USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Bridgewater > Confession of faith and covenant and rules of the First Congregational Church, Bridgewater, Mass. : adopted, July 19, 1859 > Part 1
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M.L
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
L
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00084 2002
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/confessionoffait00unse 5
CONFESSION OF FAITH
AND
COVENANT AND RULES
OF THE
First Trinitarian 1
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
BRIDGEWATER, MASS.
Adopted, July 19, 1859.
NEWBERRY LIBRARY CHICAGO
TAUNTON : C. A. HACK, PRINTER, 5 MAIN ST. 1859.
£
SKETCH. 1
1820258
The first Church in what is now Bridgewater, was proba- bly organized July 7th, 1718, as on that day fifty-one persons, twenty-five males 'and twenty-six females, signed the first Covenant. Rev. Benjamin Allen, their. first minister, was ordained, July 9, 1718. It was then thoroughly Trinitarian. and its first pastors orthodox ; but in process of time, in the general defection from the faith of our Puritan Fathers, in New England, there was evident here greater looseness in the presentation of the fundamental doctrines of the Gospel, and a positive leaning, and rapid advance towards, Armin- ianism ; the end of which has been, an entire rejection of their original Creed, and a thorough Unitarian organization. So far had they inclined in this direction, at the commencement of the present century, that a few individuals, who still loved the old ways the fathers trod, and who loved to hear the Gospel preached in its fulness and integrity, came out from them, and were formed into a Church in that part of the town called Conant-town. In 1821, ten others withdrew ; and the little church in Conant-town, now numbering nine individuals, uniting with them, they were organized into the First Trinitarian Congregational Church, in Bridgewater .---
The Council met in Scotland village, Oct. 17, 1821. The first meeting house was built in Scotland, in 1822, and during the same year a call was extended to Rev. Ebenezer Gay, to
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become their Pastor. Rev. Mr. Gay was installed, and the meeting house dedicated, upon the same day, Jan. 29, 1823. ' Rev. Dr. Codman, of Dorchester, preached the sermon.
During the same year, a revival commenced, and more than fifty were added to the Church.
In 1835, a feeling arose in the Church that there should be an orthodox influence exerted in the center of the town. Consequently it was "voted to sustain public worship in the center of the town, when a suitable house shall be prepared." Feb. 28, 1836, public worship was commenced in the Acade- my Hall. Thus the Church, with their Pastor, was formally removed from Scotland, and orthodoxy reinstated in the cen- ter of the town.
A portion of the Church, however, not wishing to remove from the old place, received letters of dismission, and were subsequently formed into what is now the Scotland Church. In 1836, the meeting house in which we at present worship, was built, and dedicated, Aug. 31, Rev. Dr. Putnam, of Mid- dleborough, preaching the sermon.
The Officers of the Church have been-
PASTORS,
Rev. Ebenezer Gay,
Rev. Samuel S. Tappan,
Rev David Brigham, Apr. 23, 1845, Feb. 23, 1859.
Rev. John M. Prince,
Installed, Jan. 29, 1823, March 30, 1842,
Dismissed, Dec. 29, 1841. Apr. 10, 1844. Dec. 31, 1858.
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DEACONS,
Oliver Keith, Ezra Fobes, Morton Eddy, Cornelius Holmes, Jr., Abiel Bassett, George W. Holmes,
Chosen, Resigned,
March 28, 1823, 6 Dec. 8, 1828, 1849.
Aug. 18, 1837, died, Nov. 3, 1850. June 29, 1849, Feb. 27, 1851.
ARTICLES OF FAITH.
ARTICLE I.
You believe that there is but one God, the Creator, Pre- server and Moral Governor of the universe, a being of abso- lute perfection, and revealed to us as Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
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1 Cor. 8; 4-John 1; 3-Mal. 3; 6-Dent 32; 4-Col. 2; 3-Mark 1; 11-John 10; 33-John 15; 26-Matt. 28; 19-2 Cor. 13 ; 14-1 Pet. 1; 2-Eph. 2; 18.
