USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Beverly > Records of the First Church in Beverly, Massachusetts, 1667-1772 > Part 1
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Go 974.402 B467f 1601267
M. L.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
Gi
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01095 4045
RECORDS
FIRST CHURCH
BEVERLY, MASSACHUSETTS IN
1667-1772
COMED BY WILLIAM P. UPHA.1 THE MITISMI RECORDS ANNOTATED BY AUGUSTUS A. DALLOUPE
Reprinted from the Four Festival. Historical Collections
SALEM, MISS. PRINTED POR TIE ESSLY INSTITUTE
EG:079 .08
1601267
BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
COPIED BY WILLIAM P. UPHAM.
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A Church Book containing The Affaiers of the Church of Christ att === Bass == River in Salem
(which is sometimes called the North Side of the Ferry) which began ye 20% of September one thousand six kun- dred and sixty-seaven. Registered nist by Robert Mor- gan, he being a brother of the said Church & desired & betrusted so to doe.
And after him by the Pastor John Bale.
The Bass River is made a distinct towne the 3d Novem- ber 1608 : called Beverly.
[1] The Lord in merey alluring and bringing over into this wildernesse of new England many of his faith- toil servants from England chose aymes weare to wo ;- shipp God in purity according to his word: They in
The pagination of the irishal tweed & short in the text. . ... .
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BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS,
pursuance of that worke began to sett spp particular Churches: And the First Church gathered in the Mis- achusetts Colony was in this towne of Salem: a grations begining of that intended Church reformation which hath beine farther prosecuted & prospered through the Lords merey in diners parts of this land : This Church of Stiem entred Church Covenant with publique fasting and praver vppon the sixt day of the sist month 1629. Their nom- ber att the beginning verry smile was soone greatly in- creased and inriched with diners worthy labourers in God's vineyard as Pastors and Teachers successively, viz. my Samuell Skelton : un' Francis Higginson : mr Hugh I've- ters : 10" Edward Norris : and 12 John Higgins on : their present Pastor. As their church increased Hivers of the members came over the Ferry t . live on bast igner side, who on the 10th of the 12th mot 1619 (me Norris beings teacher) presented their request to the rest of the church for some course to be taken for the memes of grace amongst themselves, because of the tediousnes & difficile ties over the water and other inconventercies ; which motion was renued againe the 223 7 16h 1650 : an I the 20 of the 8 00 they returned their answer. viz. that wie should looke out sons able and approved teacher to In imploid manget vs, wee still holding Communion with them as before. But ypon farther experience weesppon the 23 of first moth 1956 presented our desires to be a church of our selnos and after some agitation about it sherin our teacher good for vs it was putt to vou & yeeilded vato none appearing opposite. we protesting their was noe disunion in Judgment or affection intended ; but brotherly Communion.
[2] Our desires ming consented vato, wer proceeded to build a meeting base on Basse River Side ; and wie called vito vs suce sindly to dispense the week of His vuto vs m' JJosnah Hubbard, n' Jeremyah Inbbad, and mr John Hales : and after almost three years experience of mr John Hailes car motion was againe renned the 25 of 4 m2 1667 web war as foll.
Wee whose namesare under written the brethren & sisters belonging to Basse Rider doe present our dosites to the rest of the Church of Salem that with their consent
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BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
wee and our children may be a church of our selves. Wer wee also present vato m' Hale desiring him to joine with vs and to be our Pastor with the approbation of the rest of the Church : Rodger Connant, Thomas Lathrop, William Dixsy, Richard Dodg. Samuell Corning, Henry Herrick, William Woodberry, Sent, William Body Son, Humphrey Woodberry Sent, Robert Morgan, Peter Woolfe, Richard Brakenbury. Hugh Woodberry, John Black Sent, Josias Rootes Sent, John Stone Sen. Nicho- las Patch. Loft Conant, Exerzise Conam, John Dodg Sent, John Hill, Ralph Ellingwood, Edward Bishopp,
Sarah Conant, Bethigh Lathropp, Anna Diasy, Mary Dodge Sen", Elizabeth Dodge, Elizabeth Coming. Anny Woodberry Sent, Anna Woodberry Ju', Mary Louitt, Elizabeth Woodberry, Elizabeth Woodberry, Ede Ho- riek, Elizabeth Haskall, Ellen Brakenbary. Martha Woolfe, Mary Dodge Jun', Mary Woodberry. Hannl Woodberry, Hannah Baker, Abigaile Hill. Sarah Lesb, Elizabeth Patch, Mary Herrick, Lidea Herrick, Free- grace Black, Hannah Sallowes, Bridgett Loufo.
