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CONS

IREPAR

mmmmmmmmmmmF'fmmmmm

t!!r

CATECHISM

•

ON THE

CONSTITUTION AND GOVERNMENT

iilill:'

CHRISTIAN CHURCHES.

By JOHN ROAF.

fRF.rARED AND PRINTED UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE
CONCnEGATIONAL UNION OF UPPER CANADA.

• i

He that hath an ear let him hear what the i^pirit saith
unto the Churchoig'' — Bev. ii. 7.

TORONTO:
PRINTED AT THE EXAMINER OFFICE

1839.

'■ ill

^ ■

ililih.

iii

iiiii

1 ?

!.' 'i V

i; ''<

i :

i '1 i

1 'i

ii 1; 1

EXTRACTS FROM THE MINUTES

OF THK

COM Til 10" TEE

OF THE

CONGREGATIOxNAL UNIOxN OF UPI'ER CANADA.

Skptembku 14, 1838.— Resolvpd .inanimousrv, " That tho Rev. Jolin Roaf
be requested to compile a Catechism ilhinralive of the scriptural autho-
rity & discipline, as well as beneficial tendencies of Congregationalism."

July 12,1839.— Resolved unanimously, " That the Catechism on the pecu-
liar principles of the Congreir-itional denomination, now so kindly pre-
sented to the Committee by the Rev. .John Roaf, be gratefu 11 v accepted
and be printed under the sanction of the Congreeational Union of Up-
per Canada. " ^ '

DAVID DYER, Skcretart.

I,- H

This document is printed nor for i-iolcmical purposes,
but as a means of instructing the young and other partially-
informed members of the Congregational body in the ecclesias-
tical principles most commonly received amongst us. Nor is it
intended to carry any authority besides that which arises from
Its accordance wilh the \lo\y Scriptures. Its projectors sanc-
tion no religious standard but God's written word, they think
"creeds and articles of religion" an incffectuai bond of union,
and they protest against subscription to human formularies
as A term of fellowship. But they are " ready always to
give an answer to every man that asketh them a reason'' of
their practices, and are desirous of making every proceeding
in their churches " a reasonable service.''

J. ROAF.
Toronto, 27th Aug. 1839.

gssasiw?;

■mmas^r^-

um^mh->'>-umi,»M«^j.mwmmmmmBm!W>jgSKF!^

SECTION^/j

-000-

THE STANDARD OF CHURCH ORDER.

Qucs. — Is the particular form of a Church's government
a matter of importance 1

Ans. — The spirit and tendency of one system may be more
congenial with the principles of Christianity and the proper
character ofits disciples than others — machinery when wanted
should be so constructed as to answer the purposes for which
it was intended. If for instance, true religion involves a direct
reference to the authority of Christ in all our opinions, feelings
and actions, that church organization is most appropriate to it
which most frequently calls upon the people individually to
consult Christ's word, and most fully leaves them to act upon
their ownviews thence derived. So also one system may be
superior to others in separating saints from the mass of the
world, — in giving conspicuousness to their profession, — in
developing and employing their energies — and in excluding
an ungodly ministry. The question of for7n is thus mani-
festly one of very great importance.

Q. — What appear to have been the influences which have
given rise to variety in the forms of church government l

A. — Sometimes a desire to fit the churches for incorporation
with civil institutions ; — at other timics a regard to the pro-
motion of particular political feelings ; — then again the in-
dulgence of clerical ambition, coTetousness or indolence, — and
not unfrequently, a worldly jealousy and fear respecting the
independence and power of the Lord's people,

Q. — Does it appear that any individual system of church
order is of scriptural authority *?

A T'U^ ,»».^,^«^«.« <^>^'»*»>^ -lln^^^'.tn ^^^n 4!-.^ .^.i CC ^' ^-n^iv j-^C

■Li. o. lie wi/i;uailc upiiiiuii uiop^^'^ti^'^ tiic nuiiiv^i-cu;^ j vi

Christ's word by which we " may be thoroughly furnished for
every good word and work," imputes to himself a neglect of
a2

fc.1

1 THE STANDARD OF CHURCH ORDER.

Jiis cLurch's Interests in important particulars, and seems in-
consistent with the ample and precise directions 'T-iven witli
respect to the constitution of the Jewish church. It also op-
ens a wide door for fancy, pride and cupidity; for any and eve-
ry Invention by which pure Christianity may be muffled and
shrouded. Besides this, we know that churclies were ordered
and superintended by inspired apostles, and whether their ar-
rangements v/ere directly appointed by revelation or sponta-
neously sprang out of the doctrinal & preceptive parts of di-
vine truth, they claim our imitation. As, too, Christ's church-
es are appointed to be the homes of his people and deposita-
ries of his glory, — fhe scenes of his operations and means of
his converting grace, their order and regulations could not
have been overlooked in the establishment of the evangelical
<lispensation, when he repeatedly in person as well as con-
stantly by his Spirit, directed their faith and practice.

Q.— Is it not surprising that our -Lord did not reveal his
W'lW on this matter in a plainer and more connected manner ?-
. ;4-"~"^^^® ^^^® "° "^^^^ reason to expect a systematic order-
in his instructions upon church government than in those up-
on doctrine and duty in general. It is enough if by a diligent
c'xammation of his word and by prayer, we are able to aUain
the requisite knowledge of his will."

Q. — Are we bound to imitate the practices which tlie
Apostles sanctioned by their example as well as those which
they enjoined in their writings 1

A. — It is certain that their practices were conformable
with their teachings, that they taught the same practices in
the several churches, and that they considered those practices
obligatory;

• ^f^^^^^^^^y ^^^^^ *^""g you into remembrance of my ways which be
m Christ, as I teach every where in every church."-—!. Cor. iv- 17
*' So ordain I in all churches."—! Cor. vii. 17.

Such customs as were locul or temporary, as in the case
of Paul's vow (Acts xviii. 18.) and tlie circumcision of Ti-
mothy (Acts xvi. 1—3.) were not urged in all cases, and are
d^'clared by an apostolical decree not to be universally binding;

" For it seemeth good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you
no greater burden than these necessary things." — Ap,^a w oq

In Other cases, the Apostles solemnly urged a strict adhe-
rence to their injunctions and customs :

" Therefo
been taught,

They C(

" Now I ]
keep the ord

And the;]
changes m

" If any r
men praying
xi. 16.

Hence

practice p

" If any r
ledge that tl
Lord. But if

Q.—Ai

ment excl
^.— Su
to be tran
rated wit'
their writi
temporary
establishn:
— Heb. v:

Q.— M

cases whe

^.—If

christianit

most of t

church is

but that (

authority

and at va

and his A

" And Je

are Cresar's

There

any atteu

or over tl

it is ailed

Q,— H

institutioi

^.— C

wmmmmmtitmim'

lis

THE STANDARD OP CHURCH ORDER. sO^

" Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye hare
been taught, whether by word, or our epistle."— 2 Thes. ii. 15.

