xt7sf7664m5s https://exploreuk.uky.edu/dips/xt7sf7664m5s/data/mets.xml Purviance, David, 1766-1847. 1811 books b92-102-27766070 English J.W. Browne, : Cincinnati : Contact the Special Collections Research Center for information regarding rights and use of this collection. Disciples of Christ Doctrines Observations on the constitution, unity, and discipline of the Church of Christ : addressed to the brethren of the Christian Church / by David Purviance. text Observations on the constitution, unity, and discipline of the Church of Christ : addressed to the brethren of the Christian Church / by David Purviance. 1811 2002 true xt7sf7664m5s section xt7sf7664m5s

OBSERVATIONS

ON TIlE

CONSTITUTION, UNITY, AND

DISCIPLINE

OF THE

C11URCH OF CUHRIS T.

ADDRESSED
TO THE
BRETHREN OF TIHE

CHRISTIAN CHURCH

BY DAVID PURVIANCE.

Is there no balm in Gilead Is there no physi-
cian there [Why then is not the health of the daugh-.
ter of my people recovered.-Jeremiah.

CINCINNATI:
PRINTED BY J. IW. BROWNE 6. Co.
LIBERTY HALL OFFICE.
1811.

This page in the original text is blank.

OIB SERVATIONS,c.

A PAMPHLET hag lately fallen into my hands,
written by B. JMarshall +- J. Thompson, which I
have read with attention, and (at least as far as I was
capable) with impartialitl

As their publication chiefly consists of a statement
of Errors, in Doctrine and Discipline, which (as they
apprehend) exist in the church, and among the peo-
ple, with whom I stand connected; I have endea-
vnred to realize that we are all liable to err; and
often unwilling to see and acknowledge our errors
Mty prayer has been-" Lord show me wherein I hare
erre-l, vherin I am wrong. and lead me in the right
way.", I confess I do not view the Christian (or as
it is frequently called, the Newli-bt) church, in the
light represented by the brethren above named. But
l apprehend it would be useless for me to state the
difference in my vieivs, as to matters of fact: and it
is not my present design to enter iuto an investiga-
tion of doctrines

We all profess to hate taken the Holy Scriptures
as the standard of doctrine and discipline; and ad-
nitting that evils do exist among us, a question arises
whether this is occasioned by any defect or insuffici-
ency in the rales prescribed in the word of God; or,

4 6

from a defect in our knowledge of those rules-and
a want of faithfulness in the observance and execu-
tion of them

We all admit that the Lord is our lawgiver; and
that the doctrines taught, and rules for discipline,
prescribed in the sacred scriptures, are perfect;
being dictated by the unerring spirit of God. It
appears to me, if more is necessary, the defect can.
Only be supplied by the Fame spirit; or that men who
make, ordain and establish other standards and forms
for, the church of Christ, or any branch thereof;
ought to be able to show from the word of God,
that they possess a delegated power from the su-
preme lawgiver so to ido; otherwise their acts are
gtnauthorised, and may be violated with. inTpunity.

I do not doubt the sincerity of those who adopt
human standards: while I freely show myowvn opi-
pion, and practise according to my.own views, I anm
not disposed to censure those that differ from me.
Their honest design may beto preserve purity and
order in the church; but I fear they are like Unztz
taking move pains than is pleasing to God. Nor do
I believe that any ar.gument in theirfavor; can be
fait v deduced from- eaperiment. It appears to me,
that thoe only purpose answered by the creeds of sec-
tarians, is, that they preserve their own peculiar
tenets or.notions; which descend from generation to
gentsiation. and serve to prevent mankind-from free
pccerbs to the pure unmixed fountain of truth.

It is the opinion of Marshall Thorppson, that
some other forms of Doctrine and Discipline besides
the Holy Scriptures, are necessary to remedy the
liunierous evils, of vhichbtheveomplai. It appears
to me that stey and I look thro' different glasses; I
do not see, that dezree of corruption and disorder,
which tbey represent to exist amoDg us. I see the

glorious tork of Gd advancing, sinners boUing to
bis sceptre, -and christians growing stronger and
stronger. And I believe all that is neessary to heal
disorders, and to perfect the body of Christ, is --to
attain a better understanding of the word of God,
and practise accordingly.

