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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. ll mi » '■ ill ^ ■ ililih. iii iiiii 1 ? !.' 'i V I i; ''< i : i '1 i \' 1 'i (H ii 1; 1 ;j ii 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 I 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 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' 8 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: ♦Ii nro nf PNi1>'^';_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 1^ 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 . 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. ri 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 r !■■■ it lii 4 I 18 CHURCH OFFICERS. m 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. 19 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 ! i t I \ M I (} 20 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. 31 — 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- 1! I 22 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 I 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'* 24 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' 25 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 26 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