They commended a (Conformity to their practice:

" Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and
keep the ordinancGs, as I delivered them to you."--l Cor. xi. 2.

And they strongly condemned the introduction even of small
changes without their authority:

" If any man seem to be con^-niious, we have no such custom, [as wo-
men praying with uncovered heads] neither the churchesof God."— 1 Cor.
xi. IG.

Hence it appears that " at the beginning" one general
practice prevailed from which we are not at liberty to deviate:

" If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknow-
ledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the
Lord. Butif any man be ignorant.lct him be ignorant."— 1 Cor. xiv. 37, 38.

Q- — Are we to confine our imitation to the New Testa-
ment exclusive of the Mosaic economy 1

A. — Such parts of the ordinances of that economy as were
to be transferred to the christian dispensation were incorpo-
rated wir it by the inspired Apostles and are given to us in
their writings. But as it was designed to answer a local and
temporary purpose, and was besides unfitted for universal
establishment, It is now abrogated. 2 Cor. iii. — Gal. iii. iv.
— Heb. vii. viii. ix. x.

Q. — May not civil rulers exact obedience in ecclesiastical
cases where their commands do not clash with those of Christ ?

^.-— If they might, they could introduce additions to
Christianity quite destroying its purity and simplicity, indeed
most of the frivolities and superstitions of popery. The
church is ** the kingdom of heaven" in which any authority
but that of Christ is a usurpation. To pay regard to such
authority is inconsistent with exclusive deference to Christ,
and at variance with the language and practice of the Lord
and his Apostles.

" And .Tosus answering said unto them, render to Cjpsav the things that
are Cresar's, and to God the things that are God's."— Mark xii. 17.

There is then a clashing with Christ's commands where
any attempt is made by civil rulers to exercise authority in
or over the ciiurch ; cons/^quontly the case supposed in which
it is alledged such exercise would be lawful cannot occur.

iJ.'—na.vn rnnrrhps fliAmoolTrpo q xx'-Qr'»'0"f tn nlfr^v" ♦V.«ik

institutions ?

^' — Certainly not, or the supreme and exclusive headship

iii

6^. t

^6 \ THE STANDARD OP CIIUllCH ORDER.

of Christ would be lost. His Apostles " spake as tliey wore
moved by the Holy Ghost." Since their tirae none have had
either the inspired (|uaiifications or the miraculous credentials
whjch they possessed. Now, as no authority but one equal
to that which makes a law can repeal it, we must recur con-
stantly to the law and the testimony, " for if we speak i>ot
;icco;-ding to this word, it is because there is no li^ht in us."
Isaiah viii. 20. °

" If any man shall arid unto these things, God shall add unto him the-
i)la,?ut'S tliat are written in this bonk. And if any man shall take away
irom the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away hi^
part out ot the book of life, and out of the holy 'city, and from the
things which are written in this book."— Rev* xxii. 18, 19.

Again, if Churches might add to Christ's appointments,
where would the additions end ? If one circumstance might
»e introduced, why not two, fifty, a thousand, even till his
institutions were comjiletcly overlaid and destroyed by hu-
man inventions'? The Christian lawgiver knew all that
would be expedient for his churches ; aad human expediency
i.-i anodier name for caprice, taste and intrigue— it has been
the source of all corruptions and was the murderer of the
Lord.

" Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was
Rxpedieni that one man should die for the people." — John xviii. 14.

<^.-— Have we precise directions for every part of the
])r; ctices that obtain in true churches ?-

^^- — Certainly not; but what is necessarily^ and essentially
involved in obeyino- a precept or imitating a practice, must
be considered as intenlionally incbided in it. Modes and
manners fluctuate, but principles are pernianent. Beyond
what is appointed by Christ, no custom is binding on consci-
♦.Jnce or ought to be enforced upon any of his people.

Q. — What then is the authority of churches respecting
tiieir constitution and regulations ?

A. — Simply an authority to carry into effect what the
KScriptures enjoin. They have no legislative power, they
oiin only administer existing laws.
" If thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it."— Exodus xx. 25,
Q.-— Would the system of consulting the Bibb only in
cliurcu luaiLers have a good tendency if universally observed
by christians ?

A. — It would be a grand public testimony to Christ's so-

vereignty
ard) brine
ny causes
It would
be) to dra
rit. It w
return of

" Be not
all yc are b
is your Fat

vSee als
iv. 4, 6.

Ques.-

Ans.—

gene rail}

] e ■>ple 01

of Christ

vince, or

as the c\:

♦'The oh
C? alalia. '—
.Jesus." — 1
Asia ; uni
unto Thy
Ijaodicea,'

IIowsoG

stituted d

Corinth i

Corinth.

"Thee

In no (

Testamei
and the
worlds w

HMIiPI

':fZW;H

mafmimmissrs^;^

THE COMPOSITION OP CHURCHES.

vereignty. It would (by bringing all churches to one stana-
ard) bring them nearly to uniformity. It would remove m-*-
ny causes of weakness now existing in the Christian body.
It would be likely (by making us what God requires us lo
he) to draw down the enlarged operations of the Holy Spi-
rit. It would be putting the visible church m order for the
return of her Lord from the heavens. Then,

" Be not ye called Rabbi \ for one is your Master, even Christ ; and
all yc are brethren. And call no man yonr father upon the earth : forono
is your Father which is in heaven." — Matt, xxiii. 8, 9.

vSee also, Is. lil. 8. — Jer. vi. 16. — John, xvii. 20, 21. Ep.
iv. 4, 6.

SECTION II.

I ■ !■

— 000-

THE COMrOSITION OF CHURCi

Ques. — How were the Apostolic churches constituted 1
Ans. — In the New Testament the term "church" is applied
generally to any assembly or congregation or collection of
J e">ple on one snot; a Christian church is such an assembly
of Christ's followers. The Christians of a district or pro-
vince, or nation, were then called not i church but churches,
as the churches of Asia, Galatia, Judca, and Macedonia.

*'The churches of Macedonia." — 2 Cor. viii. 1. *' The churcheB of
Oalatia.' — Gal. 1.2. ''The churches oi'God which in.Tudoea are in Christ
.fesus." — 1 Thes. ii. 14. " Unto the seven churches which are in
Asia ; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and
unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Thiladelph.' i, and unto
Laodicea." — Rev. i 11.

Howsoever near one amther such societies might be, they con-
stituted distinct churches — as in the case of the churches at
Corinth and at Cenchrea which was a suburb and sea-port to

Corinth.

" The church which is at Cenchrea."— Rom. xvi. 1.

