USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Washington > Washington, Mass., Records > Part 11
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Voted to comply with the request & Deac A. Eames was chosen Delegate.
Oct. 29. At it was understood that beac. Eames would not be able to go Deac. Henry Pitt was chosen as his substitute.
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Nov. 2, 1830. hev. C. Knight & Lea Pitt attended council as above requested & Mr. Tinker was ordained.
April 15, 1831. At a church meeting called for special prayer & to attend to whatever should be presented for consideration Deac Henry Pitt was appointed on a committee to give a statement & make application to M.M.S. for further aid.
March 5, 1832. Church met according to appointment. Few being present little was done but to adjourn to Tuesday 13th inst. at 1 o'clock at the house of hev. C. Knight.
March 13. Agreeable to adjournment Chh met & after opening the meeting by prayer the following business was transacted Ist Voted that Alvah Eames by clerk of the church.
2nd. A complaint was exhibited to the Chh by Deac Henry Pitt against brother simeon clapp for the following faults Ist Neglecting Public worship, 2nd Neglecting communion seasons a length of time & 3rd Profanity. Voted to receive it.
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Voted that a committee of two persons be appointed to pres- ent the citation an complaint to the offending brother. Voted that Alvah Eames & Capt. Loveland be this committee. Voted to adjo rn this meeting to the last Friday of the present month at the meeting house at eleven o'clock.
March 30, 1832 After a season of special prayer the chh meeting was opened according to adjournment, The case of Brother Simeon Clapp was called up but he was not present. The trial was therefore deferred.
Voted that Brother Simeon Clapp be cited to appear & answer for hinself at a meeting of the Chh to be holden at the house of Rev. C. Knight on Friday 13th of April next at one o'clock P.M.
Voted that Brother Reuben Bills be a committee to deliver him the citation
Voted to adjourn this meeting to Friday, 13th April next to be at the house of Rev. C. knight.
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April 13, 1832 Agreeable to adjournment the Chh met and after a season of special prayer the case of brother Simeon Clapp was called up, he being present.
The two first faults alledged in the complaint were admitted: the 3rd, namely, profanity, was denied. After an explanation of the word profanity, by the moderator the witnesses were called and solemnized.
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A. wells, first witness, testified that in answer to a question respecting a pair of cattle Mr. Clapp replied that The might as well undertake to make an Almighty as to tame them & further if God Almighty's Creation stood between them & hell they would break through & further that the cattle were no more raised in Pittsfield than they were in heaven".
Mr. Squires, 2nd witness deposed that in conversation respecting the steers Mr. Clapp said that hell & dam- nation could not stop them. Question - Did you hear considerable language from him which you consider un- christian? Ansr - Yes.
3rd Witness, capt. Holmes testified that he heard Mr. Clapp say those steers were no more raised in Pittsfield than that well was dug in Heaven & further that if all God Almighty's Creation stood between them & hell they would break through. question- Do you consider Mr. Clarp's language at that time profane? Ans. I do. Question - Was Mr. Clapp's deportment & language irrev- erent & such as would be a reproach to religion? Ansr Yes, by all the witnesses.
Question by capt Deming- When was you first called upon to give this information?
Ansr Some time in Feb. last. question- How did the Chh come to the knowledge of it? Ans- I do not know
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The above testimony and answers were read to the witnes- ses and assented to by all. The question being put upon the two first charges in the complaint, whether Brother Clapp be guilty of a censurable breach of his covenant obligations All answered in the affirmative.
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The 3rd article in the complaint was then taken up. Question - Is the article proved?
Ansr. Yes, it is.
Question- Is the law of Christ so violated that it becomes the duty of the Chh to censure the brother. Ansr. In the affirmative.
Moved & voted to adjourn the meeting to last Friday in April at 1 o'clock P.M.
April 27, 1832. Agreeable to adjo irnment the Chh met and the meeting opened- few being present voted to ad- journ to last Friday in May at 2 o'clock P.i ...
May 25, 1832 Friday. Agreeable to adjournment the Chh met and after a season of prayer the case of Brother Simeon Clapp was called up and after the minutes of former meetings were read the Moderator presented and read a paper by which Brother Clanp was cut off from the privileges of the Chh unless timely repentance prevented. Voted to accept the paper. Voted also to choose a committee to present a copy of the decision of the Chh to sd brother & converse with him. Voted that A. Loveland & A. Bills be this committee.
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Voted to adjourn to last Friday in June.
