A sermon, preached November 29, 1821, the day which completed one hundred years since the organization of the Congregational Church in Rehoboth, Mass. ..

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Tho^APSO^^

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VREACUED J^OVEMBER 39, 1S21,

THE DAY WHICH COMPLETED

ONE HUNDRED YEARS

SINCE THE ORGANIZATION OF THE

IN REHOBOTH, MASS.

BY OTIS THOMPSON, ^. M.

PASTOR OF SAID CHURCH.

J

TAUNTON :

-''' PRINTED BY A. DANFORTH.

X^

TO NF\7 y5
PU3UC LIBI^A-:'

ASTO^, T :.-r^X AND

TiLDi::-; rcu;.D..,Ti'jr.

ACTS, IX. 31.

Thin had the churches rest throughout all Judea, and Gallilee^

and Samariafdnd were edifed: and, walking in the

fear of the Lord, a7id in the comfort of

the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

THE period, to which this passage relates, was
ihat immediately following the conversion of Saul of Tar-
sus. Saul had been a bitter and bloody persecutor of all
who called upon the name of Christ. According to his
own confession, in his defence before king Agrippa, he was
exceedingly mad against the saints in Christ Jesus; and,
acting under the highest authority in the Jewish church,
shut them up in prison* punished them oft in every syna-
gogue,compelled thera to blaspheme, persecuted them even
unto strange cities, ^:,whcn they were put to death, gave his
voice against them. Thus he made havock of the churches,
robbed them of all peace and rest, and kept them in a state
of perpetual tumult and terror. But, w-hen on his way tq
Damascus, breathing out threatenings and slaughter, and
having a commission from the High Priest to bind and
bring to Jerusalem all the christians he might find, he was
suddenly arrested in his mad career, by a light and voice
from heaven, which struck him to the earth, and constrain-
ed him to cry out, " Lord, what w ilt thou have me to do ?"
In a moment, by the invincible influence of the Holy Spir-
it, he was changed from a persecutor to a follower of
Christ, from a blasphemer to a preacher of the faith which
before he destroyed. This wonderful and happy event
astonished the saints, appalled the Jewish rulers, quench-

4
cd the flame of persecution, and gave peace and rest to
the harrassed and weary churches of Christ. " Then had
the churches rest throughout all Judea, and Gallilee, and
Samaria, and were edified : and walking in the fear of the
Lord, and, in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multi-
plied."

The primitive churches of Christ were constituted and
organized as all succeeding christian churches ought to
be ; and that which was necessary to edify and multiply
them, in the time of the apostles, is equally necessary, at
the present day. Accordingly, in discoursing from the
words before us, on the present occasion, I shall endeav-
our,

I. To describe a church of Christ,

II. To show what is necessary to the edification of a
church of Christ. And,

III. To show what is necessary to the enlargement of
such a church.

I am,

I. To describe a church of Christ.

The word church is used in difter^ent senses. In its orig-
inal and most general sense, it means any congregation or
company of people, selected or called together. In the
sacred scriptures, the word church sometimes means all
the people of God collectively considered,whether on earth
or in heaven ; all who have been or shall be called, by
Divine grace, out of the kingdom of darkness into the king-
dom of Christ, and finally redeemed from all iniquity.
Thus, in the epistle to the Ephesians, Christ is said ' to be
the head over all things to the church ;' and all things are
said to have been created by Jesus Christ, ' to the intent
that unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places,
might be known, by the church, the manifold wisdom of
God.'

Sometimes, in sacred scripture, the word church
means, the collective body of professed saints, or visible,
believers in Christ, in the world, at any particular time.

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Thus in Arls vn. 38, ^' This is he (Moses) thai was in the
church in the wihlcrness."

But, generally, in the New Teslamenl, tlic term cliurch
is applied to a congregation, company, or society of pro-
fessed belioveis in Christ, who Jive together in the same
neighbourhood, meet for worship in the same place, and
have covenanted to assist and watch over each other, and
to maintain together the order, discipline and ordinances
of the gospel. Thus wc read of ' the church at Home,
the church at Corinth, the church at Colosse, and the
church at Babylon ; and of the churches of Macedonia,
the churches of Galalia, and the churches of Asia.'

