USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Concord > Half century discourse, delivered November 16, 1828, at Concord, Massachusetts > Part 3
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* If any would know the rise and progress of the doc- trine of the Trinity, let them read the notes to Dr. Lowell's sermon, on the Trinitarian controversy, preached at Denuis, at the ordination of Rev. D. M. Stearns.
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the Father only." And since our Lord has declared . our limited knowledge of him as the Son of God, it seems to me presumptuous to affirm that of him, which is not plainly revealed, or that he is what he expressly denies. If, therefore, the charge of heresy, or error, on this subject, attaches to any sect of Christians, it does to that which attributes to Jesus Christ a rank, dignity, and mode of existence not revealed in the holy scriptures.
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On other doctrines, such as the early apostacy of man,-moral human depravity,-regeneration, that is, a moral change of heart and life in sinners in order to happiness and heaven,-the need of divine influence to effect that change,-justification through faith in Christ to all who repent and obey the Gospel,- Jesus Christ the minister of reconciliation to God and the meritorious agent and medium of mercy to pen- itent sinners,-charity and holiness as necessary to the happiness of heaven,-a judgment to come by the Son of God, when the wicked will go away into everlasting punishment, and the righteous into life eternal,-on these and similar doctrines, I have been full in believing and constant in preaching. As I have advanced in life, and ought to have made improvement, I have meant to convey my ideas in better language, and in a more rational and scriptural manner. It has seemed to me the dictate both of reason and duty to aim at keeping pace with the improvements of the age, that I might gain the attention and meet the reason- able desires of the rising and more enlightened gen- erations.
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The style and manner of ordinary ministers, forty or fifty years ago, would now be very dull, if not disgusting to many of our younger hearers. We know it is often found true, that aged persons are dissatisfied with young preachers, and the young, with old ministers. An endeavour to prevent this disadvantage and to benefit the aged and the young, as long as we may be able, implies no change of re- ligious sentiments.
But allowing that there has been such improve- ment in theological studies and real advancement in the knowledge of the Scriptures and Gospel doctrines, as appear to be, or really are, alterations of opinion, it is what might be expected ;- it is the reasonable result of the proper use of superior advantages ;- it is what the justly celebrated and Rev. John Rob- inson expected and foretold. When that godly man took his leave of that part of his church which came from Holland and landed at Plymouth, he gave them with his fervent prayers, the following affectionate and enlightened counsel.
" Brethren, we are now quickly to part from one another ; and whether I may ever live to see your faces on earth any more, the God of heaven only knows. But whether the Lord have appointed that or no, I charge you before God, and before his blessed angels, that you follow me no farther than you have seen me follow the Lord Jesus Christ. If God reveal any thing to you by any other instru- ment of his, be as ready to receive it, as ever you were to receive any truth by my ministry ; for I am verily persuaded, I am very confident, the Lord hath more
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truth yet to break out from his holy word. For my part, I cannot sufficiently bewail the condition of the reformed churches, who are come to a period in religion ; and will go at present no farther than the in- struments of their first Reformation. The Lutherans cannot be drawn to go beyond what Luther saw : whatever part of his will our good God has impart- ed and revealed unto Calvin, they will rather die than embrace it. And the Calvinists, you see, stick fast where they were left by that man of God, who yet saw not all things.
"This is a misery much to be lamented ; for though they were burning and shining lights in their times, yet they penetrated not into the whole counsel of God ; but were they now living, they would be as willing to embrace farther light, as that which they first received. I beseech you to remem- ber it; it is an article of your church covenant, that you will be ready to receive whatever truth shall be made known from the written word of God. Remember that, and every other article of your sa- cred covenant." After some farther advice on the subject, he closes by saying, " Neither would I have you loth to take another pastor. besides myself ; in- asmuch as a flock that hath two shepherds is not thereby endangered, but secured." This counsel is wise and rational, full of the spirit of the Gospel.
If I were supposed to be a Calvinist when I set- tled, it was because they did not understand Calvin- ism. The creed, which I exhibited at my ordina- tion, was, as I believed and meant, Evangelical,
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and not Calvinistic ; and it was expressed in scrip- ture language, especially on the doctrine of the Trin- ity. Though I was early educated in the principles of Calvin, yet they were not explained to me nor urged upon me : and when I became of age to think and act for myself, I rejected his five points as unrea- sonable and unscriptural. But to preach the Gospel of Christ, that is, to explain and urge its doctrines and duties, was my warm desire and paramount object. And to this work, my conscience bearing witness, I have sincerely and earnestly devoted myself.
