Advice to Church Members: Or, Sketches of Human Nature; Comprising Useful ...

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Part I

Or THE DiiciFMirs of a Church, Orrsircss, &c. Page

Of the improper treatment of offeoces, _ _ . _ 9 The importance of impartiality in the brethren called apon

to assist in removing an offence, ..... ig

Churches called to judge only on evidence, - - - - 19

Christians ought to guard against too easily taking offence, 23 The impropriety of partially forsaking the communion of a

church, on account of a private offence, - - - - 26

Importance of having offences as speedily removed as possible, 30

When an offence may be considered as removed, - - 32

To remove offences, mutual concession is generally necessary, 34

The spirit with which discipline ought to be adn^inistered, 37 Some of the benefits arising from the exercise of Christian

discipline, *..39

PART II. Of th£ Pfaxicious Effects of TA.LE-BEAaiicG, of Judoiito

The effects ofa tattling disposition, ..... ^

Professedly lamenting over the imperfections of others, one way of indulging a tattling disposition, .... 46

The extent of the Christian precepts respecting evil speaking, ' 48 Be slow to speak, ...-.-...49 Imprudent characters in a charch tend much to perplex it, and disturb its comfort, .......53

Of speaking unguardedly of other sects, .... 55

On the unqualified abuse of writers whose sentiments are iwrtially incorrect, ...-----59

Evil-speaking compatible, in a certain degree, with speaking

the truth, 61

Some cases in which men are apt to judge rashly and inaccurately of others, -.------63

The necessity of caution in receiving information resfiecting other sects, especially when it comes from their opponents, 71

Part III

Introdactory remarks to ibis Part, ..... 77 OfehoosingaPastor, ..--....96 Of the inportaoce of personal religion in the work of the ministry, and the danger of resting satisfied with the mere oAcialdisehaiiet^ public duty In its room, - • - 105

▼1 INDEX TO SUBJECTS.

The pastoral relation entirely a confidential one, - - - 110 Of the aupport of pastorSf - - - - - - -118

The danger arising Com that knowledge which pufibtb np, 125 On the jealousy or superior talents, - - . - . 129 The necessity of preachers guarding against tale-bearers, - 131 The evil of public teachers iorming rash and improper connexions in life. --133

On difibrent modes of preaching, ...... 139

The importance of pastors guarding against partiality, • 141

The importance of a bishop not being soon angry, - - 145 On the proper state of mind under ministerial sueeen or

discouragements, ........ 147

Hints to public teachers, in remarks on Isaiah 9 : 16, - - 153

PART IV. Remarks oir MiscBLLAirEocs Subjects

The duty of embracing every opportunity of doing good, - 169

On Christians going to law with one another, - - - 179

A test for ascertaining the existence of Christian charity, - 175

The offence of the cross often increased by men's own folly, 177 The evil of hastily indulging suspicion against the principles

of a public teacher, --.-..-- 179

Hints to preachers^ founded on the preceding chapter, - 183

Christian fellowship does not destroy civil distinctions, - 185

The necessity of forbearance, from the variety of character

to be expected in Christian churches, - - - - 187

Want of concern for the salvation of others, a proof that a

system is materially defective, ------ 195

The evil of party spirit, -..-..-- 198 On the importance of friendly intercourse between neighbouring churches, and what seems necessary to maintain it, S09 The importance of distinguishing between incidental evils,

and those with which a system is chargeable, - - - 213

Borne of the extremes into which Christians are apt to fall, 2J6 Unnecessary delays in admitting members into churches

ought to be avoided, - - 219

The importance of order and regularity in conducting the

business of a church, - - - --". - . S2l The evil of being swayed by family connexions in matters

ofreligion, 223

Hints to Christian servants, ....... Si26

Human nature to be studied, in administering reproof, - 233 A view of the deceitful ness of the heart, - - - . 234 On indulging men's prejudices, -..--- 235 Some violations of Christian principle in conducting business, 239 Sympathy with the distrcRsed, calculated to remove prejudices against our Christian profession, .... 245

A few questions, fitted to promote among Christians a spirit

of mutual forbearance, - - 247

Admpnitions to members of eyangeli^lchurcb^i - r 251

AUTH0&*3

Preface

It Is here proper to Inform the reader, that by the word ekvrchety Which win be found frequently to occur In this work, is to be understood those societies of professing Cliristians in which tha members, acknowledging one another as disciples of Christ, Voluntarily as:$ociate together for the purpose of observing his ordinances. Snch I conceive to be the description of those socielies which, in the apostolic age, received this appellation. It is hoped the remarks ivill be found to convey useful hints to Christians of all denominations, and who may be found in very diifereiit situations.

