USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Raynham > The history of the First Church and Society in Raynham : in two discourses, delivered Jan. 1, 1832, being little more than a century since the church was constituted > Part 2
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Those were times when controversy slumbered, -when Con -.
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gregational ministers in this country, were agreed in the chief doctrines of the gospel, " saw eye to eye," had little false chris- tianity to contend against, and spent their time and strength in promoting the truth.
By divine permission this history will be resumed and con- cluded in the afternoon.
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SERMON 2.
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PSALM 125: 2.
AS THE MOUNTAINS ARE ROUND ABOUT JERUSALEM SO THE LORD IS ROUND ABOUT HIS PEOPLE FROM HENCEFORTH, EVEN FOREVER.
I HAVE thought this passage particularly applicable to the later history of this church, and the friends of truth in this town. " Had not the Lord been on our side,"-had not his arms been around his people, " they would have been swallowed up quick, -the proud waters would have gone over our soil." May we ever trust in him who is round about his people forevermore.
Dr. Fobes' ministry, as we have seen was prosperous. It was 45 years ; in which time 136 persons were admitted to the communion of this church, and 304 infants and adults were baptized.
The first meeting-house was conveniently situated for the first inhabitants, and continued as the place of worship for more than 42 years. On the 3d of November 1773, this house in which we are now assembled, began to be used for public worship. When first built, it had no bellfrey, or steeple, and the body of it contained square pews, after the ancient fashion. It was erected and finished by Mr. Israel Washburn, at his owu cost, and sold to those who purchased pews in it ; and the old meeting-house which stood three-fourths of a mile south-west from this, was given to him by the town. Much opposition arose to the plan and proposals which he made to the town for erecting this house: 34 voted for accepting them and 27 against it. Those opposed to building a new meeting house, living most- ly in the southern part of the town, undertook to repair the old one. In this undertaking about one third of the church took an active part. Upon which the other two thirds, living mostly in the nothern part of the town, entered a complaint against
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them for their illegal and unchristian conduct. Neighboring ministers, Rev. Mr. Toby and Rev. M. Conant were resorted to for counsel and advice. These ministers met the church and after prayer to God for direction, and after hearing a long represen- tation of existing difficulties on each side, they advised the breth- ren of the north part of the town, to pass over the offence which they supposed they had received from the brethren of the south part, who had been concerned in repairing the old meeting house and to forgive them, and accordingly it was done. At length general unanimity and harmony were restored, by considering, doubtless, that the general good is the object to be pursued by every individual.
The land on which this house stands and the common con- nected with it, was purchased or obtained of Mr. Amariah Hall.
Dr. Fobes describes the people of this town, forty years ago, as being generally noted for industry, virtue and patriotism .-- "The inhabitants, he says, especially those who attend public worship here, have been distinguished for their zealous attach- ment to learning, to military disipline and church music. The unanimity and order of their public decision during the late war, their cautious, but spirited exertions, their prompt and peacea- ble compliances with the numerous calls of government in the days of exigence and danger, are well known :-- and perhaps ought the rather to be remembered as their patience long en- dured the trial of cruel opposition, and the shocks of ridicule, from the tongues and pens of great numbers around thiem .- Fired at the name of insurgency, and hearing that a conspiracy was formed to prevent the sitting of the October Court of 1786, the troops of this little town consisting of two small companies roused unanimous, and at the call of their leaders, mustered in arms, marched alone to Taunton, entered the Court-house as a preocupant guard ; there lay upon their arms through the whole night preceding the day of the Court's sitting ; and in open de- fiance of all the bloody threats af an unprincipled mob, in con- stant expectation of hundreds in arms ready for battle, they stood firm but alone, until the next day about noon, when by a re-inforcement of troops from the county of Plymouth and a number gleaned from different parts of the country, they formed and under command of General Cobb, the insurrection was crushed, the Supreme Court sat, and government was triumph- ant. But from the whole county of Bristol not another whole company appeared, except the two from Raynham."*
* Collections of the Historical Society, Vol 8-1798.