Many obstacles, which it is needless to name, have impeded my progress in clerical attainments and use- fulness. Much imperfection has attached to my per- formances ; and from faults I have never pretended to be free. As I have advanced in life, and been more exempted from hindrances, I have attended more exclusively to the duties of my office. Labours abroad, as far as was consistent, I have put off, that I might give more undivided attention to my people. Desired success has not attended my protracted min- istry ; yet I have not been without encouragement. Much evil may have been prevented, though much good may not appear to have been actually done. Since my settlement, 364 persons have been added to the church in full communion; 445 have made a profession in order to baptism, and 1533 have re- ceived baptism. Two years only, and those not in succession and during the American revolution, have passed without some addition to the church. The present number of communicants is 13S. (The new
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.Trinitarian church have taken from us 7 males and 16 females.) *
Some alterations have been made in the manner of admission to baptism, and a new church covenant was formed, soon after my ordination, as the records will show. A new form became necessary, as that used by my predecessor was carried with him on his last journey and lost.
This town has been remarkable for having from the first only one sect of Christians, and one meeting house at a time, until lately another sect and anoth- er house have risen up. The reasons for this, we have judged to be insufficient. Of the causes which have produced that new society, and of its number, state, and prospects, I shall say nothing at this time. As in its rise I devoutly committed the case to God, so I continue to leave it in his hands. But I should
* One person only has been excommunicated ; and this was for gross immoralities, and after long suspension and repeated admonitions. She supposed herself converted, to use her phrase, at twelve years of age, under the ministry of Mr. Bliss. Until she became advanced in life, and at the time of her excommunication, she was confident of her carly conversion, though she did not pretend to repentance or reformation. She said, and on this occasion appeared to believe, " that she re- ceived a spark of grace, when she was twelve years old, that she could never lose it, and that it would revive again before she should die, otherwise she should go distracted." It is a lamentable truth, that she gave no evidence of repentance while she lived. Let this warn us not to depend upon any religious impressions or experiences that are not followed by a good and godly life. It appears from her own words, that her particular belief prevented the salutary effects of the sol- emn discipline of the church.
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do injustice were I not to express my warm approba- tion of the candour and peaceable disposition which this society has exhibited towards that.
There has been but one period of noticeable reli- gious excitement during my ministrations in this place. And I cannot say it was really beneficial in its effects. Evidence did not appear that its fruits were equal to its first promise and our hopes. Whether any person was added to the church or made really better in consequence of it did not appear. It seem- ed to me on reflection, to be more a work of man than of God,-more the effect of human passions and policy than of divine influence. I was disap- pointed and humbled, but gained, as I thought, some useful instruction and firmer resolutions to trust in God for the revival of pure religion, while we sin- cerely use the means which he has appointed. But though we have not witnessed such religious commo- tions as have existed in some other places, yet I be- lieve we have possessed and exhibited as much real religion, and that many have been turned from the ways of sin to the ways of wisdom, and cordially reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. That we might see and enjoy a general reformation, and exten- sive revival of pure religion, in this place, has long been my earnest prayer and endeavour. And that I may witness and be instrumental of such a revival to the spiritual and eternal benefit of my beloved peo- ple, is the strongest tie to the present life which I am conscious of feeling.
It has pleased God to continue to me life and strength in this place longer than to any of my pre-
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decessors. My hearers have been and still are wit- · nesses how far and in what manner I have obeyed the apostolic injunction, " Preach the word in scason and out of season ; rebuke, reprove, exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine," both in public and in private. But the whole truth, on this subject, whether for or against me, will never be fully known by any of us, till "we shall stand before the judgment seat of Christ." If then I shall be able to say, Here am I Lord, and the numerous flock thou didst commit to my charge,-how sublime the joy! how glorious the condition ! how boundless the grace !
But it is time, my brethren, to inquire how you have heard and received and obeyed the Gospel that has been so long preached to you. Some of this congregation have heard me fifty years. Not less, I believe, than 2500 sermons have been written and delivered by your pastor,* and many of them repeated, and not a few re-written. How have the aged im- proved under this long course of religious instruction ? Many of this assembly have been baptised, catechis- ed, and instructed by the speaker, for whom he has cherished affectionate concern and earnest desires that they might be truly religious and forever happy. How have you profited by the stated administration of the word? Has preaching had with you its proper, its de- signed effect? 'Though a considerable number of per- sons have emigrated from this town, and this society,
* When I had written 1500 sermons, I ceased to number them. The last numbered, is dated June 14, 1812. But I have continued to write new sermons to this day, whenever time and health would permit ; and this is still my purpose.
