USA > New York > Kings County > Brooklyn > Church of the Pilgrims: the order of public worship, confession of faith, covenant, forms of admission, etc., ecclesiastical principles and rules : with a list of the members, to 1869 > Part 1
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Gc 974.702 B792bri 1851507
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01152 2809
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2015
https://archive.org/details/churchofpilgrims00unse
545.6 Brooklyn
The Church of the Pilgrims.
THE
Order of Public Worship,
CONFESSION OF FAITH,
Covenant, forms of Admission, Ctr.,
Ecclesiastical Principles and Rules :
WITH A
LIST OF THE MEMBERS,
TO 1869.
BROOKLYN, N. Y .: PRINTED FOR THE CHURCH.
1851507
حمصط - السلمـ
1:
D 28511 .115
BROOKLYN. CHURCH OF THE PILGRIMS.
The Church of the Pilgrims. The order of public worship, confession of faith, covenant, forms of admission, etc., ecclesiastical prin- ciples and rules: with a list of the members, to 1869. Brooklyn, N. Y.,Printed for the
church [ 1869] 48р.
DHULP CARD
NL 36-6433 .. 2969
TH2X203
II. M. GARDNER, JR., PRINTER, BROOKLYN, N. Y.
2969
Officers of the Church.
1869.
PASTOR. RICHARD S. STORRS, JR. ; Installed November 19th, 1846.
DEACONS.
ELI MYGATT, JR. Term expires, Jan., 1871.
ARCHIBALD BAXTER. Term expires, Jan., 1871.
JOHN C. BARNES, Term expires, Jan., 1873.
RICHARD P. BUCK, .Term expires, Jan., 1873.
DWIGHT JOHNSON . Term expires, Jan., 1875.
COE ADAMS,. Term expires, Jan., 1875.
EXAMINING COMMITTEE.
RICHARD S. STORRS, JR. CHAIRMAN, ex-officio.
JAMES P. WALLACE, . Term expires, Jan., 1870.
ARCHIBALD BAXTER. .Term expires, Jan., 1870.
RICHARD P. BUCK,
Term expires, Jan., 1871.
DWIGHT JOHNSON, . Term expires, Jan., 1871.
ELI MYGATT, JR., Term expires, Jan., 1872.
LUCIEN BIRDSEYE, Term expires, Jan., 1872.
TREASURER. SAMUEL F. PHELPS.
CLERK. JOHN C. BARNES.
fhicers of the Sunday School.
1869.
SUPERINTENDENT .JAMES H. STORRS.
.
VICE-SUPERINTENDENT. S. B. CHITTENDEN, JR.
TREASURER. .SAMUEL C. SELDEN.
SECRETARY. CHARLES A. WALLACE.
LIBRARIAN ALBERT G. ALLEN, JR.
Officers of the Society, 1869.
TRUSTEES.
ARCHIBALD BAXTER, JOSHUA M. VAN COTT, ANTIIONY GILKISON,
1
?
Term expires, April, 1869.
DWIGHT JOHNSON, 1 Term expires, April, 1870.
SIDNEY GREEN.
WALTER T. HATCH,
GEORGE L. NICHOLS,
FREDERICK R. FOWLER,
Term expires, April, 1871.
ALBERT WOODRUFF,
Officers of the Board.
DWIGHT JOHNSON, President.
W. T. HATCH, Sec'y and Treas.
Standing Committee.
DWIGHT JOHNSON, ex-officio. SIDNEY GREEN.
FREDERICK R. FOWLER.
Powo Committee.
WALTER T. HATCH. GEORGE L. NICHOLS.
Music Committee.
GEORGE L. NICHOLS. ARCHIBALD BAXTER.
Alembers of the Church.
Received, from the beginning, on Confession of Faith 415
Received, on Letters from other Churches 821
Total. 1236
Dismissed, to other Churches 521
Died. 107
Watch and Discipline withdrawn.
3
Excommunicated.
1
Total.
632
MEMBERS, JANUARY, 1869.
Male,. 233
Female,. 371
Total
604
COMMUNION SUNDAYS.
