DISCOijTSE III. llib church-fellowship, as a duty incumbent on those that have tasted of the graceof God ; it may be proved in á typical way at least, from the practice of the Jews, and the church under the Old Testament, in their public and solemn covenanting with God : It may be further evidenced by the many prophecies and promises concerning Zion, some of which have a reference to New Tes- tament times, and theassemblies of the saints under the dispen- sation of the gospel : It may be inferred from the directions of our Lord Jesus Christ, concerning the discipline of a church, as well as from the positive institution of the Lord's-supper, which must not be celebrated but in a christian assembly : It may be arguedfrom the many counsels and directions which saint Paul has given concerningvarious offices, and forms of order and go- vernment, which can have no place, but in a particular church: The great designs and endsof church fellowship, with regard to the public honour of God, the glory of Christ, and the spiritual benefit of men, are sufficient proofs of this duty : And all these arguments are established and confirmed by the practice of the apostles, andthe primitive converts. Now I say, a soul that has approached unto God in divine ordinances, will obey divine commands: He that tastes sacred pleasure, will learn sacred duty. He that has received divine mercy, will reverence divine authority. So the saints in 2 Cor. viii. 5. They gave their own selves first to the Lord, and then resigned themselves to the directions and commands of the apos- tles, according to the will of God. Now let us see whether we feel the influence of this command. Do we, who are joined in holy communion, continue our stations in a church of Christ, from the authority of a divine institution, and lose to the ordi- nance ? Or is it because we cannot without difficulty or shame break the bonds of Christ, and cast his cords fromus? And let us all examine by this rule, whether we truly approach unto God in ordinances, or no. Havé we been melted by divine love into a compliance with all the institutions of God ? Or can we easily content ourselvesto make a mere common profession, with- out ever subjecting ourselves to the ordinances of God's house ? If you believe the special solemnities of the church to be a divine appointment, and yet have no thought or desire tending that way, you will have much ado to prove that you are sincere in any part of worship. IV. " He that truly draws near to God, finds so much satisfaction in it, that he loves to lay himself under more and stronger engag , cents to abide near to him." Those that delight in seeking the Lord their God,-will not only ask the way to Zion with theirfaces thitherceard, bm4,they will also agree together and say, Come, and let as join ourselves to the Lord in a perpetual covenant that shall not be forgotten; Jer. i. 4, 5. In a solemn L 3
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