Separate churches of the above description, were very
numerous in the days of the apostles. In whatever city,
or village, or place, they preached with any success, they
gathered a distinct church of such as professed, and ap-
peared to possess, true faith in the Lord Jesus. That
these churches were congregational, or separate bod-
ies of visible believers, is evident from their local situ-
ation in separate towns and districts, from their consisting
of no more members than could conveniently meet togeth-
er in one place, from their having distinct officers, and from
their being required, in their collective capacity, to sup-
port their pastors and their poor, and to maintain the or-
der and discipline of Christ's house. There is no intima-
tion in the New Testament, that any particular church was,
in any respect or degree, subject to any ordinary officers
except their own, or to any other church, or number of
churches. No bishops or elders, except the inspired apos-
tles, are represented as having jurisdiction in more than
one placCy or over more than one church. It appears from
(he New Testamenl,that a church of Christ is such a body
of visible believers, as live in the same vicinity, assemble
in the same place, have their own officers, exercise their
own discipline, and are bound by compact to Vv^alk togeth-
er in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord.

Such rs a church of Christ. I am.

6

II. To show, what Is necessary to the edification of a
church of Christ.

To edif}^ is, literally, to bnild. A church of Christ is
frequently, in scripture, compared to a building. As in
1 Corin. iii. 9. "Ye are God's building," and Eph. ii. 19,
22. "Now, therefore, ye are no more strano;ers and for-
eigners, but fellow-citizens with the saints and of the house-
hold of God; and are built upon the foundation of the apos-
tles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief
corner-stone ; in whom all the building, fitly framed to-
gether, groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord : in whom
ye also are builded together for an habitation of God
through the Spirit." As a church of Christ is thus, meta-
phorically, called (I building ; so, v/hatever serves to pro-
mote its spiritual welfare, is said to edifif if. The spirit-
ual welfare of a church consists in the knowledge, holi-
ness and enjoyment of its members. AVhatever is neces-
sary to promote the progress of the members of a church
in the knowledge of divine truth, their growth in grace,
and their spiritual comfort, is necessary to its edification.
Between these three constituent parts of the welfare of a
church of Christ, there is an intimate connexion ; for
knowledge is the capacity for holiness, and holiness is
the source of comfort. As christians advance in the
knowledge of God and divine things, their holy love in-
creases in extent and degree ; which, of course, increases
their happiness ; as holy disinterested love gives them the
enjoyment of all the good with which they are acquainted.
Hence Peter exhorts, "Grow in grace, and in the knowl-
edge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." And hence
Paul said, he ceased not to pray for the Colossian Church,
'that they might be filled with the knowledge of God's will,
in all wisdom and spiritual understanding ; that they might
walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful
in every good Avork, and increasing in the knowledge of
God ; and might be strengthened by Divine Power, to all
patience and long suffering with joyfulness.'

7

Such being Uic nature of cdincaticjii, it is not dilTicuU id
see what is necessary to promote it. And,

1. It is necessary to the edification of a cliurch of
Christ, that it be duly constituted and organized, agreea-
bly to the laws of Christ and the prescriptions and prac-
tice of the apostles. In the primitive churches, there was
a profession of J'uithf a form of doctrine, a form of sound
words, which they were commanded to hold fast. A
church is not properly constituted, without a Confession
of Faith, comprising the leading and essential doctrines
of the gospel. Until the members of a church have sub-
scribed their names, or signitied their assent to such a con-
fession, they are not visible christians. A christian is one,
who cordiuUy believes the truth as it is in Jesus. A visi-
ble christian is one, who appears thus to believe the truth.
But, how can one appear to believe and love the truth, un-
less he professes to believe and love it ? Hence the apostle
says, "With the heart man believeth unto righteousness ;
and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation."
A Confession of Faith should be p'mii, that it may be un-
derstood, and not ignorantly subscribed by such as do not
believe it ; scriptural, that it may not promote errour in-
stead of truth ; and /«//, that no one may honestly sub-
scribe it, who rejects any of the first principles of the or-
acles of God.

The constitution of a church of Christ comprises a Cov-
enant, or mutual and solemn promise to walk together in
the faith and order of the gospel. Whether the "form of
sound words," mentioned by the apostle, included such a
covenant, or not ; it is manifest, that a covenant is essen-
tial to the very existence of a distinct church, which is not
a mere assemblage of disconnected individuals, but a soci-
ety of visible believers, bound to walk together, and unit-
edly to maintain the faith, worship, and ordinances of
Christ.

It is necessary to the organization of a church, that it
be furnished with such officers^ as Christ has appointed.

