USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Medford > Articles of faith and covenant of the First Trinitarian Congregational Church, Medford, Mass. : with a list of the members [1823-1858] > Part 2
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Atonement for Sin by the Death of Christ.
But ye are come-to Jesus, the Mediator of the new covenant. Jesus said unto him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life ; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. Neither is there salvation in any other, for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. This is a faithful saying and worthy of
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all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day : and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations. For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Without shedding of blood is no remission. And if any man sin we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous : and he is the propitiation for our sins ; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. Ye were not redeemed with corrupti- ble things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers ; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a Lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was fore- ordained before the foundation of the world. While we were yet sin- ners Christ died for us. Thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood, out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and na- tion. The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness sake; he will magnify the law and make it honorable .- Heb. 12: 22, 21. John 14: 6. Acts 4: 12. 1 Tim. 1: 15. Luke 24: 46, 47. Matt. 26: 28. Heb. 9: 22. John 2: 1,2. 1 Pet. 1: 18-20. Rom. 5: S. Rev. 5: 9. Is. 42 : 21.
Faith in his Blood essential to Salvation.
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness, for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God, to declare I say at this time, his righteousness, that he might be just and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. For God so loveth the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. Rom. 3: 25, 26. John 3: 16.
ARTICLE VII.
We believe that the invitations of the Gospel are full and sincere ; that all who will may come and par- take of the water of life freely ; but that mankind do, of their own accord, most freely and most wickedly refuse to comply with these conditions, so that none of them do or will come, unless drawn by the special .. influences of the Holy Spirit.
God's Invitations to Sinners are most sincere and gracious.
Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters. As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked. Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out. Make you a new heart and a new spirit : for why will ye die ?- Is. 55: 1. Ezek. 33: 11. Jn. 6: 37. Ezek. 18: 31.
Regeneration by the Holy Spirit necessary.
Jesus answered and said unto him. Verily, verily, I say unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Fol-
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low peace with all men; and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God ; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither in- deed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness unto him, neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you ; and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but ac- cording to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost .- John 3: 3. Heb. 12: 14. Gal. 6: 15. Rom. S: 7. 1 Cor. 2: 14. Ezek. 36 : 26. John 1 : 13. Titus 3: 5.
ARTICLE VIII.
We believe the influences of the Holy Spirit are not bestowed on account of any merit in the sinner, but as the free gift of God. But that these influences are ordinarily so connected with the careful use of means, as to impose the most solemn obligation to attend upon them, and to render hope of conversion in the neglect of means, or while living in sin, emi- nently presumptuous.
How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? I will therefore that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, with- out wrath or doubting. If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for bid treasures; then shalt thou understand the fear of the Lord. Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find. Strive to enter in at the strait gate. The kingdom of heaven suffereth vio- lence, and the violent (the earnest and determined seekers) take it by force .- Rom. 10: 14. 1 Tim. 2: 8. Prov. 2: 4, 5. Matt. 7: 7. Luke 13: 24. Matt. 11: 12.
ARTICLE IX.
We believe that all who obtain salvation through Christ, " were chosen in Him before the foundation of the world," and that all who truly believe in him, are justified on account of his righteousness, and will be kept by the mighty power of God, through faith unto salvation.
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Election and Predestination.
For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conform- ed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first-born among many brethren. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them He also called ; and whom He called. them He also justified ; and whom He justified, them he also glorified. And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord; and as many as were ordained to eternal life, believed. According as he hath chosen us in Him, before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Ilim in love. Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. In whom also we have obtained an inheri- tance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will. Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling ; not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began. Therefore, being justified by faith. we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ .- Rom. 8: 29-39. Acts 13 : 48. Rom. 9: 11, and 11: 5, 7. Eph. 1: 4, 5, 11. 2 Thess. 2: 13. 2 Tim. 1 : 9. 1 Pet. 1: 2. Eph. 2: 8, 9, 10, and 3: 11. Gal. 2 : 16. Rom. 3: 20, 24, 28, and 5: 1, and 8 : 1. John 5: 21. Phil. 1 : 6.
Final Perseverance of the Saints.
