SEAM: IX. WITH ITS DUTIES AND ADVANTAGES. ^ 17 ihstructed at once in the great things that relate to their eternal peace : Hereby thosewho have known. the things Of Christ more easily call to mind what they have, learned, and are admonished of their daily duty by the public preacher z :Here .their prayers are united, and their songs of praise ; and such an union of prayers and praises-is delightful and acceptable to him who inhabits the praises of -Israel, and who has encouraged them to agree in asking mercies from God, and to strive together in prayer. United devotions are much more likely._,to obtain success. 3. " Such. a holy fellowship and agreement to walk together in . the ways of Christ, is a happy guard against backsliding and apostasy, it is a defence against the temptations of the world, and the defilements of a sinful age. "' Having given my name up to Christ in a public manner, how shall ,I dare, to renounce him? . Having joined . myself to the followers of Christ, how shall I break those bonds, and depart from them, or disgrace that holy fellowship by any known sin ? Having: made a public profession of .my avowed obedience to Jesus as a Lord and.king ; how can Ldare decline his service, or indulge myself in those iniquities which his gospel forbids ? 4. " Christians thus united together by mutual ac= quaintance and agreement, can give each other better assistance in every thing that relates to religion, . whether public or,private :" They warm one another's hearts by mutual holy conversation ; they support one another when ready to fall, and raise and " restore those that are fallen in a spirit of meekness;',' Gal. vi. I. But as Solomon warns us, " Wo to him that falls while he walks alone, who shall'help him up ? Or how. can one he_ vaI:ni .alone ;" F.c. iv. 10. Hand joining in hand adds force and strength, assistance and stability to any, pur pose.-or design whatsoever ; and frequent meeting together .gives fellow-christians opportunity of exhorting one another -to maintain their common christianity,. as in lieb. x. 25, Forsake not the assembling of.yourselves together,.-but exhort one another, and provoke -one another to love and to good works." Christians when they,come.to mu, dual acquaintance and agreements. of this kind; they' :afford better help to one another, when under difficulties --by . advice, and under sorrows they relieve-each otlter:.by 5
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