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These accounts, given by one perfectly acquainted with their correctnes show us the character of the times ;- that the love of freedom of order and justice, which warmed the breasts of revolutionary patriots, was not casily quenched. Taking sides with religion and conscience, it held on its way ; and it devolves on us in our turn to transmit the same spirit to those who shall come after us. Many states having made a noble beginning in executing measures to obtain civil and religious freedom, have throughi a want of prudence or wisdom lost, the treasure, just as it was within their reach. But our patriotic fathers had wis- dom and virtue, which taught them not only to achieve, but rightly to improve a victory over their oppresssors. They were careful not to destroy the precious grain in gathering it in. What avails all the toil of acquiring property or learning liberty, if we have no discretion in using them ?
In April, 1753, Dr. Watts Psalms and Hymns began to be used by this church and Society in their public worship. *
It is stated by Dr. Fobes that, in 1793 about one sixth of the inhabitant of this town were Baptists : that the number of fami- lies was near two hundred, and that by the census, the town contained about a thousand souls. The Baptists at that period were frequently opposed in withdrawing their support from the established societies, and were sometimes compelled by law, though unjustly, in my view, to render to them their proportional support. But the Rev. Mr Bachus, in his history, gives an account of but one person in this town who was compelled to pay a tax against her will, to the support of the ministry. In 1783 the town passed a vote not to distress those who, on the ground of their being Baptists, had declined paying their ministerial tax ;- they gave this reason for the measure, that to compel them to pay it, " would endanger that peace and harmony which ever ought to subsist in a town society." (F) It appears that religious freedom was here at an early period uniformly allowed and en- joyed.
Seventy years ago, repeated instances occured of persons who withdrew from this church and became what were then called " separatists," but most of them after a few year's consideration, returned, confessed their error, and were restored.
After the decease of Dr. Fobes, this church was destitute of a pastor about seven months, till Rev. Stephen Hull, formerly
* At first they were used but once a day, Mr. Dunster's being used the remainder of the time. "In 1764, Dr. Watt's were used exclusively.
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of Amesbury but now of Carlile, was installed here Sept 9. 1812. He continued minster of this society till obout the first of May 1823, when at his own request, he was dismised. Dur- ing his ministry which was nearly eleven years fifty two per- sons were received into the church. There was in this socie- ty an extraordinary season of revival, as most of you well re- member, in 1820, which year about 40, mostly middle aged persons, publicly professed their faith in Christ, gave an ac- count of their religious experience in writing in this house, and were received by the church.
My ordination took place October 2, 1823. From that time to the present, seventy-seven persons have been received to the communion of this church, and, perhaps half that number of infants and adults have received baptism.
The Sabbath School was instituted in this society in June 1823, and has increased from 50 to 130 scholars.
At the time of my settlement you are aware, there had been for several years an inclination in some of this church and soci- ety to embrace sentiments different from those in which this church was founded, and which it had embraced and maintained for more than three fourths of a century. Opposition soon arose, which in April 1828 resulted in the withdrawment of 25 mem- bers from the church, and in the formation of the new church and society in this town.
A meeting of this society had been called on the 20th of August 1827, to see if the society will request their pastor to exchange with those ministers in this vicinity, with whom he has declin- ed exchanges-and after mature deliberation it was voted by about two thirds of the members present,-That it be left dis- cretionary with the pastor of this society to exchange with such ministers as he may think proper.
That God has shown his approval, my brethren, of your going forward as you have gone in the belief and support of the doc- trines on which this church was founded, is fully evident to my mind, from his merciful visitations to us the past season. You have experienced the days of the right hand of the Most High. In the course of five months past forty four have embraced the covenant of God, and united in your communion ; and about a dozen more have in the same time expressed a hope in the all- sufficient Saviour. The marked and solemn attention given to the truths when preached; the diligence shown in attending pub- lic worship ; the anxiousness expressed by members respecting the eternal interest of their souls ; the fervent charity, perfect union, and increased spirit of prayer, which have been appar-
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ent among the members of the church; all evince the divine work of God's spirit.
