USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Hyde Park > Manual of the First Baptist Church, Hyde Park : containing historical sketch, roll of officers and members from the beginning, alphabetical list of the present membership, June 1878, articles of faith, covenant and by-laws > Part 1
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M. L.
ENEALOGY 74.402 65HYA
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
.
E
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01100 0657
GENEALOGY 974.402 B65HYA
4484
MANUAL
OF THE
First Baptist Church, 1st,
HYDE PARK.
CONTAINING HISTORICAL SKETCH, ROLL OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS FROM THE BEGINNING; ALPHABETICAL LIST OF THE PRESENT MEMBERSHIP, ( JUNE, IS7S,)"
ARTICLES OF FAITH,
COVENANT AND BY-LAWS.
THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY CHICAGO
BOSTON : PRINTED BY WARREN RICHARDSON, 1878. 1
1851431
MANUAL
OF THE
First Baptist Church,
HYDE PARK.
TH- NEWBERRY LIEA . : Y CHIC. ... 1875.
T82T3T
NHAS ECYH
YAO VOWAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
HISTORICAL SKETCH. DECLARATION OF FAITH, AND COVENANT.
OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. RULES OF ORDER.
HISTORICAL ROLL OF OFFICERS AND MEMBERS. PRESENT LIST OF MEMBERS.
2545 5 2
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HISTORICAL SKETCH.
TN 1856, when but few families had come to what is now Hyde Park, the pastor of the Baptist Church in Mill Village used to come over and preach at five o'clock, on Sundays, in private houses. The first Sabbath School was organized in A. P. Blake's parlor, with brother L. B. Hanaford as Superintendent. He was succeeded by Mr. Daniel Warren, a Methodist brother. The services were professedly union.
When the Hartford & Erie Depot was built, the meetings and Sabbath School were transferred to a hall in that building. But the union soon proved to be more nominal than real. so that brother George Pierce personally built a hall, for the use, in part, of a Baptist Church. Meantime the Baptists withdrew from the union meetings and Sabbath School, and commenced worship in brother L. B. Hana- ford's parlor. There, on the twenty-third day of September, 1858, the Fairmount Baptist Church (whose name has since then been changed to the First Baptist Church in Hyde Park) was organized; Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Stone, Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Smith, George Pierce, Georgiana Pierce, Mr. and Mrs. David Higgins, John M. Williams and Lyman B. Hanaford, ten in all, being the constituent members.
September 24, 1858, the new hall was dedicated, Rev. D. C. Eddy, D. D., preaching the sermon. Rev. H. Fittz, Missionary of the Massa- chusetts Baptist State Convention, engaged to see the pulpit statedly supplied for at least one year. That winter, brother W. A. Holland, of Boston, preached most of the time, and did good service. For a considerable time the Baptist was the only meeting held in the village.
Mr. Fittz continued to supply the church with preaching for two years from its organization; in August, 1860, the Church was publicly recognized by a council called for the purpose, and in September. Rev. A. Webster, D. D., editor and publisher of The Christian Era, having become a resident of the village, the church induced him to supply their pulpit. At this time the Church numbered, all told, fifteen members, none of whom possessed much property. During that Autumn and Winter the congregation largely increased, and unusual religious feeling was manifest. Early in the Spring, Rev. A. B. Earle held a short series of meetings here, during which the Spirit descended in great power. The meetings were continued nearly every evening for several weeks. In a population largely transient, not less than fifty
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HISTORICAL SKETCH.
persons were hopefully converted. More than twenty of these united with this church, and enlarged greatly its efficiency, as well as its numbers. Others of the converts united with churches elsewhere.
In the midst of this revival, legal notice was served upon us to vacate, within thirty days, the hall in which we worshipped. But before the time designated for us to vacate, God interposed for us. and converted some members of the owner's family, so that he person- ally requested us to continue our daily meetings and Sabbath worship in the hall. But the church was now led to consider the question of building a Chapel where our present house of worship stands. The land company gave us the land, the architect gave us the plans, our mechanics gave labor, and thus, amid manifold struggles, we erected a Chapel, and dedicated it in the Summer of 1862, at which time Dr. Webster felt compelled by other duties to relinguish the supply of the pulpit.
