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Msps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed et different reduction ratios. Those too lerge to be entirely Included In one exposure are filmed beginning In the upper left hend corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as rsqulred. The following diagrams Illustrate the method: Les certes. plenches, tableaux, etc., peuvent itre filmte A des taux de rMuction diffArents. Lorsqus le document est trop grsnd pour Atre rsproduit en un seul ciichA, 11 est f limA A partir de I'engle supArlsur gauche, de gauche A droite, et de heut en bas, en prenant la nombre d'imeges n4cess«lre. Les diagrammas sulvants illustrent la mAthoda. ■>.• ' f " ■ ' t i 4 5 6 ■ ^•'r\ -jv 1 TUE BAPTISTS OF SAINT JOHN, N. B. TWO SERMONS ON THB ,1^ ■T',ifc»'- r : -I.' '■"I «-S 1 ,'*'/ i-SM" :;,;;' iCHJCi ^^ "S BisE m FBoms o; the baptist cidbch IN SAINT JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK. PREACHED IN GERMAIN AND BRUSSELS STREET CHURCHES, -< B7 REV. L E. BILL, AND PUBLISBID AT IHB 8PBCTAI. RIQUIBT 0» THB8E tWO CHURCHES. SAINT JOHN, N. B. rRIMTBD BT BARIHES AND COMPAMT. 1868. .;!.ii!? ■■ /-* ..i r* 7U 1-. *' r 'n ■/■! (Tf .J A I. t :)■ .. ,«! .VA(Ol t .,1, ;-|.^ ■>;>•■ 'i I ; ^iiiiinl ,(; ]:. -..it ■■,,[: f.jl :<■:'> ■■}. .; ./-i. •' iifif '^liiib. ii y) :^^:\\.-. ,f SERMON 1. ,— ^^■"^^:;.'^^^::^^ ^ Tho Lord hath done great things for ua, whereof we are glad."— Pa. czxti. 8. ' The seventy years' captivity of God's ancient people was a sad commentary on their backslidings of heart and life, and of the fearful guilt which they contracted by such a course of sin and shame. They sinned against light and goodness, and Jehovah gave them into the hands of their enemies to eat the fruit of their doings, until they should repent and turn once more to Himself. But the emancipation of these people from Babylonish captivity, and their restoration to their former privileges, exhibited most clearly the gracious forbearance and uncnanging love of their cove- nant God and Father. They cried to him in their distress, and he stretched forth his arm mighty to save. In full view of this won- drous deliverance, this beautifully touching Psalm was composed : ** When the Lord turned again the captivity of Zion, we were like them that dream." It seemed too good to be true. " Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing ; then said they among the heathen, the Lord hath done great things for them." God had accomplished this gracious deliverance for his chosen, and He must have the glory. "The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad.^' How appropriate the language of our text to the occasion \7hich called it forth ; and my brethren, it is no less appropriate for us to employ, as a theme of remark, when called upon to consider the dealings of God with his chosen ones in thib City. On the present occasion I propose to give you a brief sketch of the rise and progress of the Baptist Church of Saint John ; and in so doing, I hope to be able to show that the words of my text are emphatically applicable to us, and that, as Baptist christians, v. e may truthfully say, " The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad." The original inhabitants of Saint John belonged mostly to the Episcopal National Church. Dissent was scarcely known ; and when it first made its appearance, it was frowned upon by minis- ters aud people as a heresy of the most dangerous character. Episcopacy was the dominant faith, and it laboured hard in the early settlement of this country so to engraft itself upon all the departments of social and civil society as to give it a sort of na- tional pre-eminence — to make it in fact the religion as by law established. No persons were considered eligible to ofiices of military, lecfal, political, educational, or religious distinction, unless members of the dominant church. All marriages and funeral rites must be administered by clergymen of the true Apostolic succession. So far did this idea prevail that a godly Baptist minister, by the name of Innif, was incarcerated in prison for some twelve months THE DAPTISTS OF SAINT JOHN, N. B. or more, for yielding to the earnest solicitations of a loving young couple, who nad been converted to God through his ministry, to make them one in holy wedlock. All offices of trust, of every sort, from the Chief Justice upon the bench, down to the most insignificant one in a country village, roust be filled by those who recognized and abetted this Episcopal supremacy. As far down as the founding of King*s College, Fre- dericton, in 1820, it was deemed necessary to apply such tests as should thoroughly protect it from the poisonous influence of dis- sent, and secure its educational immunities for all time to come, in fee. simple to the Episcopal church. We refer to this state of things, not for the purpose of calling up any unpleasant feelings, but simply as matters of history, to show the obstacles which our fathers had to surmount in proclaiming and extending what they conceived to be the gospel of the blessed Lord Jesus. When Edward Manning first visited New Brunswick, in the early part of the present century, he was called before a magistrate to give an account of himself for daring to preach Jesus and the re- surrection. No man at that time was allowed to assume the office of a religious teacher, or to perform any of the functions of ministe- rial life, unless regularly licensed by the Lieutenant Governor of the Province to do so. But Edward Manning had his credentials from above — he was licensed by the court of heaven ; and invested with such high authority, he was not disposed to attach any special im- portance to the opinions or decrees of men. Like his brethren of the Apostolic age, he preferred to " obey God rather than man." With a heart yeprning for the souls of men, he crossed over from Nova Scotia and went up the River St. John, proclaiming, as with a trumpet's blast, repentance towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. He was in the prime and vigor of his manhood, and tilled with the treasures of the Spirit's power, wherever he opened his lips to declare the gospel message, souls were aroused from the slumber of sin to call upon God for mercy. The result was an extensive revival of religion up and down the St. John River, and its tributaries. On one occasion, above Fredericton, where many were awakened to a sense of their sin and danger, and where others ■were fired with the spirit of persecution, the judge of the place was called upon to issue a warrant, and take this dangerous preach- er in charge : but he replied, I would like to hear the man for my- self. Accordingly he came to a meeting, and remained outside by the door ; Mr. Manning was not aware of his presence, but it so happened that he took for his text, " Behold the Judge standeth at the door." Tlio Judge was deeply impressed with the sermon, and retired saying, " None shall lay violent hands upon the young man," and expressed the wish that there were many more such preachers in the land. It Avas after one of these evangelistic excursions up the river, that Mr. Manning came to St. John. From the best information at our command, we are led to conclude that his first visit to the city must have been as early as 1 805 — the very year I was born. There was no Baptist place of worship or Baptist family in the TIIK DAPTIBT8 OF SAINT JOHN, N. D. city at that time. But Mr. Manning had been directed by somo friend in the country to call upon Mr. George Harding, son of Gapt William Harding. The youthful minister did so, and was most kindly received. Mr. Harding lived at the lower end of Germain Street He kindly invited Mr. Manninff to preach in hia house. His father, Captain Harding, who lived m Dock Street at the time, told him his house was at his service. Captain Lovett, a Mrs. Harper, Mr. A. Magee, and a coloured sister oy the name of Amy Nickson, all opened their houses for the preaching of God's word by Uie stranger. The work of revival immediately commenced. Many began to enquire what they should do to be saved } Mr. Mannmg pointed them to the Lamb of God as the only remedy. Several professed conversion ; two of Capt. Wil- liam Harding's daughters and hia son, Geo. Harding, were amongst the number. The latter was the first person baptized or immcrted in the city of St. John. After Mr. Manning, came Joseph Crandal, in the power and spirit of the gospel. His ministry was instrumental in accomplish- ing much good. Captain William Haiding, his wife, two daugh- ters, Mr. Stenning and others, were baptized by him. These early baptisms occasioned much excitement among the people. They flocked in large numbers to witness them ; some went to pra^' and others to mock and blaspheme ; but they led to prayerful exami- nation of the word of God, and where this was the case, the result generally was a convention to Baptist sentiments. In the absence of a stated ministry, the young converts met in each other's houses for mutual exhortation and prayer. These meetings were attended with a rich blessing ; " They were of one heart and of one mind, striving together for the faith of the gos- pel ;" and as a legitimate result, the word of God grew and multi- plied greatly in the city. ,, ., ^^^^^^f In 1808 the bmall band of believers were gjgwt^na pettin by the removal from Kingston to^t. ^^^gj^ '^^ ^Ider Imiis, a gill, who had been com^^^ ^ j^^^ ^^^^^ ErnTJ--?its^^2^ M:.PettingUl^^ glous fervor, and with an earnest desire to bring sinners to Chnst. His house was at once consecrated to the worship and service of God, and his heart and his purse open to support the infant cause. When Baptist ministers came to the city they were gladly received as the servants of the Most High, and all possible efforts were made to make their visits pleasant and profitable; but m the ab- sence of ministers, they did not fail to maintain regularly on the Lord's day, and on week evenings, the worship of Almighty God. In addition to the visits of the ministerial pioneers from Nova Scotia, ministers were sent to New Brunswick under the auspices of the Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Society. Elders Isaac Case, Hale, and Daniel MerrUl, all in turn, spent considerable time in Nova Scotia, and in New Brunswick, us Missionaries from tho Massachusetts Society. They were eminetly useful in preaching the gospel, administerinig its ordinances, and in confirming the m- ■ TUE BAPTISTB OF SAINT JOHN, N. n. fanfc clmrches in the doctrines and practice of New Testament christijuiity. They each in turn visited this city, and rendered valuable service to the cause of the Master. "'' ' '" In 1810, seven brethren and five sisters, twelve in all, were, by their own request, organized (if I am correctly informed) by Elder Merrill, as the First Baptist Church of St. John. Mr. Pettingill being highly esteemed for his deep-toned piety and Hincere devo- tion to the cause of God, was chosen Deacon, and N. Garrison, (father of our worthy Deacon Geo. A. Garrison), was chosen Clerk of the infant church. This Mr. Merrill, of whom we speak, has tax interesting history. Before he became a Baptist, lie was the esteemed pastor of a large Congregational Church in Sedgwick, Maine. He became troubled in his conscience on the subject of believers' baptism. He exam- ined the Scriptures, read Pedo-Baptist books, and adopted various methods to banish his doubts regarding the validity of Infant Bap- tism ; but all this was unavailing. His perplexities increased, but he could not endure the thought of renouncing the faith of his fathers, and of becoming a despised Baptist. In his trouble he prayed earnestly "Lord make me anythiny but a Baptist" but the truth pressed his conscience until he cried in deep anguish of spirit before the mercy seat, ^^Lord make me anything thou wouldest have me to be, even if it be a Baptist P^ As might be expected, soon he felt constrained by God's word to embrtice with his whole heart the doctrine of believers* baptism, as maintained by us. He ac- cordingly preach^ seven sermons to his church, giving his reasons for this change in his religious opinions, and putting forth such a chain of Scriptural argument as produced a powerful impression upon his people. The result was that Mr. Merrill, his wife,' and other members of his church, numbering in all sixty-six, were Wiod in baptism. May 13th, 1805, by Dr. Baldwin, of Boston ; nineteen moro were baptized the day following, and the whole were formed into a Baptist church, and Mr. Merrill was ordained their pastor. The members of this Congregational church conti- nued to repair to the water until about one Kundrcd and twenty of them were baptized. The sermons preached by Men-ill, on the subject of baptism, passed through several editions, and were ex- tensively useful. It seemed a fortunate circumstance that one so eminently qualified to instruct, should, in the providence of God, be chosen to counsel the young converts of Saint John, and to form them into a christian church after the model furnished by the New Testament. The members of this new organization had to endure all sorts of reproach and persecution. They were called, in derision, fanatics, newliyhts, dippers, enthusiasts, a;c., but they endured all patiently for the truth's sake, and rendered blessing for cursing, and good for evil. These persecutions tended to bind them together with increasing affection, and to excite within them a spirit of constant watchfulness and unceasing prayer. Edward and James Manning, Joseph Crandal, Joseph Diraock, Theodore Harding, and others, contiuued to make occasional visits to the city. Their ministerial THE UAPTIBTH Of SAINT JOHN, N. U. tSKT- labors were higlily encouraging, and were greatly blcRscd in the t'diflcation of tlio youtliful cTiurch and in the convcrHion of 8innerH to God. But the clinrcli remained without r. stated puHtor until 1813 or 1814, at which time a converted Frenchman, by the nanie of Keicc, come to the city, lie preached the gottpcl with uuuhuuI power, and was choBeu by the church to bccowo ita pu«tor. llu accepted the office, and engaged in the work committed to hi.s caro with commendable zeal and energy. Sinners were converted, and the church edified and enlarged. The conversion of Mr. Reice to the faith of tlie New Testament is worthy of special note. lie was a Frenchman by birth, and during the wnr between England and France^ he was a midship- man m the French service. Ilis ship was taken by the Englisn, and sent as a prize to Halifax, N. S. Here the young midship- man was especially noticed by the Duke of Kent, who was resi- ding at Halifax at that time. At the close of the war, Mr. Keicc took a toui" through the country as far west as Yarmouth. A great revival was in progress in that town, and meetings were being held day and night. All this was exceedingly strange to the French- man. Ho had been educated in the Roman Catholic faith, in his own country, but had never seen or read the Bible. He regarded what was going on in Yarmouth as mere religious frenzy, and for the purpose of deriding these religious meetings he resolved to have a ball in a house just opposite to the place Avhere they were held. He had attended some of the revival meetings, and had be- come disturbed in conscience, but he thought by rushing into the excitement of worldly amusement to stifle his convictions, and to relieve his mind of all gloomy apprehensions. The night of the ball came, and Reice opened the festivities in person ; hut in the midst of this scene of mirth, his convictions returned with redou- bled force, and he fell prostrate upon the floor. It was a monq^^^ of intense soul agony, and he cried aloud for roicrg^aif^resent house of dancing, to the amazement and.^^^g^i^ ^^ fjic con- suddenly became the house of, ro^jg-- t baptism and connec- yersion of his^uUy (J^-j; ^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ ^.