BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHURCH
[p. 3]
ABOUT the year 1820, the subject of establishing a new church in Boston, more central than either of the others, began to engage the attention of a few Baptist friends. Partly with this view, and partly to provide gospel instruction in a destitute vicinity, meetings for prayer and public worship were instituted in the south-eastern part of the city, and continued for several years, with various degrees of encouragement. In August, 1821, was formed "The Baptist Society for promomlg Morality and Piety in Boston," which, in October, 1828, assumed the name of the "Boston Baptist Evangelical Society." By this society meetings were maintained in a convenient hall over the Ship Market, in Purchase Street, supplied by Mr. E. Lincoln and others, till the Rev. R. V. Cushman was engaged, who, for a number of months, regularly occupied the station. In April, 1826, the spacious Julien Hall, in Milk Street, was procured, where the meetings were continued till they were removed into the meeting house.
Early in 1825, active measures began to be taken towards erecting a meeting house, in which a cordial interest was taken by the pastors and members of the three churches. After several preliminary meetings by a few friends of the undertaking, a general meeting was held, at the lecture room of the Second Baptist Church, to consult on the subject (Dr. Baldwin presiding,) at which it was unanimously
[p. 4]
voted to proceed immediately to erect a central house of public worship. On the 25th of September, 1826, the corner stone of the house of worship in Federal Street, near Milk, was laid, accompanied with appropriate religious services. The whole structure, eighty-six feet long by seventy-four wide, was reared without the least injury occurring to any of the builders.
The pre-existing churches each appointed committees, at the request of the building committee, to meet and unitedly deliberate on the measures proper for forming a church. Various steps were taken towards this object by these united committees, and the third Thursday in May, 1827, was appointed for a meeting of all those members who felt it their duty to embark in this enterprise. The pastors of all the churches were present, to aid by their counsels and prayers. At length, sixty-five brethren and sisters cordially united in the work, who were, on the 16th of July, constituted into a Christian church. The meeting house was opened on the 18th of July, 1827. (See Bap. Mag. August, 1827.)
Until about this time, the brethren had not been able to fix their minds on any minister as their spiritual guide; and this fact had added much to the sacrifice made by such as had given themselves to this cause. The Rev. Howard Malcom, at that time general agent of the American Sunday School Union, having visited this city on the business of that society a few weeks before the constitution of the church, became known to the brethren, and was invited, August 29, 1827, by a unanimous call, to the care of the church and society. After returning to the city to learn the path of duty by a few weeks' residence among the people, the invitation was accepted October 16, and he entered upon his labors November 13, 1827.
Among the early additions to the church were a number of persons residing in that part of the city called South Boston, where meetings had been maintained by the "Evangelical
[p. 5]
Society," from the time when their efforts in relation to this church terminated. These persons were, on the 28th of August, 1828, empowered, in conjunction with a committee of three brethren, to hold church meetings for business on their side of the bridge. Their place of meeting proving too small, the members of this church and congregation, assisted by a few other friends, erected a meeting house, seventy-two feet by fifty-seven, which was dedicated July 22, 1830, in which were regularly maintained the stated ordinances of the gospel. The divine blessing evidently descended on this branch of the church, not only in the peace and edification to the members, but in the conversion of souls, and growth of the congregation. On the 1st of March, 1831, it was deemed expedient that these members be formed into a church. The measure was adopted with perfect unanimity, and fifty-five brethren and sisters were affectionately dismissed to constitute the "South Baptist Church of the City of Boston."
In the spring of 1831, our pastor's health became so much impaired that a voyage to Europe was deemed requisite. During his absence of eight months, the fruits of his faithful and affectionate ministration exhibited themselves in a most interesting revival, which embraced a large proportion of the most prominent young persons in the congregation.
