USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > History of the Old South church (Third church) Boston, 1669-1884, Vol. II > Part 33
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From evidence so abundant, it is to be concluded that not only the redeemed, but also the good angels will be highly benefited by the plan of redemption. And if there are other orders of wise and good beings in the worlds above and around us, - or if such orders should, at any future time, be called into existence, it may be apprehended that the contemplation of the great mystery of the cross, will form a part of their employment; and that the knowledge of God will, in great measure, be communicated through their intercourse with the redeemed. Even the punishment of fallen angels and impenitent men,
1 In the announcement of the service beforehand, it is said: " Appropriate music will be performed by Mr. Mann,
and a select choir of singers, assisted by Mr. Dolliver on the organ."- Col. Cen- tinel, November 6, 1805.
302
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
may be presumed to bear a real though subordinate relation to the primary objects of the mediation ; and including the circumstances of the comparative numbers of these unhappy beings, and the per- petuity of their punishment, must be viewed in the quality of partial evils, admitted for the sake of the general good.1
Sabbath Day 22 December 1805.
A letter was communicated from the Church at West Boston lately under the Pastoral care of the Rev : Dr. Simeon Howard, desiring the presence and assistance of this Church at the Ordination of the Rev : Charles Lowell on the first day of January next.
The Pastor and Deacons, and Mr. Jeremiah Bumstead, were chosen to act on the occasion. JOSEPH ECKLEY.
The first subscriptions to the covenant of the West Church were made with solemn religious services, in the presence of Mr. Prince and Mr. Foxcroft, seventy years, almost to a day (Jan- uary 3, 1736), before the ordination of Mr. Lowell. At the ordi- nation of Mr. Hooper, in 1737, all the congregational churches in the town were represented, and Dr. Colman, Dr. Sewall, Mr. Prince and Mr. Foxcroft took part in the exercises. When Mr. Mayhew was ordained in 1747, only two of the Boston churches were invited -the First Church, and the Church in Brattle Street - and they declined to attend. When Mr. Howard was ordained in 1767, three of the churches in Boston were invited, but the Old South was not one of them. During Dr. Howard's ministry, the relations of the church with the other churches in the vicinity became more intimate than they had been under Dr. Mayhew ; and when Mr. Lowell was to be settled, letters were sent to all the churches in Boston, the Church in Dor- chester, the Church in Brookline, the First Church in Roxbury, and the South Church in Bridgewater, also, to Professor Ware, of Harvard College, personally.
Mr. Lowell was a grandson of the Rev. John Lowell, of New- bury, and a son of the Hon. John Lowell, chief justice of the Circuit Court. He was born in Boston in 1782, and graduated at Harvard College in 1800. His thoughts had from early years turned towards the Christian ministry, but in compliance with his father's desire that he should at least make trial of the law, he entered the office of his older brother, who was already emi-
1 [James Sullivan was president of the Propagation Society at this time and William Phillips, vice-president. Among the members were, Dr. Lathrop, Dr.
Eckley, Dr. Morse, the Rev. W. E. Channing, the Rev. Abiel Holmes, Thomas Dawes, Samuel Salisbury, Dud- ley A. Tyng, and Samuel Hall Walley.]
303
THE REV. CHARLES LOWELL.
nent in that profession, and studied under him for nearly a year. He did not waver, however, in his original purpose; and when it was seen that his heart was steadfastly inclined towards the sacred calling, and that no prospect of worldly success could change him, the opposition ceased. His father died in the spring of 1802, and, a few months later, he went abroad, to pur- sue his theological studies in Edinburgh. Here, he attended the lectures of Dr. Hunter, Dr. Meiklejohn, Dr. Moodie, and Professor Dugald Stewart. He returned from Europe in the summer of 1805, and, after preaching in various pulpits, accepted, in November, a call from the West Church. His ordination took place on New Year's Day, 1806, - "a day without a cloud," as he was happy to recall, fifty years afterward, and he was for- tunate in being able to add, that he had had, during the same period, "a ministry without a cloud." 1 Mr. Porter, of Roxbury, preached the sermon from John xvii. 17: "Sanctify them through thy truth : thy word is truth." Mr. Channing, Mr. Sanger, and Mr. Harris offered prayer ; Professor Ware gave the charge, and Mr. Buckminster, a classmate, the right hand of fellowship.