The number of members in this church now is 120,-a great- er number than it ever contained at any one time before. Four- teen persons in all have sustained the office of deacon in this church. The first were John Staples and Samuel Leonard, who were among the original members of the church. Jona- than Shaw, was chosen deacon in 1741. Jonathan Shaw a son of the former, was chosen in 1780. Jonathan Hall and Edmund Williams in 1750. Elijah Lconard in 1761. Israel Wash- burn, in -. Abiel Williams, and Oliver Washburn in 1797. Lloyd Shaw in 1819. Horatio Leonard in 1824, and Eliab B. Dean and Elijah Gushee, jr. the present deacons, in 1828. Edmund Williams withdrew from the church, and united with the Baptists.
From the history which has now passed in review, I re- mark, in the first place.
1. That christian dicipline appears to have been maintained in this church, from its commencement. It was cvidently the object of its early members to live in the observance of all the ordinances and commands of Christ. They certainly possessed great fortitude and moral courage in declaring and supporting what they believed to be the doctrines of the gospel. : They were fearless in the discharge of their duty. Possessing the general character of the age, they did not for slight reasons, as many do now, omit to assemble on the Sabbath where God's name is recorded. Who, in coming to the close of life, and in going to give an account of all his time, ever regretted that he had spent a part of one day in seven, in attending at the house of God, " to behold the beauty of the Lord and inquire in his temple?" On the other hand, what confidence can they have of God's mercy who uniformly slight this privilege ? What hope' can they have of enjoying, or knowing how to engage in his worship, the moment they die, if all their life time, they have never loved, or practised it ?
One striking feature in the former character of this church, is the particular watch and care which they exercised over their children. "On the records appears, in substance, the following notice:" Aug. 2, 1749, at a public meeting of the church, it was proposed by the pastor, that since meetings for singing and dancing have become so common among the youth in this place, and there were some of the church concerned in them, wheth- er it was not the duty of this church to use their influence as far as it would extend, for the suppression of them; and the church were of the mind that it was their duty. Forty years after
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wards is the following record : The church met and after prayer to God and mature deliberation, they unanimously agreed, that it was the duty of churches to exercise and extend a particular care and watch over all baptised persons ;- and resolved, that we of this church in particular, will in future consider this to be our duty, in regard to all baptised members.
It seems to have been impressed on their minds, as it ever should be on the churches, that they as well as the pastor, ought to be well acquainted with the moral character and senti- ments of every one in their particular communion ; and to edu- cate their children for Christ and his church. They did more than is usually done now in restraining them from vicious com- pany, and in exhibiting to them the important and salutary ex- ample of family worship. They brought them often and at an early age to the sanctuary. As habits are lasting, when form- ed, if we would have our chidren embrace the truth, and love the sabbath and the public worship of God, we must early bring our children within their influence.
2. We may see what has been the practice of this church in the admission of members. The indispensible qualification for admission to the Lord's table, has been a credible profession of experimental piety. Candidates in being received into this - church, as far as my practice has extended, acknowledge their belief in the scriptures, as given by inspiration of God ;- that there is one God existing in Father, Son and Holy Ghost, to whom they consecrate themselves ;- that their hearts before be- ing sanctified by the spirit of God were of choice destitute of holiness ;- that they hope for salvation through Christ's atone- ment, engage to submit to the discipline of this church, and to live a holy and virtuous life in view of the retributions of eter- nity.
Persons desirous of the fellowship of this church, have usually been conversed with repeatedly by the pastor, and when he has obtained satisfaction of their qualification, he has propounded them to the church, usually a fortnight, before their admission. The candidates have "generally given in, either in writing or verbally, an account of their religious experience and hope in Christ. It was formerly the case, and has, as you are aware, been practised more of late, to have the written relation read in public. By this course, it has been found that sufficient op- portunity has been given for all to become acquainted with the moral and religious character of the candidate.
3. It is manifest that the religious doctrines embraced in this church now, are substantially the same which it embraced a hun- died years ago. But we have been represented as exclusion-
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ists, and blaincd for discontinuing ministerial exchanges with soinc of the neighboring pastors. But why should we be blamed for practicing according to our conscientious belief, and refusing to renounce what we conceive to be the true doctrines of the gospel, and which the great majority of this church have ever received ? Why should we not be left to the same liberty which we grant to others ?
