USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Worcester > Brief history of the First Baptist Church, Worcester, Mass. : with the Declaration of Faith, the Church Covenant, and a list of officers and members, constituted December 9, 1812 > Part 1
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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01101 3106
4484
A BRIEF HISTORY
OF THE
irst
aptist
1st
WORCESTER, MASS.,
WITH THE
DECLARATION OF FAITH,
THE CHURCH COVENANT,
AND
LIST OF THE OFFICERS AND MEMBERS.
Constituted December 9, 1812.
THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY CHICAGO
WORCESTER : TYLER & SEAGRAVE, PRINTERS, SPY OFFICE. 1870.
1851610
CONTENTS.
History of the Church, Page 3
Summary of Faith - Part I.
7
The Visible Church, its Order, Discipline, and Ordinances - Part II. 10 Church Covenant, 16
Rules of Order,
17
Stated Meetings and Ordinances, 21
Historical Catalogue of Pastors, 22
Officers of Church, 23
Catalogue of Members. -
24
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BRIEF HISTORY OF THE CHURCHI.
Previous to 1.795 there were three persons only of the Baptist denomination in Worcester. In the spring of that year, James Wilson, Esq., emigrating from Newcastle-upon-Tyne, in Eng- land, took up his residence here. During the long period inter- vening between 1795 and 1812, meetings for religious worship were sometimes held at his own house, when the casual visits of teachers offered opportunity of obtaining the ministrations of instructors of the order. Those of similar sentiments were suc- cessively removed by death, their places were not filled, and for a time he remained the solitary advocate and supporter of those views of Christian ordinances asserted by the church with which he was united. But, although alone, he cherished the leading purpose of his life, and became the founder of the Baptist So- ciety.
In 1812, lectures and devotional exercises were had regularly on the Sabbath, and on other days of the week, in different places of the town. The hall in the school house of the Centre Dis- trict was rented and opened for stated worship on the Lord's day, July 30, 1812. On the 5th of November, a meeting of those who held church membership was had, and it was voted to form a church. The 9th of December was fixed for the consti- tution of the church, the reception of fellowship of others, and the installation of the pastor elect-Rev. William Bentley, who had regularly officiated as pastor for some months previous.
The first church in Providence, and the churches in Leicester, Charlton, Grafton and Sutton, were represented in Council. Discourses were preached by Rev. Joseph Cornell and Rev. Stephen Gano of Providence. The church at this time num- bered fourteen males and fourteen females.
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The erection of a meeting house was commenced May 29, 1813, which was dedicated on the 13th of December following.
Rev. William Bentley asked and received dismission June 30, 1815. He received ordination and settled in the ministry at Tiverton, R. I. Well fitted to be the pioneer of a religious en- terprise, he was called thence by the society formed in Worces- ter, in its infancy.
On the third of November following, the Rev. Jonathan Go- ing, previously ordained and settled at Cavendish, Vt., accepted a call as successor. This pastoral connection continued with uninterrupted harmony for sixteen years; during which period the society had increased from a handful to a large congregation. In January, 1832, he tendered his resignation for the purpose of accepting the office of Corresponding Secretary of the American Baptist Home Mission Society. In complying with this request the church and parish strongly expressed affection for his person, respect for his character, and gratitude for his services.
In the early part of his ministry, Mr. Going instructed the Latin Grammar School during one year. In the arduous labors which matured the improved system of education, and superin- tended its operations in elevating the common schools of the town to high excellence, he bore active and efficient part. The registers, indicating the degree of fidelity in the teacher and as- siduity of the pupils, were introduced by him. One of the first Sabbath Schools of the County was established under his direc- tion, in the Baptist Society in Worcester.
Rer. Frederic A. Willard, who had supplied the pulpit three months previously, was elected pastor, January 2, 1832, and or- dained on the 18th of the same month; sermon by Prof. II. J. Ripley of the Newton Theological Institution. This connection continued until July 30, 1835.
Rev. Jonathan Aldrich was chosen to fill the vacancy on the 17th of October following, and on the 27th of the same month. was publicly recognized with appropriate religious services .- Lincoln's History, abr.
