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M. L.
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00099 1510
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MANUAL
OF THE
Orthodox Congregational Church
IN
ASHBY, MASS.
JANUARY 1, 1864.
THE NEWBERRY LIBRARY
FITCHBURG:
PRINTED BY C. C. CURTIS. 1864.
1829610
234405 .1
ASHBY, MASS. ORTHODOX CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. ~ Manual of the Orthodox Congregational church in Ashby, Mass. January 1, 1864. Fitchburg, Mass. , Curtis, 1864. 31p.
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PRESENT OFFICERS
OF THE
Orthodor Congregational Church, Ashby.
JANUARY 1, 1864.
Dastor : REV. JAMES M. BELL.
Deacons : GEORGE L. HITCHCOCK DENNIS FAY.
Clerk : JAMES M. BELL.
Standing Committee : PASTOR AND DEACONS,
ZENAS ALLEN, Surr. S. S. JOEL HAYWARD.
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HISTORICAL SKETCH.
THE formation of this Church dates from the signing of its first Covenant, which was done June 12, 1776, by the following individuals, who thereby became its first mem- bers :- James Lock, Benjamin Stone, Jonathan Lock, Isaac Gregory, Josiah Jones, Thomas Boynton, James Bennet, John Emerson, Benjamin Walker, Timothy Em- erson, John Jones, Abraham Gates.
A portion of that Covenant was as follows :-
" We do now declare our serious and hearty belief of the Chris- tin religion as contained in the sacred Scriptures, and consent to the same as the only unerring rule of our faith and practice. And we have this confidence in each other, that we are well agreed in sentiment as to the great and essential doctrines of the Christian religion, -particularly the lapsed state of mankind, -- and that bis salvation is of the free grace of God, in his eternal purpose of man's redemption, through the atonement made by his Son, Jesus Christ, and the operation of his Spirit on the hearts of all those chosen of God to eternal life ; and that by repentance and faith in Christ, we are accepted of God wholly on account of his righteousness, and made heirs of eternal happiness. And by the promise and grace of Christ, we shall persevere in holiness, and finally receive a crown of glory which will never fade away."
The Half-way Covenant, so called, by which all ( at first only those who had been baptized in infancy) who sul- seribed to it, that were not visible believers, received bap-
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tism for their households, and were admitted to the Lord's Supper (an innovation that prevailed for one hundred years), was excluded from this Church by vote, December 21, 1778.
The first meeting of the Church for business, separate from the congregation, occurred October 6, 1797.
The Church continued to worship with the Town till the year 1818, when in consequence of the employment of a minister of the Unitarian faith by the Town,* it, through the advice of an ex parte Council ( the Town refusing to join in calling a mutual one), formally separated from the Town, March 9, 188, by a vote appointing a committee " to pro- vide a place for to meet for the worship of God on the Sabbath."
It thus continued to be the first Church, but with the minority of the Town that went off with it, became then - after the second Parish of Shby.
Its first place of worship, after the separation, was Cap- tain Blood's, now Mr. Sammel Estabrook's house, where it continued to meet for upwards of a year and a half.
Its first meeting-house (now the Academy ) was built in the fall of 1820, and dedicated December 13. 1820.
Its present house of worship was created in the summer of 1835, and dedicated January 1, 1536.
It was repaired and improvol in 1853.
A Sabbath-school was organized May. 1820, and ha- been sustained without interruption from that time to the present. Samuel Cordis Lee was its founder and fight su- perintendent.
* The formation of the Untalan Church in this place dates from the signing of the first fogad, which was done in the Fall (previous to November ) of 1590
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The first pastor of the Church was Rev. Samuel Whit- man. He was ordained and installed, August, 1778, and dismissed in 1783, his pastorate lasting about five years.
His successor was Rey. Cornelius Waters, of Goffstown, N. Il., who was installed June 11, 1797, and dismissed February 15, 1816, his pastorate embracing a period of cigliteen years and eight months.