It is urged by many, that there, is such a diversity
among christians, both as to doctrine and practice,
that it is expedient they should be divided into sepa-
rate societies, and each regulated according to their
own views. This reasoning appears plausible, biM
I dare not adopt the plan; because it leads to the
establishment of divisions by human laws, which
the laws of our supreme lawVgiver expressly counter.
mand.-I. Cor. i, 1O. "Now I beseech you brethren,
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all
speak thle same thing, and that there be no division
among you." And moreover, it is contrary to the
spirit which every believer receives, when he is
adopted into the church of Christ. He loves God
as his father, and all who are begotten of him, as
his dear brethren. The spirit of Jesus, the living
head, binds the members of his body to each other
in love. In the same spirit we ought to abide. " As
ye have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye
in him." If a person bad nota previous knowledge
of different sects and names, in the church of Chriist
he could scarcely form an idea of their enistenee.
from reading thy 3New Testament.

Impressed with a sense of the necessity of under-
standing -the principles and constitution of lIe
church of Christ. and the scr ptsral form of abureh
government, I have paid some attention to the
subject, and shall endeavor to communicate my ideas
to the brethren, hoping that some profit may. arise
to the church ; and thatwherein I may be incorrect
or defective, such as are capable will be so kind as

a
to point out the errors, and supply the defects; so
that we may be fellow helpers together, and mutu-
ally aid in promoting the cause of trutW

I shall proceed, 1. to- speak of the church: and
2. of church government.

I. OF THE CHURCH,

I. The church of Christ is one spiritual body, in;
eluding all who believe in his name, and- are'quick-
ened by his Spirit. Rom. xii, 4, 5. ' For as we have
many members in one body, and all members have
not the same office; so we being many, are one body
in Christ. I. Cor. xii, 13-For by one spirit ve
arm all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews
or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have
been all made to drink into one spirit-John x, 16.
Pet. ii, 5. Eph. iv, 16.

Z. The church is one houshold, haring for its
foundation the Holy Scriptures, Jesus Christ being
the chief' corner stone. Eph. ii, 19,'20, 21-Now
therefore, ye are no more strangers,.and foreigners'
but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the hons-
hold of God; and are built upon the foundation of
of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself
being the chief corner stone: in whom all the buil-
ing fitly framed together, groweth into an holy temn
ple in the Lord.

3. The general church is divided into particular
churches: as the church at Corinth, Ephesus, Smyr.:
na, c. Eaeh having the same Lord, the same faith,
or creed, the same laws and ordinances.-Eph. iv,
5. One Lord, one faith, one-baptism. 1. Cor. vii, 17:
And so ordain I in all the churches.

7'
A particular church may be constituted of such
number of believers as local situation will adnoit.-
We read of churche, at particular houses-L Cor.
FMi, 19. Col. iv, 15.

A church may consist of persons exercising divers
gifts: an elder or elders, deacons and private mnem-
bers--Rom. xii, 6, 7, 8. Yet it does not appear that
officers in a church, are essential to its constitution,
or existence; but they may be appointed and or-
dained, when circumstances require. Acts xiv. Paul
and Barnabas visited the churches, and ordained
them elders in every church. the qualifications of
an elder are delineated-Tit. i, 6-9. and I conceive
that when a person or persons are found in any
church, possessing those qualifications, he or they
ought tor be ordained. Also it appears from Acts
vi, that in Jerusalem when the number of disciples
was multiplied, there arose a murmuring, because
the widows were neglected; on account of which,
deacons were appointed. inlike manner, it appears
to me, that when circumstances render it necessary,
in any particular church, deacons, or proper persons
ought to be chosen and ordained, to have the over-
sight and management of such things as are neces-
kury, for the welfare and good government of the
church.

