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Single Page Chapter IV

PAGE 112:
CHAPTER IV

aggregate, a command of Providence to leave the Dutch Church, he viewed as laying him under an obligation, in some measure, to remain in it; or so far from having a discouraging effect, they had, on the contrary, a powerful influence in producing the resolution which he finally adopted. This fact ought to be known in the Church. — In the manuscript, from which extracts have already been made to some extent, he thus relates the reasons of this preference.

"When the main question respecting my engagement in the ministry was decided, another of no small magnitude arose, upon which it was necessary, with caution and good conscience, to determine. This was, to what denomination of Christians duty prompted an attachment, or in which Church I ought to minister. The Episcopalian, Presbyterian, and Dutch, were the only three among which a selection was to be made. In regard to the Episcopalians. I considered them as very respectable, and supposed their doctrines, as expressed in their articles of faith and liturgy, to be sound and excellent; but I was under the impression that those doctrines were not cordially maintained, certainly not generally preached by the ministers of that Church, and that I could not, therefore, hold a cheerful communion with them.

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CHAPTER IV

Besides, their ceremonies, repetitions, and what I thought to be an unmeaning and improper parade in worship, lessened my admiration for them: while their popish bigotry in favour of a monarchical government of their Church, with their frivolous affectation of superiority above other denominations, to whom, in many respects, they were vastly inferior, exceedingly disgusted me. To their own master I left them, but I did not wish to join them."

"In the Presbyterian Church, I had been often instructed and edified. Their doctrines were pure, and their preaching was evangelical and practical. Their mode of worship appeared to be consistent with the spirituality, simplicity, and dignity of the New Testament Dispensation: and their form of government was founded upon that principle of equality which the Lord Jesus estabhshed among the ministers of his Church. I could have joined the Presbyterian Church with great freedom, and would have done so, had not motives occurred which induced me to prefer the Dutch Church. My parents were members, in full communion, of the Reformed Dutch Church; I was baptized in that Church, and thus a member of it, although not yet in full communion; and, in my estimation, the doctrines, worship, and government of the






        
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