USA > Maine > A history of the Baptists in Maine; together with brief notices of societies and institutions, and a dictionary of the labors of each minister > Part 19
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
246
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1804-1843.
The meeting of the Association in 1807, was rendered peculiarly interesting to the brethren, by the intelligence communicated by the Missionary Society. Success had crowned every effort of the Society, and it was liberally sus- tained in its operations. There was one thing of particu- lar interest that occurred at this meeting, and deserves spe- cial notice, as it was a means of bringing out to public view the peculiar sentiments of the Baptists respecting " manuscript preaching,' or 'reading written sermons.' Rev. Thomas Francis, of Leeds, about to fulfil the duty previously assigned to him, by preaching the introductory discourse, informed his brethren that he ' had written his sermon, and should preach from his notes.' This was rather novel, it being the first time the singular mode had been introduced ; but the sermon was preached, and although it was regarded as a most able, interesting and instructive discourse, yet Mr. F. had the credit of reading only. It could not be allowed by the Baptists in those days, as preaching. Mr. Francis had only one apology to make to his brethren, which was the peculiarity of his subject and design of his discourse .* The sermon was preached from Genesis 32: 10. ' And now I am become two bands,' and with reference to the division of the Association in 1805. The author of the sermon has since entered into 'rest,' but the sermon lives, and bears testimony to the talents, the piety, and religious worth of its author.
In 1808, the Association was cheered especially with an addition of three new churches, viz : Freeport, Perjepscot, (now Danville), and second Lisbon, (now first in Webster); and had the privilege of extending a joyous welcome to Rev. Messrs. Silas Stearns, Ebenezer Bray, Josiah Con- verse, and John Dagget, to a participation in the labors peculiar to the ministry in this new and extensive field.
*Rev. Thomas Francis' com.
247
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1804-1848.
There were, this year, several very extensive and glorious revivals within the limits of the Association, the intelligence from which gave new impulse and vigor to their faith. The circular was by Dr. Green, of North Yarmouth, and we should think that was a timely and well adapted address to the wants of the churches. It was doctrinal, and on the ' Atonement.' The Dr. was very successful in this effort. After giving a true definition of the term, he very happily and very clearly explains and illustrates the 'Nature,' the ' Extent,' and the 'Uses' of the doctrine. Something of this kind of preaching was much needed at that time. Much was said among the churches upon 'General' and ' Particular' Atonement ; and no man in the denomination at that time, was more able and sufficient to arrest all con- troversy among the churches, enlighten the brethren, and create among them a uniformity of sentiment upon this im- portant doctrine, than was Dr. Green. Some tell us, but we profess not to aver the truth of the saying, that with Dr. Green commenced a change in the Baptist faith-from ' hyper-Calvinistic,' to a ' moderate Calvinistic'-and some say, from 'Antinomianism' to 'Arminianism ;' and thus the Baptists have travelled from one extreme of heterodoxy to another. But the truth seems to be, that the Baptists have always aimed to be in the truth as it is in Jesus, unit- ing in their creed ,as the great cardinal doctrines, 'Grace,' and 'Means'-' Faith' and ' Good Works.'
The anniversary season in 1809 was refreshed by the ' intelligence of extensive revivals, some of which had ap- peared in the new settlements, as fruits of missionary labors, and several new churches had been gathered in distant places, to make glad the wilderness. Missionaries had explored the northern parts of the State, and particularly the country about the Penobscot and Piscataquis rivers. Elders Case, Macomber, Francis, Kendall, Gould and
1
t
1
ยท
248
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1804-1843
Bisbee, were engaged in these itinerant efforts. The churches, Cornville, Harmony, Piscataquis, (now Sanger- ville) from Somerset County, and Denmark, from Oxford, were received at this meeting. The Association having again become large, occupying the entire settled parts of Kennebec, Cumberland, Oxford and Somerset Counties, and a part of Lincoln and Penobscot, a proposition to make a second division was now made. But the subject was referred to the next anniversary for an expression of all the churches.