There are various duties incumbent on a particu-
lar church, for their mutual comfort and edification,
assembling themselves together, uniting in social
prayer, exhorting one another, c. LDeb. x, 25.-
Mat. xviii, 19, 20.-Acts xii, 5.

1I OF CHURCH GOVERNMENT

That which comes under this head, may be included
in the following particulars:

1. Receiving memhe'.
2 Chureh cennires, or removing offece
3. Sendhng out preachers of the gospei.
4. The aupport of the mniniary
1. Receiving_ members. This belongs to the
church. Rom. xim, I. Him that is weak ip the
faith, receive ye, but not to doubtful- disputations.
Rom. xA, 7: Wherefore receive ye one another, as
Christ also received us, to the glory of God.

TIhe qualifications requisite to, chureh-member-
ship appear to, be " repentance towards God, and
faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ." Acts xxM 21
Those who are- united to Christ the living head, arn
virtually members of his body; and consequently
entitled to the privileges of his church; I do not
find that those particular points of doctrine, which
distinguish the different sects of Christians at the
present day, were called in question by the Apostles.
The main point was, evidence that the professed
disciple was a partaker of the same spirit. Acts x,
47. Can any man forbid water, that these should.
not be baptized who have received the Holy Ghost,
as well tts we, Acts viii, 37. And Philip said, if
thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.
And he said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the sonof
God Acts ii, 41, 8,12. Rom. x, 9,
2. Chzurch censures, or removinggoffences. . Every
transgression of the commandments of God, or holy
precepts of the gospel, is an offence, and ought to be

9
removed. II. Thess. iii, 14, 15. "1 And if any man
obey not our word, by this epistle, note that man,
and have no company with him, that lie may be
ashamed. Yet count not him as an enemy, but ad-
monish him as a brother." In dealing with orien-
ders, the primary object should be to retain and
restore. Gal. vi, 1. "d Brethren, if a man be over-
taken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such
an one in the spirit of meekness ; considering thy-
self, lest thou also be tempted." The rule of pro-
ceeding prescribed, Mat. xviii, 1a, 16, 17, ought to be
invariably pursued. "M Moreover if thy brother
trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault, be-
tween thee and him alone; if he shall hear tl.ee.,
then hast thou gained thy brother. but if hie -will not
hear thee, take wdith thee one or two more; and if he
shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church."
This rule of proceeding is more especially applica-
ble in case of personal offences; but no doubt will
apply where one member is hurt with any improper
conduct of another. And by thus acting in the
spirit of meekness and love, every thing may be
avoided which is calculated to aggravate the offen-
der, or spread the scandal First, the person at
grieved is to go alone. Second. He is to call the aid
of one or two more. Third, tell it unto the church.
If the offender is obstinately perverse, and cannot be
reclaimed, he is to be excluded. But while there is
hope of restoring him, the proceedings are to be
within tOe elturch, separate from the world.

Where a matter of scandal becomes notorinvs, and
public censure is to be inflicted, the church is to act
collectively: though it may be more particularly the
duty of deacons to see that discipline is exercised,
and such things removed as wound the body. I. Cor.
v, I. It is commonly reported that there is formea-
tion among you. v. 4-In the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and
A2

my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,
to deliver such an one unto Satan. v. I I1-But now
I have written to you not to keep company, if any
man that is called a brother, be a fornicator, or co-
vetous, or an idolator, or a railer, or a drunkard, or
an extortioner, with such an one, no, not to eat. v.
13-Therefore put away from among yourselves
that wicked person.

Surely here are sufficient rules, so far as relates
to immorality, in practice. But the greatest cam-
plaint is, that the scriptures do not furnish an ade-
quate remedy for the prevalence of erroneous senti-
ments.

