(The following was published in the "Universalist Herald," May 12, 1827)
CONSTITUTION
Section 1. This Church shall have full power, in
its own body, to govern itself in all cases whatever, which shall not interfere
with the prerogative of the convention, or association, of which this church is
a member; and, to choose its own officers: for which, and for other business, it
shall meet annually.
Section 2. The officers of said Church shall consist
of a Moderator, Clerk, Treasurer, and such a number of Deacons as shall be
thought necessary.
These officers shall be chosen annually, except the Deacons,
who shall continue in their official capacity while their deportment is becoming
the Christian, or, until resignation.
Section 3. All persons sustaining virtuous, sober,
moral, and religious characters, and wishing to enjoy Christian communion, by
subscribing the profession of faith adopted by this Church, shall be received as
members of the Church.
Section 4. Every person, previous to being received as
a member of this Church, shall give a relation of his or her faith and Christian
experience, either verbally or in writing, that shall be satisfactory to the
Church.
Section 5. The unanimous consent of all the members
present shall be necessary to the admission of any new member.
Section 6. All persons wishing to join with this
Church who may be conscientious with respect to Baptism, shall have their minds
satisfied respecting the mode.
Section 7. All worthy Christians shall be
affectionately invited to our communion without regard to name or denomination.
Section 8. Should any member wish to withdraw from
this connection, he or she shall have the liberty by making their request
seasonably to the Church.
Section 9. Should the conduct of any member become
incompatible with Christian rectitude, he or she shall be dealt with according
to gospel rules taught in the New Testament and recorded in St. Matthew
18:15-16; St. Luke 17:3-4, &c.
Section 10. This Church disclaims all authority for
passing any further judgment against any offending member than the withdrawing
of fellowship.
Section 11. The foregoing Sections shall be subject to
any revision, or amendment, which shall hereafter be deemed necessary by the
request of two-thirds of the members of the Church.
PROFESSION OF FAITH
Recognizing the relation we sustain to God and man, and
trusting in the boundless goodness of our Heavenly Father, we, the undersigned,
feel it our duty to make a public profession of "his love abroad in our
hearts."
The better to promote union and Christian love in our
fraternity, we mutually agree to watch over ourselves and each other, in
faithfulness and charity; and interchange all those duties incumbent on persons
associated as we are; exercising brotherly love towards one another, while God
in his mercy shall permit this union; and, we mutually adopt and subscribe the
following articles of faith:
Article 1. We believe and trust on one supreme and
immutable God, the Father of all, who is infinite in wisdom, power, and
goodness.
Article 2. We believe in one Lord Jesus the beginning
of the creation of God, bull of grace and truth, who has all power in Heaven and
Earth to do God's will.
Article 3. We believe that all that Jesus Christ has
done, or shall do, for fallen man is the effect of God's love and not the
occasion of it.
Article 4. We believe the Holy Bible to have been
dictated by the inspiration of God and to reveal enough for man to know of his
duty here and destination hereafter.
Article 5. We believe in rewards and punishments
according to the good or evil deeds of mankind; but that all punishment will be
limited and remedial.
Article 6. We believe that pure and undefiled religion
is to visit the fatherless and the widow in their afflictions and to keep
ourselves unspotted from the world's pollution.
Article 7. We believe that no man can be happy in the
society of the blessed until born of God's Spirit and love.
Article 8. We believe, notwithstanding the piety and
goodness of Christian professors, that the best must become still better to
enjoy God's presence in glory.
Article 9. We believe that in the fullness of time,
Jesus, who tasted death for every man, will see the "travail of his soul,
in the reconciliation of all things to God."
Article 10. We believe it our reasonable duty, as far
as possible, to live peaceably with all men, manifesting the spirit of our
religion in our intercourse with mankind, and in our devotion to God.
Article 11. We believe it our duty, also, to meet on
the first day of the week, for social and divine worship; and attend the
delightsome services of the sanctuary, in prayer, singing, reading and hearing
God's word; and to unite in the sacramental solemnities on such occasions, as
are appointed, "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our
faith."
CHURCH COVENANT
That we may the better promote the declarative glory of God; the more effectually advance the kingdom and religion of our Redeemer, in the world; and render ourselves the more pure examples to believers, we, therefore, in the presence of a Holy God, angels and men, most solemnly and sincerely dedicate ourselves to God as Christians; and to Jesus Christ as disciples, and to each other as brethren and sisters in the bonds of gospel faith; and solemnly promise that we will take the Holy Bible as the rule of our faith and practice. Thus we covenant and agree in the Lord.