A Century Sermon
Philadelphia Baptist Association
By Rev. Samuel Jones, D. D.
1807, Part 2[Footnote have been changed to Endnotes and the symbols to numbers]
Perhaps some, in accounting for this circumstance, will be ready to mention the want of information among us. Be it so. There may be something in it. But suppose I should suggest a more probable reason. Having been persecuted and oppressed, suffered imprisonment and alienation of property; it is but reasonable to expect, we should be very jealous of our religious liberty, which indeed is the case: and it has been thought by many that the rights of conscience are safer, in the hands of those who care but little for religion of any kind, than in the hands of zealots, devoted to the interest of a particular sect.14
Let it not be said, that this zeal for religious liberty cannot take place, where persecution has not been felt. For the report of it is gone every where, and although it has not every where excited alarm, yet it has sympathy. And then the thing itself is so horrible: to invade the rights of the Deity, to compel people to obey man rather than God, to do what they verily believe they ought not, and to pay for what they never had, nor wish to have; every feeling of the moral sense, to go no farther, rises against it.
It has been often said, that all parties will persecute when they have the power. This may be admitted as a general rule; but I am bold to aver that the Baptists are an exception. They have had the power in Rhode Island,15 if not in Portland: but not a single instance can be produced of their abuse of that power any where.16
Hoping you will excuse these few political observations, I will now go on to what may be more agreeable.
We would not be understood to suppose, that the work of the Lord has been confined to our society. We occupy but a small part of the Lord's vineyard: and we rejoice, that there are so many others engaged with us in spreading and promoting the kingdom of our Lord and Saviour.
About the middle of the century a glorious revival took place and spread through the States, wherein that eminent servant of the Lord, the Rev. George Whitefield, bore a conspicuous part. He was the blessed instrument in the hand of the Lord, both in commencing and spreading that wonderful work.
This revival had a happy effect, not only in bringing many thousands out of the kingdom of Satan into the kingdom of God's dear Son, but also in being the means of introducing into the ministry many pious and zealous dispensers of the word, especially among Presbyterians in the Middle States, and the Congregationalists in the Eastern States. Without detracting from the merit of those who have appeared since in the ministry, we must be allowed to give a decided preference to the eminent characters that sprung up in the great day of God's power, the names of many of whom are had in precious remembrance to this day, as the Tenants, Edwards, Burr, Davis, Findley, Treat, Beaty, Hunter, Bostwick, Rogers, Rowland, and a long list of others, whose names have not come to our knowledge.17
There have been many, and some of them very considerable revivals and seasons of the refreshment since the above, and that in many, or rather in all the States, particularly in Virginia, the Carolinas, Kentucky, &c., of which we have not room to speak at large, and shall only observe that there have been within those three or four years, and even now are, considerable revivals in Taunton, Norton, Aurelius, Providence, Addison, Columbia, Stuben: Upper Canada, Marlborough, St. Andrew's, Hamilton, Suffield, Bristol, Colchester, Wardsborough, Windham, Winhall, Straton, Wilmington, Granville, Lyme, Philadelphia, Lower Dublin, Southampton, and in many places in Virginia, the Carolinas, Georgia, &c., wherein multitudes have been baptised. Rev. Henry Taler, in Virginia, baptised above 400 in little better than one year, 135 in one day. Glory to God for those refreshing showers of grace.
About forty years ago the Methodist society took root among us, under the labors of Messrs. Pilmore, Boardman, and many others, who, for the time, by their diligence and zeal, have certainly been very successful, at least as to respectability of numbers, and a very considerable reformation of manners, and there is reason to hope, that a real work of grace has taken place among them to a considerable extent.
The many other religious societies are also progressing in numbers, weight and influence; serving we hope, our common Lord and Master, according to the light they have received; on whom, as on all, may the Lord shine, to give the light of the knowledge of his glory in the face of Jesus Christ.
What shall we say of the missionary spirit, that has for some years, and more especially of late, prevailed in many places, and among different societies, with a view to spread the knowledge of the gospel and the way of salvation among the heathen in various parts, as well as among Christians in places destitute of the means. Whether the latter does not merit the greater attention we pass over, only observing, that it is thought it has been attended with more success and far less expense.18
Time would fail us to cross the Atlantic and recount the displays of divine power and grace among them, within the period we are speaking of, especially in Great Britain, that favored isle, -- so highly favored particularly for the knowledge of divine things, promoted among them by the ministry of the word, and by writing. Whether, with reference to the last, they are not now rather stationary, since that great luminary Doctor Gill has finished his course, we leave. Be that as it may, it would seem that knowledge, civil and religious liberty, and with them religion itself are tending westward. With the sun they rose in the East, after a course of ages crossed the Atlantic, and it is likely will progress westward until they reach the Pacific Ocean, civilizing and making happy this western hemisphere in their course.
We mentioned awhile ago the names of some in the ministry, that were eminent in their day for talents, piety and usefulness, who now rest from their labors, and "their works do follow them."
