USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Manual containing the declaration of faith and church covenant of the Ruggles Street Baptist Church, Boston; also a brief history, by-laws and list of members, 1879 > Part 1
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M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01104 4747
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MANUAL:
CONTAINING
THE DECLARATION OF FAITH AND CHURCH COVENANT
OF THE
Ruggles Street Baptist Church,
BOSTON;
ALSO,
A BRIEF HISTORY, BY-LAWS,
AND
A LIST OF MEMBERS, THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY CHICAGO
1879.
BOSTON : FRANK WOOD, STEAM PRINTER, 352 WASHINGTON STREET.
1879.
1820264
1:
D 28441 .102
BOSTON. RUGGLES STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
Manual: containing the declaration of faith and church covenant of the Ruggles SerQUE BAD- tist church, Boston; also a brief history, 5- laws, and list of mocbors, 1979. Boston, WOCa. 1879. 32р
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1-28441 107
MANUAL
CONTAINING
THE DECLARATION OF FAITH AND
CHURCH COVENANT
OF THE
Rumalex SStreet Baptist Church,
BOSTON
ALSO, A BRIEF HISTORY, BY-LAWS,
AND
A LIST OF MEMBERS
18
THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY CHICAGO
BOSTON:
FRANK WOOD, STEAM PRINTER, 852 WASHINGTON STREET
1879
4
raised, in various ways, $10,500, and that, with the gift of the mortgage which the State Convention held, gave us the property unencumbered. In 1876 we thoroughly repaired the house, and enlarged it by building a new front. In 1877 our congregations had so increased that another enlargement was necessary, and the house was thoroughly rebuilt, at an expense of $20,000; the congregation worshipping, tempor- arily, in the Tabernacle Baptist Church. The house was re-dedicated in December, 1878. Since then the congregation and Sabbath School have rapidly grown. The school has had in attendance eight hundred and ninety-five. The interest among the unconverted has been continued. The Church numbers now over five hundred members. We have never had anything but union in love. One purpose is ours ; the glory of God in the salvation of men, through the truth as it is in - Jesus. In December, 1878, the building known as the Weston Street school-house was obtained, refitted for a free reading-room for young men, offices for the as- sistants, a social hall for the ladies' society and the young men's union, and the primary department of the Sabbath School. The Church is a body corporate in law, and does not have any society to control its affairs.
LIST OF OFFICERS.
: PASTOR, REV. R. G. SEYMOUR, 212 Northampton St.
CLERK, GEORGE V. BURR, 23 Kendall Street.
TREASURER, W. N. HARTSHORN, 41 Temple Place.
DEACONS,
SAMUEL SARGENT, JAMES A. CROWE,
O. H. DRISKO, JOSEPH BRYAN.
SUPERINTENDENT OF SABBATH SCHOOL,
C. B. LANE.
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS, P. P. ALLEN, W. N. HARTSHORN.
PASTOR'S ASSISTANT, E. S. FLETCHER.
.
DECLARATION OF FAITH.
I. OF THE SCRIPTURES.
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction ;1 that it has God for its author, salvation for its end,2 and truth without any mixture of error for its matter ;3 that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us ;4 and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union,' and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions should be tried.
Places in the Bible where taught.
1 2 Tim. iii. 16, 17; 2 Pet. i. 21; Acts i. 16, iii. 21; John x. 35; Luke xvi. 29-31; Ps. cxix. 111; Rom. iii. 1, 2.
2 2 Tim. iii. 15; 1 Pet. i. 10-12; Rom. i. 16; Mark xvi. 16; John v. 38, 39.
3 Proverbs xxx. 5, 6; John xvii. 17; Rev. xxii. 18, 19; Rom. iii. 4.
4 Rom. ii. 12; John xii. 47, 48; Luke x. 10-16, xii. 47, 48.
5 Phil. iii. 16; Ephes. iv. 3-6; Phil. ii. 1, 2; 1 Cor. i. 10; 1 Pet. iv. 11.
6 1 John iv. 1; 2 Cor. xiii. 5; Acts xvii. 11; 1 John iv. 6; Jude 3d v .; Ephes. vi. 17; Ps. cxix. 59, 60; Phil. i. 9-11.
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II. OF THE TRUE GOD.
We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent spirit, whose name is JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and Earth ;1 inexpressibly glorious in holiness,2
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and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love ;3 that in the unity of the Godhead there are three per- sons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost ;4 equal in every divine perfection,5 and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.6
Places in the Bible where taught.
