78 A CHR/STUAN CHURCH. where providence gives just occasion ; but since each christian cannot watch over all others, worship with all others, assist to. ward the maintenance of all the poor, nor all the ministers, &c. those with whom he agrees to worship in a stated way, are the persons to whom lie is most immediately called to fulfil these kind offices, and has fairer opportunities to do it. And as I have shewn before, that public worship could never be certainly, re- gularly and comfortably maintained, without such a fixed com- munion, and every person that refuses such services to Christ and the church, musthave very plain and constraining reasons to excuse his neglect. Besides the privileges of fixed fellowship are, or should be, alluring and encouraging; such as, their opportunities of serv- ing Christ in his public interest in the world, supporting his naine among men, their vote in chusing ministers or officers of the church, and their interest in the prayers, cares and watchfulness of the church, for them, and over them, their special right to the spiritual assistance of the ministersand elders of that church in private counsels, admonitions, and prayers with them and for them ; their own temporal support, assistance and relief by the church, if they fall into poverty, &c. It is my opinion that scarce any person can be justly exempted, or excused, from fixed communion somewhere, but those, who by reason of their differ- ent opinions, unhappy temper, or some special circumstances of life, are under some sort of incapacity of fulfilling several of those duties, and yet by their credibleprofession appear worthy to partake of the special ordinances of the church. And if' there be any person to be found in such circumstances, I should think it is only such as these: 1. One that has no fixed abode, but his business of life is at all uncertainties, and calls him perpetually tochange his residence : Such were the apostles and evangelists, and the itinerant preachers of the first century, together with their attendants, who seem to bè settled members of no particular church. Or 2. Such a one that differs exceed- ingly in his sentiments in some important doctrines, or practical points of religion, from all thechurches of Christ near him, and yet may be supposed to hold all the necessary articles of the christian faith, but may not be so fit to assist as a member in the affairs of a church of so different opinions. Or, lastly, there may be such a person as may give some credible evidences of true piety in his heart, but his natural temper is so violent, his spirit so various and inconstant, that he can scarce confine Li nself to the settled orders of any community, but will be more likely to divide a congregation, than to edify it in love. Perhaps it may be lawful and proper ; nay, I add further, perhaps it is a necessary duty at some seasons, and upon very good evidence of their christianity, to receive such sort of per-
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