^^ forth preaching H^^'i^irtSS h? once sought to destroy. He visited different places in Nova Scotia, and was universally received by the chris- tians of the day as a messenger sent from God. He was bold, ear- nest and faithful, and always ready to defend what he conceived to be the truth, no matter who opposed. His wilhngness and ability to defend his sentiments were frequently put to the test during his residence in St. John. One occasion is worthy of spe- cial remark. He was challenged to meet a Methodist minister, by the name of Knowlan, in public debate, on the subject of baptism. He accepted the challenge. The controversy took place m what was then known as the Coffee House, at the comer of Pnnce Win. and King Streets. The Mayor of the city was called to the chair. His antagonist appeared with a large pile of books to a.id him ;-- the little Frenchman came to the contest with the Bible alone in his hand. On seeing the number of books brought to confute 8 TUB DAPTI8T8 OF RAIKT JOIIH, K. n. u \ \ him, Mr. Reico rornarkod to his opponent, " You, si/, haye eomo with your coat of mail, Ooliah like, to defy the arroios of the living God ; I have come, like David, with the sline and the itone only, and with these I promise, in the name of the Lord, to slay you before I leave." Mr. Reice claimed that the New Testament alono was to bo the standard in this discussion ; his opponent ob- jected, but the chairman decided that the contest ought to proceed upon this principle. This being conceded, Mr. Reice found no difRculty in conducting his ai^ument to a triumphant issue. " The people wore astonished at his doctrine, for his word was with power." After a long discussion in the presence of the assembled crowd, the chairman decided that Mr. Reice had the best of the argument, and his antagonist retired in confusion. This contro- versy led to inquiry, and to the furtherance of Baptist sentiments. During the pastorate of Mr. Reice, a place of worship which had been first occupied by the Episcopal church, and afterwards by the Methodists, was procured by the iBaptists. He continued to preach the Gospel in this house some two years. Many professed con- vernion, and the church was so much enlnrged that it was deemed advisable to erect a new house for the better accommodation of the increasing congregation. In the prosecution of this purpose a subscription was opened, bearing date October tlie 14ui, 181ff. Four persons contributed £60 each, viz., Thomas Pettingill, John M. Wilmot, Thomas Harding and William Stenning. Nathan Garrison gave £25 — Jonah Vjcr, £20; Benjamin Gale, £16; Andrew S. Green, £10; Joshua Lane, £10; Jereihiah Drake, £10; Henry Blakslee, £16; Samuel Chadbnm, £10 ; William Harding, £20 ; Henry Holmes, £10. Others gave from five pounds down to one, according to their circumstances. On the strength of this subscription the site was purchased and preparation made for building. The work P'^*^od, but the house was not completed and opened for public worship until v«iQ jjr. Stenning, aided by his brotheMn-law, Mr. Thomas Harding, «ip«.i^t^|ed the erection of the house, and strange to aav, ht» funeral wr,.^ ^^ ^^ ji^^ g^^^non preached m it When he came to this country^trrMo. Rndand he was a member of ihe Episcopal church, but here he expenenceti » change of heart and became a Baptist. His death was a serious loss to the little church, but for him it was a glorious triumph. On the morning of the day before his death he rose from his bed, went to the door, aiad looked round upon his possessions as if to say ftaretdetl. He returned to his bed, closed his eyes, and appeared to be struggling with death. He seemed perfectly insensible to everything m the world for several hours, when suddenly he arose «8 if in perfect health, and praised his Riedeemer in strains of nn- atten^le joy. He told them to r^nd for his father's femily, " for this nip^ht," said he, "I shall see my Saviour as he is in heaven, «nd join tiie holy apostles in praising him, who hath given me the victory." AH present were deeply aflTected. His physician said he never witnessed the like before. These rapturous and trium- phant joys continued for some eight or ten hours, when he quietly THI BAPTISTS OV SAINT JOIIX, N. II. (the )no kODt lob- (eed no e ith led the tro- Ints. ad the ach on- ned ttOf laid down upon his bed, closod hi» eyes, and peacefully resigned his soul to God who jravc it. His was a glori< .:r victory over the king of terrors. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. As wo have said, the new house was not opened for public service until 1818. About this time Rev. Tliomas Qrittcn, and Mr. D. Nutter, and S. Lockey arrived ,from England. Mr. Qriflfen was encouraged to come by Mr. Stcnning. He was chosen by the church to the pastorate ; but after laboring acceptably and usefully for two years, ho was commissioned by tlic church to visit the United States, for the purpose of raising money to liquidate a troublesome debt upon the chapel, and while absent he felt it to be his duty to embrace an openmg which offered in Philadelphia. The church here gave him up reluctantly, but he felt that the claims of a rising family called him to a more remunerative field. On the retirement of Mr. Griffen, Deacons Pettingill and Drake, with the assistance of other brethren, maintained regularly the religious services of the house of God, and took care that the order and discipline of the church were not wholly neglected. Edward and James Manning, Theodore Harding, Thomas Ansley, Joseph Dimock, Joseph Crandal and others made occasional visits to tne city, and were exceedingly useful in promoting the good cause ; but the church remained without a stated pastor until 1821, when Elder Richard Scott arrived from England. Soon after his arrival he was chosen pastor. The churclr numbered at that time 65 members. After labouring for some time without any signal suc- cess, he went on a collecting tour to. the United States to raise money to liquidate the chapel debt. His success in this connec- tion was sacn as to partially relieve the church from finajicial em- barrassment. His collections amounted to $10G1. On Elder Scott's retirement, a young man by the name of Densmorc, who had just been converted in a lumber camp up the river St. John, came to the city filled with the spirit of the Gospel. He was on his way to his home in the States, intending to devote his future life to the sacred ministry. By the request of the church he remained for some time preaching the Gospel publicly, and from house to house, with earnestness and power. The church was greatly revived and edified. For some time the church was left without a stated ministry, but received visits from Elders J. Crandal, R. Davis, C. M. James, (recently fi'om Wales), D. Harris, D. Dunbar and T. Ansley. The ministrations of these brethren greatly comforted and confirmed the church, and added a few to its numbers. In July 1st the Baptist Association was held in the city. It was a season of deep religious interest. After this associational gathering. Elders D. Harris and Miller protracted their visit, and were made the means of a gracious revival, and converts pressed into the kingdom of God. Some who had beer, expelled were led to the foot of the cross for pardon, and were rcatorcd to the fellowship of the church. Elder Miller was subsequently chosen pastor, and continued in this connection for about two years. During his pastorate some eighty persons, by baptism and letter. 10 TBB BAPTISTS OF SAI9T JOHIT, 9. B. !'