His successor in office was Rev. John M. Putman, who was ordained and installed December 13, 1820, and dis- missed November, 1525, his pastorate lasting about five years.
The fourth pastor was Rev. A. B. Camp, who was of- dained and installed January; 1827, and dismissed March 25, 1832, his pastorale Fisting five years and two months.
His successor was Rev. Orstaus Tinker, who was in- stalled January 1, 1531. He died Oather 13, 1555, Mas pastorate lasting about five years.
His successor, Rev. Charles W. Wood, was ordained and installed October 30, 1839, and dismissed January 7, 1558. his pastorate extending over a period of eighteen years and two months.
The present pastor, Rev. James M. Bell, was ordained and installed July 21, 1858.
The Church has had eight deacons since its formation.
The first two deacons, Lade Caregory and John 1.09- renee, Were chosen November 18, 1775. They resigned in the year 1815.
Their successors, Deacons Jonas Buret and Asa Walker. were chosen June 26, 1815. They resigned in the you 1835.
The third two were Deacons Ephraim Hay ward and Paul
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Hayward, who were chosen March 4, 1836. The former died while in office, May 26, 1818. The latter resigned September 4, 1863.
Their successors, and present incumbents, were Deacon G. 1 .. Hitchcock, chosen January 19, 1849, and Deacon Dennis Fay, chosen December 4, 1863.
During a history of eighty-eight years, this Church has been blessed with five revivals, of greater or less power. The first occurred in 1812 ; the second, in 1322 ; the third. in 1831 and 1832 ; the fourth, in 1812 and 1813 ; the fifth, in 1858 and 1859.
It is noticeable that these revivals have occurred at in- tervals of about ten yours : the long interval clapsing be- tween 1812 and 1858 being boken by the fruitful year of 1853.
The greatest number that joined on profession in a sin- gle year was in 1812, under the ministry of Mr. Waters, when sixty-even were added to the Church. The Best largest number was in 1822. during Mr. Putman's minis- try, when forty five were added in one year. The best greatest minuber was during the first year of the ministry of the present pastor, when thirty-four united with the Church. The next largest was in 1513, under the pisto- rate of Mr. Wood, when nineteen joined in a single year. The next largest number was mader Mr. Camp's ministry, in 1832, when seventeen came forward in one year. 1836. 1837, 1852, and 1858 were also truithi yeus.
Up to January 1, 1861, there have been in the Church, six hundred seventy-one infant baptisms. Of these, there occurred in the first twenty two years of its existence, one hundred and ninety three ; in the second twenty -two years,
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two hundred and fifty-three ; in the third twenty-two years, one hundred and sixty-five ; in the last period of twenty-two years, forty. The largest number ever brought forward in a single year was in 1812, when there occurred fifty-one infant and household baptisms. The next largest number was in 1822, when there occurred twenty-eight such bap- tismus.
The observance of this rite has been the most frequent either at, or immediately following, seasons of revival.
From the formation of the Church to January, 1861, five hundred and forty-seven persons have been added to its membership by profession and letter. Of this number, seventy joined during the first twenty-two years; one hundred and thirty-seven joined the second twenty-two years; and one hundred and ninety-six, the third twenty- two your ; and one h red and forty -four, the last period of twenty two years, sixty four of whom have been re- ceived during the present pastorate.
The present is the third revision of the Manual of this Church, the first occurring in 1818, and containing Arti- eles of Faith only ( Principles of Discipline, Rules, etc., being added in 1826) ; the second in 1819, and containing, besides a Creed, a Covenant, Order of Discipline, and cer- tain Regulations. In all essentials. the present Confession of Faith is substantially the same with the Covenant first adopted by the Founders ; so that, in doctrine, the Church of 1864 is one with the Church of 1776.
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FORM OF ADMISSION.
ADDRESS.