8
These are, a Fastor, and Deacons, These appear to be
the only ordinary officers appointed by Christ. The in-
troduction of the epistle to the Philipians, clearly shows,
that Bishops and Deacons were the only officers in that
primitive and duly organized church. "Paul and Timo-
theus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in
Christ Jesus which are at Philipi, with the bishops and dea-
cons ; grace be unto you &c." If there had been any other
officers in this church, we cannot suppose the apostle would
have neglected them in such an express enumeration.

The Jipostolick office was mawUesiiy extraordinary , The
same may be said of the office of Prophets, and of such as
wrought miracles and spoke with tongues. Evangelists
are not officers in a particular church, but preachers sent
forth to propagate the gospel in the dark places of the
earth. The terms pastor, bishops teacher, and elder, ap-
pear to be used indiscriminately in the New Testament, as
nearly synonymous, and as relating to one and the same
office. Some, indeed, have supposed, that in 1 Tim. v.
1 7, the apostle recognises lading elders, as holding an of-
fice distinct from those of pastor and deacons. "Let the
elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour,
especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.''
On this passage, it may be observed, that there is no rea-
son to think, that the apostle meant here to make a dis-
tinction between different ranks of elders, but between dif-
ferent degrees of service, performed by elders of the same
rank. There might be some teaching elders, who, for
various reasons, did not constantly preach ; and others
who occasionally went out to perform the laborious ser-
vice of evangelists. Besides, it has been ju&tly observed,
that the original will well bear to be translated thus :
"Let the elders that rule, (i. e. govern their flocks) well,
be counted worthy of double honour (i. e. of much respect
and a liberal maintenance ;) and that chiefly because they
labour in the word and doctrine."*

* See Dk, GuYgE's Paraphrase in loc.

9

The ijualilkalions, which are required in those, who fill
the otfires of bishop and deacon^, arc specilicd in 1 Tim.
iii. 2 — 12, "A i)ishop then must be blameless, the husband
of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to
hospitality, apt to teach : Not given to wine, no striker,
not greedy of likhy lucre ; but patient, not a brawler, not
covetous ; one that rulclh well his own house, having his
children in subjection with all gravity. — Not a novice, lest
being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of
the devil.

Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double tongued,
not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre ; hold-
ing the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. — Let
the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their
children and their own houses well."

A church, that has such a confession of faith and cove-
nant, and such officers as have been mentioned, may be
considered as duly constituted and organized. Such a
constitution and organization are necessary to the edifi-
cation of every church of Christ. Without a sound and
full confession and covenant, they will be exposed to her-
esies and divisions, which will retard their progress in
knowledge ; and will be utterly unable to maintain disci-
pline, which will equally retard their growth in grace.
The officers of Christ's appointment, the apostle express-
ly says, Eph. iv. 1 2, were given "for the edifying of the
body of Christ." The need of such officers to the edifi-
cation of a church of Christ, will sufficiently appear, in
the course of the succeeding observation.

2. It is necessary to the edification of a church of
Christ, that both its officers and members be diligent and
faithful in the discharge of their respective duties. The
organization, which Christ has prescribed for his church-
es, is happily adapted to promote their edification ; but it
will fail of producing this desirable cfiect, if the appropri-
ate duties of the officers and members, be cither neglected,
or confounded, or carelessly and remissly performed.

10

The Pastor is called a sfric.yrd. a fencher, and an over-
serr. It is his ajiprojiriato duly to feed the fiock of Christ
with knowledge and understanding ; to give himself to
reading, n;ediiation and prayer ; to teach and preach the
doctrines and duties of the gospel in publick and private ;
to administer divine ordinances, and lead in the exercises
of social worship ; and to preside in the meetings of the
church, and superintend and watch over its order, dis-
cipline and walk.

It is the appropriate duty of the Beacmis, to serve ta-
bles ; to take care of the property of the church ; to at-
tend to the temporal support of its pastor and its poor ;
in a word, to manage all its prudential, pecuniary and sec-
ular concerns. This clearly appears, from the original
institution of their office as recorded in the first part of
the sixth chapter of the iVcts. That Philip afterwards
preached the gospel, proves that one, who has been a dea-
con, may afterwards become a preacher ; but it does not
prove that preaching the gospel is any part of the office
of a deacon.

It is the appropriate duty of the hrefJiren, to attend on
the instructions, worship and ordinances of the sanctuary ;
to admonish and deal with each other, according to the
rule laid down by Christ, in the eighteenth chapter of the
gospel by Matthew -■ to contribute of their substance, as
there may be need and ability, to defray the expenses of
the church ; and to maintain the worship and instructions
of the family and the devotions of the closet.

