B S T N R EYI Yd|« ' 
 
 1842. 
 
 •'\ 
 
 a 
 
 y 
 
 V' 
 
 BRIEF HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 EU.NGELIGAL CHURCBES OF BOSTON, 
 
 TUGETilLU WITH 
 
 A MORE PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF THE 
 
 HE'^lV^ArJ. OV 1842. . 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 PUBLISHED BY JOHN PUTNAM, 
 
 81 Cornhill. 
 
 \ 
 
 A 
 
 1843. 
 
BR 560 .B7 MG-TlS 
 Moore, Martin, 1790-1866 
 Boston revival, 1842 
 
I 
 
BOSTON n^ilY'^p ^951 
 
 1842. 
 
 A BRIEF HISTORY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 EVANGELICAL CHURCHES OF BOSTON, 
 
 TOGETHER AVITH 
 
 "X MORE PARTICULAR ACCOUNT OF THE 
 
 REVIVAL OF 1842. 
 
 BY MARTIN MOORE, 
 
 "Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons; 
 but in every nation, he that feareth him, and worketh right- 
 eousness, is accepted with him." — Apostle Peter. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 PUBLISHED BY JOHN PUTNx\]M, 
 
 81 Cornhill. 
 
 1842. 
 
Entered ac-cording to act of Coiig^ress, in tlie year 1842, 
 
 BY JOHN PUTNAM, 
 
 in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of JMassacliusetts. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 Introduction, 7 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The Churclies around MnssachuseUs Bay founded in the 
 spirit of Revival — Apostacy of the second ^feneration of 
 the New England fathers lamented by Dr. Increase 
 Mather, President of Harvard College— Revival of 1740, 13 
 
 CHAPTER H. 
 
 Hopes respecting the Revival of 17+0 — Causes of the de- 
 clension of religion — Commencement of its revival soon 
 after the begiiniing of the present century — Old South 
 Church — Park street Church — Union Church, Essex 
 street, 25 
 
 CHAPTER HI. 
 
 Green street Church — Philip's Church, South Boston — 
 Bowdoin street Church — Salem Church — Pine street 
 Church — Maverick Church, East Boston, - - - 33 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Mariners' Church — Central Church — Marlboro' Chape! — 
 Garden street Church — New Congregatiowal Church — 
 Concluding remarks — Statistical table, - - - 56 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 First Baptist Church — Baldwin place Church — Charles 
 street Baptist Church — Federal street Baptist Church, 68 
 
Vi CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 South Boston Baptist Cliurch — Harvard street Church — 
 First Free Baptist Church — Bowdoin square Baptist 
 Church — First liidopendeiit Baptist Church — Conchid- 
 iiig remarks upon this denomination — Statistical view of 
 the Baptist Churches, ----.. 81 
 
 CHAPTER VH. 
 
 Christ Church— Trinity Church— St. Paul's Church— St. 
 Matthew's Church, South Boston — Grace Church — 
 Free Church of the Episcopal City Mission Society — 
 Concluding remarks — Statistics, - - - - 97 
 
 CHAPTER Vm. 
 
 North Bennett street Church — Bromfield street Church — 
 South Boston Church, - - - - - - 105 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Church street Church — North Russell street Church — 
 Fifth M. E. Church — May street Church — Conclusion 
 of M. E. Churches, 116 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Seamen's Bethel (church — Freewill Baptist Church — Ger- 
 man Lutheran Church — German Reformed Lutheran 
 Church — African M. E. Church — VVesleyan M. E. Zioii's 
 Church, 125 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 Vicinity of Boston, - 132 
 
 Note, 145 
 
 Boston Revival, 1S42, 147 
 
INTRODtJCf ION. 
 
 tt Was a remark of President Edwards, that, " nothing 
 tended more to promote the work of grace among his? 
 people at Northampton, than to tell them what Cod was 
 doing in other places." If oral narratives produced this 
 effect, then may we expect that written narratives will 
 accomplish the same purpose. With a desire to honor 
 God, and advance the interests of his kingdom, Edwards 
 Wrote and published a work entitled *' Surprising Conver- 
 sions at Northampton," Mr. VVliitefield, before he came 
 to this country, read this narrative, and was deeply inter-- 
 ested in it. This induced him to visit Edwards^, that 
 he might see and converse With the man by whom (jod 
 had wrought such wonders. If Edwards judged it expe- 
 dient in his day, to collect and publish facts concerning 
 the revival at Northampton, We shall not be thought to 
 undertake a needless work, if we shall attempt to gather 
 Up the history of the revival that took place in this city 
 during the last winter and spring. 
 
 It will be seen by the facts recorded in this little vol- 
 ume, that God does not conftne his Spirit to one denom- 
 ination, or to one mode of worship. Wherever the doc- 
 trines of the Cross are preached, accompanied with prayer, 
 they are the power of God and the wisdom of God unto 
 Salvation. 
 
 I hope that one effect of gathering the facts respecting 
 the late revival in this city, will be to break down secta- 
 rian bigotry, and lead God's people to feel towards each 
 Other as God hiniself feels towards them. God loves 
 and blesses them, and they should love and bless each 
 other. I shall not enter into a discussion of the mooted 
 question respecting evangelists, but shall state the results 
 of the labors of pastors and evangelists. If God wag 
 pleased to bless the labors of pastors or evangelists, we 
 will record the Facts and give him the glory* In many 
 
till tNTRODrCTlON. 
 
 cases I have allowed individuals to speak for themselves; 
 in others, I have used printed documents as authorities; 
 and in others still, responsible individuals have stated 
 facts, and 1 have clothed them in my own language. 
 But after all, it may be possible that I have not stated 
 some of the most important facts that have taken place 
 in some congregations. If it should prove to be the case, 
 it will not be the fault of the editor of this work. Cir- 
 culars* were sent to each of the congregations, making 
 inquiries respecting the revival; and such facts as have 
 been furnished, have been incorporated into this work. 
 I feel under particular obligations to the brethren who 
 have furnished materials for this history. Should ano- 
 ther edition be called for, and should any new and im- 
 portant facts come to light, they will be inserted. It is 
 the wish of the editor to make this as complete a history 
 of the late revival as possible. 
 
 My desire and prayer to God is, that he will bless this 
 effort to record the wonders of his grace. 
 
 M. M. 
 
 Boston, Dec, 1842. 
 
 *As frequent allusions, in the course of" tliis work, are made 
 to questions proposed, I <ieem it proper to slate, tlinl in July 
 last I sent circulars to the pastor or some responsible individ- 
 ual in each evang^elical congreg'alion in the city, making cer- 
 tain Inquiries. 'J'he facts contained in this little book are the 
 results of those inquiries. This circular asked the following 
 questions: 
 
 1. At what time did the revival commence in your congre- 
 gation ? 
 
 2. What number were hopefully converted, or have pro- 
 fessed religion ? 
 
 3. What instrumentalities were principally blessed in the 
 progress of the work ? 
 
 4. What special incidents occurred worthy of particular no- 
 tice? 
 
 3. Has the revival partially or wholly subsided? If so, 
 •what apparently were the csuses of the withdrawing of the 
 Holy fSpiril ? 
 
 It was supposed that if these questions were answered, all 
 the information desired would be obtained. Such information 
 as 1 have obtained I shall proceed to lay before the reader. 
 
BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 The churches around Massachusetts Bay founded in the spirit 
 of revival — Apostacy of the second generation of the New 
 England fathers lamented by Dr. Increase Mather, Presi- 
 dent of Harvard College — Revival of 1740. 
 
 Some, at the present day, have spoken of revi- 
 vals of religion as though they were new things 
 imder the sun. Such intimations discover either a 
 wilful blindness, or an ignorance of the past his- 
 tory of the church. I do not intend to call the at- 
 tention of my readers to those numerous and pow- 
 erful revivals that took place under the Jewish 
 dispensation, nor to those that occurred under 
 apostolic preaching; God has caused these to be re- 
 corded for the benefit of his church in all coming 
 time. A careful study of these portions of sacred 
 history must enforce this truth, that God has been 
 accustomed to build up his kingdom in the world 
 mostly by the instrumentality of revivals of reli- 
 . 1 
 
14 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 gion. I shall not now dwell on these topics; but 
 shall present evidence to prove that the churches 
 of New England were, from the beginning, revival 
 churches. The facts recorded by Gov. Winthrop 
 in his journal, prove this. 
 
 He says, that soon after Mr. Cotton was installed 
 over the Boston church, " it pleased the Lord to 
 give his special testimony to this church after Mr. 
 Cotton was called to office here. More were add- 
 ed to that church, than to all the other churches 
 in the bay. Divers profane and notoriously evil 
 persons came and confessed their sins, and were 
 comfortably received into the bosom of the church. 
 Yea, the Lord gave witness to the exercise of 
 prophecying, [as the exhortations of the brethren 
 were then called] so as thereby some were con- 
 verted and others greatly edified." He gives an 
 experience of a youth, supposed to be his own son. 
 
 "Among other testimonies of the Lord's gracious 
 presence with his own ordinances, there was a 
 youth of fourteen years of age (being a son of one 
 of the magistrates) so wrought upon by the minis- 
 try of the word, as for divers months he was held 
 under great affliction of mind, as he could not be 
 brought to apprehend any comfort in God, being 
 much troubled and broken for his sins .(though he 
 had been a dutiful child, and not given up to the 
 lusts of youth) especially for his blasj)Jiemous and 
 wicked tlioughts, whereby satan buffeted, so that 
 he went mourning and languishing daily; yet at- 
 tending to the means of grace, and not giving over 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 15 
 
 prayer and seeking counsel, &c./he came at length 
 to be freed from snch temptation, and to find com- 
 fort in God's promises ; and so being received into 
 the congregation npon good proof of his under- 
 standing of the things of God, he went on 
 cheerfully in a christian course, falling daily to la- 
 bor as a servant, and as a younger brother of his 
 did, who was not a whit short of him in a know- 
 ledge of God's will, though his youth kept him 
 from offering himself to tlie congregation." The 
 Boston church, under the ministry of Mr. Cotton, 
 enjoyed such a season of special grace, as is, in 
 modern times, termed revival. Under the minis- 
 try of Mr. Phillips, (the ancestor of most of those 
 who have since borne that name in this common- 
 wealth) the church in Watertown was blessed with 
 seasons of revival. Says Cotton Mather, " About 
 fourteen years continued he his ministry in Water- 
 town ; in which time his ministry was blessed 
 unto the conversion of many unto God, and for 
 the confirmation and edification of those who were 
 converted." Mr. Sheperd of Cambridge was em- 
 inently a revival preacher. It was on account of 
 his searching preaching, and skill in detecting 
 errors, that the college was located at Cambridge. 
 It was the desire of the founders of this college to 
 raise up a generation of ministers to carry forward 
 the work of revivals in these churches, that they 
 had begun. Mr. Prince, in his chronology, says of 
 Sheperd of Cambridge, "I was told when a youth, 
 by elderly people, that he scarce ever preached a 
 
16 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 sermon, but that some one or other of his congre- 
 gation were struck with great distress of soul, and 
 cried aloud in agony, what shall 1 do to be saved? 
 Though his voice was low, yet so searching was 
 his preaching, and so great a j30vver attending, as 
 an hypocrite could not easily hear, and it seemed 
 almost irresistible." This effect was not produced 
 upon his hearers by an impassioned eloquence ; it 
 was the same blessed agent that attends the 
 preaching of the word, in revivals at the present 
 day, that caused it to be quick and powerful upon 
 the hearts of Sheperd's hearers. Persons that 
 stayed at home on the Sabbath, were accustomed 
 to ask those who had attended public worship, 
 when they returned from meeting, "upon ichose 
 heart has the word of God taken effect to-day ?" Capt. 
 Clapp, one of the first settlers in Dorchester, gives 
 the following account of the state of things in that 
 town. "The Lord Jesus Christ was so plainly 
 held up, in the preaching of the gospel unto poor, 
 lost sinners, and the absolute necessity of the new 
 birth ; and God's Holy Spirit, in those days, was 
 blessed to the accompanying the word with such 
 efficacy upon the hearts of many, that our hearts 
 were taken oiffroni old England and placed upon 
 heaven. The discourse, not only of the aged, but 
 of the youth also, was not. How shall we go to 
 England, (though some did not only so discourse, 
 but also went back airain) but how shall we go to 
 heaven? Have I true grace in my heart? Havel 
 Christ or no? Oh, how did men and women. 
 
CONGREGATIONAL. CHURCHES. 17 
 
 young and old, pray for grace, beg for Christ in 
 those days; and it was not in vain; many were 
 converted, and others established in believing • 
 many joined unto the several churches where they 
 live, confessing their faith publicly, and showing 
 before all the assembly, their experiences of the 
 work of God's Spirit in their hearts to bring them 
 unto Christ. Oh, the many tears that were shed 
 in Dorchester meeting-house, at such times, both 
 by those who have declared God's work upon their 
 souls, and also bv them that heard them ! In those 
 days, God, even our God, did bless New England. 
 In those days, God manifested his presence among 
 us, in converting many souls, in gathering dear 
 ones into church fellowship by solemn covenants, 
 wherein they gave up themselves and their seed to 
 the Lord." 
 
 I might multiply witnesses to prove that the 
 churches of New England were at first Revival 
 Churches. But in the mouth of two or three wit- 
 nesses every word is established. I am entirely 
 willing to rest the truth of the fact that 1 set out to 
 prove, upon the strength of the testimony already 
 adduced. Neither the com{)etency, nor veracity of 
 these witnesses, can be called in question. Said 
 one of the early fathers of New England, " God 
 sifted three kingdoms, that he might send over 
 choice grain into this wilderness." The seed was 
 wholly of the right kind. The spirit of revival 
 planted these churches. Things of religion vvere 
 the most prominent objects of their atten^' 
 
18 BOSTOJV REVIVAl*. 
 
 The venerable John liigginson, the first minister 
 of Salem, says, "let merchants and such as are in- 
 creasing cent per cent remember this; let others 
 that come over since, at several times, understand 
 this, that worldly gain was not the end and design 
 of the people of New England, but religion. And 
 if any man among us make religion as twelve, and 
 the world as thirteen, let such an one know that 
 he has neither the spirit of a true New England 
 man nor yet of a sincere christian." Such were 
 the men that planted the churches around Massa- 
 chusetts bay. They laid the foundation of these 
 churches in the spirit of revivals. The Holy Ghost 
 overshadowed them. God, even our God, did bless 
 them. In those days there were none that denied 
 the Lord that bought them. With one voice, the 
 pilgrim churches crowned the Saviour Lord of all. 
 During the first thirty years of their existence, 
 they enjoyed the continued influences of the Holy 
 Ghost. In the second generation, there began to 
 be a decay of vital godliness. This was deeply 
 lamented by Increase Mather, and other ministers 
 of that age. President Mather, in 1678, thus re- 
 marks: " Praver is needful on this account, in that 
 conversions are become rare in this age of the 
 world. They that have had their thoughts -exer- 
 cised in discovering things of this nature, have had 
 sad apprehensions with reference unto this matter, 
 that the work of conversions is not frequent in 
 some congregations. The body of the rising gen- 
 eration is a poor, perishing, unconverted, and, ex- 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHUKCHES. 19 
 
 cept^the Lord pour down his Spirit, an undone 
 generation. Many are profane, drunkards, lasciv- 
 ious, scoffers at the power of godliness, despisers 
 of those that are good, disobedient ; others are only 
 civil and outwardly conformed to good order, by 
 reason of their education ; but never knew what 
 the new birth means. Look into our pulpits, and 
 see if there is such glory there, as there once was; 
 New England has had teachers eminent for holi- 
 ness and ministerial accomplishments. When will 
 Boston see a Cotton, and a Norton again ? When 
 will New England see a Hooker, a Sheperd, a 
 Mitchel? not to mention others. How many 
 churches, how many towns are there in New Eng- 
 land, that we may sigh over them and s.iy, the glory 
 is departed." Arminianism had gradually stolen 
 into our churches. The half-way covenant had 
 been adopted, and the tone of piety lowered down. 
 Before the revival of 1740, the sentiment that con- 
 version was not essential to the ministry, found 
 numerous advocates. 
 
 Mr. Whitefield's preaching was blessed to mul- 
 titudes in Boston, as well as in other parts of the 
 land. After Mr. Whitefield's departure, Mr. Gil- 
 bert Tennent came and watered what he had 
 planted. Dr. Prince has given us a particular ac- 
 count of this revival : "And now," says he, "there 
 was such a time as we never knew. The Rev. Mr. 
 Cooper was wont to say, that more came to him in 
 one week, in deep concern about their souls, than 
 in the whole twenty-four years of his preceding 
 
'20 BOSTON REVIVAL, 
 
 ministry. I can also say tlie same as to the num- 
 bers that repaired to me. By Mr. Cooper's letters 
 to Scotland, it appears he has had about 600 dif- 
 ferent persons in three months' time; and Mr. 
 Webb informs me that he has had in the same 
 space, above 1,000. Agreeable to the numerous 
 bills of the awakened, put up in public, sometimes 
 rising to the number of sixty at once, there re- 
 paired to us both boys and girls, young men and 
 women, Indians and negroes, heads of families, 
 aged persons ; those who had been in full com- 
 munion, and going on in a course of religion many 
 years. And their cases represented, were a blind 
 mind, a vile, and hard heart; and some under a 
 deep sense thereof; some under great temptations; 
 some in great concern for their souls ; some in 
 great distress of mind for fear of being uncon- 
 verted ; others for fear they had been all along 
 building on a righteousness of their own, and were 
 still in the gall of bitterness and bond of iniquity. 
 Some under flighty, and others under strong con- 
 victions of their sins and sinfulness, guilt and con- 
 demnation, the wrath and curse of God upon them, 
 their impotence and misery ; some for a long time, 
 even several months, under these convictions; 
 so\ne fearing lest the Holy Spirit should withdraw; 
 others having quenched his operations, were in 
 great distress, lest he should leave them forever ; 
 persons far advanced in years, afraid of being left 
 behind, while others were hastening to their great 
 Retfeemer. Nor were the same persons satisfied 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 21 
 
 with corning once or twice, as formerly, but again 
 and again, I know not how often, complaining of 
 their evil and cursed hearts, &c. The people 
 seemed to love us more than ever. Public and 
 private lectures were greatly multiplied. Nor 
 were the people satisfied with all their lectures. 
 But private societies for religious exercises, both 
 for younger and elder persons, both of males and 
 females, by themselves, in several parts of the town, 
 now increased to a much greater number than 
 ever, viz., to the number of thirty ; meetings on 
 Lord's day, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 
 evenings ; so the people were constantly employ- 
 ing their ministers to pray and preach at those so- 
 cieties, as also at many private houses where no 
 formed society met ; and such numbers flocked to 
 hear us, as greatly crowded them, as well as more 
 than usually filled our houses of public worship, 
 both on Lord's days and lecture days, especially 
 evening lectures, for about a twelve-month after. 
 
 "Some of our ministers, to oblige the people, 
 have sometimes preached in public and private, at 
 one house or another, even every evening, except 
 after Saturday, for a week together ; and the more 
 we prayed and preached, the more enlarged were 
 our hearts, and the more delightful the employment. 
 And O, how many, how serious and attentive were 
 our hearers! how many awakened and hopefully 
 converted by their ministers ! And how many of 
 such added to our churches, as we hope will be 
 saved eternally ! Scarce a sermon seemed to be 
 preached without some good impressions. 
 
22 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 " As to the church to which I belonged, within 
 six months from the end of January, 1741, were 
 threescore joined to our communicants, the greater 
 ■part of whom gave a more exact account of the 
 work of the Spirit of God on their souls in effectual 
 calling, as described in the Westminster Assem- 
 bly's Shorter Catechism, than I was wont to meet 
 with before ; besides many others I could not but 
 have charity for, who refrained from coming to the 
 table of the Lord, for want of a satisfying view of 
 the work of conversion." 
 
 By Dr. Colman's letter of June 8, 1741, it ap- 
 pears that in 1741, in April, there were nine or 
 ten, and in May, nineteen added to the church ; 
 "among whom" (says the Doctor) "were many of 
 the rich and polite of our sons and daughters." 
 And JR,ev. Mr. Weld, senior pastor of the new 
 North, just now informs me, with respect to his 
 church and people, in the following words: "Ad- 
 missions to full communion, of those hopefully 
 wrought upon in the late day of grace, about 160 ; 
 of which 102 from January 1741 to 1742. Of the 
 above mentioned, by far the greater part have 
 since given hoi)eful signs of saving conversion. 
 And many more give good evidence of grace ; but 
 cannot be prevailed upon to come to the table of 
 the Lord." 
 
 The reason why many in this and other con- 
 gregations kept back frouj professing religion, was 
 that Mr. Tennent, who followed Whitefield, had 
 cautioned people against taking covenant vows and 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 2JJ 
 
 obligations upon them without evidence of regen- 
 eration. In view of these cautions, many, of whom 
 their pastors thought favorably, were kept back 
 from the table of the Lord. Mr. Tennent did not 
 wish to encourage either hypocrites, or the impen- 
 itent to come into the visible church. In this re- 
 vival, persons were not hastily, nor without much 
 pains-taking, admitted to the table of the Lord. 
 
 "In the year 1741, the very face of the town 
 seemed strangely altered, Some who had not 
 been here since the fall before, have told me their 
 surprise at the change in the general look and 
 carriage of the people, as soon as they landed. 
 Even the negroes and boys in the streets surpri- 
 singly left their usual rudeness. I knew many of 
 these had been greatly affected, and now were 
 formed into religious societies. And one of our 
 worthy gentlemen expressing his wonder at the 
 remarkable change, informed me, that whereas he 
 used with others on Saturday evenings to visit the 
 taverns, in order to clear them of the town inhab- 
 itants, they were wont to find many there, and 
 meet with trouble to get them away; but now, 
 having gone at these seasons again, he found them 
 empty of all but lodgers. And thus successfully 
 did this divine work, as above described, go on in 
 town, without any lisp, as I remember, of a sepa- 
 ration, either in this town or province, for above a 
 year and a half after Mr. Whitefield left us." 
 
 Large additions were made to the eight Congre- 
 gational and the two Presbyterian societies then in 
 
24 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 town ; " the greater part of them gave their pastors 
 a more exact account of the work of the Spirit of 
 God on their hearts than they were wont to do be- 
 fore." Nor was their righteousness like the early 
 cloud, or morning dew that passeth away. Of 
 those who were received into the church in Brat- 
 tle street, Mr. Colman remarked more than three 
 vears after the commencement of the revival, " the 
 good fruits of their abiding profession unto this 
 day, in a meek, discreet, virtuous and pious con- 
 versation, give ,me pleasure and satisfaction in 
 them from day to day." 
 
 Mr. Prince testifies at still a later period, "of 
 our numerous additions, with one exception, the 
 convereation as far as I know, is as becomes the 
 gospel. Nor do I hear of any in any of the other 
 churches in town, that have fallen into censurable 
 evil, except a few at the New North." 
 
 This revival affected the great mass of the pop- 
 ulation, young and old, high and low, bond and 
 free. The town was in a great measure brought 
 back to the state of the first age of New England* 
 It was no new spirit infused into the churches. It 
 was the revival of the same spirit in which they 
 had been planted. It was a return of the same 
 spirit that anitnated Cotton, Winthrop, Wilson and 
 Sheperd. Tlie same IJoly Spirit that planted, 
 watered the churches in Boston. The Holy Spirit 
 was in the midst of these churches in the first age 
 of New England, and now he returned to take up 
 his abode with them again. 
 
CONGUEGATIONAL CHURCHES. 25 
 
 CHAPTER IL 
 
 tiopes respecting the Revival of 1740-^Causes of the declen* 
 sion of Religion— The commencement of its Revival soon 
 after the beginning of the present century— Old South Church 
 ^Park Street Church— Union Church, Essex street. 
 