To which I answer-

That the word of God, is the only standard, by
twhich we can fairly try and condemn error. If ano-
ther standard is made, as a test of orthodoxy, it is
as liable to be. wrong as that which is to be tried by
it. rhe church mnay err, with the perfect standard
of divisle truth ill her hand; but if we give to imper-
fect creatures an imperfect staundard of judgment,
they aye surely more liable to err. It is said-
"M'iany who profess to believe the scriptures, differ
widely in opinion." This may be the case., with
respect to a confession of faith, or any code of laws,
human or divine. But a man's saving he believes, is
not evidence of the fact. The Jews professed to.
believe Moses, but Jesus says-" If ye had believed
Moses, ye would have believed me." In matters oft
opirdon, which do not directly tend to licentiousness,
or to the subversion of christianity, charity and for-
bearance are to be exercised. Rom. xiv, 4, 5. But
the great question is-How far shall this forbear-
ance extend Or to what point shall it be limited
1 answer, it must be limited by the word of God,
the law which the great legislator has ordained for

thegovernment of his church. I see no more au-
thority for the church to make a law to excommu-
nicate a member, than the supreme court of the state
of Ohio has to make alawto sentence a man to death
or banishment. Whatever the private opinion of
the judges may be, they are bound by the laws of the
land; and if they transcend this, they are liable to
impeachment. In like manner, if a member of the
church is accused with heresy, we must have recourse
to the word of God. For instance: suppose a man
professes to believe the scriptures, and yet denies
that Jesus Christ was literally born of the Virgin
Mary; or that he was really crucified, and raised
again from the dead; and argues (as I have -under-
stood some do) that these things were figurative.
HIosw shall we prove he is a heretic We may have
recourse to the second Epistle of John, 7th verse:
"For many deceivers are entered into the world,
who confess not that Jesus Christ is come -in the
flesh. This is a deceiver and an anti-christ." Also.
to Rom. x, 9. " That if thou shalt confess with thy
mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine
heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou
shalt be saved"-and many other passages I men-
tion this as an example: and all such asacome under
the characters described, Titus i, 2. Rev. ii, 14, 15
20. Or such as can be proven to be heretics, accord-
ing to the scriptures. We know from Titus iii, 10,
that if they cannot be reclaimed by admonition, they
are to be rejected. In difficult or doubtful cases, the
counsel and aid of the ministry or eldership oughtto
be obtained. Acts xv, 2.

I acknowledge it has been the ease, in the course
of the-revival, both before and since the separation
from the Presbvterians, that with many individuals,
a thirst for novelty has been prevalent, and some have
been charmed with enthusiastic notions; yet I believe
there is no better correction for these tbiD-s thas
the word of GQod

3. Sending oat preachers of the gospel. I do not
find in the word ot' God, that any are authorised to
exercise the functions of the gospel ministry, except
such as are ordained and set apart to the sacred
nwice, by the laying on of the hands of the presby-
tz ! or eldership. Yet it is the privilege of the
menmbers of the body of Christ to exercise their
gifts, "differing according to thegracetlhatis given,'"
and as shall be most for edification. Rom. xii, 6, 7,
8. If the spirit of Christ reigns in the body, every
member (the eye, the ear, the foot, e.) will fill his
own place. I. Cor. chap. 12. Thus their several
gifts will be manifested.

It appears to have been a practice in the primitive
church, to give letters of commendation, to such As
went out to exercise their gifts as public teachers.
11. Cor. iii, 1. Also Acts xviii, 24 to 28. We learn
that Apollos, an eloquent man and fervent in spirit,
taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing
only the baptism of John. Ile was not, strictly
speaking, a preacher of the gospel of Christ; but
Aquilla and Priscilla having expounded unto him
the way of God more perfectly; when he was dispo-
sed to go into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting
the disciples to receive him. So I conceive, in the
present state of the ehurch, it is needful, that if any
one believes he is called to labor in exhortation or
preaching, the church from which he goes out be-
ing satisfied as to his qualifications, should give him
a letter of commendation. And from II. Tim. ii, 2,
it appears to me that at least one ordained preacher
ought to act in Concert with the church, in giving
such letter. The form of the letter may be such as
il the eye of the civil law may be called a licence.