June 22. Agreeable to adjournment Chh met and after opening meeting by prayer the case of brother Clapp was taken up. As the above named committee were not pres- ent no report was had from them therefore voted that Brother J. Milliken be appointed to present a copy of sd decision to Br C. unless previously done. Voted to dissolve the meeting.
Closed with prayer.
June 24. Before the communion the preceding process with Brother Simeon Clapp and the vote of the chh cutting him off from the Chh was read according to the vote of the chh. A letter missive from the Chh in Middlefield requesting assistance by Pastor & Delegate to meet in council 10th July
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next to install Rev. Samuel Parker & dismiss Rev. J.Nash. Voted to comply with the request and Deac A Eames was chosen delegate.
July 11, Pastor & delegate met in council at Middlefield agreeable to request and Rev. J. Nash was dismissed from his pastoral charge & Rev. Samuel Parker was installed Pastor of the Chh.
A true copy Attest Alvah Eames, Scribe
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1832. At a church meeting holden at the meeting house on Friday Oct.26, after a season of prayer the meeting was opened by the moderator and a complaint presented by Deac Pitt against Bro Absalom Deming for the following faults, Viz: Ist For immoral unchristian conduct, committed at the annual town meeting in March 1831
2nd - For committing an assault on the person of Capt. Philip Eames on his way home, and for making use of un- christian language
3rd - The intemperate or immoderate use of ardent spirits, and profaneness, committed at different times & places, 4th - For refusing publicly and at other times to do any- thing for the support of the Gospel in this Society. The complaint being read, Voted to adjourn 2 weeks from today
Agreeable to adjournment the Church met at the time & place & after a season of prayer the meeting was opened by the moderator. The complaint against Bro Deming was again read & by motion of the complainant & vote of the church the 4th article was struck out, & the other three accepted.
Voted to adjourn to the 23rd Inst at 10 o'clock A.M.
Nov. 23. On account of the funeral of B. Bishop the meeting was postponed two weeks.
Dec. 7, 1832 The severity of the storm prevented a meet- ing & it was put off to the call of the moderator.
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WASHINGTON, MASS. - Church.
Dec. 28, 1832. A few of the church met but not enough for business, accordingly adjourned 2 weeks
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Jan. 11, 1833. church met but so few that it was thought best to adjourn till the 25th to meet at the house of Rev. C. Knight at one o'clock P.M.
Jan. 25. Met agreeable to adjournment & after a season of prayer, meeting was opened.
Voted - that the time for holding the communion season in the church hereafter be on the first Sabbath of every second month.
The case of Capt. Deming was then called up he being pres- ent - upon which he arose & read a paper - a part of which was a confession.
Voted to adjourn to 4th Feb.
Feb. 4, 1833 Met according to adjournment & after spend- ing a season of prayer Br Deming read a confession which at his request was written by the Moderator & remarked upon it. He then read one which he had written & signed himself. After some conversation the subject was left for further consideration at our preparatory season.
March 1. The Chh met as a preparatory season & after attending to which, proceeded to the case of Br Deming, his confession was read & was voted unanimously to be satisfactory, if made before the congregation. Voted that if Br Deming admit that it be stated to the congregation that he has made a confession to the chh it shall be satisfactory.
Voted that Rev. C. Knight & A. Eames be a committee to make this communication to Br Deming, he being absent.
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The Confession of Br. Deming.
Brethren & Sisters, I acknowledge that I grievously offend- ed in the assult on Capt Eames on the road from the town meeting, both in the assult & in profane language & by no means justify myself nor can I say I was wholly free from excitement by ardent spirits, -
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but this I say that I thought myself so when I went from the town meeting, - and I freely confess that I may have indulged myself in its use to a more dangerous extent at other times & places than I have been aware. But this sin having been so plainly pointed out to me by your faithfulness it shall be my special endeavor to avoid, - that in the course of this case of discip- line I have spoken hard offensive things, against the officers of the Church I acknowledge, of this I am heartily sorry - I wish to be forgiven & to live with them on amicable & christian terms.
Brethren & Sisters in the church I ask your forgiveness for every offence by which I have grieved you. I de - sire to return to my duty & walk with you in the fellowship of the Gospel. Pray for me that I may be watchful & faithful & kept by the mighty power of God from again falling into sin. I abhor myself and have no reliance on my own Goodness. To God alone I look for help. May his grace be sufficient for us his blessing rest unon us, may we love & pray for one another.
Absalom Deming.
A true copy of the original.
Attest Alvah games, Scribe.
May 5, 1833.
A statement was made to the congregation that such a confession was made & lodged with the papers of the church on file. By rising in his pew Bro Deming mani- fested his assent.