 The hopes of niany^ at the commencement of the 
 revival of 1740, were highly raised. It was said by 
 one who was well qualified to judge of its charac- 
 ter, that, "at its commencement, it appears to have 
 been in an imiisual degree, a silent, powerful and 
 glorious work of the Spirit of God— the simple ef- 
 fect of the truth applied to the conscience, accom- 
 panied by his converting grace. So auspicious, in- 
 deed, was the opening of the memorable work of 
 God, and so rapid its progress, that the promised 
 teign of Christ was believed by many to be actually 
 beffun. Had it continued of this unmixed charac- 
 ter, so extensive was its prevalence, and so power- 
 ful its operation, it would seem that in no great 
 length of time it would have pervaded this western 
 world." It was, however, begun to be opposed by 
 the enemies of vital religion, and that with a vio- 
 lence proportioned to its prevalence and power* 
 But open, virulent opposition, did not do it so much 
 injury as its professed friends. After it had sue- 
 2 
 
28 BOSTON REViVAL* 
 
 cessfully progressed for a time, some of its profess* 
 ed friends thought that some new measures would 
 advance it with a greater rapidity. Davenport and 
 others committed the greatest extravagances con- 
 ceivable. They were accustomed to address the 
 Supreme Being in such language as this : "Thou, 
 O Lord God, knowest as well as we know, that 
 such a man is. converted, or unconverted," as the 
 case might be. They cotild also determine the 
 character of individuals at first sight. Dr. Colman 
 of this city says, in a letter dated Nov. 23, 1741, 
 " We haVe seen little of those extremes or supposed 
 blemishes of this work in Boston ; but much of the 
 blessed fruits have fallen to our share. God has 
 spoken unto us in a more soft and calm mind ; and 
 we have neither had those outcries and faintings 
 in our assemblies which have disturbed the wor- 
 ship in many places, nor yet those manifestations 
 of joy inexpressible which now fill sonje of our 
 eastern parts." These extravagances furnished 
 the opposers of the work with occasion to bring 
 it into disrepute. In Connecticut, they resorted to 
 open persecution ; and by prosecution, imprison- 
 ment and transportation out of the colony, sought 
 to put a stop to the work. This procedure revo- 
 lutionized the state ultimately, and brought the 
 friends of the revival into greater favor than ever. 
 The work was also assailed by sneers, reproaches, 
 unfavorable insinuations and slanderous reports. 
 The abuses of it were much insisted on and exag- 
 gerated ; and its friends were treated with scorn 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 27 
 
 and contempt. The result was, that the work 
 soon almost universally ceased. A considerable 
 number of ministers and laymen settled down, 
 either into avowed erroneous opinions, or into 
 strange indifference in regard to religious doc- 
 trine; warmth and engagedness in religion were 
 condemned as things of "a bad and dangerous 
 tendency;" a denial of the fundamental doctrines 
 of the gospel as things of small importance; and 
 by many, all serious religion was looked upon as 
 enthusiasm. 
 
 In addition to this, the political condition of the 
 country was such as constantly to agitate the pub- 
 lic mind, and divert the attention from spiritual 
 things. A war between France and Spain and 
 England, lasted from 1744, to '48. War again 
 broke out in 1755, and continued until 1760. Soon 
 after this, the controversy commenced between 
 the colonies and the mother country, and contin- 
 ued until it finally broke out into open war. Du- 
 ring the eight years of the revolutionary war, every 
 nerve of the country was strained to maintain the 
 national conflict. From '44 to '83, during a period 
 of almost 40 years, the public mind was continu- 
 ally agitated by political questions. These suc- 
 cessive wars did much to break down the sanctity 
 of the Sabbath and corrupt the morals of the com- 
 munity. This was one reason why religion so 
 greatly declined in this city of the pilgrims. The 
 churches that had been distinguished for their or- 
 thodox faith and strict practice, gradually became 
 lax in sentiment and careless in morals. 
 
28 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 At the beginning of the present century, all the 
 Congregational churches in Boston, with a single 
 exception, had renounced the faith of the Puritans. 
 The Old South Church still stood upon the plat- 
 form of the fathers, though her pastor was a semi- 
 Arian. But when the enemy came in like a flood} 
 the Lord lifted up a standard against him. In the 
 year 3803, the Baptist churches in the city were 
 visited with a precious revival, in which the Old 
 South shared to some extent. This church voted 
 to have a weekly lecture ; but the pew proprietors 
 refused to open the house for that purpose. The 
 brethren who felt the influence of the revival, 
 were greatly grieved at this refusal, and began to 
 inquire what they could do to enjoy gospel privi- 
 leges. Eight brethren formed a. ^^ Society for Reli- 
 gious Improvement,^^ not judging it prudent to term 
 it a Conference Meeting. They agreed to meet at 
 stated seasons and read the bible, and converse on 
 its truths; but at the commencement there Vv'as 
 none of their number that could pray. After a few 
 meetings were held, they acquired sufficient con- 
 fidence to open their meetings with prayer. In 
 this prayer meeting originated the purpose to build 
 Park street Church. Their purpose was carried 
 into execution irw- 1809, and a church gathered, 
 consisting of 13 male and 13 female members. 
 The meeting-house was dedicated Jan. 13, 1810. 
 This little church and their first pastor were as- 
 sailed with torrents of ridicule and reproach; but 
 in the name of the pilgrim's God they maintained 
 
CONGREGATIONAL. CHURCHES. 29 
 
 the fight. In 1819, Essex street Church was 
 erected and dedicated to the Father, Son and Holy 
 Ghost. In the years 1823 and '4, the God of the 
 pilgrims returned and visited those churches where 
 the primitive gospel was preached. It resulted in 
 gathering into Park street Church, 120 members ; 
 to the Old South, 101 ; and to Essex street, 62. In 
 1825, a church was erected for the accommoda- 
 liou of the inhabitants in South Boston, and a 
 church gathered on the foundation of the Puritans. 
 The friends of evangelical religion now began to 
 bless God and take courage. He had been far 
 better to them than their fears. He had given 
 them enlargement far beyond their expectations. 
 In 1826, two more new houses of worship were 
 built in Hanover and Green streets. In the years 
 1826 and '7, God was graciously pleased to give 
 these churches a finther enlargement. The whole 
 nimiber added to these several churches, was 735. 
 Dr. Beecher was at this time pastor of the church 
 in Hanover street, and was greatly instrumental in 
 advancing the cause of evangelical religion in the 
 city. God had so greatly blessed the efforts of 
 his friends to raise up the fallen standard of piety, 
 that in 1827 they resolved to erect two more 
 houses for the worship of God. This resolution 
 resulted in building Salem street and Pine street 
 Churches. Since that period, churches have been 
 gathered in Purchase street, in East Boston, in 
 Winter street, in Garden street, and a new church 
 
 under Mr. Kirk's ministry. ^ 
 
 2* 
 
30 ' BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 The declension in the Congregational churches 
 was not the work of a day. They at first em- 
 braced the Arminian error; but that was not a 
 stopping place ; they still proceeded in the down- 
 ward road. When charged with holding to the 
 error of Unitarianism, they for sometime denied 
 the charge. In 1815 they first admitted the fact 
 that they had embraced this system. Since that 
 time they have openly advocated the Unitarian 
 doctrine. Harvard University was under the con- 
 trol of the pastors of the Congregational churches 
 in Boston and the six neighboring towns. When 
 these original churches went over to Unitarianism, 
 the college went with them. About this j)eriod, 
 the charter of the college was altered, placing it 
 in the hands of clergymen and laymen mostly of 
 Unitarian sentiment, and giving them power to fill 
 their own vacancies. 
 
 Such was the state of religion in 1809, when 
 Park street Church was organized — and such is 
 the progress which true religion has made up to 
 the present time. It is such a progress as has 
 greatly encouraged the hearts of Ziou's friends and 
 has redounded to the glory of God. 
 
 Since the meeting of those eight brethren who 
 had not sufficient confidence to lead in social 
 prayer, what wonders hath God wrought ! 
 
 The Old South Church 
 
 Was the third Congregational church gathered in 
 this city. This church was organized, May 16th, 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 31 
 
 1669. The history of the origin and progress of this 
 church has been ably written by the late Dr. Wisner. 
 She of all the original churches in the city, had not 
 wholly departed from the faith of the pilgrims. " In 
 the development made of the state of things in 
 1815," says Wisner, "among the Congregational 
 ministers and churches of the metropolis, it ap- 
 peared that all the other ancient churches, with the 
 ministers, had chosen to depart from the faith of their 
 fathers ; and that this church of all its old associates, 
 with its pastor, stood firm upon the ancient founda- 
 tion, which we believe to be that • of the apostles and 
 prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cor- 
 ner stone.' And from that time to the present, we 
 have, we trust, by the grace of God, been built up 
 continually on this foundation ; while others, who 
 with us once rested upon it, have in the exercise 
 of their christian liberty, — for their use of which 
 they are responsible only to God, — been continually 
 removing from it more and more." During Rev. 
 Mr. Huntington's ministry, the "American Educa- 
 tion Society" and the "Boston Society for the Re- 
 ligious and Moral Improvement of the Poor," were 
 established principally by his influence. These 
 societies have exerted a salutary influence; the 
 one in raising up ministers for the church at large, 
 and the other in preaching the gospel to the seamen 
 and destitute poor of the city. This church has 
 ever been distinguished for its liberality to benevo- 
 lent objects. More than a hundred years ago, the 
 following votes were entered on the records : — 
 
32 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 " Voted, that twenty pounds be delivered to Dea. 
 Henclinian, for the purchasing of bibles, to be dis- 
 tributed to the proper objects, as there may be oc- 
 casion ; that ten pounds be distributed in other 
 books, at the discretion of the trustees; that twenty 
 pounds be given to Mr. Josiah Cotton to encourage 
 liis settlement at Providence ^ that fifteen pounds 
 be given to the Rev. JMr. Matthew Short of Easton, 
 for his encouragement in the work of the ministry ; 
 that fifteen pounds be given to Rev. James Hale of 
 Ashford, for his encouragement in the work of the 
 ministry, and the same sum given to Mr. Prentice 
 of Dunstable. And about the same time fifteen 
 pounds were given to Joseph Lecombe towards his 
 sup})ort at college." Here was a Bible, 3Iissionary, 
 Tract and Education Societv, all combined in the 
 Old South. A church that has honored the Lord 
 with her substance, could not fail of receiving his 
 blessing. The whole number admitted to her com- 
 munion up to 1842, is 2477. The present number 
 of the church is 502. 
 
 This ancient church sliared in the revival of last 
 winter and spring, though not so largely as some of 
 lier younger sisters. The attention commenced 
 later than in some of the other churches. There 
 was no marked seriousness in this congregation 
 until February. God was then graciously pleased 
 to visit them with a time of sj^ecial refreshing. The 
 kingdom of God did not, however, come with obser- 
 vation. It was through the ordinary means of 
 grace. There was an increased spirit of prayer, a 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 33 
 
 greater frequency of meetings, and more individual 
 effort for the salvation of souls. As the result of 
 this season of mercy, 42 persons have been received 
 into the church. The graces of this elder sister in 
 Zion were revived. This church has now attained 
 to the age of 173, and has still all the freshness and 
 vigor of youth. May she hold on her way with in- 
 creasing zeal, until the Lord shall come in the 
 clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. Rev. 
 George W. Blagden pastor. 
 
 Park Street Church. 
 
 This church was gathered, Feb. 27, 1809. At its 
 formation it consisted of 26 members, 21 of whom 
 came from other churches. Dr. Griffin was its 
 first pastor. He was bold and fearless in declaring 
 the doctrines, as they were held by the fathers of 
 New England. The ears of Bostonians had so long 
 been accustomed to smoother things, that they tin- 
 gled when they heard the gospel in its primitive 
 simplicity and purity. But the return of evangeli- 
 cal religion to Boston was greatly promoted by his 
 labors. The character of this infant church was 
 formed under his ministry. The influence which 
 she has exerted upon the city, country, and the 
 heathen world, was principally owing to the im- 
 pression made upon her by Griffin. He was in- 
 stalled July 31, 1811; dismissed April 27, 1815. 
 Rev. S. E. Dwight was ordained Sept. 3, 1817, and 
 dismissed April 10, 1826. Rev. E. Beecher was 
 
34 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 ordained Dec. 27, 182G, and dismissed Oct. 98, 
 1830. Rev. Joel H. Linsley was installed Dec. 5, 
 1832, and dismissed Sept. 28, 1835. Rev. Silas 
 Aiken was installed March 22, 1837. The whole 
 number admitted to this church since its organiza- 
 tion is 1180, of whom 101 have been received since 
 the commencement of the present year. This 
 church has enjoyed repeated times of refreshing 
 from the presence of the Lord. During the years 
 1812 and '13, the Holy Spirit was specially present 
 with the word. Again in the years 1822, and '23, the 
 Holy Spirit returned, and 144 were gathered into 
 this church. In the years 1827, and '8, 134 were 
 added to their number. Since the present pastor 
 has been settled, 337 have united with them. 
 
 This church has largely participated in the re- 
 vival of the present year. The instrumentalities 
 used were various. Rev. Mr. Kirk labored in con- 
 nection with the pastor for a few weeks, with much 
 fidelity, and was apparently instrumental in ad- 
 vancing the cause. Meetings were multiplied as 
 the exigencies of the people seemed to demand. 
 Various means seemed to be specially blessed. 
 Whatever was done in simple dependence on God 
 was succeeded. The interest felt last spring has 
 partially declined ; but still much of the fruit of that 
 blessed work remains. The number of praying 
 people has been multiplied, and most of the young 
 converts still aj^pear interested in the cause that 
 they have publicly espoused. One of the most in- 
 teresting features of the recent work of grace con- 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHlTRCHES. 35 
 
 sista in the religious interest awakened among the 
 young) especially among the children of the church. 
 Many young men have become hopefully subjects 
 of divine grace, and give promise of much present 
 and future usefulness. 
 
 Union Church, Essex Street. 
 
 This church was originally gathered by Rev. 
 James Sabine, and the house dedicated in 1819. 
 A difficulty arose between some members of the 
 church and their pastor, and a majority of the 
 church and the pastor left the house. After this, 
 the minority of the church was organized, June 10, 
 1822. It then consisted only of twelve members. 
 This infant church made application to the Old 
 South and Park Street Churches for assistance. 
 "Several members, after very serious deliberation, 
 consented to a separation from iheir beloved pas- 
 tors and brethren, and were united with the church 
 on the the 26th of August, 1822; on which occasion, 
 to mark the transaction, and for the })urpose of a dis- 
 tinct designation, the name of Union Church was 
 adopted. At the same time, Deacon Nathan Parker, 
 by whose pecuniary aid, chiefly, the meeting-house 
 in Essex Street had been erected, conveyed by 
 deed the house, and land upon which it was built, 
 to a Board of Trustees, for the use of the Union 
 Church ; to be occupied for the worship of God the 
 Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 
 
 On the 12th of November 1822, the church unan- 
 
36 BOSTON- REVIVAL, 
 
 imously made choice of the Rev. Samuel Green, of 
 Reading, to become their pastor; who signified his 
 acceptance, by letter Feb. 8th, 1823, and was in-^ 
 stalled March 26th. During the years 1823, and '24, 
 the Evangelical Congregational Churches in this 
 city were favored with the special effusions of the 
 Holy Ghost, in which this church participated* 
 During those two years between 80 and 90 were ad- 
 mitted to the church. In the vear 1827 and '28* 
 this church was again visited with the reviving in- 
 fluences of the Holy S{)irit. As the fruits of this 
 season of revival, 118 were gathered into the 
 church. 
 
 This church was among the earliest that acted 
 officially upon the subject of temperance. The 
 church unanimously resolved, on the 28th of March, 
 1827, "that we will not use ardent spirit ourselves, 
 nor permit its use in our families, except for medi- 
 cal purposes." 
 
 By vote of the church, one-third of the collec- 
 tions at the communion seasons is appropriated to 
 constitute a fund for the support of such families 
 of the pastors of this church as may need charita- 
 ble assistance ; and the other two-thirds, for the use 
 of the poor of the church. Since this church was 
 organized, 940 have been admitted to its commu- 
 nion. Its present number is 572. Since the com- 
 mencement of the year 1842, 52 persons have been 
 received. 
 
 In the revival ofthe present year, this church has 
 not shared so largely as some others; but still she 
 
CONGREGAtiONAL CHURCHES. 37 
 
 has not been left unblessed. As far back as last 
 autumn sonle of her members were revived, and 
 felt in an unusual degree the spirit of prayer. They 
 cried continually for God to revive his work. Thife 
 •try entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabbaoth, 
 and he heard their cry. God sent down gracious an- 
 swers from his throne. Individual cases of con- 
 viction and conversion soon began to appear. The 
 work was not so extensive as the praying people, at 
 times, hoped that it would be; but still this church 
 has real cause for gratitude for the conversion of 
 50 souls. Those that have professed religion thus 
 far appear well. They have not been hastily re-^ 
 ceived. In most cases, some time has been per- 
 mitted to elapse between the hopeful conversion of 
 individuals and their reception into the communion 
 of the church. 
 
 The instrumentalities used in carrying on the 
 work, were the stated labors of the pastor and the 
 prayers and personal efforts of the brethren. This 
 church felt to some extent her responsibility. She 
 did not feel as though the whole work of convert- 
 ing souls rested upon the shoulders of her pastor. 
 He must indeed have his a[)propriate work, as the 
 leader of the "sacramental host of God's elect." 
 But he could not do his own work and theirs too. 
 Many of the members of the church by their 
 prayers and efforts sustained the hands of the\t 
 ])astor. Had there been more prayer and greater" 
 efforts, this church would undoubtedly have seen 
 more of the work of the Lord tlj^an they did. May 
 3 
 
38 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 Ihe Lord speedily revive them again, and lead 
 them to consecrate themselves renewedly to his 
 service. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 Green street Church — Philips's Church, South Boston — Bow- 
 doiii street ('hurch — Salem Church — Pine street Church- 
 Maverick Church, East Boston. 
 
 Green Street Church. 
 
 Rev. Wm. Jenks, D. D., pastor of this church, 
 commenced his labors among seamen and among 
 the poor in 1818. Meetings were held at a hall 
 over the stores on Central wharf, and in a mission 
 house, erected on Butolph street. Dr. Jenks 
 preached halfof the Sabbath in each of these places. 
 The church in Green street grew out of his mis- 
 sionary labors. The church was gathered Dec. 30, 
 1823. At its organization, it consisted of 18 mem- 
 bers. Nearly 400 persons have been received since 
 that time. The most that have ever been admitted 
 in one year was in 1827, which was 99. The meel- 
 ing-house was erected in 1826. 
 
 In a letter to the writer of this work, the pastor 
 gives the following account of the revival of the 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 39 
 
 present year: "In reply to your inquiries respecting 
 the recent work of grace in our religious society, I 
 feel it necessary to look back to a previous period. 
 For there had been, as you are doubtless aware, an 
 unusual attention to religion in the preceding year, 
 manifesting itself in several of our churches. This 
 had led to the institution of the morning meeting 
 for prayer at Park street vestry — a meeting that 
 called forth much of the spirit of piety, and of ar- 
 dent desire for the salvation of souls. Several 
 members of our church and society frequented these 
 meetings, and appeared to derive from them a great 
 benefit. The spirit of prayer, too, was perceptible 
 in our own vestry, and its increase was apparent in 
 1840. Such, indeed, had been the power of divine 
 grace in a few conversions of that year, that the 
 memory of them was exceedingly felt, and excited 
 no little engagedness in the minds of the brethren. 
 The preaching of the Rev. Mr. Kirk in Park street, 
 which was attended by a large number of people, 
 seemed at least to give vigor to the attention to 
 which I now allude, and to add to it solemnity and 
 interest. Twenty-two were admitted to our com- 
 munion during that year. Towards the close of 1841, 
 very decided cases of serious inquiry were apparent. 
 Many attended the preaching of Rev. Mr. Knapp, 
 and listened with increasing seriousness to his 
 warm and energetic appeals, and stirring represen- 
 tations. A young couple resolved on the first day 
 of the year, that they would seek in earnest an in- 
 terest in the great salvation. Not long after, I trust. 
 
40 ^ BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 it was found. Our meetings became more and 
 more deeply solemn, until, at length, when the 
 number who professed to have found the peace of 
 the gospel, had amounted to about 40, as I judge, 
 the church voted to invite Rev. Mr. Knapp to come 
 and hold a series of meetings with us. He came 
 and labored with us one week. During a part of 
 the following week, Rev. Mr. Kirk, whom, author- 
 ized by a vote of the church, I had previously in- 
 vited, labored with us, until the meetings were re- 
 moved to the meeting-house in Bowdoin street, and 
 continued there for a considerable time. From the 
 time of commencing the series of meetings to their 
 close, out of the number of apparent conversions, 
 which I have no means of specifying, ten have been 
 reckoned of such as have usually worshipped with 
 us. Hence it has been judged that the number of 
 instances, which in the judgment of charity, may 
 be accounted conversions, in persons attached to 
 Green street society, was about 50. 41 have sinccj 
 at different times, been added to our communion. 
 Eight or ten beside these have expressed religious 
 hopes. In one family five, in another six, and in 
 another four instances of happy renewal of heart 
 was rejoiced in. Husbands and wives, parents and 
 children, found a new satisfaction in the ties that 
 united them, and could bend the knee together be- 
 fore the throne of grace. The subjects of the work 
 were of various ages, and thus far, no instance has 
 occurred in which church censure has appeared 
 necessary." Present number of church members 
 256. 
 
congrega-tionali churches. 41 
 
 Philips's Church, South Boston. 
 
 This church was organized in J823. Rev. Prince 
 Havves was its first pastor. Rev. J. H. Fairchild 
 was installed in 1827. During Iiis ministry, there 
 have been several seasons of special interest. His 
 health began to fail last autumn ; from Oct. to May 
 he was unable to preacii more than half of the day. 
 "The state of religion," says a member of that 
 church, " was at alow ebb, till about the first of 
 February, when some tokens of the presence of the 
 Spirit of God began to appear. Some of the mem- 
 bers of the church had attended in the city, and had 
 their hearts warmed by seeing and hearing what 
 the Lord was there doing. The prayer-meetings 
 held on Sabbath and Friday evenings, became 
 places of deep and solemn interest; the brethren 
 began to find liberty to speak of their coldness and 
 backslidings ; to mourn over the state of their own 
 hearts, and that of their impenitent friends; and 
 were ready to pour out their feelings in fervent 
 prayer for the quickening and converting influences 
 of God's spirit. As soon as God's children began 
 earnestly to plead for impenitent sinners, they be- 
 gan to attend on religious meetings, and to exhibit 
 anxiety for their own salvation. The number of re- 
 ligious meetings was increased, and occasionally 
 the voice of new converts was heard in them, 
 praising the Lord for what he had done for their 
 souls, and exhorting their impenitent friends to flee 
 to Christ for salvation. About 35 have connected 
 3* 
 
42 BOSTON REVIVAIi. 
 
 themselves with this church by profession ; 30 of 
 these on the first Sabbath in May, on which day the 
 labors of our late beloved pastor closed. Among 
 these were eleven male heads of families. The in- 
 teresting relations given by new converts, show 
 that while God makes use of various means to fas- 
 ten divine truth upon the soul, the great leading 
 results are the same. These results are a change of 
 feeling towards God, Christians, the bible, the Sab- 
 bath, and religious meetings. The young converts 
 were filled with adoring wonder and gratitude. 
 
 "A young man who joined the church in March, 
 was awakened by the reading of a letter from a 
 former companion, which gave an account of his 
 conversion. He rose in one of our meetings, and 
 after stating in a few words what God had done for 
 his soul, requested prayers for his impenitent pa- 
 rents. At the next communion in May, both of 
 them were found sitting with their son at the same 
 table of the Lord. A man who had formerly' been 
 a Universalist, and who had for a long time resisted 
 the claims of religion, as presented by a pious and 
 praying wife, was brought to repentance by her 
 death. His appeals made in our religious meetings 
 to others who had pious companions, were instru- 
 mental, we believe, of good to several souls. The 
 reviving of t!ie graces of those who have been a 
 long time professors, was not among the least im- 
 portant of facts of the special visitation of the Spirit 
 of God. 
 
 " There are others, who, in the judgment of char- 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES, 43 
 
 ity, have passed from death unto life, that have not 
 yet united themselves with the visible church. In 
 answer to the question, * Has the revival ceased?' 
 it is answered, 'it has.' 'What were the apparent 
 causes?' Amon^ these mav be named the want of 
 a pastor, the occurrence of the season of the year 
 when our church members have less energy and 
 time for religious meetings for prayer and for re- 
 ligious conference, and above all, the want of watch- 
 fulness, faith and prayer. The great adversary of 
 souls seemed for a time to draw off from his open 
 attacks, while the Spirit of God was present. We 
 have occasion to bless God for what he has done. 
 Good fruit, fruit of the Spirit remains; and while 
 we have reason to fear that some, who were 
 aroused to more than ordinary faithfulness, have 
 returned to their ease in Zion, others are resolved 
 in the strength of the Lord, by patient continuance 
 in well doing, to ' seek for glory, honor, and eter- 
 nal life.'" 
 
 The number of chin'ch members at the time of 
 Mr. Faircliild's installation, was 37. He received 
 358 during his fifteen years' ministry; its present 
 number is 251. 
 
 BowDoiN Street Church. 
 