■ Were added to the church. He was highly esteemed in love for his works sake, abd much good was done. In 1820, Eider Miller was induced to accept a call to a fiapiist church in Maine, and he was succeeded in the pastorate of Ger- main Street, by Elder Charles Tuppe*^, then of Amherst, N. S. His ministiy was nighly acceptable, out city life not agreeing with the health of either himself c^ Mrs. Tupper, and ftom other conside- rations, he resigned his position, and returned to Amherst. On his retirement a young man by the name of Enoch Freeman, a student of Waterville College, visited the church, and preached to general acceptance. By the urgent request of the church he renewed his visit during his vacation in Waterville, June 1827. Mr. Freeman's leave of absence from College having expired, he returned, and Elder Joseph Crandal in the foRowing March be- eiame the pastor pro tern for one year. God blessed his ministry. In 1828, the Association again held its anniversary with the Ger- main street church. The late Frederick Miles -wm present, related his Christian experience, was accepted and baptaed by Rev. Charles Tupper. Mr. Miles was educated in King's College, Windsor, Nova Scotia, for the ministry of the Episcopal church, but while pursuing his studies a revival of religion took place in the College. jS. a. Crawley and John Pryor were his fellow students ; they ex- perienced religion, and thro^h the counsels and prayers of Mr. Crawley, young Miles was brought to the kn'^wledge of the truth. Having felt that his sins were pardoned, his enquiry was, " Lord what wouldst the ave me to do?" He was led to a prayerful e^camination of the word of God, and the result was a conscien- tious adoption of Baptist sentiments. It is a singular fact that a large proportion of those who were converted at that time in King's College subsequently became Baptists, and several of them Baptist ministers. In addition to Mr. Miles we hr^ve Mr. Pryor, who was also designed for a preacher in the Episcopal church, and Mr. Crawley, who was designed for the law, and for a time gave himself to its duties, but was ultimately constrained by love to his Redeemer to devote himself to the work of the miuistry. These esteemed brethren having given themselves to the cause of God in connection with the Baptist denomination of these Pro- vinces, iook a prominent part in founding and sustaining our Institutions of learning at wolfville and Fredericton, which have rendered such important service to our ministers and churches, and to the country at large. This fact seems all the more remarkable when we remember that King's College, Windsor, like King's College, Fredericton, was so guarded by Episcopal tests in its original constitution as to debar Baptists from enjoying its advantages. How impressive the tkct, tnerefore, that within the very walls of the College, whose doors were thus barred and bolted against dissenters, so called, the students jshould be converted not only to the Saviour, but to these very principles of Gospel trutl: which the founders of the Institu- tion were so anxious to crash and destroy. How truthful the language of God by the prophet Isaiah. " For my thoughts are THB BAPTISTtt OF SAINT JOHN, N. B. u re for ^eman. not your thoughts, neither are joor ways my ways ^tU the Lord. For Rs the heavens are higher than the earth, ao are my ways higher than your w9.ys, and my thoughts than your thoughts.^' Isaiah Iv. 8-9. After the baptism of Mr. Miles, the church proved his ministe- rial ^ifts and qualifications, and being satisfied, called him to the pastorate. He w9"- ordained Sept. ^828, by Elders Joseph Cran- dal, William Elder, and Gj-ilbert Spurr. He immediately entered upon the respoDsible duties of his office, a revival of religion fol- lowed, and numbers were added to the church under his insim- mentaiity. The first believer baptized by Elder Miles was our highly esteemed brother Robert Henrs, who has been so useful in diffusing religious knowledge througli the world. In 1829, Elder Miles had leave of absence for a time to make a visit to the States. During his absence, the ministry of Elders Joseph Crandal and liobert Davis was very useful to the church. A number were bap- tized, and a season of refreshing was enjoyed. In the autumn of 1830, Bro. Miles resignad his pastorate, for the purpose of completing a course of Theological study in the Institution at Newton, Mass. On his leaving, Elder Samuel Ban- croft was called to supply the pulpit, which he did, for some time, with much acceptance. Several converts were added during hia short pastorate. In September, 1831, Rev. J. G. Naylor, of England, visited the city on his way to the United States. In the absence of a pastor, he was invited to occupy the pulpit. Being a man of more than ordinary talent, nis preaching was highly approved, and he was soon called to the pastorate. This offer he declined, but agreed to remain for a few months. During his stay in the city. Rev. Mr. Burns, then minister of the Scotch Presbyterian Church, of this city, published an elaborate work against the Baptists, «iad in de- fence of Infant Baptism. To this work Mr. Naylor replied, in a pamphlet, which was written with considerable ability, and which he published to the world. Both writers evinced more intellectual cleverness than religious power, and we are not aw^re thut any special advantage resulted from the contest. The church was not harmonious in ret^ning his services, and he left for th^ TJoited States. . After Mr. Navlor's retirement, Rev. Thomas Curtis, also from England, visited the city. He yraa a man of great intellectual power, and his sermons were exceedingly rich in evangelical truth, lie was a profound student of the Bible, and had distinguished himself by his Biblical attainments in his own country. By a large number of the church his ministrations were highly appre- ciated, but a dissati^action arose in the minds of others, and he left for the United States. In 1846, we formed hb acquaintance in Charleston, South Carolina, where he was pastor of a Baptist Church, and where he was highly esteemed as a g^tleman of nigh mental attainments P'^d consistent religious character. Tdo church again being left without a pastor, instructed their Clerk, Mr. James Holman, who was going to England on business, H THE DAPTIKTB OF SAINT JOHN, N. B. to apply to Rev. Mr. Lester, an eminent Baptist minister of Liver- pool, for advice in regard to the choice of a suitable yonng man as their futm'e minister. He responded to the wishes of the church, and selected our lamented Brother J. D. Casewell. Mr. Casewcll -was induced to accept the proposition, and before leaving, was ordained by Mr. Lester. He amved in St. John, June 1 835. His credentials and ministerial qualifications were all highly satis- factory to the church, and he was inducted forthwith into the pastoral office. Many rejoiced and thanked God that he had heard their prayers, and sent them a pastor after His own heart. His eminent pulpit talents, combined with a kind and generous heart, gave great promise of future success. He continued for between two and three years, and »ome success attended his arduous labors, but difficulties arose in the church of a most perplexing character ; his health gave way, and in October, 1837, he left for his native land. Such, in brief, are some of the most important incidents associ- ated with the rise and progress of Baptist sentiments in this city. Can we fail to recognize the hand that has guided and sustained us as a people thus far ? Surely with grateful hearts should we make the language of the text our own, and exclaim, " The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof wc are glad." And let ull the people say Amen. K "•■ If et? ff.- . U } i ; 1 1 ■ SERMON II. " The hand of the Lord hath wrought this."— Job xii. 9. In tracing the progress of Zion in any of her sections or combinations, it is well for us to acknowledge her entire dependence upon Divine agency. If rightly instructed, we shall be prepared at every stage of christian advancement to say, in the language of holy David, " Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto Thy name give glory, for Thy mercy and Thy truth's sake," ♦' Not by might nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord." *' Paul plants, ApoUos waters, God giveth the increase." In no one dis- trict of the great spiritual domain has this primary truth been more distinctly unfolded than in the rise and progress of the Baptist cause in this city. "When we contemplate how ministers have been raised up for this field, the suc- cess which has attended their labors, and the various modes by which the work of grace has gone forward, we have to confess, " The hand of the Lord hath ^/rought this." THE BAPTISTS OF SAINT JOHK, N. B. 18 Liver- aanas urch, sewcU was His satis- to the lie had heart, nerous led for irduous plexing for his i associ- [ns city, istained )uld we he Lord .d let £.11 tions or r entire ited, we icement ;o us, O for Thy nor by L plants, one dis- ry truth progress template the Buc- ig modes I hftVQ to j> In my fonner discourse, you will remember that I brought the history of the Baptist Church in Saint John down to the time when Mr. Oasewell first returned to Eng- land in 1836. After his return, Elder Samuel Bancroft was again invited to the pastorate of the Germain Street church for a time, and was affectionately esteemed for his sterling piety and sincere devotion to the cause of the Ke- deemer. .'r-^-^f.