and pleasing, and with evident tokens of the propitious smiles of the Great Head of the church, we feel it an incumbent duty, with a view, as we trust, to the glory of the rich grace of the Redeemer, which we hope we have experienced, and to the extension of his kingdom among men, and with the friendly advice and consent of the churches to which we belong, to associate and covenant together in the bonds of Christian fellowship, under the name of the Federal Street Baptist Church of Christ in Boston. And knowing, that, as with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, so with the mouth confession is made unto salvation, we deem it suitable to make the fol- lowing declaration of our views of divine truth : -
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men di- vinely inspired, and is a perfect rule of faith and practice.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness ;
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that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17. 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. 2 Pet. i. 21.
See also 1 Pet. i. 10, 11. 2 Sam. xxiii. 2. Acts i. 16, and iii. 21 and xxviii. 25. Heb. iii. 7, ix. 19, x. 15.
We believe that the Bible teaches, among others, the following all-important truths : --
1. The existence of one only living and true God, infi- nite in every natural and moral perfection; and that he has made himself known to his people under the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; the same in essence, and equal in every divine perfection.
The first of all the commandments is, Ilear, O Israel ; the Lord our God is one Lord. Mark xii. 29, 32. For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Tim. ii. 5. Remember the former things of old ; for I am God, and there is none else ; I am God; and there is none like me. Isa. xlvi. 9. For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the gov- ernment shall be upon his shoulder ; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Isa. ix. 6. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John i. 1. All men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son, honoreth not the Father which hath sent him. John v. 23. I and my Father are one. John x. 30. Go ye, there- fore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Matt. xxviii. 19. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost : and these three are one. 1 John v. 7.
See also Ex. xx. 1-3. Ps. xcv. 3. 1 Cor. viii. 4. 2 Cor. xiii. 14. 1 John i. 3.
2. That man was created holy; but, by violating the law of his Maker, he fell from that state, and from all communion with God; and as, by divine appointment, Adam was the representative of all his posterity, we in
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him became dead in sins. So that by nature, we are in- disposed to all good, and inclined to all evil, and are chil- dren of wrath, and subjects of death, and of all other miseries, temporal and eternal.
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God ereated he him ; male and female created he them. Gen. i. 26, 27. God hath made man upright ; but they have sought out many inventions. Eccl. vii. 29. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did cat ; and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked ; and they sewed fig-leaves together, and made themselves aprons. Gen. iii. 6, 7. The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it ; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores ; they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. Isa. i. 5, 6. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become un- profitable ; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. For all have Binned, and come short of the glory of God. Rom. iii. 12, 23. And as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind ; being filled with all unrighteousness, for- nication, wickedness, eovetousness, maliciousness ; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity ; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful ; proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedi- ent to parents, without understanding, covenant-breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful ; who knowing the judg- ment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Rom. i. 28-32. For the wages of sin is death ; but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. vi. 23. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornica- tions, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man. Matt. xv. 18-20.
See also Gen. vi. 5, and viii. 21 Ps. xiv. 1-3. Rom. xi. 32. Gal. iii. 22. James i. 15. Rev. xxi. 8.
3. That the only way of salvation from this state of
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guilt and condemnation is through the righteousness and atonement of Jesus Christ; who, as the good Shepherd, laid down his life for his sheep; and that those only, who receive the gift of repentance and faith in him, will be finally saved by his atonement.
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities ; the chastisement of our peace was upon him ; and with his stripes we are healed. All we, like sheep, have gone astray ; we have turned every one to his own way ; and the Lord hath laid on him the ini- quity of us all. For the transgression of my people was he stricken. By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many ; for he shall bear their iniquities. He hath poured out his soul unto death ; and he was numbered with the transgressors ; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Isa. liii. 4-12. Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people, and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting right- eousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most IIoly. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself. Dan. ix. 24, 26. I am the door : by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy ; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good Shepherd ; the good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father ; and I lay down my life for the sheep. John x. 9, 10, 11, 15, Neither is there salvation in any other ; for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. Acts iv. 11, 12. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. But God com- mendeth his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were ene- mies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign, through righteousness, unto eternal
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life, by Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. v. 6-21. For the wages of sin is death ; but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. vi. 23. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Even the righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all them that believe. Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins ; - that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Rom. iii. 21-26. He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth not, is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life ; and he that believeth not the Son Shall not see life ; but the wrath of God abideth on him. John iii. 18, 36. Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke xiii. 3. See also Acts v. 31. John v. 24, and vi. 40, and xx. 31. 1 Pet. i. 8,9.
4. That all who ever have been, or will be brought to repentance and faith in the gospel, were chosen in Christ to salvation before the foundation of the world; and that, in consequence of the eternal love of God to them, through the atonement, the Holy Ghost is sent to effect the work of regeneration in their hearts, without which regenerating influence, none would ever repent or believe.
The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love ; therefore with loving-kindness have I drawn thee. Jer. xxxi. 3. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain. John xv. 16. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world ; thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. John xvii. 6. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy, 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. In whom also we have obtained an inher- itance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who
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