I recollect, when conversing some time ago with a friend, on the effects of mutual watchfulnesji, and of the observance of scriptural discipline, he remarked : " One thins, at least, appears very obvious, that, where these are attended to in churches, Christians will find the corruption that is in human nature made much mori3 manifest than in other situations. Now, it has been with me a question,- Is this a recommendation of such churches i Those occurrences, it must be allowed, in the history of individu> als, which bring the evil that exists in their hearts to light, ort«ii form an important source of improvement, as they tend to inspire humility and watchfulness: May not this, then, be tlie way in which tlie great Head of the church designed that Christians, in their associated capacity, should promote tlie improvement of one another 1" — Whatever has been the issue of this inquiry, in the case of the individual referred to, the fact on which it is founded is unquestionable. Where Christians acknowledge no authority, and have no bond of union but the word of God, restraints ol a merely external kind are In a great measure removed -, and as, in the discipline which the Scriptures reqtiire to be observed in a Christian church, many things sufficiently disagreeable to human nature must inevitably occur, the observance of that disci|>line certainly does tend to bring to light much secret depravity, which, in less trying situations, might never have been discovered.

The cases to which the following hints relate are such as frequently occur in real life. To such as are accustomed to observe what is in man, it will be apparent, that the evils mentioned in the following pages, in general, exhibit traces of the workings of* onr common nature, of that original depravity that is inherent in all, and which, though it is the design and tendency of the Gofl|i«l to overcome, is not completely destroyed so long as the Christian tabernacles in his cottage of clay. Medical men have a metluMl of suggesting useful hints in the healing art, by publishing cases l« wtaich the symptoms of the patients are particularly deserlbtid,

along with the treatment they lulopted, and the suceeM with which their prescriptions wera accompanied. There if not a greater siiiiiJarity in the bodily constitutions of men than in the complexions of their minds. (Something, therefore, of a similar method may perhaps be usefully employed in pointing out the maladies to which Christians in a collective bodv are subject. Between these two cases, indeed, there is a material difference. In the former, while the physician marks the symptoms of a disease, his own ingenuity must be set to work to discover a lemedy. In the latter, we have an infallible remedy at hand ; and our only business is to point out the proper application of this remedy, while we persuade men to have recourse to it, by Reminding them both of its absolute infinllibility, and that nothing tlse will suit the disorder.

The chief design of the following hints is, that while the reader, under the influence of that impartiality with which we are disposed to judf:e of a general statement, sees the principles on which men, in certain situations, should act, be may be the better prepared to reduce these principles to practice, when placed in a similar situation himself. I am aware, indeed, there is one powerful obstacle to our making a proper use of any general statement that can be described. This is that perverting infldence of self-love, which, wherever we are personally concerned, leads us to view things with a Jaundiced eye, and prevents us from judging with that Justness and impartiality which we would otherwise discover. It must often have occurred to those accustomed to observe human nature, that in most instances where one man has received a personal offence from another, he is apt to suppose there are some very peculiar circumstances of provocation, — some uncommonly great aggravation, which renders his case very different from almost any other that can be mentioned ; and he Is surprised if others cannot see every circumstance in the same strong point of view with himself. Now, whence does this supposed peculiarity in general arise 1 From nothing but his feelings being roused where he is personally interested ; while In other cases he is neutral, and, of course, Judges dispassionately. No hint of greater importance can be suggested than the necessity of guarding against this very self-love, which is so extremely apt to mislead usj wherever, from our personal feelings or interest being Involved, it has an opportunity of operating.

8ome persons may consider many of the remarks in the following pages so obvious, that it was in a great measure unnecessary, in such a publication as this, to bring them forward. But it ought to be recollected, that there are babes in Christ, as well as young men and fathers, and that such hints as may seem quite unnecessary to some, may be both necessary and useful to others. The different articles are to be considered as so detached, that each of them may be read separately, without any disadvantage..

ADVICE

TO

CHURCH MEMBERS.

Chapter I

or THE IMFROPEB TREATMENT OF OFFENCES.