Soon after his return, with partially improved health, he, with his church, was called upon to mourn the death of his two most efficient auxiliaries. Mr. Ensign Lincoln, whose active and constant exertions are identified with the origin and support of the society, died December 2, 1832. The society may justly be said to be indebted to his fostering care for its survival through the precarious period of infancy. He was a resource in every emergency. He participated affectionately and acceptably in the labors of the pulpit, and in the pastoral care. He was the main, because the constant supporter of the social meeting. To him the pastor might always resort for prompt and prudent counsel, and willing
[p. 6]
personai service. He made religion his glory; and perhaps no man has ever died more universally acknowledged a consistent professor and a devoted Christian.
Mrs. Lydia M. Malcom, wife of the pastor, died January 15, 1833. This was a severe deprivation to both pastor and church. The energy and ability with which she managed every concern in which it was proper for her to engage, were remarkable; and her precept and example were worthy of all imitation. Her labors in the Sabbath school, and her active interest in the education of the blind, and in the establishment of infant schools and maternal associations, will be long remembered.
Further chastisement seemed to await the already languishing piety of the church. An affection of the vocal organs silenced the public instruction of our pastor, and resulted, after a suspense of more than a year, in his asking a dismission from his pastoral charge. This was sorrowfully, though cordiaily, granted in September, 1835, under the conviction that, in an appointment which was immediately tendered him to visit the missionary stations in the East, God had provided for him a most extensive field of usefulness, combined with the most promising course for the complete restoration of his health.
In October, 1835, a unanimous call was extended to the Rev. George B. Ide, of Albany, to become the pastor. This invitation was accepted, and he was installed December 30, 1835. Under his faithful labors, the waning prosperity of the society was stayed; the harmony of the church remained unbroken, and the congregation was considerably increased.
In the autumn of 1837, Mr. Ide received an invitation to become the pastor of the First Church in Philadelphia, under circumstances which, in connection with the ill health of his wife, induced him to accept it. He accordingly resigned his charge over this church in December, but consented to continue his labors a few months longer. An interesting revival succeeded, and before his departure, in
[p. 7]
the April following, upwards of sixty were added to the church by baptism.
After invitations to several candidates, who successively declined, in consequence of holding offices in public institutions which they could not feel it their duty to resign, the Rev. Handel G. Nott, with hesitation, accepted a call, in March, 1839, and entered immediately upon his labors, and was installed May 23, 1839. After faithfully laboring one year, and judging that the indications to continue were not decisive, he, in the Christian temper which characterized all his labors and intercourse, tendered his resignation, which, upon due deliberation, was accepted.
For a series of years, accessions of families to the congregation had been very few; while large drafts had been made on it by removals from the city, and by new churches formed in the city about this time. In March, 1839, thirty-one members, many of them heads of families, were dismissed to unite with others in forming the Boylston, now Harvard Street Church; and, in the following April, thirty-one were dismissed at the formation of the First Baptist Free, now the Tremont Street Church. In the autumn of 1839, the building of the church in Bowdoin Square was undertaken, to which many of the most influential and wealthy families remaining contemplated giving their support; and in September, 1840, nineteen were dismissed to that interest.
Under such deductions in power and numbers, and the attractions of new interests around us, the temporal concerns of the church and society assumed a discouraging aspect. These, together with the natural consequences of a frequent change of the pastor, tended to induce despondency, which, however, yielded to united efforts for self-preservation.
In July, 1840, the church and society united in a most cordial and earnest invitation to the Rev. William Hague, formerly pastor of the First Church in this city, to become their pastor. He acceded to their wishes, and entered upon his labors in September.
[p. 8]
Early in the year 1842, a general attention to the subject of religion prevailed throughout the city, and unusual numbers were added to the churches. But either because the cost had not been counted, or, still more probably, because of the unfaitltfulness of the church, too few became zealous Christians, and many turned back to the world; and a period of apathy ensued which remained almost unbroken for several years. In these vicissitudes this church participated to a partial extent.
In consequence of the rapid extension of the city, the business part had reached the region where the meeting house was situated; and all the dwellings in the vicinity were converted into warehouses; so that, as one after another of the congregation disappeared by removal and other ordinary causes, none were near to supply their places. The difficulty of sustaining the interest, under a still existing debt upon the house, consequently became greater and greater; while at the same time, and from the same cause, the value of the estate was enhanced.