The session in 1810, says the clerk, was 'attended with fresh tokens of the divine presence.' The churches dur- ing the year had experienced unusual mercy, and the destitute had been made glad by the presence of their missionaries. A missionary sermon was now preached by Rev. Mr. Blood, after which it is said, 'the people con- tributed with warm and liberal hearts.' The Association was enlarged by the reception of the following churches : Bridgton, Monmouth, Hartford, Palmyra and Million Acres, and Elders Joseph Dinslow, James Garcelon and Elisha Robbins, had become members of this body.
The subject of dividing the Association came up for decision. For the ' convenience of the churches and the extension of the cause of God,' it voted to divide, making the Androscoggin river and the line between the counties of Oxford and Somerset the line of separation, leaving it optional with those churches along that line, to unite with which body they pleased.
Besides the usual business, the subject of establishing an Institution in the State for the promotion of literary and theological knowledge, was introduced for consideration. The subject had for a considerable time occupied the at- tention of many of the Baptist ministers. All however that was done at this meeting, was the appointment of a
249
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1804-1843.
committee to confer with the Lincoln Association on the subject, and an appeal to the churches calling their atten- tion especially to it .*
At the 25th anniversary of the Bowdoinham Association in 1811, twenty-seven churches and eighteen ordained min- isters were represented as composing the body. There was nothing especially interesting in the intelligence received, and nothing worthy of particular note transacted in the course of business excepting the appointment of a committee to unite with others whom the Lincoln and Cumberland As- sociation may select, to petition the Legislature for the incorporation of the contemplated Literary and Theologi- cal Institution. The number of ministers were increased by the introduction of Elders James Pierce and Samuel Smith. One church only was added at this meeting.
An encouraging prosperity was reported from most of the churches in 1814, and several revivals. Some of the churches, however, were passing through some unpleasant trials. The subject of Foreign Missions was now intro- duced to the attention of the Association, by the reading of a letter from Rev. Luther Rice. The subject received a cordial welcome. That missionary spirit which had characterized the movements of the Baptists from the first, was now enlisted in favor of Foreign exertion, and the Association recommended that the churches take quarterly collections for the pious purpose. In view of a general decline of the religious feelings in the churches, they were invited to spend a season in prayer each day, particularly for a revival of the work of the Holy Spirit. It appears that during the winter of this year, a most sweeping epidemic had prevailed among the inhabitants within the limits of this body ; to which we find in the circular the following striking allusion-' the day of our visitation is
*Min. B. A. 1810.
250
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1804-1843.
come.' 'The Most High hath a controversy with us: an by pestilence and sword, is He pleading his righteous cause : and though the slain of the Lord have been many, yet is not his anger turned away.' It was stated by phy- sicians that six hundred persons died in the County of Kennebec during the progress of this calamity.
In 1815, the intelligence from the churches was refresh- ing. From the town of Bowdoin, more than one hundred and sixty converts were reported. Other places also had been watered with plenteous showers. At this session, two interesting questions were proposed to the Association for their decision. First, 'Is it agreeable to Apostolic order, and for the peace, harmony, and union of churches, for one church to receive a member who is excluded from another church of the same faith and order, until it is made evident that the church excluding, is corrupt in discipline, and struck out of the fellowship of the associated body ?' To answer this inquiry, the Association voted concurrence with Cumberland Association, that, 'Each church is inde- pendent with respect to discipline;' and that 'an associa- tion of churches have no power to abrogate the censures of an individual church; and therefore all questions and difficulties between churches and excluded members, are to be decided by councils of ministers and churches ap- pointed by the consent of parties; and therefore a second church may receive an excluded member by the advice of a council so called, if the church excluding refuses to re- ceive such a member at the advice of such council.'
