SECTION VIII.

Of the duty of the different churches; and of the church militant and triumphant.

44. In view of this liability to err, what is the duty of each church?

It is the duty of every denomination or church, to reform abuses where they may exist-to endeavor after full conformity to the plan of church order appointed by Christ-to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints-and to exercise strict discipline over all offenders, according to the spiritual laws of Christ's kingdom.

Rev. ii, 14, 15. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitanes, which thing I hate.

45. What further is the duty of the members of each particular church, towards those of every other denomination?

It is their duty to pray for them-to exercise charity towards them to live peaceably with them to remember, that to their own master they must give account-while rejoicing in the truth, to hold it in love—and, as far as no sanction is given to error in doctrine or practice, to co-operate with them in every good word and work.

Psa. cxxii, 6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Jude 3. Beloved, when I give all

diligence to write unto you, of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you, that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. Rom. xiv, 4. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth: yea, he shall be holden up; for God is able to make him stand. Rom. xii, 18. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 1 Cor. ix, 22. To the weak became as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Gal. vi, 10. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith, &c. See also 1 Cor. xiii.

46. What further division of the church, does this consideration of its present division lead you

to mention?

The church is further divided into the church militant, and the church triumphant.

47. What is meant by the church militant?

By the church militant, is meant the whole body of true believers in this present evil world; who are called, and required of God, to contend with many internal and external sufferings, adversities, persecutions, heresies and temptations. 2 Tim. iv, 7. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

48. What is meant by the church triumphant ?

By the church triumphant, is meant the whole number of the elect, the church of the first born, whose names are written in heaven; as they are freed from all these temptations and trials,―are admitted to the most perfect rest and blessedness, and are gathered together into one glorious church, under Christ their head.

Eph. i, 10, 22, 23. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ,

both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things in the church. Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Heb. xii, 22-24. But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first-born, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. See also Rev. xxi and xxii.

49. Should not the hope of this blessed state, shed abroad, in all true christian minds, the spirit of kindness and brotherly love?

Yes-however differing as to their modes of thinking, their particular opinions and forms, and however divided into particular communions; all real christians, who hold the head, ought to regard themselves as constituting but one church, and so to live together in unity of spirit, and in the bonds of peace, looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearing of their common God and Saviour Jesus Christ.

John xiii, 34. A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. Titus iii, 3-5. For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.

B3

CHAPTER II.

GOVERNMENT OF THE CHURCH.

SECTION I.

Of church government in general.

50. What is meant by government ?

Government, in its general meaning, signifies direction, regulation, or control. In reference to any particular state or nation, government signifies that system of fundamental rules and principles to which it is subject.

51. Is the christian church entirely distinct from civil society?

Yes, the christian church is entirely separate and distinct from civil society, in its nature, objects, and ends; being spiritual in its nature; having reference to the souls of men as its object; and being designed to fit and prepare men for a blessed immortality, as its end.

John xviii, 36. Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. See also Luke xii, 14. John vi, 15, and viii, 15. Rom. xiv, 17. Col. i, 13.

52. Has the christian church, in its visible form, any system of government different from that of the civil government, under which its members may live?

Yes, the christian church being a spiritual kingdom, whose only King, Head, and Governor is the Lord Jesus Christ, has a system of laws enjoined by Him, and by which alone it is, and of right, ought to be, governed.

Isa. ix, 6. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Col. i, 18. And he is the head of the body, the church; who is the beginning, the first born from the dead, that in all things he might have the pre-eminence. Eph. i, 22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church. Matt. xxiii, 8-10. But be not ye called Rabbi; for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth; for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters; for one is your Master, even Christ. John xviii, 36. Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now is my kingdom not from hence.

53. Where is this system of laws to be found?

In the word of God-the only infallible rule of christian faith and practice.

Isa. viii, 20. To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. Rev. xxii, 18. For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues which are in this book. Heb. viii, 5. Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, see, (saith he) that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.