When offences exist in churches, meaning by the expression, those occurrences which prove stumbling blocks to others, and thus lead them into sin, if difficulties be found in the application of discipline, they may generally be traced to some improper steps having been taken at the beginning. In cases of private offence, it is of the utmost importance to keep closely, by the rule laid down by our Lord, Matt. 17 : 15. " Moreover, if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone : if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will nol hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that, 2

10 IMPROFSR TREATMENT OF OFFENCES,

in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established. And if he neglect to hear them, tell it to the church ; but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be to thee as an heathen man and a publican.'^ There is often a partial attention to this rule, while the spirit of it is in a great measure overlooked. This is the case where, though the offended party goes to his brother, he does not go to him first It frequently happens,, that one who is offended, instead of strictly adhering to this part of the rule, previously mentions the offence to others. Now, this is exceedingly improper, and seldom fails to produce a bad effect. It is plainly the design of this first step prescribed by our Lord, that if it prove effectual by our brother hearing us, the knowledge of the offence should go no farther. But such a deviation from the rule as that alluded to, is spreading the offence before this preliminary step be adopted.

The following evils are evidently involved in such R conduct, or are likely to flow from it. 1, It is not doing to our brother as we would that he, in similar cir(;umstances, should do to us. 3. Though those to whom we communicate the ground of our offence, should have the prudence not to mention it to others, it is apt to excite in their minds a certain degree of prejudice against the offender. This tends, at least, to weaken their love to him if it should do nothing more, and thus proves injurious to their own minds. 3. If, as frequently happens^ it should come to the ears of the individual who has offended us, that we have been, speaking of his conduct to others before we came to himself, it throws r g^at obstacle in the

way of recoDc3iation. We come as the party oflTended to him, conceiving that we have nothing to do hut receive satisfaction. He, on the other hand, feels himself aggrieved hy our conduct, and considers himself, though originally perhaps in the wrong, as entitled to some acknowledgment of our impropriety. When such cases happen, unless there is a great readiness, mutually, to acknowledge whatever is blameable, confidence and cordiality cannot easily be restored.

It sometimes happens that offence is given by a member of a church, if he has heard of any thing objectionable in the conduct of a brother, making inquiry about it in a circmtous manner^ and not going directly to the individual himself. This is often done under the guise of great caution and prudenoe. But ■ as it is a device of man, and a deviation from the law of Christ, we cannot reasonably expect it to succeed. However cautiously the inquiry may be conducted, the party about whom it is made very generally hears of it, and the supposed accusation probably comes to him, accompanied with circumstances of aggravation, which, though not a part of it originally, have been attached to it in passing from one to another. Jealousy is thus produced, and charity is wounded. How much bettor is it to go directly to your brother himself, if you have heard of any thing in his conduct, either of the truth of which you are in doubt, or to which you may have objeLCtions, if you know it to be true. By candidly stating the case to himself, you are likely to get the most ample satisfaction. But this is not all : you are not authorized, even in the most cautious manner, to mention

Digitized by LiOOQIC

12 IMPROPER TRSATMffVT Of 0FFESCK8.

what appears to you an offence on his part, till you have first stated it to himself. If you talk of it to others previously to your doin^ so^ you yourself become an offender.

When two Christians are situated at a distance from one another, and a personal offence takes place between them, in consequence, for example, of the unguarded language of the one having done a real or supposed injury to the character of the other, it will usually be found very difficult to settle it by epistolary correspondence. Where a man is under the influence of chagrin or irritation, the most innocent expressions are apt to be misunderstood; and as some time must elapse before they can be explained, even when explained, the false meaning that was ascribed to them is not easily erased from the mind. How much better is it for brethren, when a personal interview is at all practicable,, to subject themselves to considerable inconvenience to obtain it. Difficulties, which perhaps could have never been removed by letters, if persons meet together with a conciliatory spirit, and cheerfully disposed both to give and receive satisfaction, will in half an hour's conversation completely vanish. Thus the literal observance of our Lord's rule, that, if our brother trespass against us, we should go to him^ will be found productive of the happiest effects. While the parties, in this way, will be led mutually to lament that remaining depravity which is in their hearts, they will be equally constrained to admire that gracious and wise appointment of our divine Master, which is so beautifully calculated to remove the offeAC^£l that take place among his people, and to

maintain a spirit of peace and loire/in spite of that remainder of corruption which is so apt to destroy it

When an offence is either originally of a public nature, or, though at first private, is necessarily made public by the failure of other steps to remove it, it almost unavoidably becomes, in some measure, the subject of conversation, both among the members of the church, and in the world. The less, however, it is talked of by the former, especially before the matter be fully investigated, so much the better. Before any one makes it the subject of conversation, it would be well to ask. What good is likely to be attained by doing so ? If none, should it not rather be avoided ? If it is introduced, see that you do not use greater severity in speaking of it to others, than you would do to the offending individual himself. If at any time you have occasion to mention the statement or opinion of another in regard to it, see that you give it no additional colouring, but endeavour to repeat it simply as you received it

