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GEN
JUN 7 1934
MANUAL
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
OF THE
3 1833 01770 2298
BELKNAP CHURCH.
IN
GENEALOGY 974.202 D75MAN
DOVER, N. H.
· Organized September 3, 1856.
No. 1. SEPTEMBER 3, 1861.
DOVER : GEORGE WADLEIGH, PRINTER. 1861.
Ale Sally Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne, IN 45801-2270
MANUAL
OF THE
BELKNAP CHURCH,
IN
DOVER, N. H.
Organized September 3, 1856.
No. 1.
SEPTEMBER 3, 1861.
DOVER : GEORGE WADLEIGH, PRINTER. 1861.
Allen County Public Library: 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270
BELKNAP CHURCH.
[Extract from Church Records. ]
"The formation of a new Congregational Church in Dover, had been for many years a subject of much discussion. The First Church had existed from the first settlement of the place, through a period of more than two hundred years ; and yet had sent forth no colony of its own faith and order. The Pastors of the Church and the neighboring minis- ters had for many years urged the subject upon the attention of the Church as a duty which the relig- ious interests of the community, and their own ef- ficiency, imperatively demanded."
"From the commencement of the ministry of the Rev. B. F. Parsons, the necessity of a new church was a matter of frequent and general discussion and conversation. At his settlement, in the Ad- dress to the people, it was earnestly enjoined on them as a duty which should no longer be neglect- ed ; and during his ministry, the Pastor, from the pulpit and in private conversation, pressed it upon their consideration."
"At length the Pastor, seeing no other way to bring about the long wished for result, determined. to take a step to which he had been frequently urg- ed by the ministry and by others." Accordingly, on the 29th of June, 1856, he resigned his charge of the First Church, and on the Sabbath following commenced a meeting in the City Hall.
"At the close of the morning services, a Sabbath School of 45 scholars was formed, and Wm. F. ,
4.
Johnson appointed as Superintendent. In the af- ternoon, notice was given that all who wished to unite in forming a Society, were requested to meet at Bogle's Hall, on Monday evening. On that eve- ning, some thirty persons being present, a religious Society was formed, under the name of the Belknap Congregational Society of Dover, and an invitation given to the Rev. B. F. Parsons to become their minister."*
*For Record of this see Parish Book.
ORGANIZATION OF THE CHURCH.
"As the meetings in the City Hall continued to be well attended, it was deemed best fully to estab- lish the enterprise by the formation of a new Church and the Installation of a Pastor. Accordingly, Au- gust 17, on the seventh Sabbath from the commence- ment of preaching in the Hall, after the afternoon services, at a meeting called for that purpose, Rev. B. F. Parsons, Dea. I. A. Porter, and Wm. F. John- son, were appointed a committee to make all neces- sary arrangements for the above purpose.
"The following request was presented by Dea. I. A. Porter and Ezra Haskell, to the First Church :
[Copy of Request.]
"DOVER, August 20, 1856.
Dear Brethren and Sisters :- We, the undersign- ed, members of the First Parish Church, feeling that the religious wants of this city and the interests of our common Puritan Faith demand the organization of a Second Congregational Church, and being sat- isfied by the encouragement which has attended our efforts in sustaining a meeting at the City Hall the past :even weeks, and by the good already accom- plis !: d, that the undertaking, though it may require
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much labor and self-denial for a time, is a feasible one, and under the blessing of the Great Head of the Church will continue to prosper ; we therefore request a letter of dismission and recommendation, for the purpose of uniting ourselves together in a new Congregational Church.
In taking this step, we are already convinced that the interests of the Redeemer's Kingdom will there- by be promoted in this city, and we hope that all unpleasant feeling, if any there be, will be put away, and that you will cordially sympathize with us in our self-denying efforts, and that each church will strive together harmoniously to build up the Kingdom of Christ in this community, where irre- ligion and vice so alarmingly prevail."
Signed by Rev. B. F. Parsons and 43 others.
"These names are presented at the request of the individuals herein named.
ISAAC A. PORTER, ) Com. on Church B. F. PARSONS, Š Organization."