The first Sunday in January, March. May, July, October, and Novem- ber. Baptism of children, ordinarily, on the morning of the same days.
BUSINESS MEETINGS OF THE CHURCH.
On the Friday Evening preceding the first Sunday in each month. The Annual Meeting, in January.
Schedule of Annual Contributions.
JANUARY : American Home Missionary Society.
S. F. PHELPS, J. C. ATWATER,
Committee.
FEBRUARY : Brooklyn City Bible Society.
S. SANDERSON, J. C. BARNES,
Committee.
MARCH : Cong. Union, and Board of Publication.
C. B DAVENPORT, G. B. DOUGLAS,
Committee.
APRIL : Cause of Christian Education.
COE ADAMS, 2 Committee. E. MYGATT, JR.,
MAY : American Seaman's Friend Society.
R. P. BUCK, 1 Committee.
B. F. SHERMAN,
JUNE : American and Foreign Christian Union.
C. B. CALDWELL, R. S. BUSSING,
Committee.
JULY : Children's Aid Society.
W. C. STREET,
HI. L. BREVOORT,
'S Committee.
SEPTEMBER : American Tract Society.
T. IHINSDALE, MARTIN N. DAY,
Committee.
OCTOBER : American Board, for Foreign Missions. F. R. FOWLER, A. BAXTER,
Committee.
NOVEMBER : Brooklyn City Mission and Tract Society. D. JOHNSON, M. D. THOMAS,
Committee.
DECEMBER : American Sunday-School Union. A. WOODRUFF, JAMES HI. STORRS,
Committee.
.
On the occasion of the ANNUAL THANKSGIVING, a Collection is taken in behalf of the Poor connected with the Mission Schools.
Order of Public Worship.
MORNING SERVICE.
I. AFTER a suitable prelude on the organ, the first measures of the tune Old Hundred are played, and the congregation rise, without notice from the Minister, and sing the DoxoLoGY :
Praise God, from whom all blessings floto :
Praise Dim, all creatures here below :
Praise Dim abobe, ne Deabenin Dost :
Praise father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
HI. THE PRAYER OF INVOCATION is offered by the Minister, [the congregation bowing down.]
III. THE OPENING HYMN is read by the Minister, and sung by the choir and congregation, [all standing.]
IV. A portion of THE HOLY SCRIPTURE is read by the Min- ister, [the congregation sitting.] .
V. THE PRAYER OF GENERAL SUPPLICATION is offered by the Minister, [the congregation bowing down ;] and at the close of it is repeated, by both Minister and people, The LORD's PRAYER :
OUR FATHER, WHO ART IN HEAVEN,
HALLOWED BE THY NAME.
THY KINGDOM COME.
THY WILL BE DONE ON EARTH, AS IT IS IN HEAVEN.
GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD.
AND FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES,
AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US.
AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION ;
BUT DELIVER US FROM EVIL :
FOR THINE IS THE KINGDOM,
AND THE POWER, AND THE GLORY,
FOREVER AND EVER. AMEN.
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VI. A Lesson from THE PSALTER is announced by the Minister, and is read by him and the congregation responsively, [all standing;] and at the close thereof is sung, by the choir and the congregation the ancient DoxOLOGY :
lory be to the father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost ; as it boas in the beginning, is now, and cher shall be, woorld without end. Amen.
VII. After these acts of Prayer and Praise [the congregation having resumed their seats,] any NOTICES may be given by the Minister, of religious meetings for the week to come, or of other matters suitable to be brought on the Lord's Day to the knowledge of the Church ; and then
VIII. A HYMN, or CHANT, announced, but not read by the Minister, is sung by the choir, [the congregation still sitting.]
IX. This is followed by THE SERMON.
X. After the Sermon, the CLOSING HYMN is read or announ- ced by the Minister, and is sung by the choir and the congre- gation, [all standing.]