Writing to Dr. Sprague many years later,2 Mr. Lowell said : -
When I was about to be ordained, I prepared a statement of my theological views, somewhat general, which I showed to my intimate friends, Channing and Buckminster, and I am quite confident, to my friend Dr. Eckley also. At any rate, I had frequent and affectionate intercourse with Dr. Eckley previous to my ordination. In the coun- cil which assembled to ordain me, objections were raised against my making any statement of my views. Dr. Eckley and Mr. Channing. both were in favor of my doing it. Both declared themselves entirely satisfied with the candidate, and ready, so far as they were concerned, to proceed to ordination ; but they thought the practice of reading a statement was a proper one, and ought not on any such occasion, to be dispensed with. They said they felt at greater liberty to urge it, as they had no doubts respecting the candidate for ordination. Among those who opposed the giving in of a statement, and who also declared themselves satisfied, were Dr. Kirkland and Mr. Buckminster. They thought the practice an improper one.8
1 See Mem. Biographies, N. E. Hist. Gen. Society, vol. iv., for a sketch of Dr. Lowell, by his daughter, Mrs. Mary Traill Spence Putnam.
2 December 10, 1853. Sprague's An- nals, vol. ii. pp. 138, 139.
3 [We have a suggestion of a discus- sion in the council, in the following news- paper record : " Petty disputes concern- ing modal questions and opinions spread no glory round their authors; but piety, learning, moderation and taste are im-
304
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
Mr. Lowell's ministry opened with such bright promise, that it was determined by his society to proceed at once to the erec- tion of a new and larger house of worship.1 As soon as this determination was known, invitations were received from the Old South, the New North, the Church in Brattle Street, and the Chapel, asking the society to unite with those congregations, respectively, in Christian worship. "The proceedings of the Old South church and the letter of their minister, the late ex- cellent Dr. Eckley," said Mr. Lowell, in a memorial sermon in 1820, " will serve as a specimen of the spirit which was breathed by them all, and of the union and harmony which at that time subsisted between all the congregational churches in the town."
At a meeting of the Brethren of the Old South Church and Congre- gation, after public service on Sabbath afternoon, the 26th day of January 1806 :-
It being known that the Church and religious Society at West Bos- ton, under the pastoral care of the Rev. Mr. Lowell, contemplated the taking down their present building in order to erect a new edifice for the public worship of God, - and during the time occupied in the undertaking, might be in need of some suitable place for the enjoy- ment of the usual services of religion, - therefore
Voted unanimously, that it would be highly gratifying to this So- ciety, if their brethren of the West Boston Society would meet with them for worship in their house, - the two pastors jointly leading in the public devotions : -
Voted unanimously, that the Rev. Dr. Eckley, and the Standing Committee of this Society, be a Committee for the business of invit- ing the West Boston Society to their house of worship - with assur- ances of their christian esteem, and of the purpose to render the ac-
mortal, and adorn the brows of their possessors with unfading garlands. Suf- fice it to say that the day was a witness of the continued triumphs of religious liberty in New England; that due honors were paid to the illustrious names of Mayhew and Howard; and that the behaviour of the council as a body, of the performers individually, and of the young Pastor and his Flock, respectively, was such as reflected honour on them- selves, and lustre on the religious char- acter and customs of the Metropolis." - Col. Centinel, January 4, 1806.]
1 We have this description of the old meeting - house and its neighborhood from the pen of Dr. Lowell : " It was in
a small wooden edifice - occupying, in- deed, the spot on which we are now assembled, but then standing almost alone in the outskirts of the town, with few buildings between the church and the river -that I preached my first ser- mon here. It had much the aspect, as far as I now remember, of a country church within and without; with a few houses in its neighborhood, and others scattered here and there in the fields, in what was then called New Boston. It was to a parish consisting, I think, of about forty proprietors, and less than a hundred families, that this sermon was preached." - Mem. Biographies, N. E. Hist. Gen. Society, vol. iv. p. 146.
305
THE WEST CHURCH.
commodations during their continuance with them, as agreeable and convenient as possible. By Order,
JOSEPH ECKLEY Minister of the Old South Society.
CHARLES CUSHING Esq.
Chairman of the Committee of the West Boston Society.
These votes were communicated with the following letter :
CHARLES CUSHING Esq. Sir,
With much satisfaction I communicate to you the enclosed votes. Be assured not only of my hearty concurrence in the wish that they express, but of my personal respect and esteem for the religious So- ciety, to which you are requested to present them, as soon as is con- venient. With due regard,
I am, Sir,
Your friend and obedient servant,
JOSEPH ECKLEY.
