manded a line of conduct becoming it. But every | Constantine said to such a self-conceited Christian, Christian has a place to fill, and a part to act, in the "Take a ladder, and climb to heaven by thyself."Church of God; and he needs to be informed and If all were like-minded with some, there would be admonished concerning it. Let us, no such thing as a church on earth.

I. Explain the CONDITION OUR SUBJECT SUPPOSES. II. The OBLIGATIONS WE ARE UNDER TO ENTER IT. III. The DUTIES WHICH ARISE OUT OF IT.

I am aware of what I shall incur from certain quarters; but I shall deliver myself with the firmness of conviction. It is not necessary that we should approve of every opinion or usage among those with whom we connect ourselves. It is far I. The CONDITION OUR SUBJECT SUPPOSES. better in lesser matters, if we have faith, to have it Now when we speak of the Christian's being in to ourselves before God; and to exercise forbearthe Church, it is necessary to observe two accepta-ance and self-denial, rather than for the sake of tions of the word in Scripture, as well as in common some trifling difference, to endeavor to originate a discourse. new party, or remain destitute of the benefits, and violating the obligations of social Christianity. We should guard against an undue attachment to any particular scheme of Church policy, when, though the abettors profess to be governed by the Scripture only, and consider every iota of their system as perfectly clear and binding; others, more numerous than themselves, and equally wise and good, and entitled to the leading of the Spirit of Truth, draw a very different conclusion from the same premises. Mr. Newton, speaking of the several systems under which, as so many banners, the different denominations of Christians are ranged, observes, "That there is usually something left out, which ought to have been taken in, and something admitted of supposed advantage, unauthorized by the Scripture standard. A Bible-Christian, therefore, will see much to approve in a variety of forms and parties; the providence of God may lead and fix him in a more immediate connection with some one of them; but his spirit and affection will not be confined within these narrow enclosures. He insensibly borrows and unites that which is excellent in each, perhaps without knowing how far he agrees with them, because he finds all in the written word." With regard to myself, though I have a preference, and attach comparative importance to the things wherein pious men differ, yet there is no body of Christians, holding the Head, with whom I could not hold communion; and to whom I would not join myself, if circumstances withheld me from my own denomination, rather than remain a religious solitaire.*

It is sometimes used to comprise all the redeemed and sanctified people of God. These, in every age, in every country; under every dispensation, whether Patriarchal, Jewish, or Evangelical; all these, whether residing in earth, or in heaven; all these constitute one church. And of this we read, when it is said, "The church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.". We are come to the church of the first-born." "Christ loved the church, and gave himself for it." "That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing." However distinguished from each other, all real Christians, "who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh," belong to this church; and to be found in it, is an unspeakable privilege, and constitutes what we mean by "the communion of saints" in the Apostles' Creed—a mutual participation in all their work, honor, and bless edness. But it is not of this we now speak. This is the Church universal; and in this we are necessarily found, as soon as ever we are chosen, and called out of the world.

But the word much more frequently means a particular community, or company of believers associated together for religious purposes. This coincides with the language of the Nineteenth Article-"A church is a congregation of faithful men, in which the pure word of God is preached, and the Sacraments are duly administered according to Christ's ordinance in all things that of necessity are requisite to the same." In conformity to this, we read of "the messengers," not of the Church-but " of the Churches" -not of the Church-but "the Churches which were in Christ." And thus we read of "the seven Churches which are in Asia:" of "the Churches which were in Galatia;" and of "the Churches throughout all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria;" and what they were may be inferred from their "walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comforts of the Holy Ghost, and being multiplied."Thus, too, we read of "the Church at Philippi," and "the Church at Colosse," and so of the rest.

In advancing further, nothing would be more easy than to furnish matter for dispute. My object, however, is not controversional, but practical It does not require me to undertake the task of attempting to determine the particular form of a Christian Church, or the precise mode of administering divine ordinances in it; but only to show, that it is the duty of a Christian to be found in a Church-state; giving up himself not only to the Lord, but to his people by the will of God; and walking with those who profess to continue steadfastly in the Apostle's doctrine, and in fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayer.

Yet there are some who have here, we will not call them their arguments, but their excuses. To such union, they prefer rambling, or at least detachment. They fix no where, or at least commune no where. No church is wide enough, or strict enough, or pure enough, or sound enough-for them; no one is completely modified to their taste.