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July 6, 1833 Voted to give Cornelia Barnes a letter of recommendation to the Church in Pittsfield. Voted a letter in favor of Jerusha Herrick to the church in Twinsburg, Ohio.
Also a letter in favor of Laomi Holmes to the church in North Adams.
Feb.6, 1834 A letter missive from the church in Middle- field was communicated and Bro. clark was appointed Delegate.
Feb.19. Pastor & delegate attended in council at Middle- field. The Council were united, and agreeable to the united request of the Church & Society Mr. Bisbee was ordained.
Aug . 28. A letter of recommendation was given in favor of Elizabeth Barnum to the church in Lee .
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WASHINGTON, MASS. - Church.
Nov. 16, 1834. A letter missive from the church in Chester requesting assistance to order Mr. Alanson Alvord as their pastor.
Voted to grant the request & Bro Alson Bill was chosen Delegate.
Nov. 19. The Pastor attended & Mr. Alvord was ordained & installed Pastor of the Church in Chester.
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May 15, 1835. Agreeable to previous notice the church met at the time & place appointed, and after a season of special prayer proceeded to choose a committee to act in concert with one to be chosen by the town in calling an Ecclesiastical Council to consider the expediency of dissolving the connexion between the Rev. Caleb Knight & the church & people or advising in our present situation. The following persons were accordingly chosen, Viz: Bro Absalom Deming and Bro Llihu Clark. Closed by prayer.
Attest Alvah Eames Scri be.
At an Ecclesiastical Council held at the house of William Morgan, by virtue of letters missive from Rev. Caleb Knight & committees of the church & Society in Washington, this 16th day of June, 1835, for the purpose of hearing statements of the circumstances and difficulties of pastor & people, to give advice and if thought best to dissolve the relation between them.
Were present the following pastor & delegates -
From the Church in Stockbridge, Rev. David D. Field, Pastor Becket, Rev. Joseph Mills, Pastor, Br. Harvey Phelps, Dele ga te Middlefield, Rev. John N.Bisbee, Pastor Br Erastus J. Ingham, Delega te Lenox, Bro. James W. Robbins, Delegate.
The Council was organized by choosing Mr. Field, Moderator & Mr. Bisbee Scribe, and opened with prayer by the Moderator. Written documents from the Church & Society showing their proceedings in relation to the subject under consideration were then laid before the Council, also
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verbal statements from Mr. Knight & the respective commit- tees of the Church & Society.
Voted to adjourn until tomorrow at 7 o'clock
June 17. Met according to adjournment and opened with prayer. After due consultation upon the business before the council - voted unanimously that in view of all the statements, it is expedient that the pastoral relation exist- ing between Rev. Caleb Inight & the church & Society be 2.
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we consider Mr. Knight sound in the faith, an able and faithful minister of the Gospel, and that as such we cheerfully recommend him to the Churches, wherever in the providence of God he may be called to labor.
Voted to commend the Church and people now destitute of a pastor to the care of God and the word of his grace, which is able to make wise unto salvation.
Voted unanimously that the above be and it hereby is accepted as the minutes of this Council.
David D. Field, Moderator
John H. Bisbee, Scribe
A true copy of the original J.H. Bisbee, Scribe A true copy of the original record, Alvah Lames, Clerk
June 26, 1836. Voted a letter of recommendation to Mrs. Knight to Church in Montgomery.
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June 30, 1837. At a meeting of the Church voted that Bro. Elihu Clark Jun'r be moderator of the Church.
Voted that Elihu Clark, Ambrose Loveland & Alvah Eames be a committee to search into the truth of certain re- ports in circulation touching the Christian character of one of the brethren & reproachful to the cause of Christ.
Adjourned to the last Tuesday in July.
July 28. Church met at the house of Rev. Nathan Shaw. Meeting opened by prayer, after which a report was made by the moderator, one of the committee, by which it appeared enquired into the reports & had found them so well founded that they had taken the first & second steps with the offending Brother, but priving un- successful in gaining him, presented the case to the Church, when after due consultation, it was agreed to appoint another committee to get further proof, accord- ingly Br. Alson Bills & Daniel Manly were appointed.
Adjourned to Friday Ist day of Sept at 3 o'clock P.M.
Aug. 13. Voted a letter of recommendation to Dea. Henry Pitt & wife to the church in Hinsdale.
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WASHINGTON, MASS. - Church.