 This church was gathered and house erected in 
 Hanover street. The church was organized July 
 18, J 825. The corner stone of the meeting-house 
 was laid June 20, by Rev. Dr. Wisner, and an ad- 
 
44 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 dress delivered by Rev. S. Green. On tlie 19th of 
 Jan. 1826, Rev. Lyman Beecher, D. D., was in- 
 stalled pastor. This house was destroyed by fire 
 Feb. 1, 1830. The new house was erected in Bovv- 
 doin street, and the name of the church was changed 
 from Hanover to Bowdoin street church. Dr. 
 Beecher was dismissed Sept. 183"2. The present 
 pastor at the close of his tenth years' ministry, gave 
 a brief history of this church, from which some ex- 
 tracts are permitted to be taken. 
 
 "The statistics of this church show," the pastor 
 says, "a remarkable uniformity of growth down to 
 this present moment. During the six and a half 
 years of Dr. Beecher's ministry, the church received 
 485 members, 330 by profession, and 155 by letter, 
 making an average of 70 per year, two thirds of 
 whom were received by profession. During the 
 ten years' ministry of his successor, the church has 
 received 700 members, averaging just 70 a year, and 
 just two thirds of them also by profession. It hence 
 appears, that the average number received into the 
 church annually under the first, and under the sec- 
 ond ministers, and the proportion received by pro- 
 fession, are about the same. The reception under 
 the present minister has been more uniform than 
 under the preceding. Under the ministry of Dr. 
 Beecher, in the general and extensive revival of '27, 
 there were received into the church 187 members, 
 most of them by profession, and at the communion 
 seasons. During the two or three following years, 
 the number received was not one third as great, 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 45 
 
 %k\'dX in 1829 being only 38 in all, 19 on profession. 
 Whereas the greatest number received in any one 
 3'«ar under the present pastor is 160, and the least 
 43. The year of greatest accessions to the church 
 under the former pastor was 1827, under the present, 
 1836; the least ^under the former pastor that of 
 1829, under the present, that of 1839. That the ac- 
 cessions to the church under the present ministry 
 have not residted from extraordinary means and 
 measures within, or excitements around it, is evi- 
 dent not only from the great uniformity, year to 
 year ; but from the fact that the greatest revival, or 
 the most numerous additions were in 1836, when 
 there was a general sCupidity in most of the sur- 
 rounding churches, and when this church and pas- 
 tor did their own work in their own plain, unex- 
 citing, uniform way. Through that whole year no 
 foreign help was called in, and the pastor very sel- 
 dom exchanged pulpits; but followed up from Sab- 
 bath to Sabbath a consecutive course of subjects, 
 with direct reference to the exigencies of his peo- 
 ple and the conversion of souls. The Tuesday 
 evening meeting was a continuous course of doc- 
 trinal lectures — the Sabbath evening, a season of 
 prayer, remarks, addresses, and conversations with 
 Inquirers— the Friday evening, a season of prayer. 
 All these meetings were fully attended. Besides 
 these were no others, excepting occasional little 
 circles in private families, and social religious in- 
 terviews at the pastor's house. There was very 
 Sittle excitement ; but strojig grapplings of truth 
 
46 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 with the understandings and consciences of men, 
 and the snbduinggrace of tiie Spirit on their hearts. 
 In purity and depth, in freedom from any thing ob- 
 jectionable in the character of the persons received, 
 or in the permanent influence on this church, and 
 the cause of Christ in this city add in the commu- 
 nity at large, the work of 183G has seldom been 
 equalled. 
 
 "It is a very remarkable fact, for which the most 
 devout gratitude is due, that out of 700 members re- 
 ceived during the period of ten years, only three in- 
 stances of discipline have as yet occurred. This 
 must be ascribed, under God, not more to the free- 
 dom of the work of grace among us from blind and 
 fanatical impulses, than to the great prudence and 
 care of our committee. 
 
 "This church is now 17 years old, and numbers 
 1222 children. Of these 65 have died ; 17 have for- 
 feited church confidence ; more than 500 have gone 
 out to strengthen and build other churches. Of the 
 great numbers that have gone out from this church, 
 have been many of its most active and important 
 members, including all its original and part of its 
 more subsequent officers. The churches planted and 
 strengthened by colonies from this church, are Sa- 
 lem and Pine street churches. The Central church, 
 in Winter street, was organized in this house, and 
 mostly a colony from this church — the Eliot in 
 lloxbury — the Winthrop church in Charlestown — 
 the evangelical church in Cambridgeport — the Mar- 
 iner's church — the Free church — the church in East 
 
CONGREG A.TIONAL CHURCHES. 47 
 
 Boston — tlie church in Chelsea, and the recent 
 church formed for Mr, Kirk. All of which have 
 received, by far, more members and strength from 
 this church than any other. Many have, moreover, 
 gone from this to numerous churches near and re- 
 mote, in various parts of our country, and some to 
 the heathen nations. The benign influence of this 
 church has been felt not only in this city, and vi- 
 cinity, but on those at a distance, and on the great 
 and general cause of Zion at large. The average 
 number received into this church, and sent out 
 from it during the 17 years of her existence, far 
 surpass those of any other church in thecity during 
 the same, or proportionate period ; and the annual 
 reception of 70 members from year to year for 17 
 years, is without a parrallel in the New England 
 churches of our denomination. These remarks are 
 made, especially those in reference to the church 
 nnder the present ministry, not in the spirit of 
 boasting, but to honor the established ordinances, 
 and magnify the grace of God. 
 
 "The instrumentalities have been the stated 
 preaching of the gospel, with the devotional exer- 
 cises of prayer and singing, by which the general 
 influence of divine truth has been kept upon the 
 minds of the congregation — the instructions of the 
 Sabbath school and Bible classes — and meetings of 
 prayer and remarks, which have often been much 
 favored — social and personal religious interviews — 
 all these means united to carry forward the work. 
 These we believe are the divinely appointed means 
 for building up the kingdom of God." 
 
4S Boston revival.. 
 
 This review of ten years' ministry, shows wfial 
 may be done by a church in its organized capaci- 
 ty, that keeps constantly at work for God. They 
 have used those instrumentalities that God has ap- 
 pointed. He has given them almost an uninter- 
 rupted revival of religion of 17 year's duration. 
 
 During the present year 135 have been admitted 
 to the church. 
 
 The revival commenced in this church in Dec^ 
 1841. It first appeared by individuals of the church 
 humbling themselves before God for their past sins 
 In many instances, there were great searchings of 
 heart, and renewed self-consecrations to Christ, 
 Meetings were held in the vestry from evening la 
 evening. Through several successive weeks, a 
 united inquiry meeting for Park, Green and Bowdoin 
 street churches were held at the vestry, on three af- 
 ternoons in the week. The work in this congre- 
 gation was one 6f great interest and power. Hub- 
 bard Winslow, Pastor. 
 
 Salem Church. 
 
 The Lord having succeeded every attempt to en- 
 large his kingdom, a meeting was held March 21sty 
 1827, to consider whether it was not expedient to 
 erect another house of worship. It being doubtful 
 whether it was njost needed at the north, or the. 
 south part of the city, it was resolved to erect two, 
 one on Pine street, and the other on Salem street. 
 The corner stone of Salem church was laid, July 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES- 49 
 
 17, 18*27. Ninety-seven persons were organized 
 into a church Sept. 1, 1827. Rev. Justin Edwards, 
 D. D., was installed pastor, Jan. 1, 1828; dismissed 
 Aug. 20, 1829. Rev. George W. Blagden was in- 
 stalled, Nov. 3, 1830; dismissed Aug. 1836. Rev. 
 Joseph H. Towne, the present pastor, was installed 
 June 2, 1837. 
 
 An officer of the church has given the following 
 account of the revival of the past winter and 
 spring : 
 
 "During the latter part of the summer and most 
 of the autumn of 1841, the state of our church and 
 society was such as to cause a depression of feel- 
 , ing in the lieart of Zion's friends. Our pastor re- 
 turned to us early in September, after an absence of 
 six weeks. An attempt was made to resuscitate 
 the Tuesday evening lecture, but the attendance 
 was so very small, that after a few weeks' experi- 
 ment, it was thought best to give it up. Our week- 
 ly church meeting was continued, but many seats 
 were vacant, and it became a matter of deep so- 
 licitude what should be done. At length, at a 
 business meeting in Dec, a brother was appointed 
 to prepare a circular to be printed, and delivered to 
 each individual member of the church, calling upon 
 them to consider their covenant obligations, and 
 awake to duty. This circular was prepared in 
 manuscript, and presented to the church ; but the 
 Lord had rendered its distribution unnecessary. 
 Previous to its presentation to the church, things 
 began to assume a new aspect. The discussion of 
 4 
 
50 BOSTON REVIVAL 
 
 the subject had awakened an interest, find our 
 meetings began to increase in numbers, if not in 
 deep religious feeling. At a meeting for devotion- 
 al exercises, Dec. 24, the third chapter of Malachi 
 was made the theme of discussion. It excited 
 much interest, and we felt that there was an un-, 
 usual spirit of prayer for the outpouring of the 
 Holy Spirit. At another meeting the subject of 
 foreign missions was taken up, and most of the 
 brethren present subscribed 50 or 100 per cent 
 more than in former years. This seemed to be the 
 beginning of the revival ; we hailed the spirit of 
 the meeting as a token for good. We had brought 
 ' tithes into the store house, and the offering was 
 pleasant to the Lord, as in the days of old ;' and we 
 l)egan to anticipate that he would pour us out a 
 blessing, corresponding with the interest he had ex- 
 cited in the hearts of his people for the cause of 
 Zion. The next Sabbath was the first in the year, 
 and communion day. Our pastor preached in the 
 morning from II. Kings 20, J, last clause. It was 
 a solemn, melting sermon, and deeply felt. The 
 Lord had prepared the way for this sermon ; one 
 young couple had the very evening previous taken 
 up the same subject in conversation with each 
 other — lamented their irreligious life, arHl resolved 
 to commence the new year by leading new lives. 
 They went to the sanctuary next morning with 
 subdued feeling and tender consciences. The word 
 was made i)ovverful ; they were deeply convicted of 
 sin, and soon drawn to the Saviour. On this Sab- 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 51 
 
 bath, it was ascertained that a young man who had 
 been several days in an anxious state, had ob- 
 tained a hope. In the evening our vestry was full. 
 It was evident that the Holy Spirit was there. The 
 pastor at the close inquired of those present, if they 
 would sustain the Tuesday evening lecture if it 
 should again be resumed. The assembly signified 
 their assent by rising. Tuesday evening came, and 
 it was a precious season. After sermon, an invita- 
 tion was given to such as felt the need of special 
 prayer to remain. About 20 came up to the desk, 
 and with them one who had for years been sus- 
 pended from the fellowship of the church. There 
 was a very deep feeling. The Lord had come sud- 
 denly into his temple, and it was evident that many 
 had been brought under deep conviction of sin. 
 From this time it became necessary to increase 
 meetings, and for four months a meeting was held 
 every evening in the week. The blessing of the 
 Holy Spirit descended upon us mostly through the 
 regular means of grace. These were the instru- 
 ments by which he chose to accomplish his de- 
 signs, both in the commencement and progress of 
 the work. Rev. Edward Beecher was providential- 
 ly with us two or three weeks during the most in- 
 teresting part of the revival, and rendered much as- 
 sistance to our pastor under his accumulated labori*. 
 On examination of candidates for admission into 
 the church, even in the season of coldness before 
 alluded to, some had been brought to feel their need 
 of a Saviour; and while the church was apparently 
 
52 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 asleep, the influence of the Holy Spirit had not en- 
 tirely ceased. As the fruits of the revival, 133 have 
 been added to the church. We trust that there are 
 still many others who have been more or less af- 
 fected by the influence of the Spirit on their hearts. 
 How many of them have passed from death unto 
 life, time must determine. Several very young 
 persons have expressed hopes, but their cases have 
 been deferred on account of their youth. In gen- 
 eral, there was little to be noticed in this revival 
 which does not apply to those in other places, ex- 
 cept that it was somewhat sudden in its commence- 
 ment, and rapid in its progress. One of the early 
 converts considered his conversion as the direct re- 
 sult of the prayers of a circle of wives, (of which his 
 own wife was one) who united together to pray es- 
 pecially for their impenitent husbands. Thirty 
 husbands and wives professed religion on the first 
 Sabbath in May. The revival has partially sub- 
 sided. The cause of 4:he withdrawing of the Holy 
 Spirit is the diminished interest of the people of 
 God, perhaps in the presumption in supposing that 
 the work would go on, whether prayers and efibrts 
 were continued or not. We still hope, however, 
 that the church does feel much interest in the 
 cause of Christ among us. Our meetings have 
 been better attended this summer than thev were 
 ever before in the warm season, and I trust tliat we 
 shall be further visited with the outpouring of God's 
 Spirit. It was remarked during the latter part of 
 the revival, that nearly all who had habitually at- 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 53 
 
 tended the vestry meetings were brought in. A 
 considerable class of those who are with us on the 
 Sabbath, but are never with us in the vestry, have 
 remained unaffected. This class are not easily ap- 
 proached. The church are arranging a system of 
 visiting, which it is hoped will reach them." 
 Present number of the church, 577. 
 
 Pine Street Church. 
 
 The corner-stone of this meeting-house was laid 
 June 20, 1827. The church was gathered Sept. 2, 
 1827, consisting of 45 members. Rev. Thomas A. 
 Skinner, D. D., was installed April 10, 1828, dis- 
 missed, Aug, 27, 1828. John Brown, D. D., was in- 
 stalled March 4, 1829, dismissed Feb. 1831. Rev. 
 A. A. Phelps was installed Sept. 1832, dismissed 
 March, 1834. Rev. Artemas Boies was installed, 
 Dec. 1834, dismissed Oct. 1840. Rev. Austin 
 Phelps, present pastor, was ordained March, 31, 
 1842. Says a member of this chui'ch, "As far 
 back as the month of Dec. there were indications 
 of more than usual seriousness on the part of the 
 church, although there was nothing of a very de- 
 cided character so early as that. The deep religious 
 interest that was felt at the north part of the city, 
 seemed to react upon us at the south, and many 
 members of our church -seemed to have imparted 
 to them new vigor and new life in their spiritual 
 feelings by attendance upon the meetings in the 
 churches where the revival had already com- 
 4* 
 
54 ' BOSTOW REVIVALr 
 
 raenced. About this time a powerful work of 
 grace was in progress at the Methodist Church in 
 Church street. The meetings held there were also 
 attended by many members of our church, and the 
 accounts that reached us, from day to day and from 
 week to week, of what God was doing there in the 
 conversion of sinners, tended much to deepen re- 
 ligious feeling generally, and lead us to feel that if 
 we would share the blessing which God was pour- 
 ing out all around us, we were called upon to hum- 
 ble ourselves before him. Perhaps the first decided 
 indications of a revival of religion, were mani- 
 fested early in the month of January in the young 
 men's prayer meeting. This meeting had been 
 held for some years in a private house, and the 
 average attendance was not more than from 8 to 12. 
 Without any unusual effort being made, the num- 
 ber was increased to 25. It became a meeting of 
 much solemnity. The numbers attending this meet- 
 ing continued to increase, so that the rooms where 
 they were accustomad to meet, were too strait for 
 them, and the meeting was adjourned to the vestry. 
 It has been continued until the present time, is well 
 attended, and open for all who may wish to come. 
 It is conducted by the young men, and has, we have 
 reason to believe, been productive of much good. 
 In the month of January our house was closed 
 for repairs, and was not opened again until April ; 
 our only place of meeting was the vestry, and our 
 congregation was very much scattered ; the church 
 >V'as also destitute of a pastor. Under these cir- 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 55 
 
 cumstances, it seemed almost hopeless to expect a 
 revival. Laboring under these discouragements, 
 the hand of God was the more strikingly manifest. 
 Under the labors of Rev. G. D. Abbott, who preached 
 with us two or three months, the religious interest 
 increased. Meetings were held every evening in 
 the week, with the exception of Saturday, for sev- 
 eral weeks. At the close of the meetings, anxious 
 persons were invited to remain for conversation. 
 The first time the invitation was given, only one 
 stopped ; at the second three, at the third six. The 
 number of inquirers increased to 75 or 100. A day 
 of fasting and prayer was observed, which tended 
 to humble christians before God, and lead ns to 
 feel our dependence more upon the Holy Spirit. 
 The season of the deepest interest with us was 
 from the middle of January to the middle of March. 
 The number of those that have indulged hopes in 
 Christ, is about 75. Many of the converts are 
 young men and women, and about half are from 
 the Sabbath school. On the first Sabbath in July, 
 forty were admitted to the church. The Holy 
 Spirit is now partially withdrawn from us. This 
 must be attributed to the relaxing of prayer and 
 personal efforts. 
 
 Present number of church members, 278. 
 
 Maverick Chttrch, East Boston. 
 
 The Maverick church was instituted May 31, 
 1836. Early in this year, several persons were im- 
 pressed with the importance of having the preached 
 
56 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 gospel established in this place. A meeting was 
 held to consult on the subject, which was attended 
 by only four persons. A vestry was built by these 
 four individuals. The congregation consisted only 
 of about 30 persons. The meeting-house was ded- 
 icated July 19, 1837, and Rev. William W. Newell 
 was installed pastor. Mr. Newell was dismissed in 
 1841. Rev. A. A. Phelps is the present pastor. He 
 devotes part of the time to city missions. A revival 
 •commenced in this congregation in March. About 
 twenty have expressed hopes, a part of whom have 
 professed religion. The present prospects of this 
 church are better than they have ever been at any 
 former period of its history. The church numbers 
 -about 80 members. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 Mariners' Church — Central Church — Marlboro' Chapel — Gar- 
 den street Church — New Congregational Church — Conclu- 
 ding remarks — Statistical table. 
 
 "O 
 
 Mariners' Church. 
 
 In 1818, Rev. Dr. Jenks commenced his labors 
 among seamen, under the patronage of the "Boston 
 Society fqr the Religious and 3Ioral Instruction of 
 the Poor." He preached half of the Sabbath at a 
 hall over the arch on Central wharf. lie contin- 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 57 
 
 ued his labors until 1826. In 1828, the Boston 
 Seaman's Friend Society was formed. On Jan. I, 
 1830, the Mariners' Church was dedicated, and on 
 the 20th of the same month, a church of nine mem- 
 bers was gathered. Rev. Stephen Bailey officiated 
 as seaman's preacher from 1826 to 1828 ; Rev. Jon- 
 athan Greenleaf from 1828 to 1833; Rev. D. M. 
 Lord from 1834 to the present time. The whole 
 number that has been admitted to this church, is 
 about 250. This church has shared in the revival 
 of the present year. Several interesting cases of 
 conversion took place among the sons of the ocean. 
 About 30 have been admitted to the church. It is 
 difficult to tell the precise number of conversions 
 in a congregation so fluctuating as that of seamen. 
 Impressions are often made that result in conver- 
 sion, when the individual is on the ocean or in a 
 foreign port. The full results of preaching the 
 gospel to seamen will never be known until the 
 sea shall give up its dead. 
 
 The present " Sailors' Home" is far too small 
 to accommodate all who wish to be received as - 
 boarders. It is now contemplated to erect a new, 
 more spacious and convenient house in the course 
 of the next season. 
 
 The present number of church members is 173. 
 
 Central Church. 
 
 The congregation now worshipping in Central 
 Church, in Winter street, was originally gathered 
 
58 * BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 with a view to occupy the Odeon, which for a 
 number of years was used as a theatre. Seve- 
 ral members of the Evangelical Congregational 
 Churches in the cit)^, made arrangements with the 
 Academy of Music, (who had obtained a lease of 
 the building) to occupy it as a place of worship 
 on the Sabbath. A meeting was held May 6th, 
 1835, at which, after mature deliberation, it was 
 judged to be expedient to form a new church. On 
 the 11th of May, an ecclesiastical council con- 
 ' vened at the vestry of Bowdoin street meeting- 
 house, and organized the Franklin street Church, 
 consisting of 63 members. Rev. William M. 
 Rogers was installed pastor, Aug. 6, 1835. 
 
 On the 27th of May, 1841, the corner stone of a 
 church in Winter street, for the use of the congre- 
 gation worshipping at the Odeon, was laid with 
 appropriate religious services. The Central Con- 
 gregational Society was organized under the gen- 
 eral statute of the commonwealth, on the 7th of 
 December, 1841, and recognized the Franklin street 
 Church as associated with them in the worship of 
 God. On the 24th of Dec. the Franklin street 
 Church assumed the name of the Central Congre- 
 gational Church, and on the 31st of Dec. 1841, the 
 church edifice, erected in Winter street, was dedi- 
 cated to the worship of God. 
 
 Before the church left the Odeon, a deep solici- 
 tude was felt that they might enter the new house 
 with right feelings. They wished not only to con- 
 secrate the house to the worship of the only living 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 59 
 
 and true God, but to consecrate themselves and 
 their families to his service. They ardently de- 
 sired that the glory of God should fill the house. 
 There is reason to believe that God had accepted 
 of this consecration, even before they had entered 
 the house that they had builded unto the Lord. 
 The commencement of the revival may be dated 
 back to the time when this solicitude to enter the 
 new house with a right state of feeling, was awa- 
 kened. This was a revival in the hearts of the 
 church. God prepared their hearts to enter into 
 his house with thanksgiving and into his gates 
 with praise. Soon after the church was open, the 
 pastor commenced a series of Sabbath evening lec- 
 tures, on the subject of the death of Christ. These 
 were continued six or seven weeks, and then a se- 
 ries of evening meetings were continued through 
 several successive weeks. The pastor and the 
 church performed nearly all the labor. God was 
 pleased to bless the ordinary means of grace. 
 Many thrilling incidents occurred in the progress 
 of the work. They were such as glorified Godj 
 and edified his people. The enterprise of erecting 
 the new house was succeeded beyond their most 
 sanguine expectation. Pews were sold for sufii- 
 cient to pay for the house. All the sittings are 
 occupied. The number of church members when 
 they entered the new house was 280; '^03 have 
 been received during the present year, so that the 
 chiu-ch now numbers 483. 
 
 In looking at the history of the revival, as it was 
 
60 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 manifested in this congregation, it is important to 
 remark, that it commenced before there was any 
 general religious movement in the city. It was 
 still and noiseless, but steady and onward. The 
 means principally blessed were the plain, direct 
 preacliing of the word, and the prayers, exhorta- 
 tions and private conversation of the brethren. 
 
 Marlboro' Chapel. 
 
 First Free Congregational Church. 
 
 The free church system, as pursued in New 
 York and other places, having proved eminently 
 successful, it was deemed desirable by several in- 
 dividuals that it should be introduced into this city. 
 A meeting was called for that purpose, when a 
 covenant and a code of by-laws were adopted and 
 signed by 56 individuals, belonging to the Pine 
 street, Salem and Bowdoin street churches, who 
 were recognized as the "First Free Congregational 
 Church" in Boston, by an ecclesiastical council 
 convened at the Essex street Church, July 16lh, 
 1835. The church commenced their meetings for 
 worship in Richie hall; at^er a few months they 
 removed to Congress hall; and subsequently to 
 Amory hall. The Marlboro' Chapel was after- 
 wards built for their accommodation. Rev. Charles 
 Fitch was installed their pastor, May 24th, 1836. 
 Rev. A. A. Phelps was for one year their minister. 
 Rev. Mr. Russell is the present officiating minister. 
 Mr. Russell gives the following account of the re- 
 vival of the past year. 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. 61 
 
 The revival in this congregation commenced in 
 Oct. 1841. Previous to that time the congregation 
 was small, and the interest was not great. Some 
 of the people of God felt deeply interested in having 
 a different state of things. Many christians had 
 left their first love, and sinners were slumbering 
 under the wrath of God. 
 
 At this time and in such a state of things, Rev. 
 C. G. Finney was invited to come and labor a few 
 weeks in promoting the work of the Lord. Owing 
 to the state of br. Firfney's healtii, and to previous 
 engagements of the chapel for other purposes, the 
 church were unable to hold meetings more than 
 three or four evenings in a week. But labors 
 were not in vain ; the congregations rapidly in- 
 creased and the truth went with the searching 
 power of the Spirit to the heart. Some professors 
 came to the conclusion that their hearts never had 
 been right in the sight of God ; hence they gave up 
 their hopes and humbled themselves for the first 
 time at the foot of the cross. Others who had 
 wandered from God by wicked works, repented, 
 confessed, came to the throne of grace and were 
 filled with the fulness of God. As multitudes came 
 into the meetings who were connected with other 
 churches, and who were in a dark state of mind, 
 the most of the jjreaching was directed to profes- 
 sors of religion and was adapted to search their 
 hearts and lead them to Christ as a Saviour from 
 all sin. A part of the i)reaching, however, was di- 
 rected to the impenitent, and it was made the 
 5 
 
62 BOSTOJV REVIVAIi. 
 
 power of God to the salvation of some who have 
 since been bright arid shining lights. I commenced 
 laboring with the church in Dec. About that time 
 br. Finney left, and br. Knapp came into the city» 
 While br. Knapp was laboring in the north part of 
 the city, the work continued to move on. The 
 meetings were well attended and sinners fre- 
 quently came into the liberty of the children of 
 God. 
 