Such as are members but not in full Communion de ire to be dismissed with their parents, Pater Woodberry, John Dodge Jun', John Black, [B] Samuel Corning .I .. . Nathaniell Haward, Thomas Woodberry. John Wood- berry Jr, Isnach Woodberry, Humphry Woodberry Jur. William' Dodg Jur, Ephraim Herrick, fleury Herrick, Jur, John Herrick, Edward Bishopp Jur. Jasich Ron's Jur, Joseph Lovet, == Remember Stone, Elizabeth Ii ward, Bethich Lovett, Abigaile Stone, Hannah Reiown. Sarah Conant, Susanna Woodberry. Elizabeth Herrick : This motion was answered the 21- of the 5 mnom 1667. as foll. viz., This wrighting being read together with the names subscribed, ther was a vuanimous consent of the brethren present vato their desire, only it was left to the Sacratreat day after when in the fullest durch assembly | the consent of the whole church was signified by their votes & so they have their liberty to be a church of themselves, only they continue members hear vntill the[n]. bemg a Church the Lord graunt his grations prosper with them. Vppon this the brethren had a meeting vopon the 25' of Angest and renewed their call to m' John faites that live
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would be pleased to accept of the office of a pastor. Whose answer was as foll : When I looke att the weight of the worke you call mee voto of weh. Paul cried out ( who is sufficient for thei-e things) I then looking oppon my owne manifold Infirmities & indisposition of spiritt theronto I see many discouragements : batt when I duly considder the Lords soueraiguty ouer mee & all sufficiency for my sneeor I desire wheare I see his worke and call to say with Esaiah heave I am send mee ; and in particular when I observe the remarkable providences of God in bringing me hither and pauing ont our way hitherto and the roome the Lord hath made for mee in their hearts (wch I acknowledge with thankfulnesse to Gol & vor selues : I doe look att the Call of God in the pre ent call to mee beeing [1] the more confirmed herin by the coli- entrance of our apprehensions, which hath appeared in those things wee have hadd occasion to conferr about, concerning our entringe into & proceeding our Chamen affaires, which I hope the Lord will enable mee to practice accordingly.
Wherefore while you walke according to Gods order of the gospell, & in the stedfastnesse of the faith in Christ, and I see that with a good Conscience and free- dome of spiritt I can carry on my worke and discharge my duty to God and man & those that are under my care according to the respective relations I may beare valo them : soe long as the Lord is calling mee to labour in this part of his Vineyard : I desire to give up my seife to the Lord & his service in the worke of the Ministry in this place; Requesting you to strive together with me in yor praiers to God for mee that it may redound to his glory, yo' Edifiinge & of Enery soule that shall dweg amongst vs and for our doyfull accommpt in the day of Christs appearance.
By mee : John Hale.
