USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > An address delivered on the two hundredth anniversary of the organization of the First Baptist church, Boston, June 7, 1865 > Part 3
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erly and confiding intercourse between these two men, settled as they were in the same vicinity, and in every respect worthy of each other's confidence. "Brother Winchell," said the Doctor, " was the first man who encouraged me to carry written sermons into the pulpit. I had before left my paper at home, and trusted to memory; but, thought I, if the pas- tor of the 'First Church' reads his sermons, I may as well do the same thing. We were never confined to our manuscripts, however," continued the Doctor, "as young men are now-a-days, who appear as if they were speaking to the 'cushion' rather than to the con- gregation." "Some persons," said Dr. Baldwin, speak- ing of Mr. Winchell, "will we hope be saved by sov- ereign grace, but whose natural dispositions are so unamiable, that one could hardly wish an intimacy with them in this life." "It was not thus," he con- tinues, "with my young friend with whom I have been so happily associated. Without deceit or guile, his heart seemed formed for friendship."
Mr. Winchell's declining health compelled him to leave the pulpit several months before his death. On an exchange at Beverly, he preached three ser- mons during the day. This was too much for a well man, and especially for one whose constitution, like his, was naturally feeble. He was immediately taken with bleeding at the lungs, and was never afterwards able to speak in public. He lingered in weakness
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for about six months, receiving constant attentions from his affectionate and sympathizing people. He died February 22, 1820. His invalid wife soon fol- lowed him to the grave. His two daughters are, I believe, still living in the neighborhood of their father's early home. Dr. Baldwin preached on the occasion of Mr. Winchell's funeral, from the appro- priate text, "He was a burning and a shining light."
Francis Wayland, jr., now the Ex-President of Brown University, was the next pastor of the church. As he is present with us to-day, I shall refrain from saying what in other circumstances it would be inex- cusable to omit. Of his eminent services in another field I should not presume to speak. He will pardon me, however, if, on the present occasion, I make at least a brief reference to his connection with this church. It is remembered that the Sermons on the "Duties of an American Citizen," and "On the Moral Dignity of the Missionary Enterprise," were first preached to this people, when the author was, to use their own language, "our pastor." Mr. Wayland was a tutor in Union College when invited to visit this church. He was then comparatively unknown to the Baptists, and the invitation, I have understood, was procured through the influence of his friend and college associate, the Rev. Mr. Wisner of the Old South. After supplying for a month as a candidate, he accepted a call to the pastoral care of the church,
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with the condition that he should not enter upon his labors until after the summer term at college. He was ordained August 21, 1821. The services at the ordination were as follows: Introductory Prayer, by Rev. William Gammel, of Medfield ; Sermon, by Rev. Daniel Sharp, from 1 Cor. xvi. 20. "Now if Timo- theus come, see that he may be with you, without fear, for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do." Ordaining Prayer, by Rev. Francis Wayland, sen., of Saratoga Springs, N. Y .; Hand of Fellowship, by Rev. Lucius Bolles, of Salem; Concluding Prayer, by Rev. Joseph Grafton, of Newton. All the brethren who officiated on that occasion, with the exception of the pastor elect, are now numbered with the dead.
While preaching on probation, Deacons Snow and Loring sought an interview with him, for the purpose of ascertaining, by personal and direct inquiry, who and what he was, his religious character, his views of gospel doctrines, and his thoughts and feelings in reference to the Christian ministry. This visit was not regarded by the candidate as obtrusive on the part of the deacons, but rather as a judicious and wise proceeding, which, if followed, would be likely to secure greater perma- neney in the pastoral relation.