BELOVED FRIENDS, -
You present yourselves before God and this assembly to make profession of your Christian faith, and to enter into covenant with Christ and his Church in this place. We trust that, having well considered, you justly apque- ciate the nature of this most solemn transaction, and that, in humble dependence on divine grace, you are pre- pared to make this public consecration of yourself to Good, your heavenly Father.
Having examined and approved the Articles of Faith adopted by this Church, you will now profess the salle before these witnesses.
CONFESSION OF FAITH.
1. You believe there is only one living and true God." who is revealed in the Scriptures as the Father, the Son. and the Holy Ghost ; and that these three are one, and in all divine perfections equal."
a Dent vi. 1; lan als. 5, 15, 22; Mark vn. 99
6 1 John v 7; Matt. covid. 19; 2 050. xml_11; John i. 1 3, 11, 20, 28; Phil. i. 5, 6, 10, 11; Jom 1. 21, 23; Hop. 1. 3-5; Res 1 8; Aus . 3 1. John xvi. 13, Lale Lu 12, 1 Coran 10, 12 essais 7.
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II. You believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by the inspiration of God," and contain the only perfect rule of Christian faith and practice."
a 2 Tim. iii. 16; 2 Peter i. 21; Heb. i. 1.
6 John v. 39; xvii. 17; Dent. vi. 6, 9; I-a. viii. 20; Ps. exix. 130; Rev. xxii. 15, 19.
III. You believe that God made all things for him- self ;" that he governs them according to the counsel of his blessed will ;b and that the principles and administra- tion of his government nowise impair the free agency of his rational creatures."
a Prov. xvi. 1; Rev. iv. 11; Rom. xi. 36. b . Alvi. 10; Dph. i. 11; Ist. xiv. 21- 27; Ephi. 5, 9; Phil. i. 1.
e Acts ii. 23; Matt xviv. 21; Luke ANH. 22; Acts iv. 25; Peut. ASS. 19; Prov. Avi. 9; Phil. ii. 12.
IV. You believe that our first parents were created holy ; " that they fell from a state of holiness by trans- grossing a divine command ; " and that, in consequence of their apostasy, all their descendants are without holi- ness, alienated from God, and under condemnation.
a Cien. i. 26, 27; Feel. vii. 29.
6 Gen ii. 17; iii. 1-21.
( Rom. 1. 12-19; 1 Cor. xv. 21, 22; Rom. 1. 20-32; viii. 5-8.
V. You believe that Christ, being God manifest in the flesh," has, by his sufferings and death, made an adequate atonement for sin, " on account of which pardon is officiel to all ;" and that repentance and faith in him, shown by a corresponding life, are the indispensable conditions of salvation.ª
( 1 Tim. iii. 16; John i. 1, 14; Rom ix- 5, Ilcb. il. 16; 1 Tim li. 5; Phil. ii. 6, 7
r & Rom ii 25, 26; Rom. v. 10, Ba, Ini 5 10, 11, Lev. Ani. 11, Heli. I. 22; Matt. Avvi. 05.
c Mark xvi: 15, 16; lasshy:22; levý van 17.
d lake xin 3; si 17; John in 16; Rom . 1, 9; Jae- in. 17, 20.
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VI. You believe that such is the natural enmity of the heart to holiness" that none will ever accept the salva- tion freely offered them,' till, through sovereign grace, they are moved thereto by the special influences of the Holy Ghost.ª
« Cien. vi. 3; Job xv. 16; Ps. v. 9; Kom. vii. 18; 1 Cor. ii. 11; Jer. xvii. 1. 6 Matt. xxii. 3, 5, 6; Luke xiv. 18-20; John v. 40; Rom. viii. 7; Jas. iv. 1.
e Rom. viii. 28-30; ix. 16; Bph. i. 5. 11; John xv. 10; 1 Pet. i. 2. d Ps. ex. 3; John i. 13; John vi. 14, 45; Tit. iii. 5; Col. ii, 13, 2 Tim. i. 9.