The second question asks, ' Is it gospel, that a private brother assist in the ordaining of an Elder,' &c. In answer- ing this question, it was voted, 'The ordaining of an Elder, or setting apart of one to the work of the gospel ministry, is a transaction so solemn in its nature, and so important in its consequences, that it would be highly improper for a church
251
BOWDOINHAN ASSOCIATION, 1804-1848.
belonging to this Association, to proceed in the business, without the concurrence of a suitable number of sister churches, furnished with Elders, whom, among other things, have received the solemn charge, 'Lay hands suddenly on no man." This answer is somewhat indefinite. But the usual manner among the Baptists has been, to examine can- didates by councils from churches composed of members and ministers, and assign the ceremonies of ordination to the Elders.
In 1816, there was a question of some interest to the Baptists, proposed for the consideration and decision of the Association. It was this : 'Is that person's baptism valid that has been administered by an Elder, not agreed with us in the subject and mode of baptism ?' The question was referred to a select committee, who reported in the affirmative. Doubts were entertained by some, of the cor- rectness of the report, and the subject was recommitted, and the committee was enlarged with instructions to report at the next anniversary. Again they reported in the affir- mative, but as the Baptists were not united in opinion, the subject was indefinitely postponed Two churches, Gar- diner and Guilford ; and four Elders, Josiah Houghton, Joseph Blaisdell, Wm. Oaks, and Samuel Wheeler, were received into the Association.
In 1817, the Association was refreshed by revival intel- ligence from the churches. Eight had been blessed with numerous additions ; and no particular trials were disturb- ing the peace of any of the churches. The circular letter, prepared by Elder Boardman, was a most important docu- ment. It had for its theme, ' Qualifications for Church Membership.' The following three are particularly notic- ed : ' 1. A scriptural or christian experience.' '2. Correct doctrinal views,' (including the plan of salvation, ordinan- ces and church polity). '3. A sober, regular outward deportment, and godly conversation.'
252
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1804-1843.
The revivals of 1817 continued, and were increased in 1818. Measures were devised at this meeting to raise funds to aid the operations of the Theological and Literary Insti- tution at Waterville. The Baptists felt a deep interest in this infant school, and commendable efforts were made by the churches to sustain it. Rev. Jeremiah Chaplin was the Principal, whose character and influence added to the respectability of the Institution.
From the interest felt in the institution at Waterville, the Association in 1819 recommended to the churches to contribute liberally toward the erection of a building for its accommodation. The spirit of missions was kept alive, and an appeal was made to the Baptists to enlarge their offerings for those objects. The circular by Rev. Dr. Chapin, was upon the nice doctrine of christian fellow- ship. In his usual style, the doctrine in its nature and blesed influences, were lucidly illustrated.
With 1820, commenced a period of general declension, both in religious feeling and action. There had been but little progress by the churches. The liberality and direct missionary effort had been less than in any previous year. This sad state of things was deeply mourned by the Asso- ciation. The following question was proposed by the church . in New Sharon : ' If a minister be regularly introduced, ordained, and settled as the pastor of a church, and after- wards removed and recommended to another church, and voted as their pastor, and he consents to be their pastor, is installation necessary, to give him all the powers and qual- ifications of a regularly settled minister of the gospel ?' The subject was placed in the hands of a committee, and re- ferred to the next anniversary.
At the next meeting, 1821, the following report was made by the committee, and adopted as the sense of the Associ- ation : ' That a regular ordained minister (so long as his
253
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1804-1843.
character remains unimpeached,) being invited to the pas- toral office of a particular church, becomes their minister and pastor as soon as a mutual agreement is entered into by the parties. An installation is by no means necessary, but by virtue of his ordination and pastoral office he is clothed with all the authority of a minister of the gospel.' Another of some interest was proposed at this session by
the church in Greene. 'Is it the duty of a church to ordain their deacons ?' This question was referred to a committee with instructions to report at the next meeting.
At the Association in 1822, the committee were not pre- pared to report a decision, but enlarged the subject by substituting the following questions : first, 'What officers are necessary to the complete organization of a gospel church ? Second, What are their duties, qualifications and powers ? Third, in what manner ought they to be in- ducted into their respective offices ?' The subject was then recommitted and referred. The subject of dividing the Association was also referred.