ARTICLE II ..
You believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testa- ments were given by inspiration of God, and that they are our only perfect rule of faith and practice.
2. Tim. 3 ; 16-2 Pet. 1; 21-1 Cor. 2; 13-Gal. 1; 12-Gal. 1; 8.
ARTICLE III.
You believe that the Divine law and the principles and ad- ministrations of the Divine government are perfectly holy, just and good; and that while the one Supreme God governs all things according to the course of Ilis own will, yet it is in such a manner that man is a free agent and accountable for all his actions.
Rom. 7; 14-7; 12-Ps. 19 ; 7.8, 9 89 ; 14-18 ; 30 -- Isa. 46 ; 10 -- Luke 22; 22- · / Acts 2 ; 23-4 ; 27, 23-Eph. 1; 11-John 24 ; 15-Deut. 30 ; 19-2 Cor. 5 ; 10.
ARTICLE IV.
You believe that our first parents were created in the im- age of God, that they fell from their state of perfect rectitude
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by transgressing the divine command, that in consequence of thei: apostacy the heart of man is naturally destitute of holi- ness and in a state of entire disaffection with the law, charac- ter and government of God.
Gen. 1 ; 26 27-2 15, 16, 17-3; 6-Rom. 5; 12, 17-Jchn 3; C-Rom. 7; 15-8 ; 7-3; 9, 10, 11, 12-John 5; 42-3; 3 .
ARTICLE V.
You believe Jesus Christ to be both God and man, two dis- tinet natures in one person ; that by His sufferings and death He made atonement sufficient for all mankind ; that pardon and eternal life are sincerely offered to all men upon the sole condition of repentance for sin and faith in Ilim, and that there is salvation in no other way.
1 Tim. 3; 16-Col 2; - 2 Cor. 5; 19-John 1 ; 14-Phil. 2 ; 6, 7, 8-Rom. 3; 25, 26-I.a. 53 : 5, 6-John 1; 29 Hleb 9; 28 | Joba 1; 7- 1 Pet. 2; 24-Acts 3; 19-10 ; 43-16; 37-Mark 15; 15 -- Acts 4; 12.
ARTICLE VI.
You believe that, though the way of life and the invitations of the Gospel are such that whosoever will, may come and take of the waters of life freely, yet, such is the deep sinful- ness of the human heart, mankind, of their own accord, refuse to comply with the terms of mercy, and continue alienated from God, until their hearts, specially influenced by the Holy Spirit, are freely given to the Savior.
Isa. 55 ; 1- John 7 ; 37 Rev. 22; 17 - John 6; 37 - Luke 14; 18-Rom. 8; 7 1 Cor. 2; 14 - John 5 ; 40- 1 Cor. 3; 6-Phil. 2 ; 13-Heb. 10; 16-Tit. 3; 5-Eph. 2; 4, 5-John 1; 13-6; 44.
ARTICLE VII.
You believe that those who embrace the Gospel, were cho_ sen in Christ before the foundation of the world; and that they are saved, not by works of righteousness which they have done, but according to the mercy of God, through sane- tification of the spirit and belief of the truth, and that they
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will be kept by the power of God, through faith, unto salva- tion.
Eph. 1 ; 4 - 2 Tim. 1 ; 9-Tit. 3; 5 - 2 Heb. 2 ; 13-Phil. 1 ; 6-1 Cor. 1 ; 8-John 6; 54 -Jer. 32 ; 40-1 Pet. 1; 5-Rom. 8; 38, 39
ARTICLE VIII.
You believe that watchfulness over the life, holy medita- tion, a conscientious attendance upon public, family and secret worship, together with the steady practise of righteousness, truth, sincerity and charity towards man, and of sobriety, chastity and temperance towards ourselves, are the indispen- sible duties of every christian.
Ps. 1; 2-Heb. 10; 25-Jer. 10; 25-Matt. 6; 6-Matt. 22; 37, 39-Gal. 5; 22, 23,24.
