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Peter D. Verheyen, Project Manager
Debra G. Olson, Digital Project Assistant
Special Collections Research Center
Syracuse University Library
© 2003 This work is the property of the Syracuse University Library. It may be used freely by individuals for research, teaching and personal use as long as this statement of availability is included in the text.
TO CHRISTIANS:
It will soon be six years, since a portion of the christians in this community came together, under the name of the "Church of Peterboro." Their only distinctive or peculiar principle is, that all the christians of a place, be they many or few, be they agreed or disagreed, either in their doctrines or practices, constitute the one Church of such place.
From time to time, the Church of Peterboro hears of individuals in different parts of the country, who sympathize with it, and heartily espouse its distinctive and peculiar principle. That it should hear of these with joy is no more than might be expected. For the Church of Peterboro most deeply believes, that nothing short of the success of this principle can suffice to rid the world of the immeasurable evil of sectarianism. Every Church, however pure or reformatory in its spirit, is, if it stop short of this principle, a sectarian Church, and contributes to postpone the death of sectarianism.
The Church of Peterboro earnestly desires to look into the faces, and to listen to the voices, of those, "that have obtained like precious faith" with itself; and it has, accordingly, this day, resolved to call a Convention of such persons to be held in Peterboro, Wednesday and Thursday the 10th and 11th days of next October. It is believed, that persons from many of the Counties of this State, and also from other States, will attend this Convention.
Is there not ground to hope, that great good will result from this gathering? Will not the scattered few, who shall thus be brought together, be enabled, under the Divine blessing, to enlighten each other, to cheer each other's hearts, and to strengthen each other's hands? Only let them come to the Convention with that preparation, which the grace of God can alone give, and they will have abundant reason to bless Him for the Convention - to bless Him for it, forever and ever.
PETERBORO, N.Y., July 15, 1849.
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URL: http://libwww.syr.edu/digital/collections/g/GerritSmith/459.htm Last modified: January 21, 2003 11:18 AM |
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