At this time also there are not a few among us in the sacred office, of distinguished worth, not so much for their literary acquirements, as for what is of infinitely more value in promoting pure undefiled religion before God -- namely, true piety, ardent zeal, ministerial gifts, and indefatigable diligence, and faithfulness in saving the souls of men and promoting the kingdom of our Redeemer. 19
Some are Boanerges, sons of thunder, qualified to lay the axe at the root of the trees; to awaken, alarm, and strip sinners of their carnal hopes and self-dependence: while others are sons of consolation, fitted to apply the healing balm of gospel grace, and mercy; to excite faith in the merits and mediation of Christ, and lead the subject of grace to rejoice in hope; fitted to build up, comfort, establish and edify the faithful, leading them on as a peculiar people zealous of good works; while all have a measure of all gifts, as God has distributed to all by the same Spirit. Of these there are a few, especially Southward and Eastward 20 of us, the force of whose natural genius has raised them far above the common level, whose names, for obvious reasons, we for the present suppress, and
Hail the sons of glory when they set. Thus when we look back, as from an eminence, on what has taken place within a small compass, in the course of the last century, in promoting the kingdom of the Messiah in the world, we see a glorious accomplishment of the prophecy in the text, and if we look forward, a still more glorious prospect lies before us.
Before another century will revolve, before another opportunity will offer, of delivering another discourse on the like occasion with the present, we hope and expect, that the latter day of glory, the spiritual reign of Christ, will, commence, in comparison of which, what we have seen, however glorious, can be but a prelude, a faint shadow.
We have indeed lately seen a whole church with its ministry, 21 as it were a whole town, turn from will-worship to the apostolic practice, in a manner with one consent. This was great and remarkable, I confess, for our day and time. But how much greater and more glorious will it be, when superstition and false coloring of Scripture shall cease, when the Lord Jesus thall [shall] destroy every species of anti-christ with the spirit of his mouth and the brightness of his coming, when his ancient people the Jews shall be brought in, together with the fullness of the gentile world; in one word, when a nation shall be born in a day. Should it enter the mind of any that this is a figurative expression, we grant it may be so: but then if it be, it is such an one as denotes something very great and glorious indeed; nor is there room to doubt, but the power of God is able to bring that saying to pass literally. May the Lord hasten and accomplish his holy purposes to the praise of his glory.
The glorious day spoken of will be the time of the Lord's reformation. The reformation, which has been so much gloried in was but a poor piece of business, although it has been attended with valuable consequences. The reformers shook off the Papal yoke, but in the main retained its principles and spirit. They did not establish the right of free inquiry, liberty of conscience, and the word of God as the only rule of faith and practice: but, on the other hand, opposed, restrained and suppressed every attempt to promote a thorough reformation. They were influenced by worldly motives, connected religion with worldly establishments, were the abettors of tyranny and oppression, and even of persecution by fire and the sword. But we look for a far different reformation. The Lord will come, and will not tarry. Let us wait for him.
Having thus, my brethren, laid before you our original state, and the progress made within our compass, and then extended our views to our brethren in the Union; and having said a few words in regard to the state of religion among other societies, it may now be time to draw towards a conclusion. But, before I close, I shall take the liberty to say a few words with reference to the nature of our subject.
Some may say, that we have talked too much about our numbers, and that it looks rather like boasting. I would inquire of such, whether it would not be more candid in them, to consider it as exulting in the riches of divine grace and goodness. If, however, we may not speak of the great things God has done for us, without being charged with boasting, then let us determine with the Apostle, that no man shall stop us of this boasting. In the Lord we will triumph, and in his salvation.
That our subject, however, is dry, and does not admit of much fervor and devotion is readily granted. It does not call for that pathos which the common subjects of the sacred desk, not only allow, but often require.
To speak of the deplorable state of man under the wrath of God, and the sentence of condemnation; to display the unsearchable riches of the grace and love of God in the way of recovery and salvation through Jesus Christ; to describe the work of the Spirit in taking the things of Christ and showing them unto us, his work of conversion and sanctification; to paint the awful process in the great day, and finally the irrecoverable perdition of the ungodly, and the glory and felicity of the righteous; these are subjects that will admit, and even call for animation. Here the preacher may well glow, with ardor, and the hearer feel an interest. These subjects, when accompanied with divine power, will melt the affections; bow the will, and mend the heart.
But if our subject does not rise to the height of those now mentioned, it is nevertheless well worth while, to devote one hour, once in an hundred years at least, to review the ways and doings of God with his church and people, in accomplishing the purposes and decrees of his grace and goodness.
Such contemplation may be of advantage to us, not only for present satisfaction, but because it tends to call forth into exercise the best powers and faculties of the soul, and to excite to action the graces of the Spirit there implanted.
Here we are led to exult and triumph in his power and goodness. In this contemplation our gratitude, thanksgiving and praise, those heavenly exercises, will be most powerfully moved. From what has been done in the accomplishment of his promises, we are led to hope for the fulfillment of those that remain, we are led to a steadfast confidence in him, who has said, "And lo, I am with you always, to the end of the world;" and that no weapon formed against Zion shall prosper.
Every device of man to unite the church and the world must come to naught. For the Redeemer has said, "My kingdom is not of this world." Human schemes and policy will not long avail. The church will shortly come up out of the wilderness.