Wc deeply regret that we were obliged to discontinue minis- terial exchanges with some of the neighboring pastors. But the cause of this discontinuance was in themselves. They had inbibed and arc teaching a system of doctrines which neither we nor our fathers could find in the scriptures. As they have essentially departed from our conscientious belief, why should we be blamed for not seeing our way clear to follow them. We have not altered from our former belief, but it is they who have dissented from us. But we condemn them not. You have nev- er heard from me in this sacred place or any other, the language of denunciation. Nor, I trust, will you ever hear from me such language.
The step therefore which your pastor deliberately, from con- scientious motives, and with the approbation of more than two thirds of this church and society, adopted in 1826, of dis- continuing the exchanges which I have mentioned, was adopt- ed as an important duty. Without adopting this step we fully believed that this church would have been drawn away from " the good old paths" in which our fathers walked; that it would gradually and inevitably have fallen into a state of skepticism and unbelief, as to what we consider the leading truths of the gos- pel, and that we should have occasioned in a great measure the withdrawment of the presence of God and the spirit of revi- vals.
I do not mean to imply that we or our denomination alone, have the truth, or are infallably right. It is suitable that we should hear the admonition, " Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast ;" and this also, " Let him that standeth take heed lest he fall."
4. I may suggest from this history, what is the duty of church- es in the call and settlement of their ministers. It is their right, from the authority of the scriptures, and according to the gen- eral usage in New England, to choose their own pastor. It is the duty of every church in selecting a pastor, to require of him a fair statement of his doctrinal belief. They should ascertain whether he possesses the spirit of Christ, and what are his views of religion which he designs to present in his preaching. By requiring him to be thus explicit, they may avoid much disap-
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pointment, and self reproach ; and derive far greater profit from his ministry. He, if possessed of the spirit of the gospel, will be ready to give a reason of his faith as well as of his hope, in christian meekness to any one who may desire it ; and the council who ordains him, in being faithful to their trust, will not hasten to lay hands on him before satisfying themselves on these points.
Be faithful, beloved brethren, in these things whenever di- vine Providence shall call you to select one who shall minister to you in word and in doctrine. It is a duty which you owe to your divine Master who has called you to act in his name. It is a duty which you owe to yourselves, for can it ever be a matter of indifference whether truth or error is preached to you ? If you would employ able and faithful men to defend your temporal interests when they are in danger, much more should you be anxious not to entrust the guidance of your souls to men who have not the truth. To select as your teachers holy men who declare the truth, is a duty which you owe also to your children, for they will be influenced by your example in spiritual as well as in temporal things.
How happy is a church who are united in the one Lord and one faith ; among whom there are no divisions-no root of bit- terness, but are at peace, and have fervent charity among them- selves. Such at present appears to be the state of this church. Let us remember the new commandment of Christ to love one another; and let this brotherly love continuc. By trampling on this command churches have sometimes become infected with pride, envy and jealousy, divided into parties, and resorted to numerous councils for the healing of their difficulties. But they are never healed till a spirit of mutual forgiveness and broth- erly love, is revived. Let the most excellent and divine direc- tion of Christ, Matt. 18: 15, be observed respecting an offend- ing brother, and difficulties would rarely exist in any church.
6. In view of the kind dealings of God with this church and people during the century now closed, we should feel special cause for gratitude. He hath wrought great things for us. But while we are congratulating ourselves on our high advantages, let us consider whether we are uniformly acting as becomes the descendants of those lioly men who once sojourned in this place, walked the streets which we walk, worshipped where we wor- ship, but have long since entered into their rest ? If we do not follow up with zeal the holy work which they nobly begun, and left for us to pursue, how shall we be prepared to meet them at the final day ?- how shall we be worthy to share in their eternal rewards ? They have toiled, and we have entered into
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their labors. They have left us as their best legacy, the exam- ple of their integrity, and patience, and fortitude. Their graves are among us, but their praise in the churches, is their memorial that shall never die.