Early the next Spring the church engaged the services of Rev. G. R. Darrow, as a stated supply. In the Autumn he accepted a call to the pastorate, but resigned March 25th, 1864. It was during this year that the mortgage of $1,600 upon our Chapel was paid -mainly through the energetic efforts of brother T. C. Evans.
After the resignation of Mr. Darrow, students supplied the pulpit until November, when Mr. A. De F. Palmer, a recent graduate from Newton, was engaged to preach for us until the next April. August 6, 1865, the church called to the pastorate Rev. C. A. Skinner, who, after a short term of service, closed his pastorate the first Sabbath in May, 1866.
June 17, 1866, the church extended a call to Rev. W. H. S. Ventres, of Paris, Me., to become our pastor, which he accepted, and entered upon his labors with us in the Autumn. The church then had a membership of 80. The next two years was a season of prosperity. Converts were multiplied, and the congregation outgrew the Chapel's capacity. A larger house became a necessity. But the church and society were still poor.
In the Autumn of 1868 a meeting of the society was called, and a building committee was appointed, consisting of T. C. Evans, A. Webster, Elihu Greenwood, W. F. Badger and C. C. Bradbury. Plans and specifications were presented and approved. The com- mittee were limited to an expenditure of $20,000 for the house, $15.000 of which must be subscribed before any contract be made. When $13,500 had been subscribed, failure seemed inevitable. A motion was made in the committee to abandon the enterprise. Brethren Webster, Evans and Greenwood at length agreed to assume, in addi- tion to their subscriptions, the $1,500 lacking, and the contract was
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
5
awarded to Messrs. Thompson & Russell, for $18,800, June 12, 1869. Our church lot now being too small, Gordon H. Nott, Esq., gener- ously donated to us on the rear of it about 10,000 feet of land, which gave us ample room for our new edifice.
In June, 1870, Mr. Ventres resigned the pastorate, and closed his labors the following Sabbath.
October 16, 1870, the church called to its pastorate Rev. I. H. Gil- bert, of Middletown, Conn., who commenced his labors with us Nov .. 20th. On the 30th of that month our new church edifice was dedi- cated, and then followed a precious work of grace among us. During the next two years our membership considerably more than doubled. Then commenced a season of business rerulsion which swept away most of the financial ability of our church and society. Our pastor resigned in the Spring of 1876, and we were compelled to depend upon such pulpit supplies as we could secure until April 1, 1877, when providence opened the way for us to secure the services of our present pastor, Rev. D. C. Eddy, D. D., in whom our church and society are most happily united, and whose labors among us God has signally blessed.
HISTORICAL LIST OF PASTORS AND OFFICERS.
PASTORS.
GEO. R. DARROW, C. A. SKINNER,
W. H. S. VENTRES, I. H. GILBERT,
D. C. EDDY.
DEACONS.
JNO. M. WILLIAMS, H. G. SMITH, L. B. HANAFORD, DAVID HIGGINS, GEO. PIERCE, FRANKLIN STONE,
T. C. EVANS, ISAIAH F. ARNOLD, JAS. M. SCOTT,
C. F. GERRY, N. SHEPARD,
CHAS. PIERCE, THEO. H. VIDETO, O. P. HORNE, N. H. TUCKER, H. H. GOULD.
L. B. HANAFORD, RINALDO WILLIAMS, T. C. EVANS, AMOS WEBSTER,
CLERKS.
C. F. GERRY,
W. F. BADGER,
EDW. W. COLLINS,
C. H. GILMAN,
E. GOULD,
H. H. GOULD.
GEO. PIERCE, H. G. SMITH, L. B. HANAFORD,
TREASURERS.
R. WILLIAMS, A. L. RUSSELL,
W. F. BADGER,
ISAIAH F. ARNOLD.