Now, if any of these duties are ntgitcteo, the edification
of the body is hindered. If the Fuftor neglects his duty,
the church is not instructed, and cannot grow in knowl-
edge- If the Deacovs neglect their duty, the pastor is in-
terrupted ; the poor are without the comforts of life, or
the means of frequenting the sanctuary ; the prudential
concerns of the church are deranged ; and the house,
worship,table and family of Christ,lack the appearance of
decency & order. If the JUrethrcn, generally, neglect their

11

duty, their edification is hin.l'.Tcd. If thoy forsake the
assembling of I honisclvcs togci her, in vain does the pus-
tor speak to emjity sen's ; if they withhold more than is
meet, it will not be in thi' power of the Deacens to provide
for their instruction, convenience and comfort ; if they
neglect the scriptures and prayer in the family and clos-
et, they will be babes in knowledge and fruitless branch-
es in practice ; and, if they neglect discipline and suiler
sin upon each other, the leprosy of errour and inmiorality
•will spread over the body.

If the app»'opriate duties of officers and members are
confounded^ it cannot fail to injure the edification of a
church. Should the Pastor undertake the duties of the
Deacons and Brethren, or they undertake the duties of
the Pastor, it would be as injurious to the edification of
the body of Christ, as it would to the health and comfort
of the natural body, should the head and hands be made
to perform the office of the feet, and the feet the office of
the head and hands.

It must be obvious, that in proportion to the carelessness
andreuiissaess with which the officers and members of a
church perform the duties of their holy calling, their edi-
fication must ever be retarded. But, when each officer
and each member stands in his proper place, and dischar-
ges his duty with punctuality, diligence and fidelity, the
spiritual building cannot fail to become grounded and set-
tled in the faith, adorned with the beauties of holiness,
and filled with the light and comfort of the Holy Spirit.

3. It is necessary to the edification of a church of
Christ, that it be in the full possession and free exercise
of all those rights, which the great Head of the church hag
given it.

It is the right of every separate church, to form & adopt
its own Confession and Covenant. As no one can believe
or promise for another, so it is manifestly absurd for any
individual or body of men to assume the power of impos-
ing, upon others, either a creed or covenant. It belongs

12

to the Author and Finisher of our faith to prescribe to his
churches, what thry shall believe and what they shall
do. He has not delegated this authority, to any man, or
to any order, or assembly of men. Each church is amen-
able to Christ only, for the doctrines which they profess
to believe, and the duties which they promise to perform.
For others to presume to impose a Confession upon
them, is usurpation, which must ever be injurious to the
edification of any church. The Creed, thus unlawfully
imposed, is likely to be any thing, rather than the truth,
and must tend to exclude from communion the most intel-
ligent and conscientious christians, to deter the member^
of the church from a free enquiry on religious subjects,
and to seal the lips of their Pastor, and thus deprive them
of that instruction, which is indispensably necessary to
their edification.

It is the right of every separate church, to elect and in-
stall its own officers. The Apostles did not claim the
power of placing officers over the churches, without their
choice and consent. The Pastor and Deacons of the prim-
itive churches, were elected by the suffrages of the Broth-
erhood. While the right of ordination to the work of the
ministry was limited to the Apostles and Elders, the
churches installed whom they pleased as their Pastors
and Teachers. And the free exercise of this right, is nec-
essary to the edification of every church of Christ. They
must be satisfied with the abilities, acquirements and cha-
racter of their Pastor, in order to receive benefit from his
ministrations. Though he may be competent ; yet, if he
be unacceptable, he will neither be heard, nor respected.
But, a church, deprived of the right of choosing and in^
stalling its officers, is more likely to be burdened with such
as are weak, erroneous and viscious, than io be blessed
with such as are able, sound in the faith, and of good re^
port.

Once more,

It is the right of every separate church to exercise dis-

13

cipline and manage all its concerns, independently of the
intcrl'orence or control of any ollitr body. The com-
mand to receive the hopefully pious, to deal with otien-
ders, and to withdraw from the disorderly and incorrigi-
ble, is given to the chnrcli^ and not to any diocesan bishop,
synod, consistory, assembly, or consociation. Nothing
like an ecclesiastical tribunal, aside from the church, is
suggested, in all the New Testament. There is but one
instance mentioned, of the session of an Ecclesiastical
Council; and that council consisted of a single church,
over which the apostles themselves presided, and whose
result was not imperative, but merely advisory. The
whole business of maintaining worship, discipline and or-
der, is enjoined upon the church in its separate capacity.
This is the right of every church of Christ. And without
the free exercise of this right, no church have it in their
power to preserve themselves from corruption in principle
and practice, or to furnish themselves with the means of
knowledge and grace. In important and dithcult cases,
it is doubtless lawful and expedient for any church to ask
advice of sister churches ; but no church is bound to fol-
low such advice, any further than it appears to them a-
greeable to the will of Christ.
I only add,