In no one jnstance is the word church applied, in the New

Testament, to any community but, such local assemblies,

and the whole of Christ's people of all countries and both

worlds who will hereafter be one assembly in heaven. -

!:ii'

THE COMPOSITION OF CHURCHESu

Jnlt^^ ^u^r *t^^ h""^ ordained elder, in every church, and had
i.i .y "ejieyea. —Acts xiv. 28. '< Lnto whom not on v I eive thanks

•nd gave himself for it. That he might .antify and cle„„se H ^Uh
the washing of water by the woid. That he might present u to
himself a glorious Church."— Ep. V. ao, 27. present it to

Thus then there are no real churohea but in single conKre-
^iZ' °'^.C^™"="'.^-^ particular sec. in a country, o^a
meeting of rulers, ministers or delegates from congregations
never constitutes a true or scriptural church. ^"^S"'°"''

Q.— Is there any evil in combining numerous conereira-
tions into one church ? '"'"eruus congrega-

eoste7'^.'^.h^'''?^'''T ^•°'" '!?\''''"S'^'>Se and spirit of the
S,- , '^«."l"-oduction of the fatal principle of human
additions to christmnity_it establishes unscrintural officers
and courts over tiie body, and thus modifies the offices and
prerogatives of the several churches-it denriv^^ ndividnnl,
and churches of thei.- free and independent Sn, and sut

o'l't"- ' o? 'r *■"" ''^'^'^^V''>, "ay u- 'hem for the r
own ain^.uon, avarice or political designs— it facilitate.!
the communication of discords, corruption and decav and

dvTsodlTv. "'"'" ''"^"•°" '° "" '''-'i-' "d p/-e of

Q.~ls the independence of christian assemblies consistent
with the unity of the church of Chr' t ? consistent

*u ^"^^'^ individual believers may associate, and yet retail
heir independence, so may numerous churches be one in
their principles,~in correspondence—

Toumuch m'th^/'^''''^n"'^^^^ ^^"''^ '^"^ P"««J"a saln^.e
1 ConTl9 ' "^'"^ ^^'' '^"'"^ '^^* i« »^ their house.

in co-operarion^ for the spread of the gospeI,~in the reception
01 one another's members— ^

.h,',r!h T??^- "";^you Phebe our sister, which is a servant of th€

becotth t fn fs nnrfuT' '^^••"* r ''''''' ^'^ '- t^ ' Lord, a!
h^r'l "Til '^''L'!i^}y'.^'V'' ^'^ in whatsoever business 'she
myself aTso7'~R;m.^;Vn ?''' ^^^n a su.courer of many, and ol

and in
tance:

♦<Then
to send r(
they did, t
— Acts, xi

i\nd cl
moL and
unifoimii
whole de
general i
with any
therefore

M'eak ?

independ
another's
and coer

Q.-\
churches

A—l
""saints'
" When
day there
continued
breaking <
many wont
vcere toget
and goods,
tinuing da
eat their n
having fa'
daily such
God whic
called to b

Theii
pure.

" Be yc
Icwship hf
hath light
or what pa
hath the
God; as G
be their G
umong the
thing; anc

TKE COMPOSITION OP CHURCHES.

and in pecuniary contributions for each other's assis-
tance:

♦'Then the disciples, every man accordirijj to his ability, determined
to send relief unto the br iiren which dwelt iuJudea. Which also
they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Snul.
—Acts, xi. 29, 30.

And christian unity being spiritual, it is seen in these com-
moi. and reciprocal services more truly than in a raonotonous
unifoimity of modes and ceru.nonies. The practice of joining
whole denominations into nominal churches is detrimental ♦•
general unity, as these bodies seldom can hold communi »
with any societies or pastors besides their own — the system
therefore is exclusive, divisive and sectarian.

Q. — Are not such congregational churches necessarily
weak 1

A. — No ; for as they can be united while they retain their
independence they may as effectually contribute to one
another's strength as if their combination were authoritative
and coercive.

Q. — What class of persons properly constitute these
churches ?

A. — The churches of the New Testament consisted of
"'saints" or converted and sanctified persons.

" When they had gladly received his word were baptized ; nnd the same
day there were added unto them about three thousand souls. And they
continued steadfastly in the apostles* doctrine and fellotvship, and in
breaking of bi'ead, and in prayers. And fear came upon every soul : and
many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. And all that believed
were together, and had all things common ; anr! sold their possessions
and goods, and parted them to all men. as they bad need. And they, con-
tinuing daily in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did
eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and
having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church
daily such as should be saved." — Acts, ii. 41 — 47. " Unto the charch of
God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ .Jesus,
called to be saints." — 1 Cor. i. 2. *

The introduction of other parties makes communion im-
pure.

" Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers; for what fel-
lowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness ? And what communion
hath light with darkness ? And what concord hath Christ with Belial?
or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel ? And what agreement
hath the -tem.nle of God with idol?? for ye are the temple of the jivins;
God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and vi^alk in them ; and I will
be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from
among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean
thing; and I will receive you. And will be a father unto you and ye

ill

i'. •'

': }

THE COxMPOSITION OP CHURCHES.

shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almightv "—2. Cor. vi
14—18. '* Tm-ge out therefore tiie old leaven, that ye may be « n3w lump
as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us •
Ihoretyre let us keei) the least, not with old leaven, neither with the lenv-
©n ot malice and wickedness ; but with the unleavened bread of sinceri'y
and truth. I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornica-
tors :" — 1 Cor. V. 7 — 3.

Jn the best of societies there may be a Judas or a Diotrephes
—but this arises from the weaimess of those wiio administer
the system, not from the principle of the system itself. Wo
are not blameable if an enemy sows tares by night amongst
our master's wheat, but we are if we wilfully or carelessly
encourage him to do so ; tares and wheat are to grow tDgether
in the field of the world, but not in the Kingdom of Christ.

" The field is the world ; the ^ood seed are the children of the
kingdom ; but the tares are the children of the wicked one. "—Matt,
xiu. 38.

Not to endeavour to exclude impenitent and carnal men is
one thing— to be deceived and imposed upon is another.

" And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath
done this deed might be taken away from among you. For what have I to
do to judge the 1 also that are without? do not vo. judge them that are
within ? But them that are without God judgeth. fherofore put away
Irom among yourselves that wicked person."— 1 Cor. v 2—13

''A little baven leaveneth the whole lump. I have confidence in
you through the Lord, that ye will be none other wise minded • but
he that troubleth you shall bear his judgement whosoever he be 1
would they were even cut off which trouble you. For, brethren ' ve
have been called unto liberty ; only use not liberty for an occfisioi to
the flesh, but by love serve one another."— Gal. v. 9— 12.