It will be, I presume, committing an unpardonable sin with bigots, when I express my persuasion, after all I have read of the claims, whether Episcopalian, or Presbyterian, or Independent, to the only Scriptural standard, that there is no very definite plan of Church government laid down in the New Testament; so that while one mode is canonized, every other is absolutely wrong. Deviation from prescribed orders is sinful; but where there is no law, there is no transgression. "As oft," says the Apostle, "as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come." Now had he told us how often we are to do this, we must observe such times only, or oppose the will of God.Is it so now the thing is left undecided? May there not be a difference in the frequency of its observance, without sin? It is otherwise with the recurrence of the Sabbath; this is determined both by command and example. It would have been criminal in Moses not to have made the snuffers of pure gold; or the holy oil of a mixture of certain ingredients; or the priest's robe of such a quality,

* A Scriptural constitution of the church of Christ, is believed to be more clearly revealed, and of more practical importance, than would seem to be recognized by our excellent author. See a Review of these Lectures in the American Baptist Magazine, VOL. IX. January and February Numbers. Also, James' Church Member's Guide, Chap. I. On the Nature of a Christian Church. PUBLISHER.

such a color, and such a length; for he had express | warriors-yea, whosoever now doeth the will of instructions to do so, and the pattern of every thing our Father who is in heaven, the same is our was shown him in the Mount. But in what mount brother and sister and mother. has our model of circumstantial regulation been exhibited? What Moses received it? Where do we find a particularity of detail in the gospels of the Evangelists; or in the Acts, and Epistles of the Apostles? Where do we find many of the materials of angry debate and exclusiveness which have occupied so much time, and spoiled so much temper, in the system of Christianity?-A system designed for every nation, and people, and kindred, and tongue-a system too sublime in its aim to lose itself in minuteness-too anxious to unite its followers in great matters, to magnify little ones-too truly noble, not to be condescending-too tender, not to be tolerant-too impartial, not to say to its subjects, receive one another as Christ also has received you; you that are strong, bear the infirmities of the weak, and not please yourselves.

Now we do not pretend to say, that all who do not thus enter a Christian church, are not in a state of grace. Some, after they are converted, may not have the opportunity. Some are repulsed by the rigidness of admission; they cannot pronounce every Shibboleth of a confession; or express their belief of the divinity of every part of the discipline. These are to be pitied: the blame lies with the exactors of such righteousness. Some, otherwise disposed to come forward, are held back by a sense of unworthiness, or a dread of hypocrisy, or a fear of causing "the way of truth to be evil spoken of," by their acting unbecoming the gospel. These are to be instructed and encouraged.

But after these concessions, we make no scruple to say, that if a Christian does not belong to a Christian church, he is not walking according to God's appointment, and the order of the gospel; but is living in the loss of privilege, and the omission of duty. It was not thus with the Christians of whom we have accounts in the New Testament. They are represented not as wandering sheep, but a flock having a shepherd and a fold. Not as stones loose and scattered on the ground, but built up a spiritual house. Not as separate and solitary plants and trees, but as a vineyard, a garden watched and watered. Not as rovers and vagrants, in the highways and hedges-but as fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God." This brings us to consider,

II. THE OBLIGATIONS WE ARE UNDER TO ENTER THIS

STATE.

Let us notice four articles-Suitability-Consolation-Safety-and Usefulness.

The first claim is derived from Suitability. This state accords with the very constitution of man. He is not only a rational, but a social creature: and so natural are his social feelings, that they can only be rooted up with his very being. Religion therefore does not aim to destroy or injure those propensions; but it sanctifies them. It opens a new sphere for their development. It presents new objects of interest and attachment.

Like attracts like; and when we become godly, our longing is for godly association. Then we pray, "Be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto them that love thy name;" then, we confess, "I am a companion of them that fear thee:" then, “we take hold of the skirt of him that is a Jew, saying, we will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you;" then, we "choose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." These fall in with our new views, and hopes, and fears, and joys, and sorrows. These are now our fellowlearners fellow-travellers fellow-laborers, fellow

Saul, therefore, upon his conversion, assayed to join himself to the disciples: and every one, when he falls under the same influence, will be likeminded with him. It would be strange, indeed, if when we turn away from the vain and the wicked, we should find ourselves in a state of destitution and abandonment. But God has expressly provided against this repulsion of loneliness. We do not become outcasts. He takes us up. Wherefore," says he, "come out from among them, and be ye separate, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, and be a father unto you; and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." Ye shall not be homeless and friendless. I will place you in my family. You shall have better relations than those you have resigned; and more valuable connections than those who have renounced you. When you part with the world, you enter the church, and this is more glorious than all the mountains of prey. You rise in rank; and so far from being losers, "Verily, I say unto you, there is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundred fold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.”—We therefore