5. That freedom from violent persecution, is necessa-
ry to the edification of a church of Christ. During the
persecution which arose about Stephen, and in which
Saul was so active, the churches were broken up, their
members scattered abroad, and their social worship and
christian communion interrupted. It was not till the con-
version of Saul and the consequent cessation of persecu-
tion, ihsit the churches had rest (imt^vere edified. Though
all they that will live godly in Christ Jesus, shall suffer
persecution from the world, in a greater or less degree ;
yet, violent persecution from the powers of the earth, must
ever deprive the churches of the exercise of their rights,
take from them the means of instruction, and in all re-

14

spects hinder their edification. Thus it was with the
christian churches during the ten persecutions under the
Raman Emperours. And thus it has been ever since.
Individuals in the furnace of persecution, may be refined ;
but churches, as bodies, generally lose their purity both
of doctrine and practice ; and, not unfrequently are re-
duced to dross, or totally consumed.
It remains to show,

III. What is neccessary to the enlargement of a church
of Christ.

Between the edification and enlargement of a church of
Christ, there is an intimate moral connexion. When the
churches are edified, they walk in the fear of the Lara, and

tin: coinjort of the Holy Ghost ; and then they seldom fail .
to be muUiplieii.

Here, then, let me observe,

1 . That purity of doctrine and practice, is necessary
to the enlargement of a church of Christ. It is only when
a church preserve the faith of the gospel and obey the
laws of Christ, that they are prepared to receive an ac-
cession of new members. Numbers, indeed, may be ad-
ded to a church, however corrupt ; but it is not to be ex-
pected that they will be such as shall be saved. An im-
pure church is an unsuitable place for young converts,
who need to be fed with the sincere milk of the word, that
they may grow thereby, to be nourished up in the words
of faith and of good doctrine, and to be provoked unto
good works. A church who have greatly departed from
the faith, and sunk into sinful conformity to the world,
have no reason to expect an etiusion of the Spirit and an
increase of their numbers. Christ is oflended with his
churches, when they reject his doctrine, neglect his com-
mands, and dishonour his name ; and, instead of enlarg-
ing them by his Spirit, it is to be apprehended. He will
diminish them by his judgments. What He said to the
seven churches of Asia, may be considered as addressed
to all churches in similar circumstances ; and his treatment

16

of thrm, may be considrrcr] as an example of hi> treat-
ment of all ollurs, who iniitalo liuir conduct. If a church
leave their first love, their caudU'sticIv will be removed out
of his place : If the}' connive ai heresy, they must exjuct
that Christ will fight against them with the sword of his
mouth: If they sink into a lukewarm stale, they must ex-
pect to be utterly rejected.

2. It is necessary to the enlargement of a church of
Christ, that those means should be used, which God has
appointed, for the conviction, conversion and salvation of
sinners. These are, principally, ///rrr,* the exnmjiic of
christians^ the instruction of children, and the preaching of the
gospel.

First. The holy example of christians, is one of the
means necessary to the enlargement of a church of Christ.
When the members of a church keep their covenant with
God and each other ; when they do whatever Christ has
commanded them ; when they contend earnestly for the
faith once delivered to the saints, speaking the truth in
love ; when they are sober, temperate, just, kind, forgiving,
watchful, prayerful and heavenly-minded ; and when they
liberally communicate, and like their Lord and Master,
go about doing good ; then they exhibit striking evidence
of the reality and power of religion. The world take
know ledge of them, that they have been with Jesus. Sin-
ners are constrained to see, that there is an essential dif-
ference between them, and saints. They become alarmed
for themselves, are led to inquire what they shall do to be
saved ,• and often, through the concurrins: influence of the
Holy Spirit, are persuaded, by this means, to take up the
cross, and follow Christ. Hence, our Lord said, " Let
your light so shine before men, that they may see your
good works, and glorify your Father w ho is in heaven."
The holy conversation of christians, always has a power-
ful tendency to carry conviction to the minds of sinners;
and, without this, other means seldom prove effectual.
When the members of a church live like the world, sinners

16

around will think themselves, and often justly, to be as
good and safe as they. It is not unfrequently owing to
the degeneracy of the church,that sinners bless themselves^
in their hearts,and cry peace to their souls, when God
says there is no peace.