1 1 John iv. 24; Ps. cxlvii. 5, 1xxxiii. 18; Heb. iii. 4; Rom. i. 20; Jer. x. 10.
2 Ex. xv. 11; Isa. vi. 3; 1 Pet. i. 15, 16; Rev. iv. 6-8.
3 Mark xii. 30; Rev. iv. 11; Matt. x. 37; Jer. ii. 12, 13.
Matt. xxviii. 19; John xv. 26; 1 Cor. xii. 4-6; 1 John v. 7.
5 John x. 30, v. 17, xiv. 23, xvii. 5, 10; Acts v. 3, 4; 1 Cor. iv. 10, 11; Phil. ii. 5, 6.
6 Ephes. ii. 18; 2 Cor. xiii. 14; Rev. i. 4, 5; Comp. ii. 7.
III. OF THE FALL OF MAN.
We believe that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker ;1 but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state ;' in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners,3 not by con- straint but choice ;+ being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil ; and therefore under just condemna- tion to eternal ruin,5 without defence or excuse.6
Places in the Bible where taught.
1 Gen. i. 27, i. 31; Eccles. vii. 29; Acts. xv. 26; Gen. ii. 16.
' Gen. iii. 6-24; Rom. v. 12.
3 Rom. v.[19; John iii. 6; Ps. li. 5; Rom. v. 15-19; viii. 7.
* Isa. liii. 6; Gen. vi. 12; Rom. iii. 9-18.
Eph. ii. 1-3; Rom, i. 18, i. 32, ii. 1-16; Gal. iii. 10; Matt. xx. 15.
6 Ez. xviii. 19, 20; Rom. i. 20, iii. 19; Gal. iii. 22.
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IV. OF THE WAY OF SALVATION.
We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace ;1 through the Mediatorial offices of the Son of God; "who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon IIim our nature, yet without sin; 3 honored the Divine law by His personal obedience,4 and by His death made a full atonement for our sins ; 5 that having risen from the dead, IIe is now enthroned in Heaven ;6 and uniting in His wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, He is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Saviour.7
Places in the Bible where taught.
1 Eph. ii. 5; Matt. xviii. 11; 1 John iv. 10; 1 Cor. iii. 5-7; Acts xv. 11.
9 John iii. 16, i. 1-14; Heb. iv. 14; Rom. xii. 24.
3 Phil. ii. 6, 7; Heb. ii. 9, ii. 14; 2 Cor. v. 21.
+ Isa. Ixii. 21; Phil. ii. 8; Gal. iv. 4, 5; Rom. iii. 21.
5 Isa. liii. 4, 5; Matt. xx. 28; Rom. iv. 25; iii. 21-26; 1 John iv. 10; ii. 2; . 1 Cor. xv. 1-3; Heb. ix. 13-15.
6 Heb. i. 8, i. 3, viii; Col. iii. 1-4.
7 Heb. vii. 25; Col. ii. 9; Heb. ii. 18, vii. 26; Ps. Ixxxix. 19, xlv.
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V. OF JUSTIFICATION.
We believe that the great Gospel blessing which Christ1 secures to such as believe in Him is Justifica- tion;2 that Justification includes the pardon of sin,3 and the promise of eternal life on principles of right- eousness ;* that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood;5 by
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virtue of which faith His perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; " that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.7
Places in the Bible where taught.
1 John i. 16; Eph. iii. 8.
2 Acts xiii. 39; Isa. iii. 11, 12; Rom. viii. 1.
3 Rom. v. 9; Zech. xiii. 1; Matt. ix. 6; Acts x. 43.
4 Rom. v. 17; Titus iii. 5, 6; 1 Pet. iii. 7; 1 John ii. 25; Rom. v. 21.
5 Rom. iv. 4, 5, v. 21, vi. 23; Phil. iii. 7-9.
6 Rom. v. 19, iii. 24-26, iv. 23-25; 1 John, ii. 12.
7 Rom. v. 1, 2, v. 3, v. 11; 1 Cor. i. 30, 31; Matt. vi. 33; 1 Tim. iv. 8.
VI. OF THE FREENESS OF SALVATION.
We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the Gospel;1 that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent and obedient faith ; 2 and that nothing prevents the salva- tion of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own inhe- rent depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel ; 3 which rejection involves him in an aggravated con- demnation.+
Places in the Bible where taught.
1 Isa. Iv. 1; Rev. xxii. 17; Luke xiv. 17.
? Rom. xvi. 26; Mark i. 15; Rom. i. 15-17.