Soon after Mr. Wayland's settlement, he learned that his invitation to the pastorate had not been en- tirely unanimous. A minority was opposed to him. They had become attached to another candidate, and
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were disappointed in not having the minister of their choice. They wrote anonymous letters to the new pastor, and in various ways manifested their dislike. They went frequently on the Sabbath to hear their favorite candidate, who had recently become a pastor in a neighboring town. They brought home glowing reports of the sermons they had heard during the day, and told, at the evening meeting, how cordially "that dear, good man " had received them, and how he hoped they would come again. I have had opportunity to learn how young Wayland met these early trials. The anonymous letters never were heard of, except by con- fession of the writers. The matter of going out of town, however, was regarded by the officers of the church as a public offence, and they proposed, in church-meeting, that the offenders should be subjected to discipline. Against this, the pastor protested. "If any one of his hearers," he said, "preferred the preaching of another man, by all means, let him be gratified. He would have no persons compelled to sit under his ministry. On the contrary, as these members were poor, and the walk tiresome, he thought the church ought to hire a car- riage for them, and started a subscription himself for that purpose. This put an end to the practice, and also satisfied the demands of discipline. The deacons, however, were very strongly set against the proposed exchange of pulpits. There were objections, they said, to the minister himself, and probably still greater objec-
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tions, on their part, to the idea of gratifying these capricious members. Mr. Wayland, however, was per- sistently kind. I have understood that this was the only occasion on which the pastor ever came in direct collision with his official advisers. The deacons opposed the exchange. He insisted that it should be made, and carried his point. No difficulty afterwards arose. These straying members, so loving and so beloved, seemed satisfied, and never asked their pastor afterwards to repeat the courtesy.
An incident occurred, in the experience of one of these disaffected persons, which I will relate, as nearly as I can, in his own words. He was then a young man, and now a most worthy deacon of a Baptist Church. " I had no doubt," he said, " that Mr. Way- land's thoughts were deep, but I could not understand them. I did not feel edified. I ventured one day to go to his house and tell him so. Instead of giving me a rebuke and sending me home, as I deserved, he invited me into his study, and, taking me by the hand, said, I had done right in coming to him. Then, don't you think, he told me his religious experience. 'I wished to preach,' he said, 'when the Lord converted my soul, but I felt unfit, and so I studied medicine. Something, however, still said, Wayland, you must preach. Christ has been gracious to you, and you must tell others of his love. I could not resist this impression, and I try to preach,- poorly enough, I
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know. I have been called to this church, and here I am. Now, my young brother, what shall I do? I don't wish you to sit under my ministry if I do you no good. I shall not blame you if you go to hear Mr. Sharp, or Dr. Baldwin. Indeed, I advise you to do so. They are both good men.' And then he proposed prayer ; by this time my throat began to swell, and my eyes to water, and I cried, and we both wept together. After this, I loved him. I did not go to Mr. Sharp's, nor to Dr. Baldwin's. From that time to this, it has seemed to me that Mr. Wayland was the best, the plainest, the most edifying preacher I ever heard."
Mr. Wayland resigned his charge, against the wishes and much to the surprise of the church. His salary was insufficient, and he was too humble, or more likely too proud, to ask to have it raised. In this he thinks he did wrong. He ought, he says, to have coun- selled with the deacons, and given the church an op- portunity to retain him, if they chose. He thinks, also he made a mistake in leaving the ministry for the po- sition he has since occupied. In this opinion he may be right,- his heart, we know is,- and it would doubt- less have been better for the church if he had re- mained. But the alumni of Brown University, and the friends of " Moral Science " and " Intellectual, Phi- losophy," and certainly one of his successors in the pastoral office, who has found a comfortable home here for over a quarter of a century, will probably regard
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the mistake, if such it be, as one of those evils, out of which the Lord " still educes good."
Dr. Wayland was followed in the pastoral office by the Rev. Cyrus P. Grosvenor, who was installed in January, 1827. Mr. Grosvenor was an able preacher, and a man of undoubted honesty. He continued with the church ' nearly four years. He is now residing in England, and cannot therefore be present with us to-day. Should the words I am now uttering meet his eye, let them assure him that he is kindly remembered by his friends in Boston. There are persons now in the church, and others gone to heaven, who gratefully recognize him as their spiritual father. His early pleadings for the oppressed, and his continued reputation for moral integrity through all the vicissitudes of a now pro- tracted life, entitle him to the tribute of respect which is most cheerfully accorded him on this occasion. It was during the ministry of Mr. Grosvenor, and prin- cipally through his exertions, that the old meeting- house on Stillman Street was abandoned, and a new one erected at the corner of Hanover and Union Streets, where the church continued to worship during a period of twenty-five years, and where the first sixteen years of my own pastorate were passed.