Secondly. The instruction of children is another of the
means, necessary to the enlargement of a church of Christ.
Ever since the visible church of Christ was first erected
in the family of Abraham, the father of the faithful, it has
been enjoined upon heads of families to command their
children and households, and bring them up in the nurture
and admonition of the Lord. To the diligent and faithful
performance of this duty, great and precious promisps are
made. By means of the endeavours of parents and house-
holders to train up those under their care, in the way
thoy should go, God has been pleased, in all ages, to re-
plenish his churches. Those, who have been added to
the Lord and to his people, have generally been such, as
were dedicated to God, and taught the holy scriptures,
from their childhood. "Of such, said our Lord, is the
kingdom of heaven." The children of the church are the
hopes of the church. If these are neglected, there is little
reason to expect, that the church will be enlarged. But,

Thirdly. The principal means, necessary to the en-
largement of a church of Christ, is the preaching of the
gospel. 'It pleases God, by the foolishness of preaching,
to save them that believe.' This is the grand instrument
which God has appointed, to enlighten the ignorant, awak-
en the stupid, humble the proud, reform the vicious, and
turn men from darkness to light, and from the power of
Satan unto God. Unless the gospel be plainly and faith-
fully preached, other means will seldom be used ; the light
of christian example will cease to shine, and the instruc-
tion and discipline of the family will be neglected. Unless
the gospel be clearly and fully preached, men will remain
ignorant of the sacred scriptures, ignorant of God, and
ignorant of themselves, and v/ili live and die in their sins.

17

U IS only where the gospel is preached by 'good men,
who arc full of the Holy Ghost and of faith,' that it can
reasonably be expected, ' much people will be added un-
to the Lord/

But, for success to a preached gospel, as well as to all
other means, men are dependant. " Paul may plant, and
Apollos water ; butGod givcth the increase." It must,
therefore, be observed,

3. That united and fervent prayer for the special influ-
ences of the Holy Spirit, is ever necessary to the enlarge-
ment of a church of Christ. It is the Holy Spirit, who
convinces men of sin, raises them to spiritual life, and cre-
ates them in Christ Jesus unto good works. It is He, who
gives the means of salvation all their effect. And He
comes to revive his work, in answer to the prayers of
believers. God gives the Holy Spirit to them that ask
Him : and He will be enquired of by the house of Israel,
to give a new heart and a new spirit to the impenitent and
unbelieving. It is believed to be a fact, substantiated by
the history of the church, that every considerable revival
of religion and enlargement of Zion, has been preceded by
special, ardent prayer, on the part of God's people. There
is ever the highest encouragement to pray for the effusion
of the Holy Spirit and the enlargement of the church;
for' the Lord's arm is not shortened that it cannot save,
his ear is not heavy that it cannot hear; and the cfiect-
ual fervent prayer of a righteous man, availeth much.'

IMPROVEMENT.

1. We may learn from what has been said, that the
word church is sometimes used in an improper sense.
This term is sometimes used to designate the professed
christians of a particular country, or of a particular de-
nomination. Thus, we hear mention made of the church
of England, the church of Scotland, the Roman church,
the Greek church, the Episcopal church, and the Presby-
terian church. But this appears to be an improper and
unscriptural use of the term church. This term, as ap-

1 o

plied in Scripture to professed christians, means, either
the whole number of visible believers in the world, col-
lectively considered ; or some one particular and sepe-
rate society of such believers, united by mutual covenant,
and assembling in one place for divine worship and atten-
dance on divine ordinances. No countenance is given ia
sacred Scripture^, to national, diocesan, or consociated
churches. These are of human invention, and tend to
create schisms in the body of Christ.

2. We may learn from what has been said, how any
body of professing christians may become, and how they
may cea.se to he a church of Christ. When any conven-
ient number of professed christians unitedly give their as-
sent to a scriptural Confession of Faith, and enter into
Covenant to walk together in the commandments and or-
dinances of the Lord ; then they are a church of Christ,
to all intents and purposes. And whenever such a body
of professed christians renounce their Confession of Faith,
or generally and openly violate their solemn Covenant ;
then they cease to be a church of Christ. A church is
Altogether a voluntary society, and can neither be made,
nor unmade by any power out of itself.