XI. THE PRAYER FOR A BLESSING ON THE WORD is offered by the Minister; and at the end of it [while the congregation are still bowed down,] he pronounces THE BENEDICTION :
The grace of our Ford Jesus Christ, and the lobe of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
NOTE .- When Children are to be baptized, they must be presented for that ordinance at the Morning Service, on the proper Sundays, immediately after THE PRAYER OF INVOCA- TION.
When Collections are to be taken for charitable objects, they may follow either the NOTICES, or the SERMON, at the discretion of the Minister.
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EVENING SERVICE.
I. After a suitable prelude on the organ, a brief CHANT or ANTHEM is sung by the choir, [the congregation sitting.]
II. THE OPENING HYMN is read by the Minister, and sung by the choir and the congregation, tall standing.]
III. A portion of THE HOLY SCRIPTURE is read by the Minister, [the congregation sitting.]
IV. THE PRAYER OF GENERAL SUPPLICATION is offered by the Minister, [the congregation bowing down.]
V. A Lesson from THE PSALTER is announced by the Minister, and is read by him and the congregation responsively, [all standing :] and at the close thereof is sung, by the choir and the congregation, the ancient DoxOLOGY :
lory be to the father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost ; as it was in the beginning, is now, and cher shall be, world without end. Amen.
VI. After these acts of Prayer and Praise [the congregation having resumed their seats. ] any Norices may be given by the Minister, of religions meetings for the week to come, or of other matters suitable to be brought on the Lord's Day to the knowledge of the Church ; and then
VII. A HYMN, or CHANT, announced, but not read by the Minister, is sung by the choir, [the congregation still sitting.]
VIII. This is followed by THE SERMON.
IX. After the Sermon, the CLOSING HYMN is read or an- . nounced by the Minister, and is sung by the choir and con- gregation, tall standing.] At the end of this hymn a DoxoLoGy, in the same metre, is usually added.
X. THE PRAYER FOR A BLESSING ON THE WORD is offered by the Minister; and at the end of it [while the congregation are still bowed down.] he pronounces THE BENEDICTION :
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the lobe of God, and the communion of the Holy Ghost, be with you all. Amen.
10
COMMUNION SERVICE.
Arren a brief prelude on the organ, and a few sentences from the Psahns read by the Minister,
I. THE OPENING HYMN is read or announced, and is sung by the choir and the congregation, fall standing.]
II. A suitable portion of THE HOLY SempreRE is read by the Minister, [the congregation sitting.]
III. THE PRAYER OF CONFESSION AND INVOCATION is offer- ed by the Minister, [the congregation bowing down.]
IV. Any persons who are to be received to the Church on Confession of Faith, are then received, according to the FORM provided in the Mannal.
V. Any persons who are to be received to the Church on Letters from other Churches, are then received, according to the FORM provided in the Mannal.
VI. Any Notices, necessary to be given, are read ; and an INVITATION is extended to Christians present, to commune with the Church.
VII. A SACRAMENTAL HYMN is read by the Minister, and sung by the choir and congregation, fall standing.]
VIII. This is followed by a brief ADDRESS.
IX. THE PRAYER FOR THE DIVINE BLESSING, on those who partake of the consecrated elements, is offered by the Minister, [the congregation bowing down ;] and the BREAD is afterward broken and distributed.
X. THE PRAYER OF THANKSGIVING is offered by the Minis- ter, [the congregation bowing down ;] and the Cur is afterward dis- tributed.
XI. The COLLECTION for the relief of the Poor is taken; during which the Minister reads Sentences from the Scripture.
XII. The Chosise Hvarx is read by the Minister, and sung by the choir and the congregation, all standing.]
XIII. THE CLOSING PRAYER is offered by the Minister; and at the end of it [while the congregation are still bowed down,] he pronoun- ces THE BENEDICTION.
The Confession of faith.
dole beliche that there is but ONE Gon, the Creator, the Pre- server, and the Governor of the Universe; a Being self-exis- tent and immutable, infinite in power, wisdom, justice, good- uess, mercy, and truth.
dole beliebe that THE SCRIPTURES, of the Old and New Testa- ments, were given by inspiration of God, and are a perfect rule of faith and practice.
aMe beliebe that God is revealed in the Scriptures, as THE FATHER and THE SON and THE HOLY Ghost; that these three are ONE Gov, and in all divine attributes equal.