They went out from us, but they were not of us, for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out that they might be made manifest, that they were not all of us. For I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principali- ties, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. And this is the Fa- ther's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me. I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them; and they follow me. And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my hand. My Father which gave them me is greater than all, and none is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord ; and he de- lighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down ; for the Lord upholdeth him with his hand. The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called ; and whom he called, them he also justified; and whom he justitied, them he also glorified. But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day. Being conti- dent of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you. will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ .- 1 John 2: 19. Rom. 8: 38, 39. John 6: 39. John 10 : 27-29. Psalm 37 : 23. 24. Job 17 : 9. Rom. 8: 30. Prov. 4: 18. Phil. 1: 6. 1 Pet. 1 : 5.
ARTICLE X.
We believe that in this world, the Lord Jesus Christ has a visible church ; the terms of membership are a
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credible profession of faith in Christ, and of that holi- ness, which is wrought by the renewing grace of God ; and that habitual communion with God, and constant attendance upon public, family and secret worship, and the practice of righteousness, temperance, sobriety, sincerity and truth, are essential to Christian character.
Unto the church of God, which is at Corinth, to them that are sanc- tified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours. Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his. For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body being many, are one body ; so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. That in the dispensation of the fullness of times, he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, which is his body, the full- ness of him that filleth all in all. He that hath an car, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. And I say also unto thee, that thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem : they shall prosper that love thee. Not forsaking the assembling of yourselves together, as the manner of some is. Then David returned to bless his house. The Psalmist says, Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray and cry aloud. Daniel kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God as he did aforetime. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. It is good for me to draw near to God. Enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut the door, pray to thy Father which is in secret. He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty ; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt. Let us watch and be sober .- 1 Cor. 1: 2. 2 Tim. 2: 19. 1 Cor. 12: 12, 13. Eph. 1 : 10, 22, 23. Rev 2: 7. Matt. 16: 18. Psalm 122: 6. Hcb. 10 : 25. 2 Sam. 6: 2). Psalm 55: 17. Dan 6: 10. Josh. 21: 15. Psalm 73 : 28. Matt. 6: 6. Prov. 16 : 32. Coloss. 4 : 6. 1 Thess. 5 : 6. Matt 18: 19, 20.
ARTICLE XI.
We believe that the sacraments of the New Tes- tament are Baptism and the Lord's Supper ; Baptism to be administered only to covenanting believers and their households ; and the Supper only to believers in regular standing and communion with the church.
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Baptism.
Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls .- Matt. 28 : 19. Acts. 2: 41.
Household Baptism ; the Seal of the Covenant on Believers and their Children.
And I will establish my covenant between me and thee, and thy seed after thee, in their generation, for an everlasting covenant ; to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee. And God said unto Abra- ham, Thou shalt keep my covenant, therefore, thou and thy seed after thee, in their generations. This is my covenant, which ye shall keep between me and you, and thy seed after thee; every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin ; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you. And he that is eight days old, shall be circumcised among you, and every man child in your generations ; he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith, which he had, yet being uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also. Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace. to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed ; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all. For the promise is unto you and your children. Their children shall also be as aforetime. For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband; else were your children unclean, but now they are holy. But Jesus called them unto him and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not; for of such is the kingdom of God. And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their stripes; and was baptized, he and all his straightway. And when she was baptized, and her household, she besought us, saying. If ye have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house, and abide there. And I baptized also the household of Stephanas .- Gen. 17: 7, 9, 10, 11, 12. Rom. 4: 11, 16. Acts 2: 30. Jer. 3): 2). 1 Cor. 7: 14. Luke 18: 16. Acts 16: 33. Acts 16: 15. 1 Cor. 1 : 16.
The Lord's Supper.
And as they were eating, Jesus took bread and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, Take, eat; this is my body. And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it ; for this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many, for the remission of sins. But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of the fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom. And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives. For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you. That the Lord Jesus, the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread. And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, cat; this is my body which was broken for you ; this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, say-
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ing, This cup is the New Testament in my blood ; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For as often as ye cat this bread and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. And when a stranger shall sojourn with thee, and will keep the passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it, and he shall be as one that is born in the land ; for no un- circumcised person shall eat thereof. Whosoever, therefore, shall con- fess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers ; for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? And what communion hath light with darkness ? And what concord hath Christ with Belial ? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel ? But unto the wicked God saith, What hast thou to do to declare my statutes, or that thou shouldst take my covenant in thy mouth ? The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomina- tion to the Lord ; but the prayer of the upright is his delight .- Matt. 26 : 26-30. 1 Cor. 11 : 23-26. Ex. 12 : 48. Matt. 10: 32, 33. 2 Cor. 6: 14, 15. Ps. 50: 16. Prov. 15: 8.