ARTICLE IX.
You believe that there will be a resurrection both of the just and the unjust ; that all mankind must one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ, to receive a just and final sentence of retribution according to the deeds done in the body ; and that from the judgment seat, the wicked shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal.
John 5; 28, 29-2 Thess. 1 ; 6, 7, 8, 9, 10-Matt. 25; 34, 41, 46-Rev. 20 ; 12.
ARTICLE X.
You believe that Christ has a visible Church in the world, into which none in the sight of God, but real believers, and none in the sight of man but visible believers, have right of admission. .
Acts 2; 47-20; 28-Eph. 2; 19, 20, 21, 22-5; 25, 26, 27 .- Psalms 50; 16 - 2 Cor. 6 .; 17.
ARTICLE XI.
. You believe that the Sacraments of the New Testament are Baptism and the Lord's Supper; that believers in reg- ular church standing only can consistently partake of the Lord's Supper, and that visible believers with their house-
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holds, only can consistently be admitted to the ordinance of baptism.
Matt. 26; 26, 27, 28-1 Cor. 11 ; 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, 29-1.uke, 18; 16-Acts, 2 ; 39-1 Cor. 7; 14-Acts, 16; 33-1 Cor. 1; 16.
ARTICLE XII.
You believe that you have experienced in your own soul the washing of regeneration, and the renewing of the Holy Ghost.
Thus believing, you are prepared to enter into Covenant with God and this Church.
Acts 8; 36, 37.
COVENANT.
You do now, in the presence of God, angels and men, avouch the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, to ' be your God; the supreme object of your soul, and your cho- sen portion forever. You cordially acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ in all his mediatorial offices, Prophet, Priest and King, as your only Savior and final Judge, and choose the Holy Ghost as your Sanctifier, Comforter and Guide. You humbly and cheerfully consecrate your whole self, soul and body, to God, in the everlasting covenant of grace ; conse- crate all your powers and faculties to His service and glory, and promise through the help of divine grace, without which you can do nothing, that you will give diligent heed to his word and ordinances, that you will maintain the worship of God in your family, that you will seek in all things the honor of his name and the interests of his kingdom, and that henceforth, denying all ungodliness and every worldly lust, you will live soberly, righteously and godly, even umtil death.
And you cordially join yourself to this, as a true Church of Christ, unreservedly engaging to submit to its discipline, so far as conformable to the rules of the Gospel, and solemnly covenant to strive, as much as in you lies, for its peace, edifi- cation and purity, and to walk with its members in christian love, faithfulness, circumspection, meekness and sobriety.
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Thus you covenant, promise and engage. [ The candidates assenting.]
Let us then seal this Covenant, in the ordinance of baptism.
[Here Baptism is to be administered to those not baptised in infancy.] (Do you who were baptised in infancy now recognise the validity of that act of christian parents, and ac- cept it as the seal of the Covenant into which you have now entered ?) [All the members of the church rise.] And now do we, the members of this church, receive you cheerfully to our communion ; engaging on our part to love you, pray for you, and watch over you with christian affection, and en- treating you to remember that, from this solemn hour, you have assumed obligations from which you can never escape. Wherever you go, these vows will be upon you.
They will follow you to the bar of God ; and in whatever world you may be fixed, will abide upon you to eternity ..
You can never again be as you have been. You have un- alterably committed yourself, and henceforth you must be the servant of God. Hereafter the eyes of the world will be up- on you ; and as you demean yourself, religion will be honor- ed or disgraced. If you walk worthy of your profession, you will be a credit and comfort to us ; but if it be otherwise, it will be an occasion of grief and reproach. But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things which accom- pany salvation, though we thus speak. May the Lord guide and preserve you till death, and at last receive you and us to that blessed world, where our love and joy shall be forever perfect. Amen.
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RECEPTION OF MEMBERS FROM OTHER CHURCHES.