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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 centre of Christian union, 5 and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.6
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 and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; 3 that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons, 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
III. - OF THE FALL OF MAN.
We belive that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; 2 in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners,3 not
Places in the Bible where taught.
1. 2 Tim. iii. 16. 17. 2 Pet. 1. 21. 2 Sam. xxiil. Acts 1. 16; Ifi. 21. John x. 35. Luke xvi. 29-31. Ps cxix. 111. Rom. ifi. 1. 2.
2. 2 Tim. ili. 15. 1 Pet. i. 10-12. Acts xi. 11. Rom. i. 16. Mark xvi. 16. John v. 38-39
3. Proverbs xxx. 5-6. John xvif. 17. Rev. xxii. 18, 19. Rom ill. 4
Rom. il. 12. John xil. 47. 48. 1 Cor. iv. 3. 1. Luke x. 10-16, xii. 47. 49.
5. Phil. iif 16 Ephes. Iv. 3-6. Phil. il. 1. 2. 1 Cor. 1. 10. 1 Pet iv. 11.
6.
1 John iv. 1. Isaiah viil. 20. 1 Thess. v. 21. 2 Cor. xili. 5. Acts xvil. 11.
.1 Jobn Iv. 6. Jude 3d v. Ephes. vi. 17. Ps. cxix. 59-60. Phil. i. 9-11.
1. John Iv. 24. Ps. cxlvii. 5. Ps. Ixxxiii. 18. Heb. ill. 4. Rom. 1. 20. Jer. x 10.
2. Ex. xv. 11. Isa. vi. 3. 1 Pet. 1 15, 16. Rev. iv. 6-8.
3. Mark xii 30. Rev. iv. 11. Mat x. 37. Jer. il. 12. 13.
4. Mat. xxviil 19. John xv 26. 1 Cor xil. 4-6. 1 John v. 7.
5. John x. 30. John v. 17; xiv. 23. xvii. 5. 10. Acts v. 3, 4. 1 Cor. Il. 10, 11. Phil. il. 5. 6. 6. Ephes. 11. 18. 2 Cor. xlil. 14. Rev. 1. 4, 5. Comp. II. 7.
1. Gen. 1. 27. Gen. 1. 31. Eccles. vit. 29. Acts xvi. 26. Gen. il. 16.
2. Gen. Iii. 6-24. Rom. v. 12.
3. Rom. v. 19. John ill. 6. Ps. 11. 5. Rom. v. 15-19; vill. 7.
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DECLARATION OF FAITH.
by constraint, but choice; 4 being by nature utterly void of that holi- ness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin,6 without defence or excuse. 6
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; 2 who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon Him 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, He 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
V. - OF JUSTIFICATION.
We believe that the great Gospel blessing which Christ 1 secures to such as believe in him is Justification; 2 that Justification includes the pardon of sin,3 and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; 4 that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness that we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood; 5 by virtue of which faith His perfect righteous- ness is freely imputed to us of God; 6 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.
