USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Palmer > History and manual of the Second Congregational Church and Society, of Palmer, Mass., 1847-1895 > Part 2
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Ushers - 1 .. E. Chandler, G. H. Bray, C. A. LeGro, Louis K. Cross.
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
The Sunday School connected with the church was organized April 8, 1852, since which time it has maintained a vigorous existence. Last year the school made a new departure by introducing the Blakeslee Graded Lesson System of Bible Study. This year the school has entered upon a new era in its history by adopting a plan of study which will require fourteen years for its completion ; a plan which, if carried out, ought to fully equip its members with a knowledge of Bible doctrine and history. The school has an efficient corps of teachers, and numbers 258, with an average attendance of 174, including the Home Department. It also has a Home Department for those who are unable to attend at church. Its officers are elected annually by the church. The school has had these superintendents : Arza Blodgett, for 1852; Jonathan Webber, 1853-54; Azel Breckenridge, 1855; Henry A. Moore, 1856. From 1857 the superintendents were chosen by the Sunday School, and as no records were kept the list is not complete; but during that interval of seventeen years the following gentlemen occupied the position, viz: W. C. Child, Dr. Wm. Holbrook, Dr. E. B. Lyon, J. D. Blanchard, Dea. Freeman S. Foster, H. J. Lawrence, E. N. Montague, and possibly others. Since 1873 the superintendentents have been chosen by the church as follows : O. L. Slader for 1874-75-76-77 ; F. B. Shepard, 1878-79-80 ; Col. H. R. Stoughton, 1881-82-83; O. P. Allen, 1884-85-86; I. E. Moore, 1887;
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SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
J. B. Shaw, 1888-89-90-91-92-93 ; 1. H. Gager, 1894-95. A select library belongs to the church and is devoted to the use of the school. The offerings of the school are appropriated by vote of the school in aid of missionary and other work.
OFFICERS FOR 1895. SUPERINTENDENT. L. H. Gager.
Assistant Superintendent - J. C. Wing. '
Superintendent Primary Department - Mrs. J. B. Shaw.
Superintendent Home Department - Alfred W. Thayer.
Secretary and Treasurer - F. B. Pope.
Librarian - Miss Julia A. Allen.
Organist - Miss Charlotte 1 .. Bray.
TEACHERS.
Class I. W. A. Breckenridge. Class 12. Miss Anna Fisherdick.
2. Mrs. I. E. Child. 13. Mrs. C. W. Bennett.
3. C. W. Bennett. 14. Mrs. D. L. Bodfish.
4. (). P. Allen. 18. Miss Charlotte Bray.
66 F. E. Jenkins. 66 20. Miss Flora Studley.
5.
6. Mrs. S. C. Hunt. 21. Mrs. Joseph King.
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9. Miss Ada G. Wing. 22. Mrs. J. C. Wing.
IO. Mrs. F. E. Cady.
23. Mrs. I. E. Chandler.
II. Mrs. F. B. Pope.
Sunday School Home Department Visitors - Mrs. G. H. Hastings, Mrs. J. W. Brainerd, Mrs. L. H. Gager, Mrs. J. H. Tuthill, Mrs. H. Chapman.
OUR COURSE OF BIBLE STUDY. ADOPTED SEPTEMBER, 1894.
Our pastor has formulated a course of study for our Sunday School, which has attracted no little notice from the press and others interested in such matters. The editor of the Religious Herald says, in calling attention to the article on Graded Sunday Schools by Rev. F. E. Jenkins, that it presents "many important and practical improvements in Sunday School work." Rev. Addison P. Foster, D. D., says, in the Advance : "The Sunday School of the church at Palmer, Mass., of which Rev. Frank E. Jenkins is the efficient pastor, is probably the first in the land to adopt
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HISTORICAL MANUAL OF THE
a carefully graded system of study covering a long term of years. 'This course is based on the Blakeslee Series of Lessons, but it has boldly mapped out the work of the whole school, not for one year, or three years only, but for thirteen, or, if we may say, sixteen." "'The experiment at Palmer will be watched with intense interest, and it may prove that Mr. Jenkins is the pioneer in a great and well-nigh revolutionary change in our Sunday School methods."