[Extract from the Records of the Council. ]
"DOVER, N. H., Sept. 3, 1856.
An Ecclesiastical Council was convened at 10 o'clock this day, in pursuance of the following Let- ter Missive :
"We, the undersigned, on the behalf of ourselves and sundry brethren, moved by a conviction that the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ demands the founding of a new Church in the Faith of our Fa- thers, in this place-do hereby invite you by Pastor and Delegate, to meet us on Wednesday, Sept. 3d, at 10 A. M., in Bogle's Hall, Dover, for the follow- ing business :
First-To take into consideration the formation of a new Church, as above proposed, and, if deemed advisable, to constitute us a Church of Christ, ac- cording to the customary forms of Congregational Churches.
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Second-To examine, and if judged best, to in- stall as our Pastor, Rev. B. F. Parsons, whom we have called to be our minister.
Wishing the blessing of God the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, upon you, as we seek it for ourselves, We are truly yours, (Signed) I. A. PORTER, B. F. PARSONS, Com.
W. T. JOHNSON, S
The other Churches invited are-the Church at Great Falls, Salmon Falls, Durham, Barrington, Farmington, Portsmouth, Newmarket, South New- market, Exeter Ist and 2d, Laconia, Ist Church in Concord, Dover, Derry, South Church in Concord, Stratham, Greenland, Hampton and Jamaica Plains.
"After listening to statements on the part of those requesting to be organized, on the part of the Del- egates of the 1st Church in Dover, and on the part of other persons, it was voted, no one contradicting, that in our judgment the interests of the Redeem- er's Kingdom require that another Church of the Orthodox Congregational faith and order should be established in this place. The Council then listen- ed to the Articles of Faith and Covenant adopted by the persons proposing to be organized as a Church, after which it was voted, that the persons who have presented Letters of recommendation for the purpose, be now organized into a Church of Christ in the form, upon the Confession of Faith and Covenant adopted by them, being those used by the First Church in Dover, and to be known as the Belknap Church.
"The following appointments were reported and adopted :
Introductory Exercises-Rev. Mr. Fifield, South Newmarket.
Propounding of Articles of Faith-Rev. N. Bou- ton, D. D., Concord.
Prayer of Organization-Rev. J. K. Young, La- conia.
t
C
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Fellowship of the Churches-Rev. A. Toby, Dur- ham.
Installing Prayer-Rev. Mr. Tappan,Farmington. Charge to the Pastor-Rev. N. Bouton, D. D. Right Hand-Rev. G. N. Anthony, Great Falls.
Address to the Church-Rev. Cyrus Hamlin, D.D. Constantinople.
The above exercises were performed agreeably to the appointment of Council.
N. BOUTON, Moderator. GEO. N. ANTHONY, Scribe of Council.
[The above extracts are from Records made by Rev. Samuel Haskell.]
In the Spring of 1859, the erection of the Meet- ing House was commenced ; the Corner Stone was laid with appropriate services on the 4th of July, . and the House dedicated on the 29th of December. Sermon by the Pastor from the words, "Who hath commanded you to build this house ? What are the names of the men who make this building ?"- Ezra v. 3, 4.
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MEETINGS, REGULATIONS, &C.
1. PRAYER AND CHURCH MEETINGS .- The stated meetings are, a prayer and conference meeting on Wednesday evening of each week ; female prayer meeting on Saturday, P. M. ; Church meeting on Friday preceding the first Sabbath of each month ; preparatory lecture on Friday preceding the Com- munion.
2. INQUIRING MEETINGS .- A meeting for religious conversation with the Pastor will be held on Mon- day evening of each week, at his Study.
3. COMMUNION .- The Lord's Supper is commemo- rated on the first Sabbath of each alternate month, viz : Jan., March, May, July, Sept. and Nov.
4. OFFICERS .- The stated officers of the Church are the Pastor, Deacons, Examining Committee, Clerk, Treasurer, & Sabbath School Superintendent.
