The way of the churches of Christ in New-England, or, The way of churches…The vvay of the churches of Christ in New-England, or, The vvay of churches…

So when the day appointed for the Church-gathering is come, the persons deputed from the neighbouring Churches are present, (who commonly be the teaching and ruling Elders) and as many also of all sorts as are willing to partake with them at that time, the whole day is kept as a day of humiliation, especially the former part of it, in seeking the face of God in prayer, and preaching the Word, (according to the former part of the fifth Proposition) the Brethren of the Church to be gathered, selecting some chief one among themselves to be their mouth for those services: which done, then on the latter part of the day, one of them appointed and chosen by themselves to order the work of the day, standeth up and addresseth himself, with the rest of his Brethren, to make profession of their faith, and repentance, before the Lord, and before the whole Assembly; according to the fourth Proposition.

So when the day appointed for the Church-gathering is come, the persons deputed from the neighbouring Churches are present, (who commonly be the teaching and ruling Elders) and as many also of all sorts as are willing to partake with them at that time, the whole day is kept as a day of humiliation, especially the former part of it, in seeking the face of God in prayer, and preaching the Word, (according to the former part of the fift Proposition) the Brethren of the Church to be gathered, selecting some chiefe one among themselves to be their mouth for those services: which done, then on the latter part of the day, one of them appointed and chosen by themselves to order the worke of the day, standeth up and addresseth himselfe, with the rest of his Brethren, to make profession of their faith, and repentance, before the Lord, and before the whole Assembly; according to the fourth Proposition.

This done with the silent approbation of the whole Assembly, he propoundeth the Covenant of promise, Eph. 2.12. denying also any sufficiency in themselves to keep Covenant with God, (as having been transgressors from their youth up) they profess in the name of Christ their acceptance of the Lord for their God, and the Lord Jesus (the head and Saviour of his Church) to be their King, Priest, and Prophet; and give up themselves in professed subjection unto all his holy Ordinances, according to the Rules of the Gospel; withal they profess their full purpose of heart, to cleave one to another in Brotherly love, and mutual subjection, according to God; not forsaking their Assembly, (but as the Lord shall call) and ministering one to another (as becometh good Stewards of the manifold graces of God) till they all grow up to a perfect man in Christ Jesus.