January 27. 1806.1
Mr. Lowell added to his account that it was more convenient for his society to accept the invitation to worship at the Chapel, where they were received with much cordiality and treated with much kind attention. The new meeting-house was opened for public worship on the next Thanksgiving Day.
At a Meeting of the Proprietors of the Old South Church and Con- gregation in Marlborough Street, April 6. 1806,
Voted, That a Moderator be chosen for this Meeting.
Voted, That Deacon Phillips be Moderator.
Voted, That a Moderator be chosen for the Year insuing.
Voted, That the Hon. Thomas Dawes be the Moderator.
Voted, That Gen. John Winslow be Secretary for the Year insuing.
Voted, That a Standing Committee of nine be chosen to manage the concerns of the Society, five of the Church, and four of the Con- gregation ; on which the following persons were chosen for the Year insuing, vizt. Samuel Salisbury, William Phillips, Samuel Coverly, Joseph Pierce, Nehemiah Somes, of the Church, Gen. John Winslow, William Scollay, Abraham Wild, Andrew Oliver, of the Congrega- tion.
Voted, That a Committee be chosen to examine the Treasurers Ac- counts, vizt. Samuel Salisbury, Benjamin Clark, Col. William Scollay, Joseph Pierce and Gen. Winslow, be the Committee.
1 [This action does not appear on the records of the Old South.]
306
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
Voted, The Singing School be continued for the Year insuing as usual.
Voted, The thanks of the Society be given to the Committee for their past services.
Voted, That the Treasurer be requested and directed to pay to the Rev. Doctor Eckley in addition to his yearly Sallary six hundred and six Dollars 67 Cents, which is equal to twenty five Dollars p Sabbath ; if he is not in Cash, he is requested to Borrow the same.
Sabbath Day April 20. 1806.
The Brethren of the Church met after the public services of the day, to deliberate concerning certain objections which had been made against the conduct of several members of their body, and to deter- mine what measures should be taken on the occasion. It appeared to be the united sentiments of the brethren, that obligation was laid on them to maintain the discipline of the christian Church, as they had hitherto endeavoured to do, agreably to the rules of the Gospel. The persons complained of had been conversed with in private by several members of the Church, but without giving satisfaction.
After conversation on the subject, a Committee consisting of the Pas- tor and Deacons of the Church were appointed to make particular in- quiry into the grounds of complaint, and report their opinion on the measures proper to be adopted at the present time.
JOSEPH ECKLEY.
Sabbath Day 27 April 1806.
At a meeting of the brethren, the committee appointed by the Church to inquire into the grounds of complaint specified in the last conversation on the subject, having attended the service, made the following Report -
That one of the persons implicated, and who for some time preceed- ing had been much indisposed, closed the present state of existence a few days after the Committee was chosen.
That the other person .. . and that she confesses her sin before God and to this Church.
Considering the several circumstances attendant on this departure from moral rectitude, the Committee are of opinion that the rules of the Gospel generally considered, the honor of the Christian religion, and the common practice of the churches in similar cases, require that - be suspended from the privilege of Christian communion for one year from the present time ; at the close of which the Church will again consider her case, and if there be signs of Christian re- pentance and reformation, will restore her to her former standing.
That the Pastor inform her of this resolution of the brethren, and that it be read by him to the members of the Church immediately pre- ceeding the hymn at the sacramental service on the next Communion Sabbath.
307
PRESBYTERS OR BISHOPS.
On this occasion the Committee desire to unite with the Church in expressions of compassionate concern toward their offending sister ; to pray for her, and commit her to the benediction of heaven, insured to all penitents who return to God through the blessed gospel of Jesus Christ.
All which is submitted.
JOSEPH ECKLEY pr. order.
The brethren of the Church expressed their concurrence in the foregoing report and Voted to accept it. Jos : ECKLEY.