Immediately before the administration of the Lord's sup- per, the names of those whose letters have been accepted, shall be read, together with the names of the churches recom- mending them ; and rising in their places, they receive the following address :-
Christian Friends,
In a former connection you have avow- ed your belief in the cardinal doctrines of our faith, and sus- tained a visible union to the great Head of the Church .- Bearing testimonials of good standing in the church of Christ which we receive as valid, you are now to assume similar ob- ligations, and enter into like engagements, with us. Do you therefore accept the articles of faith, and adopt the covenant of this Church? [The members assenting,] In behalf of this Church, I do therefore welcome you to its fellowship, and declare you entitled to all its privileges. And may the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work, to do his will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
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RULES.
I. OFFICERS.
1. The permanent Officers of the Church shall be a Pas- tor or Pastors, and Deacons. The annual Officers shall be a Scribe, and a Standing Committee of five, of which the Dea- cons shall constitute a part.
2. The Scribe, and three members of the Standing Com- mittee, shall be chosen annually, at the annual meeting of the Church.
3. The Pastors shall be Moderators of all business meet- ings of the Church, except in cases of discipline, in which they shall be parties concerned. In the absence of the Pas- tors, the Deacons shall moderate in rotation.
4. The Senior Deacon shall act as Treasurer of the Church, take the charge of all its property, defray its necessary ex- penses, and, with the Pastors and other Deacons, shall be a committee to distribute its charities to indigent members ; and at each annual meeting shall give an account of the receipts and expenditures of the year preceding.
5. The Standing Committee shall be a Committee of Vig- ilance, and, with the Pastors, a Committee for the examina- tion of candidates for admission to the Church.
6. The Scribe shall keep a faithful record of the business transactions of the Church, a register of admissions, dismiss- ions and deaths of members, and of all baptisms; and at each
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. annual meeting this register shall be read to the Church; as also the names of all absentees, who have not complied with the Rules relating to the "withdrawal of members."
II. MEETINGS.
1. The following shall be the stated meetings of the Church which they consider it the duty of all its members to attend, according to their ability.
A Prayer meeting or Lecture, on Tuesday evening of each week. Missionary and Sabbath School Concert of Prayer, on the Sabbath evening preceding the first and second Mon- days of each month. Preparatory Lecture on Friday after- noon, preceding each communion.
Meetings for devotional purposes, and for the transaction of business on the third Tuesday afternoon succeeding each communion season. The regular meeting of January, shall be considered the annual meeting.
2. The Lord's Supper shall be celebrated on the first Sabbaths of January, March, May, July, September and No- vember.
3. The Pastors, or in their absence, the Deacons, may call special meetings for business, of which public notice shall be given on the Sabbath.
III. RECEPTION OF MEMBERS.
I. BY PROFESSION.
Candidates may be examined, either by the Church, at regular meetings, or by the Examining Committee; and if approved by the Church, shall be propounded at least two weeks before their public admission, except in extraordinary cases.
II. BY LETTER.
Candidates, presenting regular letters of dismission and recommendation from sister Churches, shall be examined by
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the Examining Committee ; and if approved, their names shall be presented to the Church for further action.
All candidates for admission, having been propounded, or recommended by letter, for the space of two weeks, and no objection having been offered and sustained, shall become members by public assent to the Articles of Faith and Cove- nant adopted by the Church.
III. FELLOWSHIP.
Members of other Evangelical Churches, in good and reg- ular standing, shall be admitted to occasional communion .-- This Church expects, however, that all such, who may wish to commune with them for more than one year, will, within that time, apply for " Letters of transfer" to them, unless they shall give to the Standing Committee, satisfactory reasons for delay.
IV. WITHDRAWAL OF MEMBER- SHIP.
1. No member can leave this Church, except by Letter of transfer, or by Excommunication.
2. This Church will grant " Letters of transfer" to sister Churches, to members in good standing, upon their applica- tion in a regular way.
3. It shall be the duty of every member removing from this town, to apply for " Letters of transfer " to some regular Church of Christ in or near his place of residence, within one year from the time of his removal, unless he shall give rea- sons, satisfactory to the Church, for not so doing.
