I believe in one God the almighty Creator,
the constant Upholder, and the righteous Governor
of the Universe --

I believe that the scriptures of the old and
new Testament contain a revelation from God of
all that is necessary to be believed and practised
in order to find acceptance with Him -- and
that they are the only proper rule of faith and
practise for all who come to the knowledge of them.

I believe that Jesus Christ is that Prophet who
was foretold by Moses and other Prophets under
the jewish dispensation -- that he is the true
Messiah --that we must all stand before the
judgment seat of Christ and be judged by Him
according to the deeds done in the body -- and
that all who have that faith in Him which works
by love and purifies the heart, will be saved by
Him with an everlasting salvation. --

And humbly imploring the great Author of all
good and bestower of every blessing to enlighten and
correct me wherein I am erroneous, to strengthen me
wherein I am weak, and to confirm me wherein I
am correct; and that, of His infinite mercy in Christ
Jesus, He would grant the aids of His divine Spirit
to enable me to live agreeably to the precepts of His
holy word; I offer myself for christian fellowship
and communion with the Church who commune
in this place --

W^m Stod^d Williams

Deerfield 1^st Parish --April 1822 --

(c) Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Deerfield MA. All rights reserved.
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Like generations of New England Congregationalists before him, William Stoddard Williams (1762-1829) of Deerfield, Massachusetts declared his faith upon joining the Church in 1822 in these written "Articles of Faith". He was then permitted to join the Congregational Church.

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