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THE COURSE OF STUDY.
I. INFANT CLASS. One Year.
A year of preparatory training for the smallest children. Kindergarten work.
2. PRIMARY CLASSES. 'Three years.
First year. (1). OLD TESTAMENT STORIES. (2). MEMORY WORK : Lord's Prayer ; First Three Commandments ; Psalms 1, 23, 100 ; Hymns : " Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow," "Gloria Patri," " Joy to the World ! The Lord is Come."
Second year. (1). A YEAR WITH JESUS. (2). MEMORY WORK : Golden Rule ; Psalms 19, 103 ; The Ten Commandments ; Hymns : "Safely Through Another Week," "O Day of Rest and Gladness," "My Country, 'tis of 'Thee."
Third year. (1). A YEAR WITH THE APOSTLES. (2). MEMORY WORK : Books of the Bible ; Apostles' Creed; Beatitudes; 1 Cor. 13 ; Hymns : " Onward, Christian Soldiers," "What a Friend We Have in Jesus," "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," "Jesus, Lover of My Soul."
3. JUNIOR CLASSES.
First year. (1). OLD TESTAMENT STORIES (Child's Quarterly ). (2). BIBLE GEOGRAPHY ( Where the Children of Israel Went). (3). MEMORY WORK : Psalm 90; Selections from the Proverbs; Hymns: "There is a Green Hill Far Away," " Rock of Ages," " My Faith Looks Up to Thee," "() Sacred Head," " Christ for the World, We Sing."
Second year. (1). A YEAR WITH JESUS. (Child's Quarterly). (2). BIBLE GEOGRAPHY ( Where Jesus Went). (3). MEMORY WORK : Psalm 51 ; Selections from Proverbs; Hymns : "Come, Thou Almighty King," " Jesus Shall Reign," "Children of the Heavenly King," "Come, thou Fount," " There is a Fountain."
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SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
Third year. (1). A YEAR WITH THE APOSTLES (Child's Quarterly). (2). BIBLE GEOGRAPHY (Where the Apostles Went). (3). MEMORY WORK : Isaiah 53 ; Review of all previous memory work ; Hymns : " Awake, My Soul, Stretch Every Nerve," "Am I a Soldier of the Cross?" "Just as I am," "O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing," " Love Divine," " Blest Trinity ! From Mortal Sight." .
4. INTERMEDIATE CLASSES.
First year. (1). OUTLINE OF OLD TESTAMENT HISTORY. (2). BIBLE GEOGRAPHY (The Old Testament Work). (3). MEMORY WORK : Psalm 90; Sermon on the Mount ( Matthew 5) : Hymns: "How Firm a Foundation," "Sun of my Soul," "We are Living, We are Dwelling," " From Greenland's Icy Mountains," "Nearer, my God, to Thee."
Second year. (1). OUTLINE OF THE LIFE OF CHRIST. (2). BIBLE GEOGRAPHY ( Palestine in the time of Christ). (3). MEMORY WORK : Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 6) ; Nine Parts, Thirty-five Chapters, 151 Facts of Life of Christ ; Hymns : "Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty," ' "Stand up, Stand up for Jesus," "Prayer is the Soul's Sincere Desire," "Lord God of Hosts, by all Adored," " Oh Worship the King, all Glorious Above," " I Love to Tell the Story."
Third year. (1). THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH. (2). BIBLE GEOGRAPHY (The Field of the Early Church). (3). MEMORY WORK : Sermon on the Mount ; Hymns : " I Love Thy Kingdom, Lord," " There's a Wideness in God's Mercy," "Come, Holy Ghost, Creator Come," "Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove," "A Charge to Keep I Have," "Take My Life, and let it be," "Jerusalem, the Golden."
5. PROGRESSIVE CLASSES.
First year. (1). OUTLINE OF OLD TESTAMENT HISTORY (advanced). (2). SUPPLEMENTARY READING.