The twentieth of September followinge those montage abovenamed of Salem vnited together in a distinct society: and the said I Hate being di-missed from Ca. church of Christ att Charlestowne wherof her we. a member: and recommended to the works of Christ hoje, Concurred with them ; when they solemnly made Comics-
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BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
sion of their faith : and Renewed their Covenant with the Lord which was publiquely & vnanimously owned by them as followeth :
[5] Wee beleive in one God the Eternall .Jehonah Infi- nite in wisdome, power, holinesse, justice, goodnesse, and truth, the maker, preserver, & goudpour of all things, distinguished into the Father beggetting the Sonne & the Sonne begotten of the Father, & the holy ghost pro- ceeding from the father and the sonne, three persons veit one god: And that the Lord made man att the first in his owne Image, in holinesse, knowledge, & righteous- nesse, wherby hee hadd ability perfectly to obey God for life according to the tenhour of the Covenant of workes. wol hee lost by transgressing gods Command bringing himselfe & all his posterity into a state of sinne and misery, whereby wee are by nature Children of wrath as well as others, liable to all miseries in life & death & 10 Etornall Destruction :
That God out of his meere merey sent his only begot- ten Sonne Jesus Christ for maus redeemer == who is truly God & truly man in one person = who as man was con- ecived by the holy Ghost. borne of the Virgin Mary, made like ys in all things (vett without Sinn) hice suffer death to rensome the elect, was buried. Rose agine from the dead & assended into heauen with his body wherwith hee now sitts att the right hand of God to make interfeels- sion for the faithfull; And shall thence returne to Judge the whole world together att the Last Day.
That the Lord hath given vs the Scriptures of the oll and new testament for the only perfect and perpetual Rule of our Faith and Life.
That all that truly beleine in Jesus Christ & repent of all their amnes have by faith a right to all the benefits of Chi-ts purchase as the only [6] Righteousnesse of Christ imputed to them for their Justification the priviledges of addoption, & sanctification by the spirit, man being viterly viable by any worke or righteousnesse of his owne or light from within himselfe to please God.
Also that those who in this life walke before the Load in the faith of the gospell & sincere obedience to the Law the rule of holinesse ) wherin enery true belvener ought &
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BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
certainly shall persenere vuto death, when their soules In- ing then & not before made perfect in holiness, thathe received into glory, till the resurrection when their ladies being vnited to their soules & raised yp againe inte. diatly before the gennerall Judgment they shall there hin openly acquitted & so be eternally glorified in heaven.
That then allso all that beleaved not in Christ shall be publiquely Condemned & casi into hell for ener.
Also wee beleive that all true beleiners make spp that one body the Church of weh. Christ is the head who for the gathering in and perfecting of bis saints hath ap- pointed his Word, pravers, singing of pslames. Saett- ments of baptiste & the Lords Sapper : Church officers discipline in particular churches, and that it is the Puts of every Christian orderly to attend therounto :
'The Couenant :
Wee doe in the presens of the Eternall God & for our owne comfort renew our covenant with God. Jovaing on selues to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten wherin wee doe hartily accept & Anouch die Lord this day to be ou' God, & to walke in [ 7] his waic. . desiring to turne to him by vnfeigned repentance for all our sins, & by faith receivinge Jesus Christ for ont only Lord and Saujour, and his spirritt for om confort, Jo. take him for on' portion according to the tennour of the couenant of grace wherein hec hath promised to be a god to the faithfull & their seed after them in their genel. tions, promising through the grace of God a constant it sincere endeavour of obedience to all Gods comments delivered vs in his written Word, and to resist the team- tations of Sathan, the world, and our owne deceitful hart. : and this vnto the death :
Wee dec also in the feare of the Lord and presents of bis people, ingage to give vpp our selves, & our seed to the Lord, and to one another by the Will of God in ou Fellowshipp together as a particular church of Christ : or congregation of the faithfull : promising each of ts to continue faithfull & stedfast in our communion together in the publique worship of God, & to submit to the order. disipline & governement of Christ in this his church, and to the ministeriali, Teaching, guidance & ou sight of the
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BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
Elder, or Elders therof, and to the brotherly watch of fellow members : promising to walke towards theia in loue & faithfullnesse, and in all offences to follow the rule of Christ, to beave and forbeare, gine and forging as her hath caught vs. so long as by the rules of Gods Word wee shall continue in this our relation together, desiring alla to walke with all regular & due communion with other churches of Christ, for the Glory of God. on' furtheranes & growth in Christ : and mutual Edification :
And all ibis not by any Strength of our owne hint by on' Lord Christ assisting vs, whose blood wee desire may sprinkle ts ou" conenant made in his name, Amen.