Sept. 3, 1837. Meeting adjourned to Friday, Sept 15, at 3 o'clock P.M. at the house of lev. Nathan Shaw
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Friday, Sept. 15. Church net. Doct Little present. The testimony of Mr. Rudd and Mr. Foster was read by the Moderator, invalidating the charge of intemperance against the Doct. denied by him.
Meeting adjourned to last Friday in Cept.
Friday Sept 29. church met agreeable to appointment. Doct. Little not present. Voted that the Moderator ad- monish him.
Adjourned to 3rd day of Nov. at one o'clock P.M. at the Meeting house.
Nov. 3 Church met agreeable to adjournment. Dict Little sent in a number of certificates from people in Otis stating that the persons had never seen him in a state of intoxication, but no testimony to disprove the charge in the complaint, the church therefore thought it duty to proceed and if no signs of repentance appeared on the next Labbath to excommunicate, which was accordingly done. Nov. 22 Agreeable to notice, previously given by the moderator, the Church met at the meeting house and in view of our destitute situation, Voted that in reliance on the Great Head of the Church we will make an effort to sustain the preaching of the word among us . Voted also that Capt. Absalom Deming, Elihu Clark & A. mame s be a committee to act with the Society's committee in hiring a minister to preach as a candidate for settlement.
July 29, 1838. Voted a letter of dismission & re commenda - tion to Orra Morgan & Harriet S. Morgan to the church in Middlefield.
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Oct. 20, 1838. Church voted a letter of dismission & recommendation to Mrs. Mary Bernis(?) to the church in Middlefield.
Nov. 17, 1839. At a church meeting holden at the house of Ambrose Meacham it was unanimously voted to give the hev. Mr. Atkinson a call to settle with us in the Gospel ministry.
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Voted also that Brother Absalom Deming, Elihu Clark & Clark Corey be a committee to act with the Society's committee if chosen, in carrying this vote into effect.
April 18, 1840. The above committee in connexion with Wm. G. Ballantine Esq and Philip Eames a committee from the Society gave the Rev. Mr. Atkinson a call to settle with us in the Gospel ministry, which was adopt - ed, and some time in May following was installed pastor . The record of the Ecclesiastical Council being lost the particulars can not be recorded.
Mr. Atkinson continued pastor until April 1842 when pursuant to letters missive an Ecclesiastical Council convened at the house of Wm. G. Ballantine Esq for the purpose of dissolving the pastoral relation between hev. Kinsman Atkinson & the Church and Society. The Council was organized by choosing Rev. H. J. Lombard Moderator and Rev. L. Clark Scribe. There were present from the Church in
Hinsdale - Bro Theodore Burrows Delegate Middlefield- Rev Edward Clark Pastor
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Rev. H. J. Lombard being present was constituted a mem- ber by consent of parties. The Council was opened with prayer by the moderator. After listening to the reasons for Mr. Atkinson's dismission from him and the committee of the Church & Society, it was voted unani - mously that the reasons for the dismission of Mr. Atkinson from this church and Society be deemed satis- factory and that the Pastoral relation existing hereto- fore between Rev. Kinsman Atkinson and the Congregational Church & Society in this town be and hereby is dissolved.
Voted that the Council regard the Rev. Kinsman Atkinson with feelings of fraternal kindness & love, and cheerful- ly recommend him to the Churches as a faithful & devoted minister of the Lord Jesus Christ in good & regular stand ing.
Resolved that we view the cuases of these frequent dis- missions with regret & believe that Churches should aim at greater permanence in the solemn & interesting relation of Minister and People.
H. J. Lombard Mod'r. E. Clark Scribe
A true copy .
Alvah Eames, Scribe.
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P.94 Feb. 4, 1843. At a meeting of the Church as a preparatory season the following votes were taken Mr. Allen being moderator.
Whereas a letter has been received from the Rev. Kinsman Atkinson requesting dismission from the Congregational Church in Washington to the Methodist Church, and whereas in the said communication it is stated that he has joined in full connexion with that denomination, it is therefore, Voted that this Church regret that Mr. Atkinson previous to being connected with another body did not ask a dis- mission and recommendation which request would have been
freely granted. As the separation has been made by his own act it remains for us only to say that all watch and care on our part, as a church of Christ is withdrawn and he is commended to the grace & favor of God, that he may be useful in whatever sphere of labor he may be called to.
Voted also that the request of Mrs Dorothy Atkinson for a letter of dismission & recommendation to the Methodist Church in Washington be granted, and she is hereby dis- missed and recommended to their Christian care and fellow- ship.