In the spirit of true piety and ardent affection it is fit we should therefore join in the general chorus of the redeemed throng through all ages, saying, "Come Lord Jesus, come quickly."
Let us then unite with one heart and voice in ascribing "honor and glory, praise and power, might, majesty and dominion to him that sitteth on the throne, and to the Lamb forever and ever." Amen.
============= Endnotes Part 2
14 An historian observes, that the worst of men made the best emperors for heretics. In regard to the correctness of this maxim, the writer has not the least doubt. Nevertheless, as it may seem strange to some pious minds, that the wicked should be set up on high, and preferred to the religious, he begs them to consider, --
First, That by those, who care but little about religion, is not meant the profane, nor those who are professed enemies to revelation, who, it is expected, will never be raised to dignified stations by the people in this country.
Secondly, That there may not be clear evidence, that a zealot has any real religion, though he bears the name.
Thirdly, Suppose he should have real religion, and be elevated to the first office in the Union, what security; can the people have, that he will be possessed of such firmness of mind, as to direct his own councils, and escape the influence of religionists, or clergy, with whom he will be encompassed, and who have never been thought to be over-favorable to equal rights and free inquiry in matters of religion.
In unison is the observation of the historian, "The worst of men made the best emperors for heretics" -- i.e. -- for dissenters from the ruling party. Robinson, Ecclesiastical Researches, p. 74.15 Rev. John Callender, in his aforesaid discourse, (p. l03,) speaking, of Rhode Island, has these words: "Liberty of conscience was the basis of this colony. Our fathers thought it just and necessary, to allow each other mutually to worship God as their consciences were respectfully persuaded; they thought no man had power over the Spirit of God, and that the duty of the magistrate was to leave everyone to follow the light of his conscience. They were willing to exhibit to the world an instance, that liberty of conscience was consistent with the public peace, and the flourishing of a civil commonwealth, as well as that christianity can subsist without compulsion." And he might have added, that it could subsist a great deal better without than with it.
16 When the Quakers in Pennsylvania did something like persecuting the Keithians, Holme, a Baptist Judge or Justice, on the bench, opposed it. -- Vide Mr. Edward's Matt. Vol. 1st, p. 56.
17 It is not here meant that those referred to, were greater than those now on the ministerial stage for natural powers of mind, much less for literary improvement, but for powerful evangelical preaching.
18 The Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Magazine, published quarterly, and which merits high encomium and support, gives us very pleasing intelligence of the success of missionaries east of Penobscot river, in Nova. Scotia, back parts of the State of New York, Upper Canada, &c.
One of their missionaries, Rev. Isaac Case, in a short time baptised 205, and constituted six churches.
19 The Baptists, as a society, have never considered the higher branches of learning as essential to the gospel ministry, and there is no doubt but the sentiment is perfectly correct. They have, nevertheless, held education in high esteem, as a handmaid to grace, and have always had not a few among them, that ranked pretty high for literary improvement and extensive reading.
In the year 1756, the late Rev. Isaac Eaton, M. A., of Hopewell, in New Jersey, opened a Grammar School under the patronage of the Philadelphia Baptist Association.
In the fall of 1763, the writer of these sheets, on request, repaired to Newport, in Rhode Island, and new-modeled a rough draft they had of a charter of incorporation for a college, which soon after obtained Legislative sanction. The summer following the institution went into operation under the Rev. James Manning, President, at Warren, at which place the first commencement was held in 1769. Two years after, an elegant edifice was erected at Providence, and the institution flourished under its worthy President, the late renowned Dr. Manning, as it did since his death under President Maxy, and does now under President Mercer. At the commencement of last September, twenty- nine were admitted to the degree of Bachelor of Arts. It is now called Brown's University, in honor of the generous Nicholas Brown, merchant, of that place.
The writer kept a boarding school between twenty-nine and thirty years, at Lower Dublin, in which many were educated, that are now useful in the different learned professions.
One of them, the Rev. Dr. Allison, kept a large Academy under his sole direction, at Bordentown, in New Jersey, from whence issued many useful characters.
The Philadelphia Baptist Association have a fund for the education of young men promising for the gospel ministry, as have also the Charleston Association.
The Baptists, in Georgia, have in contemplation to erect a College in that State, on Mount Enon, at the distance of 140 miles from the Atlantic, in latitude 33 north, on an elevation of 200 feet perpendicular, accommodated with salubrious air, and two fine springs that issue out of rocks on the north and west sides.
The business is in some forwardness, as unsolicited donations already amount to about five thousand dollars. This account of Enon College bears date of December, 1806.
20 Of these my good and intimate friend, the late Doctor Samuel Stillman, of Boston, was one, to whose memory, memorable as it was, Doctor Baldwin, in the funeral discourse, has done such ample justice. It would be well, if on such occasions, truth was always so strictly attended to.
21 This refers to the Rev. Daniel Merril, of Maine. That of N. Dodge, at Lebanon, in Connecticut, is not very dissimilar.
============= [From A. D. Gillette, Minutes of the Philadelphia Baptist Association, 1851; reprint, 2001, pp. 460-468. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]
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