Under these circumstances, it was deemed advisable to dispose of the house, with a view of removing to some more eligible location. Accordingly, April 4, 1844, the proprietors' committee was authorized to make sale of the estate, with the understanding that the avails, after the payment of debts, should be employed in the erection of a place of worship elsewhere. It was soon disposed of, and public worship was held in the house for the last time on the 23d of February, 1845; after which it was soon demolished.
The site of the present house, in Rowe Street, was at length obtained, and a liberal subscription was made, in the hope of erecting a substantial and appropriately designed edifice. The corner stone was laid, with appropriate religious services, on the morning of April 27, 1846; the house was dedicated April 7, 1847, and occupied on the next Sabbath. It is of the pointed Gothic style of architecture, built of dark-red sandstone, and finished interiorly with black walnut.
[p. 9]
It is ninety-six by sixty-six feet in extent, having a tower at the corner, surmounted by a spire rising to the height of one hundred and seventy-five feet above the sidewalk. It contains one hundred and fifty-eight pews. The organ, made by Appleton, is of superior tone, contains thirty-two stops, and is situated in the front angle corresponding to the tower.
By an act of the legislature, the name of the society was subsequently changed to the "ROWE STREET BAPTIST SOCIETY," and the church adopted the corresponding name.
During the interval of twenty-two months, until the completion of the lecture room, in December, 1846, the society regularly held worship once or twice each Sabbath in Amory Hall and the Melodeon; and during the whole period, the commodious lecture room of St. Paul's (Episcopal) Church was most kindly and liberally granted for the busiess and devotional meetings of the church.
A few months after entering the new house, the pastor became convinced that the state of his health required an entire suspension of ministerial labors; and he consequently sent an unconditional resignation of his charge, much to the surprise and regret of his people. An unqualified vote was immediately passed by both church and society that Mr. Hague be requested to retain his connection, and to take such time as he might judge necessary to re-establish his health. To this he assented; and after an interval of six months, during which the pulpit was most acceptably supplied, we had the pleasure of seeing him resume his labors.
In the summer of 1848, Mr. Hague became again convinced that the state of his health would not justify his continuance as pastor of the church, and accordingly he a second time resigned, leaving no hope that his services could be retained. His resignation was accepted, and he closed his labors the last Sabbath in July. The prospects of the church and society were darkened by this event, and many were oppressed by a feeling of discouragement. Owing to a
[p. 10]
variety of unforeseen circumstances, a debt to a large amount had been incurred in the erection of the new place of worship, and fears were entertained that it could not be liquidated without a sale of the property. But, after mature deliberation and prayer, it was resolved to make another effort to sustain an enterprise which had enjoyed so much of the divine favor.
The Rev. Baron Stow, who had been for more than fifteen years pastor of the Baldwin Place Church in this city, had been compelled by the severity of his labors, and the consequent failure of his health, to retire from his charge. In the autmnn, the attention of the church was directed to him, and accordingly he was invited by the church and society to become their pastor. With such solicitude as to the result, he accepted the invitation, and commenced his work November 1, 1848. His labors have been attended by the divine blessing, and both the church and society have occasion for devout gratitude to God for a large measure of prosperity. The house is well filled with a serious and united congregation. The Sabbath school numbers more than four hundred pupils. Two hundred and seventy-five members have been added to the church. The debt of the society, amounting to about fifteen thousand dollars, has been paid. May pastor and people not fail to realize their indebtedness to God for past mercies, and their dependence upon his grace for all future favors. May they be distinguished by great humility, and by active devotion to their Master's service.