4. This Church deems it irregular for its members to withdraw from them, and to unite in communion and worship with other Churches, either on account of any offence, or for better edification, without first requesting a dismission.
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5. If any member residing in this town or vicinity, shall absent himself from Communion for more than six months, it shall be the duty of the Standing Committee to enquire in- 10 the cause of such delinquency, and if not satisfactory, to report the same to the Church.
V. DISCIPLINE.
1. Immoral or unchristian conduct, breach of express cov- enant vows, neglect of acknowledged religious or relative du- . ties, refusal to aid in the support of the Gospel among our- selves according to ability, and avowed disbelief in the Arti- cles of Faith to which they have assented, shall be consider- ed as offences demanding the discipline of the Church.
2. Personal offences, and minor offences which though not personal, are known to but one or a few individuals, must be adjusted according to the Rule of Christ in MATT. 18: 12, 17.
3. In gross and public offences, any member may bring a charge against the offender, before the Church :- or if gen- eral rumor be the only accuser, it shall be the duty of the Standing Committee to take cognizance thereof, and, if they find evidence of guilt, to present the case to the Church.
4. Any member who shall be accused before the Church, shall be duly notified in writing, of the charges against him, and entitled to a fair investigation, and an opportunity to make his defence.
5. The confession of an accused member, on the concur- rent testimony of two creditable witnesses, or circumstantial evidence deemed equivalent by the Church, shall be consid- ered sufficient for his conviction.
6. Every vote and sentence of excommunication, shall be read before the whole Congregation, on the Sabbath next succeeding such excommunication.
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VI. MISCELLANEOUS.
1. A collection shall be taken up at the close of the com- munion service, for the support of the table, and in aid of the poor of the Church, or for such other objects as occasion shall require.
2. This Church disapproves of riding or visiting on the Sabbath, for objects of business or pleasure, and of all that class of amusements, whose general tendency is injurious, and ' upon which the divine blessing may not with propriety be askel. It also disapproves of the use of intoxicating liquors as a beverage, and regards slaveholding for selfish purposes to be a sin which it cannot fellowship.
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UESTIONS
FOR
SELF-EXAMINATION.
₹ The following Questions are affectionately recommended to the frequent perusal of the Members of this Church.
1. What evidence have I that I am a Christian ?
2. Am I at peace with all who love Christ, and with oth- ers ?
3. What opinions do I adopt and habitually defend and in- culcate? Are they in accordance with the Scriptures, and with my profession of faith ?
4. What is the prevailing tenor of my conversation ? Is it spiritual or worldly ; serious or trifling ?
5. With whom do I associate as my intimate friends ?- What are the prospects for another world, of those in whose company I most delight ?
6. What influence has my example upon my friends and acquaintances ? Is it holy or unholy ? Will it save or de- stroy ?
7. How far am I governed by a regard to the opinions, the customs, and the fashions of the world?
8. Do I esteem it a privilege to deny myself for Christ's
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sake? And is it a pleasure, rather than a grief, to be asked to contribute to advance his kingdom ?
9. Do I study the Bible ? Do I understand and prize, above all price, its glorious doctrines ? Do its precepts regu- late my intercourse with men, and my communion with God?
10. Do I perform the duty of secret prayer? How often, and with what spirit ? Is my enjoyment so great in these sea- sons, that I can truly say, " My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God ; when shall I come and appear before God ?"
11. Am I in the practice of daily family prayer?
12. How do I spend the Sabbath ? Is it to me a day holy to the Lord and honorable ? How much of its time do I waste 'in indolence ; how much devote to business ; how much to dress ; how much to my soul ?
13. Do I make it a matter of conscience never to visit any place of amusement, or social pleasure, on which I cannot first ask the divine blessing, or where it may be deemed in- · trusive to introduce the subject of religion ?
