With these views and aims, and not without deep solicitude for the result, this attempt to promote the interests of our beloved Zion is submitted to "the brethren of like precious faith," and to the world, with the devout prayer that it may be the instrument of some good to the cause of our blessed Redeemer, and of calling down upon many branches of the church universal that richest of all earthly benedictions, the blessing of the widow and the fatherless, and of him that was ready to perish. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you now and evermore. L. C. BROWNE, B. M. TILLOTSON, U. CLARK, I. D. WILLIAMSON, A. R. ABBOTT, C. W. MELLEN, L. B. MASON, A. A. THAYER, GEO. HILL, E. CASE, JR., WM. HOOPER. PLAN OF ORGANIZATION FOR A CHURCH. WE, whose names are hereunto annexed, believing in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and being desirous of securing to ourselves, and our fellow-men, the advantages of an efficient Christian organization, have, and do hereby form ourselves into a religious body, to be known by the name of the Church, in That our position among the various branches of the Christian Church may be distinctly known, we have united in the declaration, and enacted the Constitution and Laws, which follow; and by them we agree to be governed in our relations with this Church, and in our doings as members thereof. DECLARATION. 1. We declare and say, That we believe in one only living and true God, who is revealed in Jesus Christ, by the Holy Spirit of divine grace and truth. 2. We believe in the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, as containing a special revelation of God, and of the duty, interests and destiny, of man. 3. We claim to ourselves the right to interpret the Scriptures in the fear of God, and according to the light he has given us, and we accord to all others the same right; yet we declare a belief in the Scriptures, as the divinely given and authoritative standard of faith and practice, to be essential to the fellowship of this Church. 4. We disclaim all authority over the consciences of men, and disavow all right to deal with the erring or offending, by other means than admonition, suspension, or withdrawal of the fellowship of the Church. 5. We declare, that the objects of this Church are, The cultivation of "faith, hope, and charity," in our own hearts, the diffusion of gospel light and truth among our fellows, and the systematic application of the fruits of Christian love and duty to all men, and "especially to the household of faith." CONSTITUTION AND LAWS. ARTICLE I. OF MEMBERSHIP. 1. This Church shall consist of persons who have arrived at years of discretion, and who shall have applied for, and received its fellowship, as hereinafter provided. 2. Any person wishing to become a member of this Church, must make application, either in person, or through some member, at a regular meeting. 3. The application so made shall be referred to the Elders, who shall report at the next regular meeting, or at a spe cial meeting, which may be called for that purpose. 4. If the report be adverse to the admission of the applicant, no further action shall be had in the case; nor shall another application from the same person be entertained, for the space of three months. If the report be favorable, the question shall be taken by ballot, and a vote of two thirds of the members present shall be necessary to an election. 5. The vote of the Church having been given in favor of any person, he or she shall sign the declaration and constitution, and shall be admitted in form and manner as prescribed in the Book of Forms. ARTICLE II. PRIVILEGES AND DUTIES OF MEMBERS. 1. Every member of this Church shall be held in duty bound to give attendance at public worship, and also at the regular meetings of the Church, unless necessarily prevented; and a wilful |