The Nature of a Gospel Church: A Confession of Evangelical Principles; and the Members' Covenant. Intended for the Use of the Church of Christ.Church, J. (John)
Religion
The Nature of a Gospel Church: A Confession of Evangelical Principles; and the Members' Covenant. Intended for the Use of the Church of Christ.
Church, J. (John)
Theology, Doctrinal
3.—We agree, through grace, to be found in the use of all appointed
means, public and private, and on special occasions, when notified by the
Minister, as in Acts xiv, 2. _When they were come_, _and had gathered
the Church together_.—_Forsake not the assembling yourselves together_,
_as the manner of some is_.—_Where two or three are gathered together_,
_there am I in the midst_. _Lo_, _I am with you always_.
4.—As Members of the same Church, we will endeavour to cultivate an
affectionate and sincere love, without dissimulation, towards one
another—like that which Christ bears to his Church; and studiously avoid
all occasion of division among the members—such as hard speeches, cruel
and unjust remarks, disdainful looks, reproaches, slanders, and all
causeless divisions in judgment concerning spiritual things. But that we
will watch and pray against these things, as injurious to the cause of
Christ; but endeavor to maintain a oneness of mind and consent of
judgment, to every grand truth, and a uniformity of practice.—_Ye
yourselves are taught of God to love one another_.—_Be kindly affectioned
one towards another_. _By this shall all men know that ye are my
disciples_, _if ye love one another_.
5.—We mutually agree to pray for the prosperity of the kingdom of Christ,
particularly for that part to which we belong—that body of christians
which we commune with. This we will do through grace, constantly,
cheerfully, and affectionately, publicly, and more frequently in
private—especially for the most tried, afflicted, and poor members.
_Pray ye for the peace of Jerusalem—they shall prosper that love her_.
_Continuing constant in prayer_.
6.—That, as a Church, we will, as much as possible, be separate from the
World, its customs, maxims, pursuits, & worship. Pray against a worldly
spirit, either of levity or sullenness, covetous of oppressive, in
dealing with others.—_Come out from among them_, _and be ye separate_,
_saith the Lord_.
7.—We agree to study each others spiritual benefit, and take every
opportunity, for the communion of Saints, to impart what light or
enjoyments, trials, and mercies, sorrows and deliverances. To avoid all
frothy, light, or vain conversation, as not becoming a Church of Christ.
_Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another_. _Let your
speech be always with grace_. _Wherefore comfort one another_, _and
edify one another_, _as also ye do_.
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