SEItRi'. ixj WITH ITS DUTIES AND ADV-ANTAGES. I25' that in these things serveth Christ, is acceptable to Goy, and approved of wen," and therefore he should not be excluded from christian societies; Rom. xiv. i, 2., 3, 17, 18. This I say is the general rule : But it must be confess- ed, that there are some christians whose sentiments are so directly contrary to others, in matters of worship or discipline, that it is hardly possible they should' unite in public worship; as for instance, he that believes pre- scribed forms-of prayer to be an unlawful thing, cannot join with a society, who never pray but by prescribed forms:, He that thinks no man Gan be a minister, unless, he be ordained by the hand of a diocesian. bishop, cannot unite in worship with a society whose ministers never" had, nor desired such an ordination. But .let each take heed how they embrace such limiting principles, There are others who differ so widely in some. of the Most im portant doctrines of christianity, that they cannot worship together with any tolerable edification or comfort, viz. Those who believe Christ died as a proper sacrifice -of atonement for sin, and venture their whole hope of sal- vation.upon it, and wait for sanctifying influences from: the Holy Spirit,. cannot comfortably unite with such sort of christians as suppose Christ to b-e only a messenger and prophet sent to restore natural "religion to men, and who deny any atoning virtue to, his death, or any influ -` ences' from the Spirit to change their hearts, and make' them. holy.. These are articles which I take to be matters of so high importance in the religion of the gospel, that I cannot advise persons to unite in societies fòr worship, where they are no better agreed in their principles : The humble and sincere believer of the gospel- ofChrist, would find his devotion and his edification continually inter rupted by such jarring opinions and contests, and the whole work of preaching, prayer and praise-would be very - disgustful to one part; while it pleases the other. " How is it possible two should walk together, except they are better agreed ?" Amos iii. 3. They agree indeed in the name ofchristianity, but their- real religion seems to be of a different kind. The general advice Which I would give as most con- formable to the sentiments of the great apostle; is this, " Let every person take heed that he does not too much VOL, IXI. K
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