VII. You believe that all who truly repent and trust in Christ, will, through covenanted mercy," be led to per- severe in holiness to the end of life."
a Jer. xavi. 3; Jer. xxxii. 40; Heb. viii. 8-13; la. lv. 3; Ex. xix. 5; Lev. vxvi. 42; P.s. Ixxxix. 3; John xvii. 9.
/ Job xvii. 9; P- iv. 18; John vi. 39, 40, x. 27-29; 1 Cor. x. 13, Ph. i. 9; 1 Pet. i. 5; 1 Thess. v. y.
VIII. You believe that the Lord Jesus Christ has a visible Church in the world ; " that the terms of member- ship are a credible profession of faith in Christ, and of that holiness which is wrought by the regenerating act of God; " that Baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordi- namees of the Church, to be observed to the end of time ; that none but members of the visible church, in regular standing, have a right to partake of the Lord's Supper;" and that visible believers, and the households of church- members in regular standing, only, can be admitted to the ordinance of Baptism.f
" Arts ss. 25; 2 Tim. H. 19; Rev. i. 1; 1 Cor. i. 2.
& Arts viii, 87; Acts n. 41, 47; 2 Cor. ix. 13, 1 Tim. ii. 9. c Matt ANThi. 19; KAVi. 20 30; 1 Cor AL 25.
d 1 Cor. x. 21; 1 Cor, 5, 6, 7, 13, vi. 11-16; xi. 27, 20, 2 These. in 6, 14, 19; Matt. vil. 6.
( Matt. m. 7-11, Mark Avi. 16; Jets i. 58, 11 ; Acts vih 12; x 10; xviii. s.
J Hon. xv. M; Cion. AvH. 7, 9, 10, 11, 12, Gal M. 7. 17, 00; Actadi 39. Luke svil. 16; Rom ix 16 40; Arts xvi. 10, 33; 1 Cor. 1. 16; vi. 11
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IX. You believe that, at the end of the world, Christ will appear as the universal judge ;a that, at that time, there will be a resurrection of the bodies of the dead, both of the just and unjust ;" that, brought before his judgment-seat, all must give account of all the deeds done in the body, when the wicked shall go away into over- lasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal."
" Dan. vii. 13; Rev. ii. 25; Matt. xxiv. 30; ] These. iv. 16; Acts i. 11. & John v. 25, 29; Job xix. 20, 27; Arty xxiv. 15; 1 Cor. xv. 12-55; Matt. xxvii. 52.
( 2 Cor. v. 10; Feel. xii. 11; Matt. xii. 36, 37, Acts xvii. 31; Rom. xiv. 10, 12.
d Matt. xxv. 46; John vili. 21; Matt. vii. 13; xxv. 30; xill. 30, 10, 12, 49, 50; 2 Thess. i. 9; Dam, xii. 2.
Do you cordially assent to these articles, as in sub- stance the expression of your religious belief?
[ Here Baptism is to be administered or recognized in answer to the following question ]
Do you who have received baptism on the faith of your parents now cordially accept and inderse their art in thus dedicating you to the service of God?
You will now enter into Covenant with God and with this Church.
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COVENANT.
IN the presence of God and this assembly, you do now solemnly affirm the Lord Jehovah to be your God and your portion forever. Yon cordially and thankfully accept the Lord Jesus Christ, in all his mediatorial offices, -- Prophet, Priest, and King, - as your only Saviour and final Judge, and the Holy Spirit as your Sanctifier, Com- forter, and Guide.
You humbly and cheerfully devote to the one living and true God all your faculties, powers, and possessions, promising that you will be the Lord's forever ; engaging that, through the help of divine grace, without which you can do nothing, you will love him supremely and obey him faithfully ; that you will give diligent attention to his word and ordinances, to family and secret prayer, and to the observance of public worship on the Sabbath; that you will seek, above all things, the honor and interests of his kingdom ; and that you will aim, without ceasing, to adorn your profession by a blameless life, and by holiness of heart.