Rev. William Hague succeeded Mr. Grosvenor. He was installed February 5th, 1831. He remained with the church six years, when he resigned to take charge of the First Baptist Church in Providence, R. I. The
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congregation was greatly enlarged under Mr. Hague's ministry. The young people gathered around him with enthusiasm and formed themselves into a Bible class under his instruction. The union of popular talent with an ingenuous spirit commanded the affection and con- fidence of all. It was a sore trial to the church that, without any adequate cause, he should leave them in the midst of these brightening hopes. Nor is is yet appar- ent that he, any more than they, was made the better for the change. But Christians, like fond parents, are forgiving. He loves to visit this, his early home, and he knows he is always welcome. We are happy that he is once more settled in our immediate vicinity, and trust we shall have him with us to the end of life.
" Oh, more than blest that now, His wanderings through, His anchor falls where first His pennons flew."
My own ministry with this church commenced the first Sabbath in August, 1837, - that is, as a candi- date, be it understood; for I was a stranger and a sojourner at first, as all my fathers were. I accepted an invitation to the pastoral care on the 17th of September following, and the services of installation occurred on the 27th of the same month.
In tracing the history of the church thus far, I have given prominence to the pastorate. In order to have a correct view, it is needful to notice the influ-
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ence of other agencies. And first of the Deacons. They are designed to be an efficient element of strength. They are the official counsellors of the pastor. They are to look after the temporal affairs of the church, superintend benevolent operations, and should be chiefly responsible in all matters of discipline. The Deacons have a difficult and some- what perilous service to perform. No officer needs more grace, in every sense of the term, than a deacon. Brought into close relations with pastor and people, he is very liable to incur the suspi- cion of both. If there are difficulties in the church, he is generally charged with the blame, and no doubt sometimes deserves it. Of all church mem- bers, a bad deacon, ignorant, malicious, obstinate, is the very worst. But this is not their character as a class. My own comfort as a pastor, and whatever of peace and prosperity the church has enjoyed during the last thirty years, are attributa- ble in a very great degree to the influence of kind and judicious deacons. The names of such men as James Loring, John Sullivan, S. G. Shipley, and Jo- seph Urann are held by us, and ever will be, in most affectionate remembrance.
The influence of the Sexton should not on this occasion be overlooked. His office is not generally considered so dignified or spiritual as that of a dea- con; but a right discharge of its duties is by no
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means an unimportant agency. Father Winslow, who officiated in this capacity from the time of Stillman down to the period of my own pastorate, had an in- fluence which was felt through the church and so- ciety, and in every apartment of the house of God.
The old meeting-house on Stillman Street, where the disciples went as in a fresh and green pasture and beside the still waters, was, in his estimation, the very beauty of Zion. He watched the grounds and the building, outside and in, with religious vigilance ; and woe to the luckless wight who maliciously or thoughtlessly obtruded upon the sacred enclosure. Mr. Winslow was a gentleman of the old school ; wore his queue, talked of "masters and apprentices," and the revolutionary war, and had a perfect vener- ation for Dr. Stillman and the First Baptist Church. He sometimes gave advice to his pastor, and was very decided in his opinions, and I may add was generally in the right. He was strictly conscien- tious, and, though blunt in his expressions, had a genuine kindness of heart. Two other excellent brethren, who have sustained this office under my own ministry, have passed away. One of them, a beloved and useful member of the church, died within the last year, soon after his appointment. The other officiated in this capacity for over ten years, from the time our present house of worship was erected until his death. I can truly say of
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this brother," "He was my helper in Christ Jesus." Having access to me at all times, and hearing of whatever was said or done among the people, - much that the pastor ought to know and still more that he ought not to know, - he yet never betrayed my confidence, never uttered a word that gave me disquietude, but aided me most essentially by timely cautions, by his uniform cheerfulness and good-na- ture, and by frequently giving me the names and residences of persons needing pastoral attention.
I shall be only following Scripture example, if I refer to another class of agencies: "the honorable women not a few," the Marys, the Marthas, the Eliza- bethis, the Hannahs, whose influence in the prayer- meeting, the social circle, and works of benevolence, is efficient and cheering as the morning light.
Some have left us for the spirit land, whose names I shall not repeat. They are remembered for their modest worth, their genial spirit, their true heart.