3 John v. 40; Matt. xxiii. 37; Rom. ix. 32; Prov. i. 24; Acts xiii. 46.
John iii. 19; Matt. xi. 20; Luke xix. 27; 2 Thess. i. 8.
VII. OF GRACE IN REGENERATION.
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again ; 1 that regeneration con-
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sists in giving a holy disposition to the mind ;ª that it is effected in a manner above our comprehension by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with Divine truth,3 so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel;4 and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance, and faith and newness of life.5
Places in the Bible where taught.
1 John iii. 3, iii. 6, 7; 1 Cor. i. 14; Rev. viii. 7-9, xxi. 27.
2 2 Cor. v. 17; Ez. xxxvi. 26; Deut. xxx. 6; Rom. ii. 28, 29, v. 5; 1 John iv. 7.
8 John iii. 8, i. 13; James i. 16-18; 1 Cor. i. 30; Phil. ii. 13.
4 1 Pet. i. 22-25; 1 John v. 1; Eph. iv. 20-21; Col. iii. 9-11.
5 Eph. v. 9; Rom. viii. 9; Gal. v. 16-23; Eph. iii. 14-21; Matt. iii. 8-10, vii. 20; 1 John v. 4, 18.
VIII. OF REPENTANCE AND FAITHI.
We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred · duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God ;1 whereby, " being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger and help- lessness, and of the way of salvation, by Christ,? we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession and supplication for mercy ; 3 at the same time heartily re- ceiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest and King, and relying on Him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.+
Places in the Bible where taught.
1 Mark i. 15; Acts xi. 18; Ephes. ii. 8; 1 John, v. 1.
2 John xvi. 8; Acts ii. 37, 38, xvi. 30, 31.
3 Luke xviii. 13, xv. 18-21; James iv. 7-10: 2 Cor. vii. 11; Rom. x. 12, 13; Ps. li.
4 Rom. x. 9-11; Acts iii. 22, 23; Heb. iv. 14; Ps. ii. 6; Heb. i. 8, viii. 25; 2 Tim. i. 12.
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IX. OF GOD'S PURPOSE OF GRACE.
We believe that Election is the eternal purpose of God, according to which He graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners;1 that being perfectly con- sistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end ;? that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, be- ing infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable ;' that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imitation of His free mercy;" that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree;5 that it may be ascer- tained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gos- pel; 6.that it is the foundation of Christian assurance ; 7 and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves de- mands and deserves the utmost diligence.8
.
Places in the Bible where taught.
1 2 Tim. i. 8, 9; Eph. i. 3-14; 1 Pet. i. 1, 2; Rom. xi. 5, 6; John xv. 16; 1 John iv. 19; Hos. xii. 9.
2 2 Thess. ii. 13, 14; Acts xiii. 48; John x. 16; Matt. xx. 16; Acts xv. 14.
3 Ex. xxxiii. 18, 19; Matt. xx. 15; Eph. i. 11; Rom. ix. 23, 24; Jer. xxxi. 3; Rom. xi. 28, 29; James i. 17, 18; 2 Tim. i. 9; Rom. xi. 32-36.
4 1 Cor. iv. 7, i. 26-31; Rom. iii. 27, iv. 16; Col. iii. 12; 1 Cor. iii. 5-7, xv. 10; 1 Pet. v. 10; Acts i. 24; 1 Thess. ii. 13; 1 Pet. ji. 9; Luke xviii. 7; John xv. 16; Eph. i. 16; 1 Thess. ii. 12.
5 2 Tim. ii. 10; 1 Cor. ix. 22; Rom. viii. 28-30; John vi. 37-40; 2 Pet. i. 10.
6 1 Thess. i. 4-10.
7 Rom. viii. 28-30; Isa. xlii. 16; Rom. xi. 29.
8 2 Pet. i. 10, 11; Phil. iii. 12; Heb. vi. 11.
X. OF SANCTIFICATION.
We believe that Sanctification is the process by
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which, according to the will of God, we are made par- takers of His holiness;1 that it is a progressive work ;? that it is begun in regeneration ;3 and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit-the Sealer and Comforter - in the continual use of the appointed means - especially, the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watch- fulness and prayer.4
Places in the Bible where taught.
1 1 Thess. iv. 3, v. 23; 2 Cor. vii. 1, xiii. 9; Ephes. i. 4.