BOSTON. June 10, 1853. _________________
[p. 11]
DECLARATION OF FAITH AND PRACTICE
IT having pleased the Lord to put it into the hearts of a number of persons to erect a new house for his worship, which has been accomplished under circumstances peculiarly harmonious and pleasulg, and with evident tokens of the propitious smiles of the Great Head of the church, we feel it an incumbent duty, with a view, as we trust, to the glory of the rich grace of the Redeemer, which we hope we have experienced, and to the extension of his kingdom among men, and with the friendly advice and consent of the churches to which we belong, to associate and convant together in the bonds ofChristian fellowship, under the name of the Fedral Street Baptist Church of Christ in Boston. And knowng, that, as with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, so with the mouth confession of made unto salvaiton, we deed it suitable to make the following declaration of our views of divine truth: --
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely iIlspired, and is a perfect rule of faith and practice. [p. 12]
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteonsness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly [throughly] furnished unto all good works. 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man; but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Pet. i. 21.
See also 1 Pet. i.10, 11. 2 Sam. xxiii.2. Acts i.16, and iii.21, and xxviii.25. Heb. iii.7, ix.19, x.15.
We believe that the Bible teaches, among others, the following all-important truths: -- I. The existence of one only living and true God, infinite in every natural and moral perfection; and that he has made himself known to his people under the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; the same in essence, and equal in every divine perfection.
The first of all the commandments is, Hear, O Israel; the Lord our God is one Lord. Mark xii.29, 32. For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus. I Tim. ii.5. Remember the former tbings of old; for I am God, and tbere is none else; I am God, and there is none like me. Isa.xlvi. 9. For unto us a Cbild is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his sboulder; and his name shall be called Wollderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, tbe Prince of Peace. Isa. ix.6. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John i.1. All men should honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He that honoreth not the Son honoreth not the Father which hath sent him. John v.23. I and my Fatber are one. John x.30. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Matt. xxviii.19. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. 1 John v.7. See also Ex. xx.1-3. Ps.xcv.3. 1 Cor. viii.4. 2 Cor.xiii.14. 1 Jobn i.3.
2. That man was created holy; but, by violating the law of his Maker, he fell from that state, and from all communion with God; and as, by divine appointment, Adam was the representative of all his posterity, we in him became dead in sins. So that, by nature, we are indisposed to all good, and inclined to all evil, and are children of wrath, and
[p. 13]
subjects of death, and of all other miseries, temporal and eternal.
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male aud female created he them. Gen. i. 26, 27. God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. Eccl. vii.29. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; aud gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. Gen. iii.6, 7. The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even unto the head there is no soundness in it; but wounds, and bruises, and putrefying sores; they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment. Isa. i.5, 6. They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one. For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. Rom. iii.12, 23. And, as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind; being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful; proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful; who, knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Rom. i.28-32. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. vi.23. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. These are the things which defile a man. Matt. xv.18-20.
See also Gen. vi.5, and viii.21. Ps. xiv.1-3. Rom. xi.32. Gal. iii.22. James i.15. Rev. xxi.8.
3. That the only way of salvation from this state of guilt and condemnation is through the righteousness and atonement of Jesus Christ; who, as the good Shepherd, laid down his life for his sheep; and that those only, who receive the gift of repentance and faith in him, will be finally saved by his atonement.
[p. 14]
Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows. He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we, like sheep, have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own ,vay; and the Lord hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. For the transgression of my people was he stricken. By his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities. He hath pourea out his sonl unto death; and he was nnmbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. Isa. liii. 4-12. Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people, and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself. Dan. ix. 24, 26. I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy; I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good Shepherd; the good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father; and I lay down my life for tile sheep. John x. 9-11, 15. Neither is there salvation in any other; for there is none other name under heaven given among men whereby we must be saved. Acts iv. 11, 12. For when we were yet witliout strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. But God commendeth his love towards us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life. And not only so, but we also joy in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign, tbrough righteousness, unto eternal life, by Jesns Christ our Lord. Rom. v. 6-21. For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. vi. 23. But now the righteousness of God without tbe law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets. Even tbe righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ, unto all and upon all them that believe. Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation throngh faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins; that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. Rom. iii. 21 26. He that believeth on him is not condemned; but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only-begotten Son of God. He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life; and he that
[p. 15]
believeth not tbe Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth ou him. John iii. ]8, 36. Except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke xiii. 3.