Derive the second claim from Consolation. This is the law of Christ: as we "have opportunity, let us do good unto all men; but especially unto them that are of the household of faith." Their members, therefore, have the first claim upon a Christian church for sympathy and succor. And the privilege arising from hence will appear to be the greater, when it is considered, that the discharge of this duty does not depend upon obligation only. Christians feel themselves disposed, as well as bound to this good work. Their principles lead them "to rejoice with them that do rejoice," and to " 'weep with them that weep." And is it nothing to belong to a community, who, instead of envying and hating you for your successes, and endowments, and comforts-it is so always with the world—will glorify God on your behalf? Is it nothing to be connected with those who feel it to be their duty and their privilege to guard your reputation, to explore your wants, to soften your cares, to soothe your sorrows; and where, not only the minister and the office-bearers, but all the members, will visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction, and comfort them that are cast down?

The poor and the needy are too generally overlooked, not to say despised, by the world; and from the treatment they receive from others, there is danger of their feeling a kind of self-degradation that makes them regardless of their conduct. But here they have a name and a place. Here they feel an importance, that while it raises them morally, does not injure them in their civil dependence. Here their elevation does not draw them off from their stations; but improves them for every relative duty, by producing self-respect, and augmenting a sense of responsibility. Here their fellow-members, above them in condition, can without envy or uneasiness see their equality with themselves, or even their pre-eminence, in experience. "Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted; but the rich, in that he is made low because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away."

The church is the only society in whicn it is either possible or proper to merge the ranks of life. Temporal things divide men, and keep them sepa

rate; and they have always a tendency to carry to excess those distinctions which are allowable, and even necessary. However disposed towards each other, the small and the great cannot unite in secular friendship. The master and the servant cannot consort together either in the upper or the lower room. The peasant and the nobleman cannot inhabit the same cottage, or the same mansion.The noble and the vulgar cannot feed together, either at the dinner of herbs, or at the stalled ox. But, here they all surround the same table. Here all eat the same spiritual meat, and drink the same spiritual drink. Here the rich and the poor meet together. Here all are partakers of the same common salvation. Here all are one in Christ Jesus. Here every disadvantage is compensated. Also the sons of the stranger that join themselves to the Lord, to serve him, and to love the name of the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer; their burnt-offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people."

Safety furnishes a third claim. For it is not to be overlooked that this state fortifies individuals against the influence of example, and number, and ridicule, and reproach. It will be allowed that a man ought to do what is right, if no one stands by him. Yet singularity is sometimes a great trial: and to brave all the consequences, in many cases, requires more moral heroism than is always possessed even by one that is upright and sincere. But when he stands in connection with others; when he sees himself countenanced and supported by those he deems wiser and better than himself; this gives him confidence and courage; and he resembles a soldier who advances boldly with his comrades, when he would hesitate and falter alone. "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but wo to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. And if one prevail against him, two shall withstand him: and a three-fold cord is not quickly broken."

the qualms of the sinner. "I know not," says Doddridge, "a more dreadful mark of destruction upon a man, than a fear to be under an obligation to avoid what is evil, and to cleave to that which is good." A man properly concerned for his spiritual and everlasting welfare, would feel every assistance, every excitement, every motive, in such an important course, a privilege; and such a privilege constitutes a powerful argument on behalf of a church relation.

Therefore it has a fourth claim. It is Usefulness. How much more is a man's zeal drawn forth as soon as he has declared himself in any cause; and he partakes of the spirit of the party. When his vote is solicited for a candidate at the time of an election, though he feels scarcely a preference before, yet as soon as he has avowed himself for either of the applicants, his indifference is destroyed, his fervor is excited, and he is carried along with the proceedings, until he is intensely interested; and his happiness or misery seems suspended on the success. Indeed, whatever we keep concealed within, is likely to lose some of its hold upon us: it is by speaking of it, by pushing it forward, by acting constantly upon it, that we feel more of its impression and influence.