During his ministry and that of his predecessor, the church
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enjoyed seasons of revival, and continued to receive accessions by baptism and by letter until the number of communicants be- came inconveniently large. The Society also had increased in numbers and ability to an extent so much in contrast with its days of weakness and trial and opposition, that an additional place of worship appeared quite a matter of necessity. A site was accordingly obtained and other preparations for this purpose were begun, but owing to the loss of the existing edifice by fire, the plan was relinquished. All united in erecting a new build- ing on the original spot. Rev. Mr. Aldrich continued his labors until May 2, 1838. After his resignation the desk was accepta- bly supplied from various sources until the November following. Rev. Samuel B. Swaim began to serve from that period and in April 1839 accepted a call to the official charge.
Indications ere long more urgent than before seemed to justify the formation of another Society. The deliberations for this purpose were duly held Nov. 9, 1841, and resulted in a harmo- nious decision to dismiss all members who might prefer to unite in such a new relation. The organization of a Second Baptist Church was effected on the 28th of the same month, a large council of delegates from neighboring churches being in attend- ance.
The loss of nearly 120 members of the church, and many more of the congregation, was. not imperceptible. But there is that scattereth which yet increaseth. Fresh zeal and energy were soon manifested for new friends and worshipers in Zion. A precious work of divine grace was already begun, which brought many converts unto the church and extended revival blessings generally throughout the town. The numerous accessions to the church during his ministry attest how richly the Lord blessed the relation which subsisted between the pastor and the people for more than fifteen years.
The prosperity of the church is also evinced by the fact that she sent out another colony in 1853 to form the Third Baptist Church. In that year nineteen members were dismissed for that purpose, whose departure, together with that of twice as many
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more of the congregation, made for a time a visible vacancy in the sanctuary. But as before the deficiency was soon supplied by new attendants.
In May, 1854, the relation between the pastor and the church was dissolved by his resignation, and in April, 1855, Rev. J. D. E. Jones entered upon the duties of the pastorate. During the four years of his ministry the favor of the Lord was manifested, and souls were brought to the knowedge of the truth. By bap- tism 48 were added to the church and 56 by letter. His resigna- tion took effect May 9th, 1859.
Rev. Lemuel Moss was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry on the 14th day of the following August, and became the pastor. With earnestness and zeal he devoted himself to the duties of his calling until July 25, 1864. During his pastorate of four years 23 were added to the church by baptism and 25 by letter.
In February, 1865, the church extended a call to the Rev. II. K. Pervear of Cambridge, to become their pastor. Having sig- nified his acceptance, he entered upon the duties of the office on the first Sabbath of the following April.
Hitherto hath the Lord helped us.
PART I.
SUMMARY OF FAITH.
ARTICLE I .- Of God.
1. We believe in God; supreme in his dominion ; and infinite in his being and perfections ; the Creator, Possessor, Upholder, and Disposer of all things.
Heb. 3 : 4 : Hle that built all things is God. Ps. 24 : 1: The earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof: the world and they that dwell therein. Col. 1 : 17; And he is before all things, and by Him all things consist. Ps. 103 : 19; The Lord hath prepared his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom ruleth over all. Eph. 1 : 11. Matt. 6 : 13. Job 11: 7.
2. The mode of the Divine existence is trinity in unity, (three in one) Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; one in nature; co-equal, co-essential, and co-eternal ; equally worthy of divine honors and religious worship.
Deut. 6 : 4: Ifear, O Israel : the Lord our God is one Lord. 1 John 5 : 7; There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost ; and these three are one. Matt. 28 : 19 ; Baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Heb. 1 : 8; But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever : a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Acts 5 : 3. 4 : But Peter said. Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart, to lie unto the Holy Ghost ? Thou hast not lied unto men, but unto God. John 1: 1-10. Gen. 1 : 2.
ARTICLE II .- Of the Holy Scriptures.
We believe that God has given us a revelation of his will in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament; which, being given by inspiration of God, are divine authority, and our only rule of faith and practice.