5. ADMISSION OF MEMBERS. Application for Church membership, either by letter or profession, must be made to the Examining Committee. Those to be received on profession are propounded to the Church and Congregation two weeks before the communion; and become members by vote of the Church and giving a public assent to the Articles of Faith and Covenant.
6. DISMISSION OF MEMBERS. It is expected that members, on removing, will ask for letters of dis- mission and recommendation. When they intend to be absent for a few months only, they should ask for a general letter of recommendation, and present it to the church within whose limits they may for the time being remain.
7. ANNUAL MEETING OF THE CHURCH. A meeting for business shall be held annually, on the last Fri- day of December, at which the Examining Commit- tee shall present a written report on the state of the Church and its history during the previous year, including an account of the members received and dismissed ; and a report shall also be presented by the Treasurer and Sabbath School Superintend- ent, who shall be elected annually at this meeting.
9 QUESTIONS.
The following questions are affectionately recom- mended to the prayerful and frequent perusal of each member of this Church :
1. Are you in the practice of daily secret prayer?
2. Are you in the practice of daily family prayer?
3. Do you daily, with a prayerful desire to improve in Christian knowledge, read the word of God ?
4. Do you make it a matter of conscience to at- tend all the meetings for social worship appointed by the Church, but as the providence of God shall otherwise direct ?
5. Do you do, conscientiously, what you can, by your pecuniary ability, to promote the kingdom of the Redeemer ?
6. Are you doing any thing to further the salva- tion of the rising generation, in Sabbath School and Bible Classes ?
7. Do you sincerely desire and pray for the sal- vation of the children and youth committed to your care ?
8. Are you at peace with all who love Christ ?
9. Will you be specially careful of the good name of your Pastor ?
10. Will you keep your tongue [from speaking evil of a brother, and if, in any thing you are dis- pleased with him, will you follow the gospel rule, and tell him your feelings between him and your- self alone ?
11. Will you make it a solemn matter of con- science never to visit any place of amusement or social pleasure on which you cannot first ask the divine blessing, or where it may be deemed intru- sive to introduce the subject of religion ?
12. Will you read these questions at least once every week, and pray God to search your heart in reference to the several points of Christian practice suggested by them ?
2 :
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ARTICLES OF FAITH.
1. We believe there is only one God, a spirit, in- finite, eternal, unchangable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth ; who created and governs the universe according to his own will and for his own glory.
Gen. 1: 1. Ex. 20: 2-6. Isa. 44: 6, 8. Mark 12: 21. 1 Cor. S: 4-6. John 4: 24. 1 Tim. 1: 17. Ja. 1: 17. Ps. 147: 5. Matt. 19: 26. 1 John 4: 16. Ps. 145: 8, 9. Eph. 1: 11. Rom. 11: 36. Isa. 45: 7, and 46: 10. Amos 3: 6. Rev. 4: 11.
2. We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God ; and are the only perfect rule of faith and practice.
2 Tim. 3: 15-17. 2 Pet. 1: 19-21. Ps. 19: 7-11, and 119: 9, 105. John 5: 39, and 17: 17.
3. We believe that God exists as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, who are equal in all di- vine attributes.
Matt. 28: 19. 2 Cor. 13: 14. 1 John 5: 7. Rev. 1: 4, 5. Christ is God, John 1: 1, 14. Isa. 9: 6. Ps. 45: 6. Heb. 1: 8. Phil 2: 6. Isa. 6: 1, 3, 5, 9, 10, with John 12: 40, 41. Rev. 19: 16. I Tim. 3: 16. 1 John 5: 20. Christ eternal, Mic. 5: 2. Col. 1: 17. John 8: 58. 1 John 1: 2. Rev. 22: 13. Rom. 9: 5. Christ omniscient, Matt. 11: 27. John 2: 24, 25, and 21: 17, and 16: 30. Christ omnipresent, Matt. 18: 20, and 28: 20. John 3: 13. Christ almighty, John 5: 21. Heb. 1: 3. Phil. 3: 21. Christ creator and governor of the world, John 1. 3, 10. Col. 1: 16, 17. Heb. 1: 10, 8. Ps. 102: 25. Christ the object of divine worship, Heb. 1: 6. John 5: 23. Acts 7: 59. Rev. 1: 5, 6, 1 Cor.1 : 2, 3. 2 Pet: 3: 18.