4. Isa. lili. 6. Gen. vi. 12. Rom. ill. 9-18. .
5. Eph. ii. 1-3. Rom. 1. 18. Rom. 1. 32; 11. 1-16. Gal. fil. 10. Mat. xx. 15.
6. Ez. xviii. 19-20. Rom. 1. 20. . Rom. iii. 19. Gal. iii. 22. .
1. Eph. il. 5. Mat. xviii. 11. 1 John iv. 10. 1 Cor. fil. 5-7. Acts xv. 11.
2. John iii. 16. John 1. 1-14. Heb. Iv. 14; xil. 24.
3. Phil. li. 6. 7. Heb. 11. 9: 11. 14. 2 Cor. v. 21.
4. Isa. xlii. 21. Phil. il. 8. Gal. iv. 4, 5. Rom. fil. 21.
5. Isa. lili. 4, 5. Mat. xx. 28. Rom. iv. 25; ili. 21-26. 1 John iv. 10; il. 2. 1 Cor. xv. 1-3. Heb, ix. 13-15.
6. Heb. i. 8. Heb. 1. 3. vili; 1. Col. il1. 1-4.
7. Heb. vil. 25. Col. U. 9. Heb. ii. 18. Hleb. vii. 26. Ps. Ixxxix. 19. Pa. xlv.
1. John 1. 16. Eph. 1/1. 8.
2. Acts xill. 39. Isa. ifi. 11, 12. Rom. vili. 1.
3. Rom. v. 9. Zech. xill. 1. Matt. Ix. 6. Acts x. 43.
4. Rom. v. 17. Titus iti. 5, 6. 1 Pet. ill. 7. 1 John il. 25. Rom. v. 21.
5. Rom. Iv. 4, 5. Rom. v. 21 ; vi. 23. Phil iil. 7-9.
6. Rom. v. 19. Rom. iil. 24-26: tv. 23-25 1 John ii. 12.
7. Rom. v. 1, 2. Rom. v. 3. Rom. v. 11. 1 Cor. i. 30, 31. Mat. vi. 33. 1 Tim. iv. 8.
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DECLARATION OF FAITH.
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 salvation of the greatest sinner on earth, but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the Gospel;3 which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.+
VII. - OF GRACE IN REGENERATION.
We believe that in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated, or born again; 1 that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; 2 that it is effected in a manner above our comprehen- sion 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
VIII. - OF REPENTANCE AND FAITH.
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 helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ,2 we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; 3 at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest and King, and relying on Him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.4
Places in the Bible where taught.
1. Isa. lv. 1. Rev. xxil. 17. Luke xiv. 17.
2. Kom. xvi. 26. Mark i. 15. Kom. i. 15-17.
3. John v. 40. Mat. xxiti. 37. Rom. ix. 32. Prov. 1. 24. Acts xiii. 16.
4. John iii. 19. Mat. xi. 20. Luke xix. 27. 2 Thess. 1. 8.
1. John fil. 3. John ill. 6. 7. 1 Cor. 1. 14. Rev. viii. 7-9; Rev. xxi. 27.
2. 2 Cor. v. 17. Ez. xxxv1. 26. Deut. xxx. 6. Rom. it. 28, 29; v. 5. 1 John Iv. 7.
3. John iii. 8. John 1. 13. James i. 16-18. 1 Cor. 1. 30. Phil. il. 13.
4. 1 Pet. i. 22-25. 1 John v. 1. Eph. iv. 20-24. Col. iii. 9-11.
5. Eph. v. 9. Kom. vill. 9. Gal. v. 16-23. Eph. lil. 14-21. Math. iii. 8-10; vii. 20. 1 John v. 4, 18.
1. Mark 1. 15. Acts xi. 18. Ephes. ii. 8. 1 John v. 1.
2. John xvi. 8. Acts it. 37, 38. Acts xvi. 30, 31.
3. Luke xvill. 13. Luke xv. 18-21. James iv. 7-10. 2 Cor. vil. 11. Rom. x. 12, 13. Psalms li.
4 Rom. x. 9-11. Acts if1. 22, 23. Heb. iv. 14. Ps. Il. 6. Hleb. 1. 8; viii. 25. 2 Tim. i. 12.
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DECLARATION OF FAITH.
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 consistent with the free agency of man, it com- prehends all the means in connection with the end: 2 that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy and unchangeable; 3 that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active imi- tation of His free mercy; ! that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; 5 that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the Gospel; 6 that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; 7 and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence. 8
X. - OF SANCTIFICATION.
. . We believe that sanctification is the process, by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; 1 that it is a progressive work ; 2 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, watchfulness and prayer.+
XI. - OF THE PERSEVERANCE OF SAINTS.
We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; 1 that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors;2 that a special
Places in the Bible where taught.
1. 2 Tim. 1. 8. 9. Eph. 1. 3-14. 1 Pet. i. 1, 2. Rom. xi. 5, 6. John xv. 16. 1 John ยท iv. 19. Hlos. 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. Kom. ix. 23, 24. Jer. xxxi. 3. Rom. xi. 28. 29. Jam. 1. 17, 18. 2 Tim i. 9. Rom. xi. 32-36.
