Importance of church discipline. Scripture rule.

churches, except by the maintenance of strict and faithful Christian discipline. The members of our churches are therefore pledged to watch over, to admonish, to reprove, and to discipline each other, as necessity may require. A church that neglects this care of its members, is liable to be dealt with by its sister churches, as a "disorderly walker." We regard the 18th chapter of Matthew 15-18 verses, as a general directory in the exercise of church discipline: "If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between him and thee alone; if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And, if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican. Verily I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall bind on earth, shall be bound in heaven; and whatsoever ye shall loose on earth, shall be loosed in heaven."

Agreeably to these Divine directions, the regular course of procedure, in case that a church member is believed to be guilty of unchristian conduct or heretical sentiments, is substantially this: The brother whose suspicions are awakened, goes first, alone and privately, to the suspected brother, and tells him of his fears. Care is taken to have the interview entirely private. If the trespasser acknowledges his fault, and makes Christian satisfaction,* here the matter may end, nothing more need be said or done.

* What shall constitute Christian satisfaction, must depend upon circumstances. If the offence is strictly private-known only to the complaining brother, and very few others-acknowledgement of it, and a promise of reformation, would be deemed satis

The private steps. Complaint to the church.

But, if the offender refuses to give such satisfaction, the complainant selects one or two judicious and intelligent brethren, to join him in conversing with the offender, and endeavoring to convince him of his error: if these efforts prove unavailing, a regular complaint is laid before the church in writing; specifying the particular charges against the offending brother, and stating the attempts which have been made to adjust the difficulty by private

means.

It is considered entirely out of order for a church to receive such a complaint against one of its members, until they know that "the private steps"-as these preceding measures are called-have been taken.*

The church being satisfied that this has been done, vote to receive and examine the charges. Evidence of the truth of these is then called for. If witnesses are introduced who are not professors of religion, they may be requi

factory. If the cause of complaint be extensively known; the confession should be more public.

This may be regarded as a general rule-confession and satisfaction should be as public as the offence.

*

Many churches make an exception to this rule, in cases of open and notorious scandal, etc.; and receive a complaint before private means have been tried to reclaim the offender, and the Platform admits of this summary mode of proceeding in offences “of a more heinous, and criminal nature, to wit, such as are condemned by the light of nature." Chap. 14. § 3. The course pointed out in the text seems to me, however, preferable in all cases; for one prominent reason, if for no more, viz. That it is better adapted to secure one great end of all church discipline-the reformation of the offender. Almost any one will be more likely to be convinced of error, and brought to repentance, by the kind and faithful efforts of a friend in private, than by a public arraignment, in the first instance, before the whole church.

Final action of the church.

red to make oath to their statements.* If, in view of testimony, the church are convinced of the guilt of the accused, they, by their pastor or a committee-not excluding others-labor to convince the offender of his sin, and to induce him to make Christian satisfaction for his offence. These efforts being successful he is restored to good standing. But, if unsuccessful, the church, after suitable delay, proceed to admonish him, or to suspend him from their communion; or, to excommunicate, and cut him off from all relation to, or connection with the church-to cast him out, as a heathen man and a publican."

If at any future time, the excommunicated person should give evidence of repentance, he may be restored to the fellowship of the church, by making a public confession; and giving the church satisfactory evidence of a thorough reformation.

If the question be asked: What do Congregational churches regard as disciplinary offences? It may be answered, in general terms-Those only, which, if persisted in, will, in their opinion, exclude a person from heaven.

* The oath should be administered by a magistrate. This has not always been regarded as it should be.

There is much reason to doubt the propriety of these measures, when employed as punishments. They may be proper, as steps preparatory to excommunication; in order to furnish the offender longer space for reflection and repentance; but never, 1 conceive, as punishments, which being induced, offset—so to speak -the offence; and entitle the sufferer to a restoration to church privileges, and to favor with his brethren. Christ's direction: "If he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican"-requires the excommunication of every obstinate offender; and forbids a church to deal with a member for anything which, if persisted in, will not justify excommunication.

What are disciplinary offences.

A fundamental principle in the organization of our churches is, that none but good people" should be members of them. Reputed piety, is an indispensable qualification for church membership. Whatever practice, or doctrinal views, therefore, destroy the evidence of one's piety, unfit, of course, that person for church fellowship. Hence, no one should be made the subject of church discipline who is not pursuing a course of conduct, or cherishing doctrinal errors, which, if persisted in, must necessarily destroy his evidence of piety, and consequently his hope of heaven.

I am now speaking of what may strictly be called church discipline-including the preparatory steps, and the final action of the church. The above remarks are not designed to bring into question the lawfulness or propriety of church members speaking often one to another of any improprieties or indiscretions which may be noticed in each other. If there was more of Christian watchfulness among brethren, and frankness in speaking to each other about these matters, there would be much less need of church discipline.

VIII. DISCIPLINE OF PASTORS.

Sound Congregational principles and doctrines subject every pastor to the watch and discipline of his church. If he become heretical in doctrine, or corrupt in practice, he should be dealt with as any other member is; ly," says Samuel Mather," with such special terms of respect, and repetition of address, as the relation of a father may call for."

on

* The reader will find this matter discussed, at some length, in the Appendix, No. 7.

Discipline of Pastors-Council proper.

It is usual, however, for our churches to call for the advice of a council, before they proceed to excommunicate a pastor. All the preparatory steps may be taken, as in the case of a private member; the charges should be proved before the church, and the church should vote-That they are satisfied of the criminality of their pastor; but, in view of the peculiar importance and solemnity of the business, will take the advice of neighboring churches before proceeding further.

The pastor is then invited to unite with the church in calling a mutual council. This council examines all the doings of the church, and hears all the evidence in the case; if satisfied of the correctness of the measures pursued, and of the guilt of the pastor, they vote accordingly. They then proceed to depose the unworthy man from the ministry, and advise the church to excommunicate him. The church follow the advice of council, and thus terminates the melancholy business.

It is no doubt true, as the Platform maintains (chap. 10. § 6.) that the "church have power according to order," that is, according to the general principles on which a Congregational church is organized-to remove a pastor from office, without the advice and direction of a council; though it distinctly speaks of the propriety of "the council of other churches, where it may be had, directing thereto."

The reason why "the council of other churches" should direct thereto, is not, however, because a church has not sufficient power to perform this act of necessary discipline, as well as every other; but because, having invited "the council of other churches" to advise and assist in putting their pastor into office, consistency and decorum require