14. Do I strive at all times, to act from a fixed regard to the glory of God, to resist and overcome sin? And am I willing, when I pray for knowledge, zeal, self-denial and ho- liness, that my prayers should be answered ? And do I prove that I am thus willing, by a diligent use of means for the at- tainment of these blessings ?
15. What are the feelings which I cherish towards the Church ? How do I speak of its officers, its members, its pro- "ceedings, its plans of doing good, and its covenant obligations ? Had I rather suffer, if need be, than be the occasion of injur- ing its influence, and of bringing it into reproach ?
16. Do I, in dependence on the Holy Spirit, govern my temper, subdue my passions, and quell a spirit of complaining
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of those around me and of fault-finding with my brethren ?- Am I of a meek, a forgiving and a forbearing temper ? And do I feel a readiness to forgive and pray for my enemies ? .
17. If a parent, are my children baptized, instructed in the truth, commended to God in prayer, and educated for eternity ?
18. What proportion of my worldly property do I sanctify to the Lord? In what do I deny myself for the purpose of doing good ? And does my conduct show that I am deeply ' interested in the conversion of a dying world ?
19. Am I upright and honest in all my dealings with my fellow men; careful to fulfill my promises, and ever mindful of the divine commands ?
20. What poor child of God have I ever made comfortable and happy? To how many widows and orphans, to how ma- ny perishing heathen, will the Savior point in the last day, and say to me, "Inasmuch as ye did that deed of charity unto one of the least of these, ye did it unto me ?"
21. Do I love the souls of sinners ? And is there one to whom I am faithful, and for whose conversion I feel intense anxiety ?
22. Am I connected with the Sabbath School or Bible Classes? And do I do what I ought to sustain them and in- duce others to attend them, and thereby seek the upbuilding of the Redeemer's kingdom ?
23. Is my zeal periodical or constant ? Is it for self or for Christ? Am I interested in the church prayer meetings, the monthly concert of prayer for missions, and for Sabbath schools, and in all other meetings for social worship? And do I make it a matter of conscience to sustain them by my presence, my influence, and my ready co-operation ?
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24. Do I regard it as a solemn covenant duty, as well as a privilege, to commune with this Church ?
25. Do I realize that I am to live but once; that the : character I form here will be mine forever ; that the influence I now exert will be felt when I am dead ?
26. Do I live as if I was bought with blood, and had giv- : en myself to Jesus Christ? Is it my prayer, in sickness or health, joy or sorrow, life or death, Thy will, O God, be done ?
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LIST OF MEMBERS.
Those with I preceding the name, recieved by letter ; the others on profession of their faith. The letter succeeding the name shows how the connexion was dissolved. m. to whom married. ex, excommunicated. * dead.
OCT. 17, 1821.
John Conant,
* May 4, 1845, aet. 95.
Deborah Conant,
* Wife, John, Nov. 7, 1844, aet. 92
Theophilus Wentworth,
Betsey Wentworth,
Wife Theophilus.
* to Scot. Ms., Feb. 24, '38, aet. 70
* Aug. 31, 1845, aet. 67.
* Wife Rufus, July 7, 1849. aet. 73
* Wife Ezra, Dec. 5, 1855, aet, 83
* Dec. 26, 1845, aet. 71.
Nancy Washburn,
Peter Conant, ex.
Jane Conant,
* Wife Peter.
Levi Leach,
Betsey Leach,
Oliver Conant, t.
* Wife Levi, Sept. 29, 1849, aet. 70 to Neponsett.
* Wife Oliver, Jul. 13 1834, aet. 57
Giles Leach, t.
Deborah Conant, t.
to Northfield, N. H. wife Libbeus.
Ruth Keith, t. to 3d ch. Middleboro, wife Daniel, The above 19 persons constituted the Church as first organized, Oct. 17, 1821.
1822.
Ezra Fobes, Jr. t. Hannah Fobes, Eliza Fobes, t. Darius Wentworth,
Lucretia Bassett, ex. Oliver Conant, Jr.
to Scotland. wife Ezra,
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