4. We believe that our first parents were created in the image of God, perfectly holy, by disobedience fell from this holy and happy state, and that in con- sequence of their fall, we, their posterity, are sin- ners, being by nature children of wrath, and pos- sessed of that carnal mind which is enmity against God.
Gen. 1: 26, 27, 31. Eccle. 7: 29. Gen. 2: 17, and 3: 3, 6. Rom. 5: 12, 15-18. 1 Cor. 15: 21, 22. Gen. 6: 5, 11-13, and 8: 21, and 15: 16. Ps. 14: 1-3, and 2: 2-5. Mark 7: 21, 22. John 3: 6, 19. Rom. 1: 29-32 and 3: 9-19, and 7: 18.
5. We believe that man is a free moral agent ; voluntary in obeying or disobeying the will of God ; and therefore without excuse for transgressing the
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divine law, continuing impenitent and not believing and embracing the gospel.
Deut. 30: 19. Josh. 24: 14, 15. Jer. 9: 6. Rey. 22: 17. Rom. I: 20 and 3: 19. Matt. 22: 12.
6. We believe that God, in order to open a way for the salvation of men consistent with the mainte- nance of his government, gave his beloved Son, who, being himself obedient to the law, by his voluntary sufferings and death, made atonement for sin ; and that he is the only mediator between God and man.
Is. 53: 5-11. Lev. 17: 11 Heb. 9: 12, 14, 15, 22-26, 28. 1 John 1: 7. Rev. 5: 9. Matt. 26: 2S. 1 Cor 15: 3. Gal. 3. 13, and 4: 4, 5. Eph. 1: 7. 1 Pet. 1: 18, 19, and 2: 24. 2 Cor. 5: 21.
7. We believe that a change of heart is necessary to qualify men for heaven ; and that this change is wrought according to the sovereign and eternal purpose of God, by the immediate agency of the Holy Spirit through the truth:
John 3: 3, 5, 7, and 1: 13. Eph. 2: 1-8. Ezek. 36: 26, 27. 1 Cor. 3: 5-7. John 6: 37, 39, 41. 65, and 15: 16, and 17: 2. Rom. 9: 15-24, and 11: 7. Acts 13: 48. Eph. 1: 4, 5, 9, 11.
8. We believe that all who are thus created anew, will persevere in holiness, being kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation.
Job 17: 9: Prov. 4: 18. Jer. 32: 40. 1 John 2: 19. John 5:
24, and 6: 39, 40, and 10: 27-29. Rom. 8: 30, 38, 39. Phil. 1: 6. 1 Thes. 5: 23, 24. 1 John 2: 27. 1 Pet. 1: 3-5.
9. We believe that all who repent of their sins and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, are justified by faith, through the redemption that is in Him, and are accepted with God.
10. We believe it is the duty of every person to search the scriptures daily ; to watch over his heart and life ; to observe the Sabbath ; to attend consci- entiously upon public, family and secret worship : to practice godliness, sobriety, temperance and brotherly kindness ; and that these are fruits of be- lief in the doctrines of the gospel, and are essential evidences of christian character.
11. We believe that there are two Gospel ordi- nances, BAPTISM and the LORD'S SUPPER, which are to be received by all who believe in Christ and make
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profession of their faith, and that the infant children of such are proper subjects of Baptism.
Baptism-Matt. 28: 18, 20. Mark 16: 16. Acts 2: 58, and 16: 15, and 22: 16. 1 Peter 3: 21. Acts 8: 36-38. 2 Cor. 1, 16. Supper-Matt. 26: 26-28. 2 Cor. 11: 23-28.
Infant Baptism-Gen. 17: 1-14. Gal. 3: 17. Heb. 8: 8, 9, 10. Rom 4: 11. Gal. 3: 27, 29. Acts 2: 39. Luke 18: 15-16. 1 Cor. 7: 14. Rom. 11. 17-24.