-. ..,.»;,•■ In 1838, Rev. Samuel Kobinson, then pastor of the St. George Baptist Ohurch, commenced his ministerial visits to St. John. Some eight years before this Mr. Robinson, by a very marked providence, had become connected with the New Brunswick Baptists. He was born in the North of Ireland, and was educated in the doctrines of the Pres- byterian faith. He experienced religion in early life, and when quite a youth, commenced preaching in his own country as a rresbyterian. He emigrated first to the United States, and after a time came to this Province, settled in the County of Charlotte, and engaged in preach- ing the gospel to the people of that place. In tne year 1830, Elder Thomas Ansley visited that district, found out Mr. Robinson, and was instrumental ia directing him to an investigation of believers' baptism, as taught in the New Testament. This examination resulted in impressing his mind with the idea, that there is iio valid authority in the Scriptures for infant baptism, and that christian bap- tism is immersion in the name of the sacred Trinity, upon a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Mr. Ansley's visit to St. George took place under pecu- liarly impressive circumstances. He was then pastor of the Baptist church at Bridgetown, N. S. In the early part of his ministry he had visited Charlotte County, and had been instrumental in producing a very powerful revival of religion. Long years had passed, and a great declension in spiritual things pervaded the place ; but there were a few who clierished a pleasing remembrance of this revival visit of Mr. Ansley, and wlio were anxious to hear his voice once more proclaiming the word and testimony of J esus Christ. Accordingly they wrote him a letter of in- vitation to make them a visit. The good man received it as a message sent from God. His wife was very unwilling that he should go : but the more he prayed for divine di- rection, the deeper the impression that he had work to do in the County of Charlotte. Full of this idea, he came over and lifted up his voice, trumpet-toned, and a wide- spread religious inquiry immediately followed. The man of God felt that he had a special message to Mr. Robinson. He accordingly sought nim out and deli- 14 THB BAPTISTS OF SAINT JOHN, N. B. ) *. t 71 1 n i • 1 V I » i : vered it. The saintly appearance of the Evangelist, the solemnitv of his address, and the fervency of his prayers, made a deep impression upon the mind of his voung rres- byterian brother. By the suggestion of a friend, it was arranged for Mr. Ansley to preach in the neighboihood. Mr. Kobinson attended, and as the service proceeded, the preaching, so siinple, so unctious, inspired tlie latter with strange and powerful emotions. He had never heard the like before ; no felt his heart drawn towards the venerable preacher with a strong religious affection, and ere he was aware, the mantle of the old Elijah had fallen upon the young Elisha. Still he had no idea of becoming a IBaptist. Mr. Ansley took leave of him and his family, not expect- ing to see them again, and had proceeded many miles on his journey homeward, when he felt himself arrested by the Spirit of God, and constrained to return and deliver a solemn charge to Mr. Bobinson regarding his future course. As soo;i as he entered his house he told him that his God had sent him back to tell him that he was to em- brace Baptist sentiments, and take charge of that vast dis- trict of country as a Baptist preacher, and that when he had examined thoroughly the word of God on the subject, and had made up his mind, to send for him and he would eome over and baptize him. Having delivered his mes- sage, he again tooK his leave and left for home. All this appeared strange to Mr. Kobinson, but it took such hold of nis conscience that he was led prayerfully to examine the New Testament as he had never done bwore, in refer- ence to his duty regarding this matter ; and the result you all know. He sought in vain to find a plea for infant sprinkling in the inspired directory, and was constrained, contrary to all his previous training and present wishes, to confess that the study of tha Kew Testament had made him a Baptist. In due time he wrote for Mr. Anslev to come over and baptize him, The old servant of God re- ceived the letter with a joyful heart, and hastened to fulfil his promise. When he arrived at St. George, Mr. Robin- son, not quite willing to meet the reproach to which his change of sentiments and hi^ public baptism would expose him, was half inclined to receive the ordinance in a retired place ; but to this suggestion the apostolic Ansley would not listen for a moment. The more public the more favor- able to instruct the people. To him scofis, reproaches, and persecutions were of small moment. His motto was, *' God forbid that I should glorv save in the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ." Accordingly the baptism of the Pres- byterian preacher, converted to the Baptist faith, was ap- pointed to take place at St David's, a most central position. rut BAPTIBTB or SAINT JOHN, N. B. 15 it, the avers, rrea- t was hopd. d, the • with rd the erable e was m the aptist. jxpect- les on :ed by ieliver future m that to em- ist dis- hen he ubject, would is mes- Ul this jh hold xamine n refer- ,ult you ' infant trained, shes, to d made islev to Glod re- to fulfil Robin- lich his I expose ^ retired Y would •e favor- hes, and to was, iB of the he Pres- was ap- position. The baptismal day arrived, and crowds flocked from all sections of the country, and the venerable administrator came to the discharge of his duty invested with the majesty of the Spirit's power. He was in the reformation tide, and his words went home to the hearts of the people with Irre- sistible impresfiiveness. The administrator, tne candidate, saints, sinners, friends, foes, aU> all felt "Surely God is in this place." It was during these evanffelistic excursions through the County of Charlotte that Mr. Ansley sought out our es- teemed Bro. A. D. Thomson, and placed his stamp upon him as a minister of the Lord Jesus. The youthful Tliom* son felt that it was the call of God to his soul, and he, too, must hasten with the gospel message, and proclaim it to a lost world. Having accomplished this great Work, Mr. Ansley'^i course on earth was done. He took ill, and was at once impressed with the idea that the time of his departure was at nand. He was far away from the wife of his youth, from his sons and his daughters, and from his church that dearly loved him, and that he loved in return with all the strength of ministerial affection ; but, his God was with him. It was an awfully solemn moment. Those who looked to him as their spiritual father, Messrs. Robinson, Thomson, and many others, gathered about him, and from that chamber of death the man of God, feeling that he was upon the threshold of eternity, addressed to them words of warning, and messages of love and grace, which made impressions as enduring as the attributes of heaven or the anthems of the redeem^. It was through such a process as this that our brethren Robir son and Thomson were prepared for the great work assigned to them in the County of Charlotte, and that the former was ultimately qualified to engage heart and soul in building up the Baptist cause in the City of St. John. ^ Intellectual culture i« a most valuable handmaid to the I workings of the Spirit in the soul of man, but we have to confess that no amount of secular education could possibly have supplied the place of this emphatically religious and ministerial