USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > The declaration of faith with the church covenant and list of members of the Federal Street Baptist Church, Boston, constituted July 16, 1827 > Part 1
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Gc 974. 402 B65bofe 1822086
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01723 6370
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/declarationoffai00unse_0
THE
DECLARATION OF FAITH,
WITH THE
CHURCH COVENANT
AND
LIST OF MEMBERS,
OF THE
FEDERAL STREET BAPTIST CHURCH,
BOSTON.
CONSTITUTED JULY 16, 1827.
NEWBERRY LIBRARY CHICAGO
Fourth Edition.
BOSTON: GOULD, KENDALL AND LINCOLN.
1837.
Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270
1:
BOSTON. FEDERAL STREET BAPTIST CHURCH. The declaration of faith, with the church covenant and list of members_ 4th edition. 38p.
1822086
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¡ 28441 .068
: D 1837
Boston, Gould, 1837.
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CHLA. CARL
NL 36-2780
028441
1066
WILLIAM S. DAMRELL, Printer, 39 Washington Street.
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BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHURCH.
ABour 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 instruction 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 varions degrees of encouragement. In August, 1821, was formed " The Baptist Society for promoting morality and piety in Boston," which, in October, 1828, assumed the name of the " Boston Baptist Evangelical Society." By this Society, meetings 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 station. 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 in- terest 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 con- sult on the subject, (Dr. Baldwin presiding, ) at which it was unanimously voted to proceed immediately to erect a central house of public worship.
On the 25th of Sept., 1826, the corner-stone of the present editice (56 feet long, by 74 wide) was laid, ac- companied with appropriate religious services. The whole structure was reared without the least injury oc- curring to any of the builders.
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The preexisting churches each 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 conseils 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 15th of July, 1827. [See 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 San- 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, Ang. 29, 1527, by a unanimons 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 16th, and he entered upon his labors November 13th, 1827.
Among the early additions to the church were a nun- 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 per- sons were, on the 25th of August, 1925, empowered, in conjunction with a committee of three brethren, to hold church meetings for busmess 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 67, which was decheated July 22d, 1530, in which are regularly maintained the Stated ordinances of the gospel. The divine blessing evidently descended on this branch of the
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church, not only in peace and edification to the members, but in the conversion of souls, and growth of the congre- gation. 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 sisters 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, MARCH 10, 1531.
In resuming the narrative, and carrying it onward for the space of nearly six years, we have to record events of a more chequered aspect.
In the spring of 1531, our pastor's health became so munch 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 n most interesting revival, which embraced a laige proportion of the most prontinent 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 anxiharies. Mr. Ensign Lincoln, whose active and constant exertions are identified with the origin and support of the Society, died Dec. 2, 1832. The Society may justly be said to be indebted to his fostering care for its simone through the precarious period of in- fancy. He was a re-office in every emergency. He par-
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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 chach. 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 labor- in the Sabbath school, and her active interest in the education of the Blind and in the establishment of Infant Schools and Ma- ternal Associations, will be long remembered.
Further chastisement seemed to await the already lan- quishing 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- rowfally, 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. Geo. 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 und devotedness in its members to ensure the presence and operation of the Holy Spirit, and to cause it to be with us as i times past, when the candle of the Lord shone in our minds!
JANUARY 1, 1537
1
DECLARATION
OF
FAITH AND PRACTICE.
It having pleased the Lord to put it into the hearts of a number of persons to creet a new house for his worship, which has been accomplished under circumstances peenharly harmonious and pleasing, and with evident tokens of the propitions smiles of the Great Head of the church, we feel it an incum- bent 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 king- dom 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 Bed- eral Street Baptist Church of Christ in Boston. And knowing, that, as with the heart man believethe unto righteousness, so with the mouth confession is made unto salvation, ve deem it suitable to make the following declaration of our views of divine truth :
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by mon divinely in pired, and is a perfect rule of faith
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness ; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim. m. 16, 17. For the prophery came not It old time by the will of man, but holy man of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Pet. 1. 21.