12. We believe that there will be a resurrection of the dead ; and a day of final judgment ; that the Lord Jesus Christ will render to every man accord- ing as his works shall be ; and that the wicked will go away into everlasting punishment, and the right- cous into life eternal.
John 5: 38, 29. Acts 24: 15. 1 Cor. 15: 4. 12-22, 35,, 38, 52. Matt. 25, 31-46. Rom. 14: 10, 12. Jude 6: 7. Rev. 20: 12. Ps. 9: 17. Matt. 5: 29. Eccles. 12: 14. 2 Thes. 1: 6-10. Matt. 12: 36, and 13: 38, 40-43, 49, 50, and 10: 28, and 7: 13, 14, 21-23.
COVENANT.
We do now, in the presence of God, angels and men, solemnly consecrate ourselves and all that we have to the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, in an everlasting covenant, to be his willing servants forever. Relying upon the assistance of his Spirit, we resolve and promise to discharge faithfully and conscientiously the duties appropri- ately devolving upon us, in the sanctuary, social prayer-meeting, family and closet. We will strive to deny all ungodliness and every worldly lust ; to avoid even the appearance of evil, and to live in strict accordance with the doctrines, precepts, and ordinances which we have now acknowledged in the articles of our faith.
We also covenant with this church of Christ, that we will regularly worship and commune with them, and walk with them in Christian fellowship and love ; that we will bear our proportion according to our
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ability in maintaining the worship of God in this Church and congregation ; and we will also devote a portion of our substance to promote the Redeem- er's Kingdom in the world. We will conform to the discipline of this church as enjoined by Christ in his Gospel, and particularly in the 18th chapter of Matthew, and so long as we shall continue mem- bers, we will endeavor to promote its purity, peace, and edification.
Do you thus covenant and engage ?
We, therefore, the members of this church, do now receive you to its communion and care, re- garding you as a member of the body of Christ .- We ourselves acknowledge the same covenant ob- ligations into which you have now entered. We pray that God would grant us grace to be faithful to this covenant, and to glorify him with that holi- ness which becomes his house.
And now, beloved, let it be impressed upon your minds, that the vows of the Lord are upon you, they will follow you through life, to the retribu- tions of eternity, and in whatever world you may be found, will abide with you forever.
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TIMES OF COLLECTIONS FOR BENEVOLENT OBJECTS.
Foreign Missions-December and January. Seamen-February and March.
Tract Society-April and May. Am. and For. Ch. Union-June and July. Home Missions-August and September. Bible Society-October and November.
Contributions for other Benevolent Causes are ta- ken up from time to time as circumstances require.
Collection for incidental expenses the 2d Sabbath in each month.
The Treasurer will see to it that contributions are made to these causes at the proper time.
MISSIONARY ASSOCIATIONS.
The Ladies' Cent Society, Mrs. Mary Mathes, Treasurer.
The Ladies' Benevolent Society, one of the chief objects of which is to promote mutual acquaintance among the Members of the Congregation, meets once in two weeks, on Thursday evening.
F
S M D
15
Officers and Members of the Church.
ORGANIZED SEPT. 3, 1856.
REV. B. F. PARSONS, PASTOR. Installed Sept. 3, 1856.
Isaac A. Porter,* Ezra Haskell,* Daniel Hussey, Walcott Hamlin, Deacons.
Rev. B. F. Parsons, Dea. I. A: Porter,* Dea. Ez- ra Haskell,* Dea. Daniel Hussey, Dea. Walcott Hamlin, Frederick Whipp, Standing Committee of the Church.
Rev. B. F. Parsons, Clerk and Treasurer.
ORIGINAL MEMBERS.