Second year. (1). OUTLINE OF THE LIFE OF CHRIST (advanced). (2). SUPPLEMENTARY READING.
Third year. (1). HISTORY OF THE EARLY CHURCH (advanced). (2); SUPPLEMENTARY READING.
6. BIBLE CLASSES.
For general or special study. These lessons may be changed from year to year. THE INTERNATIONAL. LESSONS, BIBLE STUDY UNION LESSONS, or other lessons may be used according to the preferences of the school or classes.
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HISTORICAL MANUAL OF THE
MUSIC.
The music department of the church service deserves more than a passing notice, for it is an important factor in worship. As a matter of course a choir was formed soon after the church was organized. Abner Allen was the first chorister, and sustained that position from 1847 to 1850. This was the time when stringed instruments were employed in the choir, and the few surviving members of our society who worshipped at that period recall the fact that James Burnham played the double bass viol, Horace Clark, single bass, E. B. Shaw and John Allen, violins. Dr. Wm. Holbrook was musical director from 1850 to 1860. His choir numbered about forty singers, the surviving members of which are Mrs. Holbrook, Mrs. E. Brown, Mrs. 1 .. E. Child, Mrs. J. S. Loomis, Mrs. George Robinson, James Burnham and D. W. Mason. At that time the choir was located in the rear of the audience. It was the Doctor's frequent custom to invite the young people to engage in singing exercises during the week, by which means a knowledge of music was developed and fresh material furnished for the large choir. In 1852 the viols and violins were discarded for a melodeon. Neither leader nor player received compensation in those days; but at the close of his decade of service, the Doctor was taken by surprise at the close of the service one Sabbath evening by the presentation of a large family Bible and a silver cup on the behalf of the congregation, as a testimonial of regard. Prior to that Charles Knight, now an M. D. in Peekskill, N. Y., was presented with a silk hat by Major Morgan, for his faithful service at the melodeon. In due time the melodeon gave place to a small organ, which furnished instrumental music until the present pipe organ was procured. Charles Breckenridge succeeded Dr. Holbrook as director of music and organist, for which he received about forty dollars per year as compensation. As recalled, his successors were Alvin Hastings, H. P. Holden, Jerre Dutton, O. L. Slader, Penn Tyler, W. F. Miller, C. F. Orcutt, C. A. Brown, Mrs. H. E. Huntley and Mrs. Rufus Flynt. During these years the make-up of the choir has vacelated between the chorus and quartette, but has always maintained a high degree of excellence.
MEMBERS OF THE CHOIR FOR 1894-95. Mrs. Rufus Flynt, Director.
Miss Georgia Packard, Soprano. Mr. C. H. Clark, Bass, succeeded by
Mrs. Rufus Flynt, Contralto. J. M. Newell : he by C. F. Orcutt.
Mr. H. W. McGregory, Tenor.
Mrs. W. H. Small, Organist,
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SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR.
This society was organized November 21, 1886, mainly through the efforts of Rev. HI. W. Pope, soon after his settlement as pastor, and remains a pleasing legacy of his work among us. It has been a success from the beginning, and has proved a valuable auxiliary to the church, having for its object to promote an earnest Christian life among its members, to increase their mutual acquaintance, and to make them more useful in the service of God. The society numbers 54 active, 23 associate and 16 honorary members. Its presidents have been II. B. Knox, 1886- 87-88, 1892-93 ; Dr. G. II. Wilkins, 1889 ; C. W. Bennett, 1889-90-91; A. W. Thayer, 1894 ; Miss Anna Fisherdick, 1894-95.
OFFICERS FOR 1895.
President, Miss Anna Fisherdick ; vice president, Dr. G. II. Wilkins ; corresponding secretary, Mrs. L. E. Chandler ; recording secretary, Mrs. W. W. Bodfish ; treasurer, Louis K. Cross.
JUNIOR SOCIETY OF CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR.