training acquired, under the nnctious adminis- trations of the now glorified Ansley. After the death of this revered Father, Mr. Robinson continued his labors as a Baptist minister in the County of Charlotte with distinguished success for some seven or eight years. The seed Biwn sprang up in all directions, and an abundant harvest was gathered in. As before remarked, in 1888 he commenced nis visits to the City of Saint John, and he came in the '' fulness of the blessing of the gospel wmmmmmmm 16 THE DAPTIflTS OF SAINT JOIIX, N. B. i'^ lis • 1 1 I :I!H of Christ." The church in Germain Street had for some time been in a cold, divided and scattered state ; bnt a change for the better was soon apparent, and the m^'nistry of our brother was so acceptable, that in a sliort time it was found necessary to enlarge the accommodations by an addition of fifteen feet to the Chapel. This met the de- mand for sittings, and gave an opportunity to provide a Baptistery. Soon after Mr. Robinson came, the restoration of several members who had been separated from the church by rea- son of differences which had arisen, took place, with the distinct understanding that a second church should be formed. Tliese brethren, therefore, who had been thus restored, received their dismission, and by the advi'ce of an ecclesiastical council, duly summoned, were formed into what was called the 2nd Baptist Church of Saint John. They proceeded and built a chapel, called different pastors, and for a time enjoyed prosperity, but owing to a combi- nation of adverse causes the movement did not permanently succeed. September, 1838, the Germain Street church opened a correspondence with Elder Robinson and his church at St. George, on the subject of his permanent removal to Saint John. As might he expected, his people were unwilling to part with their pastor, but he accepted the call provi- sionally, and spent a large portion of 1838 and 1839 in the City, laboring with untiring energy and enlarged success. This he continued to do until, by the earnest solicitations of the jjeople, combined with the blessing of God upon his ministry, he was convinced that it was nis duty to ac- cept the permanent pastorate of the church. In January, 1840, a series of religious services were com- menced by brethren C. Tupper and Robinson, which were attended with a signal blessing. Elder Tupper continued to labor in conjunction with Elder Robinson during the win- ter, and on April 19th, 1840, baptized, with others, Abra- ham Hunt, now, and for many years past, the esteemed and successful pastor of the 1st Baptist church, Cornwallis. When Mr. Robinson decided to remove his family to the city, it became necessary to provide a residence for him. Accordingly, the church resolved to convert the small room on Germain Street, then used as a -vestry, into a par- sonage, and a committee was appointed to carry the plan into effect. Bro. S. Hersey took the principal charge of this arrangement, advanced the necessary means, had the building completed at the time appointed, and ready for the reception of the pastor, for which he received the cor- dial thanks of the church. ! ' TUB BAPTISTS OV SAINT JUHH, 2f. B. IT r some but a i^nistry time it I by an the de- )vide a several by rea- rith the )uld be en thus ice of aed into John, pastors, I combi- lanently it pened a ch at St. to Saint inwilling i\\ provi- i39 in the I success, icitations rod upon ity to ac- ivere com- hich were continued g the Win- ers, Abra- esteemed lornwallis. nily to the 3 for him. the small into a par- y the plan charge of 3, had the ready for ed the cor- On the 9th of July, 1840, the house built by the 2nd Church was dedicated to the worship of God, and Elder David Harris was elected their pastor. In 184i, a revival commenced in the Sabbath School of the Germain Street Church. A number of the school pro- fessed conversion and were baptized. The good work ex- tended to the congregation, and several young men and maidens professed a new born faith. On the 16th of May, 1841, the Carleton Branch was formed into a sci^arate Church. During this year the vestry under the Germain Street Chapel was completed, and dedicated by appropriate servi- ces to the worship of God. In 1842, Elder Tlieodore Harding arrived in the city to take pastoral charge of the 2nd Baptist Church. He and the pastor of Germain Street co-operated heartily together in promoting the good cause. They extended their labors to Carleton and Portland, with marked success. On the 21st of March the two pastors commenced a series of spe- cial meetings, with reference to the whole field of labor. Elder Harding preached from the passage, " O Lord, re- vive thy work 1" The liouse was filled to overflowing, and so deep was the impression, that many of the congregation were bathed in tears. The meetings went forward at the different stations with deepening interest, and a general awakening took place. MTany professed conversion, and requested baptism. On the 26th of March (which hap- pened to be Good Friday), baptism was appointed at Indian Town ; the day was beautiful for the season, and an im- mense congregation assembled to witness the administra- tion. Tlie people reqiested Father Harding to preach a sermon in the open air ; he consented, and addressed tho assembled multitude from the passage, " The spirit and the bride say come," &c. It was one ot his most eloquent and powerful efforts ; the people were filled and overpowered with the solemnities of the truth as it came fresh and warm from the lips of the venerable preacher, and hundreds of faces were suffused in tears. It was a day of mighty power. The sermon being ended, the candidates were con- ducted to the water side, and Elder Kobinson immersed them (twenty in all), in obedience to the divine command. As in primitive days, the Holy Spirit descended upon the people, and the newly baptized went on their way rejoic- ing in the blessedness of redeeming love. That Good Fri- day can never be forgotten. • ! " . -r (■ This good work spread its redeeming influences over Portland, Indiantown, and Carleton, as well as over the City proper ; and, through the missionary labors of Elder 3 18 THE DAPTIST8 OY SAIXT JOHIT, K. B. i ,f' ':'^ »\ k 5i ! (! James Walkor, extended to Musquash, Grand Bay, and Ked Head. A church was formed at Musquash consisting of some twenty members, and at Grand Bay twelve or fourteen persons were baptized by Elder "Walker, and re- ceived into the Germain Street Church. There were week- ly accessions by baptism for months in succession, and a rich harvest of souls was gathered into the spiritual gar- ner. 1842 was indeed a year of refreshing from the Divine presence, and many were added to the church of such as shall be saved. The commercial crisis of 1843 produced much financial embarrassment, and occasioned many removals on the part of church members ; but the labors of the pastor were incessant, and the spirit of revival was enjoyed in some measure, though not to the same extent as in the past year. The mercantile depression continued and was severely felt by the church through 1844 ; but the good work of God advanced in despite of all depressing influences, and some fifteen were baptized by the pastor during the year. The pastor was aided in his ministerial exertions by Bro. John Francis, whose zeal and earnestness in the caupe pro- duced a deep impression upon many hearts. > The church licensed that year three of their members to preach the gospel, viz. : John Mills, educated in the Epis- copal churcn, James Trimble, trained in the Presbyterian faith, and J. W. Hartt, of Baptist origin. The year 1845 was attended with no very signal mani- festations of the Spirit's power, but the church increased in religious vigor by the maintainance of a healthful dis- cipline, and by unremitting efforts ta promote the work of the Redeemer. Tlie year 1846 was regarded as one of singular barrenness 4o the church. Only one was added by baptism during the year, and the friends of Zion had to mourn over a general declension in spiritual things. On the 4th of April of this year. Deacon Jeremiah