It may be objected, that by this means ignorant,
unqualified men, will come into the ministry. If
some should set out who are not duily qualified, it

13
will soon be manifest; and they ought to be dissua-
ded. If they are good men, they vill distover they
have stepped out of their sphere, If not, they are
likely to sink for want of support and encourage-
ment. And if any are found pernicious, and will
not take counsel, or desist, they may be dealt with
as offenders. Those who are found useful, having
made sufficient proof of their ministry, may be or-
dained. This is nearly the plan we have pursued.
And though I hear of an ignorant or corrupt miniE-
try, I know them not. Some have risen from pri-
vate life to public usefulness; and the weakest
within my knowledge, is (I believe) doing some
good.

ORDINAT.ION is to be performed by fasting and
prayer, and laying on the hands of the Presbytery.
Acts xiii 3, 1f, 23. I. Tim. iv, 14. II. Tim. i, 6
I cannot find that there are different offices apper-
taining to ordained preachers. "' Elder," and
- Bishop," are only different names fora person ex-
ercising the same office. Tit. i, 5-7.

It appears from Acts xiv, 23, and Titus i 5, that
it was the primitive practice, to ordain elders in the
churches; and no doubt with the approbation and
consent of the church in which it was done. Yet
from the direction given to Timothy-IL. Tim. ii, a,
and the things thatlthou hast heard of me among
many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful
men, who shall be able to teach others .also-and
to Titus-Tit. i, 5-9.-It was requisite- that they
should examine, and be satisfied as to the qualifiea-
tions of those tb swhom they committed the impor-
t.nt trust.
The qualifications are plainly4delineated.-L. Tim.
chap. iii, and Tit. chap. i. And ought to be particu-
larly observed, both by the church, and by those who
perform the ceremony of ordination.
B

Complaints exist upon this subject; and even if
they are groundlesss (wvhich I cannot certainly de-
termine) they ought to teach us the necessity of
strict attention to the rules prescribed in the holy
scriptures.

Elders are required to be subject one to another.
I. Pet. v, 5. An Elder, chargeable with any thing
contrary to truth and righteousness, ought to ble
dealt with by such of his brethren as have opportu-
nity, in order that the evil may be removed. If this
measure fails of success, the matter ought to be re
ferred to such a convention of the eldership, or
preachers, as the nature of the case may require.-
Acts xv, 2, " When therefore, Paul and Barnabas
lad no small dissension and disputation with them,
they determined, that Paul and Barnabas, and cetr-
tain other of themn, should go up to Jerusalem, unto
the apostles and elders, about this question. v. 6,
" and the apostles and elders came together for to
consider of this matter." The apostles and elders
having decided the question, sent their decision, by
letter, to the church; of which the following is a
part: v. 24, " Forasmuch as -we have heard that
certain which went out from us, have troubled you
with words, subverting your souls, saying, ye must
be circumcised and keep the law; to whom we gave
no such commandment."

It may be said, that this was a question of doc.
trine, and will not apply to immorality in practice.
I can see no difference; because morality is as re-
quisite a qualification in a bishop or elder, as sound-
less in the faith or aptness to teach. I. Tim. chap. iii,
Tit. chapter

It may be objected fatrther, that an elder may re-
fuse to be subject to his brethren, and yet continue
to preach. I answer, the churches are not to receive

such an one. The church at Epbesus tried them
which say they are apostles, and are not, and found
them liars. I do not apprehend they instituted a
judicial process; but they tried them by the word of
truth, and rejected them. Also, read II. John, x.

It would be too tedious to answer every objection,
which may be started; but I rest assured, that as
long as the spirit of Jesus reigns in the church, and
as long as his people trust in him, and follow his
word; he will clear their way through every diffi.
cultv. I think it dishonoring to the king and head
of the church, to suppose that the laws he has given
are insufficient for the government of his kingdom.

4. Support of Mflinistcrs.-Jtis required of the
church to contribute for the support of those who
labor in the gospel. I. Cor. ix, 14. " Even so hath
the Lord ordained, that they which preach the gos-
pel, should live of the gospeL

As complaints were made in former days, that the
widows were neglected ; so complaints are noW
made, that the preachers are neglected. And as
seven men duly qualified, were chosen and set over
that business; I think the example sufficient for the
church, whenever it becomes niecessary, to choose a
competent number of suitable persons, whvbo may be
ordained, and attend to this and other exiencies.