See also Act. v.31. John v. 24, and vi. 40, and xx. 31. 1 Pet. i. 8, 9.
4. That all who ever have been, or will be brought to repentance and faith in the gospel, were chosen in Christ to salvation before the foundation of the world; and that, in consequence of the eternal love of God to them, through the atonement, the Holy Ghost is sent to effect the work of regeneration in their hearts, without which regenerating influence, none would ever repent or believe.
The Lord hath appeared of old uuto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love; therefore with loving kindness have I drawn thee. Jer. xxxi. 3. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, aud that your fruit should remain. John xv. 16. I have manifested thy name unto the men which thou gavest me out of the world; thine they were, and thou gavest them me; and they have kept thy word. John xvii. 6. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world that we should be holy, and without blame before him in love; having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will. In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all tllings after the counsel of his own will. Eph. i. 4, 5, 11. Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience. 1 Pet. i. 2. For the children being not yet born, neither havmg done any good or evil, that the purpose of God, according to election, might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth, it was said unto her, The elder shall serve the youuger. Rom. ix. 11, 12, 23. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also justified, and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Rom. viii. 29, 30. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you forever; even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him; but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless. I will come to you. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Fatller will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. John xiv. 16-18, 26. But when
[p. 16]
the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. John xv. 26. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John iii. 3. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Cor. iv. 6. And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of tllis world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit tllat now worketh in the children of disobedience; among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sin., hath quickened us together with Christ (by grace ye are saved); and hath raised us up together, and made us sit togetller in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. Eph. ii. 1-6. Who hath saved us,and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus, before the world began. 2 Tim. i. 9. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. Titus iii. 5.
See also John xvi. 7-14. Ps. li. 10. John vi. 63. Acts xiii. 48. Rom. vi. 22, and viii. 30, and xi. 5-7. 1 Cor. ii.10 12. Col. i. 11-13. 2 Thess. ii. 13, 14. James li. 5. 1 Pet. i. 2. 5. That nothing can separate true believers from the love of God; but they wiII be kept by his power, through faith unto salvation.
Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand; and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words. Deut. xxxiii. 3. Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm; for love is strong as death. Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it. Cant. viii. 6, 7. AlI that the Father giveth me shall come to me. John vi. 37. I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and none is able to pluck them out of my Father's hond. John x. 28-30. Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath hegun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. Phil. i. 6.
See also Ps. xxxvi. 23, 24, and ciii. 17, and cxxv. 1, 2. Prov. ii. 8. Isa. liv. 17. Jer. xxxii. 40. John iv. 14, and xiii. 7, and xvii. 2, 3, 11. Rom. viii. 31-39. Phil. i. 6. Heb. vi. 17, 18. 1 Pet. i. 5. Jude 24.
[p. 17]
6. That the only proper subjects of the ordinances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper are professed believers; and that Baptism is properly administered only by immersion; and is, by Scripture examples, a prerequisite to communion at the Lord's table.
Then went out to him all Judea, &c., and were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins. Bring forth, therefore, fruits meet for repentance; and think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to onr Father. I indeed baptize you with water unto repentance; but he that cometh after me is mightier tban I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear; he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire. Matt. iii. 5-12. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Matt. xxviii. 19. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, for the remission of sins; and ye shall receive tIle gift of the Holy Ghost. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. Acts ii.38, 41. But when they believed Philip, preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Acts viii. 12. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, It thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, 1 believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still; and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more; and he went on his way rejoicing. Acts viii. 36-39. And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water. Matt. iii. 16. And John also was baptizing in Enon, near to Salim, because there was much water there; and they came and were baptized. John iii. 23. Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead. Col. ii. 12. The like figure whereunto, even baptism, doth also now save us, not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God. 1 Pet. iii. 21.
