Page:Records of the Life of the Rev. John Murray.djvu/235

Rh, took place in the Universal Meeting-house in Boston; the Presiding Deacon, addressed the church and congregation.

"Brethren, it having pleased the Father of mercies to unite in bonds of Christian love and affection the hearts of the people, usually worshipping in this place, in the choice of Mr. John Murray for their Pastor and Teacher. We have accordingly assembled together, at this time and place, for the solemn purpose of ratifying here below, what we humbly trust is already recorded in heaven. It is the duty of all men, at all times, and in all places, humbly to implore the direction of the great Head of the Church, in all their lawful undertakings." (Then followed an appropriate prayer by Mr. Murray.) After which, the Deacon demanded of the church and congregation, as they had heretofore expressed their desire, that Mr. Murray should become their Pastor, and Teacher, if, at this time, they continued of that mind, they would publicly confirm it, by vote—which was unanimous. He then requested Mr. Murray's answer, which being given in the affirmative, he concluded his address: "I, therefore, in the name and behalf of this church and congregation—supported by the constitution of this Commonwealth, declare you, John Murray, to be the Pastor and Teacher of this First Universal Church in Boston; and in their name I present unto you the sacred Volume, as the rule of your faith and practice, and as containing a perfect and complete revelation of the perfections and will of God; and I furthermore declare unto you, that so long as you continue to preach the gospel, as delineated in these sacred pages, which is glad tidings of great joy to every creature, as the purchase of the blood of Immanuel, so long you shall be considered as our Pastor, and no longer. And now, dearly beloved Sir, "''I charge thee, therefore, before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick, and the dead, at His Appearing, and His Kingdom; to Preach the Word, be Instant in Season, out of Season; Reprove, Rebuke, Exhort, with all long Suffering, and Doctrine. In all things showing thyself a Pattern of Good Works: In Doctrine showing Uncorruptness, Gravity, Sincerity, Sound Speech that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part, may be Ashamed, having no Evil thing to say of you. A Workman that needeth not to be Ashamed, Rightly Dividing the Word of Truth. And now, sir, commending you with the Church, and Congregation, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you Overseer, to the care and protection of Him "that loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood''," earnestly beseeching Him, to build us all up in the unity of the One Spirit and in the bond of peace. Now unto