Tole beliebe that God made all things, and that known unto Him are all His works from the beginning ; that He governs all things, according to the counsel of His will; and that the principles and administration of His Government are perfectly holy, just, and good.
dole beliche that man was originally Hony ; that he fell from this happy state, by sinning against God ; that, in consequence of this fall, mankind are by nature wholly inclined to sin, dlestitute of holiness, and alienated from God, and do so con- tinue until renewed and reconciled, through Christ, by the. influence of the Spirit.
dole beliche that God, as an act of mere mercy, gave Is So to die for the sins of the world; and that Jesus Christ, by his obedience, sufferings, and death, has made AN ATONEMENT, sufficient for the redemption of all mankind ; so that pardon and Eternal Life are sincerely offered to all, upon condition of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.
dole beliebe that mankind, of their own accord, do refuse to comply with these conditions, to the aggravation of their guilt
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and condemnation ; but that God, notwithstanding, did alway purpose to save from deserved ruin great multitudes of the Inman race, through sanctification by the Spirit, and belief of the truth.
We beliebe that without a change of heart, by the special agency of the Holy Spirit, no one becomes an heir of Eternal Life.
dole beliebe that the influence of the Holy Spirit is bestowed, not as the reward of antecedent merit or well-doing on the part of him who receives it, but as THE FREE GIFT OF GOD ; yet that it is ordinarily so connected with the use of means by the sinner, as creates entire obligation and ample encourage- ment to attend upon these, and renders all hope of conversion in the neglect of them most presumptuous.
dole beliebe in the necessity of such repentance for sin as arises from supreme love to God; and of such faith in Jesus Christ as includes an affectionate submission to Him, and reliance upon Him for pardon and Eternal Life; and that those who truly believe in Him will be kept, by the mighty power of God, through faith, unto SALVATION.
Ole beliebe that there will be a RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD, both of the just and of the unjust; that all must stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, and receive a sentence of retri- bution, according to deeds done in the body; and that the wicked will go into punishment, but the righteous into life, both of which will be without end.
Ettoreober, dole beliebe that in this world the Lord Jesus Christ has A VISIBLE ChuRen; in which the terms of membership are a public profession of faith in Christ, sustained by credible evidence ; that its special ordinances are BAPTISM and the LORD'S SUPPER ; that these are to be observed in the Church to the end of the world; that none but those who are mem- bers of Christ by a living faith, and who have confessed that faith before men, have a right to partake of the Lord's Sup- per; and that only Believers, and their infant children, are proper subjects for the ordinance of Baptism.
.
The Covenant.
WE severally avouch THE LORD JEHOVAN, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to be OUR Gon, the object of our supreme affec- tion, and our portion forever. We cordially acknowledge THE LORD JESUS CHRIST to be our Redeemer, and THE HOLY SPIRIT our Sanctifier, Comforter, and Guide. We cheerfully devote ourselves to God, in the everlasting covenant of His grace, consecrating all our powers and faculties to His service and glory. And we promise, that through the assistance of His Spirit, by faith in Christ, we will cleave to Him as our chief good ; that we will give diligent attention to HIS WORD and ORDINANCES; that we will seek the honor and interest of ITIS KINGDOM ; and that . henceforth, denying all ungodliness and every worklly lust, we will live soberly, righteously, and godly, in the world.
We do also cordially join ourselves to this Church, and en- gage to submit to its rules of government and discipline; to strive earnestly for its purity, peace, and edification ; and to walk with all its members in charity and faithfulness, in meekness and sobriety. .
.
form for the Admission of Members,
UPON CONFESSION OF FAITH.