In Testimony of ou' Consent to this Confession of faith and Couchant wee subscribe on' names,
[8] John. Hale
Richard Dodge Senior
William Woodberry Senior
Richard Brackenbury
John Stone Senior
Jobn Dodge Senio1
Rodger Connant
William Dodge Senior
Humphry Weodberry Senior
Hugh Woodberry
Nickolas Patch
John Hill
[ Kebeckah Malo]
Sarab Elizabeth Dodge
Mary Lovett
deceased Elizabeth Haskall
Mary Woodberry S:uah Leach
Hannah Baker
Freegrace Black
Mary Herricke
Elizabeth Corning
Elizabeth Woodberry
Ellen Brackenbury
Hannah Woodberry
Elizabeth Patch
Hannah Sallows
Thomas Lathropp Samuell Corning
Robert Morgan
John Blacke Senior
Lott Connant Ralph Ellenscod
William Dixsy Henry Herricke Senior
Peeter Woolfe
Josias Routes Senior
Excreize Conant
Edward Bishopp
Berthia Lothropp Anna Dixsy
Anna Woodberry Senior
Elizabeth Woodberry
Martha Woolfe
Bridgett Laff Mary Dodge Senior
Anna Woodberry Junior
Edec Horricke
Mary Dodge Junior
Abigaile Hill Lidia Herrici:c
1 Cancelled.
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BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
Theis having proceeded thus farr oppon this soloume day of fasting and praier
[9] Then Immediately they proceeded to the ordination of mỹ Hale as Pastor who was ordained by the Laying on of hands, of the reverend m" John Higginson Pastor of the Church of Salem & of mr Thomas Cobbett Parter itt Ipswhich & of m' Antipas Newman Paster att Wenham : then weare they owned to be a distinct orderly constr. gationall church by the Elders & messengers of the migh- bour Churches abonesaid, who gane their approbation and right hand of Fellowshipp.
22 imot. Letters of Dismission for mr Robothigh Hale were sent from the Church of Salisbury : & well read und accepted. [& shee received man fellowship s" this Cinneh']
20hh 7 moth. The Sacrament of the Lords Supper was administered : when allso was propounded the design of divers to be admitted unto the Lords Supper.
230 8 mot. Vppon a Church meeting Peter Wood- berry and Sarah his wife John Black dan Humphrey Woodberry Jun" Remember Stone and Sarah Comment. (being all Children of the Church; whose desites von before publiquely propounded, openly profesing tivi. faith & repentains & owning the Court of God made with their fathers : were admitted vnto fall commention with the Church: the same day as a testimony of on; duty to the children of the church this was generally su- sented to by Vote, viz.
Wee huning in of Courant with the Lord solens pro- fessed of readingsse to give up o'selnes & d' seed to the Lord, and considering the many grations promis - find hath made to the seed of the faithfull, & daties required towards them wee shall endeavour through the Lords assistance to bring vp of children in the nurture & ad- monition of the Lord, by watching faithfully over the as lambs of the finche and Children of the Conop ast. to encourage them in the waves of God : & admonish them & proceed with them if they doe Enill as Daty repites: [10] And in particular will Cate shige those vader o' con- ernment & endeavour so long as is meet to bring them vito
1 Added by Mir. Hrie.
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BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
publique Catechising by the Pastor: theise being special meanes to farther their knowledge in the principles of god- linesse. That wee may doc of parts that of children may bee all taught of God. Weh. wee will follow af of priors to God, that it may be for the good of vs & of Children after vs. Henceforth it [is] expected that of Renerend Pastor doe Register all matters concerning the Church and [ which ]are to be committed to this booke as I have done hitherto
By mee Robert Morgan :
27.8.67. Was ye Lords Supper againe administred before which were admitted unto fellowship with this Church, viz. Nathaniell Stone, Goodwife Bishop, & Jude Woodbury.
5 : 9ber. Was a day of thanksgiving observed by order from 12 Generall Court, because of some mercy shewed to England & for of owne peace & libertys continued & for o' comfortable harvest.
17 :9mo. Margaret, wife of Brother Morgin & Elizabeth wife of Lot Conant & Mary ye wife of Ephraim Hirreck were admitted into this Church upon ye profession of their faith & repentance.