N. B. On the succeeding communion Sabbath it was accordingly read to the Church at the time prescribed by the brethren.
J. E.1
On the 14th of May Dr. Eckley preached the Dudleian Lec- ture in the University Chapel, Cambridge. His subject was the Validity of Presbyterian Ordination, and he took his text from I Peter v., part of the first and second verses : "The elders [presbyters] which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, [a presbyter] - Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof [ETLOKOTTOUTES]." He unfolded the well-known arguments against the exclusive claims of the Anglican communion, quoting the acknowledgment of Bancroft Hooker, Bilson, and other divines of the sixteenth century, as to the validity of presbyterian ordination and the original iden- tity of bishops and presbyters, and their admission that the question of episcopal ordination and government was one of high expediency, and not of positive revelation and recognition in the New Testament. He insisted upon the positive, although not exclusive, succession of the ministers and churches of his own order, through the apostolate, from Our Lord himself, the Head of the Church, and said : -
The Congregational Churches unite with the Episcopalians in the belief that the powers of Church government, and ordination of Chris- tian ministers, were originally derived from Jesus Christ, and are yet held in virtue of this original grant. They differ from them on the point that any of the successors of the Apostles were of a rank dis- tinct from, and superiour to those who are called Presbyters, or pos- sessed the exclusive powers of Church government and ordination. Presbyters, Bishops and Pastors they maintain to be the same order of men under different names ; consequently, the ordination of Church
1 [This person was restored to her former standing, May 3, 1807.]
308
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
Officers by Presbyters and Pastors is exactly the same as the ordina- tion by Bishops, and in all respects of equal validity. They consider however that it is not so much the form, or service used at an ordina- tion, as the election of a minister which entitles him to his office; the right of which election, as well as of other internal jurisdiction, is in each Church ; the members of which, in case of any insurmountable difficulties in procuring the assistance of the officers of other Churches, may proceed to set apart or ordain their Ministers themselves ; - con- sequently the uninterrupted succession of Church Officers, by what- ever name they may be called, is of no manner of importance.1
At a Meeting of the Proprietors of the Old South Church and Con- gregation in Marlborough Street, Septr. 4, 1806,
Voted, That a Clerk be chosen pro tem. for this meeting.
Voted, That Mr. N. Somes be requested to do the Duty for this Meeting.
Voted, The report of the Committee for examining the Treasurers Accounts be accepted, which is as follows.
[We omit the particulars.]
Voted, That a Committee be chosen to examine their ministerial House and report what is best to be done relative thereto.
Voted, The Deacons be a Committee for that purpose.
Voted, That when this meeting adjourn it adjourn to five weeks from this day which will be the 9th of October next, and that the Bell ring five minutes.
Voted, That this meeting be now adjourned to meet at this place at 4 P. M. on the day above mentioned.
The Deacons who were appointed a Committee by the Society to examine into the State of the Parsonage house and report on the 9th Instant, not being ready, request leave for a further Adjournment, when previous notice will be given as to the time.
Rev. Dr. Eckley will please to communicate the above.
Lords Day Octobr. 5. 1806. (Copy.)
Dr. Eckley preached for the Rev. Mr. Lowell in the Afternoon, and
1 [By presbyterian ordination, Dr. Eckley meant not ordination by Presby- terian ministers only, but also by Con- gregational and Independent ministers, who, when set apart according to their denominational usages, become presby- ters.
At Mr. Hunt's ordination in 1771, Dr. Chauncy gave the charge, and began with these emphatic words: " We, who have been validly constituted officers in the kingdom of God, under the adminis-
tration of his Son Jesus, the Savior, im- pose our hands upon you, John Hunt; and, by this apostolic rite, separate you to the work of the Christian ministry, declaring you to be one well qualified, duly called, and fully authorised, to preach the gospel, to administer the sacraments of the New testament, to lay on hands in ordination, and to do whatever is proper to the office of those, who are styled in the sacred books, sometimes Presbyters, and sometimes Bishops."]
309
A NOTICE NOT READ.
the above was read by the young Gentleman who preached for Dr. Eckley and who received it from Dr. Eckley.
Boston, Octr. 25. 1806. The Deacons who were appointed a Com- mittee by the Society to examine into the State of the Parsonage House and report, have attended that service, and are ready and pro- pose to report on Thursday next, precisely at half past 3 O'Clock Afternoon.
Revd. Dr. Eckley is requested to communicate the above next Lords Day afternoon. THOMAS DAWES p. order.
This is an exact copy of what Dr. Eckley received from Mr. Clap, Sexton, to whom the billet was given. At 2 O'Clock, Sab. noon, 26th Octr 1806, Dr. Eckley sent this letter to Mr. Dawes by his servant.
Sir
On the same principle which led me on Wednesday last to observe that if requested to Call a Meeting of Proprietors of Pews whilst Church Members are refused the right of being present, I must de- cline. I now Sir take the liberty of informing you that I think it my duty to adhere to my declaration. I wish to pay every respect in my power to the Deacons. But I owe also a respect to the Church, which I should appear to relinquish, by becoming an organ in appointing the proposed meeting. If you will request me to appoint a meeting of the Church and Congregation, I will do it with pleasure.