2 Tim. 3 : 16, 17; All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doc" trine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Pet. 1 : 19. John 5: 39. Isa. 8 : 20. Luke 16 : 29. Gal. 1 : 8.
ARTICLE III .- Of Man's Primitive State.
1. God created man at first holy, or upright, in the divine image; and he, being a rational, immortal, or living soul, was capable of serving and enjoying God.
Gen. 1 : 27 ; So God created man in his own image. Eccl. 7 : 29 ; God hath made man upright.
2. The condition of life, or of the perpetuity of happiness in paradise, was perfect personal and unceasing obedience.
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Gen. 2 : 17; But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it ; for in the day that thou catest thereof thou shalt surely die. James 2 : 10: For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all. Rom. 2 : 12-14, and 10 : 5. Gal 3 : 10.
3. This covenant being made with man, he was left to the freedom of his own will; that is, not by any necessity of nature constrained either to good or evil.
Eccl. 7 : 29; Lo, this only have I found, that God hath made man upright; but they have sought out many inventions. Deut. 30 : 19. Josh. 24 : 15. John 3 : 19.
ARTICLE IV .- Of Man's Fullen State.
1. The fall of man consisted in his voluntarily transgressing the divine will, by yielding to the temptation of Satan, and eating the forbidden fruit.
Gen. 8 : 6; And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit there- of, and did ent, and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. 2 Cor. 11 : 3. Rev. 20 : 2.
2. By sin mankind lost the divine image, became debased and defiled in all the affections of the soul ; and consequently morally incapable of serving or enjoying God truly, until they are re- newed by grace.
Gen. 4 : 6; And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of Ins heart was only evil continually. Jer. 17 : 9; The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked : who can know it? Titus 1 : 15, 16. Rom. 3 : 9-18, and 8 : 7. Eccl. 9 : 3. Ps. 58 : 3.
3. As this depravity does not consist in a privation, or lack, of the natural powers and faculties necessary to serve God, but in an entire and wicked love of sin and aversion to God and holi- ness, men are still under obligation of perfect obedience to all the precepts of the law and the gospel.
John 3 : 19, 20 ; And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world. and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 1 Pet. 1: 16; Be ye holy, for I am holy. Lev. 11 : 44. Deut. 6: 5. Isa. 55 : 1-7. John 12 : 36. Prov. 8 : 4.
4. Adam being the natural head of mankind, in consequence of our relation to him we all became polluted or defiled with sin.
Rom. 5 : 12; Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned. Ps. 58 : 3. Job 14 : 4, and 15 : 14. John 3 : 6.
ARTICLE V .- Of Election.
1. God in mere mercy was pleased, before time, to devise a way for man's recovery by the gospel.
Prov. 8 : 23; I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, or ever the earth was Eph. 1 : 4, 5 ; According as he hath chosen us in him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure
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of his will. 2 Tim 1 : 9 : Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not ac- cording to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. Acts 2 : 23. Rev. 13 : 8.
2. God's eternal purpose of election includes the subjects of salvation, with all the necessary means and qualifications for ob- taining it.
2 Thess. 2 : 13 : Because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spiit and belief of the truth. Rom. 8 : 28-30; And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first born among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called, and whom he called, them he also justified ; and whom he justified, them he also glorified. 1 Pet. 1 : 2. Eph. 1 : 4. Rom. 9th ch. Acts 13 : 48. Jer. 31 : 3.
ARTICLE VI .- Of Christ's Atonement.
1. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, in order to open a way for cur salvation, came down from heaven and took upon him human nature : in which nature he obeyed the law, suffered death, rose from the dead, ascended to glory, and lives to make intercession.
Phil. 2 : 5-11 : Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God : But made himseif of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men : And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death. even the death of the cross. Wherefore God alo hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name : That at the name of Jesus, every knce should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth: And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Heb. 7 : 25 ; Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. John 3 : 16. 1 Cor. 14 : 3, 4.
2. Although there is an infinite fullness in the atonement or merits of Christ, sufficient for all mankind, yet none are justified or entitled to any of the spiritual benefits of it, until they are united to Christ by faith.