ARTICLE XII.
Finally, we believe that at death, and not before, the souls of believers are made perfectly holy, and do immediately pass into glory ; and that the souls of the wicked do, at death, pass immediately to a state of punishment ; that at the end of the world, there will be a resurrection of the dead, when all mankind will give account to God of their conduct, and be judged according to what they have done ; and the righteous, publicly acquitted, will enter into life eternal; and the wicked, publicly condemned, will go away into pun- ishment that will never end.
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judg- ment. Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was; and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. Marvel not at this ; for the hour is coming in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth, they that have done good unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation. And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust. When the Son of Man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory. And before him shall be gathered all nations ; and he shall separate them one from another as a shepherd
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divideth the sheep from the goats. And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. We shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in the body ac- cording to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil. But I say unto you, that every idle word, that men shall speak, they shall give an account thereof in the day of judgment. Then shall the King say unto them on the right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth ; yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors ; and their works do follow them. Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power. And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day nor night, who worship the beast, and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. But he that shall blas- pheme against the Holy Ghost, hath never forgiveness, but is in danger of eternal damnation. The Son of Man goeth as it is written of him ; but wo unto that man, by whom the Son of Man is betrayed ! It had been good for that man if he had not been born .- IIeb. 9: 27. Eccl. 12: 7. 1 Cor. 15: 52. John 5: 28, 29. Acts 21: 15. Matt. 25: 31-33. Rom. 14: 10, 12. 2 Cor. 5: 10. Eccl. 12: 14. Matt. 12 : 36. Matt. 25: 34, 41, 46. Rev. 14: 13. 2 Thess. 1 : 9. Rev. 14: 11. Dan. 12: 2. Mark 3: 20. Matt. 26: 24, Luke 23: 43.
THE COVENANT.
Confessing that you are sinners ; that you have de- parted from God, and have lived under the influence of that carnal mind which is enmity against him ; you do now, in His presence and before this assembly, solemnly avouch this God, Jehovah, Father, Son and Holy Ghost, to be your God ; the object of your supreme affection, and your portion forever. You cordially acknowledge the Lord Jesus Christ to be your only Saviour, and the Holy Spirit to be your Sanctifier, Comforter and Guide. You heartily devote
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yourselves to God, in the everlasting covenant of his grace ; you unreservedly consecrate all that you have and are, to his service and glory ; and you promise that, through the assistance of his Spirit, you will cleave to him as your sovereign Lord ; that you will give diligent attendance to his word and ordinances ; that you will seek, above all things, the honor and interests of his kingdom ; and that, henceforth, deny- ing all ungodliness and every worldly lust, you will live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world.
[The ordinance of Baptism to be administered. If any join by letter, they will now arise.]
You do now cordially join yourself to this church of Christ, engaging that you will hold communion with it in all Christian ordinances, and submit to its discipline, as God in his word enjoins ; that you will strive earnestly for its peace, edification and purity ; that you will watch over its members in love, faithfully reproving them, if they go astray, and that you will walk with them in charity, circumspection, meckness and sobriety.
Do you thus covenant and engage.
In consequence of these professions and engage- ments, we, the members of this church, [here the members of the church will rise,] affectionately receive you to our communion, and, in the name of Christ, declare you entitled to all its privileges. We welcome you to this fellowship with us in the blessings of the
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gospel, and on our part engage to watch over you, and seek your edification, so long as you shall continue with us. And may we prove together, in this new connection, the fullness of that blessing, which our Lord hath promised to them that are in covenant with him ; may his richest grace rest upon you to the end of your pilgrimage ; and may an abundant entrance be administered to us all into the joy of our Lord .- AMEN.
OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH.