How solemn a thing to live where God has thus long been carrying forward such a work of grace ! Ilow alarming to live impenitent where sneh displays of truth and mercy have been making, evinees no ordinary measure of guilt. And he who goes impenitent and unsanetified to eternity from this place, where Jesus Christ has been set forth in all his divine exeel- lence -- where such numbers have felt his love and witnessed for hin, must in the retrospect be filled with all the bitterness of remorse. He will doubtless forever bemoan the day of liis birth and say, "Let that day be darkness ; let not God regard it from above, let a eloud dwell upon it, and the darkness of night terrify it." O ye neglectors of the Gospel, who now live where you are invited to enter Christ's kingdom, no longer re- fuse the invitation.
Entreat, brethren of this church and congregation, that those doctrines and that ministry which five successive generations, without much interruption, have operated here in preparing sinners for heaven, may continue to operate ;- that this place which is none other than the house of God and the gate of heav- . en, and has proved so to multitudes, may yet prove to be such to multitudes more.
Surely we may take encouragement from the deliverances which God has wrought for us. He has preserved this church as a body in the enjoyment of its primitive doctrines and order, while some other churches around us have fallen from the faith . of their fathers. Here the divine Spirit which Christ promised as the Comforter, hath descended from time to time, and of late more copiously than formerly. May we not believe that this Spirit shall continue to deseend as generations shall successively arise; that when this house shall have gone to decay, there shall be those here who shall rebuild the waste places. What would: have become of this church, in times past, and what will be- come of it in future, without the visitations of God's Spirit ?- "Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain who build it." To him, then, should we look for the support of the inter -. csts of his kingdom among us.
Time, in its rapid flight, is hurrying us away. Not one of this congregation will be living when another century shall. have expired. O how soon will our work on earth be finished, and our eternal destiny fixed. What is that destiny for which . we are preparing, and for what object are we living ?. .
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Let me charge you, my beloved friends, as I charge myself, to be faithful in the awfully responsible work entrusted to us, for we are set for the defence of the gospel. Let us sce that we handle it not deceitfully or carelessly. De clothed with hiu- mility. Take the Saviour as your invariable pattern. Ask how he would have spoken and felt and acted in your circum- stances, and when you see the course which he would have pur- sued, make that course your own.
NeTE A. Page 3.
WHAT is meant by Old and New Style requires some explanation, By the Old Style, the year began the 25th of March, which was hence called the first month, April the second, and so on. By the New Style, the year is made to begin the first of January. It also corrects the mode of reckoning which formerly made the year too long by 11 min. and 14 1-2 sec. which amounted, in 130 years, to a whole day. In 1582, when the New Style was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII, the time as computed had advanced ten days beyond the truc time. The New Style was not adopted -in England or this country, till 1752, when the difference between the Old and New Style liad in- creased to about eleven days. All civilized nations use the New Style except the Russians. The rule for reducing Old Style to New, is this : If the date according to the Old Style, is in the present century, carry it forward twelve days: if in the last or eighteenth century, carry it forward eleven days, if in the century before, ten days, &c.
NOTE B. Pape 5.
October 21, 1652, the following record was entered on the town books of Taunton :- " It was agreed and granted by the town to the said Henry Leonard and James Leonard his brother, and Ralph Rus- sel, free consent to come hither, and join with certain of our inhabi- tants to set up a bloomery work on the Two Mile River." -" It was agreed and granted by a free vote of the town, that such particular in- habitants as shall concur together with the said persons in their design, shall have free liberty from the town so to do, to build and set up this work, and that they shall have the woods on the other side of the Two Mile River wheresoever it is common on that side of the river, to cut for their cord-wood, to make coals, and also to dig and take mine or ore, at Two Mile Meadow, or in any of the commons appertaining to the town where it is not now in propriety."
According to this vote and the encouragement received, the persons above mentioned established the " bloomery," and the manufacture of iron from the native ore was extensively carried on. At that time beds of iron ore were far more abundant in this town than at present. The decrease is owing probably to the levelling of the forests and draining the meadows. These iron works, then called a "bloomery," have been enlarged by the addition of a rolling mill and anchor shop. They were owned by the descendants of James Leonard, more than a hun- dred years. Henry Leonard tempted by the advantages particularly of ore which New Jersey afforded, removed there and erected the first iron works in that province.
