140 CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP. tian faith; when they declare they have solemnly given up them- selves to Jesus Christ as their Saviour and their Lord, accord- ing to the requirements of the gospel, and When they engage to walk in all the ordinances of Christ, and desire to join with that particular society, it is the business and duty of the mem- bers thereof to receive such professors," supposing always 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 should receive such as desire to join with them upon these principles. 4. " In order to keep the churchpure from sin and scandal, they should separate themselves from those that walk disorderly, who are guilty of gross and known sins ;" 2 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 Co- rinthian offender, who committed incest, was cast out byhis bre- thren, when the church was gathered together at the order of the apostle; 1 Cor. v. 4, 5,-7-11--13c They must put away wicked persons from among them, l'est they be charged with encouraging or indulging iniquity. When there aresettled 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 epis- tles, which are written to the churches require them to receive worthy members, and they are required to cast out those who areproved to be unworthy : Therefore this sentence inflicted on. the Corinthian sinner is called the punishment that was iricted by many ; 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 breadand wine for theLord's table ? Who shall collect and distribute the money of the church to the minister or the poor, if no particular persons are appointed for these purposes ? But how many sorts of 'officersbelong to a christian church, and what their distinct services are, shall be shewnunder the next general head.
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