This society was organized Feb. 11, 1894, as a branch of the Senior Society, with the same objects in view, modified to meet the needs of younger members. The society is meeting with success, and should be encouraged, for it has great possibilities in store. It has 20 active and three trial members.
OFFICERS FOR 1895.
Superintendent, Mrs. A. W. Thayer ; assistant superintendent, Miss Blanche Ramsden ; president, Helen Jenkins ; vice president, Lizzie Holden ; secretary, John Milligan ; treasurer, Jennie Bray.
THE SENIOR CIRCLE OF KING'S DAUGHTERS.
This society was organized January 31, 1893, with Miss Helen Cobb for president. Its object is to develop spiritual life and to stimulate Christian activity ; to minister to the wants, needs and comfort of others, and contribute to philanthropic work. The society has ro members.
OFFICERS FOR 1895.
President, Mrs. W. W. Bodfish ; secretary, Miss Julia A. Allen ; treasurer, Miss Carrie Roper.
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HISTORICAL MANUAL OF THE
MEN'S SUNDAY EVENING CLUB
Was organized November 26, 1893. Its object is to raise funds and do personal work to promote the efficiency of the Sunday evening services. The officers are elected semi-annually and its committees are chosen quarterly. The presidents have been 1. H. Gager, O. P. Allen and J. B. Shaw.
OFFICERS FOR FIRST HALF OF 1895.
President, J. C. Wing ; vice president, D. 1 .. Bodfish ; secretary, HI. N. Sedgwick ; treasurer, G. HI. Hastings.
CONSTITUTION.
ARTICLE I. - NAME.
The name of this Association shall be " THE MEN'S SUNDAY EVENING. CLUB OF THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF PALMER."
ARTICLE H. - OBJECT.
The object of this Association shall be to increase the interest and effectiveness of the Sunday Evening service, and such other auxiliary work as may from time to time seem appropriate.
ARTICLE III. - MEMBERSHIP.
Any man may become a member of this Club by giving his name to the Secretary or any member of the Membership Committee, and by paying one dollar at his convenience.
ARTICLE IV. - OFFICERS.
The officers of this Association shall be a President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer, who shall hold their office for six months.
ARTICLE V. - COMMITTEES.
The Officers of the Club shall appoint the following Committees, who shall serve three months, beginning with the second Sunday of the next month after appointment :
I. A Committee on Worship, who, with the Pastor, shall furnish the general plan for each evening service.
2. A Committee on Music, who, with the organist and chorister, shall see that the evening service is provided with appropriate vocal and instrumental music,
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SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
3. A Committee on Ushering and Welcoming the evening congregations.
4. A Committee on Invitation, whose duty it shall be to see that the evening service is sufficiently advertised, invite strangers and other non- attendants of any church, to the evening service, and to attend to all printed matter and newspaper notices.
5. A Finance Committee, whose duty it shall be to provide for the extra funds necessary to the success of the Sunday evening services.
6. A Committee on Membership, whose duty shall be to secure new members.
7. Such other committees as may be appropriate from time to time. 1
ARTICLE VI. - MEETINGS.
Stated meetings shall be held on the last Sunday evening of each month at 5 p. m., in the social rooms of the church. Special meetings may be called when necessary by the President.
ARTICLE VII. - AMENDMENTS.
This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds vote of those present at any regular meeting.
THE LADIES' BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.
This society was organized in 1856, for the purpose of aiding various enterprises of a benevolent nature. It has raised and paid out for various worthy objects since its organization, the sum of $8612.
OFFICERS FOR 1895.
President, Mrs. L. E. Child; vice president, Mrs. Jason Palmer ; secretary, Mrs. J. C. Wing ; treasurer, Mrs. J. B. Shaw.
THE LEND-A-HAND CLUB
Was organized November 6, 1893, for the purpose of a working club connected with the Ladies' Benevolent Society. It has paid over its receipts to said society during the year to the amount of $126.61, which is a good proof of its success.
١٠,
OFFICERS FOR 1894-95.
