I32 CHRiS2'IAN SELLOWSHIP, [SERM.IX, afford it, to contribute of their earthly substance toward the common expences of the sóciety;" that is, for the provision of the place' a worship, the maintenance of the minister, the support of the poor, and for every thing that relates to the outward preservation and interests of the church : And each one should give according to his ability : This is but apiece of common justice, and it is sometimes' fit to tell them so. 7. Shall I add in the last place, " That every thing of church affairs ought to be managed with decency and order, with harmony- and peace ? So the apostle directs the Córinthians; 1 Cor. xiv. 46. and chapter xvi. 14. Let all things be done decently and in order : Let all your affairs be doné with charity :" So in my text, " with one mind, as well as with one mouthglorify God." It is true indeed, every man has a will, and particular sen 'timents and inclinations of his own ; but the most com- mon and peaceful way of determining public affairs, is by the will and inclination of the -major part manifested by a vote : And in matters of lesser moment it is gener- ally wisest and safest to submit to such a determination of the majority, where it may be done without sin : But it is a very desirable thing, ifpossible, to do nothing with- out the unanimous approbation of those that are con- cerned. If there are differences arising, those who dissent from the major part, ought to be treated with all tenderness in order to convince and persuade them to consent. But if any thing be determined by the majo- rity, which they cannot comply with, they may peaceably make their remonstrances; and if they please, be dis- missed from that society, or depart. The fifth .general leads me to enquire " who are the officers which Christ bath appointed in his churches The names of the officers are these two, which probably include all the rest, " bishops and deacons ;" so they are called ; Phil. i. 1. Bishops and elders in primitive times are both called 'overseers in the Greek,,and seem tobe the same officers, for St. Paul' gives Titus the several characters of abishop, in order to direct what sort of persons should be chosen for elders. Their business is to teach and instruct, to go before the people in performing acts of worship, to give themselves up to the ministry of the word and 5
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