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. yet as many, or more, have come to us and joined with us ; but the greater part of this congregation, I believe, have heard my preaching ever since they at- tended public worship. And what real religious ben- efit are you conscious of having received ? We be- lieve that preaching the Gospel is an institution of Christ ; and that it is well adapted to convey religious information,-to explain and enforce duty,-to enlight- en and impress the minds of men on the great subjects of religion and future salvation. And if it be an appoint- ment of Christ, it is our indispensable duty and high privilege to hear it. Have you heard to any lasting advantage? Are you any better disposed to the duties of life, and more prepared for heaven by what you have heard? Notwithstanding all the imperfection of ministers and their method of preaching, if the truths of God's word have been officially set before you, in an intelligible manner, you were bound to hear and obey. Ministers "are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did besecch you by us" to be reconciled to Him,-to believe and submit to his Son. The ac- count, then, which you must give, at the great day, how you have heard and received and improved the overtures of pardon and peace that have been made to you and urged upon you, must be very in- teresting and solemn. Now you are addressed by men of like passions with yourselves. But then you will be called upon by the appointed Judge of mankind, whose knowledge not a thought can escape,-whose authority none can dispute, -whose power none can resist. How much, then, it concerns you, my dear flock, to consider and examine how you have heard
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.and improved the long course of preaching and relig- ious instruction here administered !
When I think of the final judgment, where minis- ters and their people will all meet,-and I shall behold all who have been committed to my care, I am filled with a solemnity and pressed with a concern that I cannot express ! My own account rises before me with awful interest, even with the hope that it will be found joyful ;- and the now unknown condition of my beloved people,-the uncertainty on which hand of the Judge they will appear, hangs upon my mind and heart with a weight of hope and fear not to be described ! My feelings, on this subject, are not lowered nor cooled by the consideration that my oppor- tunities with you are fast drawing to a close. " After a little while, I shall go whence I shall not return." Nothing that I am conscious of, short of the divine approbation and presence, would render the approach of death so welcome and pleasant, as the knowledge, -the evidence, that you, my charge, " beloved and longed for," were become real christians, blessings in the world and heirs of glory forever. " Where- fore I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things, though ye know them, and be established in the present truth. Yea, I think it meet, as long as I am in this tabernacle, to stir you up, by putting you in remembrance; knowing that shortly I must put off this my tabernacle .- Moreov- er, I will endeavour, that you may be able, after my decease, to have these things always in remembrance. For we have not followed cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and com- ing of our Lord Jesus Christ."
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You are expecting, my hearers, and, I trust, will patiently and gratefully receive a few words of coun- sel, not only in respect to duty in general, but more especially respecting your situation and conduct, when my labours and life shall cease.
I do entreat and counsel you, my brethren, to real- ize and deeply consider the everlasting truth and im- portance of revealed religion. If Christianity be true, it is an infinite truth; if it be false, it is an infinite falsehood, which we are not able to unravel or comprehend. We are thrown back into a terrible abyss of uncertainty,-into "darkness that may be felt." But Christianity is true ;- we do not for a moment admit the contrary supposition. Christian- ity is amply proved to be the truth of God by inter- nal and external evidence,-by its professed design, -its sublime doctrines,-its holy nature, tendency, and effects ;- " by many signs, and wonders, and miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost." This heavenly religion meets the exigencies of man, exalts and purifies his intellectual and moral nature, satisfies his vast desires, blesses him in solitude and in society, sanctifies all his powers, and directs them to the di- vine Author of his existence and the imitation of the Saviour, and thus transforms him into the divine like- ness : it does more, it animates him in duty, com- forts him in trouble, illumines his prospects into futu- rity, sustains him in death, and qualifies him for the ineffable employments and enjoyments of the heavenly world. It is certain that " God spake unto the fath- ers by the prophets," as recorded in the Old Testa- ment, and " in the fullness of time, by his Son,"' as
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related in the New Testament. Our religion is as clearly proved as the nature of the subject admits, and as a pious and benevolent mind can reasonably desire. Attend, then, to this religion in earnest, as a matter of prime importance ; and strive to secure the blessings promised, and to escape the evils threatened.