In 1823, the prospects of the churches were more en- couraging ; and with a revival spirit, a missionary zeal awoke afresh, indicated by a greater liberality. The sub- ject of ' ordaining deacons,' was now called up. The com- mittee reported, but the report was rejected, and the sub- ject dropped. The Association knowing that the ministers of Christ in the State, generally toiled vigilantly in his cause, and receiving but small salaries, were obliged to suffer many privations and inconveniences, voted ' to peti- tion the Legislature to exempt the ministers in the State from taxation.' They felt that this would afford them some relief.
The hopes of the preceding year were realized in 1824. The circular prepared by Dr. Chapin, and adopted by the Association, was a full and satisfactory answer to the 12
254
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1804-1843.
question proposed by the committee in 1822, respecting the ordaining of deacons. The writer says : 'it appears to be scriptural to ordain them in the same manner as El- ders.' This manner, he describes thus, 'by fasting, by prayer, and by the imposition of the hands of the Presby- tery.' A spirit of 'working' was again alive in the Asso- ciation, and measures were now adopted to ascertain how many and what families within its limits were destitute of the Bible, with the design of having them supplied.
In 1825, to the question from the church in Chesterville, ' Is it proper to give the title Reverend, to ministers of the gospel ?' the following answer was given, that ' ministers in the New Testament are called Elders.' And on the ques- tion from New Sharon, 'How are our brethren in the ministry to be treated ?' it was voted : ' We are not to pro- ceed upon the principle of partiality, but exert ourselves on all occasions to promote the gifts of the brethren.'
As a large number of churches now (1825,) existed in the County of Penobscot, it was deemed expedient that they should be organized into an Association. Nine churches situated east of Kennebec river, were therefore this year dismissed from the Bowdoinham Association to aid that organization. This is the third division made in this body.
Revivals in 1826 and '27, nearly restored the former number of this body previous to the dismission of nine churches to constitute the Penobscot Association.
Among the items of business in 1828, were resolutions recommending to the churches 'Sabbath Schools and Bible classes,' and ' to patronize Zion's Advocate, a new paper about to be established at Portland.' Also, ' entire absti- nence' from spirituous liquors was urged upon the whole Baptist community.
In 1829 the Association became again too large for con- venience. A division, therefore, was expedient, and twenty-
255
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1804-1843.
one churches were dismissed to form the Kennebec Associa- tion. On a question from the church in Fayette, relating to the support of the ministry, the sense of the Association was expressed by the following vote :- ' That in order to sustain the ministry acceptably with God, and profitably to the people, the Elders should give themselves wholly to the work ;- that the churches adopt that method which may be most suitable to their circumstances, to afford them a competent support ;- that in cases in which churches are unable singly to furnish such support, two or more should unite ;- and the labors of the Elder be proportioned with them according to the means of support which each may impart.' On the query from Hallowell, respecting the dis- mission of members, the following rule was submitted by Elder Boardman, and voted by the Association as a proper regulation for the churches : 'Let it be understood that all our churches, upon the reception of members by letter, are indispensably bound to make an early return to the churches by which they are recommended, and such mem- bers as do not unite with the church to which they are re- commended, are by the church to which they belong to be called to discipline for such neglect.' .
Darkness and lukewarmness had now long characterized most of the churches. Yet the Association, in its reduced capacity, came together in 1830 to be refreshed by intelli- gence that the 'Laodicean spirit' was departing from them, and that God was blessing them with the reviving influen- ces of his Spirit. More missionary zeal was now manifest- ed. The Association was enlarged by numerous additions to the churches, as fruits of pleasing revivals.
To the very singular question from the First church in Gardiner, 'What shall be done with members who have withdrawn their fellowship from a Baptist church, and joined the Methodist?' this very pertinent answer was
256
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1804-1843.
given, by a vote of the Association : ' When a member has left the church and united with another denomination, he is to be regarded in the same light as the denomination with which he has united : and if the church desires fur- ther information, it would be proper for them to call for the advice of sister churches.'