Drake departed this life in the 81st year of his age. Soon after the organization of the church, Mr. Drake was appointed Deacon. He was highly respected for his integrity of character and truly Christian deportment. In the mfkncy of the church he watched over its welfare with the intensity of a father's love, and by his exhortations, prayers and godlyexample contributed largely to its growth and stability. His general intercourse with men was conducted on the strictest principles of verity and uprightness, and as such made the impression upon saint and sinner that he was a God-fearing man. He was greatly beloved by the church in life, and, when he died THE UAPflbTS OV SAINT JOHN, N. B. Id devout mon followed him to his burial, feeling that a good 7ihcm had fallen in Israel. This year the Assoeiation a^ain held its anniversary in connection with the Germain Street chureh. On the Sab- bath an interesting meeting was held in the open air in the neighbourhood of tlie present Bethel, then a most depraved section of the city. A crowd of people assembled, and liev. G. F. Miles and others proclaimed to the people the messages of redeeming love. The word of truth was ap- plied by the Spirit's influence, and one very wl ked man, the conductor of a playhouse, was convicted, and constrain- ed to cry aloud for mercy. He subsequently professed con- version, and his place of awful wickedness became the house of prayer. Several were converted, and the worship of God permanently established in that section of the city. In 1S47, the cause was greatly revived, and twenty w jro added by baptism and lifteen by letter. A social meeting had been in progress for some time in a private room in Brussels street, attended by the pastor and other brethren. Tliis year tlie church commenced the erection of the present Brussels street church. The present Bethel was also com- pleted ajid opened for the worship of God, on December 12th. The dedication services were conducted by Rev. E. D. Very, pastor of Portland church, aided by Rev. S. Robinson, pastor of Germain Street, and brother S. Todd and E. II. buval. It was designed to be a free house open for the sailor, and for all of every class, who might be in- duced to come to hear the message of life. It is worthy of note that the Bethel was erected on the very ground where a house once stood, occupied by a coloured sister belonging to the church, and for many years consecrated as a place of religious worship. Minis- ters, deacons and private Christians were accustomed for many years to assemble there weekly for devotional exer- cises, and continued to do so until this good sister was cal- led to her rest above. How appropriate that the Bethel should bo reared on this consecrated spot. On the 14th of December of this year. Deacon Tliomas Pettingill was called to his rest above. On the 17th his remains were taken into the chapel, where his voice had so often been heard in exhortation and prayer, and where appropriate service was conducted ; after which he was followed to his final resting place, by mourning rela- tives and a numerous procession, wishing to pay this last tribute of respect to one greatly beloved and respected in life, and in death sincerely lamented. For thirty-seven ^ears he had ftlled the office of Deacon of the Germain 30 Tn« BAPTIfiTS OF SAIXT JOIIlf, K. B. I! '1 m Street church. He in fact was one of its principal founders, and had stood firmly at liis post not only when the sun of prosperity shone, but when clouds and darkness encom- passed the infant cause. When Zion progressed he rejoiced ; when she retrograded he sorrowed. The church regarded him as its spiritual father and guide, and to his unblemished reputation, his uncoraj^romising integrity, his full hearted benevolence, and unceasing devotion, may be attributed largely under God the success which attended the Baptist cause in this city. The words applied to Barnabas may be appropriately applied to Father Pettingill. " He was a good man ; and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, and much people was added unto the Lord." 1848 was distinguislied by the outpouring of the Spirit's converting power. The gracious work commenced lu the Sabbath School, under the superintendence of Bro. G. A. Garrison, in the month of March. On the lUth of March eight younff persons, all teachers in tlie Sabbath Scliool, E resented tnemsclves for baptism, were joj'fuUy received y the church, and on the following Sabbath were baptized by the pastor, and inducted into the church. It was a day of special gladness and thanksgiving to pastor and people. The good work proceeded, and thirty-three in all were added by baptism during that year and sixteen by letter ; twenty-nve of the baptized belonged to the Sabbath School. This year was signalized also by the completion and opening of the Brussels Street Baptist chapel. It was so- lemnly dedicated to the service of God on Lord's day, Octo- ber 1st, 1848. The venerated Joseph Crandal was cxj^cct- ed to preach the morning sermon, but something interfered with liis attendance, and the service was therefore con- ducted by Elder Robinson. At 3 o'clock, P. M., Father T. S. Harding preached the Dedication sermon, from 2nd Chronicles vi. 18, " But will God in very deed dwell with men on the earth ? Behold heaven and the heaven of hea- vens cannot contain thee : how much less this house which I have built." A very large attendance, and the sermon was one of peculiar appropriateness and power. The vene- rable preacher contrasted the present with the past ; forty- six years had passed since he first visited the city. At that period there was no Baptist chapel in St. Jolm, and no suitable place open for Baptist preaching, " but," said Mr. Harding, *' in contrasting that state of things with our pre- sent position we cannot but exclaim, • and what hath God wrought V " The doings of this day were recorded in hea- ven, and Jehovah was in the midst of his people to show that he approved of the sacrifices which they had made,. TUB nXPTtflTS OF SAINT JOHK, N. 0. amid tlio embarrassments arising from years of commer- cial depression, to build a house to His name. The church not being in circumstances to settle a ])a8tor in the new house, they made tefaiporary arrangements to obtain assistance from the ministers of Portland and Carle* ton churches. ■>;;i<}'>'t*t The letter of the Germain Street church to the Associa- tion bearing date August 31st, 1849, refers to the time when Father Pettingill opened a prayer meeting in the city in 1808, with only three praying brethren to assist him, and says, " Since "that penod eight Baptist places of worship have been erected within the city of St. J ohn and its eflvirons, through the agency of the church which grew out of these feeble beginnings. The most of these places were supplied at the time witli the faitliful preachmg of God's word. ^ jj.. ,! .- Tiie records of the church for the last ten years up to that date, showed an addition by baptism and letter of some six hundred. But the diminutions occasioned by deatli, dismissals, removals, and exclusions, left the church at that time with a membership of four hundred and forty. On the opening of the Brussels Street house, a Sabbath School WHS cstaolished in its commodious vestry, and placed under the superintendence of Bro. N. S. DelMill. There was also at this time a Ladies' City Mission in healthful operation, conducted by the sisters of the church. It had been in existence for some ten months prior to this date, and had in its employ as City Missionary, for the term of one year. Rev. D. W. C. Dimock. This mission was attended with most beneficial results ; but difficulties came in, and the Society became defunct. Tlie additions this year were only five by baptism and eight by letter. September 1st, 1849, the Western Association opened its anniversary in Brussels Street chapel. The introduc- tory sermon was preached on Monday morning, from 1st Corinthians iii. 21-22-23, by Rev. Charles Spurden, The session was one of deep interest. About this time, Rev. J. D. Casewell arrived in the city from England. He