4. 1 Cor. iv. 7. 1 .Cor. 1. 26-31. Rom. iii. 27: iv. 16. Col. iil. 12. 1 Cor. ill. 5. 7: xv. 10. 1 Pet. v. 10. Acts i. 24. 1 Thess. ii. 13. 1 Pet. il. 9. Luke xviti. 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. 1. 4-10.
7. Rom. viii. 28-30. Isa. xlit. 16. Rom. xi. 29.
8. 2 Pet. 1. 10, 11. Phil. 1ft. 12. Heb. vi. 11.
1. 1 Thess. iv. 3. 1 Thess. v. 23. 2 Cor. vil. 1 : xiil. 9. Eph. 1. 4.
2. Prov. iv. 18. 2 Cor. iff. 18. Heb. vi. 1. 2 Pet. 1. 5-8. Phil. iii. 12-16.
3. John il. 29. Rom. vill. 5. John il. 6. Phil. 1. 9-11. Ephes. 1. 13-14.
4. Phil. 11. 12. 13. Ephes. iv. 11. 12. 1 Pet. fi. 2 2 Pet. Hit. 18. 2 Cor. xill. 5. Luke xi. 35; ix. 25. Matt. xxvi. 41. Ephes. vi. 18; iv. 30.
1. John vill. 31. 1 John 11. 27, 28: til. 9; v. 18.
2. 1 John ii. 19. John xtil. 18. Matt. xill. 20, 21. John vi. 66-69. Job. xvil. 9. 1*
a
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DECLARATION OF FAITH.
providence watches over their welfare; 3 and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation. 4
XII. - OF THE HARMONY OF THE LAW AND THE 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; 3 and that the inability which the Scriptures aseribe to fallen man to fulfil its precepts, arises entirely from their love of sin; 3 to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator 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
XIII. - OF A GOSPEL CHURCH.
We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of bap- tized believers, 1 associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; 2 observing the ordinances of Christ; 3 governed by His laws; 4 and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His word; 5 that its only scriptural officers are Bishops or Pastors, and Deacons, 6 whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the Epistles to Timothy and Titus.
XIV. - OF BAPTISM AND THE LORD'S SUPPER.
We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, 1 into the name of the father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; 2 to
Places in the Bible where taught.
3. Rom. viii. 28. Matt. vi. 30-33. Jer. xxxii. 40. Ps. cxxi. 3; xci. 11. 12.
4. Phil. 1. 6. Phil. il. 12, 13. Jude 24, 25. Heb. i. 14. 2 Kings vi. 16. Heb. xiii. 5. 1 John Iv. 4.
1. Rom. ill. 31. Matt. v. 17. Luke xvi. 17. Rom. fil. 20: 1v. 15.
2. Rom. vii. 12. Rom. vii. 7. 14. 22. Gal. iii. 21. Ps. CxIx.
3. Rom. viii. 7. 8. Josh. xxiv. 19. Jer. xili. 23. John vi. 41; v. 44."
4. Rom. viii. 2, 4. Rom. x. 4. 1 Tim. i. 5. Heb. viii. 10. Jude 20, 21. Heb. xil. 14 .. Matt. xvi. 17, 18. 1 Cor. xii. 23.
1. 1 Cor. 1. 1-13 Matt. xviii. 17. Acts v. 11; vili. 1 : xi. 31. 1 Cor. iv. 17; xiv. 23. 3 John 9 1 Tun. ill. 5.
2. Acts il. 41. 42 2 Cor. viil. 5. Acts ii. 47 1 Cor. v. 12. 13.
3. ' 1 Cor. xi. 2. 2 Thess. ifi. 6. Rom xvi. 17-20. 1 Cor. xi. 23. Matt. xviii. 15-20. 1 Cor. v. 6. 2 Cor. Il. 7. 1 Cor. iv. 17. 4. Matt. xxviii. 20. John xiv. 15; xv. 12. 1 John iv. 21. John xiv. 21. 1 Thess. iv. 2. 2 John 6. Gal. vi. 2.