See also Mark i.5. Lnke iii.7, 8, 21. Matt. iii. 16. Acts ii. 44, and viii.12-39, and x. 47, and xvi. 14-34, and xviii. 8. Rom. vi. 3, 4. John iii. 22, and iv. 1. Eph. iv. 5. Gal. iii. 27. 1 Cor. xii. 13. 7, That the first day of the week, called the Lord's Day, ought to be kept holy as the Christian Sabbath; and that it
[p. 18]
is our indispensable duty to assemble ourselves together on that day, and to worship God in a public manner, by offering up our prayers and thanksgivings, by attending to the preached word and ordinances, and by singing psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs.
And God blessed tbe seventh day, and sanctified it; because that in it he had rested from all his work. Gen. ii. 3. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Ex. xx. 8. And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached uuto them. Acts xx. 7. I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day. Rev. i. 10. Let us consider one anotller, to provoke unto love and to good works; not forsaking tile assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is. Heb. x.24, 25. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. Acts i. 14. Speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Eph. v. 19. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms, aud hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. Col. iii. 16.
See also Ex. xvi. 23-30, and xxxi. 13, 14. Lev. xix. 3, and xxiii. 3. Deut. v. 12, 13. Isa. lvi. 4-6, lviii. 13. Ezek. xx. 12. Matt. xviii. 20. John xx. 19-29. Acts i. 13, 14, and ii. 1, and xx. 7. 1 Cor. v. 4.
8. That there will be a resurrcction, both of the just and unjust, and that Christ will come a second time to judge both the quick and the dead, when those who die impenitent and unreconciled to God will be sentenced to endless misery, as the just desert of their sins; and those who have been renewed by grace, and washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, will be completely delivered from the dominion of sin, and admitted into the holy and heavenly Jerusalem, with songs and everlasting joy. So shall they be ever with the Lord.
And though, after my skin, worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God; whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me. Job xix. 26, 27. Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust; for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. Isa. xxvi. I9. And many of them
[p. 19]
that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Dan. xii. 2. I will ransom them from the power of the grave; I will redeem them from death; O death, I will be thy plagues; O grave, I will be thy destruction; repentance shall be hid from mine eyes. Hosea xiii. 14. When they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage; but are as the angels which are in heaven. Mark xii. 25. Marveel not at this; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation. John y. 28, 29. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal. Matt. xxv. 46. Behold, I show you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorrnptible, and we shall be changed. I Cor. xv. 51, 52. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. 2 Thess. i. 9. And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of tile earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, and hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. Rev. i. 5, 6. And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb, which is in the midst of the throne, shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters; and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. Rev. vii. 14-17.
See also Ps. xxviii. 4, and lxii. 12. Ezek. xxxvii. 1-10. Mark xii. 26, 27. John vi. 39, 40, and xi. 24, 25. Acts xxiv. 15. Rom. xiv. 10, 12. 1 Cor. iv. 5, and v. 22. 2 Cor. v. 10. Phil. iii. 21. 1 Thess. iv. 14-17. Rev. xx. 12, and xxii. 12. Isa. xxv. 8, x.xxv. 10, and lx. 20.
[p. 20]
CHURCH COVENANT
As we trust we have been brought by divine grace to embrace the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the influence of his Spirit to give ourselves up to him, so we do now solemnly covenant with each other, that, God enabling us, we will walk together in brotherly love; that we will exercise a Christian care and watchfulness over each other, and faithfully warn, rebuke, and admonish one another, as the case shall require; that we will not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, nor omit the great duty of prayer, both for ourselves and for others; that we will participate in each other's joys, and endeavor, with tenderness and sympathy, to bear each other's burdens and sorrows; that we will earnestly endeavor to bring up such as may be under our care in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; that we will seek divine aid to enable us to walk circumspectly and watchfully in the world; denying ungodliness and every worldly lust; that we will strive together for the support of a faithful evangelical ministry among us; that we will endeavor, by example and effort, to win souls to Christ; and through life, amidst evil report and good report, seek to live to the glory of Him who hath called us out of darkness into his marvellous light.
[p. 21]
GENERAL REGULATIONS STATED MEETINGS AND ORDINANCES.
