If Christians view the terms upon which religious society exists a burden, it is to be observed that restrictions appear in every social connection of life, Rom. 14:7. The governing ends and purposes of society daily interfere with the narrow views and wishes of men in every relation, Ps. 68:6. Inflexibility in opinion...
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Even the wildest enthusiasts admit the need for some kind of order and discipline in their assemblies. This universal practice is founded on several unerring (i.e., undeceiving) principles: 1.) The present condition of human nature requires it, Rom. 8:7; 1 Pet. 2:13, 14. Because man is endued with reason...
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There are several objections that are brought which have an appearance of plausibility often because of the use of Scripture. First, there are those objections based upon supposed Scriptural inferences which, they say, demonstrate the kingdom of God consists only in a spiritual disposition and a religious...
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Before we discuss the principles which enjoin us to separate, we should be very careful to recognize that separation is the last resort of a desperate cause—one wherein communion cannot be held together with a good conscience, 1 Tim. 1:19. To withdraw for slight causes, which do not affect the conscience, is always...
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If all the principles discussed hold, then it ought to appear highly reasonable and consonant to those principles that everyone admitted into church-communion, should be required to satisfy the church, previous to admission, concerning a soundness in the faith. Revealed truth is the very foundation of the...
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These principles should lead to the conclusion that all who hold to the same religious connection should engage themselves in a labor of love toward one another, 1 Pet. 1:22. The true principles of church-communion ought to have a most direct and powerful influence to see the character of saints completed...
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The first direction is that Christians ought to be cautious in forming religious connections because: 1.) Christians are to strive not to live single and unconnected from religious society, Heb. 10:25. They are to press into the kingdom of heaven, Luke 16:16. Even by going forth by the footsteps of the flock, Song 1:7, 8...
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The third direction is that Christians ought to be diligent in improving religious connections, Eccl. 9:10. Which implies two things: 1.) That the duties of religious communion should be made our great business, Jer. 29:13. We should be always ready and watchful to embrace every opportunity to attend on the...
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Anything, whether of greater or lesser importance, regardless of whether or not it is still controverted amongst Christians, if it is really sinful and acknowledged by the church to be so, must be considered by that body to be opposite to those truths and duties professed, Rom. 14:22, 23. When the church...
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While it is acceptable for us to invite men to our own table, this is the table of a friend, John 15:15. We must await the command of a friend to make invitation to his table, Luke 14:15-17. We must allow that the table of the Lord is to be regulated by what may be acceptable to Him. Luke 14:24. Those who assert that...
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