1:10-0:07. Richard Patch ve son of Sister Patch was upon ve confession of his faith & repentance, admitted to full Communion & then baptized, not having been bay- tized before: See more of this p. 150.
4 : 1070. By Gent Courts Order was kept a generall dos of Humiliation through ve Colony, for the troubles of Gods people in England & elsewhere abroad: for ve tokens of Gods displeasure in this land in the loss of diverse of ye vessells by sea & diverse sinns abounding among us: In wch. day wee made it one special part of of worke to seek ye Lords favour to looke upon o' Church to direct, & prosper of small beginnings & con- tinne his presence of mercy with us.
[ 1]] ]667 8 : 1024. Nickolas Woodbury was admitted to ye fellowship of this Church : with John Gally & his wife, & [29:100: See p. 3] Ephraim Hirreck was them was admitted to full Communion in ye Lords Supper.
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BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
1663 20:11: mo. Abigall Stone was admitted to ve Lords Supper.
9:120. was Sammell Dodge son of Richard Dodge admitted to ve Lords Supper & Elizabeth Livermore.
It having been conferred of between the present Pastor & brethren of this Church before their being in the- ich- This was tion it was generally approved, via: 11 30
Venine Children borne of beldivers in particular Contradicette orderly Churches & orderly walking therein are to bee baptized & growing up to be watched over de. And then being marryed if they walke unblanabl: { understandingly profess their soundness in the principle- of religion & solemnly & publickly owne ve Coven. it of God made with their fathers & there profes their deje, & endeavours to submitt to the discipline of Christ in 'i. Church & to give up themselves & their seed unter ve Lord & his people that then their children also upon sach their desiers are to bee baptized though their imediate parents upon sence of their present unfitness bee not as yet received to ve Louls table.
Accordingly 16: 12 : 1663 Jobn Dodge Jit son of Br. 16 : 120 ; William Dodge owning ve Covenant che in See more publickly professing to give up kim chi & hi p. 150 seed to ye Lord bad his children begaisol. See p. 150.
24. 12 mo. Humphery Woodbury Sur was Choch to ve office of A Deacon of this Church
8: 1: mo. 03. Sarah ye wife of John Dodge In wat admitted to Communion wy this Church.
1968, 20 : 1: mo. The Connell of Magistratorapport A General Fast to mourne for prophainness, superstition. " herisic increasing : to pray for ve encouragement of Religion, disapoynting of its Enemys, yt ve gred mo- tions of ve world may bee overruled for God- glory, That bee would bless & direct ve King. Comcell & Pal- lament; bless ye peace with Holland & sardine ve hate warr, pestilence & burning of ye City of London, & com- tinue to New England [ 12] peace, libertys & segospel a prevent in the ensuing veare blasting mildew & utmpil- lars & Convert verising Generation & supply v' Telling ye destitute Congregations.
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BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
1668, 5: 2, mo. Henry Bayly & Mary Clarck were joyned to this Church.
Thomas Patch wie other children of ye Church were dis- missed from under ye watch of Salem Church to this ( viz. of them yt were not before dismissed) in this manner fol- lowing. Viz : These are to signifie yt T. Patch, J. Lovet & goody Wood come- 10: 3: Ino.
ing to me shewing their desier to joyne with ye Church on Bass River Side enquiering whether they had need of any particular Letters of Dismission from this Church, I did nequaint the Church heer wth. it who did unanimously express themselves At it was taken for granted by us, yt both these person . & all ye rest on vt side in the same state with these was . dismissed ( we've rest of ye members of this Church) tog ther once for all to bee in ye same state in yt Church as they were in this, so yt they desiering it they may treely je ne in full Com- munion without having any further discussion from this. Salem May 10. Jol Higginson
17: 3, mo. The writing abovesaid was read & ye partys therin expressed were accepted as dismissed from Salem Church to o's to bee under ye watch of this Church, but not thereupon in full communion.