5. Ephes. iv. 7. 1 Cor. xiv. 12. Phil. 1. 27. 1 Cor. xii. xiv.
6. Phil. 1. 1. Acts xiv. 23; xv. 22. 1 Tim. lil. Titus i.
1. Acts vill. 36-39. Matt. ill. 5, 6. John ill. 22. 23; iv. 1, 2. Matt. xxviil. 19. Mark xvi. 16. Acts 11. 38; viit. 12; xvi. 32-34; xvil. 8.
2. Matt. xxvill. 19. Acts x, 47, 48. Gal. fti. 27, 28.
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DECLARATION OF FAITH.
show forth in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the cruci- fied, 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, + in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine, are to commemo- rate together the dying love of Christ; 5 preceded always by solemn self-examination.6
XV. - OF THE CHRISTIAN SABBATH.
We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day, or the Christian Sabbath; 1 and is to be kept sacred to religious pur- poses,2 by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations; 3 by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private 4 and public; 5 and by preparation for that rest which remaineth for the people of God.6
XVI. - OF CIVIL GOVERNMENT.
We believe that Civil Government is of Divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society; I 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,3 who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the kings of the earth. 4
XVII. - OF THE RIGHTEOUS AND THE WICKED.
We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; 1 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 con-
Places in the Bible where taught.
3. Rom. vi. 4. Col. il. 12. 1 Pet. iii. 20, 21. Acts xxlf. 16.
4. Acts it. 41. 42. Matt. xxviii. 19. 20. Acts, and Epistles.
5. 1 Cor. x1. 26. Matt. xxvi. 26-29. Mark xiv. 22-25. Luke xxii. 14-20.
6. 1 Cor. xi. 28. 1 Cor. v. 1, 8; x. 3-32; x1. 17-32. John vi. 26-71.
1. Acts xx. 7. Gen. Il. 3. Col. i. 16, 17. Mark II. 27. John xx. 19. 1 Cor. xvi. 1, 2.
2. Ex. xx. 8. Rev. 1. 10. Ps. cxviit. 24.
3. Isa. Iviti. 13, 14.' Isa. lvl. 2-8.
4. Ps. cxvill. 15.
5. Heb. x. 24, 25. Acts xi. 26. Acts xill. 44. Lev. xix. 30. Ex. xlvi. 3. Luke lv. 16. Acts xvil. 2. 3. Ps. xxvi. 8; Ixxxvii. 3. 6. Heb. iv. 3-11.
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. Hi. 13. 1 Tim. it. 1-8.
3. Acts v. 29. Matt. x. 28. Dan. ill. 15-18; vt. 7-10. Acts. iv. 18-20.
4. Matt. xxiff. 10. Rom. xiv. 4. Rev. xix. 16. Ps. Ixxil. 11. Ps. Hl. Rom. xiv. 9-13.
1. Mal. ill. 18. Prov. xii. 26. Isa. v. 20. Gen. xviii. 23. Jer. xv. 19. Acts x. 34. 35. Rom. vi. 16.
2. Rom. 1. 17. Rom. vii. 6. 1 John il. 29. 1 John fil. 7. Rom. vi. 18, 22. 1 Cor. xi. 32. Prov. xi. 31. 1 Pet. 1v. 17, 18.
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DECLARATION OF FAITHI.
tinue 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
XVIII. - OF THE WORLD TO COME.
We believe that the end of this world is approaching; I that at the Last Day, Christ will descend from Heaven, 2 and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution; 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; 5 and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness. 6
CHURCH COVENANT.
Having been led, as we believe, by the spirit of God, to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.
We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this Church, in knowledge, holiness and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirit- uality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines, to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church, the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.
We also engage to maintain family and secret devotion; to relig- iously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and
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