President, Mrs. C. L. Gardner ; vice president, Mrs. C. B. Ellis ; secretary and treasurer, Mrs. J. S. Sedgwick.
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HISTORICAL MANUAL OF THE
THE ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY.
The Ecclesiastical Society connected with the church was organized April 30, 1847, by thirty gentlemen, as follows : John B. Blanchard, A. N. Dewey, Abner Allen, W. J. Blanchard, J. D. Blanchard, Franklin Blanchard, A. C. Billings, John Brooks, Daniel Converse, James Keith, J. P. Keep, Ephraim Allen, Benjamin Converse, Hiram Converse, Lebeus Chapin, A. C. Merrick, John Bowles, S. L. Fleming, Lambert Allen, Abner Blodgett, Azel Brakenridge, Arza Blodgett, Isaac King, W. C. Child, Harvey Smith, Cyrus Knox, A. V. Blanchard, C. Torry, Wilson Brainard, W. N. Prime. All the above are dead, or have removed, except Mr. Franklin Blanchard.
This society owns the church edifice and parsonage, and provides for the current expenses of maintaining public worship, and has had these clerks since its organization, viz : Samuel 1 .. Fleming, 1847-48 ; A. Blodgett, 1849- 1854 ; David Knox, 1854 to 1891 ; O. P. Allen, 1892 to the present. The annual meetings are held on the second Monday in January.
OFFICERS FOR 1895.
Parish Committee -J. B. Shaw, G. H. Hastings, F. D. Barton : clerk, O. P. Allen ; treasurer, W. R. Milligan ; sexton, HI. L. Gray.
WORSHIP.
REGULAR SERVICES.
Sunday, 10.45 a. m., Family Service.
11.55 a. m., Bible Study. 3.30 p. m., Junior Endeavor Meeting. 6.00 p. m., Y. P. S. C. E. Meeting. 7.00 p. m., General Services, in care of Men's Sunday Evening C'lub.
Tuesday, 7.30 p. m., Learners' and Workers' Class.
Thursday, 7.30 p. m., Church Prayer Meeting.
Communion, first Sunday of January and of alternate months.
Preparatory Service on the Thursday evening before Communion.
BENEFICIARIES.
Collections in this church were first instituted April 20, 1855, and from that time to 1878 were effected by special collectors, who were given
SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 31
specified portions of the town to canvass. In 1878 the envelope plan and weekly voluntary offering was adopted, and continued in vogue until the present year ( 1895), when a new and more acceptable plan has been devised and adopted, by which the offerings of the first and third Sundays in each month will be devoted to defraying the expenses of the church. The offerings of the second Sunday in each month will be under the direction of the advisory committee ; those of the fourth Sunday will be devoted to the different missionary societies as designated by vote of the church each year, and the offerings of the fifth Sunday will be under the advisory committee. By this plan it is hoped all requirements will be met. Our church has always been noted for its benefactions. Not a year passes without the shipment of valuable boxes of clothing to help the needy in the South or West, and no doubt this spirit of Christian sympathy will always continue.
FORM OF ADMISSION.
CONFESSION OF FAITH.
What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows unto the Lord now in the presence of all his people.
Whosoever therefore shall confess 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.
For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness ; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
Dearly beloved, called of God to be his children through Jesus Christ our Lord, you are here that, in the presence of God and his people, you may enter into the fellowship and communion of his church. You do truly repent of your sins ; you heartily receive Jesus Christ as your crucified Saviour and risen Lord ; you consecrate yourselves unto God and your life to his service ; you accept his Word as your law, and his Spirit as your comforter and guide ; and trusting in his grace to confirm and strengthen you in all goodness, you promise to do God's holy will, and to walk with this church in the truth and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Accepting, according to the measure of your understanding of it, the system of Christian truth held by the churches of our faith and order, and by this church into whose fellowship you now enter, you join with ancient
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HISTORICAL, MANUAL OF THE
saints, with the Church throughout the world, and with us, your fellow- believers, in humbly and heartily confessing your faith in the gospel, saying : -
I believe in God the FATHER Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth. And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord ; who was conceived by the HOLY GHOST, born of the Virgin Mary ; suffered under Pontias Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried ; the third day He rose from the dead ; He ascended into heaven ; and sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty ; from thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead. 1 believe in the HOLY Ghost; the holy catholic church, the communion of saints ; the forgiveness of sins ; the resurrection of the body ; and the life everlasting. Amen.