In 1831 two resolutions, touching the removal and dis- mission of members were passed, as additional to the rule adopted in 1829. For these resolutions the Bowdoinham Association is indebted to the Eastern Maine, where they originated. Resolved, ' That when any member or mem- bers of either of the churches in this Association, shall re- move their residence, and become located within the limits of a sister church, it shall be the duty of the church to which such member or members belong, to write immedi- ately to the church where they reside, and such letters shall embrace a dismission of the member or members re- moved, an account of their standing, and a direction to the sister church to take them under her watch-care, to exhort them to their duty, and if free to receive them, to extend to them the hand of fellowship.' Resolved, 'That when any church in this Association shall have received a mem- ber by letter from a sister church, or when such member or members have been called upon as contemplated in the above resolution, without obtaining satisfaction, it shall be the duty of that church to report the same immediately to the church of which they are members.'
The anniversary in 1832 is reported to have been an un- usually interesting meeting, by the lively manifestation of union and brotherly love. Much interest was felt in a question proposed by the church in Winthrop. It was founded upon the important phrase in the Baptist covenant: ' We covenant that we will cheerfully bear our equal pro- portion of those expenses which the church may judge
257
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1804-1843.
needful for the relief of the poor, the support of the min- istry, and other necessary charges of the church.' The question proposed was, ' Is it agreeable to the word of God to execute the above obligation by making an assessment or tax upon the male members of the church according to their polls and property ?' Respecting which the following answer was submitted by Rev. Daniel Merrill, and unani- mously voted by the Association : 'That it is in agreement with the revealed mind of the Lord Jesus, that when any part of his property, which is in the possession of any one of his churches, is called for to promote his cause in any such church, then it is right and fit that the sum wanted should be apportioned upon all the polls and property with- in such church, unless the church may agree upon some other method, more pleasing to them, by which to effect the desired object.'
In 1833 great darkness and spiritual declension prevail- ed; but in 1834 indications that God was about to turn again their captivity, appeared. A more general interest was manifested in the cause of God and humanity ; and resolutions were adopted against Slavery, and in favor of Sabbath Schools, Temperance, Education, Literary Insti- tutions, Foreign and Domestic Missions, and Tracts. Slavery and Intemperance were regarded as great, social, moral, physical and political evils.
The Association was favored in 1835, with the presence, counsel, and preaching of Rev. J. A. Warne, from Massa- chusetts ; Rev. E. Manning, from Nova Scotia, and Rev. T. Magee, from New Brunswick. Earnest solicitations for aid were made by Rev. Mr. Magee, in behalf of a Bap- tist Seminary in New Brunswick ; to which the Associa- tion cheerfully responded by a liberal contribution to aid their brethren in that Province. In addition to the repeti- tion of the resolutions passed last year, the subject of
258
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1804-1843.
Popery in the United States attracted the attention of the Association, and a resolution was adopted setting forth the ' danger to our civil and religious liberties arising from the prevalency of the papal religion in this country.'
The Baptists have always had much slander and abuse poured upon them because of their faith and practice as regards the communion at the Lord's table; and yet they are firm in their opinion. At this meeting the question, ' Should the churches receive persons from other denom- inations to their communion tables ?' was discussed by Elders Warne, Manning, Butler, Fogg, Pierce and Case, and the Association voted the following important decision. ' Voted, That the Association recommend to the churches composing this body to discountenance the practice of ad- mitting to the communion of the church individuals who belong to other denominations; but at the same time to cherish towards them the best feelings of christian affec- tion.' [The class of persons which it is here implied had been received to the communion of some of the churches, were such as had been immersed, yet united with other denominations. ]
In 1836 the spiritual prospects of the Association began again to assume a more pleasing aspect. Several interest- ing revivals were enjoyed. Elders Thomas Francis and Charles Johnson, who had departed this life within the year, received an appropriate and interesting notice.
A spirit of religious enterprise was increased in 1837. Hence a more coming up 'to the help of the Lord,' was witnessed among the churches, and some cheering revivals had been experienced. Besides the transacting of the usual business, a resolution was passed approving of the formation and design of the American and Foreign Bible Society, and commending it to the prayers and liberal at- tention of the churches. The idea of such a society was
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.