If I should be continued a few years longer, my strength and faculties will gradually, if not suddenly fail. I shall of course be less and less able to per- form the duties of a teacher and pastor. I do there- fore renew my request for assistance by a Colleague. It seems to me, that "I have served out my time," and that I shall not be censured for desiring more leis- ure and rest than my present charge will permit. Nevertheless, I do not wish to be idle, nor excused from such service as my strength of body and mind will admit. I am willing to wear out in your service.
It is not my desire that you should feel obligated immediately to act on this subject. Consult your own benefit and interest and peace and duty, as well as my relief. But whenever you shall attend to the in- teresting subject of procuring a successor, or assis- tant, to your present pastor, let me counsel you, in the first place, to seek unto God for wisdom and direction, and keep the eye of faith steadily towards him, " who is given to be the head over all things to the church." In the next place, look for a man ot sound piety and sound learning. His piety, that is, religion, will induce a faithful performance of duty ; and his learning will guard him against injurious errors, and " teaching for doctrines the command- ments of men." You need not fear the ministrations
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of a man thoroughly religious and well informed in his profession.
But you must not expect every thing in a young man ; nor that he must preach and pray and con- duct like any of his predecessors. He must be and act himself, and feel no restraint from those who have gone before him in office. And it is my prayer and hope, that, whenever you shall be favoured with another minister, he may be a better, a wiser, a more learned, faithful, and successful pastor than you have had the last fifty years.
But, my dear brethren, take all suitable care to live in love and peace. "Follow the things that make for peace." Keep together as a religious so- ciety, and suffer no trifling considerations to alienate your affections and cause separation. Lay not stress upon human creeds. I am thoroughly convinced that vital religion in any person does not depend on any particular creed, except the Bible. Adhere invari- ably to the Bible, and endeavour to understand it chiefly for the great purposes of practical piety and goodness. In the present improved state of society and learning, you must read and examine for your- selves. If a question of controversy should be press- ed upon you, be sure to read on both sides, before you make up your mind upon it. Your minister will cheerfully aid you in understanding the scriptures and all your duty to God, to your fellowmen, and to yourselves.
I shall not presume to dictate to you respecting the religious tenets of a successor. This does not appear to me to be my duty or my right. An attempt
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to bind you after my departure would be unreasona- ble and arrogant. You are to hear and judge for yourselves, and to make your election in the belief that you are nearly and forever interested in the trans- action. My earnest desire is, that he may be a min- ister of the Gospel in theory and practice,-that he may firmly believe and teach and practice the relig- ion of the Bible. Whether he shall understand this or that passage of scripture precisely as I do, or as many others do, I consider of little or no importance. Let him enjoy the same liberty of inquiring and judging for himself, which you justly claim for your- selves. If, however, he shall profess and practice contrary to what you honestly believe to be the word and will of God, you may, perhaps ought, to seek a remedy, a separation. But in doing this, be calm, orderly, consciencious, and look to Heaven for direction.
" Now the God of peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work, to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. AMEN."
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The names of the Deacons of this Church at and since the Ordination of the Rev. Daniel Bliss.
WHEN CHOSEN.
Joseph Dakin, Unkown.
Samuel Miles,
do.
Samuel Meriam,
do.
Samuel Heywood,
do.
Samuel Minot,
May 30, 1744.
Ephraim Brown, do.
Amos Heald, Oct. 24, 1751.
Left town Jan. 4, 1774.
Thomas Barrett,
Feb. 18, 1766.
David Wheeler,
June 16, 1766.
Simon Hunt,
June 16, 1766.
George Minot,
Aug. 3, 1779.
John White,
Dec. 6, 1784.
William Parkman, Nov. 20, 1788.
Joseph Chandler, June 30, 1791.
Resigned, by reason of age, Dec. 8, 1814. Resigned by reason of
a Cancer, and died Jan. 19, 1813. 64
Thomas Hubbard, April 30, 1812.
Francis Jarvis,
do.
do.
Reuben Brown, Jr. March 3, 1827.
Cyrus Hosmer, do. do.
WHEN DIED. AGES.
March 13, 1743. 75
Oct. 11, 1758.
77
2
June 1, 1764. unknown Oct. 28, 1780. 63
March 17, 1766.
60
Oct. 9, 1788.
78
June 20, 1779.
72
March 24, 1784.
77
Dec. 13, 1790.
87
April 12, 1808.
66
Joined Trin. church, Nov. 12, 1826.
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