Berkeley and Jefferson intelligencer. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va.) 1802-1810, 1804-06-29

uAAssSSt 49, fASAsAAAAsAAy ~
in the FIRST instance, strictly enjoin L
upon the differing parties. 70 abide BY
their determinations, prior 70 know
ledge Of them, whether thew could be
fellowshipped consistently with the Ora.
clesof God, or The principles Of Chris.
tianity; which has. in reality, proved
but case Of confusion. 81
Article Cd. Wherein the said com.
mittee proceeded, TO avoid the liberty of
q free and just investigation ofthe things
in difference, being in reality OF . most
injurious nature |; BY espousing in sup-
port of erroneous orsceptical preaching !;
BY the exclusion Of members, with in
furious impsachments, Of their being
heretical, sophistical misleaders, for
their opposing such preaching and be-
ing grievous and quenching to the spirit
of God, by slanderous .fevilings, with
odions appellations and misrepresentati-
ons, being put forth in print, and adj
dressed to the Churches and public in
general. Il is therefore verify conceiv-
ed, that such proceedings, by q commit
tee, in such q case, cannot be warranta-
BILE according TO the Oracles Of God, and
therefore, no way binding ON the party
injured, on account of prior Injunction
toabids by method ofterminating them,
in, q way repugnant to the order Of regu-
lar Churches Of Christ, which must be
by q free and impartial investigation, and
just decision on the things in difference,
aud requiring the parties injuring to:
make sincere confessions, according TO
the nature Of such offences, and in case
of theirrefasal, resolve them suspended
from the privileges Of the Church.
: Articie Sd. That the real consequence
of the proceedings Of said committee,
as justly stated, IN article the I'd. hath
been to continue q most injurious stig-
ma, as If Just or valid, by the reports or
impeaehments of the Church at Mill
Greek against the Church at Opequon,
but without a minute investigation Of the
ptopriets, or business ofthem. =.
While on the contrary, with respect
to the party on whom such an Injurious
stigma, is so continued, by such pro.
ceedings of said committee; their per.
nicious case hath been, to be restored,
or reclaimed, to their most injurious e.
nemies, and hinderers inthe mos, sacred
cause Of the everblessed son of Cod
And, as iftacitly confessing themselves
utterly false in their reports, or imPeach-
ments against the party, with whom they
had differed but at the same time with
ont the privilege ef- An. inpesiie a.inn er-
| the proprietv, or justness of them by
which means the efficacy Their was
iniuriously avoided.
+ article 4th. That whereas, tlIe par
ties SO at varience were each organized
according TO the pattern Of the primitive
Churches Of Christ, with ordained Off
Gers and were put forth in public mi.
nistration of the worship of God /; and
had each, after the rise of such differen-
ces, voluntarily and conscientiously
made progress in the same profession OF
Gospel order, or administration, in full |;
there being q considerable addition Of
members to each Of said Churches.
That the said committee, did. in this
case, proceed 10 assume 4 power, and
enforce a train Of order fneither praeti-
sed nor claimed, nor. ever pested in re-.
gular Churches Of Christ to lord il over
the conscience Of Gods heritage with
respect to the Church at OPequon, TOO
their contempt and destruction in the
sacred cause Of Christ. by the following
eontrarieties Of disorganizing, judging
and conds mining themin their progress
in the sacred cause Of God, as errone-
GUS or averse 10 the spirit and faith of
Christ: BUT, without any specific char
ges OF error, in faith Of doctrine or adj
ministration, and to object or prohibits
their right of action in the promotion Of
the sacred worship Of God and, of con-
sequence, the right Of conscience. the
right Of suffrage, and the power Of fell
lowship; which must further Of conse-
- . a !.