 During the latter part of Mr. Knapp's labors in 
 the city he preached a few times in the chapel. 
 Some of the converts feel that the preaching of 
 this faithfid servant of Christ was blessed of God 
 to the conviction and conversion of their souls. 
 Some of the converts were from the lowest grades 
 of infamy and vice, who, since their conversion, 
 have given evidence that "old things are passed 
 away and all things are become new." 
 
 Though the interest has not been so great du- 
 ring the summer as it was during the winter and 
 spring, yet there have been pleasing evidences that 
 the Lord has been with us. We have had weekly 
 inquiry meetings during the whole year, at which 
 the repenting backslider and the penitent sinner 
 have frequently been blessed. I know of nothing 
 that caused the interest to subside during the sum- 
 mer except a want of a spirit of i)rayer and of ac- 
 tive efforts to save those who were out of the ark 
 of safety. Within a few weeks past the spirit of 
 the Lord has been poured out with increasing 
 power, and some twenty or thirty have hopefully 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. G3 
 
 submitted their hearts to the Lord. We have had 
 preaching four or five evenings during the week, 
 together with inquiry and prayer meetings. Br. 
 George Clark has been assisting me in these la- 
 bors. During the past year 105 have connected 
 themselves with our church. Of this number 33 
 have joined by letter from other churches, and 72 
 have joined on profession of their faith. The work, 
 which is now intei*esting in our midst, we trust 
 will go on with increasing power until great mul- 
 titudes are brought into the liberty of the sons of 
 God, to whom be glory for all that has been done 
 for us during the past year, both now and forever, 
 Amen. Number in the church, 210. 
 
 Garden Street Church. 
 
 The Garden street Church was organized July 
 2lst, 1841. The number at its organization was 
 56. They were dismissed from the church wor- 
 shipping at the Marlboro' Chapel. Rev. William 
 R. Chapman, the pastor, was ordained Sept. 8th, 
 1841. The building occupied by this church as a 
 place of worship, is what was formerly known as 
 the Mission House. It has been enlarged and re- 
 paired so as to make a very convenient place of 
 worship. When this enterprise commenced, this 
 church was a feeble band. Well might they say? 
 " By whom shall Jacob arise, for he is small ?'^ 
 They felt to some extent, that if their enterprise 
 succeeded, it must be by the mighty arm of the 
 
64 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 God of Jacob. They cast themselves upon his arm 
 and relied upon his strength. He has not disap- 
 pointed their hopes. He has indeed done for 
 them more than they ever expected. The Holy 
 Spirit has been in their midst, from the beginning 
 up to the present time. God has blessed the or- 
 dinary means of grace. Efforts have been made 
 to some extent, to induce those who had neglected 
 public worship to attend. Teachers have gone 
 out into the streets and lanes of the city to compel 
 children to come to the Sabbath school. God has 
 given success to these efforts. At no time since its 
 existence, has the congregation been without anx- 
 ious souls. The admissions to the church have 
 been 126. Total number, 182. The individuals 
 are of various ages and conditions in life. Some 
 have come from Unitarian, some from Universal- 
 ist, and others from no congregation at all. There 
 is evidence that the Holy Spirit is still with this 
 people. 
 
 TJie success of this enterprise shows what might 
 be done in this city by the chapel system. Were 
 there erected three or five chapels in different and 
 the most destitute parts of the city, a small church 
 of working members gathered, and a devoted pas- 
 tor placed over them, much good might be done. 
 Four or five chapels could be built with the 
 money that is expended in erecting a large church 
 edifice. 
 
CONGREGATIONAIi CHURCHES. 65 
 
 « 
 
 New Congregational Church. 
 
 During the year 1840 and 41, several brethren 
 of the Orthodox Congregational Churches in Bos- 
 ton, were impressed with the importance of form- 
 ing a new church in this city, with a view of ob- 
 taining the services of Rev. Edward N. Kirk as its 
 pastor. These impressions having been strength- 
 ened in the latter part of the year 1841, during a 
 season of special religious interest in the churches, 
 a meeting of pastors and lay brethren was called 
 to consider the subject, Dec. 16, 1841. The breth- 
 ren were unanimously of the opinion that it was 
 expedient to organize anew church, provided the 
 services of Mr. Kirk could be secured, and assur- 
 ances given that funds could be obtained sufficient 
 to erect a new house of worship. A committee of 
 nine was chosen to consider the subject, and to 
 take such measures for the accomplishment of the 
 object as they should deem expedient. This com- 
 mittee held various meetings for consultation and 
 prayer between Dec. 16 and March 29th; after ob- 
 taining the names of twenty-five brethren who 
 were willing to embark in the enterprise, they dis- 
 solved, transferring to these brethren all their 
 powers and instructions, and commending them to 
 the great Head of the church. During the months 
 of April and May, the brethren who had thus as- 
 sociated themselves, met frequently to promote the 
 object which they had in view and hold a weekly 
 prayer meeting. These twenty-five brethren and 
 5* 
 
^6 o fiOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 twenty-two sisters, were organized into a church, 
 at the vestry of Park street meeting-house, June 1, 
 1842, and at the same time Rev. Edward N. Kirk 
 was invited by them to become their pastor; and 
 having accepted the invitation, he was installed in 
 the afternoon by the ecclesiastical council called 
 to organize the church. The church now wor- 
 ships in the lecture room of the Masonic Temple. 
 Since its organization it has received 35 members. 
 Present number 82. We hope that this enterprise, 
 which was begun in prayer, will be prospered by 
 the great Head of the church, and in numbers and 
 strength equal her elder sisters in Zion. 
 
 I have now closed my history of the Orthodox 
 Congregational churches of Boston and of the re- 
 cent revival. The churches are fourteen in num- 
 ber, contain an aggregate of 5004 members, of 
 which 1102 have been added as the fruits of the 
 late revival. If we look back thirty years, when 
 the Old South, of all the original Congregational 
 churches of Boston, stood alone upon the platform 
 of the fathers, well may we exclaim. What hath 
 God wrought! She has now thirteen younger sis- 
 ters. The increase of Orthodox churches in this 
 city, under God, has been in a great degree owing 
 to the colonizing system. To advance the cause 
 of evangelical religion, brethren of different 
 churches have vohmteered to go out and form new 
 churches. God has greatly blessed these eflbrts. 
 The same Holy Spirit that was poured out upon 
 the churches around Blassachusetts bay, wlien 
 
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHES. Q7 
 
 they were first planted, has returned, and is turn- 
 ing back the captivity of this portion of Zion. 
 
 Within the last quarter of a century more than 
 100 new Orthodox churches have been gathered 
 in this ancient commonwealth. Many of these 
 churches are located in places that have for a 
 long time been overrun with error. 
 
 Those that adhere to the faith of the pilgrims, 
 Lave been so blessed of God that they have abun- 
 dant encouragement to persevere. He that has 
 multiplied in Boston one church into fourteen, will 
 not now abandon them. If the legitimate sons and 
 daughters of the pilgrims are faithful to their God, , 
 he will reclaim this whole city to himself 
 
 The following is a summary view of the present 
 state of the churches. 
 
 Churches. Admissions 
 
 ml842. 
 
 WRole No. 
 
 Old South, 
 
 42 
 
 502 
 
 Park Street, 
 
 101 
 
 671 
 
 Essex Street, 
 
 52 
 
 572 
 
 Bovvdoin Street, 
 
 135 
 
 671 
 
 Green Street, 
 
 41 
 
 256 
 
 South Boston, 
 
 40 
 
 251 
 
 Pine Street, 
 
 35 
 
 278 
 
 Salem Street, 
 
 137 
 
 587 
 
 Central Church, 
 
 203 
 
 489 
 
 East Boston, 
 
 20 
 
 80 
 
 Mariners' Church, 
 
 30 
 
 173 
 
 Marlboro' Chapel, 
 
 105 
 
 210 
 
 Garden Street, 
 
 126 
 
 182 
 
 New Church, 
 
 35 
 
 82 
 
 1102 5004 
 
<j8 boston revival. 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 BAPTIST CHURCHES.. 
 
 First Baptist Church — Baldwin Place Church — Charles street 
 Baptist Church — Federal street Baptist Church. 
 
 The first Baptist church was gathered May, 1665. 
 This was at a time when the nature of religious 
 liberty was very imperfectly understood. Our fa- 
 thers that ])lanted the Congregational churches, 
 thought that no other religious denomination had a 
 right to come here and set up any otlier modes of 
 worship^ or introduce any other religious ceremo- 
 nies than those practised by thenjselves. A rem- 
 nant of popery was left even among those who 
 supposed tliat they had planted their churches on 
 the primitive foundation. 
 
 The individuals who founded this church had 
 held meetings several years on the Sabbath be- 
 fore they were an organized body. For holding 
 these meetings they were severely fined, and other- 
 wise afflicted by the civil authorities. They tiien 
 retreated to a private dwelling on Noddle's Island. 
 Here they for a considerable length of time con- 
 tinued their meetings, when they resolved to build 
 themselves a meeting-house. In this they suc- 
 ceeded in avoiding the suspicions of their opposers, 
 
BAPTIST CHURCHES. 69 
 
 until their house was publicly dedicated, Feb. 15, 
 1679. The opening of this house so offended the 
 civil authorities that they nailed up the doors, and 
 the following notice was posted upon the door. 
 " All persons are to take notice, that by order of the 
 court, the doors of this house are shut up, and that 
 they are inhibited to hold any meeting, or to open 
 the doors thereof without license from authority, 
 till the General Court take further order, as they 
 shall answer the controversy at their peril." Dated 
 at Boston, 8th of March, 1680. Edward Rawson, 
 Secretary. 
 
 On the following Sabbath, they held public wor- 
 ship in the yard front of the meeting-house ; soon 
 after, the government ordered the doors to be 
 opened again. But they resolved to take more ef- 
 fectual means to crush the church. Many of its 
 members were harrassed, fined and imprisoned. 
 Three of its first pastors were at different times put 
 into close confinement. One of them was im- 
 prisoned for nearly three years. But after a time, 
 the spirit of toleration began to be better under- 
 stood. In 1718 several of the Congregational clergy 
 of Boston assisted in the ordination of Mr. EHsha 
 Callender. I mention these facts to show how very 
 imperfectly our fathers understood the nature of 
 religious liberty, and not to cast reproaches upon 
 their memory. Vital religion was maintained in 
 this church. It shared in common with the other 
 churches of Boston in the " great awakening" of 
 1740. Dr. Stillraan, whose praise is still in the 
 
'70 BOSTON RETIVAl.. 
 
 churches, became its pastor in 1765, and continued 
 such until 1807. His was a long and successful 
 ministry. During some of the last years of his 
 ministry, he was permitted to witness a revival of 
 religion of greater extent and power than had 
 blessed this town since the memorable period of 
 1740. As this was the first season of special mercy 
 that this town enjoyed in the early i)art of the 
 present century, and as it was the first in the series 
 of revivals that hav€ since followed, its history is 
 now become a matter of deep interest. In the Bap- 
 tist Magazine of 1804 and 5, this work is described^ 
 " A special seriousness made its appearance in 
 both Baptist churches early in 1803. Its first indi- 
 cations were a solemn stillness, and a deep fixed 
 attention on the Sabbath. The work gradually 
 continued to extend from week to week, through 
 two or three years. "What are now known as inquiry 
 meetings, were not then instituted. But there was 
 what amounted to the same thing. " It has been 
 usual during the fall, winter and spring months,'* 
 says the Magazine, "while the evenings were suf- 
 ficiently long, for the people to tarry after the bles- 
 sing, and frequently some minister present has 
 again addressed them. Sometimes two or three 
 have spoken and prayed. This custom seemed to 
 arise out ol" the feelings of the people. They ap- 
 peared loath to leave the place. There is no doubt 
 but they would have tarried until midnight, had the 
 exhortations been continued." The number gath- 
 ered into the First church was 127 ; into the Second 
 
BAFTIST CHURCHES. 71 
 
 185. "Although these two societies Ijave been the 
 principal sharers in the work," says the Magazine, 
 " it has not been confined to them. Persons from 
 almost every society in town, and numbers from 
 the adjacent towns, have frequently attended on 
 our lectures ; and we have reason to believe that 
 many have reaped saving advantages. 
 
 "The church under the pastoral care of Rev. Dr. 
 Eckley has received considerable additions since 
 the work began. This good man's heart had been 
 much engaged in the work, and would, we believe, 
 have rejoiced to have saen it among his people. 
 He has frequently attended, and assisted in the 
 public lectures, in both of the Baptist meetings. 
 It has afforded much pleasure to the friends of vital 
 godliness, to see this friendly connection. We 
 earnestly hope that it may ever continue." 
 
 The work was still, and without confusion. The 
 gospel preached was principally blessed. Almost 
 evenj thing seemed to preach. The converts generally 
 had a deep sense of the depravity of their own 
 hearts; of the infinite evil of sin, as committed 
 against an holy God. It reclaimed the profane 
 swearer, the gambler, and the Sabbath breaker. 
 It made the young men " sober minded." 
 
 Rev. Mr. Clay succeeded Dr. Still man. He had 
 a ministry of about two years. Rev. James M. 
 Winchell was ordained in 1814, and continued his 
 pastoral relation until his death in 1820. Dr. 
 Wayland was pastor from 1821 to 26. Rev. C. P, 
 Grosvenor was minister four years. Rev. William 
 
72 ■ BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 Hague was Installed Feb. 5, 1831 ; dismissed June^ 
 1837. During his ministry 190 were received to 
 the cjjurch by baptism, and 51 by letter. Rev. R. 
 H. Neale was installed Sept. 1837. During his 
 ministry the Holy Spirit has frequently descended 
 upon this church. The firs^t year after his installa- 
 tion, 127 persons were admitted to the church. The 
 year ending Sept. 1840, 75 were added to their 
 number. This is the mother of all the Baptist 
 churches in Boston. She has from time to time 
 sent forth her numbers to assist in forming new 
 churches. Her present number of members is 725, 
 of these 27 were received by Dr. Stillman ; 3 when 
 the church was destitute of a pastor; 27 by Mr. 
 Winchell ; 14 by Mr. Grosvenor ; 134 by Mr. Hague ; 
 and 508 by Mr. Neale. 266 have been received 
 the present year. The pastor says, that " a majori- 
 ty of the converts are heads of families, business 
 men in the vigor of life, strong, active and enter- 
 prising. Our society men, the ' Broad aisle pevv 
 proprietors,' who are generally gospel hardened, 
 and the last to be converted, are, with scarcely an 
 exception, subjects of the work. The members of 
 the singing choir (60 or 70 in number) are nearly 
 all converted. In the Sabbath school many of the 
 children have learned to sing hosannas to the Son 
 of David. 
 
 "The instrumentalities employed in the promo- 
 lion of this work," says Mr. Neale, " have been such 
 as were employed in the great revival on the day . 
 of Pentecost — the preaching the gospel and prayer. 
 
BAPTIST CHURCHES. 73 
 
 The protracted meeting that continued during the 
 period of nearly three months, and in which Elder 
 Knapp chiefly officiated, is doubtless the cliief 
 agency to which, under God, this work of grace is 
 to be attributed, and from personal acquaintance 
 with Mr. Knapp, and a constant attendance on his 
 ministry while in this city, I am not surprised at 
 the results. If there is power in truth plainly and 
 fearlessly expressed ; if there is efficiency in prayer 
 offered up in secret and in public, constantly and 
 earnestly to God ; and if a life of entire consecra- 
 tion to our divine Master's will, contributes to the 
 power of the pulpit and the prevalence of prayer, 
 the success that attends the ministry of Mr. Knapp 
 is not a matter of wonder; but is in accordance 
 with the most reasonable expectations." 
 
 " The distinguishing peculiarity of Mr. Knapp's 
 character and ministry is faith. He has no peculiar 
 philosophy, no peculiar religious sentiments. He 
 lias no peculiar means, and measures. But the 
 truths which other christians admit in theory, are 
 with him living realities. Hence he is deeply and 
 habitually in earnest, preaching and praying like 
 one who believes what he says, and knows the 
 things whereof he affirms. He goes to his work 
 with the most perfect confidence of success, seem- 
 ing to say with the apostle, ' I run not as uncertain- 
 ly; so fight I not as one that beateth the air.'" 
 
 These are the views of one who had full opportu- 
 nity to see and hear much of Mr. Knapp. But 
 all good people have not the same views of his 
 6 
 
74 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 mode of preaching, or his method of conducting 
 inquiry meetings. Many feel strong objections to 
 them both. But I think that there is wisdom in 
 the reply made by a certain minister to a parish- 
 ioner who asked him what he thought about his 
 going to hear Mr. Knapp, ' Oh,' said he, ' if he 
 casts out devils in the name of the Lord, we must 
 not forbid him, if he does not follow us." 
 
 Particular cases of conversion connected with 
 the First Baptist church. 
 
 One man had for a series of years been a drunk- 
 ard, in the city of New York. Two years ago last 
 winter, his landlord warned him out of his house in 
 the midst of the cold season, because he had failed 
 to pay his rent. His wife told the landlord that it 
 was impossible for them to go; that they had no 
 place to which they could flee. She was then ex- 
 pecting to be confined within a week. Her land- 
 lord had some compassioii on her, and told her 
 that they might go into the building over his ice 
 house, a sort of shanty place. Here they passed 
 the winter. The husband frequently came home 
 drunk. In the spring they came on to Boston. 
 The husband joined the total abstinence society. 
 She attended meeting and was converted. She 
 soon brought her husband with her. It was not 
 long before he was convicted of sin, arose in a 
 prayer meeting and solicited the prayers of God's 
 people. In a little while he gaVe up his heart to 
 the Saviour, was baptized, and thus far has main^ 
 tained a life of visible piety* 
 
BAPTIST CHURCHES. 75 
 
 In another case, a man of respectable family be- 
 came dissipated, abandoned his family, and was ab- 
 sent from the country a considerable length of time. 
 On his return, his wife received him again ; she still 
 hoped that he would reform. He came into the 
 meeting where he had not been for years, and 
 went home deeply affected. He was so distressed 
 that he could not sleep during the silent watches 
 of the night. He had before this been into an in- 
 fidel meeting, heard the bible and the Holy Ghost 
 ridiculed. Even this tended to fasten conviction 
 more deeply on his mind. He felt that he was so 
 wicked, that there was nothing but the Holy Ghost 
 that could subdue such a heart as his. This was 
 his only hope. He is now a member of the church, 
 restored to his family as a husband and a father. 
 
 Three brothers, all rumsellers, have renounced 
 the traffic, and embraced the religion that doeth no 
 ill to its neighbor. 
 
 During the progress of this work, eight rumsel- 
 lers in this congregation have given, up the traffic. 
 The consciences of others have been disturbed for 
 a time, who finally have not abandoned the work of 
 death. 
 
 Baldwin Place Church. 
 
 This church was formerly known by the name 
 of" Second Baptist Church." Six brethren entered 
 into covenant, and constituted this church, July 27, 
 1743. Additions were made to their number, and 
 in a short time they increased to 40. Their first 
 
76 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 pastor was Mr. Ephraim Bound, who was selected 
 from among themselves, was ordained Sept. 7, of the 
 same year. This ordination took place at East 
 Greenwich, R. 1., "for the sake," as the record sa3's, 
 "of those elders, who were invited by us to assist, 
 and who lived remote and at a great distance from 
 Boston." Additions were made to their numbers 
 from most of the towns within 20 miles round. In 
 1746 they numbered 120, and erected a meeting- 
 house 45 by 33 feet. 
 
 Between 1743 and '90, Rev. Messrs. Bound, Da- 
 vis, Stillman and Gair were successively pastors. 
 Rev. Dr. Baldwin was installed Nov. 11, 1790. A 
 precious revival soon followed his settlement. 
 About 200 were added to this church in the re- 
 vival of 1804 and '5, a partial account of which was 
 given in the history of the First church. Between 
 1790 and 1814, Dr. B. baptized 664 persons ; 90 
 were the number of the church when his labors 
 commenced, and 450 when they closed. 
 
 Dr. Baldwin, during the latter part of his life, was 
 the patriarch of the denomination to which he be- 
 longed. His memory is still held in grateful re- 
 membrance by the christian community at large. 
 
 Rev. James D. Knowles was the next pastor of 
 this church. He was ordained Dec. 28, 1825. He 
 continued their pastor nearly seven years, and was 
 then dismissed to enter upon the duties of profes- 
 sor in the Newton Seminary. 260 persons joined 
 the church under his ministry. The installation of 
 Rev. Baron Stow, the present pastor, took place 
 
BAPTIST CHURCHES. 77 
 
 Nov. 15, 1832. Since Iiis settlement, 857 have 
 been baptized, and the church numbers 861. It is 
 supposed that this is the largest church in New 
 England of any denomination. About 80 were 
 dismissed to aid in forming the church at Bowdoin 
 Square, and a large number previously to consti- 
 tute the church at Chelsea, the Boylston church, and 
 the church under the care of Rev. Mr. Colver. 
 The church at Charlestown, the two churches at 
 Cambridge, tlie church at Watertown, South Boston, 
 and Federal street, are all indebted to this church 
 for many of their members. She has been a fruit- 
 ful vine that hath sent forth her branches in various 
 directions. "This church is characterized by its 
 enlarged benevolence, its uniform harmony, the so- 
 ciality and mutual confidence of its members, the 
 attachment existing between the people and its 
 pastor, and its interest in the religious instruc- 
 tion and education of the young. It has connected 
 with it the largest Baptist Sabbath school in the 
 city." 
 
 This church has largely participated in the re- 
 vival of the present year ; 187 have been baptized. 
 A number of individuals attribute their conversion, 
 under God, to the preaching of Mr. Knapp. Others 
 were awakened some by one means, and others by 
 others. " We have not discovered," says the asso- 
 ciational letter, "any difference between these con- 
 verts, and those received at other times and in 
 other circumstances." The revival commenced in 
 the autumn, and continued through the winter and 
 6* 
 
78 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 spring. The meeting-house is now undergoing ex- 
 tensive repairs, and the congregation is much scat- 
 tered. 
 
 This church has now attained to its 99th year. It 
 is not enfeebled by old age, but has more strength 
 and vigor, at the present time, than it ever had in 
 any past period of its history. The greatest fault 
 to be found with it is, that its numbers are too 
 large. There is not room for them all to work. 
 They stand in each other's way. Were the church 
 divided, and did it occupy two houses, they would 
 feel their individual responsibility more, and they 
 would accomplish more for the cause of Zion. I 
 hope that ere long they will send forth an infant 
 colony that will soon have the vigor and strength 
 of a full grown man. 
 
 Charles Street Baptist Church. 
 
 This church was organized in 1807. It then 
 numbered 24 members. Rev. Mr. Blood was its 
 first pastor. Rev. D. Sharp, D. D., present pastor, 
 was installed April, 1S]2. Thischurch has enjoyed 
 several seasons of special interest, particularly in 
 1827, '8 and '9. Year after year there have been 
 moderate ingatherings. More than 400 members 
 have at different times been dismissed to aid in 
 organizing other churches. In the letter to the 
 last association, this church says, " we have nothing 
 new, or surprising to relate. We have embraced 
 no new doctrines, nor have we resorted to any new 
 
BAPTIST CHURCHES. 79 
 
 measures. We still hold fast ' the form of sound 
 words;' nor is the preaching of our pastor, either 
 as to doctrine, or practice, <lifferent from what it 
 was when he came among us 31 years ago." 
 
 The pastor has remiiined a longer period in his 
 office than any of his brethren of the same denom- 
 ination. Neither the pastor or church are given to 
 change. They are not carried away with novelties 
 in doctrines, or novelties in measures. They hold 
 on to the good old way. Present number of the 
 church, 370; added the last year, 17. 
 
 Federal Street Baptist Church. 
 
