An Historical Sketch of the First Congregational Church in Marlborough, Mass., with the Exercises at the Celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of REV. S.F. Bucklin's Ordination, as Pastor (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1859. Excerpt: ... The Half-way Covenant was not formally abrogated in this church till the year 1836. But practically, the customs to which it gave rise ceased a number of years previous to that time. The main reason which led to this, was the vote of the church in 1818, that a Committee be chosen to examine candidates for admission to the church, and for the rite of Baptism under this Covenant. From this time the practice almost immediately fell into disuse. The following was the Covenant used on such occasions, and was known as the Baptismal Covenant. Professing a serious and hearty belief of the truth of the Christian Religion, you most solemnly choose and take the Lord Jehovah to be your God and portion, promising to fear, love, obey, and depend upon him, as finally to be made completely happy in him. You believe the Lord Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God, to be the only Redeemer and Savior of men, and take him to be your Prophet, Priest and King, depending on his merits to save you from the guilt of sin and the wrath of God. You believe the Holy Spirit to be the only applier of the work of redemption, depending on his influences and grace to renew, sanctify, comfort, and guide you to glory. You believe us to be a true church of Christ, and do give up yourself to this Church to be watched over and edified in your Christian Faith to Salvation. You promise to submit peaceably to the discipline of Christ in this church, obeying them who have the rule over you in the Lord. And you engage that you will bring up the children and servants which may be committed to your care in the knowledge and fear of God, according to the Holy Scriptures which ou accept as your only rule. And you promise, by the help of Divine Grace, to labor to be made worthy to come up to a full and ac...