Q.— Is it notassuming a prerogative of judgingothersanda
power of searching the heart to scrutinize the professions of
applicants for church-membership '?

il.— If it were we should still be bound to obey Christ by
honest and decided attention to the spirituality of "such appli-
cants. But it is not liable to this objection. If a man requires
a society of ** saints'' to i-eceive him as '* a Suint" it is rea-
sonable that they should have satisfactory evidence of his beinff
what isrequired and professed. Suchevidence may be found
without an attempted examination of the heart— it 'is afforded
in the views, language and conduct of a true christian. As
men are naturally and generally ungodly, no one is to be
oresumed to ho n bpIinvoi» tjii r»«^.;*;..^ :..j: *■ _/• ^i

cumstance are afforded. To be moral and orthodox, and an
attendant on worshi]. is not sufficienttcstimony of conversion

and holir
and love
bership s

Q.-~h

religion i
A— V

churches
Christ in
collective

" If any
ran-atha."-

Their s
bers of t\
tlie jxten
godly he
amongst
conformi
thus seps

Q.—A

the prese
^.— \
practices
preserva
men — co

entirely (
— having
within its
external
'^ grow u
aloof froi
churches
pagation
in a miss
in Christ
public ex
is eminet
For instf
Episcopa
trincs an
the PresI
contrary.

■^

THE COMPOSITION OP CHURCHES.

and nolmess. The credible profession of repentance, faith,
and love to God, is what every candidate for church-mem-
bership should be prepared to exhibit.

Q.-— Is any term of church-membership beyond vital
religion admissible ?

^.— -What will admit to heaven may well admit to the
churches. ^ "Grace be with all that love our Lord Jesus
Christ m smcerity" should be the language of individuals and
collective believers, and

" If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be Anathema Ma-
ran-atha. ' — 1 Cor. xvi. 22.

Their sanctity is the only recorded characteristic of the mem-
bers of the primitive churches. Whatever therefore may be
the jxtent or limit of a man's attainments, if he is converted and
godly he has a right to a place at the Lord's table, and
amongst the Lord's people, — should he subsequently refuse
conformity with the scriptural regulations of churches, he will
thus separate himself from them.

Q' — Are these distinct christian congregations adapted for
the preservation of pure doctrines and spiritual religion ?.

A. — What accords with the institutions of Christ and the
practices of his apostles must be most compatible with the
preservation of real Christianity. A society consisting of good
men— considering " saints" only suited to be its member^ —
entirely dependent upon their intelligence, zeal and holiness
—having the power of admission, exclusion, and reformation
within itself — electing its own officers, and being exempt from
external control, seems more likely than any other body to
" grow up into Christ." Its independence enables it to keep
aloof from the heresies, coldness and dissensions of other
churches. Such a system, too, is most favorable to the pro-
pagation of the gospel — as a comjMete church can be set up
in a missionary station as soon as two or three meet together
in Christ's name. Judging also from history (^which is a
public experience and memory) this constitution of churches
is eminently conservative of the truths and spirit of reUgion.
For instance, in England soon after the Reformation the
Episcopal clergy generally became Arminian in their duc-
trincs and worldly in their spirit, while almost every one of
the Presbyterian congregations sank into Socianism — on the
contrary, the Congregational churches remained evangelical

iii

111'

nil

THE COMPOSITION OP CHURCHES.

I, ■•

and preserved the truth and power of religion which from
them burst forth in the last century within the English church
through the Rev. John Newton ('whose mother to whom un-
der God he owed his religion, was a dissenter) and loithout
that church through the Rev. G. Whitfield and the Rev. J.
& C.Wesley, whose mother was the daughter of Dr. Annesley
a dissenting minister, and whose father also was bred a
dissenter.

Q. — May christian churches in their corporate character
become parts of the legal arrangements of a State ?

A. — Were they to do so, Christ's Kingdom would "be of
this world," which he declares it not to be.

"Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom
were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be de-
livered to the Jews : but now is my kingdom not from hence." — John xviii.
36. " For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through
God to the pulling down of strong holds." — 2 Cor. x. 4.

This alliance is entirely without scripture authority .not
being mentioned by Christ as an advantage wanting in his
own times, or to be obtained afterwards, and was predicted
by the apostles as a great corruption.

'* Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Je?UH
Christ, and by our gathering together i.nto him, that ye be not
soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word,
noc by letter from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no
man deceive you by any means r for that day shall not come, except
there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the
son of perdition. Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that
is called God, or to that is worshipped : so that he as God sitteth in
the temple of God, showing himself that he is God. Remember ye
not, thaf, when I was yet with you, I told you these things ? And
now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in
his time. For the mysery of iniquity doth alreaJy work ; only he who
now letteth will let, until he bp taken out of the way. And then shall
that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit
of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming.
Even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all pow-
e/ and signs and lying wonders, and with all deceivableness of un-
righteousness in them that perish ;. because they received not the love
of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall
send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie : That they
fcM'. might be damned who believe not the truth, but had pleasure in
iinri»-hteou«ness= " — 9 Thes= il. 1 — 12.

It is represented in the New Testament prophecies by the
woman committing fornication with the kings of the earth —
all nations are said to bo '• made drunk with the wine of her

fornicatio

waters ar

she i? arr

secution-

pearls, hi

and filthii

"Andtl
and talkei
thoe the ju(
With whc
and the in
of her fori
colour, an
a golden
fornicatior
where the
and tongu

It inev

the vile,'

and the '

" There
from the
priests hai
they have
they shew
hid their e
Ezek, xxii.

It depi
of choosi
christian
teach, tl
provision
Christ ul

"Let h
teacheth ii

It prov

currence

evil, anc

nours am

try, and 1

error, hy

often Rnr

their ruli

and nurs

THE COMPOSITION OP CHURCHES.

fornication" — she " sitteth upon many waters'* and "the

waters are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues'' —

she is arrayed in the 'purple' of power and the 'scarlet' of per-

secation— she is decked " with gold and precious stones and

pearls, having a golden cup in her hand, full of ahominations

and filthiness of her fornications."

*' And there came one of the seven angsils which had the seven vialff
and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hithor ; I will shew unto
thoe the judgement of the great whore that sitteth upon many wafers: —
With whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication,
and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine
of her fornication. And the woman was avrayed in purple and scarlst
colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having
a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her
Ibrnication : And he saith unto me, the waters which thou sawest,
where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations,
and tongues." — Rev. xvii. 1, 2, 4, 15.

It inevitably prevents the separation of " the precious from
the vile," and confounds the distinction between the church
and the world, tho holy and the profane.

" Therefore thus saith the Lord, if thou take forth the precious
from the vile, thou shalt be as my mouth.'* — Jer. xv. 19. '* Her
priests have violated my law, they have profaned mine holy thin2:a :
they have put no difference between the holy and profane, neither have
they shewed diiference between the unclean and the clean, and have
liid their eyes from my sabbaths, and I am profaned among them." —
Ezek, xxii. 26.

It deprives the people of God of the privilege and honor
of choosing th^^ir own pastors and teachers. — It sets aside the
christian duty of those who are taught supporting those who
teach, thus diminishing the zeal of the people and raising
provision for public teachers by means which the law of
Christ utterly disowns.

'♦ Let him that tea. Iieth in the word communicate unto him that
teacheth in all good things."— Gal. vi. 6.