[Then should baptism be administered to those who have not been baptized. Then should those rise who would unite with the church by letter. To them the minister should say :]
Confessing the Lord whom we unitedly worship, you do now renew your self-consecration, and join with us cordially in this, our Christian faith and covenant.
[ The members of the church present should rise.]
We welcome you into our fellowship. We promise to watch over you with Christian love. God grant that, loving and being loved, serving and being served, blessing and being blessed, we may be prepared, while we dwell together on earth, for the perfect communion of the saints in heaven.
" Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ : to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."
CONFESSION OF FAITH.
I. We believe in one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible ;
And in Jesus Christ, his only Son, om Lord, who is of one substance with the Father; by whom all things were made;
And in the Holy Spirit, the Lord and Giver of life, who is sent from the Father and Son, and who together with the Father and Son is worshipped and glorified.
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SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
II. We believe that the Providence of God, by which he executes his eternal purposes in the government of the world, is in and over all events; yet so that the freedom and responsibility of man are not impaired, and sin is the act of the creature alone,
III. We believe that man was made in the image of God, that he might know, love, and obey God, and enjoy him forever; that our first parents by disobedience fell under the righteous condemnation of God: and that all men are so alienated from God that there is no salvation from the guilt and power of sin except . through God's redeeming grace,
IV. We believe that God would have all men return to him; that to this end he has made hunselt known, not only through the works of nature, the course of his Providence, and the consciences of men, but also through supernatural revelations made especially to a chosen people, and above all, when the fullness of time was come, through Jesus Christ his Son. 1
V. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the record of God's revelations of himself in the work of redemption: thia they were written by men under the special guidance of the Holy Spirit; that they are able to make wise unto salvation; and that they constitute the authoritative standard by which religious teaching and human conduct are to be regulated and judged.
VI. We believe that the love of God to sinful men has tound its highest expression in the redemptive work of his Son: who became man, uniting his divine nature with our human nature in one person; who was tempted like other men, yet without sin; who, by his humiliation, his holy obedience, his sufferings, his death on the cross, and his resurrection, became a perfect Redeemer: whose sacrifice of himself for the sins of the world declares the righteousness of God, and is the sole and sufficient ground of forgiveness and of reconciliation with him.
VII. We believe that Jesus Christ, after he had risen from the dead, ascended into heaven, where, as the one Mediator between God and man, he carries forward his work of saving men: that he sends the Holy Spirit to convict them of sin, and to lead them to repentemice and faith;, and that those who through renewing grace turn to righteousness, and trust in Jesus Christ as their Redeemer, receive for his sake the forgiveness of their sins, and are made the children of God.
VIH. We believe that those who are thus regenerated and justified grow in sanctified character through fellowship with Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and obedience to the truth; that a holy life is the fruit and evidence of saving faith; and that the believer's hope of continuance in such a life is in the preserving grace of God.
IX. We believe that Jesus Christ came to establish among men the kingdom of God, the reign of truth and love, righteousness and peace; that to Jesus Christ, the Head of this kingdom, Christians ate directly responsible in faith and conduct; and that to him all have immediate access without mediatorial or priestly intervention.
X. We believe that the church of Christ, invisible and spiritval, coinprises all true believers, whose duty it is to associate themselves in churches, for the maintenance of worship, forthe promotion of spiritual growth and fellowship, and for the conversion of men; that these churches, under the guidance of the Holy Scriptures and in fellowship with one another, may determine - each for itself - their organization, statements of belief, and forms of worship; may appoint and set apart their own ministers, and should co-operate in the work which Christ has committed to them for the intherace of the gospel throughout the world.
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