 This church originated in the "Boston Baptist 
 Evangelical Society." Meetings were first held in 
 a hall in Purchase street. In 1827 they removed 
 to Julien hall, in Milk street. The church was 
 constituted of 65 members, July 16th, 1827; and 
 the meeting-house was opened on the 18th of the 
 same month. Rev. Howard Malcom was installed 
 Nov. 15, 1827. He was dismissed Sept. 1835. 
 Rev. Messrs. Ide and Nott have each been pastors 
 for a short period. Rev. William Hague, the pres- 
 ent pastor, was installed July, 1840. "For some 
 years previous to this," says the printed record, 
 "accessions of families to the congregation had 
 been very few ; while large draughts had been 
 made on it by removals from the city, and by new 
 churches formed in the city about this time." In 
 March, 1839, 31 members, many of them heads of 
 
80 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 families, were dismissed to unite with otiiers in 
 forming the Boylston church ; and in the following 
 April, 31 were dismissed at the formation of the 
 Free Baptist church ; nineteen were soon after 
 dismissed to Bowdoin Square. A large portion of 
 the church in South Boston went out from this. 
 
 The associational letter says, "during the past 
 year the labors of their pastor have been twice sus- 
 pended by disease, and many of their numbers 
 have, from various causes, been absent from the 
 city. They have, however, enjoyed an interesting 
 revival, in which the Sabbath school has particu- 
 larly shared. They have been making an effort to 
 rid themselves of a debt of $15,000, on which ac- 
 count they have been able to do less than usual for 
 benevolent objects." 
 
 This revival was carried on by the church in its 
 organized capacity. The pastor, deacons, and 
 private christians, labored in their several spheres 
 to promote it. The number added to the church 
 has been 85; the present number of church mem- 
 bers 476. 
 
BAPTIST CHURCHES. 81 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 South Boston Baptist Church — Boylston Street Church — First 
 Free Baptist Church — Bowdoiii Square Baptist Church — 
 First Independent Baptist Church — Conchjding remarkn 
 upon this denomination — Statistical view of the Baptist 
 churches. 
 
 South Boston Baptist Church. 
 
 This church was gathered in 1831. The pastor 
 says, that "the church was revived some months 
 before the reformation commenced. No conver- 
 sions occurred till some time in January, 1842. 
 There have been received into the church upon 
 the profession of their faith, 133. Some of these 
 had indulged hopes before the revival, and some 
 are indulging hopes, that have not yet professed 
 religion. Of those who have joined the church 
 about one fifth have alluded to br. Knapp as 
 arousing their old hope, or being directly or indi- 
 rectly, the instrument of their conviction and con- 
 version. A few have spoken of br. Miller as the 
 cause of their thougtfulness which ended in sub- 
 mission to God, though not believing in the theory 
 of 1843. 
 
 "I should think that fasting and prayer, exhorta- 
 tions and individual efforts of both old and young 
 christians and young converts, have had a large 
 filiare in the instrumentality visibly seen. We 
 
82 BOSTON REVIAVL. 
 
 have had several fast davs, one of which will never 
 be forgotten by the members of this church. Nine 
 thought that they became reconciled to God before 
 the meeting closed. One, in the bitterness of his 
 soul, cried out for mercy, while prayer was offering 
 to God, so loud and in accents so heart-touching, 
 that a thrill of indescribable feeling passed through 
 the whole assembly. He is now an exemplary 
 Christian. 
 
 "We had regular prayer meetings on Saturday 
 evening for all who should be named either ver- 
 bally or by note, as subjects of prayer. Thia 
 meeting was much blessed. Thirteen husbands 
 of pious wives, who were among those named in 
 this meeting, to all human appearance were con- 
 verted. Pious wives held meetings to pray for 
 their impenitent husbands. The Holy Spirit's 
 operations were most manifest and sovereign 
 through the whole work. One female who had 
 not been to meeting but once in five years, whose 
 husband said that she must obtain religion at home, 
 was struck under conviction at home before she 
 saw either meeting-house or minister, and was ap- 
 parently converted to God. Another female about 
 sixty-five years of age, had her attention arrested 
 by an infidel's saying to her several times, (for the 
 purpose of ridicule,) "Prepare to meet thy God." 
 She is now a member of this church. A man who 
 Jiad commenced life with a large fortune, and run 
 the whole round of dissipation, was converted at 
 the eleventh hour. Having spent a large fortune: 
 
BAPTIST CHURCHES. 83 
 
 in vice, he was asked by a friend, "How do you 
 feel when you think of what you have done?" 
 " Think" si/id he, " do you think that 1 am such a 
 d dfool as to stop to think f He was finally ta- 
 ken sick, and when he recovered he tried to re- 
 turn to one of his old vices, drinking spirit, but 
 found that his head was too weak. He then re- 
 sorted to wine, but this was too strong for him ; 
 even cider and beer used him no better. The con- 
 sequence was that he began to think, and soon 
 found his M'ay to the house of God, which he had 
 seldom visited for twenty years. His convictions 
 increased, and for twelve months he might l)e 
 found every day upon his knees in his stable. His 
 friends thought him beside himself. At length he 
 was brought into the liberty of the gospel, the 
 standing marvel of drunkards, gamblers and debau- 
 chees. He is now ^^fool enough to thinks Another 
 individual, who on the anniversary of Tom Paine's 
 birth day, 1841, dined with a company of infidels 
 at a private house and drank with others the fol- 
 lowing toast, "The bible and jDriestcraft, may we 
 live to see them both trampled in the mud under 
 our feet," was of the number converted. He had 
 been made the subject of special prayer by several 
 of his friends a number of years before his conver- 
 sion. The individual who gave the toast at the Tom 
 Paine dinner, was deprived of health and in a fit of 
 derangement killed himself He was confined by 
 his sufferings in the fourth story of a boarding 
 house, and in his delirium thought that the devil was 
 
84 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 after him and to escape his grasp phinged out ot" 
 the window, and falling upon the curb-stone 
 dashed his brains out. This occurrence led his 
 acquaintance to reflect upon his life. He became 
 a temperance man. His convictions still increased j 
 he however formed a determination that he would 
 not be converted in the vestry of the South Baptist 
 Church. But God's will or ways are not as man's 
 will or ways. On the anniversary of Tom Paine's 
 birth day, 1842, he came into the evening meeting 
 in a state little short of despair. He asked prayers, 
 in broken accents, that God would have mercy on 
 his soul for Christ's sake, and before he left the 
 vestry he found peace with God through our Lord 
 Jesus Christ. 
 
 "There was one more case of an individual who 
 had agreed to go to meeting in company with ano- 
 ther opposer (who a short time before had chal- 
 lenged all God's people to pray for him, a Universal' 
 ist) to give the second challenge. His hatred was ^o 
 great to the truth, that he took his companion out 
 of the house of God in service time; but now is an 
 humble, penitent worship[»er in the same house.'* 
 
 Present number of the church, 317. Thomas 
 Driver, Pastor. 
 
baptist churches. 85 
 
 Harvard Street Church, 
 (Formerly Boylston Street Church.) 
 
 This church was organized March 27th, 1839. 
 It has used the "Melodeou" as a place of worship, 
 but now occupies their meeting-house at the 
 corner of Harvard street and Harrison avenue. 
 "The history of this church," says their associa- 
 tional letter, " for the past year, has been one of 
 unusual interest. They have received a mighty 
 impulse from the late revjval of religion, and 
 scarcely a month has passed without considerable 
 addition of numbers to the church, while at the 
 same time their gifts and graces have been brought 
 into lively and frequent exercise. They admit 
 that much imperfection attaches to them all ; at 
 the same time they gratefully acknowledge the 
 manifold tokens of their Heavenly Father's love, 
 by which they trust that beside external prosper- 
 ity, they have been able to make some advance 
 with respect to interior purity and excellence. So 
 far as they can judge, the steadfastness of the con- 
 verts is exceedingly encouraging. Indications ap- 
 pear among them of still greater enlargement and 
 prosperity. Their Sabbath school is in a state of 
 great interest." A spacious edifice for the wor- 
 ship of God is just finished. 
 
 In 1840, 122 were added to the church ; 1841, 45. 
 
 1842,240; in all, 407,-127 males and 280 females ; 
 
 making the number that have belonged to the 
 
 church, in all, about 558; so that the church has 
 
 7 
 
86 BosTaN nfiviVAr.. 
 
 more than quadrupled its original number of mem- 
 bers. It is a curious and interesting fact, that the 
 present number of males bear precisely the same 
 proportion to that of tire females, that it did when 
 the church was constituted. The church is now in 
 a highly prosperous condition. Rev. R. Turnbully 
 pastor. 
 
 The pastor of this church has published a de- 
 tailed account of individual conversions. "Three 
 Universalists," says the pastor, "one a young marr 
 %vith a clear, vigorous mind, another in middle 
 life, sober and industrious, and the third some- 
 what advanced in 3'ears all convinced of the 
 utter hoUowness and heartlessness of Univer- 
 salism, were brought to the Saviour's feet and are 
 all very happy in the God of their salvation. 
 
 " Six members of one family, none of whom had 
 known any thing of re.igion, the father and 
 mother, two boys, a daughter and her husband. 
 The father had read Thomas Paine and was some- 
 thing of an infidel, very worldly and self-righteous, 
 had neglected the Sabbath, the word of God and 
 the means of grace. To use his own expression, 
 he was " lackered all over with self-righteousness,* 
 doubted the insi)iration of the scriptures and the 
 immortality of the soul. They were all brought 
 to see themselves perishing sinners, and found 
 peace and joy in believing. The voice of prayer 
 and praise is now heard in thoir habitation. 
 
 "A young man, a decided infidel, hard and i)re-' 
 
BAPTIST CHURCHES. 87 
 
 judiced. But he discovered his guilt and groaned 
 under its pressure. This scattered all infidel 
 cavils and prepared him to receive and appreciate 
 the gospel. 
 
 "Another man, an infidel, intelligent and agree- 
 iihle as a man, was present at the celebration of 
 Paiiie's birth day. Had previously sent br. Knapp 
 an invitation to attend the celebration. Worked in 
 the office of the Investigator, the infidel paper of 
 this city. He heard Mr. Knapp preach a few 
 times. After he left the city he began, almost im- 
 perceptibly to himself, to feel dissatisfied with his 
 infidelity and especially with the state of his heart. 
 Tried to pray and went to meeting. Felt the 
 power of God, saw the glory of the gospel, and his 
 infidelity was scattered to the winds. He then 
 acknowledged that his skepticism, though cher- 
 ished with apparent honesty, was the result of dis- 
 ordered afi:ections ; and hence the moment that he 
 began to feel right towards God, his doubts were 
 dissipated like mist before the rising sun. 
 
 " Several Unitarians, or persons who were accus- 
 tomed to sit under Unitarian preaching and had 
 imbibed their sentiments, all had relied upon their 
 goodness as they termed it, that is, upon their mo- 
 rality, as a ground of justification before God. 
 But they were convinced of sin and of an utter 
 destitution of real inward purity of heart, of true 
 and living love to God, of genuine affection to 
 Jesus Christ as ' God manifest in the flesh.' They 
 were hence humbled in the dust and brought 
 
88 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 to embrace an almighty and atoning Saviour. 
 
 "A family group of seven, most of whom had at- 
 tended the preaching of one of our smoothest and 
 most polished Unitarian clergymen, all baptized 
 together and uncommonly happy. 
 
 " A young man on a visit from the city of New 
 York, well-informed, gay and worldly, heard br. 
 Knapp once or twice, but disliked him and de- 
 spised the work of God. But he was warned in 
 the visions of the night to prepare to meet God 
 in judgment. This he attempted to 'wear off,' 
 as he expressed it, and the warning was repeated 
 
 • 
 
 He saw the heavens and earth wrapped in flames 
 and awoke with terror and alarm. He became 
 thoughtful, sought the conversation of pious 
 friends, and prayed for enlightening and saving 
 grace. After a short and painful struggle, he was 
 converted, transformed and blest. I never saw a 
 happier man. He seemed to overflow with love 
 and joy. Heaven beamed from his countenance. 
 
 "A skeptic, a young man of intelligence and re- 
 finement, who doubted the truth of Christianity 
 and the existence of a future state, opposed liis 
 wife two years ago in seeking the salvation of her 
 soul, and took no sort of interest, as he himself 
 confessed, in religion, nor even in the bible as a 
 mere composition. 'But,' said he 'I am com- 
 ])]etely turned round, entirely changed in my views 
 and feelings, and all within a few days and with- 
 out any external occasion. AVhat then has done 
 it.^' He added 'nothing but the power of God! 
 
BAPTIST CHURCHES. 89 
 
 Nothing but this can account for a revolution so 
 sudden.' 
 
 "A man in middle life, a Sabbath breaker and a 
 lover of pleasure, was arrested, convinced, convert- 
 ed, almost before he knew it, as he said himself. He 
 was out gunning one day and shot a pigeon on the 
 wing. 'There,' said he to himself, 'how quick 
 that creature went out of existence !' And I may 
 go as suddenly and unexpectedly, and where will 
 rny spirit be ? was the natural reflection. He gave 
 his heart to God and is now one of the most devo- 
 ted and happy converts; prays in his family, reads 
 his bible, and praises God for his goodness. 
 
 "An interesting group from the choir, the leading 
 singers, with other young men and maidens, now 
 ' making melody to the Lord' with their hearts as 
 well as lips." 
 
 I shall here add an account of several conver- 
 sions that do not belong to this congregation. 
 
 A journeyman printer, the father of a family, 
 while setting the types for a piece of religious po- 
 etry for a secular newspaper, which poetry alluded 
 to the w^orkofGod among the South Sea Island- 
 ers, was so affected with it and the thought of his 
 own indifference, that he could not for a tinie pro- 
 ceed in his work. This led to his conversion. He 
 proved his sincerity by leaving the situation where 
 he was required to work on the Sabbath. 
 
 Another man visited the Supreme Court room; 
 his attention was directed to the vibration-^ oi the 
 7* 
 
'90 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 pendulum of the clock. The thought occurred, 
 " every vibration is bringing time to a close and 
 hastening on eternity. Eternity! I am not pre- 
 pared to enter eternity. I will begin this moment 
 to prepare for it." This resulted in his hopeful 
 conversion. 
 
 One man was converted by observing his dog. 
 After feeding him one day, he seemed grateful. 
 The thought came over his mind, "I am not so 
 good as my dog. He is grateful to me for kindness. 
 But God has always fed, clothed and taken care 
 of me, but I have never been grateful at all." This 
 thought discovered to him the wickedness of his 
 heart. It brought him to rei)entance. 
 
 A superintendent of one of our Sabbath schools 
 went into the infant department to open it. He 
 observed a stranger sitting in the room, who, after 
 prayer had closed, went immediately out. On tlie 
 next Sabbath morning he observed the stranger 
 present again. As soon as the morning prayer 
 had been offered, he came up and introduced him- 
 self to the superintendent. "Sir," said the stran- 
 ger, "did you not observe me the last Sabbath 
 morning?" "Yes." "I came here with a deter- 
 mination to take my little boy away from this 
 Orthodox school, and put him into a Unitarian. 
 But one expression in your prayer went right 
 through my heart. If a bullet had pierced it I 
 should not have felt it more sensibly. I thought 
 I should not have lived until you closed your 
 prayer. As soon as you had done I went out into 
 
BAPTIST CHURCHES. 91 
 
 the air to get breath, and I have been very wretched 
 all the week. What shall I do ?" The superin- 
 tendent directed him to the Saviour of sinners and 
 invited him to call upon him the next evening. 
 He came to his house, was directed to the Lamb 
 of God that taketh away the sin of the world, and 
 commended to him in prayer. He went away 
 from the superintendent's house rejoicing in a 
 newly found Saviour. 
 
 During the revival, one neighbor met another 
 and asked, "What news this morning?" "Glo- 
 rious news," was the reply, " God sent salvation to 
 my house last night." " How was that ?" " My Son 
 came home from the meeting in great distress. 
 I talked and prayed with him, and he prayed ; but 
 still he felt a burden of sin ; he said that he could 
 not go to bed feeling as he did. I prayed with him 
 again ; still his distress continued. It had then got 
 to be midnight. I told him that we would go 
 down and see our minister. We went, rang the 
 
 bell, and immediately Mr. opened the door 
 
 and invited us to walk in. Without speaking a 
 word he fell upon his knees and prayed; called 
 upon me to pray and my son followed. When we 
 arose from our knees, my son's burden was gone. 
 Said the minister, " Perhaps you wondered that I 
 did not ask you why you came here at this hour of 
 the night; but I had no need to do it, for at the 
 close of the meeting I saw the condition of your 
 son, and had been praying for him for an hour 
 when you rang the bell. I knew that God had 
 
92 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 sent him here and I had no need to ask you. I 
 know that God is a prayer-hearing God.' " 
 
 A young lady belonging to a family who at- 
 tended meeting where the fundamental doctrines 
 of the gospel are not preached, became anxious for 
 the salvation of her soul. She was one evening 
 preparing to go to a lecture, and her father said, 
 "My daughter, you may go to the lecture, but you 
 must not stop at the inquiry meeting. Just as sure 
 as you stop at the inquiry meeting I shall lock you 
 out of the house ; this house shall not be your 
 home." She went to the lecture and the father 
 sent a spy to watch the daughter to see if she re- 
 garded his threats. The spy returned and re- 
 ported to the father that she had stopped at the 
 inquiry meeting. After the inquiry meeting was 
 over, the daughter returned and found the door 
 locked against her. Slie went to a neighbor's, who 
 took her in. She retired to her chamber, but not 
 to sleep. The night was spent in prayer for her 
 ft^ther. The father went to his bed, but it was not 
 one of down but of thorns. He could not sleej); 
 his cruel conduct towards his daughter led him to 
 see the wickedness of his lieart and to cry for 
 mercy. As soon as it was light, he arose and went 
 to the house where he supposed that his daughter 
 was gone, rang the bell and inquired whether his 
 daughter was there. He was answered in the af- 
 firmative. He said that he wished to see her quick. 
 She came down. " My daughter," said the father, 
 " will you forgive me and come home and pray for 
 
BAPTIST CHURCHES. 93 
 
 me ?" She accompanied him home, went into a 
 room with her father, knelt down and prayed, and 
 her father prayed. During these prayers the heart 
 of the father broke. He became reconciled to God 
 and reconciled to his daughter. 
 
 First Free Baptist Church. 
 
 "This church has shared," says the associational 
 letter, in common with sister churches in the city, 
 in the extensive and powerful revival of the last 
 winter and spring." They are " deeply impressed 
 with the goodness of God for so kind remem- 
 brance of his people, and of poor perishing souls;" 
 and while they say, " to God be all the glory, they 
 praise him not only for the direct agency of his 
 Spirit upon the hearts of both saints and sinners, 
 but also for the instrumentality with which he was 
 pleased to favor them and other churches in this 
 city. While winds of doctrine are sweeping over 
 the land, they deem it peculiarly necessary that 
 the flock of Christ should be fed with knowledge, 
 the doctrine of the cross plainly stated, and the 
 order and discipline of the church faithfully urged. 
 They are united and interested in missions and 
 kindred eflTorta for the good of suflTering humanity." 
 
 This church was gathered 1839, and worships in 
 the chapel under the Museum. The number bap- 
 tized the present year is 98, and the whole num- 
 ber of church members, 309. Rev. N. Colver Pas- 
 tor. 
 
94 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 BowDoiN Square Baptist ChuAch. 
 
 " Tliis church," says the minutes of the Boston 
 Baptist Association, " coming as they did, but two 
 years since, from various churches, and accustomed 
 to the instruction of different ministerial gifts, few 
 in number and with heavy responsibilities for the 
 erection of their house of worship, and congrega- 
 tion yet to be gathered, felt themselves peculiarly 
 called upon for the exercise of faith, brotherly 
 kindness, vigilance, activity and prayer, as indis- 
 pensable to the success of their enterprise." In 
 the exercise of these graces, though not /or them, 
 they have been blessed. They have enjoyed great 
 harmony and a refreshing from the presence of 
 the Lord. The pastor says, "I found an improv- 
 ing religious feeling among my people throughout 
 the autumn, which gave me full confidence that 
 the winter would develope results of the most an- 
 imating character. When the Rev. Mr. Knapj) 
 began his labors in the city, it appeared to me that 
 nothing was wanting but some such extra occa- 
 sion to 'give free course' to the success of the gos- 
 pel among them. 
 
 " ]38 have been added to this church by baptism 
 and 48 by letter. The work does not appear to 
 have wholly subsided, and we have less of the lan- 
 guor of reaction than I apprehended ; our devo- 
 tional meetings continue interesting and the con- 
 verts walk well. As to the instrumentality most 
 blessed, 1 have the impression that nearly if not 
 
BAPTIST CHURCHES. 95 
 
 quite half, date their awakening from the preach- 
 ing of Mr. Knapp, and he was the means of quick- 
 ening many who had before been awakened." 
 Present number of the church, 325. 
 
 This church was gathered in 1840. Rev. R. W. 
 Cushman, Pastor. 
 
 First Independez^t Baptist Church. 
 
 This church was gathered in 1805. It was 
 at first called "African Baptist Church." Rev. 
 Thomas Paul was for many years the worthy and 
 beloved pastor of this church. In 1838 the name 
 of this church was changed from African Baptist 
 to Independent Baptist Church. In 1841, a division 
 took place in the church. One part worship in 
 the meeting-house and the other in a school-house. 
 Those that worship in the meeting-house number 
 158, of whom 98 were received during the present 
 year. Those that meet in the school-house count 
 109, of whom 26 have been received during the 
 present year. The whole number of the church 
 is 267 — received this year 126. Rev. John T. Ray- 
 mond, minister at the meeting-house. 
 
 I have now given a summary view of the Bap- 
 tist churches in this city. Next to Congregation- 
 alists, they are the oldest denomination of Chris- 
 tians in Boston. Their first church was organized 
 in 1665, 177 years ago. Since the commencement 
 of the present century they have done much 
 towards bringing back evangelical religion into 
 
96 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 this city. The revival, in the First and Second Bap- 
 tist churches in 1804 and 5, was the first in that 
 series of revivals wherewith God has blessed Bos- 
 ton in the present generation. The tide of error 
 with which this city had been for half a century 
 flooded, then began to turn. God has poured out 
 his Spirit upon this denomination of Christians, 
 multiplied their churches and enlarged their num- 
 bers. God has been with them of a truth. In 
 common with other denominations who preach the 
 doctrines of the Cross, God has given them his seal 
 of approbation. 
 
 The following is a statistical view of the Baptist 
 churches in Boston. 
 
 Received from Sept. 
 
 1841 to Sept. 1842. 
 
 Whole No 
 
 First Baptist, 
 
 266 
 
 72.5 
 
 Baldwin Place, 
 
 187 
 
 861 
 
 Independent Baptist, 
 
 126 
 
 • 267 
 
 Charles Street, 
 
 17 
 
 370 
 
 Federal Street, 
 
 85 
 
 476 
 
 South Boston, 
 
 130 
 
 311 
 
 Harvard Street, 
 
 197 
 
 500 
 
 Free Church, 
 
 98 
 
 326 
 
 Bowdoin Square, 
 
 138 
 
 325 
 
 Total, 1244 4161 
 
EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. 97 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. 
 
 Christ Church— Trinity Church— St. Paul's Church— St. Mat- 
 thew's Church, South Boston — Grace Church — Free Church 
 of the Episcopal City Mission Societ}' Boston — Concluding 
 remarks — Statistics. 
 
 Christ Church. 
 
 This church is situated in Salem street. The 
 corner-stone was laid with religious ceremonies by 
 Rev. xMr. .Myles, April 22, 1723, and the house was 
 dedicated on the 29th of December, the same year. 
 
 This church is furnished with a peal of bells, and 
 Js the only peal in this city. It was customary in 
 former times to chime them several nights before 
 Christmas, and to ring the old year out and the new- 
 year in, most merrily upon them. They are in- 
 scribed with the following mottoes and devices. 
 
 1st Bell — "This peal of eight bells is the gift of a 
 number of generous persons to Christ Church in 
 Boston, N. E. anno, 1744, A. R." 
 
 2d Bell — '• This church was founded in the year* 
 1723. Timothy Cutler, D. D., the first rector A. R. 
 1744." 
 
 3d Bell — " We are the first ring of bells cast for 
 the British Empire in North America, A. R. 1744." 
 
 4th Bell — "God preserve the church of England, 
 1744." 
 
 8 
 
98 BOStON REVIVAL. 
 
 5tli Bell — "William Shirley, Esq., Governor of 
 the Massachusetts Bay, in New England, 1744." 
 
 6th Bell — "The subscription of these bells was 
 begun by John Hammond and Robert Temple, 
 church Wardens, anno, 1743 ; completed by Rob- 
 ert Jenkins and John Gould, church Wardens, 
 anno, 1744." 
 