But there is another view to be taken of the subject. We all know how much is to be done by union, even when the parts are inconsiderable in themselves. Thus sands make the mountains. The cable that holds the ship in the storm is composed of threads. A single soldier that has missed his way, may chance-wise do some little good; but he is efficient only as acting with a corps; and the war requires an army. If the liberal soul deviseth liberal things, how are good schemes to be carried into effect, and how are useful institutions to be supported, but by union and co-operation? How much often does one Christian society accomplish by its collective wisdom, and benevolence, and exertion! Why are the Churches called candlesticks, but because they are instruments holding forth and diffusing the light of life?

the widow, in his holy habitation." There the tempted are succored; and the weak strengthened; and the wandering directed. The sanctuary opens a door for the weary traveller to enter and refresh himself. It awakens, by its administrations, the curiosity of the thoughtful and the attention of the careless; and how often have those who came from no pious motive, been known of all, judged of all, and compelled to exclaim, God is in the midst of them of a truth! While we are anxious for more success to attend the means of grace, we are not aware of the extent and the degree in which they are useful. What an injury would be sustained in a neighborhood, if they were given up!

The public worship of God ought always to be considered as an unspeakable benefit to mankind. Amidst the cares and toils and distresses of life, "God is known in his palaces for a refuge." He is Indecision is as perilous as it is uncomfortable."the Father of the fatherless, and the Husband of And therefore the apostle says, "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you." For while the enemy sees you unfixed and hesitating, he yet hopes to succeed, and this protracts his endeavors; whereas when he finds you determined, he desponds, and departs. How many temptations are cut off, as soon as we cease to halt between two opinions, and proclaim ourselves to be on the Lord's side. And how much circumspection is also hereby induced. He who makes no pretences to a thing, is not judged by it; but a profession of religion is of great value, as it tends to check what is evil, and to bind us to what is righteous, by subjecting us to self-reproach and the censure of others, when we act inconsistently. "Does this temper or conduct become a member of the church of Christ? Do I wear his livery, and disown him? Have I opened my mouth to the Lord, and can I go back? Are not the eyes of many upon me? And have they not a right to ask, What do ye more than others?" And let me put it to your conscience, whether this be not one of the reasons which operate to keep you out of the church. Ye feel yourselves now in a larger place. You have more liberty. You can do your own ways, and find your own pleasures, and speak your own words, on God's holy day. Your tongues are your own: who is Lord over you? And-"I do not profess to be a saint," seems an excuse to prevent or silence all

But it is by Churches that the ministry of the word and the ordinances of religion are supported and dispensed; and by their means the system of conversion and edification is continued and perpetuated. Individuals die: but thus, as some are removed others are added. Thus member succeeds member, and pastor succeeds pastor; and, as in the case of a river, change leaves sameness, and permanency is produced by succession. But we have,

III. To consider THE DUTIES ARISING FROM THE

STATE.

These are various as well as important. They relate,

First, To the Worship. This a Christian will

comforted him to the end of life, and have been remembered in death with pleasure. And thus neglect has been punished with regret.

But you are required to attend the means of divine appointment spiritually. Ye are not to think it enough to draw nigh to Him with the mouth, and honor him with the lip, while the heart is far from him. The Lord looketh to the heart. There is such a thing as an attendance on ordinances, when there is no attention in them; at least none that comes up to the demand, to "worship in spirit and in truth."

value as the appointment of Him, who knowing what is in man, ordains what is necessary to him, and delights in the prosperity of his servants.When, therefore, he says, "Seek ye my face," his heart answers, "Thy face, Lord, will I seek." And as he obeys from love, he will never exclaim "What a weariness is it to serve the Lord; when will the Sabbath be gone!" He calls the Sabbath a delight, and the holy of the Lord, honorable. He loves the habitation of his house. He finds his word and eats it; and it is to him the joy and the rejoicing of his heart. If others can dispense with ordinances, he never rises above his need of them. And as Paul may plant and Apollos water, but He feels that something is still wanting to his know- God alone can give the increase, we must attend in ledge, his graces, his comfort; and though he holds humbleness of mind, and never without prayer, that communion with God habitually, and wishes in all the Spirit may help our infirmities, and render the his ways to acknowledge him, he sees what an means available to our profit. When the preacher adaptation there is in the means of grace to afford enters upon his work in such an assembly as this, him relief and assistance. His own experience sti-"it is as the smell of a field which the Lord hath mulates him for he has seen his power and glory blessed:”—And in the sanctuary; while the promise justifies his most enlarged expectation-"In all places where I record my Name, I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee." They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint."