NOTE C. Page 6.
Philip's having given orders that Taunton and Bridgewater should be spared till all the other towns in the colony were destroyed, and thus saving many precious lives, shows that, though a savage, there was in his heart a place for kindness and gratitude. His summer residence in Raynham was the rising grounds east of the Fowling Pond. While here, he had frequent intercourse with the Leonard's, who repaired his guns, supplied him with beef, iron, and with such tools as are most prized by savages. "This induced him to charge his Indians never to
NGICAL SOCIETY `OF THE CHURCHOF ISSLIG SUOIST
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injure a Leonard .-- A very noticeable fact in savage history, and shows Us how great a reward we may often receive by a few humane and kind attentions which cost us nothing.
NOTE D. Page 6.
The inhabitants of Taunton, Bridgewater and Rehoboth, were strongly urged to forsake their dwellings and to remore to Barnstable, Sandwich, Yarmouth and Eastham, on the sea-side, where they might be in greater security, from the dangers of this direful war. But they declined accepting the friendly invitation, preferred remaining at their own dwellings, and courageously meeting all the dangers which threat- ened. The town of Taunton, by their committee, replied to the invi- tation thus: " We bless God that he hath given us much room in your hearts, that you so freely tender to us a part with you in your houses, fields and provisions, at such a time when the Lord is threat- ening us with the bereavement of our own. It much comforteth us in this day of darkness and distress-we shall want no succour you are able to afford us. We, therefore, return you all serious thanks, for your sincere and abundant love, beseeching the Lord to continue and increase your peace and ability and promptness to relieve distress in this evil day. Nevertheless upon our serious and mature deliberation upon, and consideration of your great offer, we cannot at present com- ply with a motion to remove, and quit our places, and leave our habi- tations to be a desolation, and that because we fear, we should in so doing be wanting to the name of God, and the interest of Christ in this place, and betray much diffidence and cowardice, and give the adver- sary occasion to triumph over us to the reproach of that great and fear- ful name of God which is called upon us." This answer was signed among others, by Richard Williams and Walter Dean, from whom the numerous families of these names in this region, liave doubtless descended.
NOTE E. Page 10.
The churches and pastors invited to assist in his ordination, were the six following: The church in West Bridgewater, Rev. Mr. Per- kins pastor; the church in Bridgewater, Rev. Mr. Shaw; 1st churchi in Middleborough, Rev. Mr. Conant; church in Berkley, Rev. Mr. Toby; church in North Middleborough, Rev. Mr. Reed; and the 3d church in Middleborough, Rev. Mr. Turner pastor. The committee chosen by the church to write, sign and send letters missive to said churches, were, Dea. Jonathan Hall, Mr. Israel Washburn and Mr. Joseph Sliaw.
NOTE F. Page 16.
The method long pursued of supporting the Congregational minis- try by taxation, has occasioned many difficulties, and greatly retarded the spread of pure christianity. This law has been modified and evad- ed till it has grown obsolete, and hence ought to be repealed. It is sufficient for the Legislature to protect religion without prescribing the measures by which it shall be supported. All attempts to enforce the law for the ministerial tax when it has been resisted, have been exceedingly injurious to the very object for which the law was profess- edly made.
It has been found by experiment, that the - churches need no such dependence on the civil power. Religion will doubtless hold ou its way by the virtue and faithfulness of its professors, the purity of its truths, its own divine efficacy, and the blessings of its Author. The third article in our Bill of Rights, it is hoped, will soon be laid aside. Then our societies of all denominations will be left to support their re- spective preaching and worship in their own way, and will be vol- untary associations. All would be protected in the exercise of their corporate powers and rights, and in the forms and usages of the several denominations with which they are connected. No person would be compelled to belong to any religious society against his own consent. "My kingdom, saith Christ, is not of this world." . "
HECKMAN BINDERY, INC. Bound-To-Please"
MAR 02
N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA 46962
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