2 Prov. iv. 18; 2 Cor. iii. 18; Heb. vi. 1; 2 Pet. i. 5-8; Phil. iii. 12-16.
3 John ii. 29; Rom. viii. 5; John iii. 6; Phil. i. 2-11; Ephes. i.113, 14.
* Phil. ii. 12, 13; Ephes. iv. 11, 12; 1 Pet. ii. 2; 2 Pet. iii. 18; 2 Cor. xiii.
5; Luke xi. 35, ix. 23; Matt. xxvi. 41; Ephes. vi. 18, iv. 30.
XI. OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS.
We believe that such only are real believers as en- dure unto the end ; 1 that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors ;2 that a special Providence watches over their welfare ;3 and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation .*
Places in the Bible where taught.
1 John viii. 31; 1 John ii. 27, 28, iii. 9, v. 18.
2 1 John ii. 19; John xiii. 18; Matt. xiii. 20, 21; John vi. 66-69; Job xvii. 9.
3 Rom. viii. 28; Matt. vi. 30-33; Jer. xxxii. 40; Ps. cxxi. 3, xci. 11, 12.
4 Phil. i. 6, ii. 12, 13; Jude 21, 25; Heb. i. 14; 2 Kings vi. 16; Heb. xiii.
5; 1 John iv. 4.
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XII. OF THE HARMONY OF THE LAW AND TIIE GOSPEL.
We believe that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of His moral government ; 1 that it is holy, just and good ; 2 and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its pre- cepts, arise entirely from their love of sin ; 3 to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Me- diator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the Gospel, and of the Means of Grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.4
Places in the Bible where taught.
1 Rom. iii. 31; Matt. v. 17; Luke xvi. 17; Rom. iii. 20, iv. 15.
2 Rom. vii. 12, vii. 7, 14, 22; Gal. iii. 21; Ps. cxix.
8 Rom. viii. 7, 8; Josh. xxiv. 19; Jer. xiii. 23; John vi. 44, v. 44.
' Rom. viii. 2, 4, x. 4; 1 Tim. i. 5; Heb. viii. 10; Jude 20, 21; Heb. xii. 14; Matt. xvi. 17, 18; 1 Cor. xii. 28.
XIII. OF A GOSPEL CHURCH.
We believe that a visible church of Christ is a con- gregation of baptized believers,1 associated by cove- nant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel ;2 observing the ordinances of Christ ;3 governed by Ilis laws ;' and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by His word ; 5 that its only scriptu- ral officers are Bishops or Pastors, and Deacons,6 whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
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Places in the Bible where taught.
1 Cor. i. 1-13 ; Matt. xviii. 17; Acts v. 11, viii. 1, xi. 31; 1 Cor. iv. 17, xiv. 23; 3 John 9; 1 Tim. iii. 5.
2 Acts ii. 41, 42; 2 Cor. vii. 5; Acts ii. 47; 1 Cor. v. 12, 13.
3 1 Cor. xi. 2; 2 Thess. iii. 6; Rom. xvi. 17-20; 1 Cor. xi. 23; Matt. xviii. 15-20; 1 Cor. v. vi; 2 Cor. ii. vii; 1 Cor. iv. 17.
4 Matt. xxviii. 20; John xiv. 15, xv. 12; 1 John iv. 21; John xiv. 21; 1 Thess. v. 2; 2 John 6; Gal. vi. 2.
5 Ephes. iv. 7; 1 Cor. xiv. 12; Phil. i. 27; 1 Cor. xii. 14.
6 Phil. i. 1; Acts xiv. 23, xv. 23; 1 Tim. iii; Titus i.
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XIV. OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER.
We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer,' into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; ' to show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried and risen Saviour, with its effect, in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life ; 3 that it is pre-requisite to the privileges of a church relation ; and to the Lord's Supper,4 in which the members of the church by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commem- orate together the dying love of Christ;5 preceded always by solemn self-examination.6
Places in the Bible where taught.
1 Acts viii. 36-39; Matt. iii. 5, 6 ; John iii. 22, 23; iv. 1, 2; Matt. xxviii.
19; Mark xvi. 16; Acts ii. 38, viii. 12, xvi. 32-34, xviii. 8.
2 Matt. xxviii. 19; Acts x. 47, 48; Gal. iii. 27, 28.
3 Rom. vi. 4; Col. ii. 12 ; 1 Pet. iii. 20, 21; Acte xxii. 16.
4 Acts ii. 41, 42; Matt. xxviii. 19, 20.
5 1 Cor. xi. 26; Matt. xxvi. 26-29; Mark xiv. 22-25; Luke xxii. 14-20.
