EXTRACTS FROM Rev. Dr. Wisner's Historical Sermons. Of Candidates for Admission. Persons who are seeking admission to this church, after repeated conversations with the pastor respecting their evidences of regeneration and views of Christian doctrine and duty,-by which he has become satisfied that there is, from these sources, no valid objection to their admission,-are to be examined by a standing committee of five members beside the minister. If their examination is satisfactory to the committee, and if, upon inquiry, nothing is discovered unfavorable to their character, they are propounded, one fortnight before the church, and one fortnight more before the whole congregation. Then, if no valid objection has been made to their admission, they present themselves before the whole church, and the pastor gives a statement of the results of the several conversations had with them; and the brethren, if satisfied, vote to receive them; and they, publicly and solemnly, take upon them God's holy covenant. Of Calling a Minister. This church and congregation have always considered themselves entitled TO KNOW DEFINITELY, AND HAVE TAKEN SUITABLE MEASURES TO ASCERTAIN, THE RELIGIOUS SENTIMENTS OF THOSE WHOM THEY CALLED TO BE THEIR MINISTERS. For this purpose, they have not only, in all cases, before giving a minister a call, heard him preach some time on probation, expecting him, while doing so, to exhibit plainly and fully his doctrinal views; but they have required his express assent to the system of doctrine usually denominated evangelical. The pastor elect having signified his acceptance of the call, attends a meeting of the church, where his testimonials are exhibited, and he declares his consent to the "Confession of Faith owned and consented unto by the Elders and Messengers of the churches convened at Boston in 1680;" after which he is received a member of the church. These proceedings of the church are then reported to the society, and directed to be recorded in their minutes, as a necessary preliminary to their concurring with the church in arrangements for the ordination. How necessary and wise are these precautions, will be at once realized by every one who duly considers how vitally the religious sentiments and character of a people depend on those of their ministers. A revival of sound doctrine and practice may emanate from the people; but corruptions in either always begin with, and are chiefly accomplished by, the ministry. Always, therefore, insist upon knowing, definitely and fully, the doctrinal sentiments of those whom you think of settling over you, and upon having satisfactory evidence of their real piety, and of their love and devotedness to the appropriate duties of their sacred office. It is your right; and it is the very life of the church, and of the society as a religious association. THE CONFESSION OF FAITH OF THE OLD SOUTH CHURCH, IS THAT "Owned and consented unto by the Elders and Messengers of the Churches assembled at Boston, May 12, 1680," of which all its pastors, since that time, have been required to signify their approbation, previously to their admission to the church in preparation for their ordination or installation; and a profession of belief in the fundamental doctrines of which, is received from candidates, and announced to the brethren, by the pastor, previous to admission to membership, THE PREFACE, The Lord Jesus Christ witnessed a good confession, at the time when he said, to this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth; and he taketh notice of it, to the praise and high commendation of the church in Perga mos, that they held fast his name, and had not denied his faith. Nor are they worthy of the name of Christians, who, though the Lord by his providence call them publicly to own the truth they have professed, shall nevertheless refuse to declare what they believe, as to those great and fundamental principles in the doctrine of Christ, the knowledge whereof is necessary unto salvation. We find how ready the Apostle was to make a confession of his faith; though for that hope's sake he was accused and put in chains. And the Martyrs of Jesus, who have laid down their lives in bearing witness to the truth, against the infidelity, idolatry, heresy, apostacy of the world, when Pagan, Arian, or overspread with Popish darkness: having their feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace, were free and forward in their testimony, confessing the truth, yea, sealing it with their blood. With the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation, Rom. x. 10. Nor is there a greater evidence of being in a state of salvation, than such a confession, if made in times or places where men are exposed to utmost sufferings upon that account. 1 John iv. 15. And if confession of faith be, in some cases, of such importance and necessity, as hath been expressed; it must needs be in itself, a work pleasing in the sight of God, for his servants to declare unto the world, what those principles of truth are, which they have received and are, by the help of Christ, purposed to live and die in the stedfast profession of. Some of the Lord's worthies have been of renown among his people in this |