EVANGELICAL CONSOCIATION

OF

RHODE ISLAND.

In May, 1808, four pastors of congregational churches in Rhode Island, united in an association, to be called the Evangelical Association of Ministers in the State of Rhode Island. At their second meeting, it was agreed that each of the churches, under the pastoral care of the ministers of the association, be requested to appoint a brother to attend the next meeting, and assist in the discussion of the articles of faith and rules of business then proposed for adoption. At a subsequent meeting, held at Newport, May, 1809, the organization of the body was completed by the adoption of a brief profession of faith, and of certain rules of order; and as the body had ceased to be an association of ministers, it thenceforth named itself "the Evangelical Consociation of Rhode Island."

This body unites, to some extent, the duties which, in Connecticut, are divided between the association of pastors, and the consociation of pastors and churches. Like an association it examines and licenses candidates for the ministry. Its acts in relation to the churches are purely advisory. About sixteen ministers, and as many churches, are now included in the consociation.

GENERAL ASSOCIATION

OF

NEW-YORK.

LARGE portions of the territory of central and western New York were settled chiefly by emigrants from New England, born and trained under the ecclesiastical institutions of the New England fathers. But from a desire to maintain a perfect union with fellow Christians, holding the same faith and worshiping according to the same forms, the churches founded in that region by emigrants from New England, were generally led to adopt, by degrees, the Presbyterian discipline. Many churches, however, which are commonly called Presbyterian, have only a qualified connection with presbyteries and synods, their Congregational privileges being guarded, in various degrees, by express stipulations.

In some instances churches originally formed by Congregationalists, have retained from the beginning their Congregational discipline without compromise. Where several such churches were found in the same district, they sometimes formed associations for mutual counsel and assistance.

In September, 1833, the Oneida Association appointed a committee to take into consideration the propriety of calling a convention of Congregational ministers and churches; and if upon consideration such a convention should seem expedient,

the committee were authorized to call it for the purpose of organizing a General Association for the state. At the call of that committee, a convention was held in Clinton, May 21, 1834; and at that time, the "General Association of New-York" was formed.

There are now in connection with this body, eight district associations or consociations, including about 116 churches, 122 ministers, and 23 licensed candidates for the ministry. Two other associations in the state are expected soon to unite with the General Association.

Most of the associations in New-York, unlike those in the New England States, consist not of ministers only, but of ministers and churches. The General Association, accordingly, admits laymen as members whenever they are deputed from the constituent bodies. Laymen, however, are rarely sent as delegates to the General Association.

The General Association neither exercises, nor claims any power over the associations connected with it, or over the churches, save that power which is implied in the right to reject, as not in its fellowship, those associations which deny the faith. Its meetings are for consultation and advice, and not for the exercise of any legislative or judicial

powers.

CONSTITUTION.

THAT God has a visible church in the world, and ever will have until the end of time, is generally acknowledged by those who call themselves Christians; and that its interests are to be promoted by human instrumentality, is equally clear.

Union, in religion, is strength. Since different views are entertained with regard to doctrine and practice, and different denominations exist, it is believed a distinct organization of these different denominations is adapted to promote the best welfare of Zion. The Congregational ministers and Congregational churches in the state of New York have long felt the want of a bond of union for the advancement of the cause of our common Lord.

As they believe the Congregational form of church government is the Scriptural form, they deem it important that it should be maintained.

Entertaining these views, and having met in convention for the express purpose of considering this subject, therefore,

Resolved, That it is expedient to form an ecclesiastical body, composed of Congregational ministers, and Congregational churches, to be governed by the following

CONSTITUTION.

ART. 1. This body shall be called "The General Association of the State of New York."

ART. 2. This association shall be composed of delegates from the several associations and consociations belonging to this body, allowing one delegate for every five ministers, and one delegate for every five churches constituting each association and consociation. And the annual preacher, the register, and the minister of the church where the meeting is held, shall be ex officio members of the association.

ART. 3. Each association and consociation shall be entitled to, at least, two delegates.

ART. 4. Every member of an association and consociation connected with this body shall be entitled to a seat in the same, and may take part in its deliberations, but shall not be entitled to vote on any question.

ART. 5. Any association or consociation may hereafter be received into this body, if their articles of faith and constitution shall be found to harmonize with the articles of faith and constitution of this body.

ART. 6. Delegates from corresponding bodies shall be entitled to all the privileges of other members.

ART. 7. The officers of this association shall consist of a moderator, scribe and assistant scribe, register, treasurer, and auditor, to be elected annually by ballot.

ART. 8. This association shall meet annually on Thursday

preceding the last Sabbath in August, at such place as the body shall designate at a preceding meeting.

ART. 9. A minister shall be appointed at each meeting te preach at the following one; and a substitute or substitutes appointed to preach in case of his failure.

ART. 10. This constitution may be amended by a vote of twothirds of the members present at any regular meeting.

ARTICLES

OF

FAITH.

ART. 1. THERE is one only living and true God, infinite, eternal, and unchangeable in his being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness and truth; subsisting in three persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, the same in essence and equal in every divine perfection.

ART. 2. The scriptures of the Old and New Testament were given by inspiration of God, and are the only perfect rule of faith and practice

ART 3. God hath foreordained and worketh all things according to his eternal purpose, and the counsel of his own will.

ART. 4. God executes his purposes in the work of creation and providence, in such a way as to secure his own glory and the highest good of the moral system, and yet in perfect consistency with the free moral agency of his intelligent creatures.

ART. 5. Our first parents were created holy, and, by voluntary transgression, became sinners, justly exposed to eternal punish

ment.

ART. 6. In consequence of the transgression of our first parents, all their posterity became sinners, and are in their natural unregenerate state, totally sinful, and by the law of God condemned to eternal death.

ART. 7. The Lord Jesus Christ, who is both God and man in one person, has, by his sufferings and death, made a complete atonement for all mankind, and thereby laid a foundation for the offer of a free and full pardon, which is made indiscriminately to all, on the condition of repentance for sin, and faith in Christ.