30. 309. John Lovet jur abovesaid & Bethin his wife solemnly & publickly owning ve Covenant of God & giv- ing up themselves & their seed to ye Lord & his people hed their children baptized. see p. 151. Mary Wood had her childe baptized also ve same time apon ye same grounds.
12 : 510. Thomas Patch & Mary his wife having been first privately examined in their knowledge & good affec- fions & desires by ye Pastor ( wych is also to understood of all y' are admitted to any of ye publick ordinances above moned ) upon their publick laying hold of yo Covenant &c. as above had their children baptized. (p. 151)
[12] : 50%. Hanmah Raymond owning ye Covenant &c had her child baptized. (p. 15))
[13] 1668, 2 : 650. Susanna Haskins daughter of Brother Roots did lay hold of yo Covenant &c (as is above ex- pressed for others) & had her child baptized.
10: 800. John West & his wife Mary were upon let- ters of Dismi. sion from ye Church of Ipswich received
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BEVERLY FIRST CHURCH RECORDS.
unto Communion of this Church & their son Thomas wth his wife Elizabeth at ve same time.
1669, 16 : 6mo. By a unanimous consent of this whole Congregation was kept publickly A Day of Humiliation by fasting & prayer for ve great siuns abounding & break- ing forth scandalously in this Country & in of Towne & Church in particular as ground of mourning (see 1 Cor. 5. 2. & 2 Cor. 12: 20) & for ve fears least a flood of prophainness should overflow ve Land, to beg Gods merey & continuance of of libertyes & yt ye Lord will Remen- ber his cause & peaple in Brittaine & Ireland & for Gods hand in taking away so many eminent godly ministers from us by death (5 ministers dyed in about halfe a year. ) 27 : 10mr .. Bethin Stanly (daughter of Sister John 21. 15 ver. Lovet) & chide of yo Covenant having 1 Cor. 5, 11, 12. Acts, 20, 28. 6. 10mo. before marriage confitted Fornication with him who is since her husband & ye fuet evident by her having a childe soon after marriage & confessed by herselfe 27th. 10'00. eccles. 12. 14. 2 Sam. 11 14 ver. was sent for to apeare publickly before ye Church to give account to them of her sinne & repentance. When shee ow ned yt God had of late made ber to see from his word ve greatness of her sin against God & desier yt God would humble ber truly & Blessed God for yt care ve Church tooke for ye good of her soule
2 Chron. 7. 14 ver. 1 Tim. 5. 90. Levit. 19. 15. James 5, 18 20 Gal. 1 6 Psabn [1. 15.]
The Confession apearing somwhat hopefull vet not so full, nor convincing to ye world as was desired in regard of ve newness of it de. Shee had more. time given her for repentance & was with ye Consent of ye Brethren laved under a Solemme Admonition to realize to her owne Soule ye truth of yt Confession, &' to ye world by her conversation & to proceed to yt fuller degree & manifest- tion of humiliation & repentance preso! home by ye Pastor from Hebrews. 13, 4; 1 Cor. 6; 9, 10. 11; 24 Corinth. 7, 11; 1 Tim 5, 20, Revelat. 2 : 21, 22.
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[14] 1668. Benjamin Morgin Sonne of Bro. Morgin a childle of ye Covenant in this Church having in partner- ship with another stole two horses & severall oxen & added unto bis highhanded bouldness ye haynous sin of lying to cover his sinne, was apprehended & convicted thereof at Cambridge Court & ve fact being so notorious & evilen was sent for by this Church ye 6: 10: 68 by two of Je brethren to apeare ye 13 : 10: 68 to show his repentance for his haynous & publickly scandalous sins but he not then apearing was sent to againe to apeare 27: 10 mo. But then he not only refused to come, but also spake very reproachfully of ye Church & publick worship of God. This answer being returned it was propounded by ye pas- tor & consented to by ve Brethren yt two other messen- gers should bee sent to him with this message. yt unless ve next Lords day hee apeared before ye Church & manifested something of repentance not only for his former simms of theft & lying but for his presumptuous contempt of je worship of God & ofthis Church he should be proceeded wh as A Scandalous & Impenitent sinner.
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