Attest A Eames Scribe
July 5, 1846. The Church voted to receive Millin Watkins & wife as members of this church, having presented a let- ter of recommendation from the Church in Windsor.
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July 20, 1846. At a meeting of the Congregational Church in Washington Deac. Alvah Eames was chosen Moderator & brother Millin Watkins Scribe.
Voted unanimously to give Rev. Francis Norwood a call to settle with us in the Gospel Ministry.
Voted to choose a committee of two to unite with a commit- tee from the Society to carry the above into effect. Voted that Brethren Clark Corey & Millen Watkins be this committee.
Sept. 1, 1846. Pursuant to letters missive from the Congregational Chh & Society in Washington an Ecclesiasti- cal council convened at sd Washington to advise with sd Chh & Soc'y as to the propriety of installing the Rev. Francis Norwood over them in the work of the Gospel Minis- try & to install him, if the Council shall think
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expedient. Present from the Church in
Peru - Rev. J. Knight, Pastor - Br.F.Stowell Delegate
Becket - Rev. L. Hyde, Pastor
Stockbridge- Rev. S. Clark, Pastor- Bro. E. Bullard, Delegate
Middlefield- Rev. G. Clark, Pastor- Bro. E. Ingham, De le ga te
Pittsfield- Rev. J. Todd, Pastor
Dalton- Rev.T.A. Hall, Pastor- Deac B.F.Pierce Delegate
Hinsdale- Bro. E . Cheeseman-Dele gate
The Council was organized at the Congrenational Meeting house, by the choice of Rev. J. Knight Moderator & Rev. F.A. Hall, Scribe.
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The Moderator led in prayer. The Council then adjourned to the house of Mr. Clark Corey to meet at 7 o'clock this evening. Met accordingly & certain documents were present- ed from committees of Church & Society in this place, show- ing that sd church & Society have extended a call to the Rev. Francis Norwood to become their pastor and minister, & received a communication from him signifying his accept- ance of sd call, & also a document was presented from the ecclesiastical council which met at Wilmington 25th day of Oct. 1842, dissolving the relation between the Rev. Francis Nor wood & the Congregational Church & Society in that place , which testifies to the regular standing of the Rev. F. Norwood & of his being an able and efficient minister. The Council proceeded to the examination of the pastor elect in didactic theology & experimental religion & also his views in laboring as a Gospel Minister among this people.
Voted unanimously that the examination of the pastor-elect te sustained, and that they proceed to his installation, on the morrow at the meeting house at 1/2 past 10 o'clock.
Voted that the Rev. T. A. Hall open the exercises by read- ing of the scripture & that he make the first prayer.
Voted that Dr. Todd preach the sermon, T. S. Clark make the installing prayer - J. Knight charge to the pastor, L. Ilyde Right hand of fellowship, T.S. Clark charge to the people, L. Clark concluding prayer. Voted to adjourn to the Meeting house at 1/2 past 10 o'clock tomorrow, wednesday morning 1/2 past 10 o'clock. Council met and proceeded to the installation of the pastor elect, and the services were performed according to appointrent.
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J. Knight, Moderator T.A.Hall, Scribe
A true copy from the original
Attest Alvah Eames, scribe
P.97 At a meeting of the Society held Sept 13 1851, the following communication was sent in by the pastor.
Gentlemen, It is now five years last Spring since I came among you & have labored among you as a minister of Jesus Christ. You were then in a very low & broken state, like a few sheep scattered upon the mountains. Since that time a convenient Parsonage house has been erected, the Society has been reorganized, a goodly num- ber have been added to the church; a new and comfort- able house of worship has been completed, and had it not been for the large number of substantial supporters of worship who left here last season, you would have had strength enough to maintain the Gospel independently of foreign aid. As it is, you are now in a way to go on & live, & may hope doing your duty & receiving the div- ine blessing to be strengthened & built up.
Under the circumstances, wishing to Give you an op- por tunity of getting a better man & thinking it may be of benefit to my children to enjoy better advantages of schools, it is my desire to withdraw from my present field of labor, & I hereby say that I shall be happy to
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join with the Church in calling a Council for this pur- pose, when my present term of missionary service expires which is the first of October, & when the Society shall have settled with me for the year lately closed. Wish- ing you every blessing temporal & spiritual, I am Tours very respectfully, 1
Francis Norwood.
Sept 13, 1851
By letters missive from the Church of Christ in Washington, an Ecclesiastical council convened at the Congregational meeting house on Wednesday, Oct 15, 1851, to take into consideration the subject of the dismissal of lev. Francis Norwood & to dismiss him if deemed expedient
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