The names of those who desire to enter the Church, upon Confession of their Faith, having been read, they present themselves before the Table of the Lord, and the Minister addresses them as follows :
BELOVED FRIENDS : The act yon now perform is great and rolemn, and in its influence will be eternal. The vows which von have made in secret, yon here, in public, are to confess and ratify. Within these walls, which have been dedicated to God; before these Imman witnesses of your faith ; beneath that cloud of museen spirits, whose hearts rejoice at your re- pentance ; under the view of Him who died, but who now liveth forevermore, your risen Lord ; you come, to take Christ's vows upon yon, to own yourselves His glad disciples, to euter communion and fellowship with His Church. The Spiritual World draws near ns, therefore. Inmortal relations surround the hour. This scene of your Confession shall stand again before your thoughts, when you are called to sit with Christ, and all the holy, at His marriage-supper. The truths, the purposes, you now declare, shall be your joy, if you are His, when Heaven hath opened its vision and reward. In God, let your whole trust be placed. With faithful, firm, and reverent hearts, devote yourselves to Him : and His rich grace shall keep and bless you !
The following is the summary of Christian Doctrine, adopt- ed by this Church :
[ lere read The Confession of faith. ]
Do you severally assent to these articles of belief?
You will then publicly, amid this visible and that Unseen Presence, renew your Covenant with God :
[ Here read The Cobenant.]
Do yon thus devote yourselves, to be the Lord's ?
[ Those who have not been baptized will here receive the Sacrament of Baptism.]
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Most affectionately, now, do we, the Members of this Church, receive you thus to our communion.
Illere all members of the Church rise, to signify their participation in the welcome given to those who are received.]
With praising hearts, we own you, from this hour, our kiu- dred in Christ. We welcome you to all the ordinances which mark this house the House of God. We break with yon this Bread of Life. We share with you this Cup of Blessing. We ask your aid in turning to our Master the souls of others. And, on our part, we covenant with you, to gird yon with our sympathies; to offer for you our prayers; to walk with von, in sorrow or in joy, while you are with us, as Christian friends, seeking advice and strength from you, and giving in return the comsel and the aid which you may ask. We promise to hold your peace and welfare as our own ; gladly to render our offices of love; and in all ways, so far as in us lies, to seek your growth in knowledge and in grace, your sweet and calm experience of Christ's love, your perfect meetness for the Heavenly Home !
BELOVED : THE LORD BLESS YOU, AND KEEP YOU: THE LORD MAKE ILS FACE SHINE UPON YOU, AND BE GRACIOUS UNTO YOU: THE LORD LIFT UP ILS COUNTENANCE UPON YOU, AND GIVE YOU PEACE ! AMEN.
form for the Admission of Members,
FROM OTHER CHURCHES.
The names of those who have presented letters from other Churches having been read, they rise, in their several places, and the Minister addresses them, as follows :
BELOVED FRIENDS: Presenting yourselves for union with this Church, upon this day which Christ hath chosen, amid the scenes of this communion, you in effect renew your vows as the disciples of the Savionr. Before our Father, whose eye is on us ; before this witnessing assembly of His children ; before the nuseen coununion of the Just ; yon again confess Cmmust, as your Teacher and Friend, your Divine Master, and your only Redeemer. You acknowledge union with Him to be your joy and hope, and to His service you freshly devote yourselves, with all that hath been given you.
You accept the Confession of Faith adopted by this Church, and declare your belief of the doctrines which it contains.
Yon do also cordially unite yourselves to this Church, and engage to submit to its rules and discipline; to labor for its purity, its peace, and its advancement ; with the grace of God assisting you, to be to it ensamples of the spirit of Christ ; and to walk with all its members in faithfulness and meekness, and in the confidence of love. This, you promise ?
We, then, the Members and the Minister of this Church, most affectionately receive you to our communion.
[Ilere all members of the Church rise, to signify their welcome.]
We welcome you to this fellowship with ns, in the enjoy- ment of the Gospel, and in the labors for its spread. And we promise, on our part, to watch over yon, in love and with fidelity ; to surround you with our sympathies; to remember you in our prayers ; to commune with you of our Saviour; and to seek continually your meetness for Heaven. And may 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 yon, and us, that which is well-pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ : to whom be glory, for ever and ever. Amen !
Form for the Baptism of Children.