 7th Bell—-" Since generosity has opened our 
 mouths, our tongues will ring aloud his praise, 
 J 744." 
 
 8th Bell — "Abel Rudhall of Gloucester, cast us 
 all, anno, 1744." 
 
 Connected with this church is a Sunday school, 
 commenced in June 1815. The average attendance 
 is about 200. 
 
 The doctrines of the Church of England are ad- 
 vocated in this church without material alteration. 
 
 Christ church is 70 feet long, 50 wide, and 35 
 high ; the walls are two feet and a half thick, the 
 steeple's area is 24 feet square. The brick tower 
 is 78 feet high ; the spire is above 97 feet ; in all 
 175 feet. When the battle was fought on Bunker 
 Hill, several individuals were inside of this tower as 
 spectators of the scene. Some of these persons 
 were loyalists, and others " Sons of liberty." Both 
 parties were deeply anxious for the result. Both 
 wished their respective friends to be victorious. 
 This ancient church shared in the reviv;».l of last 
 winter and spring. 45 communicants were added 
 to the church. Its present number is 220. J. 
 Woart, Rector. 
 
EPISCOPAL. CHURCHES. 99 
 
 Trinity Church. 
 
 The ninnbers that adhered to the forms and doc- 
 trines of the Episcopal church, greatly increased 
 after the introduction of the Royal Government in 
 the colony under the charter of 1691. The first 
 steps taken towards the erection of Trinity church 
 was in 1728. The building was not erected and 
 occupied until Sept. 1735. This stood until 1828. 
 The Trinitarian doctrines have always been 
 preached here. The corner-stone of the new edi- 
 fice (which occupies the site of the ancient building) 
 at the corner of Hawley and Summer streets, was 
 laid September 15, 1828, by the Rev. Dr. Gardner, 
 the rector of the church, with appropriate ceremo- 
 nies. This house is built of Quincy granite. The 
 number added to this church the last year was 41. 
 
 Communicants 350. Rev. Dr. Eastman, rector 
 elect. John L. Watson, assistant minister. 
 
 St. Paul's Church. 
 
 St. Paul's church was proposed to be erected by 
 subscription, which was commenced March, 1819. 
 The corner-stone was laid Sept. 4th, with appro- 
 priate religious ceremonies. The church was con- 
 secrated June 30, 1820. Dr. S. F. Jarvis was in- 
 stituted rector July 7, 1820; dismissed Aug. J 825. 
 Rev. Alonzo Potter, D. D., was settled Aug. 29, 1826 ; 
 dismissed Aug. 27, 1831. John Stone, D. D., was 
 instituted rector June 19, 1832. Rev. Mr. Vinton, 
 
100 BOSTON REVIVAL.. 
 
 the present rector, commenced his labors in this 
 church in February, 1842. Since the settlement of 
 the present pastor, a season of special religious in- 
 terest has been enjoyed. The work was one of 
 great solemnity and deep feeling. The pastor did 
 not hold inquiry meetings; but saw individuals 
 alone, either at his study or at their own houses. 
 He had full opportunity to become acquainted with 
 individual character, and give such instruction 
 as the varying circumstances of young converts de- 
 manded. The season of the greatest interest was 
 during the months of April and May. It resulted 
 in the hopeful conversion of 60 or 70 persons. 
 The converts were of all ages ; some in the morn- 
 ing, some in the meridian, and others in the decline 
 of life. The Sabbath school scholar and the man 
 of grey hairs were both subdued by the power of 
 the cross. It is hoped that what the new pastor 
 has seen of the work of the Lord since he came 
 among his flock, is only the first fruits of a more 
 plentiful and glorious harvest yet to be reaped. 
 
 "It has pleased God," says the annual report to 
 the convention, "to pour out the dew of his bles- 
 sing upon this parish; making fruitful, in a signal 
 way, the seed so amply sown by its former most 
 faithful minister. 
 
 " While there have been marked and unusual 
 demonstration of life, in tiie awakening of many to 
 a first interest in religious things, there has been 
 likewise, among elder christians, evidence of the 
 settled vigor which denotes increasing piety ; so 
 
EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. 101 
 
 that the spiritual prosperity which was reported as 
 characterizing the state of this parish at the last 
 convention, does not seem to have abated." 
 
 Communicants added, 49. Whole number, 310. 
 Alexander H. Vinton, Rector. 
 
 St. Matthew's Church, South Boston. 
 
 Tlie services of the Protestant Episcopal church 
 were celebrated for the first time in that part of the 
 town called South Boston, on Sunday, March 31, 
 1816. For more than two years the congregation 
 met in a school-house, and services were conducted 
 by different clergymen and lay-readers. St. Mat- 
 thew's Church was consecrated, 24th of June, 1818. 
 The expenses of its erection were chiefly defrayed 
 by benevolent members of Trinity and Christ 
 churches, with a view to the future wants of that 
 section of the city. Rev. J. L. Blake became its 
 rector June, 1824, and continued until 1833. 
 
 Joseph H. Clinch is the present rector. Com- 
 municants: added, 7; present number, 44. 
 
 The last report to the convention says: "This 
 parish has suflfered more than on any former year 
 by death and removals. The number of funerals is 
 double of any previously reported ; while several 
 large families have removed, some to other parts 
 of the city, and some to other towns. The parish 
 on the whole, therefore, has been rather weakened 
 than strengthened during the last conventional 
 year." 
 
 8* 
 
102 boston revival. 
 
 Grace Church. 
 
 This church was consecrated June 14, 1836. 
 Rev. Thomas M. Clarke was at this time instituted 
 rector. At that time the communicants were 40;' 
 in 1837, 100 reported; in 1838, 150; in 1839, 190; 
 in 1840, 272; in 1841, 311: in 1842, 337. The 
 number received last year was 46. The whole 
 ij umber added b}' confirmation since the church 
 was organized is 257. In the year 1840, 70 were 
 confirmed. A more decided interest was mani- 
 fested during that year, than at any other period. 
 The increase has been stated and regular. At no 
 season has there been any peculiar attention to re- 
 ligion. The church is almost entirely composed of 
 young persons. Ten young men that are already 
 in the ministry, or preparing to enter it, have been 
 connected with the communion of this church. 
 
 The services in addition to those of the Lord's 
 day, are a weekly lecture, a monthly meeting of the 
 communicants preparatory to the communion, a 
 monthly missionary meeting, and a series of public 
 services during the season of Lent. These latter 
 services have been much blessed. 
 
 This church manifests a laudable benevolence. 
 They contributed for the various purposes of re- 
 ligious charities last year $1360. In addition to 
 this, eleven hundred dollars have been subscribed 
 towards the erection of a free mission chapel. 
 
 A number of the young people of the parish have 
 recently organized a branch Sunday school, which 
 
EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. 103 
 
 is held in the Bedford street chapel, where, twelve 
 years since, the congregation of Grace church as- 
 sembled for worship. 
 
 The result of our efforts to interest those con- 
 nected with the Sunday school in missionary ope- 
 rations, is truly gratifying. Through the weekly 
 contributions of the teachers and scholars, we now 
 support fifteen children in the mission schools at 
 Cape Palmas, at an expense of three hundred dol- 
 lars yearly. 
 
 Free Church of the Episcopal City Mission 
 
 Society. 
 
 The regular services of the church have been 
 held three times on each Sunday. An interesting 
 Bible class of adults is connected with the Sunday 
 school; and a meeting of the teachers has been 
 kept up with spirit, beside a weekly meeting of a 
 more general character. An important part of the 
 missionary's labor is in visiting; in which much 
 assistance has been rendered, the last winter, by a 
 circle of ladies from St. Paul's church. A sewing 
 school, interesting and useful, has been kept in 
 connection with the mission, by a number of ladies. 
 The services of morning and afternoon are uni- 
 formly well attended ; the number of persons aver- 
 aging from 150 to 200. 
 
 We have cause of thankfulness in the knowledge 
 that good, much good has been done by the mis- 
 sion, but have still to lament that no more ample, 
 
104 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 convenient, or inviting accommodations and facili- 
 ties have yet been, or are likely soon to be, provi- 
 ded for carrvinof on this labor of love. We are in- 
 vited to occupy a field of extended usefulness, long 
 white to harvest. But the means are not applied. 
 Communicants added, 9: whole number, 75. 
 Samuel McBurney, minister. 
 
 God has not withheld his blessing from the Epis- 
 copal churches in this city. While this church 
 strictly adheres to the 39 articles in faith and prac- 
 tice, she cannot fail to secure the blessing of God. 
 These articles embody the doctrines of tlie Refor- 
 mation, those doctrines that have, in every age, 
 been the life-blood of the church. At the era of the 
 Reformation many of her members sealed these 
 truths with their blood. Let this ancient church 
 cleave fast to these doctrines and she will not die, 
 but live. Not merely live, but live full of animating 
 hope and strong faith. 
 
 Statistics of the Episcopal churches of Boston. 
 
 
 Received in 1842, 
 
 Whole No. 
 
 Christ Church, 
 
 
 53 
 
 220 
 
 Trinity Church, 
 
 
 41 
 
 850 
 
 St. Matthew's, 
 
 
 7 
 
 44 
 
 St. Paul's, 
 
 
 49 
 
 310 
 
 Grace Church, 
 
 
 46 
 
 337 
 
 Free Clnu'ch, 
 
 
 9 
 
 75 
 
 Total, 205 1336 
 
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. 105 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. 
 
 North Bennett street Chnrch — Bromfield street Church — South 
 
 Boston Church. 
 
 * North Bennett Street Church. 
 
 In 1784, Rev. William Black, a Methodist minis- 
 ter from England, preached at the Sandaminian 
 meeting-house in Middle street. After laboring 
 here more than three months, he returned to Hali- 
 fax, Nova Scotia. During the next five years no 
 preacher of this denomination appeared in Boston. 
 
 In 1790, Rev. Jesse Lee visited Boston, and 
 preached under the great tree on the common. 
 Dr. Bangs, in his history of Methodism says, 
 " when he commenced, there were only four per- 
 sons present ; but before he concluded, there had 
 collected, as he thought, not less than three thou- 
 sand. The word preached had an effect upon the 
 minds of a few who attended, so that on the next 
 
 * For the facts that relate to the early introduction of IMelh- 
 odism to Boston, I am mostly indebted to the report of a 
 committee appointed in the year 1800, by the Trustees of the 
 3Iethodisi church, " to collect from the best information they 
 could obtain, a concise history of the gathering of the Metho- 
 dist Episcopal Church in Boston, with the various circumstan- 
 ces incident thereto." 
 
106 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 Sabbath, at the same place, the number of hearers 
 was greatly increased ; and the way was open for 
 the establishment of a small society in Boston. It 
 is an evidence, however, of the determined opposi- 
 tion that was felt to Methodism, that Mr. Lee was 
 in the city about a week, using every means in his 
 power to procure a house to preach in, but was de- 
 nied in every instance in which he made application 
 either publicly or privately, and finally was forced 
 to abandon the place without preaching at all, or 
 to go on to the Common. Here, therefore, he set 
 lip his banner in the name of the Lord, and many 
 have since, though not without much hard toil and 
 many privations, flocked around it." 
 
 He then passed on to Lynn, and labored, occa- 
 sionally returning and holding meetings at the 
 house of Mr. Samuel Burrell, until 1792. After 
 this they held meetingsfora time at a school-house, 
 until it was demolished by the authority of the 
 town. 
 
 The first society was formed at the house of Mr. 
 Samuel Burrell's, Aug. 1792, consisting of twelve 
 members. They found a very great difiiculty in 
 obtaining a place to hold their meetings. They at 
 length resolved to build a meeting-house. " To aid 
 them in their pious design, money was begged for 
 them on the eastern shore of Maryland, in the state 
 of Delaware, Philadeli)hia, and New York." 
 
 By the aid thus afforded, they were encouraged 
 to proceed in their labors ; and on the 28th of Aug. 
 1795, the corner-stone of the first Methodist meet- 
 
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHtTRCHES. 107 
 
 iilg-house was laid in Boston. It was a wooden 
 building, 46 by 36. At that time the church con- 
 tained 42 members. 
 
 This house was situated on Methodist Alley, so 
 called, North Boston. It was occupied by the First 
 church until 1828. In that year a new chapel was 
 built in North Bennett street. At the laying of the 
 corner-stone of the new house, the floor gave way 
 and 200 persons were precipitated into the cellar. 
 A considerable number of persons were very se- 
 riously injured. Between 1790 and 1800 the fol- 
 lowing ministers were stationed here, viz : Jesse 
 Lee, Daniel Smith, Jeremiah Cosden, Amos G. 
 Thomson, Christopher Sprague, Evan Rogers, John 
 Harper, Joshua Hale, George Pickering, EliasHull, 
 Daniel Ortander, William Beauchamp, Joshua 
 Wells, and 'J'homas F. Sargent. 
 
 During the last fall, winter and spring, this church 
 was visited with a powerful work of grace. 
 
 It appears from the records of this church, that 
 530 were received on probation last year.* 
 
 The work commenced the first of October. It 
 was for a considerable length of time one of great 
 power. Some have supposed that as many as eight 
 
 * For the information of those who are not acquainted with 
 usages of Methodist churches, I would say, that they at first 
 receive persons on six months' probation. If at the close of 
 that period they are found worthy, they are received into full 
 communion. The increase of this denomination is the number 
 received on probation. How many have been received into 
 full communion; I do not know. 
 
108 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 liundred were converted. It is impossible to obtaitt 
 the precise numbers. Amidst the throngs who 
 came forward from night to night for prayers, and 
 professed to be converted, many were strangers 
 who have gone to other congregations. An indi- 
 vidual who was engaged in the work says, " there 
 was a large number of busbands converted, whose 
 wives were professors before. A large number of 
 seamen, several of whom were captains and mates 
 of vessels, were interested in this great salvation. 
 Many intemperate persons were sharers in this 
 work." 
 
 The instrumentalities were such as are common 
 in the denomination. 
 
 Tiiis church is the mother of all the other 
 churches in the city. She is a fruitful vine, that 
 has from time to time sent out her branches. She 
 has sent out her children to aid in planting young 
 churches. While she lias watered others, she has 
 been liberally watered of God. She has scattered 
 and yet increased more and more. 
 
 Present number, 86G. 
 
 Bromfield Street Church. 
 
 In the year 1806, the Methodist society on the od 
 of March, "resolved that it was expedient to build 
 another chapel for the worship of Almighty God." 
 On the ]5th of April, the corner-stone of Bromfield 
 street was laid by Rev. Peter Jayne, and it was 
 completed and dedicated on the 9th of November 
 
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. 109 
 
 following. Rev. Samuel Mervin preached on the 
 occasion. In the wall is a block of the stone on 
 which our forefathers landed at Plymouth. 
 
 " The earliest revival developments in my congre- 
 gation, was, I think," says the pastor, " in the latter 
 part of Aug. or first of Sept. J841, immediately suc- 
 ceeding the camp-meeting at Eastham. I recognize, 
 with many others, in that meeting the primary instru- 
 mentality, under God, of the glorious work of grace 
 in all the Methodist churches in this city. The Rev. 
 Mr. Maffit spent a few weeks with us between Sept. 
 and Nov., and a few I believe, date their first re- 
 ligious impressions from his labors. The revival 
 with us was gradual, there being seldom more than 
 20 or 30 inquirers at any one time. The Rev. Mr. 
 Greenhalge, of Maine, spent two or three weeks 
 with us in January, 1842, to very considerable 
 profit, especially to the church. We had occasional 
 assistance from other clerical brethren. As to the 
 doctrines preached, which appeared most eflTectual in 
 promoting the revival, that of the direct ivitness of 
 the Spirit — and of entire sanctijication, or salvation 
 from all sin in this life, together with the Spirit's 
 witness to the fact of such salvation, were recog- 
 nized as having exerted a most salutary influence. 
 The repeated administration of baptism in the 
 house of God, was also, I think, with the divine bles- 
 sing, made to subserve the gracious work. It should 
 be recorded, to the praise of God, that several mem- 
 bers of the church (male and female) who gave sat- 
 isfactory evidence, in their lives, of enjoying the 
 9 
 
110 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 blessing of entire sanctification, were among the 
 most efficient instruments in promoting the revival. 
 
 "As to the number of conversions resulting from 
 the labors of this church, an approximation to ac- 
 curacy is all that should be attempted. I think it 
 may be safely stated at 200. About 350 were re- 
 ceived into the classes as probationers for church 
 membership. 
 
 "The revival was especially interesting in the Sab- 
 bath school. A large number of the scholars, it is 
 believed, were made the subjects of renewing grace. 
 The steadfastness and improvement of the converts 
 has been in general highly gratifying, especially as 
 respects those received into the classes as proba- 
 tioners, very few cases of defection having trans- 
 pired. 
 
 " As to the })resent state of the church, 1 am happy 
 to say it is such as to call for devout gratitude. 
 Though the revival influence (particularly among 
 the unconverted) has somewhat abated, u'e have de- 
 lightful evidence, almost constantlv, that it has not 
 been utterly withdrawn. We think our prospect 
 for a general revival the ensuing winter is highly 
 encouraging. ' The Lord of Hosts is ivith us, the 
 God of Jacob is our refuge.'' To Him belongs all 
 THE glory. Blessed be His Holy Name." 
 
 150 received on probation. J. B. Ilusted, Pastor. 
 
 South Boston. 
 
 The Methodist Episcopal Church in South Bos- 
 ton, originated in the summer of 1834, under the 
 
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. Ill 
 
 labors of Rev. Abel Stevens, then ])astor of the 
 Methodist congregation in Church street. He com- 
 menced occasional preaching in a private room, 
 which had been procured b}' a few pious individuals 
 for the purpose of holding a public prayer meeting. 
 The numbers attracted by the interesting and elo- 
 quent address of Mr. Stevens, soon rendered it 
 necessary to seek a more ample place of worship. 
 "Harding's Hall," corner of Fourth and Turnpike 
 streets, was procured for their use, which they en- 
 tered Oct. 30, 1834. About this time the first reli- 
 gious class was formed by Mr. Stevens, consisting of 
 16 members, as a branch of the Methodist society 
 in Church street. May 7th, 1836, they removed to 
 Franklin Hall with 17 members, and left it June, 
 1840, with 103. Previous to the reception of their 
 first regular pastor, 1836, they derived much aid 
 from that useful class of men styled in the Metho- 
 dist denomination, "Local ministers." 
 
 The pastor gives the following account respect- 
 ing the late revival. 
 
 " In answer to your inquiries, permit me to say, 1 
 took charge of the Methodist Episcopal church in 
 South Boston, in Aug. 1841. I found a church of 
 110 members, generally young, enterprising and 
 enjoying a good degree of piety. During the fall, 
 we had some symptoms of a revival, a few cases of 
 penitence, the return of a few backsliders, and a 
 few conversions. During the month of December, 
 the number increased ; and after the first of January 
 we were ready to term it a revival. The spirit of 
 
112 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 revival, and the number of penitents continued to 
 increase for a time, and then to subside ; again the 
 flame revived, and finally subsided in the month of 
 April. As the result of those gentle showers of re- 
 freshing, 76 were added to the church, of whom 
 about 50 had professed conversion. 20 had been 
 reclaimed, and the remainder, though not wholly 
 destitute of religious enjoyment, had been revived 
 and gathered in. Such is a brief history of the 
 work of God among us during the past winter. 
 But to confine myself more specifically to the ques- 
 tions proposed. I could say, it is diflScult fixing the 
 time when our revival commenced. Its beginning 
 and progress were emphatically gradual. 
 
 " It was commenced and carried forward by the 
 Spirit of God, given in answer to prayer. No ex- 
 traordinary instrumentalities or eflforts were used. 
 A few refer their awakening to particular discour- 
 ses delivered in our own place of worship ; a few 
 others, to the preaching of the distinguished revival- 
 ists then laboring in the city ; but the attention of 
 most was called up by the silent operations of the 
 Holy Spirit. A gradual work of grace is rarely at- 
 tended with remarkable incidents. It is only when 
 the tide of excitement runs high, and the feelings 
 and passions are up to an unwonted pitch, that we 
 witness striking cases of awakening and conver- 
 sion. As such a state of feeling did not exist 
 among us, we are necessarily destitute of its usual 
 fruits. Two cases, however, I might notice for the 
 encouragement of the desponding. The one was that 
 
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. 113 
 
 of a young lady who was the first to present herself 
 as a subject of prayer. She manifested the utmost 
 sincerity, and no small degree of earnestness; but 
 her efforts seemed wholly unavailing. Others who 
 commenced seeking the Lord long after she did, 
 were converted on her right hand and left, and 
 went from the altar of prayer rejoicing in the God 
 of their salvation, while she was still held in the 
 strong bands of unbelief. Sometimes through dis- 
 couragement, she would refuse to present herself 
 among the penitent; but generally she persevered 
 steadfastly in the use of the means, neglecting no 
 opportunity of placing herself 'by the wayside.' 
 At length, after having sought the Saviour sorrow- 
 ing for the space of six mouths, and presented her- 
 self at the altar of prayer more than a score of 
 times, she obtained a very clear evidence of pardon. 
 Another case is that of a young man who com- 
 menced seeking religion with little of what is usual- 
 ly termed conviction. He acted from the cool and 
 sober dictates of judgment. The first manifestation 
 of the divine favor to his mind was like the faint 
 gleaming of the early dawn. Possessed of a spec- 
 ulative turn of mind, he was disposed to philoso- 
 phize on every slight change of feeling, and if pos- 
 sible, account for it on natural principles. Hence, 
 for months after he received the first slight tokens 
 of a Saviour's love, he walked in darkness and 
 doubt. He was unwilling to give up his hope, yet 
 he feared to reckon himself in the number of 
 christians. He is now one of the most decided, 
 9* 
 
114 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 persevering and useful young men in the church. 
 His evidence of conversion is clear and undoubted. 
 To him the ' path of the just' has been emphatical- 
 ly 'as the shining light that shineth more and 
 more.' Such cases are full of encouragement. 
 
 "The cessation of the work of revival among us 
 must be traced to a number of causes. One of 
 these was, in my judgment, the substituting in 
 many cases, of public labors for private duties. 
 Brethren who are engaged from day to day, and 
 from evening to evening, in exhorting sinners 
 to repent, and in praying for, and comfort- 
 the penitent, are very liable to excuse themselves 
 from the duties of self examination, and family and 
 private prayer. They thus lose their spirituality, 
 and consequently their energy and efficiency. 
 Those who were chiefly instrumental in commenc- 
 ing the revival, partially backslided during its pro- 
 gress. Having with a giant's strength put the car 
 in motion, they leap on, and it ceases to move. 
 Another hindrance among us was an unwillingness 
 on the part of the church to make the necessary 
 sacrifice of time and effort, without which the 
 work of revival cannot be carried forward. 
 
 " But the great cause of a cessation of the work 
 was the usual one — unbelief. It has been found by 
 universal experience, that just in proportion as this 
 prevails, the sinews of moral effort are severed. 
 Let doubt and unbelief take the place of faith, and 
 the Spirit is gone, courage is gone ; men beat the 
 air, or sit down in indifference, and the work 
 
METHODIST EPISCOPAL. CHURCHES. 115 
 
 ceases. Let the idea prevail through the church 
 that after a few weeks or months the work is to 
 cease, and they will talk about its stopping, make 
 their arrangements accordingly, and retire from the 
 field. The cause is fully adequate to the effect. 
 
 "x\ll the opposition in the world could not have 
 stopped the progress of the work, had faith, the 
 soul of moral action, been kept in lively exercise ; 
 and all the angels in heaven cannot carry it for- 
 ward while bound by the strong cords of unbelief. 
 
 "May the time soon come, when the church shall 
 be properly instructed on this subject. When she 
 shall feel no more the chills of spiritual winter ; 
 when revivals shall no longer be like the periodi- 
 cal freshets of autumn or spring time ; but when 
 that faith, at whose bidding the little cloud spread 
 out ' o'er all the sky, and watered the thirsty hills 
 of Judea,' shall command the ceaseless showers of 
 refreshing, and spread over the whole moral vine- 
 yard the bloom and beauty of perpetual summer, 
 causing it to flourish as the garden of the Lord." 
 
 The church contains 200 members; 76 received 
 the present year. J. A. Savage, Pastor. 
 
116 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 Church street— North Russell street— Fifth M. E. Church— 
 Ocleon — East Boston — Way street Church — Conclusion of 
 M. E. Churches. 
 
 Church Street. 
 