It prevents the movements ^f Churches without the con-
currence of the civil powers, thus hindering reformations of
evil, and retarding the progress of truth. By worldly ho-
nours and emoluments it tempts ungodly men into the minis-
try, and fosters amongst them indolence and pride, and hence
error, hypocrisy and worldly-mindedness. The Scriptures
often gpeak of princes serving Christ's cause, but never of
their ruling it; they are to be humble menial "nursing father??
and nursing mothers," to " bow down with their face towards

iiltl

CHURCH OFFICERS.

the earth, and lick up the dust of the feet" of the church,
and not to exercise their prerogatives as kings in Christ's pre-
sence.

" And kings shall be thy nursing fathers and their queens thy nurs-
ing mothers : they shall bow down to thee with their lace towards the
earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet."— Isaiah xlix. 23.

Thus of ** their own proper good," their private property
«nd personal influence, they may cherish the heavenly church.
To go to the state for the Church's support is to ** cast Zion's
maintenance upon her haters"—" to go to Egypt for help"
—-to say that the divine system is not equal to its proper ends.
It is worthy of remark that even under the ** carnal" Jewish
system in which the Levitica) tribe gave up their share of the
Holy Land to receive support from the remaining tribes, no
compulsion was used to procure the tithes of the people.—
Strict and minute as were the Mosaic laws n6t one of them
provided a civil punishment for recusant tithe-i ayers. Ne-
ver do we read of David or Solomon using a sword to en-
force the payment of the Clergy. Altogether then it appears
that the civil establishment of churches is unseriptural, en-
slaving, dishonourable.

SECTION III.

'000-

CHURCH OFFICERS.

Qwes.— What were the officers of the Apostolical chur-
ches ?

/l7Kf.— They were of two orders ,^ one called by the vari-
ous names, ** bishop,'' "pastor," ^Meacher" &c. the other
by the name " deacon." Paul in sending salutations to the
church at Philippi mentions these two classes of officers and
no other.

;'?aul and Timotheus the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the

saints in Christ Jpsiih w,'hi/>Ii nro nf PNi1>'^'<! -."fU ♦i,_ r>;_i __ •.

_ f, r,, ., "•"". — — -•"•--. ..!..|/p!, Trim iiiu juiaiivus anu

Deacons. — Phil, i I.

Also in directing Timothy as to the essential qualifications
of officers, he speaks at length of " bishop" 1 Tim. fii. 1, 7,

and of *
to any tl

*' apostl

any of t
more ofi
precedir
spoken (
gospel a
galheret
churche
whom tl
of a ne^
cyof m
were thi
answere
order, e
and for
racter ii
j)rophetf
of the s
order to
in the u
God unl
nityj un
when \h

churche

A.—'
The nai
being a
all.

''The
the truth
who am

Solil
ches, as
in Cret<
wanted

CHURCH OFFICERS.

■"^mkmmmlm

and of " deacons,'* 1 Tim. in. 8—13. making no reference
to any third class.

Q. — Do we not read of other officers under the titles
•' apostles, prophets, evangelists," (Sec?

A. — Of such parties we often read, but not as officers in
any of the churches, — with regard to which we never read of
more official members than the two orders mentioned in the
preceding question and answer. The "apostles," &c. are
spoken of in connection with the general propagation of the
gospel and not the organization of particular churches ; they
gathered men in from the world to be afterwards formed into
churches, and raised up a regular and stated ministry under
whom those churches were then placed. The establishment
of a new system, professing to be divine, required the agen-
cy of men miraculously endowed and accredited. Such men
were the ** apostles, prophets, teachers," &c. who having
answered the temporary purpose of giving models of church
order, establishing churches and appointing a ministry, totally
and for ever ceased. This is Paul's explanation of their cha-
racter in Ep. iv. 7 — 16 : " he gave some apostles and some
j)rophets and some pastors and teachers, for the perfecting
of the saints for (or to) the work of the ministry, for (or in
order to) the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come
in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of
God unto a perfect man ('or a completely arranged commu-
nityj unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ"
when the extraordinary and temporary agents were to cease.

Q, — Who were the ^elders' and <presbyters' in the first
churches 1

A. — The word presbyter means an elder or older person.
The name was not applied to any single officer in a church,
being assumed by apostles who were not church officers at
all.

** The elder unto the elect lady and her children, whom I love in
the truth." — 2 John 1. " The eiders which are among you I exhort,
who am also an elder." — 1 Peter v. 1.

So likewise it is applied to the bishops or pastors of chur-
ches, as by Paul in Tit. i. 5 — 7, *• for this cause left 1 thee
in Crete, that thou shouldst set in order the things .that are
wanted and ordain elders," &c. ** for a bishop must bo

ll.i

CHURCH OFFICERS.

blameless," &:c. Indeed it is applied to the earlier and senior
members in distinction from tlie younger.

" Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father ; and the younffer
men as brethren."— 1 Tim. v. 1. ^ a

The first fruits of the christian dispensation, the earlier
converts, would generally be the senior and more influential
members of the churches, and the source whence the officers
would be taken. Hence the term " elders" would designate
the church officers at large and the extraordinary ministers
as "apostles" &c. witnout being descriptive of any single
order of officers. Thus it does nut intimate that there was
any third grade of church rulers, applying rather to the bi-
shops and deacons in common, than to' any parties distinct
from them. Had there been such a third order, they would
not have been omitted in such passages as Paul's salutaiion
to the church rulers at Philippi, Phil. i. 1. and in his account of
then official qualifications, 1 Tim. iii. 1 — 13.

Q.— VVhat were the duties of "bishops" and "deacons" ?

A. — The former confined their attention to the spiritual
offices of the church, "the word of God and prayer;" and
the laUer superintended the " serving of tables," especially
the table of the poor. Acts vi. 1 — 4.

Q,— What rule have we respecting the number of persons
in each class of officers in a church ?

^.— No number is stated either in the directions of the
apostles or in the histories of the churches. In the church
at Jerusalem, for a length of time, there were no deacons,
and yet the church was then complete. They were appoint-
ed only when a necessity arose. We frequently read of a
plurality both of bishops and deacons.

Q, — Were there no officers or courts extraneous to the se-
veral churches to which they were amenable ?

^..— There were not. Even the divinely commissioned &
endowed apostles avoided the exercise of government in the
churches. When a wicked member of the Corinthian chur-
ches was to be exscinded, th?t church itself had to perform

" When ye are gathered together, and my spirit with the power of
our Lord Jesus Christ, to dehver such an one unto Satan."—! Cor

V. 4, r>.

Whei
church

"Suffi
of many
comtort ]
much sor
love towi

A pre
church <
no dioce
^he recc

Q.-

rusalem
in Antic

A—

vened i
rent coi
church :
its princ
och. 'J
in Jeruj
of divin
church
that the
*'For 1

The I

Jerusah

cause ir

doctrine

disturbe

rusalen

of mini

elders,

and to

over G(

XV. 7.

lem wa

acquies

" An«
and elde

. As tl

CHURCH OFFICERS.

