Church constitution, 1754, First Church of Christ in Granville, Mass.

Some general Rules agreed upon by a number of Chh Members in Bedford in order for ^the gathering and setting up a Chh in Bedford. As Firstly We agree and in is our opinion that grace is of absolute necessity in order to a right Receiving The Lords Supper. And we find no Divine Rules for the rong receiving of it. 2ly. We agree that if any Person shall manifestly declare that it is his opinion that the Sacrament is a converting ordinance he or She shal not be admitted into our Fellowship or communion. 3ly. We agree that it was the practice of the apostles to have ruling Elders in the Chh's and therefore we agree that we will have at least one that his office shall be Distinct from the teaching Elder. 4ly We also agree that there shall be some Person or Persons Chosen by the Chh that shall be with the Minister in the Examining ^Parsons that offer themselves for Com munion both as to their Principals and Qualifications for Chh Fellowship as well those that come by letters from other Churches as those that are in not in any Chh. 5ly As for that that is called the halfway Covenant we see no Scriptural warrant for it neither do we admit it into our Chh. 6 As for the Stodarian Principal we will have nothing to do with it. 7ly We also agree and it is our opinion that the Power of Goverment is in the hands of the Chh as such and not in the Minister. June the 14 1754 The Foregoing voated and excepted by Sd Chh.