Secondly, These duties regard the Minister, who is placed over you in the Lord. Add not to his difficulties. He has his trials as a man; and he has his trials as a Christian; and in addition to both these, he has trials peculiar to his office. Could he have foreseen all at the beginning, he would have been disheartened at the entrance; but his work is Cases of prevention will sometimes occur; but like John's little book, a bitter sweet, and the sweet he will take heed that they are not excuses. And, comes first. You find it hard enough to manage as he would not love and serve the creature more one temper; what must be the task of governing a than the Creator, he will see that the hinderances multitude, including every diversity! After the are such as would keep him from all other engage-engagement of years, he would yield to many a ments. And if they can be removed by order and temptation to withdraw, but that necessity is laid skill and diligence in his affairs, or by a little ex-upon him. Never successful according to his wishpense in conveyance, saved from vanity and excess; es, and sometimes apparently useless, he is often he will remove them. And when the sick relation, ready to lay down his commission at his Master's or his own bed of languishing, or the painful acci- feet, to say, "I have labored in vain, I have spent dent, detains him at home, he will feel himself the my strength for nought and in vain." Bound to enprisoner of the Lord, and say, with the royal exile, gage at the times appointed, and knowing what is "When I remember these things, I pour out my expected from him, in his perplexity arising from soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude; I choice of subjects, in his barrenness of thought, in went with them to the house of God, with the voice his unfitness of feeling in the study which is a weaof joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holy-riness to the flesh, and the exhaustion of spirits genday." I never believe those who, turning their dered by intense application; his heart knoweth his backs upon the temple, tell us that they pass their own bitterness; death worketh in him, but life in time in retired devotion. One duty pleads for an-you. Encourage him. Welcome his instructions. other, and prepares for another, and helps another. It is the same with neglect: we may infer one omission from another. It is very questionable, too, when they tell us that the preacher can teach them no more than they know already. It is the remark of an old writer, that "he who will learn of none but himself, is sure to have a fool for his master." Besides, novelty of information is not the only or principal object in attending the house of God, but, as Judge Hale said, with regard to himself, “to be impressed and affected; and to have old and known truth reduced to experience and practice."

He therefore regards the means of grace constantly. He attends not one part of the Sabbath only, but both parts: and surely two public services cannot be too much for a day dedicated to devotion. Nor will he attend on the Sabbath only, but on the week-day also. He will be thankful for a service which refreshes and nerves his mind amidst the cares and toils of his calling; and he will remember that, as a professor of religion, he has stipulated for his regular attendance, by his joining the church to which he belongs. Nothing can be more painful to the feelings of a minister, when he comes to water his flock, than to find many of them not at the well. Perhaps, too, he has chosen his subject, and studied it, and prayed over it with a peculiar reference to the individual then absent. And how often has something been delivered in the absence of that individual, singularly appropriate to his condition or experience; something that might have directed and

Yield to his reproofs. Respect that authority which he has received, not for destruction but edification. Obey them that have the rule over you, and sub, mit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account; that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.'

A minister must be very mean-spirited if he regards his salary as alms or benefactions from his people. What they give, they more than have out in services; and "the laborer is worthy of his hire." Has not God ordained, that they who preach the gospel, should live of the gospel? And is not this law founded in equity and justice? Would not the same talents the man devotes to the service of the sanctuary, provide for himself and his family, if employed in secular concerns? This is a delicate point for a minister to handle; and he surely would never bring it forward if he could do justice to the part of the subject before us without it. But he will resign it as soon as possible; and leave it in the words the Holy Ghost teacheth. Let congregations compare themselves with it; and especially those individuals in them who pay more annually to the most menial of their attendants, than to the shepherd of their souls; while others, with all their commendation, never confer upon him one token of respect in their lives.

Let him," says the Apostle, "be with you without fear." And again: "Know them that labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and ad

But harmony is included in the welfare of a Church. It can only edify itself in love. "For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.'