Rev. B. F. Parsons,
Jonathan Morrill, t
Mrs Mary A. Parsons,
Owen Mooney,
Dea. Isaac A. Porter,*
Charles Paul,
Mrs Mary K. Porter, Catharine E. Porter, Jacob Clark,
Mrs Lois Paul,
Arlo Flagg,
Mrs Susan Clark,
Silas Foss,*
Mrs Sarah Corson,
Mrs Mary B. Foss, t
Mrs Mehitable Dame,
R. M. Johnson Grant, Ezra Haskell,*
Mrs Julia A. Grant, + Mrs Lydia Kinnin, Mrs Naomi Perry,
Mrs Emily Haskell, t Ezra Haskell, jr. t Samuel M. Horn,
Mrs Mary Twombly,
Mrs Caroline Varney,
Mrs Abig'IA. Wentworth,
Mrs. Joanna Horn, Daniel Hussey,
Mrs Nancy Wallace,
*Deceased
+Dismissed
Mrs Esther D. Flagg,
Mrs Jemima Buckly,
JUN 7 1934
16
Mrs Abigail Hussey,
Joseph Littlefield,
Mrs Jane Littlefield,
Samuel H. Mathes,
Mrs Mary Mathes,
Hannah Caverly,
Mrs Frances Williams,
Mary B. Colby,
Eliza Young,
Hannah S. Young,
Emily W. Clark,
Mrs Lydia Dixon.
[The above were received from the First Church. |
Wm. F. Johnson, ¡ Mrs Sally C. Davis.
ADMITTED 1856-7.
I. Walcott Hamlin, L Rhoda P. Swett,
L. Mrs Eleanor R. French, L Eva Hasseltine, +
L. Mehitable Dame, L Mrs Hannah Kenney,
L Irena Young, L Abigail Davis,
L. Susan E. Elliot, P Mrs Sarah W. Johnson, t
P Albert Canny, p Harriet Davis.
ADMITTED 1857-8.
L Mrs Hannah H. Langly, P Elizabeth Goodwin,
L Mrs Mary Rood, P Jane Greenough,
P Mary Haskell, t P Martha Shepard,
P Frances Twombly, P Charles Whipp,
P Mrs Walcott Hamlin,
P Frederic Whipp,
P Mrs Sarah A. Carr, p Alice Foss,
P Mrs Susan Thurston, P Mary Abby Wingate,
p Mrs Susan Swett, f P Mary Brewster.
ADMITTED 1858-60.
L. Mrs Verona Shepard, L Mrs Rosanna Stackpole
L. Jane Nutter, L Sophia Stackpole.
L Abby Knowles, ADMITTED 1860 TO SEPT. 1861.
t. Mrs Emily Parmenter, P Mrs Mary J. Conner. No. of Members at Organization, 46
Rec'd since by Profession, 18 ; Letter, 17 ; 35
81
Died, 3 ; Dismissed, 9;
12
Present No.
69
*Deceased. +Dismissed. I Letter. r Profession.
HIST
RIA
MAJORUM
AL
NT
SOCI
GIVEN IN MEMORY OF
Samuel Burnham Shackford
DOVER, N. H. 1871 -- 1934
FROM HIS LIBRARY
BY HIS
BROTHER AND SISTER
APRIL, 1934
5 - 81 12 - 69
JUN 7 1934
16
Mrs Abigail Hussey, Joseph Littlefield, Mrs Jane Littlefield, Samuel H. M Mrs Mary Ma Hannah Cave [The above Wm. F. John:
Mrs Frances Williams, Mary B. Colby, Eliza Yaune
L. Walcott Har L Mrs Eleanor
L Mehitable D
L Irena Young
L. Susan E. Ell P Albert Cann:
L Mrs Hannah L Mrs Mary R P Mary Haskel Frances Two P Mrs Walcott p Mrs Sarah A P Mrs Susan T. p Mrs Susan S.
1
L Mrs Verona £
L Jane Nutter,
L Abby Knowle ADMIT
L. Mrs Emily Pa
No. of Memt vigquization, 40
Rec'd since by Profession, 18 ; Letter, 17 ;
35
81
Died, 3 ; Dismissed, 9; 12
Present No. 69
*Deceased. +Dismissed. L Letter. r Profession.
JUN 7 1934 1
HECKMAN
BINDERY, INC. Bound-To-Please®
MAY 04
N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA 46962
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