I can only allude, among other agencies, to the Sabbath school, the Bible class, the devotional sing- ing. All these belong to the History of the Church, and even they are only the outer court of the tem- ple. There is an inner sanctuary, an unwritten his- tory, individual experiences, silent communings with heaven, the conflicts and the triumphs of faith, the joy of hope, the comforts of the Holy Spirit, the vis-
ยท Ebenezer Carter.
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ions of immortality which eye hath not seen nor ear heard. These are the life of the soul, and the most effective power of a Christian church.
Having spoken of the pastors and prominent events in the history of the church, allow me to refer briefly to some features in its general character; and, first, its patriotism. It has always been true to the coun- try, - not merely during the late national conflict, but in those early times when they were tempted to feel otherwise. It was owing, as we have seen, to the presence of the king's commissioners, that the original members. of this church ventured to form themselves into an organized body, and hold public meetings. Our brethren improved their opportunity, and gladly availed themselves of their own rights. But not in a single instance, nor for one moment, were these early Baptists untrue to the struggling colony, or indiffer- ent to the general welfare. William Turner, one of the original members of the church, afterwards a captain in the Indian war, fell a martyr at Bloody Brook, while fighting for the colony, which would not allow him to find what here he sought, "free- dom to worship God." And at a later day, in 1776, when our churches were still compelled by law to support another denomination, - a policy which was really more tyrannical and provoking than either the tea tax or stamp act, - what course did the Baptists pursue ? They were irritated, no doubt. They were
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not insensible to their own wrongs. They hated mo- nopolies. They remonstrated from pulpit and press. They sent a delegation to the first Congress to have their wrongs redressed and their rights protected, and sent in vain. But notwithstanding all this, when the colonies were oppressed by the mother country, the Baptists, without a dissenting voice, or a faltering hand, identified themselves with the common cause, and were among the most decided and earnest for Amer- ican Independence and the Revolutionary War.
Another feature in the character of this church is its conservatism in religion. It has been true to its early faith. The brief and comprehensive articles adopted two hundred years ago are its creed to this day, and I hope will be through all coming time. We believe in progress to be sure, but not in going be- yond the incarnate Redeemer, or the teachings of Inspiration. The highest possible improvement, in knowledge and spiritual culture, is but pressing to- ward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
This church has been kind to its pastors. Most of them sustained the relation until death, and those who resigned during life acted in nearly every in- stance against the wishes of the people, who yet felt only pain at parting, and hoped to meet again.
It has also been true to its own denomination. It is bound to its brethren by cords of love. Baptist
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churches, Baptist history, Baptist institutions, are all ours. The Newton Institution, Brown University, the Missionary Union, and other kindred associations, be- long to us and we to them. We are all one family. If one member suffers, the others suffer with it, and if one member rejoices, the others rejoice with it.
Allow me to name another feature that has distin- guished this church from the beginning, namely, Christian courtesy. The spirit of soul-freedom we inhaled with our earliest breath. With a great price others have obtained this liberty; but we were free born. It is a sacred legacy. We ought to know its extent and import. It is not enough that our own privileges are secure. We shall have parted with our birthright if we ever fail to accord to others the liberty we claim for ourselves, or attempt to coerce their faith, either by the arm of power, or, by what is still worse, the language of denunciation and abuse.
L BRETHREN AND FRIENDS: We enter upon the third century of our existence in circumstances of unusual interest. Our beloved country, after passing through the fiery trial of civil war, now stands before the nations regenerated and free, with no chains for human limbs, and no fetters for the human con- science; no established church, and no dissenters ; no "standing order," and no schismatics; no govern- ment emissaries, suspiciously prowling about the place
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of our religious assemblies ; nor any apprehensions that the doors of the sanctuary will be again nailed up by order of the "Great and General Court." We have, I believe, the good will of our fellow-citizens, and, what is of great importance to a Christian church, "we are at peace among ourselves." Our two hun- dredth anniversary finds us, also, enjoying a refresh- ing season from the presence of the Lord. While we are gratefully paying a deserved tribute to the mem- ory of the fathers, the Lord our God is graciously permitting us to welcome our children and youth, the hope of Israel, to our bosom. While thus we hallow the past, we are cheered by the brightening future, and trust, that HE WHO HAS LED US THUS FAR, WILL CONTINUE HIS PRESENCE AND BLESSING TO THE END OF TIME.
