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Letter to Editor
September 29, 1841
Morning Star
Limerick, York County, Maine
What is this article about?
John M. Durgin reports to Br. Burr the organization of a Freewill Baptist church in Wilmington, Mass., on July 3, 1841, growing to 15 members despite persecution. He describes a blessed Sabbath with baptisms, fellowship, and communion, and the raising of a new meeting house funded by $1600, expecting dedication soon.
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For the Morning Star.
Br. Burr: Believing it will rejoice the friends of Zion to hear of the prosperity of their brethren in the cause of truth, I send you a few lines relating to our success in Wilmington.
The 3d of July last, I organized a Freewill Baptist church in this place, consisting of nine members. It now numbers fifteen—and amidst storms of persecution, the infant church stands unshaken; persecution, too, from a source whence we had charitably hoped for better things. But, bless the Lord, we find the promise verified. 'Lo I am with you.' Last Sabbath to me was a blessed day—for the sensible presence of the Lord was with us, and a sense of eternal things seemed to impress the minds of all present. At the intermission, we resorted to the water, where in the presence of a large and solemn concourse, I led three happy converts in the Divine ordinance of baptism. We then returned to the place of worship,—four received the hand of fellowship, and at the close of the afternoon exercises—in remembrance of the dying Savior, we came around the table of the Lord, and partook of the bread and wine, emblems of the all-atoning sacrifice, the mangled body and flowing blood of the Son of God. Oh, my soul! how awfully solemn to commemorate the sufferings of God's dear Son for sinners! The prospects are encouraging for a more extensive revival of God's work. Our meetings are well attended and still on the increase. About eight weeks since, it became apparent to me that a meeting house was highly necessary to succeed in building up a church and society in this place. I therefore endeavored to blend faith and works and make the attempt, though, as in the days of Nehemiah, in my first efforts, I was laughed to scorn; which only caused us to awake to greater vigilance, and our brethren and friends said, 'Let us rise up and build,' and after obtaining sixteen hundred dollars for the above purpose, we commenced our operations, and to-day our house was raised—previous to which, religious exercises were attended by a large assembly upon the spot; and all seemed to say, let us build a house for the Lord. We expect to have it finished and ready for dedication by the middle of next month, if the Lord will. Brethren, pray for us, that humility and every Christian grace may be increased among us.
JOHN M. DURGIN.
Wilmington, Mass. Sept. 14, 1841.
Br. Burr: Believing it will rejoice the friends of Zion to hear of the prosperity of their brethren in the cause of truth, I send you a few lines relating to our success in Wilmington.
The 3d of July last, I organized a Freewill Baptist church in this place, consisting of nine members. It now numbers fifteen—and amidst storms of persecution, the infant church stands unshaken; persecution, too, from a source whence we had charitably hoped for better things. But, bless the Lord, we find the promise verified. 'Lo I am with you.' Last Sabbath to me was a blessed day—for the sensible presence of the Lord was with us, and a sense of eternal things seemed to impress the minds of all present. At the intermission, we resorted to the water, where in the presence of a large and solemn concourse, I led three happy converts in the Divine ordinance of baptism. We then returned to the place of worship,—four received the hand of fellowship, and at the close of the afternoon exercises—in remembrance of the dying Savior, we came around the table of the Lord, and partook of the bread and wine, emblems of the all-atoning sacrifice, the mangled body and flowing blood of the Son of God. Oh, my soul! how awfully solemn to commemorate the sufferings of God's dear Son for sinners! The prospects are encouraging for a more extensive revival of God's work. Our meetings are well attended and still on the increase. About eight weeks since, it became apparent to me that a meeting house was highly necessary to succeed in building up a church and society in this place. I therefore endeavored to blend faith and works and make the attempt, though, as in the days of Nehemiah, in my first efforts, I was laughed to scorn; which only caused us to awake to greater vigilance, and our brethren and friends said, 'Let us rise up and build,' and after obtaining sixteen hundred dollars for the above purpose, we commenced our operations, and to-day our house was raised—previous to which, religious exercises were attended by a large assembly upon the spot; and all seemed to say, let us build a house for the Lord. We expect to have it finished and ready for dedication by the middle of next month, if the Lord will. Brethren, pray for us, that humility and every Christian grace may be increased among us.
JOHN M. DURGIN.
Wilmington, Mass. Sept. 14, 1841.
What sub-type of article is it?
Religious
Informative
Emotional
What themes does it cover?
Religion
What keywords are associated?
Freewill Baptist
Church Organization
Wilmington Mass
Baptism
Persecution
Meeting House
Revival
What entities or persons were involved?
John M. Durgin
Br. Burr
Letter to Editor Details
Author
John M. Durgin
Recipient
Br. Burr
Main Argument
reports the successful organization and growth of a freewill baptist church in wilmington, mass., including recent baptisms, communion, and the construction of a meeting house, despite persecution, and calls for prayers for continued grace.
Notable Details
Organized July 3, 1841, With Nine Members, Now Fifteen
Baptism Of Three Converts
Four Received Hand Of Fellowship
Communion Service
Raised Meeting House After Raising $1600
Reference To Nehemiah And Bible Quote 'Lo I Am With You'