Heb. 2 : 9; But we see Jesus who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffer- ing of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man. John 3 : 18. Mark 16 : 16. 2 Cor. 13 : 5. Eph. 2 : 3.
3. Christ has procured all spiritual blessings for his people, which are freely bestowed on them for his sake as a mere act of grace, and not at all on account of any worthiness of their own.
Rom. 8 : 32; He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 2 Tim. 1 : 9. 1 Cor. 1 : 30. Eph. 1 : 3, and 2 : 4-10. Rom. 4 : 14.
ARTICLE VII .- Of Regeneration.
1. Although there is a most full and free declaration of mercy in the gospel to mankind, through faith and repentance, yet through the native opposition of the heart, none ever do savingly acquiesce and receive Christ until the heart be renewed.
John 7 : 37 ; In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying,
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If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. John 5 : 40 ; And ye will not come unto me, that ye might have life. John 4 : 44; No man can come unto me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him. Rom. 9: 29. Isa. 1 : 9. Luke 14 : 17-22.
2. Regeneration is preceded by conviction of sin and followed by holy affections and divine comfort; but the change itself is wrought instantaneously by the powerful operation of the Holy Spirit upon the heart, by which its enmity is slain, and the creature disposed to receive Christ, and depend on him as the only Savior.
Rom. 7 : 9 ; For I was alive without the law once ; but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. John 3: 7; Marvel not that I said unto thee, ye must be born again Eph. 2 : 1: And you hath he quickened who were dead in trespasses and sins. Acts 14 : 30, 31, and 9 : 18, 19. 1 Pet. 1 : 23. Acts 2 : 37. John 5 : 25.
ARTICLE VIII .- Of Adoption.
All believers are adopted, that is, received into the number. and entitled to the privileges of the sons of God.
Gal. 4 : 5 : To re leem them that are under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 1 John 3 : 1 : Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. John 1 : 12. Rom. 8 : 16, 17. 2 Cor. 4 : 18.
ARTICLE IX .- Of Justification.
True believers are justified, or treated as righteous persons through the atonement of Christ, received by faith without the deeds of the law.
Rom. 3 : 24, 25 : Being justified freely by his grace by the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Therefore we conclude, that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. Rom. 4 : 5, 25.
ARTICLE X .- Of Sanctification.
Sanctification is a gradual progress in holiness, effected by the influence of the Holy Spirit, in applying the truth to the hearts of believers, producing obedience.
Phil. 3 : 12: Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect : but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. John 17 : 17. 19: Sanctify them through thy truth : thy word is truth. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Rom. 4 : 6, 14. 2 Pet. 3 : 18. Matt. 13 : 31, 33. Rom. 7 : 23.
ARTICLE XI .- Of Perseverance.
All true saints are kept by the power of God from final apos- tacy, and will persevere in faith and finally obtain salvation.
Phil. 1 : 6: Being confident of this very thing that he which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. John 10 : 28, 29: And I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall any plick them out of my hand. My Father which gave them me, is greater than all, and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 1 Pet. 1 : 5, 9. John 4 : 14 Job 17 : 9. Prov. 4 : 13. Rom. 8 ; 33, 30.
ARTICLE XII .- Of the Lord's Day.
The first day of the week, called the Lord's day, is the Chris-
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tian Sabbath, and is to be wholly employed in the worship of God, and other religious exercises, except so much as works of necessity and mercy require.
Ex. 20 : 8; Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. Matt. 12 : S: For the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath day. Isa. 48 : 13. Gen. 2: 2. John 20: 19. Luke 24 : 16. Acts 20 : 7. 1 Cor. 15 : 1, 2. Rev. 1 : 10.
ARTICLE XIII .- Of the Resurrection.
The bodies of the righteous and the wicked will be raised from the dead at the last day.
