132 CHRISTIAN PELLOWSHIP, {SERM. IX.. them, since we have mutually given up ourselves to one another in the Lord. 2. " Those who are united by such an agreement, ought most usually to attend on the public assemblies and ministrations of that church, where it can be done with reasonable conveniency ;" for we have joined ourselves in society for this very purpose. It is granted indeed, that many particular circumstances in life may give a just occasion for persons, more or less, frequently to join \with` other churches in their solemnities, which it would be top large at present to reckon up; but if upon every trivial humour we absent ourselves from that wor- ship, and those ministrations which we have agreed to support, it has a tendency to destroy that very fellowship which we engage to maintain ; and if each take their' liberty in this respect, without just reason, to wander' where they please, the minister may preach to the bare walls, nor can any ordinances be celebrated with con- stancy and honour. I might add also, that the constant attendance upon the same ministry, is the way to obtain a more uniform` and regular knowledge of the whole scheme of christia- nity, since it is to be supposed that there is more uni- formity in the sentiments of the same preacher, upon the several parts of the christian doctrine, and that in a course of years he will run through the various articles of faith and practice. 3. It' is the duty of persons thus united " to maintain their church or society, by receiving in new members amongst them by a general consent. Nowwhen persons profess that they believe all the necessary and most im- portant articles of the christian faith, when they declare they have solemnly given up themselves to Jesus Christ as their_ Saviour and their Lord, according to the require- ments of the gospel, and when they engage to walk in ali the ordinances of Christ, and desire to join/with that particular society, it is the business.and dutyóf the mem- bers thereof to receive suchprofessors," supposingalways that their good character in life gives a probable witness to the truth and sincerity of their profession. My text bids the converted Romans " receive one another in the Lord, as Christ has received them," and every church
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