It is a matter of importance to keep the proper
medium, between making the preaching of' the gos-
pel a mercenary business, and robbing God of the
free-will offerings, he requires for its support.

Under the Mrosaic dispensation, tithes and offer-
ings were required for the support of the priesthood.
The people are charged with robbing God, by with-
holdingthem. MaL iii, 8. In consequence of their

bringing them into the store-house; an abundant
blessing is promised.-v. 10. Something similar is
found in the New Testament. Gal. vi, 6, 7.. Let
him that is taught in the word communicate to him
that teacheth in all good things. Be not deceived,
God is not mocked; for whatsoever A man soweth,
-that shall he also reap. Paul commends the Philip-
pian church for their bounty to him. Phil. iv, 17.
" Not because I desire a gift, but I desire fruit that
may abound to your account." And concerning
collections for the saints, he gives order, that every
one lay by him in store. I. Cor. xvi, 2

Upon this subject, the word of God, is sufficiently
plain; and surely christians need no other rule to
compel them to their duty.

Bonds and callt have often been the cause of mur-
muring between preachers and people; and appear
to me contrary to the spirit of the gospel II. Cor.
ix, 6, 7. "But this I say, he whvich soweth sparing-
ly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth
bountifully, shall reap also bountifully. Every man
according as he purposeth in his heart ;-so let him
give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God
loveth a cheerful giver."

BELOVED BRETHREW,

Having gone through what I proposed on the sub-
ject of government, I shall conclude, by suggesting
to you a few ideas, as they may occur to my minds
From the short sketch I have given, I think we
must ackr owledge, that if we are corrupt and dis-
orderly, it is not owing to any defect in the rules,
by which we profess to be governed.

We may see just cause of humiliation, when we
take into view the course most of these men have
taken, whom we have loved and esteemed as our
fathers; who have been instrumental in bringing'us
to the ground on which we now stand; and by whose
hands,God has often givenmany of us the bread of life.
Their report of us is evil; let us bear the stroke
without resistance. Let us be alwvays willing to see
our own errors, and endeavor to amend. Let us
never fight for ourselves; but commit the cause to
God. Let us "w walk worthy of the vocation where.
with we are called, with all lowliness and meekness,
with long suffering, forbearing one another in love;
endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the
bond of peace." The work of the Lord will not
sink. Acts v, 38, 39. And nowv I say unto you,
refrain from these men, and let them alone; for if
this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to
nought; if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it.
The Lord linows who is right, and he will fight the
battle

I have expected, for a considerable time, that
some of our brethren would leave us. But I enter-
tained a hope, we could part, like brethren;, and
enjoy occasional fellowship. I mentioned to some
of them to this effect-" If we must part, let us part
in peace, and live as good neighbors." One of them
replied-" That is my mind; let there be no up
braidings."

They complain of errors, and diversity of senti-
ment. I have no doubt there is some'error and di-
versity of sentiment among us. But I had no idea
of as much as they have suggested. Some of the
particulars they have mentioned concerning Jesus
Christ and the Holy Ghost, I never recollect to have,
heard, from any among us.

I am sensible my knowledge of "the only true
God, and Jesus Christ, whom he hath sent, is very
imperfect. But I know I love the truth . yet I con-
fess my mind has been sometimes too much on the
stretch after things which were of little weights The
knowledge all-important to us, is, to lave right views
of the holy character and perfections of God; of his
will concerning us, and our dutytowards him. The
love of God is a glorious theme, but I think some of
us in time past, have ran to an extreme on that sub-
ject, by not keeping sufficiently in view, that altbo'
" God is love," yet he is a being of tremendous ma-n
jesty; that he will maintain his righteous govern-
ment; and finally take vengeance on them, who
know not God and obey not his gospeL

They complain farther, that notwithstanding our
profession to love christians of every name alike,
there are no people more ready to speak hard of
other societies, c. If this is true, with respect to
any of us, let us do so no more. I have heard little
of this lately, but I. can recollect the time when I
think some of us did in public speak against certain:
doctrines, in a manner that was rather offensive
than edifying. And in private conversation, the
errors we bupposed to be in others, were dwelt upon
more than was profitable. He is commonly wrong.
and actuated by an evil spirit, who is often expatia-
ting on the wrongs of others.