When one had to be restored from excommunication, the
church had to do it, >s»

" Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted
of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, unci
comfort him lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed with over-
much sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your
love toward him." — 2 Cor. ii. G— 8. ^^^

A presbytery was the body of elders or officers within one
church or congregation as in 1 Tim. iv. 14. — Acts xx. 17. Of
no diocesan bishops or synods, or conference do we ever read in
jhe records of those belter days of Christianity, 2 Cor. i. 24.

Q. — Of what character was the assembly convened in Je-
rusalem to consider the matter referred to them by the church
in Antioch, Acts xv. 1 — 29 '? *

A. — It was totally unlike a council of church officers con-
vened from various places, for no representatives of diffe-
rent congregations were present. It was a meeting of the
church in Jerusalem to determine a question respecting which
its principles had been mischievously misrepresented at Anti-
och. That question was of importance because the church
ill Jerusalem contained several members who were possessed
of divine inspiration. These inspired members gave in the
church their decisions upon the principle, expressly asserting
that they spoke as agents of the Holy Ghost.

**For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us," — Acts xv. 28.

The appeal tlv n was made not because the assembly at
Jerusalem was a higher court than that at Antioch, but be-
cause inspired men could there be consulted as to the point of
doctrine, and the church at large as to the pretensions of the
disturbers at Antioch to be delegates from the church at Je-
rusalem. That assembly consisted of not a collective body
of ministers from various churches, but of "the apostles and
elders, with the whole church,'' at Jerusalem, Acts xv. 22,
and to prevent the appearance of the Apostles "lording it
over God's heritage" the whole church discussed the case, Acts
XV. 7. the acquiescence of the whole church of Jerusa-
lem was obtained for the decision. Acts xv. 12 -22, and that
acquiescence was stated in the written answer to the appeal.

*' And thcv wroto letters bv them aftpr this mannsr : The anostles
and elders and brethren," &.Q. — Acts xv. 23.

. As therefore no church or body of ministor.j has divinely

!■■■

it lii

CHURCH OFFICERS.

inspired iinembers, no such church or body can rightfull
pretend to an imitation of the transaction referred to.

Q.— May there not then be combinations of christians an^
ministers for common objects 1

A— Yes, as individual christians may fin addition to their
duties m the churches) promote the cause of reliirion, so they
may associate for this purpose. But all such "unions/'
•* associations'' and "societies" must be extra-ecclesiastical,
ieaving the organization and proceedings (3f the churches
without restraint or modification. Nothing should be taken
from the churches and nothing be added to them on account
of such combinations, nor should any govcrnm-nt be exer-
cised by them. Thus they have nothing to do with the church
constitution,~they are altogether extra-ecclesiastical,separHt(
and distinct combinations of individual christians.

Q.— Then there is a sense in which Episcopacy and Pre'
byterianism are admissible ?

.4.— The government of churches by ciders is Presbyter?
anism, but it is a Congregational Presbyterianism— ever
presbytery being the officers of one church or congregatior?
As " bishops'' or pastors are among these officers there isai
episcopacy, but it is an episcopacy not over ministers but ove
the nock

" Feed the flock of God which ia among yon. "—1 Peter v. 2.

An episcopacy not over a diocese but over one congregation.
Indeed m single congregations there were at first often a plu
rality of bishops. *

Q.--Have the "elders'' of churches, viz : "bishops an*"
deacons ' absolute power -n directing their afHiirs ?

^4.— -Certainly not ; even apostles when deacons had to bf
appointed forebore to select^them and called upon the peonl

to do so. » r 1

" ^y^r^/'ft,^' tr?''^"' ^""^ y"" °"^ ''^^o"ff y«" seven men of honest r.
port, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over th
•business. And the saying pleased the whole multitude; and thev cho-
btephen a man full of faith and tho Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Proch'
rus, and ^^canor, and Tinion, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte
Antioch : _ W hom they set before the apostles : and when they had pray,
they laid tneir hands on them."— Acts vi. 3—5, 6. J i ^

In the reception of members the churches at large weu
called to act, Rom. xiv. 1. compared whh Rom. i. 7. S
also in dealing with offenders, Gal. vi. 1, 2. compared wit!

. 4aH

CHURCH OFFICERS.

Gal. i. 2 — 10 ; in excluding the wicked, 1 Cor. v. 4, 5 ; and

in restoring the penitent, 2 Cor. ii. 6 — 8. Even when a person

was to be selected to travel with the Apostle Paul, the people

at large made the selection.

*• Who was also chosen of tho churches to travel with U3 with this
grace." — 2 Cor. viii. 19.

Q. — In what sense then are church officers *'^ rulers".^

A. — They are rulers because, like judges presiding in
courts, they suggest proceedings, expound the lavv, and car-
ry into effect the decisions. Having offices appointed by
Christ and recognized by the people as rightful occupants of
those offices, they have great weight and sanctity in the
churches. The deliberations and resolutions of the mem-
bers at large are means which they employ in carrying into
effect Christ's will, as the verdict of the jury is part of the
means employed by the judge who tries a cause in a court of
law.

Q. — Are there no *' Arch-bishops," "Moderators" "Pre-
sidents," or other general officers, over true and scriptural
churches 1

^. — ]S[ot a vestige of any such titles or offices appears in
Christ's will — the charter of our christian constitution. On
the contrary the apostles instead of exercising jurisdiction
over the churches expressly called upon them to exerci^je
that jurisdiction within themselves. They avowed that they
would not employ any "dominion" in matters of faith, 2
Cor. i. 2, 4, and notwithstanding the various degrees of en-
dowment they possessed, and the various kinds of employ-
ment in which thoy were engaged, in no instance did they at-
tempt any exertion of prerogative or authority. Thus they
maintained the equality established by Christ: "Ye know
that the princes of the Gontiles exercise dominion over them
and they that are great exercise authority upon them. But

shall not be so among you."

Q. — Is this close identity of ministers with their own chur-*
ches and their perfect independence of all external controul,
serviceable to true religion ?

A. — Very much so. It represses every tendency to mi-
nisterial ambition, which would find wide scope within cleri-
cal bodies having rule over numerous churches. It prevents
that professional and exclusive feeling which naturally grows

! i
t I

(}

CHURCH OFFICERS.

up among classes having distinctive interests and preroga-
tives. It promotes a more close acquaintance and assimita-
tion between pastors and their flocks. It excludea that servi-
lity among the people and that tyranny among ministers
which prevail just in proportion as "combinations of churches
become wide. It diminishes the danger of sects and deno-
minations contracting selfish and limited views of political
affairs, and thus becoming constantly dangerous either to the
government or the public. Thus it would be a corrective of
those sad sources of discord which factious religious com-
munities have raised in the nations of Europe and this Pro-
vince.

Q.— How are the officers of a church to he appointed ?

