CHAPTER VI.

FELLOWSHIP OF THE CHURCH.

SECTION I.

Of the nature and necessity of church fellowship.

251. Is a knowledge of the true nature, constitution and design of the church, important to all its members?

It is important for otherwise they will be in ignorance of those duties, which they are under obligations to discharge, as members of the church.

Ezek. xliv, 5. 8. And the LORD said unto me, Son of man, mark well, and behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, all that I say unto thee concerning all the ordinances of the house of the LORD and all the laws thereof; and mark well the entering in of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary. And ye have not kept the charge of my holy things; but ye have set keepers of my charge in my sanctuary for yourselves. Matt. v, 19. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

252. Who are members of the visible church of Christ?

Those who have been admitted into it on profession of their faith and obedience, together with their children.

Acts ii, 38, 39, 47. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.

253. What is the supreme standard of doctrine and discipline, by which every church must be governed?

It is, as has already been declared, the whole word of God.

Matt. xxviii, 20. Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

254. Is it the duty of all, or only of some, to become members of the church of Christ?

It is the unquestionable duty of all who hear the gospel, to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ; and then to become members of his visible church.

Acts ii, 38. Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sius and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. 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. 1 John i, 3. That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye may also have fellowship with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

255. What are the ends of church fellowship?

The ends of church fellowship are, that christians may hold forth the doctrines of the Bible-maintain the ordinances of the gospel uncorrupted-promote their mutual holiness and edification-and thus become fitted for glory.

Col. ii, 2. That their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and unto all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ Rev. ii, 25. But that which ye have already, hold fast till I come. Phil. ii, 15. That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world. Col. i, 12. Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.

256. What are the privileges of members of the church?

The participation of the Lord's Supper-the baptism of their children-pastoral oversightthe sympathy and prayers of the church-the special promises of God-and the right of deciding upon all matters referred to them, relative to the spiritual interests of the church.

Isaiah iv. 5, 6. And the LORD will create upon every dwelling-place of Mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night for upon all the glory shall be a defence. And there shall be a tabernacle for a shadow in the day-time from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a covert from storm and from rain. 1 Tim. iv, 10. For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those that believe. Acts ii, 42. And they continued stedfastly in the apostle's doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. Psalm cxlvii, 19, 20. He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel. He hath not dealt so with any nation and as for his judgments, they have not known them. Praise ye the LORD. Rom. ix. 4. Who are the Israelites; to whom pertaineth the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises,

SECTION II.

Of the duties of church members.

257. What duties do members of the church owe to their pastor?

They should submit to his just and scriptural authority-love and esteem him-attend constantly upon his ministrations-co-operate with him in every good work-liberally support himand earnestly pray for him.

1 Thes. v. 13. And to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. And be at peace among yourselves. Heb. xiii, 7. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God; whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. 1 Cor. xvi, 15, 16. I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first-fruit of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) That ye submit yourselves unto such, and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboreth. 1 Thes. v, 11, 12. Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you. 2 Cor. i, 11. Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that, for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf.

258. What duties do the members of the church owe to one another?

They should love one another-visit each other in affliction-pray for one another-when necessary exercise forbearance and charitywatch over one another-and endeavor to live in peace and harmony.

Gal. vi, 2. Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. James v, 16. Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ve mav be healed. The

effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. Eph. iv, 2. With all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love. Rom. xii, 13. Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 1 John iii, 17. But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 1 Thess. iii, 11. Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. Lev. xix, 17. Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thy heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him. 1 Peter v, 5. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder; yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. Phil. ii, 3. Let nothing be done through strife or vain-glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

259. What duties do members of the church owe to the church itself?

They are bound to support it-to take a deep and active interest in all its concerns to seek its prosperity by all lawful means-and cordially to submit to its discipline.

1 Cor. xvi, 2. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.

260. What is the duty of members of the church to themselves, as individuals?

To grow in knowledge, in grace, and in communion with God; and to lead holy and exemplary lives.

John v, 39. Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life and they are they which testify of me. Psalm i, 2. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

261. What is the duty of members of the church, as heads of families?