I think also that brother Marshal, and I, and per-
haps some others, erred in speaking too severely
against creeds and books of discipline, which other
dear brethren think necessary and useful. I think
the holy scriptures sufficient, and the only founda-
tion, on which the spiritual houshold, or body of
Christ can stand united and complete, all fitly com-
pacted and joined together; but she is God's build-
ing and God's husbandry, and 'ye must not attempt

to pull down and build up with our own hands; but
walk in love, cultivate the spirit of unity, and lek.
Jesus mansage the affairs of his own kingdom..

Human standards of faith and discipline may have
their use. But permit me to observe, that whentble
fire of heaven is kindled and rises to a flame. in the
church; when the love of God is shed abroad in the
hearts of the people by the Holy Ghost, they cannot
be confined to sect or party. They overleap all hu-
man walls, crying, union, union, with all the lovers
of Jesus. The unity of the church is nottobeeffect-
ed by an outcry against human systems and party
names; but by fervent charity and undissembled
love. When the glorious revival took place in the
Presbyterian church (and particularly in Tennessee)
about ten years ago, those engaged in the work had
littleuse for theirconfession of faith. Their hearts
were enlarged to receive Christians without respect
to sect or nlame. They united with one accord in
calling sinners lo repentance, and in earnest prayer
to God for their salvation. Young men were sent
out on every direction, to exhort or pi-each the gos-
pel: and though they could neither speak Latin nor
Greek, and had but little knowledge of systematic
divinity, their labors were owned of God, and at
tended with a blessing to many precious souls;-
Numerous cong-regations were assembled,.composed
of people of various denominations. Nd doubt there
was diversity of sentiment among them; but while
they continued in love to one another, and zeal for
the cause of God, and spake the simple truth, which
they felt in their hearts; the Lord was with them
in power and great glory.

But as soon as they. became careful about their
rules and standards; and began to contend for their
peculiar tenets; a declension took place. I know
truth is precious: yet. no doubt many who fear God

and work righteousness, hold some errors:- yea, we
are all very imperfect in knowledge ; and I suppose
all believe some things that are not true. But if the
Lord bears with our infirmities, shall we not bear
with one another

Do we not all believe, " that there is one God,
and one mediator between God and mer", the man
ChristJesus Thatthere is none othernameunder
Heaven given among men whereby we must be
saved Thatwemust believe in the LordJesus
Christ, receive his holy spirit, and repent of our sins
That without holiness no man shall see the Lord
And that the finally impenitent shall be punished
with an everlasting destruction, from his pretence "
Shall we then reject from fellowship, on account of
things not expressly revealed, and concerning which
honest souls may differ in opinion Where this
contracted, uncharitable spirit prevails, it is marked
with deadness and barrenness, the tokens of divine
displeasure. Whereas when Christians, even of dif-
ferent sects, and different opinions, flowtogether in
love, they are blessed with the smiles of Heaven,
and the out-pouring of the spirit of God. The cause
of Christ is deeply wounded, by the spirit of intole-
rance, which often appears in the preachers of the
gospel; respecting constructions or opinions, which
many feel themselves incapable fully to investigate
and understand.

But that soul is safe, who trusts the Lord, who
believes what is plainly revealed, and practises.what
is plainly commanded. Prov. iii, 5, 6. I heard of
a brother, of my acquaintance, lately; who had been
confined for a considerable time, to a sick bed. I
knotv he formerly had a talent for searching into
things -which were intricate and abstruse. I was
told that in his sickness he used such language as
this " I find a few truths will do a