3. We may infer, from what has been advanced, that
the churches of Christ, should guard their rights, with a
watchful and jealous eye. The possession and free ex-
ercise of these rights, is indispensably necessary to their
edification. If they suffer themselves to be despoiled of
these, they may be deprived of the means of light and
grace, and be laden with impositions and oppressions,
which their fathers were not able, and which they will
not be able to bear. Ambition is natural to men. Even
the disciples of Christ, and in his immediate presence
too, were not ashamed to ask, 'Who of them should be
greatest ?' Let the churches of Christ then, be vigilant.
Let them 'stand fast in the liberty, with which Christ has
made them free ; and not be entangled again with the
yoke of bondage.'

19

■i. It is maUci- of tlianksgiving to God, lliis da}', llial
He hath, thus far, furnished this church of Christ with the
means of edification, and halh made such additions to it,
from time to time, as to ])resrrvc it to this frst centurhd
unnivrrsanj of Itsformtdion.

This church was gathered on the 20th day of Novem-
ber, A. D. 1721, It then consisted of ten members, all
males ; six of whom were from the church in what is
now Scekonk ; tlircc then first made a profession of re-
ligion ; and onr, viz. the Rev. David Turner, was from
the church in Scituatc, and, it is supposed, was, on the
same day, ordained as their Pastor. During his ministry,
which continued about tidrhj six years, the number of per-
sons added to this church, by profession and recommen-
dation from other churches, was one hundred^' seventy one.

The Rev. Mr. Turner died, August 9th, A. D. 1757, in
the sixtif third year of his age. He was succeeded in the
pastoral office, by the Rev. Robert RcfbERsoN, a native
of Great-Britain, who was ordained on the second day of
July, A. D. 1759. During his ministry, which continued
about /br/j/ years, it appears, so far as the records give in-
formation,that^//irf7 six persons were added to this church.

The Rev. Mr. Rogerson died, March 20th 1799, in the
seventy eighth year of his age, Between this period and
the ordination of the present Pastor, 711711; persons wcro
added to the church.

The present Pastor, after supplying this pulpit one
year as acandidate,was ordained on the 24th day of Sep-
tember, A. D. 1 800. Since which time, seventy seven per-
sons have been added to the church. The whole num-
ber of persons added to this church, including those first
embodied, is three hundred mid three. The present num-
ber of members, is ffty six, of whom eighteen are males,
and thirty eight arejeniales.

In the year of our Lord 1 800, there commenced in this
place, a season of refreshing from the presence of the
Lord, which continued through the following year ; in

20
which time, ohont forty persons were added to the church,
and several others were hopefully made the subjects of
the renewing influence of the Holy Spirit. This, con-
sidering the size of the Society, which did not, at that
time, exceed Jiftij families, was a great revival, and ought
to be remembered with devout thanksgiving to the God of
all grace.

Though the original Confession and Covenant of this
church, were viewed to be scriptural ; yet, as they were
prolix, and the manner in which they were expressed in
some instances obsolete and obscure; it was thought
proper to revise them. This was accordingly done, in
the year 1810. The first day of November, in that year,
was set apart by the church, as a day of special fasting
and prayer ; on which occasion, they publickly and sol-
emnly renewed Covenant, and gave their assent to the
Confession of Faith and Covenant now in use.

It is believed that this church has been, from the begin-
ning, built upon the foundation of the prophets and apos-
tles, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. It
has ever enjoyed all the rights and privileges of a church
of Christ, and was never in bondage to any man or body
of men. It has ever been favoured with the appointed
means of instruction, having been served, with little inter-
mission, by Three Fastors, for the space of One hundred
years !

This church has ever been supplied with two or more
Deacons; the whole number of whom; since its organiza-
tion, according the Records, is Fifteen,*

* DEACONS.

Thomas Ormsbe.
Elisha May,
John Wilmarth,
Abiah Carpenter,
Joshua Smith, .
Thomas Carpenter,
Stephen Moulton,
Ephraini Bliss, .

Chosen.

. 1721.

, l^'Sl.

, iras.

, IMl.

, 1744.

, 1750.

. 1763.

DEACONS.

Joslma Smith,
Daniel Bliss, .
John Brown, .
Calvin Jacobs,
Asahel Bliss, .
Chase Moulton,
Ezra Perry, .

Chosen.

1791.
1801.
ISOS.
1811.
1814.

21

ll would be ungrateful, not to take notice, on this occa-
sion, of the goodness of God, in putting it into the heart
of a distinguished member of this church, Mr. Ephraim
Hunt, to bequeath the whole of his large estate to the so-
ciety connected with the church, for the support of their
Pastor. This bequest was received about forty years
ago. Such liberal benefactors should be held in lasting
remembrance.