monish you; and esteem them very highly in love Now the first thing that seems to strike us with for their work's sake." He means not only in re-regard to the prosperity of a cause is, the increase ward of their work, but in aid of it; for unless you of its members. There is, however, one kind of magnify his office, you are not likely to be impressed accession which a Church should not value nor by it; and as your regard for the preacher declines, seek after. It is the drawing members from other so will your profit by him. Your relation to him is churches, where they already hear "the truth as such, that, if he is degraded, you are disgraced in it is in Jesus," and enjoy the fellowship of the goshim; and if he is honored, you share in his respect- pel. We do nothing in filling one place, by emptyability. Ministers are men; and "the best of men ing another, where the same work is carrying on.are but men at the best." You are not required to The transferring of soldiers from one regiment into approve of their infirmities, or even to be ignorant another, does not increase the king's army, or add of them: but surely you will not be suspicious; you to the defence of the country. The thing is to gain will not invite or welcome reflection and insinua- fresh recruits. Our aim should be to make contion; nor, like too many, speak of him, or suffer verts, not proselytes. But it is delightful when the him to be spoken of, before children and servants inquiry is often made, What shall we do to be saved? and strangers, with a levity and freedom, far from when sinners are turned from darkness unto light, being adapted to increase or preserve esteem and and the power of Satan unto God: when Zion, surrespect. You will consider his character not only prised at the quality and number of her sons and as forming his crown, but as essential to his accept- daughters, exclaims, "who hath begotten me these? ance and success. Receive him, therefore, in the these, where have they been ?"-and the Lord adds Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation." | to the Church daily such as shall be saved. Thirdly, These duties respect your Fellow-Members. They are all comprehended in love: and you are required to "love one another out of a pure heart fervently;" to "love as brethren." Has a fellow Christian erred? "Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart; thou shalt in anywise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him." Has he been overtaken in a fault? "Ye that are spiritual, are to restore such an one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourselves lest you also be tempted." It takes in also purity. Therefore," says the Is he declining in zeal, and negligent in duty? You Prophet, "keep peace and truth:" and, says the are "to consider him, to provoke him to love and to Apostle, "speaking the truth in love." The Church good works." Is he oppressed? You are to bear of Ephesus is commended for not bearing them that his "burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ." Is are evil. Our concern for the sanctity of our comhe in want? You are to give him such things as munion is to appear in maintaining godly discipline; are needful. "Now," says the Apostle, we ex-in not admitting irreligious characters, whatever hert you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, recommendations they may otherwise possess; and comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be in excluding them when they discover themselves patient toward all men. See that none render evil to be ungodly after they have been admitted.— for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which Improper individuals will occasionally enter the is good, both among yourselves and to all men." Church there is no preventing it, unless we were Fourthly, Your duty concerns the welfare and omniscient. But we cannot search the heart; and prosperity of the whole Interest. Not that you are our leaning ought always to be on the side of chato be exclusively attentive to your own community.rity: it is better to be mistaken and deceived, than You are unfit to be a member of any Christian to be suspicious and censorious, or to destroy one Church unless you can say, "grace be with all them for whom Christ died. But when the mask under that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity." But which the man entered is shifted aside, and his conour conditions and circumstances must regulate not duct appears sinful, "put away from among you," the principle, but the exercises and the impressions says the Scripture," that wicked person." He disof duty. The private affections are not incompati- graces you; and he will contaminate-" a little ble with the public, but conduct to them; and the leaven leaveneth the whole lump.” way, the best way, the only way, by which we can Some Christians not only individually but colpromote the good of the whole, is by advancing the lectively do not sufficiently think upon and pursue good of a part. The man who, in opposing patriot- "whatsoever things are lovely and of good report." ism, pleads that the world is his country, and all A Church may be austere and harsh and forbidmankind his fellow-citizens, has no country, no fel-ding: but much of its usefulness depends upon its low-citizens. The object for which he pretends to amiableness. And this will arise from its characbe concerned is too indistinct to impress; too dis-ter for benevolence, and public spirit, and liberality; tant to approach; too extensive to grasp. To come nearer. If a man were to disregard his family, under pretence that he was acting on a broader, nobler principle, and for an object less selfish and contracted, even the nation at large; he would soon be told that the nation consists of families; that one of these is committed to his care; that this he can improve; that this he ought peculiarly to regard, even for the sake of the public. "He that provideth not for his own, especially those of his own house, hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel." It is much the same here. It is the will of God that we feel a special sympathy with the religious society to which we belong. This demands our immediate attention, and efforts, and sacrifices; and all the members in their respective places, and by all the influences they can employ, should seek to excel to the edifying of the Church.

and from its joining, with firmness of adherence to essential truth, latitude in things circumstantial; from its tenderness in receiving the weak, but not to doubtful disputations; from its readiness to receive all as Christ has received us, to the glory of God.

Towards this prosperity every member should aim and labor to contribute, by his prayers, his conversation, his example, his temper, his influence.-And a Church thus flourishing; increasing with all the increase of God, in number, and peace, and sanctity, and every moral excellency, is the noblest sight on earth; and full of attraction, and impression; and "a spectacle to the world, to angels, and to men;" it looks forth as the morning, clear as the moon, bright as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners. Let us conclude.

First, We have been speaking of those that are