"^-—-T^^^Q only instances of appointment recorded in the
New Testament shew that the people selected and former
oflicers appointed or ordained. The people chose the two
disciples to be presented as candidates for the vacancy in the
apostolic college, Acts i. 15,26. The people chose the seven
deacons in Jerusalem, Acts vi. 1—6. Unless christians thus
actually selected their officers they could not obey the com-
mands to "try the spirits whether they be of God," " beware
of false prophets," '-take heed what ye hear," When the
people had selected the individuals to hold office, the act of ap-
pointment was formed by existing church rulers, Acts vi. 3—
6. 1 Tim. V. 22. Sometimes individuals were called out
and ordained by churches for special missions and itineran-
cies, 1 Tim. iv. 14. Acts xiii. 1— 3.

Q.— Is any particular ceremony obligatory in connection
with the appointment of church officers?

A— The "laying on of hands" was a customary sign of
authoritative appointment in the times of the apostles ; it is as
convenient as any other for us, and is therefore appropriate
but not essential in our ordination services. These services
should always include prayer, and generally, if not always,
fasting. Acts xiii. 3.

Q. — Are deacons to minister in the word ?

A.— As deacons they only have the charge of "serving
tables," of ministering to widows nnd the DOor —but as thev
are christians as well as deacons they may promote the know-
lege of Christ whenever opportunity is presented. When
they do this they become evangolisti, Acts viii. 5 and xxi. 3,

CHUBCH OFFICERS.

— Any one who can preach the gospel may and should do
so. — See Acts xi. 19 — 21. and 1 Pet. iv. 10, 11.

"Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching
the word." — Acts viii. 4.

But within a church no one is entitled to minister but those
who are appointed so to do by their brethren, Rom. xii, 6,
8. 1 Cor. xii. 28.

Q. — What kind and degree of respect are to be paid to
church officers ?

A. — " For their work's sake" they are to be neld in high
estimation, 1 Thes. v, 13 ; even good and efficient deacons
are to have *' a good degree" in the churches. In the dis-
charge of their duties in accordance with the will of Christ
they are to '*be obeyed'' by their brethren, Heb. xii. 17.

Q. — Does the requirement of the people's co-operation in
the administration of church affairs tend to the advantage of
religion %

A. — It raises them from the undue depression under which
they lie I'd churches pursuing an opposite course ; it leads
them constantly to consider and act upon the law of Christ
bearing upon church aftliirs ; it trains them to habits of reci-
procal submission and government, the exercise of tenderness
and fidelity ; it promotes sympathy and love amongst the
brethren; and brings into the service of churches all the ex-
perience wisdom and zeal of their members.

Q. — Is there not a danger of churches so regulated acting
unkindly and unjustly to their ministers I

A. — It is not found that this is often the case. A minister
being freely chosen by the people may be supposed to be
suitable to them ; then he has a principal influence in admit-
ting and excluding and expelling; he has the formation and
direction of their views and feelings ; their reputation and
comfort and prosperity depend much upon their deportment
toward him; and he is responsible not to an individual or party
but to the whole body. When these considerations are con-
nected with the fact that the church is a company of converted
and holy men they forbid every apprehension of wrong to
the ministers of Christ. Such churches have always been
distinguished by their cherishing a ministry faithful to the
humbling truths of the gospel and the requirements of spiritual
religion. Again, if ministers may be ill used by their con-

CHURCH DISCirUNE.

gregations so they might be by proud or jealous'dlocesans, or
unvious brother ministers. If too there is danger of a church
wronging their pastor there is much gre- ier probability of a
single man behaving ill to his people. If they may unjustly
rob him of his aituation, so he may nnjustly keep the pulpit
and rob them of their building.

SECTION IV.

- -000-

CHURCH DISCIPLINE.

Ques. — In what manner is a church to exercise its
functions 1

Ans. — By a diligent and faithful application of New Tes-
tament principles to every incident. No legislative power
is given by the Sovereign of the churches to any individual or
society— every man is subject to Christ only in his religious
affairs, all members ui -h'jrch are " brethren," and no per-
son or body has autljority ic lay ou a conscience a burden
not imposed by Christ. Every member is bound by the law
of love, by a regard to the doing of things " decently 'nd in
order," and by the cultivation of peace,to accord with t ; gen-
eral wishes of his brethren unless a conscientious view ofh's
duty prevents; but that is not a matter of conscience which
Christ has not appointed, and however it may be recom-
mended should not be f»nforced.

Q. — Beside the hearing of the word and the performance
of acts of christian devotion, what are the duties of the
churches 1

A. — In their ecclesiastical capacity the members cfa church
have amongst themselves to perform various acts of reciprocal
oversight and sympathy—and collectively they have to main-
tain discioline. reiatinor morfi nartimilnrlv tr\ tho Qilmlccifv^ ^P"
members and the treatment o<|bffences.

Q. — In what manner should he meetings of churches be
conducted ?

A. — The honor due to " elders" requires that they should

CHURCH DISCIPLINE.

presicle, " especially those who labour in the word arid doc-
trine." — 1 Tim. V. 17. The proceedings snould always be
conducted as acts of devotion and service to Christ, not as
scenes of debate or discussion, being founded on his warrant,
intimately connected with his glory, and by him especially
f)bserved. Hence decency and order should bo maintained,
1 Cor. xiv. 40 ; — meekness, Gal. vi. 1 ; — and impartialitv,
1 Tim. V. 21.

Q. — Ought the attention of churches when convened ever
to be directed to any other matter than what concerns religion]

A. — By no means ; Christ should " be all and m all" and
the saints should ** know nothing but Christ Jesus and him
crucified."

Q. — Have we any scriptural directions as to the particular
mode of receiving persons into fellowship ]

A. — We have not. All that is imperative is attention to
the reality of religion in the person making application lest
we *' give the children's bread to dogs." In general, satis-
fection may be obtained by the testimony of the pastor and
some brethren. — Acts ix. 26 — 28. It is seldom found satis-
factory to leave the decision of such cases to any individual,
even the bishop ; as the pamfulness of being known as the
single objector is likely to induce a too easy compliance with
many applications, while a minister's explicit rejection ofappli-
cants is likely to prevent their profiting by his public services.
Hence it is desirable to let every case be brought before the
assembled brethren.

Q. — In what cases may a church take cognizance of the
course of any of its members'?

A. — Whenever by so doing it can promote their spiritual
preservation or recovery or advancement — whenever one
member has a complaint against another, — and whenever the
purity of the society seems to require that any individual's
membership should be suspended.

Q. — Is the object of church censures the punishment of
offenders 1

A. — It is rather their reformation and recovery — 1 Cor: v.5.

- ijiutiixcii) ii a, ii.ia.is, uc vrTciiatvcii m u. itiuiij j i; v. iij-„JA "j.-^ t7|j'siit,tit»;j

restore euch an one in the spirit of meekness ; considering thyself,
lest thou also be tempted." — Gal. vi. 1.

And the preservation of their jpody as a company of saints.
—1 Cor. V. 7.

i'*

CHURCH DISCIPLINE.