Immediately after the Incocation, at the opening of the Morning-Sercier, on the appointed Sunday, an invitation is given to parents to present their children for Baptism. While they are coming forward, an appropriate chant is sung by the choir. At the close of the chunt, the Minister addresses the parents, as follows :
You, who now present your children, to receive upon them the seal of God's covenant, confess yourselves believers in God and in His Son, and in the verity and the continuance of Hlis promise to His children, to be a Father to them, and to their seed after them. You covenant, on your part, in the presence of God, and of these witnesses, to train these chil- dren, whom Ile hath given you, in the nurture and admonition of the Lord ; to instruct them in the knowledge of all Divine Truth, as you may have opportunity, but especially in the way of salvation through Jesus Christ ; to walk before them daily, as God may give you grace, in the cheerful and holy beauty of the Christian life ; to seek, as your chief end con- cerning them, their renewal of heart, and their salvation in the Redeemer; and to labor, in all ways, with devout and prayerful endeavor, to prepare them to accomplish God's will on earth, and to enter His rest and glory in the skies. Do YOU THUS PROMISE ?
As the Minister of Christ, then, I baptize them, into the name of the Creator, the Redeemer, and the Sanctifier of Men :
After the children have been baptized, prayer is offered by the Minister ; and another chant is sung by the choir, as the parents, at the close of' the prayer, withdraw.
IThe name of the child must be given to the Minister in writing, with the date of its birth, and the names of its parents. ]
form for the Solemnization of Marriage .*
At the time appointed, the persons to be married standing together, the man on the right hand, and the woman on the left, the Minister says :
Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Blessed is every one that feareth the Lord : that walketh in his ways.
Let all those that put their trust in thee rejoice : let them ever shout for joy, because thon defendest them : let them also that love thy name be joyful in thee.
For the Lord is good ; his mercy is everlasting ; and his truth endureth to all generations.
DEARLY BELOVED: We are gathered together here, in the sight of God, and in the presence of these witnesses, to join together this man and this woman in the bonds of Marriage; which is an honorable estate, instituted of God in the time of man's innoceney, and afterward blessed, hallowed, and adorn- ed by the Son of God, in his presence, and the first miracle that he wrought, in Cana of Galilee; which is commended in the Holy Scripture as honorable among all men, and by which is clearly signified mto ns the mystical union between Christ and his Church; which is not, therefore, to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, with grati- tude to God, and in humble dependence upon his favor.
* This is the order used in the Marriage-service, by the Pastor of this Church. It is inserted here for the convenience of those who may wish to refer to it.
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Into this estate of Marriage these two persons, - and -, come now to be joined. Therefore, if any man can show just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let him now speak, or else forever hold his peace.
Also, speaking unto the persons who are to be married, the Minister says :
I require and charge you both, as ye will answer at the dreadful day of Judgment, when the secrets of all hearts shall be disclosed, that if either of you know any impediment, why you may not lawfully be joined together, ye do now con- fess it. For be ye well assured that if any are joined other- wise than as God's word doth allow, their marriage is not lawful.
If no impediment be alleged, then the Minister says :
Who giveth this woman to be married to this man ?
And, reccicing her at the hand of her father, or other friend, he causes the man with his right hand to take the roman by her right hand, and proposes to each, in tura, the Marriage-Covenant, as follows :
Dost thou, -, take this woman whom thou holdest by the hand to be thy only wedded Wife, to live with her after God's ordinance, in the blessed estate of Christian Marriage?
The man shall answer :
I do.
Wilt thou love her, cherish her, honor and keep her, in sickness or in health, in want or in wealth, and forsaking all other keep thee only unto her, so long as ye both shall live upon the earth ?
The man shall answer :
I will.
Dost thou, -, take this man whom thon holdest by the hand to be thy only wedded Husband, to live with him after
:
20
God's ordinance, in the blessed estate of Christian Marriage ?
The woman shall anser :
I do.
Wilt thon love him, snecor him, honor and keep him, in sickness or in health, in want or in wealth, and forsaking all other keep thee only unto him, so long as ye both shall live npon the earth ?
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