 This society purchased the house formerly oc- 
 cupied by the Grace Church society. The open- 
 ing services were performed by the Rev. A. Ste- 
 vens, on the 4th of July, 1834. The house is 
 pleasantly situated in Piedmont square, built of 
 brick, with portico in front, with cupola and bell. 
 There are 113 pews on the lower floor. The revi- 
 val commenced the latter part of 1841. It was one 
 of great interest and power. It was carried for- 
 ward by the prayers and efforts of the church with- 
 out any foreign aid. The efforts of some private 
 brethren were remarkably blessed. 125 persons 
 were received on probation. The church numbers 
 * 320 members. 
 
 North Russell Street M. E. Church. 
 
 The Methodist Episcopal Chiu'ch in North Rus- 
 sell street, was gathered in 1837, under the pastoral 
 care of Rev. Moses L. Scudder, and consisted of 
 about 60 members. The first public meeting on 
 the Sabbath, was held at the Wells school-house 
 in Blossom street. The chapel in North Russell 
 
METHODIST EPISCOPAL. CHURCHES. .117 
 
 Street was dedicated to the worship of God in 
 1838 by a prayer meeting. Several ministers en- 
 gaged in prayer and offered voUintary remarks, 
 without any formal discourse. The first sermon 
 was preached in the evening of the same day, by 
 Rev. C. K. True. A protracted meeting ensued, in 
 which a number of persons embraced religion. 
 
 During the last sixteen months, scarcely a Sab- 
 bath has passed without witnessing at the altar 
 some contrite souls seeking salvation. 
 
 The camp meeting held a year ago last summer 
 at Eastham and East Kingston, threw a refreshing 
 influence over the church, and a happy impulse 
 was given to the work through the labors of Rev. 
 Mr. Thvving from Maine, who visited the city in 
 January and subsequently preached every evening 
 for a fortnight. Meetings of various kinds were 
 held every evening in the week besides the Sab- 
 bath, until late in the spring. Five o'clock meet- 
 ings were held in the morning during a part of 
 the season, at which, from time to time, the stationed 
 minister. Rev. C. K. True, preached a short sermon. 
 
 Nothing appeared to cause the abatement of the 
 interest of the work so much as the coming on of 
 the summer season, with its relaxing weather, long 
 days and short evenings, and fatiguing business. 
 150 persons were received on probation into the 
 church, the greater part of whom have proved wor- 
 thy of christian fellowship. More than half as 
 many more professed to be converted at our altars, 
 who have (it is supposed) joined other evangelical 
 churches with which they have been associated. 
 
118 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 We are indebted to the general influence of the 
 labors of distinguished evangelists who preached 
 in the city, and especially Mr. Knapp. 
 
 The doctrines preached upon the most, were 
 justification and sanctification through the Lord 
 Jesus Christ, and the witness of the Spirit. C. K. 
 True, Pastor. 
 
 Fifth M. E. Church. 
 
 This church originated in connection with the 
 appointment of Rev. Jacob Sanborn of the New 
 England Conference, as city missionary. His la- 
 bors commenced July, 1841. After a few months, 
 it was deemed advisable to secure a place of wor- 
 ship where the missionary could labor statedly on 
 the Sabbath. 
 
 To sustain this mean of grace, a small company 
 of brethren and sisters from adjacent churches^ 
 volunteered to forego the privileges of their seve- 
 ral places of worship, and united together under 
 the pastoral charge of Rev. Jacob Sanborn. They 
 numbered in all 42 persons, worshipping in a hall 
 on Merrimack street. 
 
 During the winter following their organization, 
 they enjoyed a good degree of revival, and 15 souls 
 at least, professed to experience the pardoning 
 love of God. Their number increased slowly, so 
 that by the session of the conference ensuing, in 
 July, 1842, the nuniber reported was 65, including: 
 30 probationers. 
 
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. 119 
 
 At the conference then held, the writer of this 
 narrative was appointed to the pastoral charge of 
 the society. The congregation was less than a 
 hundred for a few Sabbaths. A good state of 
 things spiritually prevailed however, and was soon 
 developed in the awakening and conversion of 
 souls who were added to the church. The con- 
 gregation was enlarged, and now fills the hall, 
 which will accommodate perhaps 250 persons. 
 The church during the fiv^ months since the last 
 conference has increased so that it now numbers 
 69 in full membership, and beside these, 23 on pro- 
 bation. Being an increase in that time of one 
 half its number. Many of tliese were added from 
 other churchecs by letter or certificates of member- 
 ship. 
 
 There have been during the last five months 10 
 persons who profess to have been justified by faith 
 in Christ. Most of these have become united to 
 the church as probationers. 
 
 Not being an observer during the last winter, I 
 cannot state the particulars pertaining to the revi- 
 val, nor give any interesting incidents that occurred. 
 There is one fact, however, that augurs well for the 
 genuine character of the work and the careful su- 
 pervision of the previous })astor of this society. 
 Of the 30 probationers left on the records, but two 
 have been discontinued as unworthy of christian 
 confidence. The others retain their probationary 
 relation or have been received in full membership. 
 
 We have now in progress of building, a house 
 
120 BOSTON RKVIVAtr. 
 
 of worship on Richmond street, between Salem 
 and Hanover streets, which we expect to occupy 
 early in the spring, perhaps before. It is designed 
 to seat from G to 700 persons, and will be a mod- 
 est, plain, wooden fabric, not exceeding $5000 for 
 its erection. 
 
 The present condition of this church is good, 
 its future prospects flattering; and an earnest de- 
 sire is evident on the part of its members to be de- 
 votedly pious, , 
 
 4 
 
 " Little and unknown, 
 
 Loved and prized by God alone." 
 
 Lucius C. Matlack, Pastor. 
 
 Sixth M. E. Church, Odeon. 
 
 The society that now occupies the Odeon com- 
 menced worship there on the second Sabbath in 
 January, 1842. Rev. A. Stevens was the first min- 
 ister. The church was gathered in February, con- 
 sisting of 60 members. These members were 
 gathered from the several Methodist churches in 
 the city. During the winter and spring, this infant 
 church was blessed with a time of refreshing from 
 the presence of the Lord. It has resulted in the 
 ingathering of 60 to the church. 
 
 Rev. B. F. Teft is the present minister. Since 
 he has taken charge of this station there have been 
 12 or 15 cases of hopeful conversion. The present 
 prospects of this young sister in Zion are highly 
 
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. 121 
 
 encouraging. We sincerely hope that this house, 
 which was for many years devoted to destrovincr 
 the souls of men, will be the place where multi- 
 tudes will be saved. 
 
 While occupied as a theatre, this house was un- 
 doubtedly the highway of great numbers to ruin. 
 We hope that it will be yet recorded of thousands, 
 that they were here born into the kingdom of 
 Christ. 
 
 East Boston. 
 
 The Methodist Episcopal church, in this place, 
 was considered a branch of the Bennett street 
 church, till July, 184'2, when it was recognized by 
 the conference as a distinct station. Forsix months 
 anterior to the session of the conference, in July, 
 1842, they were favored with the labors of Rev. 
 John W. Merrill, late president of Makendice col- 
 legCi His labors in this place were instrumental 
 of much good, and a number were led to seek and 
 obtain " salvation by grace through faith in our 
 Lord Jesus Christ." We have hitherto worshipped 
 in the city Ward room, but are now erecting a 
 house of worship, which, though not large, will be 
 sufficiently commodious, considering the youth of 
 the society and the population of the place. There 
 is but one church in the place which we can recog- 
 nize as evangelical, (Rev. Mr. Phelps's) with which 
 we cordially unite in all, essential points, and cheer- 
 fully labor with them, not so much to extend the 
 influence and augment the interests of the cJiurch 
 10 
 
V22 BOSTOW REVIVAJ.. 
 
 of our choice, as to j)roinote the caiise of genuine 
 ])iety, and be instrmnental of rescninjr souls from 
 spiritual death and an eternal liell. The doctrine 
 preached to the linpardoned and unsanctified soul 
 is, that salvation is possible ; but it can only be se- 
 cured by looking through the use of the means to 
 Christ, the meritorious and procuring cause of sal- 
 vation, — teaching that we are not blest because we 
 pray, because we speak, or because we believe, but 
 because Christ died. We believe the salvation of 
 the gospel to be pre-eminently a salvation by faith, 
 obtained by faith, retained by faith, — a faith v/hich 
 is the only source of "good works;" a faith which 
 works by love and purifies the heart; — we are jus- 
 tified b:j faith onhj^ and our justification originates 
 solely in tlie grace of God. 
 
 I have deemed it just to make these remarks, for 
 two reasons. 1. Because our church in ihis part 
 of the city is in its infant stages; 2. To disabuse 
 the ufmds of those who have erred in their views 
 concerning us, in consequence of certain misrepre- 
 sentations, identifying oiu' doctrines, in some de- 
 gree, with the errors of Pelagius; whereas we have 
 no fellowship whatever with Pelagian, or semi-Pela- 
 gian errors. 
 
 Some interestinff cases of the conversion of indi- 
 viduals who were looking for salvation through the 
 (sui)posed) unconditionulity of the gospel might be 
 narrated, who now ieel that the heart nuist be 
 changed by the efticient agency of the Holy Spuit 
 of God. We rejoice in the conversion of souls? 
 
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCHES. J 23 
 
 through whatsoever instrumentalities, and pray God 
 to hasten the day of millennial glory. 
 
 Present number of trie church, GO. Daniel Rich- 
 ards, Pastor. 
 
 May Street Church. 
 
 This is a colored church. It was gathered in 
 1818 with 23 members. In 1836 it was visited 
 with a special revival of religion. During the last 
 winter, the Lord, who is no respecter of persons, 
 visited this colored church equally with the white. 
 The revival began in January. " The instrumen- 
 talities used," says the pastor, "were short preach- 
 ing and prayer meetings. After preaching, invi- 
 ting the mourners to the altar, urging them to give 
 all up and believe on Christ. During the revival 
 two great fiddlers were, converted, and one of them 
 burnt his fiddle. Several seamen found peace with 
 God. The work has subsided in a great measure. 
 The ap|)arent cau.<es were different winds of doc- 
 trines; such as the second coming of Christ in 
 1843. It divided the minds of the people. In- 
 stead of attending to present duty, the attention 
 was diverted by the disputes." The number of 
 hopeful converts in this congregation was 60. 
 The present number of the chm-ch, is 130. Sam- 
 uel Snowden, Pastor. 
 
 * 
 
 The Methodist Episcopal church has now nine 
 churches and 2613 members. 1201 have been add- 
 ed the past year. It is now little more than half a 
 century since Methodism first obtained a perma- 
 
124 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 nent footing in this city. Its beginning was very 
 feeble. But from time to time God lias poured 
 out his Spirit, and enlarged their borders. TUey 
 have performed an important part in the great 
 work of restoring evangelical religion to this city. 
 They shared largely in the blessing bestowed on 
 us during the last winter and spring. It is but 
 justice to say of this branch of the great family of 
 evangelical churches, that they are enterprising, 
 laborious and self-denying. More might be said, 
 but it is not the object of this work to exalt one 
 denomination above another, or to promote secta- 
 rian or party views. It is rather to make the sev- 
 eral evangelical churches in this city better ac- 
 quainted with each other; to bring them to see 
 that God is no respecter of denominations any 
 more than of persons. The true church of God 
 that he owns and blesses now, and will array in 
 linen clean and white hereafter, is not confined to 
 one denomination. It is found amons: those who 
 believe in the doctrine of atonement and the ageu- 
 cy of the Holy Ghost, in renewing and sanctifying 
 the hearts of men. God owns these several branch- 
 es of his church. Why should they not own each 
 other? God loves and blesses tliem. Why should 
 they not love and bless each other? These are 
 questions that we could not well refrain from ask- 
 ing, in view of what God has done for the different 
 denominations in this city. We have looked at 
 these churches as so many sisters of the same fam- 
 ily, as so niany branches of the same vine. We 
 
METHODIST EPISCOPAIi CHURCHES- 125 
 
 Lope that the facts contained in this little volume 
 will do much to destroy a higoted, sectarian spirit, 
 and enlarge the heart with genuine benevolence. 
 If it shall, in any good degree, promote a truly 
 christian catholic sj)irit, one great design of the 
 editor will be accomplished. 
 
 Received in 1842. Whole No. 
 
 North Bennett Street, 530 866 
 
 Bromfield Street, 150 412 
 
 Church Street, 125 320 
 
 South Boston, 76 200 
 
 North Russell Street, 150 430 
 
 Fifth M. E. Church, 50 92 
 
 Odeon, 60 120 
 
 East Boston, 60 
 
 Mr. Snowden's, 60 130 
 
 Total, 1201 2630 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 Seamen's Bethel Churcli — Freewill Baptist Church — German 
 Lutheran Church — German Reformed Lutheran Church- 
 African M. E. Church— Wesleyan M. E. Zion's Church. 
 
 Seamen's Bethel Church. 
 
 This society was formed in 1829, by the exertions 
 of Rev. E. T. Taylor, a Methodist minister. He 
 first preached in the old Methodist meeting-house 
 in Methodist alley, xq seamen, He conliuued here 
 
126 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 until 1832, when the present edifice was erectecT. 
 A blue flag is displayed here on the Sabbath, with 
 the word "Bethel"' inscribed on it. 
 
 A church was gathered in 1836. It does not 
 stand connected with any particular denomination. 
 It profe:^sedIy receives the Bible, as its articles of 
 faith and covenant. This society is under the pat- 
 ronage of the "Boston Port Society." Connected 
 with this establishment, is the "Bethel Reading 
 Room," nnder the charge of a superintendent, for 
 the special benefit of seamen. There is also a 
 ^^ Bethel Temperance Society" for the benefit of sai- 
 lors, formed on the principle of total abstinence* 
 Mr. Taylor has exerted a salutary influence upon 
 the sailors. Since the church was organized, they 
 have received ICO members. Its present number is 
 118; received the last year 12. 
 
 The good that is accomplished by a preacher to 
 seamen, is not so visible as where a congregation is 
 stationary. The impression made upon a station- 
 ary congregation is manifested at different times. 
 A congregation of sailors is continually changing. 
 Truth may take hold of a mind in Boston and re- 
 sult in his conversion at sea, or in a foreign port. 
 A seamen's preacher may have spiritual children 
 that he will never know in this world. He may 
 not see so much of the results of his labor as the 
 minister of a stationary congregation ; still if he is 
 faithful to his Master, he will receive his reward. 
 Undoubtedly, in the day when the secrets of all 
 hearts shall be revealed, it will appear that many 
 
FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH. 127 
 
 sons of the ocean have received impressions, at the 
 Bethel church, that resulted in their conversion. 
 
 We regret to learn that the health of Mr. Taylor 
 has failed, and that his physicians have directed 
 him to take a voyage to China for its restoration. 
 May the Lord bless this temporary rest from his 
 labors, and in his own time return him to his peo- 
 ple with invigorated health and renewed consecra- 
 tion to his work among the tribe of Zebulon. 
 
 Freewill Baptist Church in Causeway Street. 
 
 This church was organized Dec. 1838, with 11 
 members. "No particular seriousness," says the 
 pastor, " was visible earlier than the first of Novem- 
 ber. About this time there was an increase of zeal 
 in the prayers and testimonies of the metnbers of 
 the church in the vestry meetings. This resulted 
 in an increase of numbers at our evening worship, 
 and in fact, at all our meetings. By the first of 
 December it was plain to be seen that God was 
 among us. There was a solemn inquiry among the 
 members of the church into the doctrine of j)erson- 
 al holiness, or entire consecration to God. Indeed, 
 I have since thought that the meetings that were 
 held by a few of the niembers of the church with 
 special reference to this subject, were blest of God 
 by a preparation of the hearts of those for the work 
 that followed. By the middle of December a num- 
 ber had been converted, and the spirit of revival was 
 upon the church and many of the congregation. 
 
128 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 Our first baptism, I think, was in February, when 
 at one time I baptized 33, who, before this time, had 
 obtained hope in Christ. The work was now gen- 
 eral with us, and meetings for a long time were 
 holden every night. I baptized in all about 80. 
 As to agents and means, I will only say, we had no 
 help but from heaven. The members of the church 
 were the principal workmen, and prayer and testi- 
 mony were the chief means. There was no visit- 
 ing from house to house, and but very little run- 
 ning to other meetings. We have no evidence that 
 the preaching of Elder Knapp, of Mr. Kirk, of Mr. 
 Maffit, or of any others that visited Boston at that 
 time, was of any special aid in the work. Indeed, 
 it was thought that inasmuch as their preaching did 
 occasionally draw away some of our laborers, that 
 it was rather a hindrance than a help to us. We 
 have had but few cases of backsliding since the re- 
 vival, and a holy influence is yet lingering upon our 
 assembly. 
 
 Present number of members, 160. Rev. Mr. Hol- 
 tnan. Pastor. 
 
 Gejiman Lutheran Church. 
 
 During the last ten years a considerable number 
 of Germans have collected in this city. In 1834, a 
 German gentleman commenced holding meetings. 
 Rev. Henry G. Smith came to Boston in 1836. He 
 succeeded in gathering a considerable congregation. 
 The two great divisions of Protestants, Lutheran and 
 Reformed, were united. But about two years since 
 
GERMAN R. L. CHURCH AF. M. E. BETHEL. 129 
 
 they divided. The Lutheran party worship in a 
 hall at the corner of Washington and Castle streets^ 
 They have commenced the erection of a church, 
 and have completed their vestry. This church has 
 125 communicants ; 27 have been received this year. 
 Rev. George U. Brandau, the Pastor, is connected 
 with the Lutheran Synod of Pennsylvania. 
 
 German Reformed Lutheran Church. 
 
 This portion of the German population separated 
 from the other about two years since. They have 
 attempted to unite with the other party, but they 
 have not succeeded. They now worship in Boyls- 
 ton Hall. They have purchased a piece of land on 
 Suffolk street to erect an house of worship. They 
 have subscribed among themselves $1200 for this 
 purpose, and have appealed to the public for help. 
 They have 200 communicants ; 30 conversions the 
 last year. They have a Sabbath school of 40 or 
 50 children. George G. Kempe, Pastor. 
 
 Aerican M. E. Church, Bethel. 
 
 This church has been in existence 12 or 14 
 years. This branch of the Methodist family are 
 composed entirely of people of color. No white 
 men belong to their church. This church has no 
 resident ordained minister. Rev. Mr. Campbell, of 
 Providence, visits them quarterly. They have local 
 preachers who exercise their gifts in the absence of 
 the minister in charge. The chinch numbers 53 
 members; 12 have been added the last year. 
 
130 boston revival. 
 
 Wesleyan M. E. Zion's Church. 
 
 This church was gathered June 13, 1838, con- 
 sisting of 30 members. Mr. Jehiel C. Beman is the 
 pastor. This church is composed entirely of col- 
 ored people who have no connection with slavery. 
 They enjoyed a season of refreshing from the pres- 
 ence of the Lord during the last winter and spring. 
 Since Dec. lust, 124 have been received into this 
 church. It now contains 205 members. The pas- 
 tor thus describes one of the scenes of the revival. 
 
 A few weeks since, I received an invitation from 
 a man who keeps a public boarding-house for sea- 
 men, in Ann street, to come and hold a religious 
 meeting. I accepted the invitation, and on arriving 
 at the place, 1 found the room that was designed for 
 the meeting, was one forn)erly occupied for dancing 
 and gambling. The people gathered, in number 
 about 75, of different ages, and the Spirit of the 
 Lord was present to awaken the sinner. The cries 
 for mercy were loud from many, which continued 
 until tlie meeting closed. The invitation for ano- 
 ther meeting was renewed, and they have been con- 
 tinued for several weeks. The man of the house, 
 and his wife, have both been hopeftilly converted; 
 and a scene in one of the meetings was affecting, 
 as the man of the house arose and commenced 
 telling what the Lord had done for him, and 
 thanking the God of all grace that his heart 
 was changed, and that his house had become a 
 house of prayer, and that the room that used to be 
 devoted to dancing, drinking and gambling, now 
 
WESLEVAN M. E. ZION's CHURCH. 131 
 
 was occupied for tlie worsliip of the Lord. While 
 ninkinq: these remarks, he was interru[)ted by'one 
 of his former associates, vvlio used to meet in the 
 same room to dance. This man, however, a few 
 weeks since, found peace in believing. The inter- 
 ruption was this — "Did I not join you on Christmas 
 night, in this i)lace, to serve tlie enemy? — and now 
 we have met beneath this roof to pray," said he. 
 "Thank the Lord, that we have been spared to 
 meet here to worship the King of kings, and Lord 
 of lords." They then shook hands, and praised the 
 Lord, hand in hand. And while they were thus en- 
 gaged in g4ving glory to him who died to save pin- 
 ners, the effect was felt by all otiiers who were their 
 associates in wickedness. 
 
 Many who used to frequent this house, and have 
 during the recent revival, found pardon, joined wiih 
 them, saying, " Was not J here on Christmas," — and 
 another and another, " W\-js I not here likewise." 
 One njari, with grey hairs, who has seen the frosts 
 of many winters, said — "And I was here too, and 
 liave often been here; but the Lord be praised, I 
 trust he has taken my feet out of the horrible pit, 
 end put a new song in my mouilj, even praise to 
 our God." 
 
 Wliile this was tlie order of the meeting, and the 
 ohl soldier of the cross was |)raising the Lord f(jr 
 what he had done in Ann street, and in this j'amily, 
 and the neighboring fatJiilies in this part of the ciiy, 
 the unconverted who were present called aloud — 
 " Lord, what shall I do to be saved ?" 
 
J32 KOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 THE VICINITY OF BOSTON. 
 
 It is not in the city only that God has, dnrinor the 
 few past years, turned hack the captivity of Zion. 
 The same spirit has been shed down upon the 
 neighboring towns. Large accessions were made 
 to nearly all the evangelical churches. 1 will briefly 
 notice what God has done in the vicinity. 
 
 Dorchester. — In 1808, John Codman, D. D., 
 was ordained over the Second church in Dorches- 
 ter. He very early refused to exchange with those 
 who had departed from the faith of the gospel. 
 His church numbers 340. The Village church in 
 Dorchester, which is a colony sent forth from Dr. 
 Cod man's, has over 200 members. The Baj)tists 
 have a church near Ne[)onset bridge, that counts 
 142 professors. The Methodists also have a church 
 at the village. 
 
 RoxBURY. — Twenty years ago, the number of 
 evangelical professors in this town was very small. 
 The Baptist church was gathered in 1821 ; now has 
 385 members. The Orthodox chinch in the First 
 parish, called the "Eliot church," has 147 members. 
 The West Roxbury chiu-ch contains 69 members: 
 and the Methodists have a church in the First parish, 
 and the Baptists have recently gathered one at Ja- 
 maica Plaius. 
 
 Bkookline. — A Baptist church was organized in 
 this town, inl827, and has 168 members. 
 
CHURCHES IN THE VICINITY. 133 
 
 BaiGHTOiy. — An Orthodox church was gathered 
 fit Brighton in 1828. Since its organization, 300 
 have been admitted to its communion ; 158 are its 
 present number. 
 
 Cambridge. — As this was the site of the univer- 
 sity that had forsaken the faith of the fathers, it was 
 to be expected tljat it would exert a deleterious in- 
 fluence upon the population of the town. Some 
 12 or 15 years ago, tfje church connected with the 
 First parish, was exiled from the house, where they 
 and their fathers liad worshipped. This church 
 has 160 members. There is also an Episcopal 
 church at Old Cambridge. In 1817, the Baptist 
 church was gathered at the Port. It now numbers 
 380 communicants. The Baptists have a church 
 likewise at East Cam.bridge, gathered 1827, 167 
 members. The Trinitarian chinch at Cambridge- 
 port was organized in 1828, has 224 members. 
 Last spring a nutnber of persons went forth from 
 this body and formed anew church: and a new 
 Orthodox church has also lately been gathered at 
 East Cambridge. During the past season the Meth- 
 odists have erected a house at Cambridgeport, and 
 have fair prospects of building up a good society. 
 
 Charlestoavn. — The original church in Charles- 
 town has always adhered to the faith of the fa- 
 thers, and has about 300 communicants. Winthrop 
 church was gathered in 1833, counts 250 members. 
 The Baptist church has 394 communicants. The 
 ]\Iethodists and Episcopalians have churches here. 
 11 
 
134 feOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 Chelsea. — About 1828, the Orthodox Congrega* 
 lionalists srathered a small church at Chelsea cen- 
 tre. Since the vil]ai:;e has been formed at Winne- 
 ehnmet, the Baptists have gathered a church of 165 
 members. The 3'IethodiBts and Eijiscopalians have 
 also organized churches. Sept. 1841, an Orthodox 
 church of 42 members was gathered, and now 
 numbers 120. 
 