John 5 : 28, 29; Marvel not at this ; for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth ; they that have done good unto the resurrection of life ; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. Acts 24 : 15 : And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. Job 19 : 26. 1 Cor. 15th ch. Dan. 12: 2. Acts 26: 8,23. Col. 1: 28. Rev. 1; 5. 1 Thess. 4: 14. Rev. 20 : 13. John 20 : 20, 27. Phil. 3 : 21.
ARTICLE XIV .- Of the Judgment.
1. There will be immediately subsequent to the general resur- rection a general and final judgment. The design of the judg- ment is to make a full and complete disclosure of the principles and procedure of God's government; and to exhibit the charac- ters of men and fix their state forever.
Eccl. 12 : 14; For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Acts 17 : 31; Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath or- dained. 2 Cor. 5 : 10: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in t'ie boly, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bil. Matt. 25: 31-45. IIeb. 9 : 27. Rom. 14 : 10. 2 Tim. 4 : 1. Jude 6. Rev. 20 : 12.
2. The righteous will be admitted to endless happiness, and the wicked doomed to endless woe.
Matt. 25 : 46 ; And these shall go away into everlasting punishment ; but the righteous into life eternal. Prov. 14: 32; The wicked is driven away in his wickedness; but the righteous hath hope in his death. Ps. 6: 17: The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God. 2 Thes. 1: 9; Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. Mark 3 : 29. Din. 12 : 2. Matt. 12: 31, 32. John 8: 21, 21. Mark 9: 45, and 19: 16. Luke 16 : 23-25. Matt. 10 : 26. 2 Pet. 2: 4-9. Jude 13. John 3: 33. Rev. 20 : 14; 21 : 4 ; 22 : 11, and 23 : 29. IIeb. 10 : 27, 29, and 4 : 9.
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PART II.
THE VISIBLE CHURCH, ITS ORDER, DISCIPLINE. AND ORDINANCES.
ARTICLE I .- Of the Church.
1. A particular church of Christ is a number of visible saints, covenanting together, to maintain the doctrine, worship, ordi- nances and discipline of the gospel.
1 Cor. 1 : 2 ; Unto the Church of Gol which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints. 1 Tim. 3 : 15. 1 Cor. 12 : 12, 13. Acts 2 : 41, 42. Meb. 10 : 25. 1 Thes. 5 : 14.
2. All such regular and orderly churches, or branches, through- out the world, form the visible catholic church, spiritual Zion, or kingdom of Christ.
Eph. 1 : 23; Which is his body, the fullness of him that filleth all in all.
3. Christ alone is head of the Church, excluding all human authority in its discipline and worship.
Col. 1 : 18; And he is the head of the body, the church ; who is the beginning, the first born from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. Eph. 1 : 22, 23, and 4 : 11, 12. 1 Cor. 3 : 21, 23.
4. The church of Christ has power to choose and call to ordi- nation its own officers, and discipline its members; though in difficult cases it is proper to call the assistance and concurrence of sister churches, and one or more ministers of Christ.
1 Cor. 5 : 11, 12, 13 ; But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an ilolater, or a railer, or a drunk- arl, or an extortioner; with such a one no not to ent. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without ? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without God julseth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicket person. 2 John 10. Rev. 2 ; 2, 20. Matt. 7 : 15. Acts 15 : 6, 22. Matt. 18 : 17. Acts 6: 3.
ARTICLE II .- Of Baptism.
1. Baptism is the immersion of a credible believer in water in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, by a duly ordained minister.
Matt. 28 : 19 : Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Acts 8 : 36, 37, 38 ; And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water ; and the eunuch said, sce, here is water ; what doth hinder me to be baptized ? And Philip said, if thou believest with all thy heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Ani he commanded the chariot to stand still ; and they went down both into the water, both
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Philip and the eunuch ; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the spirit of the Lord caught away Philip. Matt. 3: 5-12. Mark 16: 15, 16. Luke 3: 3-9; 7: 29 ; S : 12, 37-83; 10 : 47 ; 16 : 14, 3)-31. Acts 18 : 8; 19 : 4; 22 : 16. Rom. 6 : 4. Col. 2 : 12. John 3 : 23. 1 Cor. 12 : 13. 1 Pet. 3 : 21.
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