was cordially greeted by his old friends, and to them he seemed providentially sent to assist the pastor. Elder Robinson, in supplying the two chapels. He was accordingly invited to perform this service until the May following, at the rate of $400 per annum. This invitation Bro. Casewell accepted. On the 2nd of December Bro. James DeMill, now Professor DeMill, of Acadia College, having been joyfully ■eceived as a candidate for the ordinance at a ]>reviou8 ■I 23 h' 1 ■^0 i I'il i P; , i l\ Tin DAPTI8T8 OF SAIHT JOIIK, K. D. conference, wan ba])tizo(I by the pastor, and inducted into the church. Tiie plan of associate pastoral labor not workinj^ very satisfactorily, an import^int meeting was held by the church, at which a proposition was made, which had been prepared at a previous meeting in committee, to effect an amicable separation, and to organize a new church in Brussels Street. The plan provided that the old name of the first Baptist church should be dropped, and that the two churches should take the name respectively of Germain Street and Brussels Street. The Brussels Street Church when orga- nized should take the new house, and the Bethel %ith their incumbrances, and Gennain Street Church should retain the church building, and parsonage with their in- cumbrances. To this was added tlie very important pro- vision that Elder Bobinson should be invited to nssumo the pastoral care of the new church. This proposition was fully discussed before a public meeting of the church, and was adopted by a majority of fifty-seven, against a minority of seventeen. At a subsequent meeting the details of separation were agreed upon, and the decision was carried into effect. It was understood that the members should be &t perfect liberty to remain with the old church or have their letters to join the uew, as they might choose. On the evening of the same day the church in Germain Street, being left without pastor or deacons, assembled and made choice of Rev. J. D. Casewell for their pastor, and Brethren G. A. Garrison, Edward S. Barteau, Dr. Simon Fitch, and Manual Francis, as deacons. Elder Casewell and the deacons elect, acceded to the wishes of the cimrch, and took their places accordingly. At the same meeting, Bro. S. Ilersey was appointed Treasurer, and Bro. G. A. Garrison was requested to continue his Clerkship. Be- tween this period of separation and the meeting of the Western Association in the following September, 158 members in all took their letters and joined llrussels Street church. Seven were dismissed to unite with other churches, and two died, leaving the church with a membership of only 167 all told. This number was reduced by some twenty-seven members, who were not in full fellowship, so that the real number was 140. Tlius while the Germain Street church had been remarkably successful in adding to her numerical strength by conversions and baptisms, and in sending out her sons and her daughters to plant flourishing interests in Carleton, Portland, and in Brus- sels Street, she was now left like the generous parent, who 80 divides his property as to settle his sons respectably, but nil VAPTIBTi or 8A1XT JOHN, N. U. 23 who in tho issue Hnds that he has retained bnt a small bhjiro for hiniBelt'. Elder Cftsewell hnd many warm adrairerH, and it was lioped that his splendid pulpit qualities would soon gather around him a Inr^c congregation. Hence, notwithstand- ing discouraging circuniBtances, the brethren and sisters took hold with a united detennination to exert themselves to the utmost to build up the cause. Old debts were liquidated, and arrangements made for the support of the pastor. Tho burthen of support fell pretty heavily upon a few, and considerable embarrassment was felt, but by imitod and persevering effort the expenses were regularly met, and indications M'ere favorable. The additions for 1850^ as reported to tho Association, were nine by baptism, and three by letter. ' v 7 i In the month of March, 1851, revival indications wer^ manifest, especially among the young. Special services were held by the pastor and brethren, and several pro- fessed conversion, and were added to the church by baptism. - ;>-'■■• An attempt was made to revise the books of the church, and this revision resulted in the following report to the Association in September, 1>51. Added by baptism dnring the Assodational year 20, by letter S^' restored 1, added in all 23 Reraoved, 48 Dismi: scd, 47 Excluded, 17 Died 6 Inall, U1 Learing the total Dumber. 18? During this year the health of Elder Casewell again became impaired, and to such an extent as at times quite disqualifiea him for the duties of the pulpit. The church esteemed and loved him, and were unwilling to part with him, but the interests of the cause seemea to call for a separation. This was intimated to the ]^a8tor, and re- sulted in his resignation. At the same time he took his letter of dismission. '" Our Brother Casewell spent some time in travelling in the United States, where nis ministrations were well re- ceived. He finally accepted an invitation to the pastoral care of the church in Fredericton, where he labored for some time with much acceptance. Ultimately, however, his health failed, and it became necessary for him to retire from the responsibilities and excitement of ministerial and pastoral relationship. )tl J i S4 THE DAPTI8T8 OF oitlMT JOHN, N. H. XI I 1 ;4 ' The truth is, Mr. Casewell's mind was so constructed that he was constantljr soaring into the higher regions of thought, and luxuriating in the lofty and the sublime. These intellectual excursions, guided somewhat by a high- ly cultivated imagination, occasionally were quite too much for his powers of pli^'sical : .d mental endurance, and body and mind became prostrate. But when perfectly himself, his prayers were beautifully simple and touching, and his sermons rich in evangelical thoup;ht and feeling. His spirit was perfectly free from all guile, and his heart was tne home of the purest affection ; he would harm no one^ but do good to all. ConsciouG that retirement from all mental effort was in- dispensable, he resolved to return to England, and took gassagc in a ship commanded at the time by Captain oley. While on his wav and nearing the English coast, he was seized with one of nis paroxysms of mental derange- ment, and in an unguarded moment, passed to the spirit world. A cloud brooded over that fatal spot, but my firm belief is that his soul rose up from that watery bed freed from the clogs of a deranged mortality, and made meet to enter upon the immunities and glories of celestial blessedness. I feel that I have thus ventured to touch upon a matter of extreme delicacy, but as we are dealing with a history in which our lamented brother comes out as one of the prominent actors, justice to departed worth seems to de- mand that we should give a distinct expression regarding our own sentiment and feeling in respect to his case. And just here our historic sketch must, for the present, close. As we have thus briefly reviewed the past, I think you will all agree with me in appropriating the language of my text to this case, " The hand of the Lord hath done thisi" The remaining section of the history includes mj own life and labors as pastor of the Germain Street church, and to the dealings of the Lord with us for the last eleven years. We shall not go specifically into this subject at present ; but at some future day, and in other hands, it may be found to comprise a chapter not wholly devoid of interest. As the historv of the Baptist Church in this City is rich in incident, so is it rich in suggestion and inference. But upon these we cannot at present dwell. May the Gracious Being, who has thus far guided our fathers safely through the conflict witii the forces of evil, bring us oft conquerors, and more than conquerors, through the blood of the Lamb. Amen, m ^^w^' h? ed of ae. ;h- too ice, >tly ng> ng. )art ,710 in- ook taiu )ast, Qge- pirit my bed aade istial atter story f the ) de- eding esent, think guage hath slndes Street or the o this other vhoUy yhurcli jestion )reBent guided roes of uerors,