In view of this brief narrative, may we not say, my
Brethren, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us ?" This
church has indeed ever been small ; though not smaller
than churches in general, considering the size of the con-
gregation connected with it. But, wc will remember the
words of our Lord Jesus Christ, how He said, '' Fear not,
little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you
the kingdom." If this church be founded, as we trust it is,
upon that elect, tried, precious Corner Stone, which God
hath laid in Zion, it will stand ; and the gates of hell shall
not prevail against it.

5. If the things, which have been mentioned, be nec-
essary to the enlargement of a church of Christ ; the mem-
bers of this church may hence learn their present duty.
It is most desirable and important, that this church of
Christ should be enlarged. It is, at present, small. Many
of its members are far advanced in life. They cannot
much longer continue with us, by reason of death. If they
pre indeed, as we would hope, the real friends and foUow^-
crs of Christ; they must expect, accordingto the course
Qf nature, soon to be removed from the church militant,
to the church triumphant. Unless additions be speedily
made to this church, it must, in a little time, become ex-
tinct. How deplorable would be such a catastrophe !
There would, then, be none in this place, to preserve the
faith once delivered to the saints. The rising generation
would grow up in ignorance and sin. The holy Sabbath
would no longer be regarded as a day of sacred rest. The
ITorship of God would cease. The lovo of Christ in giv-

22
ing his soul a ransom for many, would be forgotten. Er-
lour and vice, like a leprosy, would overspread the face
of society ; and generation after generation, untaught, un-
warned and unconcerned, would hurry down the broad
way to everlasting destruction. It is inexpressibly desir-
able and important, that this church should be perpetuated
and enlarged. What is necessary to its enlargement, has
been pointed out. It is the incumbent duty of the few
surviving friends of Christ in this place, to do, without de-
lay and without reserve, what in them lies, ' to strengthen
the things that remain, and are ready to die.' Let them
' awake to righteousness and sin not.' Let them ' cleanse
themselves from all filthiness of the flesh and of the spirit,
perfecting holiness in the fear of God.' As judgment, so
reformation must begin at the house of God. Let the mem-
bers of this church, by a holy conversation, recommend
truth and godliness to all around them. Let such, as arc
heads of families, walk within their houses with a perfect
heart, daily kindle the fire of devotion upon the domestick
altar, diligently train up their children in the way they
should go, and resolve, each one, with pious Joshua, "As
for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." Let the
gospel be plainly and fully preached ; and let all lawful
means be used, to fill the house of God with attentive hear-
ers of the word. And as it is God, who must give the in-
crease, let frequent and fervent prayers be ofiered, for the
special influences of the Holy Spirit. " Ye that make
mention of the Lord, keep not silence, and give him no
rest, till he establish, and till he make Jerusalem a praise
in the earth,"

Finalhj. This subject and this occasion should deeply
impress upon the minds of all, who are without the pale of
the visible church, the duty and importance of giving
Christ their hearts, and uniting with his people, in promot-
ing his kingdom and glory. During the long lapse of a
hundred years, since this church was gathered, what num-
bers in this place, have lived and died in visible commun-

23

1011 willi the unbelieving world, and in an ungrateful neg-
lect of the dying command of the Lord Jesus? Who, of
all this multitude, will now justify himself for his disolx'-
dicnce ? Who, of all this nuiltitudc, does not now lament,
that he did not join himself unto the Lord, and unto his
people ? If they were ashamed of Christ, He is ashamed
of them. He esteems those only as his friends, who do
whatsoever He commands them. There can be no neu-
ters with respect to the cause of Christ. He has said,
"He that is not with me, is against me ; and he that gatli-
ereth not with me, scattcrelh abroad." How dangerous,
then, is the condition of all those, who are visibly on the
side of the enemies of Christ? Soon they must appear
before Him, to give account for their treatment of Him
and his friends, and for the manner in which they have
received his doctrines and commands.

Men and Brethren, the time is short. Before another
Anniversary of this kind, every individual here prosrnt,
will be numbered with the dead. Whatever, then, your
hands find to do, for Christ and his church, for your fam-
ilies and friends, or for your own souls, do it immediate-
ly, and with your might. The great Head of the church
hath said, "Behold, I come quickly, and my reward is
with me, to give every man according as his work shall
be." "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that
they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter m
through the gates into the city."

AME\.

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^ 1 1951