The Standing Committee meet to examine candidates, and attend to other business, on the Monday evening preceding the last Sabbath of every month.
The Monthly Church Meeting is on the Tuesday evening preceding the last Sabbath in every month.
When there are candidates, the ordinance of Baptism is administered on the last Sabbath of the month, in connection with the morning service.
The Lord's Supper is administered on the first Sabbath in every month. in connection with the afternoon service.
The Monthly Prayer Meeting for Missions is on the first Sabbath evening in every month.
The Monthly Prayer Meeting for Sabbath Schools is on the second Sabbath evening in every month.
The Weekly Prayer and Conference Meeting is on Friday evening.
The Sabbath School meets at the ringing of the first bell, both morning and afternoon.
[p. 22]
GENERAL REGULATIONS. STANDING COMMITTEE.
A Standing Committee of thirteen person, of which the Pastor and Deacons are members ex offico, to be elected at the meeting in December; whose duty is shall be toe xamine all candidates for membership, to make preliminary inquires in cases of discipline, and, generally, to attend to such other business as relates to the welfare ofthe Church, especially such as may be introduced by the Pastor.
ADMSSION TO MEMBERSHIP.
The Church adopt, as a practice, that all candidates for baptism, after they have been approved by the Standing Committee, shall be proposed at a monthly meeting, and stand propounded one month. A special committee is appointed by the Church on each case, whose examinations as to personal piety and moral charaeter are expected to be particular and thorough, and, if satisfied, they shall so report to the Church before the vote shall be taken on reception. If not satisfied, they shall have authority to postpone the appearance of the individual before the Chureh.
Letters of recommendation and dismission from other Churches are to be presented to the Pastor or Deacons, and by them laid before the Standing Committee, who shall inquire, in each case, into the religious history, occupation, residence, habits, &c., of the applicant; and, if found to be satisfactory, the Letter to be presented to the Church with a Report; and when practicable, the individuals shall be requested then, or at the first convenient opportunity, to relate to the Cburch their religious experience.
[p. 23]
GENERAL REGULATIONS. BENEVOLENT CONTRIBUTIONS.
Stated collections for objects of benevolence are taken on the second Sabbath of each of the following months: -
Foreign Missions, . . January. Bible Cause, . . March Sabbath Schools, . . May. Home Missions, . . July. Tract Cause, . . September. Education Cause, . . November. Other collections are regularly taken as follows: -
On Fast Day and on the Sabbath preceding Thanksgiving, for the poor of the parish; at the Monthly Concert of Prayer for Foreign Missions; and after the Lord's Supper every month for the poor of the Church and other Church purposes.
All collcctions, for whatever objects, are required to be paid in full into the Treasury of the Church, and to be reported by the Treasurer in his annual account, which shall be audited by a Committee appointed for the purpose.
All Committees appointed by the Church to superintend collections and subscriptions are required to report as soon as convenient to the Church, when the sums reported as raised shall be appropriated.
All collections made for the poor are dispensed by the Deacons, and accounted for in gross by the Treasurcr.
[24]
GENERAL REGULATIONS. DUTY OF MEMBERS WHO REMOVE
1. It shall be the duty of every member who may remove from Boston to any plaee where there is a regular Baptist Church, expecting to return within a year, to take and present to that Church a letter of recommendation for occasional communion. It shall, moreover, be the duty of such member to give information of his or her residenee and spiritual condition to this Church on or before the first day of August, in every year.
2. In case a member shall remove from the city to be absent for several years, it shall be the duty of such member to ask a letter of dismission to some regular Baptist Church in the neighborhood; and if there be none within a convenient distance, he or she shall give yearly notice to this Church, as is required in the preceding rule. ============== [A History of the Rowe Street Baptist Church, Boston, MA, With the Declaration of Faith and The Church Covenant, 1853, (no author, published by the church). Copied from the original at the Denison University Library, Special Collections and Archives, Granville, OH. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]More Massachusetts Baptist History
Baptist History Homepage