Q. — Is a' cHurch to lake cognizance of all offences between
brethren ]

A. — When an oiTender sincerely expresses to his brother
repentance, liis error should not be brought into the congre-
gation ; if he does not he must be brought then before them
— they are then to direct him as to the satisfaction he owes his
complaining brother — and if he do not " hear the church"
he is to be separated and tieated as one of the world.

" Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell
him hia fault between thee and him alone ; if he shall hear thee, thou
hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear tliee, then take with
thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses
every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them
tell it unto the church : but if he neglect to hear the church, let him
be unto thee as a heathen man and a publican." — Mat. xviii. 15 — 17.

Q. — Is not this assuming part of the functions of civil
courts 1

A, — " Brethren in Christ" are not allowed " to go to law"
one with another. — 1 Cor. vi. 1, 8. Should the appeal of the
complainant and the mediators and the church be disregarded
the offender, being rejected, ceases to be a brother and may-
be dealt with by the civil magistrate. — Matt, xviii. 15 — 17.

•' For what have I to do to judge them also that are without 7 do
not ye judge them that are within?" — 1 Cor. v. 12.

Q, — With what errors among its members may a church
interfere 1

A. — All violations of the Lord's will; as false doctrine,
Tit. iii. 10; — the engendering of divisions, Rom. xvi. 17 ; —
immorality of conduct — Ep. v. 11 ; — and a departure from
scriptural rules as to church procedure, 2 Thes. Hi. 6.

(J. — What censures are allowed by the scriptures in
church proceedings ]

A. — When offenders cannot be reclaimed they are to bo
" cut off," Gal. V. 12 ; 1 Cor. v. 13. When there is hope of
their being brought to shame and thence restored, they may
be temporarily suspended.

•' And if any man obey net our word by this epistle, note that man ,
and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet
count him not as an enemy, but admonish him &s a brother." —
2 Thes. iii. 14—15.

When "rebuke" seems adapted to produce sufficient im-
pression that must be employed.

'* This witness is truew Whirefbre rebuke them sharply, that they
may be sound in the faith,"--Tit. i. 13.

^.— Tl
kind men
hands and
likely to 1
ing to Chi
thus cast
1 Tim i. J

Q.— M

A.—Ci
church w
Cor. H< G^

Q.— A
publicly (

^.— T
from the
tmblic.
mg exerc

*'Them
1 Tim. V. 5

Q.— Is
great dell
church ?

commit t!
to compe
of their e
church 8

church d

it, 1 Cor.
themselv

dened in
" Becau
and there
with unten
righteous i
the wicke
him life,

The c

Lord, io
the enti*?

CHURCH DISCIPLINE.

j'i'

Q. — Are church censures of serious importance ?

A, — They are ; for the censure of a number of holy and
kind men aicting with solemnity — with the Bible in their
hands and after supplicating Christ's promised presence, is not
likely to be erroneous. A sentence thus pronounced accord-
ing to Christ's law is ratified in heaven, so that a transgressor
thus cast off is virtually delivered up to Satan. — 1 Cor v. 5.
1 Tim i. 20.

Q. — May exscinded members of churches be restored ?

A. — Certainly ; the penitent oifender in the Corinthian
church waa restored under the apostle Paul's direction. — 2
Cor. H. G— -8.

Q. — -Are the censures of churches to be adftiinistered
publicly or in private 1

A. — They would not be church censures in distinction
from the admonitionsr of rndividual brathren if they were not
public. In the New Testament discipline is described as be-
ing exercised amongst the assembled brethren — 2 Cor. ii. 6.

♦'Them that sin rebuke before aM, that others also may fear."—
1 Tim. v. 20.

Q. — Is it proper to bring cases involving circumstances of
great delicacy before so mixed an assemblage as a chiislian

church 1

* ^. — When such cases arise, it is easy for the church to
commit the examination of the more delicate circumstances
to competent brethren who can then report the general result
of their enquiries— the decision of the whole being left to the
church at large.

Q,..«^Do any serious consequences result from neglect of
church discipline'?

yl.— If a church is not kept pure real christians will r join
it, 1 Cor. V. II ; and those who already belong to it will separate
themselves. Rev. xviii. 4. At the same time the sinner is har-
dened instead of being rescued, 1 Cor. v. 5.

" Because, even because they have seduceii rtiy people, anying, Pence ;
and there was no peace ; and one built up a w'all, and lo, others daubed it
■with untempered mortar. Because with lies ye have made the heart of the
righteous sad, whom I have not made sad ; and strengthened the hands of
the wicked, that ho should not return from his wicked way, by promising
him life, Ezek. xiii. 10, 22.

The church too fails to maintain a full testimony for her
Lord, lowers the standard of religion, leaves an opening for
the entrance of other wicked persons, and weakens her powct
c

CHITROH DISCIPMXE.

• . 7 ■ i

of reformation, and of T>veservin£ ihe truth inrl nniva.^ r.c ^^ -

«hort the " little kavon 'leavene.h .hrX^lly;" B I^'^'IPV"

sacred ordinances are prostuUled. """™P- «J this mcMS-also

.ho;^a;/;;atnir3'?isinT.;eii^:z^^^^^^^

A^Y.7 ?K-^"J'^ '"^ •''' ''""^ discipline as to conso to be truly christian'?
.heVbl'rkonregr'ding™-" '" "^ '-'? =''™«- what „iea,ur«'

such attPmmrfn7r,r "iiong the Uolden Candlesticks." Should'

,.e;t"'thi!";:tr';':r.x;s'ne'Jr;'rjE re": °'"°f "rrr

plagues." Rev.xviii. 4 ' " ^"^^ ^^ receive notof her

in Ae~h^u"chcsT """ '""'' '° ^'P^" the commencement of corrnption,

viKflanietr^uSlT"""'' '" .^'S^ner^cy is so ,reat that constant '
safd '"iL ™3„ f • P^'^^""'"'"- I" '!«> times of a,o npostlos one
said the mystery of miquiiy ,s already workine," 2 Th. ii 7 -another

••thUran "n-re^^h"'"^ anti-Cl/riMs," Ij'ohn ii. 18-Ld ^£1
themselves swift Ls^rnc^^n Amrlt Mfnl *7' ""'' ^""« ">""■

unclean thi„s, and God „ 1 reed T" l CoTTu "".''""'t'"" t
Son of Man cometh will he find fait, "^^ ^i,' ^^l^ 7 \1^,"^ J^"," ^h" '

zl^s^:zz::^''''!i'^:r'''f^^ ■• : -'"77- -.f,:^ a7d

-light, hurnin?, and y" yoursdvef'Tilf " "'"' '"'«"■•''•■'',«''»« and your

when he wilf'return fror^rieXli ;.••&; 7 uke xM ar'4" w""J'Ti
therefore " prove (or .„.i „.,J ,.,'*, .,*'• V.'"'^,'"'- ^5, 36. We should

which is good." ■ 1 fh. V. 2T;" " """*"' "'"^ '''"" " ''"«/"« Ihaf