6 1 Cor. xi. 28, v. 1, 8, x. 3-32, xi. 17-32; John vi. 26-71.
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XV. OF THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH.
We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath ; 1 and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes,' by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations ; 3 by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private + and public ; 5 and by preparation for that rest that re- maineth for the people of God.6
Places in the Bible where taught.
1 Acts xx. 7; Gen. ii. 3; Col. ii. 16, 17; Mark ii. 27; John xx. 19; 1 Cor. xvi. 1, 2.
2 Ex. xx. 8; Rev. i. 10; Ps. cxviii. 24.
3 Isa. Iviii. 13, 14; Isa. Ivi. 2-8.
' Ps. cxviii. 15.
5 Heb. x. 24, 25; Acts xi. 26; Acts xiii. 44; Lev. xix. 30; Ex. xlvi. 3; Luke iv. 16; Acts xvii. 2, 3; Ps. xxvi. 8, Ixxxvii. 3.
6 Heb. iv. 3-11.
XVI. OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
We believe that Civil Government is of Divine ap- pointment, for the interests and good order of human society;1 and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored and obeyed ;2 except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ,' who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth.4
Places in the Bible where taught.
1 Rom. xiii. 1-7; Deut. xvi. 18; 2 Sam. xxiii. 3; Ex. xviii. 23; Jer. xxx. 21.
2 Matt. xxii. 21; Titus iii. 1; 1 Pet. ii. 13; 1 Tim. ii. 1-8.
3 Acts v. 29; Matt. x. 28; Dan. iii. 15-18, vi. 7-10; Acts iv. 18-20.
4 Matt. xxiii. 10; Rom. xiv. 4; Rev. xix. 16; Ps. Ixxii. 11; Ps. ii .; Rom. xiv. 9-13.
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XVII. OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED.
We believe that there is a radical and essential dif- ference between the righteous and the wicked ;' that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in His esteem ;2 while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in His sight . wicked, and under the curse ; 3 and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.4
Places in the Bible where taught.
1 Mal. iii. 18; Prov. xii. 26; Isa. v. 20; Gen. xviii. 23; Jer. xv. 19; Acts x. 34, 35; Rom. vi. 16.
' Rom. i. 17, vii. 6; 1 John ii. 29, iii. 7; Rom. vi. 18, 22; 1 Cor. xi. 32; Prov. xi. 31; 1 Pet. iv. 17, 18.
3 1 John v. 19; Gal. iii. 10; John iii. 36; Isa. Ivii .: 21; Ps. x. 4; Isa. lv. 6, 7.
4 Prov. xiv. 32; Luke xvi. 25; John viii. 21-24; Prov. x. 24; Luke xii. 4, 5, ix. 23-26; John xii. 25, 26; Eccl. iii. 17; Matt. vii. 13, 14.
XVIII. OF THE WORLD TO COME.
We believe that the end of this world is approach- ing ;1 that at the Last Day, Christ will descend from heaven,2 and raise the dead from the grave to final ret- ribution; 3 that a solemn separation will then take place ; 4 that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy ;' and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.6
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Places in the Bible where taught.
11 Pet. iv. 7; 1 Cor. vii. 29-31; Heb. i. 10-12; Matt. xxiv. 35; 1 John ii. 17; Matt. xxviii. 20, xiii. 39, 40; 2 Pet. iii. 3-13.
2Acts i. 11; Rev. i. 7; Heb. ix. 28; Acts iii. 21; 1 Thess. iv. 13-18, v. 1-11.
3Acts xxiv. 15; 1 Cor. xv. 12-59; Luke xiv. 14; Dan. xii 2; John v. 28, 29, vi. 40, xi. 25, 26; 2 Tim. i. 10; Acts x. 42.
4Matt. xiii. 49; Matt. xiii. 37-43, xxiv. 30, 31, xxv. 11-33.
5Matt. xxv. 35-11; Rev. xxii. 11; 1 Cor. vi. 9, 10; Mark ix. 43-48; 2 Pet. ii. 9; Jude 7; Phil. iii. 19; Rom. vi. 12; 2 Cor. v. 10, 11; John iv. 36; 2 Cor. iv. 18.
6Rom. iii. 5, 6; 2 Thess. i. 6-12; Heb. vi. 1, 2; 1 Cor. iv. 5; Acts xvii. 31; Rom. ii. 2-16; Rev. xx. 11, 12; 1 John ii. 28, iv. 17.