See also ] Pet. 1. 10, 11. 2 Sam. xanh. 2. Acts i. G, and mi. 21, and xxvm. 25. Heb m. 7, ix. 9, 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, infinite 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, Hear, O bref, the Lord our God is one Lont. Mark vi. 29, 32. For there is one Gul, and one Mediator between Good and men, the man Christ Jesus. I I'mn. H. 5. Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is none Plod; La Gad, and there is nome like me. I.s. alvi. 9. For unto us'a Child is born, noto ny a Son is given ; and the government shall be upon his almulder ; and his none shall be called Wonderful, Connello, the mighty Good, the merhiding Fa- ther, the Prince of Peace, 1.1. 1.6 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Cial, and the Word was Gel John i. I. All men should hotar the Eigh, men as they long the Father. Ho that benoreth but the Son, honoreth not the Father which hath sent Iam, July 3. 9 .. I and my Father and one, John x. 30. Go ve, there fore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Alatt vaini. It For there are three that hear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost : and they thi o are onr. I Jahn v. a.
See also E.v. a. 1-3. P's. Act. 3. 1 Cor. vim. 1. 2 Con, Min. 14. 1 John 1. 3.
2. That man was created holy ; but by violating the law of his Maker, he fell from that state, and from all comummon with God; and as, by divine appointment, Adam was the representative of all
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his posterity, we in him became dead in sins. So that by nature, we are indisposed to all good, and inclined to all evil, and are children of wrath, and subjects of death, and of all other miseries, tempo- ral and eternal.
And God sind, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. So God created man in his own mage ; in the image of God created be lam; male and female created he them. Gen. 1. 26, 27. God bath made man opright ; but they have sought out many inventions. Feel. vn. 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 thereal and did eat, 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 tig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. Gen. in. 5, 7. The whole head is sick, and the whole heart lant. From the sol . of the foot, even unto the head, there is no soundness in it ; but wounds, und bruises, and putrilying sores ; they have not been closed, neither benal up, neither mollitied with outhunt. Isa. i. 5, 6. They nro all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not une. For all have signed, and come short of the glory of God. Rom. u. 19, 23. And as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprolatte mund ; being filled with all unright. comoment, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness ; full of envy, murder, delate, decent, malignity ; whisperers, back- Inters, haters of God, despitefal, proud, boasters, inventers of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant- breakers, without natural afiction, implacable, unmerciful; who, knowing the judgment of God, that they which cononit such thing, are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Rom. 1. 20-32. For the wages of sim is death ; but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. v1. 23. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulte nie's, fornientions, thefts, false witness, Idasplemies. These are the things which defilen man. Matt. tr. IN eu.
See also Gen. vi. 5, and vit. I. P's. xiv. 1-3. Rem. x1. 32. Cal 1. 2. James 1. 15. Rev. AMI. M.
3. That the only way of salvation from this state of guilt and condemnation is through the right- eousness and at moment of Jesus Christ; who, as the good Shepherd, laid down his life for his sheep; and that those only, who receive the gift of
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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 liko sheep have gone astray ; we have turned every one to his own way ; and the Lord hath land on hun the mini- quity of us all. For the transgression of my people was he strick .n. By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many ; for be shall bear their iniquities. He hath poured out his soul noto death ; and he was numbered with the transgressors ; and he baie the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressores. Isa. I. 4-12. Seventy weeks are determined upon the people, and upon the 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- conguess, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to amount the Most Holy. And after three-score and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself. Dan. ix. 21, 26. I am the dont : by me if any man ruter 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 comm that they might have hfe, and that they nught 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. Julin a. 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. Arts tv. 11, 12. For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. But God com- mendeth his love toward us, in that while we were get sommers, Christ died for us. Much more, then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For it when we were enemies we were reconciled to God, by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall low 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 si bath reigned unto death, even no might grace resga through righteousness, unto eternal 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, vì. 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 Jeans Christ, unto all, and upon all them that help've. lizing just- fied freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus : whum God hath set forth to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood, tu doctor his righteousness for the remission of sms,- that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jeane. Rom. 1 21-94. Hothot bebeveth an him is not condemn ed ; but he that thissuth not, is condemned already, because he bath not lebeved to the name of the only begotten Son of God. Ito that Felevoth on the Sunny bath everlasting life , and he that believeth not the Sun, shall not sea life, but the wrath of God abideth on In.
1L
John iii. 13, 36. Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke xiii. 3.