 This is a brief sketch of the progress of evan- 
 gelical religion in the suburbs of Boston. The 
 tone of public sentiment has been changed. The 
 city and its suburbs have, to a great extent, been 
 bromrht back upon the ground of our Puritan 
 fathers. Their memories are now revered, and 
 not as in former years made the frequent sub- 
 jects of ridicule. Nothing has made New England 
 what it is, but the influence of evangelical religion. 
 And it must be the influence of the same senti- 
 ments that will maintain and perpetuate this char- 
 acter. 
 
 .lust as far as the spirit of the revival has ex- 
 tended, just so far the primitive sj)irit of New Eng- 
 . land is cherished. Could it be entirely diffusiid 
 through the city and its suburbs, the very spirit that 
 jdanted the churches around Massachusetts Bay 
 would return. 
 
 Boston would then becotne what it was in its 
 early history when an Englishman resided here 
 seven years, and " Neither heard an oath, nor saw a 
 j)erso!J drunk." 
 
CONCLUSION. 135 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 In reviewing the history of the revival, as it appeared 
 in Boston, we remark that special prayer precedes a re- 
 vival of religion. Some have erroneously supposed that 
 the late revival in this city, did not commence until after 
 the year 1842 began. But the facts that have been de- 
 veloped in the statements made by several of the church- 
 es in different denominations, prove that it commenced 
 in the year 1341. The revival in Garden street Church 
 commenced with her existence, which was in July, 1841. 
 In Bowdoin street Church, a spirit of prayer was mani- 
 fested early in the autumn. The same was true re- 
 specting Marlboro' Chapel and Central Church. The 
 pastor of the South Boston Baptist Church says, "that 
 the church was revived some months before the reforma- 
 tion commenced." In Mr. Stow's church, the revival 
 commenced in the autumn. The pastor of the Bowdoin 
 square Church says, " I found an improving religious 
 feeling among my people throughout the autumn, which 
 gave me full confidence that the winter would develope 
 results of the most animating character." The same was 
 also true in several of the Methodist churches. From a 
 reference to these testimonies, it is evident that there 
 was an awakened spirit of prayer considerably extensive 
 in the city during the autumnal months. The world was 
 not indeed aware of these weepings in secret places. 
 Many professors of religion were in a profound sleep, and 
 as busy about their worldly affairs as though they had 
 never been bought with the price of atoning blood. But 
 still the number was not small that cried, day and night, 
 '< O Lord revive thy work. For Zion's sake I will not 
 hold my peace, and for Jerusalem's sake I will not rest, 
 until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness. 
 
136 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth," The 
 Lord heard and answered these prayers. This fact is 
 nothing that is peculiar to this revival. God always has 
 connected ends with means. When he restored the 
 children of Israel from Babylonish captivity, " He would 
 yet for this be inquired of before he would do it for them." 
 Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah and others, prayed, fasted and 
 wept. God heard their prayers, and restored them to 
 the land of their fathers' sepulchres. 
 
 Before the revival at the day of Pentecost, a ten days' 
 prayer meeting was held in that upper room by the 
 primitive disciples; and whenever the Holy Spirit has 
 been poured out in our day, it has always been preceded 
 by prayer. " Prayer moves the hand that moves the 
 world." Tn answer to prayer, he that has all hearts in 
 his hand and turns them as the rivers of water are turned, 
 turns them unto himself. When his children cry, " O 
 that thou wouldst rend the heavens, that thou wouldst 
 come down and make the mountains flow down at thy 
 presence," he does the things that they desire. The 
 heavens are rent, God comes down to earth, and the 
 mountains melt. He turns back again the captivity of 
 Zion as streams of the south. Let not any church 
 vainly imagine that God will visit them with a time of 
 refreshing, if they are living in a prayerless state. 
 Prayers must go up before blessings come down. This 
 is the instituted ordinance of God. His injunction is 
 *' Pray without ceasing." " Pray always and not fiint." 
 
 2. We remark that it is essential to the purity of re- 
 vivals that the tests of christian character be clearly 
 stated. 
 
 In conducting revivals, nothing is more important to 
 the permanent prosperity of the church, than a distinct 
 delineation of the traits of christian character. If more 
 or less than the gospel terms of salvation are stated, 
 sinners will take up with false hopes. They will be de- 
 ceived and lost through erroneous instruction. There 
 rests therefore a peculiar responsibility upon those that 
 direct the inquiries of anxious souls. The terms of 
 
CONCLUSION. 137 
 
 salvation should be stated clearly, — nothing kept back, 
 nothing over stated. Nothing should be made essential 
 to christian character that God has not made so. Per- 
 haps it may impart some light on this subject, to show 
 how inquiring sinners felt under the instructions of so 
 pungent and discriminating a preacher as President Ed- 
 wards. " In those in whom awakenings seem to have a 
 saving issue,'" says Edwards, " commonly the first thing 
 that appears after their legal trouble, is a conviction of 
 the justice of God in their condemnation, a sense of their 
 own exceeding sinfulness, and ihe vileness of all their 
 performances. In giving an account of this they ex- 
 pressed themselves very various; some, that they saw 
 that God was a sovereign, and might receive others and 
 reject them; some, that they were convinced that God 
 might justly bestow mercy on every person in the town, 
 and damn themselves to all eternity; some, that they see 
 that God may justly have no regard to all the pains they 
 have taken, and all the prayers they have made; some, 
 that they see that if they should seek, and take the ut- 
 most pains all their lives, God might justly cast them into 
 hell at last, because all their labors, prayers and tears 
 cannot make atonement for their least sin, nor merit any 
 blessing at the hand of God ; some have declared them- 
 selves to be in the hands of God, that he can and may 
 dispose of them just as he pleases; some, that God may 
 glorify himself in their damnation; and they wonder that 
 God has suffered them to live so long, and has not cast 
 them into hell long ago. 
 
 *' Commonly persons' minds, immediately after the 
 discovery of God's justice, are exceedingly restless, and 
 in a kind of struggle and tumult, and sometimes in mere 
 anguish; but generally as soon as they have this convic- 
 tion it immediately brings their mind to a calm and a be- 
 fore unexpected quietness and composure; and most 
 frequently, though not always, then the pressing weight 
 upon their spirit is taken away, and a general hope arises 
 that some time or other God will be gracious, even be- 
 ll* 
 
138 coNcrusiow. 
 
 fore any distinct and particular discoveries of mercy; and 
 often they then come to a conclusion with themseiveg 
 that they will lie at God's feet and wait his time; and 
 they rest in that, not being sensible that the Spirit of 
 God has brought them to a frame whereby they are pre- 
 pared for mercy; for it is remarkable that persons when 
 they first have this sense of God's justice, rarely, in the 
 time of it, think any thing of its being that liumiliation 
 that they have often heard insisted on, and that others 
 experience. 
 
 " In some cases their sense of the excellency of God's 
 justice in their condemnation, and their approbation of it, 
 was such that they almost called it ' a willingness to be 
 damned.' But Edwards thought that this language 
 must have been used without any clear idea of its im- 
 port, and must have meant only that salvation appeared 
 too good for them; and that the glory of God's justice 
 ought not to be sacrificed for their sakes. That calm of 
 spirit that some persons have found after their legal dis- 
 tresses, continues some time before any special and de- 
 lightful manifestation is made to the soul, of the grace of 
 God as revealed in the gospel; but very often some com- 
 fortable and sweet view of a merciful God, of a sufficient 
 Redeemer, or of some great and joyful things of the gos- 
 pel, immediately foliov»^s, or in a very little tim.e; and in 
 some the first sight of their desert of hell, and God's 
 sovereignty with respect to their salvation, and a discov- 
 ery of sufficient grace, are so near, that they seem to go 
 as it were tosether. 
 
 "It has more frequently been so among us that when 
 persons have first had their gospel ground of relief for 
 lost sirmers discovered to them, and have been entertain- 
 ing their minds with sweet prospects, they have thought 
 nothing at the time of their being converted. To see 
 that there is such an all-sufficiency in God, and such 
 plentiful provision made in Christ, after they have been 
 borne down and sunk with a sense of their guilt and fears 
 of wrath, exceedingly refreshes them. The view is joy- 
 ful to them as it is in its own nature glorious, and gives 
 
BOSTON REVIVAL. 139 
 
 them quite new and more delightful ideas of God and 
 Christ, and greatly encourages them to seek conversion, 
 and begets in them a strong resolution to give themselves 
 up, and to devote their whole lives to God and his Son, 
 •and patiently wait until God shall see fit to make all 
 effectual ; and very often they entertain a strong persua- 
 sion, that he will in his own time do it for them. 
 
 There is wrought in them a holy repose of soul in God 
 through Christ, and a secret disposition to fear and love 
 Him, and to hope for blessings from Him in this way. 
 And yet they have now no imagination that they are now 
 converted ; it does not so much as come into their minds; 
 and very often the reason is, that they do not see that 
 they do accept of this sufficiency of salvation that they be- 
 hold in Christ, having entertained a wrong notion of ac- 
 ceptance, not being sensible of the obedient, and joyful 
 entertainment which their hearts give to the discovery of 
 grace, in a real acceptance of it. They know not that 
 the sweet complacency that they feel in the mercy and 
 complete salvation of God, as it includes pardon and sane- 
 tsfication, and is held forth to them only through Christ, 
 is a true receiving of his mercy or a plain evidence of 
 receiving it. They expected, I know not what kind of 
 act of the soul, and perhaps they had no distinct idea of 
 it themselves." 
 
 Such is Edwards' account of the religious experience of 
 the converts of Northampton in the " Great awakening," 
 or rather this took place before 1740. It is manifest that 
 he preached the law in all its length and breadth. It had 
 performed the work upon their souls. He had also held 
 up Christ as an all-sufficient Saviour. These converts 
 submitted entirely to God's will. They justified the law 
 that condemned them, and ascribed their salvation to rich 
 and free grace; and under such discriminating instructions 
 as Edwards gave, the number that would rest in false 
 hopes, would be few. 
 
 Edwards' converts could say in the language of Watts, 
 
140 BOSTON REVIVA.L. 
 
 " Should sudden vengeance seize my breath, 
 I must pronounce lliee just in death 3 
 And if my soul were sent to hell. 
 Thy righteous law approves it well." 
 
 Still they would add the petition contained in the next 
 verse, 
 
 " Yet save a trembling sinner, Lord, 
 Whose hope, still hovering round thy word, 
 Would light on some sweet promise there, 
 Some sure support against despair." 
 
 3. We remark, that it has been God's method in past 
 ages to build up his church mostly by revivals of religion. 
 Some in this era of light, pretend that revivals of reli- 
 gion are new things under the sun; that they are got up for 
 party purposes by craft and cunning. But such persons 
 can never have studied the word of God with care, or 
 they would have seen that under the old dispensation, 
 God had set times to favor Zion. God poured out his 
 Spirit upon the generation who were born in the wilder- 
 ness. They served the Lord all the days of Joshua. In 
 the days of Jehosaphat, Asa, Josiah and Hezekiah, there 
 were great and glorious revivals of pure and undefiled re- 
 ligion. The same also look place when the Jews were 
 returned from Babylonish captivity. On these several 
 occasions, the whole nation entered into covenant with 
 God anew. At the commencement of the christian era, 
 there was a great and glorious revival of genuine religion. 
 These seasons constituted the glory of the primitive 
 church. They lasted until the church was amalgamated 
 with the state. When the church became secularized, 
 worldly in her temper and spirit, revivals ceased. Little 
 was heard of them from the sixth up to the sixteenth cen- 
 tury. At the era of the Reformation, when the gospel 
 was again preached in its primitive purity, the Holy Ghost 
 returned once more upon the nations of Europe. The 
 English Puritans were the zealous advocates of revivals. 
 In the spirit of revivals, Winthrop and his company 
 founded the churches around Massachusetts Bay. During 
 
CONCLUSION. 141 
 
 the first thirty years of their existence, they enjoyed 
 a continual revival. In 1740, the spirit of revival re- 
 turned upon these churches. All the ministers of Boston, 
 with the exception of Dr. Chauncy, were the decided 
 friends of this revival. Thousands and thousands flocked 
 to hear Mr. Whitefield and the Tennants preach. Early 
 in the present century, the spirit of revival returned upon 
 the two Baptist churches, and the Old South. Before 
 this, almost the whole city had apostatized from the faith 
 of the fathers. When the enemy came in like a flood, 
 the Lord lifted up a standard against him. The Lord be- 
 gan to turn back the captivity of Zion. 
 
 The city has now forty-five congregations, where the 
 fundamental doctrines of the gospel are preached. Du- 
 ring the past year, more than 4000 individuals have been 
 added to these churches. This is the most extensive 
 revival that this city has ever witnessed, with the excep- 
 tion of 1740. It is one of those special seasons of mercy 
 with which God has always been accustomed to build up 
 his church. It has made good people better, elevated 
 their piety and increased all their christian graces. In 
 the progress of the work, many Sabbath-breakers have 
 been taught to " Remember the Sabbath day to keep it 
 holy." Many that took the name of the Lord in vain, now 
 bless and extol his holy name. A considerable num- 
 ber of venders of "distilled damnation," (to use the 
 words of Robert Hall,) hnve ceased to traffic in it, and 
 have enlisted under the banner of temperance that waves 
 high in the air. Some that had defrauded their neighbors, 
 have confessed their sin and made restitution. Large 
 number.? who are in the dew of their youth, have sub- 
 scribed with their own hands unto the Lord. JMany that 
 were resting in false systems of religion, have forsaken 
 their refuges of lies, and i)uilt their hopes upon ihe stone, 
 the tried stone, the chief corner-stone, elect, precious. 
 In one word, the results of this revival have been such as 
 to honor God and magnify the ri-hes of his grace. 
 
 4. We remark that the church must not depend on 
 men or measures to revive religion. 
 
14*-^ BOSTON REVIVAL.. 
 
 At the present day, in some instances, there has been 
 an improper reliance on men and measures. Some 
 churches have supposed that if they could have such and 
 such a man for their minister, that they should surely 
 have a revival of religion ; or could a particular course 
 of measures be adopted, they should infallibly secure the 
 gift of the Holy Ghost. But it must be understood that 
 no particular men, or any set of measures, will necessari- 
 ly secure the Holy Spirit. It is written, " Cursed is he that 
 trusteth in man." All the eloquence, learning and talent, 
 in the whole church, cannot secure the conversion of a 
 single soul. God has committed the work of converting 
 souls to the church in her organized capacity. Every 
 pastor, deacon, and church member, has his sphere 
 assigned him. He is responsible for the duties of the 
 station where he is placed. He cannot work by proxy. 
 His own growth in grace and spiritual enjoyment depend 
 upon his fidelity and activity. He cannot be watered 
 himself, except he attempts to water others. All that is 
 needful for a continual revival is, that every individual 
 christian live near to God, and perform with fidelity the 
 daily duties that devolve on him. The continual bless- 
 ing that will come upon such a man is described in the 
 first Psalm. ♦' Blessed is the man that walketh not in the 
 counsel of *the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sin- 
 ners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his de- 
 light is in the law of the Lord ; and in his law doth he 
 meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree 
 planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his 
 fruit in his season ; his leaf also shall not wither, and 
 whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." A church and its 
 officers composed of such men, avoiding every sin, and ac- 
 tively engaged in doing good, will not labor in vain. God 
 will not be unmindful of them. He will bless them and 
 render them blessings to others. They will see the 
 pleasure of the Lord prosper in their hands. Harlan 
 Page continually saw the fruit of his labor. A church 
 composed of such men, would see a constant ingathering 
 of souls. But if this spirit of sacrifice and active engaged- 
 
CONCLUSION. ]43 
 
 tiess be lacking in a church, nothing can be substituted in 
 its place. No men coming from a distance, no new 
 measures of human device, can infuse life into a dead 
 church. No forms of godliness will necessarily give the 
 power. Dependence, then, must not be placed upon men, 
 or measures, but upon God through his own appointed 
 institutions. Nothing can possibly be substituted for the 
 holy living of the church. If dependence is placed upon 
 men, or measures, independent of Him that uses men and 
 measures as instruments, leanness will be sent into the 
 soul; all hope of success, built on this foundation, will be 
 blasted. 
 
 5. We remark that in view of what God has done for 
 the evangelical churches of Boston, they ought to conse- 
 crate themselves anew to the work of converting souls. 
 
 It is only a few years since, that almost the whole city 
 had aBandoned the faith of the Puritan fathers. Another 
 gospel had been introduced. All the original Congrega- 
 tional churches but one, had embraced errors that the 
 Puritans viewed subversive of the gospel. When eight 
 of the most serious men in this congregation met and 
 formed a society for their religious iniprovement, none of 
 them had confidence sufficient to lead in social prayer. 
 Now this denomination have 14 organized churches, and 
 more than 5000 members. At that period the Baptists 
 had three churches, now they have nine, and more than 
 4000 members. At the same time the Episcopalians had 
 two churches, and now they have six, and more than 1300 
 members. The Methodists had then two churches, and 
 now they have 9, and 2613 members. 
 
 The Freewill Baptist church has also been organized 
 since that period. Then there were eight evangelical 
 places of worship, and now there are forty-five. These 
 forty-five churches contain 14,029 members, and 4042 
 have been added the past year. Such is a brief view of 
 what God has done for evangelical religion in this city. 
 May we not with propriety adopt the language of the 
 pious Israelites that were returned from Babylonish cap- 
 livity? " When the Lord turned a^ain the captivity 
 
144 BOSTON REVIVAL. 
 
 of Zlon, we were like them that dream. Then was our 
 mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with sing- 
 ing; then they said among the heathen, the Lord hath 
 done great things for them. The Lord hath done great 
 things for us, whereof we are glad.'^ Since the meet- 
 ing of these eight men that could not pray, the Lord hath 
 done great things for this city. He has laid evangelical 
 christians under very great and peculiar obligations. 
 Their inquiry should be, " What shall we render unto the 
 Lord for all his benefits? What can we do to shew forth 
 his praise ?" Much remains yet to be done. There is 
 very much land to be possessed. But He that has so far 
 reclaimed the city is able to reclaim the whole. Satan 
 has not a single strong hold that he is notable to demolish, 
 nor a single high thing that he is not able to bring low. 
 He can exalt every valley, make every mountaio and 
 hill low, every crooked path straight, and every rough 
 place plain. He can cause the banner of the Cross to 
 wave high in the air, over this whole city, redeemed and 
 renovated. In view of what God has done, we may 
 justly entertain raised expectations of what he still pur- 
 poses to do. He will yet make her walls salvation, and 
 her gates praise. The motto of every friend of Zioii 
 should be, " Expect great things, attempt great things." 
 Why should not this be our motto ? Has not God prom- 
 ised great and glorious things respecting Zion, the city of 
 our God ? Does he raise our expectations only to disap- 
 point them ? He is not man that he should lie, nor the 
 son of man that he should repent. Hath he spoken it, 
 he will also do it. Hath he promised it, he will also 
 bring it to pass. No christian in this city should feel that 
 his work is done, so long as any thing remains to be 
 done. He is enlinsted during the war. The conflict will 
 continue until death. In view of what God has already 
 done, let every christian consecrate himself anew to ihe 
 work, and never give over until the whole city is reno- 
 vated. 
 
NOTE, 145 
 
 NOTE. 
 
 The meeting-house of which we have given a view on 
 the first page, was erected in 1632. Towards tlie erec- 
 tion of this house, and building of a parsonage, 120 
 pounds were contributed. Its site was on State street, at 
 the corner of Congress street. Its roof was thatched, 
 and its walls were of mud. I suppose that at first it 
 was a regular built log cabin, plastered with mud inside, 
 and an embankment thrown up on the outside against the 
 logs. Such was the humble temple in which our pilgrim 
 fathers worshipped the God whom they came over to 
 serve. It had none of the elegance of our modern 
 churches. No rich and splendid drapery hung around its 
 pulpit. No velvet cushions covered its seats. No deep 
 toned organ discoursed eloquent music, when the praises 
 of God were sung. It was such an house as fitted their 
 humble circumstances. 
 
 In 1639, the congregation meditated the rebuilding of 
 the house of worship. It had become too small for the 
 accommodation of the people. But there was some dif- 
 ference of opinion among the brethren where it was to be 
 located. Some were for placing it on what was called 
 the Green, which was the lot that the Old South Church 
 now owns, at the corner of Milk and Washington streets. 
 Others, particularly the tradesmen, were inclined to 
 build it still nearer the market than where the old one 
 stood, lest in time it should divert the trade from thence. 
 12 
 
146 NOTE. 
 
 When the church met, the matter was debated with some 
 earnestness, and at last Mr. Cotton thought proper to ex- 
 press his opinion. He made it clear that it would be in- 
 jurious to remove to the Green, as many persons had 
 purchased and settled around the market in the expecta- 
 tion of being accommodated in their nearness to the place 
 of worship, whereas it would be no damage to most to 
 have it by the market place. It was finally determined 
 to erect the new church still nearer the market. 
 
 The church standing on the site of the second house 
 next the corner of Washington and court streets was ta- 
 ken down in 1808. 
 
 The First church now worships in Chauncy Place. 
 
POETRT. 147 
 
 BOSTON REVIVAL, 1842. 
 
 BY WM. B. TAPPAN. 
 
 The Holy Dove hath spread its wings 
 
 Around the mercy seat, where springs 
 
 The penitential tear. 
 
 And hearts that long resisted grace, 
 
 Are melted at that awful place 
 
 By salutary fear; 
 
 And Love that can the vilest win, 
 
 To hate of self and hale of sin. 
 
 Unnumbered households gather round 
 
 The spot where Bethel's God is found, — - 
 
 Households that never knelt. 
 
 The sinner of threescore, whose head 
 
 Blossomed, accursed, for the dead, — 
 
 Bosoms that never felt. 
 
 Counting for Christ the world but loss. 
 
 Subdued, are found beneath the cross. 
 
 And yet rolls by Redemption's car, 
 
 And yet burns brightly Mercy's star, 
 
 And on the converts come ! 
 
 Say, who are these, that as a cloud 
 
 Fly past, and as a snowy crowd 
 
 Of doves that seek their home, 
 
 Come trooping through Salvation's gates. 
 
 Where Love the happy pilgrim waits ? 
 
14S POETRY. 
 
 These are the young men, fresh and strong, 
 
 Grace their preserver, Grace their song; 
 
 These are the maidens, fair, 
 
 Whose early beauties bloom for God. 
 
 And men, life's passage halfway trod, 
 
 And children, too, are there. 
 
 The rich and poor, the young and old, 
 
 Are gathered in the shepherd's fold. 
 
 Pass on, Redeemer ! take thine own, 
 
 Assume thy crown and purchased throne; 
 
 I,et Kirk's sweet numbers tell 
 
 Of heaven, that stoops so low to save ; 
 
 Let Knafh, undaunted, earnest, grave, 
 
 Show up the depths of hell; — 
 
 They both but trophies win for Thee ; 
 
 Thine, only, shall the glory be. 
 
 Pass on. Redeemer ! shield each flock 
 
 Through burning wastes, Refreshing Rock, 
 
 In this our weary land ! 
 
 Let Pastors, by the Spirit blest, 
 
 Lead converts up, till in thy rest 
 
 Pastors and people stand ; — 
 
 They all but trophies win for Thee ; 
 
 Thine, only, shall the glory be. 
 
\f 
 
 DATE DUE 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 HIGHSMITH m 
 
 (5230 
 
 
 Printed 
 *nUSA 
 

 BW4204.8.B7M8 
 
 Boston Revival, 1842 : a brief history 
 
 Princeton Theological Semmary-Speer Library 
 
 1 1012 00052 9190 
 
 Twenty-First Edition 36,000 Copies ! ! 
 
 The publisher of the Revival Melodies, in issu- 
 ing the twenty-first edition, would express his 
 thanks to his friends and the religious community 
 for their kind approbation and almost unexampled 
 patronage. The present edition swells the whole 
 number of copies already issued to 36,000, and the 
 demand continues. 
 
 Price 12 1-2 cents single — $9 per hundred. 
 
 REVIVAL MELODIES. 
 
 PART II. 
 
 Fourth Edition, 7,000 Copies. 
 
 t^rhe great popularity of the "Revival 3Ielodies" 
 and its acknowlellged utility in the conference 
 room, have indu^ied the pubiisiier to issue another 
 work of a siujilar ch;tracter. It has been his aim 
 to carry out more fully the plan of the first parr, 
 and to meet existing wants in the ^OQial religious 
 circle. 
 
 Price 12 1-2 cents single — $9 per hundred. 
 
 f'^7^ The above may be had in separate parts, or 
 bound together. 
 
 JOHN PUTNAM, 81 Cornhill. 
 
 I'EH. 22, 1843. 
 
 ■<^