ORDER OF SERVICES AT THE
TWO HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY
OF THE
First Baptist Church, Somerset Street, Boston,
JUNE 7, 1865,
COMMENCING AT 3 O'CLOCK, P. M.
ORDER OF SERVICES.
VOLUNTARY ON THE ORGAN, BY B. J. LANG, ESQ. ANTHEM,
BY A SELECT CHOIR UNDER THE DIRECTION OF PROF. S. B. BALL.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS AND PRAYER, BY WILLIAM HAGUE, D. D., FORMER PASTOR (from 1831 to 1837)
ORIGINAL HYMN,
BY S. F. SMITH, D. D. READ BY D. C. EDDY, D. D.
Nurtured by Heaven with grace and gifts, Loving and true and free, The church of God its head uplifts, Like some fair ancient tree.
The sturdy trunk defies the tooth Of all-consuming Time, As verdant with immortal youth As in its early prime.
The spreading boughs, the fibrous roots On every side extend ; With grateful shade, with precious fruits, 1 The beauteous branches bend.
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The tempest's wrath, the wintry chill, In vain their conflicts wage, Like plants beneath the sheltering hill, It lives from age to age.
Church of Immanuel, sacred tree, Planted by hands divine, - Though centuries pass, its life shall be Coeval, Lord, with thine.
READING SCRIPTURES,
BY REV., ROBERT W. CUSHMAN, D. D.
PRAYER,
BY FRANCIS WAYLAND, D D. FORMER PASTOR (from 1821 to 1826).
ORIGINAL HYMN,
BY S. F. SMITH D. D., READ BY REV. PHINEAS STOWE.
While centuries pass with solemn tread, And kingdoms sink, the church remains ; From life's immortal fountain fed, - A light, whose glory never wanes.
Where are the fathers ? Once they stood, With fervent faith, with armor bright ; - Now gathered with the sons of God, As stars at morning melt in light.
Here have they worshipped ; here they died, And here their fallen mantles rest ; Though gone from earth, their works abide, Like sunset glory in the west.
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The censers from their hands we take, And wave the hallowed incense still ; They sleep in death, - their children wake, The lamps with golden light to fill.
Head of the Church ! our all, our Guide, - We own thy power, we sing thy grace ; Still to new conquests thou shalt ride, And added centuries speak thy praise
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE,
BY ROLLIN H. NEALE, D. D., PRESENT PASTOR (installed Sept. 27, 1837).
PRAYER, BY REV. WILLIAM JENKS, D. D.
ORIGINAL HYMN,
BY S. F. SMITH, D. D., READ BY REV. WARREN RANDOLPH, D. D.
Oh, sing to the praise of the Saviour above ! Unchanging his wisdom, immortal his love ; Extolled be his mercy and hallowed his name, Who dwelt in the pillar of cloud and of flame.
His hand through the desert has guided our way, - Our shelter by night, and our glory by day ; The fathers are garnered, at rest in the grave ; But Jesus still triumphs, almighty to save.
The harvests are waving as waves the ripe grain, Fruit once sown in tears, of the centuries twain ; The billows no more beat with furious shock ; The Church safely stands on its basis of rock.
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More ages, still following, their circuit shall run, More gems like the crown which our Saviour has won ; More trophies of grace to the Church shall be given, Then echo its Jubilee anthem in heaven.
BENEDICTION, BY THE PASTOR.
The following Hymn was sung at a pause during the delivery of the Discourse.
God is the refuge of his saints, When storms of sharp distress invade; Ere we can offer our complaints, Behold him present with his aid.
Loud may the troubled ocean roar ; In sacred peace our souls abide, While every nation, every shore, Trembles, and dreads the swelling tide.
There is a stream whose gentle flow Supplies the city of our God ; Life, love, and joy still gliding through, And watering our divine abode.
That sacred stream, thine holy word, Supports our faith, our fear controls ; Sweet peace thy promises afford, And give new strength to fainting souls.
Zion enjoys her Monarch's love, Secure against a threatening hour; Nor can her firm foundation move, Built on his truth, and armed with power.
INTRODUCTORY REMARKS,
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