SEEM. IX.] WITH ITS DUTIES. AND ADVANTAGES. 133 should receive such as desire to join with them upon these principles. 4. " In order to keep the church pure from sin and scandal, they should separate themselves from those that walk disorderly, who are guilty of gross and known sins;" Thess. iii. 6. They should reprove them with just severity, as the offence deserves ; and if the crime be such as makes void their profession, they should be cast out of the church, or excommunicated, as the Corinthian offender, who committed incest, was cast out by his bre- thren, when the church was gathered together at the order of the apostle ; 1 Cor. v. 4, 5, 7, 11, 13. " They must put away wicked persons from among them," lest they be charged with encouraging or indulging iniquity. When there are settled elders or ministers among them, these ought to go before the church, in a way of advice and direction according to the will of Christ, and by their lips persons should be received into, or cast out of the congregation : This is called the " discipline of the church." Yet it is still to be deemed an act of the church ; for Paul's epistles, which are written to the churches require them to receive worthy members, and they are required to cast out those who are proved to be unworthy : Therefore this .sentence inflicted on the Co- rinthian sinner is called " the punishment that was in- flicted bymany ;" 2 Cor. ii. 6. and in the 7. and 8.. verses, the church is commanded to forgive and receive him again upon his deep repentance. 5. " It is necessary that officers be chosen by the church, to fulfil several services in it, and for it." What person will take upon him constantly to speak in prayer, and be as the mouth of the people to God ? Who shall preach, and be as the mouth of God to the people? Who shall baptize and administer the Lord's-supper? Who shall take care of a place for worship, or provide bread and wine for the Lord's table ? Who shall collect and distribute the money of the church to the minister or the poor, sif no particular persons are appointed for these purposes ? But how many sorts of officers belong to a christian church, and what their distinct services are, shall be shewn under the next general head. 6. " It is the duty of those whose circumstances wilt H. 3
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