See also Acts v. 31. John v. 21, 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 regenera- tion 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. SsaL. B. Ve have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that we should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should renmin. John xv. 16. I have manifested thy name nuto the men which then gavest me out of the world ; thing they were, and then 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 as unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. In whom alen we have obtained an inheritance, being predestimated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Iph. i. 4, 5, 11. Elert according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctifi- cation of the Spirit, muito obedience. 1 Pet. 1. 2. For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God, according to election, might stand, not of works, Int of him that calleth ; it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the younger. Rom. ix. 11, 12, 33. For whom he did foreknow, he also did prodestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called ; and whom he called, them he also justified ; and who be justified, them he also glorified. Rom. vijf. 99, 30. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever, even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot reverse, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him, but you know him ; for ba dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless I will come unto you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy tohost, whom the Father will wad in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring off things to your i membrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John sit. 16, 17, 19, 96. But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send afan von from the Nether, even the Spirit
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of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. John xv. 26. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a mon be born again, he cannot see the ling- dom of God. Jahn m. 3. For God, who commandeth the light to shine out of darkness, bath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jest Chest. 2 Cor. i. G. And you bath be quickenel, who were dead in tres- passes and sind ; wherem, in time past, ye walked according to the course of tlas world, according to the prince of the power of the fur, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience ; among whom also we all had our conversation in tines past, in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind , and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is riel in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, bath quickened us together with Christ ; (by grace se are saved;) and bath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Eph. n. 1-6. Who hath saved us, and called us with an baly calling, not accord- ing to our works, last according to las own purpose and grace, which was given ny in Christ Jesus before the world begon. 2 Tun. 1. 9. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, lust uc- cording to bis meres be saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Titus m. a.
See also John xv1, 7-11. Ps. li. 10. John 11. 63. Acts will. I. Rom. vi. 29, and vil 30, and v. 5-7. 1 Cur. n. 10-19. Col. 1. 11-13. 9 Thess. n. 13, M. James 1. 3. 1 Pct. 1. 2.
5. That nothing can separate true believers from the love of God ; but they will be kept by his power, through faith unto salvation.
Yea, he loved the people ; all his saints are in the hand ; and they sat down at the feet, every one shall receive of the words. Dent. xxxii. 3. Sat me as a seal upon the heart, as a seal man tone nem; for love is strong as death. Many waters cannot quench love, bettler can the floods drawn it. Cant. vin. 1, 7. All that the Father giveth me shall come to me. John VELG. I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perisko, neither shall any fuck them out of my hand: My Father, which gave them mi, is greater than all ; and nono is alde to pluck them out of my Father's hand. Jahn x. 28, 29, :30. Being confident of this very thing, that he wlach bath begna a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. 1la1. 1. 6.
Sce also Pa Wrtv1. 47, 24, and cin. 17, and cxxv. 1, 2. Prov. n. S. In liv. 17. Jer ash2 10. John iv. 11, and xml. 7, und avita 2, 3, Judo 1.21
6. That the only proper subjects of the ordi- nances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, are
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professed believers ; and that Baptism is properly administered only by immersion ; and is, by Scrip- ture examples, a prerequisite to commomion at the Lord's table.
Then went out to him all Judea, &c., and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. Bring forth, therefore, fruits meet for repentance ; and think not to say within yourselves, we have Abra- ham to our Father. I indeed baptize you with water anta repent- ance, but he that cometh after me is mightier than I, where shoes I am not worthy to hear ; he shall baptize you with the Holy libest and with fire. Matt. mit. 5-12. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Soul, and of the Holy Ghost. Matt. vavin. 19. Then Peter said auto them, Repent, and he baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of suis, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Gloest. Then they that gladly received his word were bap- tized ; and the same day there were added unto them about three themand words. Acts ni. Br, A. But when they believed Polis preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the Dance of Jonny Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Acts 11. 12. And as they went on their way, they came made a certain water; and the munch said, See, here is water; what doth hunder me to be baptized ? And Philip said, if thou heliosest with all thine heart, then mayget. And he answered and said. I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still; and they went down bath into the water, bath Philip and the ennach; and he lapield lig. And, when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more , and he went on his way regarding. Arte vm. 80, 37, 38, 39. And Jeans, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water. And John also was baptizing in Enon, near to Salon, lecause there was much water there , and they came, and were baptized. John Hi 2 .. Buned with lam in baptism, wherein also yo are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised lom from the dead. Vol. it. 12. The like figure wherenato, even baptism, doch also now save us, not the put- ting away of the fifth of the flesh, lott the answer of a good conscience toward tied. 1 Pot. 0 21
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