l..1g CHRYS?IAN BELL6tVSHIPI, ESERM.I-R+,. christian eonscytation and social prayers. They afford. greater aid and strength to. each other against tearawpta- tions and dangers, because they are better informed of each other's 'circumstances. and tempers. They know one another's wants and weaknesses more, they pityone another with more tenderness, and theyguard each other against the common injuries and insults of men. Happy the persons who are thus united in the fellowship of the gospel, and who by practising these duties, and comma-. nicating and enjoying those advantages, cast a glory upon the gospel of Christ. The third general head leadsme to enquire more par- ticularly " Who are the persons who should thus receive one another in the Lord, or join together in christian fellowship." The general direction of the NewTesta- ment is contained in the words of my test, that we should receive into this sacred communion all that Christ has received to partake of his salvation, and that we Make no other test whereby to receive persons into our parti- cular congregations, than a credible profession of these things which Christ has macle necessary in order to par- take of his benefits. " Receive ye one another as Christ bath us ;" Roma. xv. 7. whether ye be Jews or Greeks, whether ye be bond -or free, whatsoever different charac- -ter ye sustain in the civil life, or whatever different na- lions gave you birth. Whosoever makes a credible pro -- fession to have received Jesus Christ and his gospel, and -$heir practice be correspondent to their profession, they are to be received by-us, though they may differ in par- ticular opinions, or in particular practices, which are of less moment and importance. This is one great design of St. Paul's xiv. chapter to the Romans. In his day there were some christians that maintained a regard to Jewish ceremonies, there were others who thought them- selves entirely delivered from all those yokes of bondage; someeat meat with freedom, while others only eat herbs; some observed particular days as holy, while others neg- leettd to observe them; some were weak in the faith} and others strong; but they are all called to receive one - another into christian fellowship, and not to make these doubtfuldisputat.ions, a bar to their sacred union; for the_kingdom of Cod is not meat and drink, .but righte- óusness and- peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost; and he
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