With suitable sentiments of Esteem
I am, Sir,
Yours J. ECKLEY.
Sabb. noon 26 Octobri806.
Dr. Eckley's note to Deacon Dawes sufficiently explains his unwillingness to read the notice which had been sent to him through the sexton. In following this controversy, it should be observed that the committee chosen at the meeting of the " pro- prietors," September 4, were the deacons, - the officers and representatives of the church. This may have been intended as a concession to the minority who represented the church members as distinct from the proprietors of pews. It is to be observed also that the point urged by Dr. Eckley was so far conceded that the next meeting was "a meeting of the Old South Church and proprietors of pews legally warned."
Boston, Novr 17. 1806.
At a Meeting of the Old South Church and proprietors of Pews legally warned, met by adjournment from July 10. [There is no rec- ord of any meeting at this date.] Hon Thomas Dawes, Moderator.
The Deacons who were appointed a Committee by the Society,
310
HISTORY OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH.
Sept. 4. 1806 to examine into the State of the Parsonage House and report on the 9th of October following, gave notice on Lords Day Octor 5 of their not being ready, and requested a further time to report, when previous notice would be given.
The Deacons conformable to their Commission examined the Par- sonage House, and were unanimous in opinion that it would be waste of money to make repairs on said House. They were also unanimous in opinion, to recommend to the Society to take down the Old House and erect one upon the modern plan of building, to consist of two tenements,
Which is submitted
THOMAS DAWES p order.
A motion was made and seconded, that we accept the report of the Committee.
Voted, That the report of the Committee be accepted, - which Vote was unanimous excepting one.
Voted, The Deacons be a Committee to procure a plan for a New House agreeable to the report of the Committee, and exhibit the same to the adjournment of this meeting.
Voted, That when we do adjourn, we adjourn to this day fortnight 3 o'Clock PM.
Voted, That we now adjourn to meet at this place the first of De- cember, and the Committee notify the meeting by leaving in each pew a Notification.
26 Members present.
Boston Decr 1. 1806, meet agreeable to adjournment to receive the report of the Committee with the plan for a New building.
Honble Thomas Dawes Moderator.
Before any business was commenced Mr. William Homes came for- ward and informed the Moderator that he had a paper which he wisht might be read, on which it was observed that if he had any communi- cation to make, he had a right to make it; the paper being his, he might read it ; but the proceedings of the last meeting being called for, and it being in reading, Mr. Homes left the meeting, saying he should leave the paper which was signed by eighteen Church members.
It being near dark, a motion was made that this meeting be accord- ingly adjourned, till the Standing Committee shall see cause to call it together again, which shall be done by leaving notifications in the pews.
21 members present.
Attest JNO. WINSLOW Clerk.
Boston April 13. 1807.
At a meeting of the Brethren of the Church and the pew Owners, legally warned by the Rev Doctor Eckley yesterday after divine ser- vice,
3II
PARISH AFFAIRS.
Voted, We proceed to the Choice of a Moderator for the year in- suing.
Honble. Deacon Thomas Dawes was chosen.
Voted, That General John Winslow be secretary for the Year in- suing.
"The Committee of the South Society chosen 16th April 1806 for the managing the prudentials of the same, now report the following, vizt.
"That there has been expended for supporting the singing since the above date to the 2d of April inclusive
$229.88
Repairs for the Steeple 266.23
Wood for the Stoves, other repairs and contingen- cies .
101.00
$597.II
" All which has been paid by the Society's Treasurer.
" The said Committee also report that the cellars are leased for the term of four years from Jany I. at $400 p. annum, the rent to be paid quarterly to the Treasurer. WM. PHILLIPS p order.
" BOSTON April 13, 1807."
Voted, That we now come to the choice of a Standing Committee for the year to manage the prudential concerns of the Society, that five be of the Church and four of the pew owners.
Voted, That Mr. Sprague, Mr. Foster and Mr. Goff be a committee to collect count and sort the votes, which committee declare the fol- lowing persons chosen, vizt.
William Phillips, Samuel Coverly, Joseph Peirce, Nehemiah Somes, William Homes of the Church, John Winslow, Abraham Wild, John Holland, Benjamin Whitman, of the Pew Owners.
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