PASTORS.
REV. AARON WARNER, -Installed September 1, 1824; dis- missed October 10, 1832.
REV. GORDON WINSLOW, -Ordained June 12, 1833; dis- missed November 12, 1834.
REV. LEVI PRATT, -Installed August 19, 1835 ; died August 9, 1837.
REV. ABIJAH R. BAKER, - Ordained April 25, 1838; dismissed September 20, 1848.
REV. ELIHU P. MARVIN, -Installed February 25, 1852.
DEACONS.
NATHANIEL JAQUITH,
CHARLES JAMES,
SAMUEL TRAIN,
GALEN JAMES,
JOTHAM STETSON,
JOHN STETSON, JUDAH LORING, ROLAND JACOBS, THOMPSON KIDDER.
Edward 'is Lay.
CLERKS.
GALEN JAMES, AARON BLANCHARD, CHARLES JAMES, JOHN STIMPSON, NATHANIEL H. BISHOP,
EDWARD W. FAY,
JUDAH LORING,
LORENZO CLISBY,
FRANCIS. H. KIDDER.
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MEMBERS OF TIIE CHURCH.
Those names marked with an asterisk, (*) are of persons deceased : those with an obelisk, (t) of persons dismissed to other churches ; those with an e, of persons excommunicated ; those with an s, of persons suspended.
ORIGINAL MEMBERS, OCTOBER 2, 1823.
+ James, Galen. First Ch., Medford.
+ Crosby, Jesse.
+ Jameson, Thomas. 11 11
* Blanchard, Gilbert. " 11
*Clay, Mary. 11
+ Fitch, Hepzibah. 11 11
+ Fitch, Nancy. 11 "
+ Magoun, Mary.
11
*Blanchard, Mary.
11
*Bailey, Elizabeth. 11
+ Rogers, Harriet G. 11 11
*Clay, Ann. 11
*James, Mary R. 11
11
Blanchard, 2d, Mary. 11
+ Jameson, Nancy. 11
11
*Crosby, Hannah. 11
*Kidder, Mary. "1
11
*Kidder, Thompson. Park St. Ch., Boston.
*Blanchard, Lucy. [Wood.] Old South Ch., Boston.
+ Jaquith, Nathaniel. Ch. in Reading.
*White, Cynthia. Ch. in Merrimack. White, John T. Ch. in Deerfield.
+ Forsayth, James. Relief Ch., Burnhead, Scotland.
+ Forsayth, Janette. 11
Pratt, Thomas. Ch. in Chelsea.
*Pratt, Phœbe. 11 11
ADMISSIONS. 1823.
+ Plummer, Abigail. Ch. in Newburyport.
1824.
*Teel, Samuel. First C'h., Medford.
*Porter, Benjamin. Ch. in Lyme, N. H.
*Porter, Prudence. 11
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Nixon, Dolly. [Butters.] Ch. in East Pembroke, N. H.
¡ Stoddard, Eunice. Ch. in Hollis, N. H.
¡ Clough, Mary Ann D. First Ch., Medford. *Hall, Mary B. 1 1 11
*Pratt, Nancy. Ch. in Gloucester.
+ Tufts, Catharine. Second Cong. Ch., Portland, Me.
1825.
+ Rugg, Solomon. Ch. in Orford, N. H.
+ Rugg, Mabel. 11
Teel, Anna. Ch. in New Ipswich, N. H.
+ Richardson, Josiah. Ch. in Malden.
¡ Crosfields, Timothy.
*Odiorne, Thomas. 11
11
*Bryant, Anne. Park St. Ch., Boston-
+ Blanchard, Eliza. By profession.
+ Drew, Lucy. 11 11
+ Brooks, Gilbert. 11 11
+ Farrar, Eunice. "1
*Tufts, Hannah. 11 11
1826.
*James, Patience. Ch. in Scituate.
+ Tufts, Hannah, 2d. Old South Ch., Boston.
1827.
¡ Sables, Dorothy F. First Ch., Charlestown.
Tufts, Eliza. Ch. in West Cambridge. Eames, Mary. [Richardson.] By profession.
+ Hatch, Elizabeth.
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+ James, Charles.
11 11
Cushing, Hannah.
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