You do now cordially join yourself to this Church of Christ, promising to sustain and submit to its rules and discipline, so far as they are conformable to the principles of the gospel; to promote its peace, purity, and pros. perity; to walk with its members in Christian love, with- fulness, meckness, and sobriety.
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Do you thus covenant and promise ? We, then, the members of this Church,
[ Here the members of the church rie.]
affectionately receive you to our Commmion, and, in the name of Christ, declare you entitled to all its privileges. We welcome you to this fellowship with is in the bless- ings of the gospel, and engage to watch over you with Christian affection and tenderness, and to seek your edili- cation, as long as you shall continue among us.
And now, beloved in the Lord, let it be impressed on your minds that you have entered into soleum engage- ments, from which you can never be released. Wherever you go, and however you act. these vous will be upon you. They will follow you to your dying hour ; they will follow you to the bar of God ; they will abide upon you to eternity. You can never fade what you have now done.
May the Lord support and guide both you and us through life; and, after this warfare is accomplished, receive us, through the atoning sacrifice of the crucified Redeemer, to that blessed world where our love and joy shall be forever perfect. Amen.
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ECCLESIASTICAL RIGHTS.
1. Ridurre of THE CHURCH. - This Church is indepen- dent, so far as relates to its internal organization, and the regulation of its affairs. It is amenable to no other cecle- siastical body, except by its own consent, and according to regular and established Congregational principles. With these exceptions, it controls the admission, disci- pline, and removal of its members, according to its own understanding of the word of Gold.
I. CONNECTION WITH OTHER CHERRIES. - This Church will extend to other Evangelical Congregational Clanches, and receive from them that fellowship. advice, and assist- ance which the law of Olaist requires. It will extend the usual rights of Communion, and practice the mutual trans- for of members, according to its own convictions of duty . It holds itself bound to regard the decisions of regular mutual councils, and to seek the promotion of peace with all the churches of our Lord.
III. Rooms of Marine. - Every member has a right to church privileges, undless forfeited by misconduct, and when thus forfeited, he can be deprived of them only by regular process. When accused, he has a right to know the explicit charges, and to have an open and endid heh mg. In the administration of Church affairs, the brethren of the Church have equal rights. Each male member of tall age is entitled to vote on all matters affecting its in forests.
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PRINCIPLES OF DISCIPLINE.
1. Discipline is the exercise of that authority, and the application of that system of laws, which the Lord Jesus Christ has appointed in his Church.
2. The ends of Christian discipline are the removal of offences, the vindication of the honor of Christ, the promo- tion of the purity and general edification of the Church. and also the benefit of offenders themselves.
3. Offences are of two kinds, personal and general. Personal offences are such as are committed againet par- ticular individuals. General offences consist not in any injury to particular individual, but in the more public irregularities of conduct of errors in principle, which abst the general interests of religion, and be with the Church. Est body, anders from the reproach which is brought upon the cause.
1. No complaint on the subject of personal injuries shall be admitted by the Church, unless these means of recon- ciliation, and privately reclaiming the offender, have been used which Christ requires in Matt. will. 15, 16. Amd in cases, which, although not personal. are known only to ; fis, it is expedient to take, as far as circumstances will tilmit, the same steps.
5. General offences, which are of a public nature. 10.1) come under the immediate cognizance of the Church, with- out taking the previous stops prescribed by Chist in re- gard to personal offences. Nevertheless that offenders may be tenderly dealt with, it is proper for the Chance to appoint individual member of the boss, privately to
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converse with them, in order to reclaim them and obtain satisfaction. If offenders do not listen to their advice and remonstrances, then the Church shall proceed to discipline them, according as their offences shall require.
6. No causes shall be permitted to come before the Church for trial unless some particular sin of sins be spe- cified against the offender.