SEEING, THEN, THAT ALL THESE THINGS SHALL BE DISSOLVED, WHAT MANNER OF PERSONS OUGHT YE TO BE IN ALL HOLY CONVERSATION AND GODLINESS, LOOKING FOR AND HASTING UNTO THE COMING OF THE DAY OF GOD ? - (2 Peter iii. 11, 12.)
COVENANT.
WE will endeavor, by Divine Grace assisting us : - To order our conversation in the Church and in the world, as becometh the Gospel of Christ; striving to watch over and edify one another in love.
To attend the public worship of God as constantly as possible, and especially to attend upon the celebra- tion of the Lord's Supper.
To read the Scriptures; to pray with, and for, our families ; to be sober and temperate in our deportment, just and upright in our dealings, studious to promote peace and good-will amongst all men, kind and just toward those in our employ, and faithful in the ser- vice we promise to others, endeavoring in all things to maintain a conscience without offence in all relations of this present life.
To strive together for the support of a faithful, evangelical ministry among us, and to contribute of our means, as God has prospered us, for the spread of the Gospel.
To cherish toward the members of the Church a kind, sympathizing, faithful and forgiving behavior; never suffering sin, nor needlessly exposing the infirmities of others, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as we see the day approaching.
In all cases of discipline or business before the Church, we will endeavor to avoid a contentious spirit : and if unable, from a sense of duty to God, to har- monize in opinion with others, we will recognize the right of the majority to govern.
BY-LAWS.
PREAMBLE.
. No distinction is to be made between this church as a religious body and as a corporation. There is but one organization, and that the church; incorporated, that it may hold its property, and manage its affairs, without in- terference or control from others.
ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP.
SECTION 1. Any person professing faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, giving evidence of a change of heart, and adopting the views set forth in the declaration of faith made by us, may, after baptism, become a member, by a vote of the church.
SECT. 2. Any person wishing to unite with the church by baptism, shall first make it known to the Pastor or Deacons, who shall submit the case to the Prudential Committee The said Committee, having examined the matter, may pre- sent the applicant to the church at any one of its regular meetings.
SECT. 3. Members of other churches of the same faith and order, may be admitted into the fellowship of this church by letters of dismission and recommendation from their respective churches; but all such letters must first be sub- mitted to the Prudential Committee, and if favorably received shall then be submitted to the church for action.
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SECT. 4. Any person having lost his membership from another church, or from this one, in consequence of any peculiar circumstance, may be received by giving satisfac- tory evidence of a Christian character and a Scriptural faith.
SECT. 5. Any member in good standing shall be entitled to a dismission to any church with which this one is in fel- lowship.
SECT. 6. The application for dismission must be made to the Pastor or Deacons, and by them reported to the church.
SECT. 7. The names of those members who have been absent one year, of whom no satisfactory report has been ren- dered, shall be called at the annual meeting, that such action may be taken thereon as is necessary. If any member shall fail to communicate with the church for the space of three years, his name shall be dropped from the roll.
SECT. 8. During a temporary absence from the church, the Pastor or Clerk may give a letter of occasional communion ; the letter to be valid only one year.
SECT. 9. Any member of good Christian character desiring to unite with some other body of evangelical Christians, may receive, by vote of the church, a certificate of Christian char- acter, and such name shall be dropped from the roll.
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SECT. 10. Any member may, upon charges preferred, for good cause, and after an opportunity to be heard, be excluded by a vote of two-thirds of those present and voting; but, in case he is an officer, not until he has first been duly removed from office.
ARTICLE II. MEETINGS.
SECTION 1. A regular business meeting shall be held at half-past seven o'clock, on the second Tuesday evening of cach month.
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SECT. 2. At the January meeting in each year, which shall be deemed the annual meeting, the Clerk, the Treasurer and the Executive Committee shall present written reports. SECT. 3. Any meeting may be reasonably adjourned.
SECT. 4. All business meetings shall be held at the meet- ing-house of the corporation, unless it be necessary to hold them at any time elsewhere; in which case the same notice shall be given as is provided for in the case of special meet- ings.
SECT. 5. The Clerk shall, upon the written request of the Executive Committee, or of any five members of the corpo- ration, call a special meeting of the corporation at any time, by a notice signed by him, stating the business to be pre- sented; which notice he shall cause to be read on Sunday, at least two days before the time appointed for the meeting, at some public service in the usual place of worship.
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