7. Whenever any person is accused before the Church. the partienlar sin or sins with which he is charged shall be communicated to him in writing, a reasonable time before his trial ; in ordinary cases, at least ten days, that he may have time to prepare his defence, should he think proper to make one.
S. Individuals under censure shall be debanted from Church privileges during any period the Church may think
3. Admonition of excommunication is to be administer- ed by letter by the pastor, of when there is no pastor. by the clerk of the Church, and in conformity to a vote of the Church.
10. No person shall be admitted to this Church except upon the principle of entire abstinence from the use of af- dent spirits as a beverage.
11. The refused of any member to bear a just proportion of the current expenses of the Parish, shall be con flered a proper subject of discipline by the Church
12. No vote of consume of excommunication shall be passed except upon the concurrence of two-think of the legal voters present at a tounlar of special meeting.
13. In case of the eventunification of any mendres, no- tive of the fact shall be given from the pulpit.
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RULES AND REGULATIONS.
RULES. - 1. Candidates for admission into the Church on profession, shall be examined respecting the ground of their hope and belief, by a standing committee chosen by the Church for that purpose ; and shall stand propounded two weeks before admission to the Church, unless the Church order otherwise ; and all candidates, whether by letter of profession, after their reception, shall have their names put on the records of the Church by the clerk of the Church.
2. Persons bringing letters of dismission and recom- mondation from other Churches may, after being examined by the Church committee, be admitted to this Chinch by vote of the Church, in one week from the public reading of their letters.
3. Candidates for admission into the Church shall. pre- vionly to their admission, be required to examine the ar- ticles of faith, regulations, and rules of practice, adopted by the Church, that they may be prepared, malerstrubliogly, to give them their assent.
1. Persons belonging to other Churches, who have it- sided in this town during the form of one year, and expert still to continue as inhabitants of the place, shall beli- banned from the privilege of communing with this Clutch, in the ordinance of the Lord's Supper, unless they por- cure letters of dismission and recommendation from the Churches to which they belong. and become regular men- bers of this Church ; provided, however, if they give ral- isfactory reasons to the Church, a longer delay may be admitted.
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5. It shall be the duty of members of this Church, who shall settle out of town, where there is a regular Christian Church, in fellowship with us, to unite with the same. within the space of one year after commencing their new residence, unless good reasons exist for the continuance of their present relation.
6. Previous to the administration of the Lord's Supper, a general invitation shall be given to members of all evan- gelical Churches, and in regular standing, to commune with this Church in this holy ordinance; it being meler- stood that this invitation will not extend to those who may be debarred from such communion, by the rules of this Church.
Richiamoss. - 1. All meetings for business shall be opened with prayer.
2. The annual meeting of the Church shall be held in the day of the Paperdont Lesthe previous to thelab. ary Communion.
3. A special business meeting may be called either from the pulpit, or by personal notification, at any time when in the opinion of the Pastor and Deacons it shall be deemed expedient ; and shall be called, as above, at any time. upon the written application of five male member of the Church.
1. There shall be a standing committee of the Church. of which the Pastor and Deacons shall constitute a part, whose duty shall be to examine the qualifications of all persons presenting themselves for admission to the Church. and who shall act as a committee of inquiry and dieci pline; and shall make a report of the state of the Church ; of their doings ; and of the absent members, at the andfall meeting.
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5. The standing committee shall meet to consult respect- ing the interests of the Church, four weeks previous to each Preparatory Lecture-day, or oftener if deemed avi- sable by the Pastor.
6. The stated seasons of Communion to be observed by this Church shall be six. ammally. viz. - on the first Sal- bath in January, March, May. July, September, and No- vember ; provided, however, it presidential circumstances render it expedient, these seasons may be occasionally al- tered or suspended.
7. Previous to each season of Communion. a meeting preparatory shall be held, which each meaber of the Church shall consider it his duty to attend, unless prosi- dentially prevented.
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