One reason why we ought most cautiously to guard against any impropriety in our temper or conduct, in dealing with an offending brother, is, that if he has fallen into sin, It is of much importance, not only that he be restored, but that his fall may become the occasion of his reaping some spiritual advantage. Now, when does this take place? When the offender is humbled, under a sense of his guilt, discovers more of the deceitfulness of his own heart, and is thus led to increased watchfulness. But if a man has done what is wrong, nothing is more natural than to seek for some mitigation of his offence ; some sort of grati^cation ia discovering

tiiat he ifl not the only offender, hut that the conduct of others pteaentB something that is hlameworthy, as well as his own. It is much to he regretted, when any handle is given on which this malignant propensity can listen. When this is the case, the offender, instead of being humbled at his own criminality, is apt to feel a sort of secret consolation, at the thought that others, in some measure, keep him in countenance ; that if guilt be incurred, he is not the only offender, but that it is only a share of that guilt that can be imputed to him. Whenever any one professing godliness feels a satisfaction from this quarter, let him take the alarm. It is the signal of danger; it indicates the influence of that spirit of self-deception which men often indulge, in order to keep them from that humiliation which a sense of guilt should produce. Let such a one recollect, that " every man must bear his own burden ;" that his personal conduct ought to be viewed quite detached from that of those who may have incurred blame along with him ; that his guilt cannot be mitigated by that of others, however great. The following is one way, among others, in which a spirit of self-justification is often manifested. If the charge that is brought against a man be at all of a complex nature, he is apt to fix with eagerness on any part of it, which is either unfounded altogether, or exaggerated ; and the circumstance of one small part of it (perhaps something even merely incidental) being false, is frequently considered as mitigating, if not altogether doing away, the criminality of what is true. Now, this is a most unhappy propensity ; ppd wherever there is a disposition to dwell oji such

a circumstance, there is no evidence of genuine hamiliation for what is wrong. Though, in bringing a charge, some circumstances should be misrepresented or exaggerated, there may be others which, according to the most impartial view of them, contain matter of the most just accusation.

It ought, in this case, to be more the concern of the offender to be humbled, where the ground of accusation is just, than to defend himself, because some part of the charge brought against him is unfounded. This suggests a hint to those who meet with what offends them in the conduct of others, and which they have occasion to reprove. Let them cautiously guard against exaggerating any circumstance. Let them scrupulously inquire into the truth of every thing they advance, that the effect of their reproof may not be lost by some inaccurate representation, which the party reproved may lay hold of, and which may seem to furnish him with an apology for self-defence, or irritation, instead of leading him to godly sorrow for his conduct. Above all, let it ever manifestly appear, that reproolj wherever administered, is dictated by genuine affection to him who is the subject of it.

16 IMPORTANCE OF lUFARTIAXITT

CHAPTER 11.

THE IMPORTANCE OF IMPARTIALITY IN THE BRETH- REN CALLED UPON TO ASSIST IN REMOVING AN OFFENCE.

In causes of offence, where it becomes necessary to have recourse to the second step in our Lord's rule, viz. to take one or two more, to see if the offender will hear them, it is of the utmost importance that the brethren thus employed should examine the subject with the most unbiassed and unprejudiced minds. It may sometimes happen that, from their previous view of the character of the one or the other party, they may be disposed to lean to the one side or the other, before the whole circumstances of . the case be laid before them. Now, this is what ought to be carefully avoided. They ought to guard against any tendency, even in their own minds, to prejudge the case, till both parties be fully heard. Much, in the way of removing offences, often depends on the temper and judgment manifested by the brethren employed on such an occasion. If they form a false decision, either from want of discernment or from partiality, it tends to irritate the party, who is not conscious of being blameworthy, while it encourages and screens the aggressor, and thus prevents him from being brought to that humiliation, on account of his conduct, which it is one great design of discipline to produce.

IN &£MbTIire AN OFF£NC£* 17

It is necessary, at the same time, for the party really aggrieved in such a case, to recollect, that the brethren called in may at first form an inaccurate judgment, merely from not fully understanding the subject, without any intended partiality. Much temper and patience are of course requisite in the person who has just cause of offence. As he knows all the circumstances of the case, he is apt at once to fix in his own mind the decision that ought to be f(mned, without giving others time to know them as well as himself. I have seen a person, in this situation, betray a very improper spirit, because the brethren called upon could not all at once decide in his favour, though the hesitation arose only from an imperfect acquaintance with the circumstances, and was completely removed by more correct information. A man must be very ignorant of human nature indeed, if he expects that others are to enter into a case in which he is personally implicated, as warmly as he does himself. No ! What he views with the deepest interest, others will contemplate as a matter of comparative indifference ; and an offence, which he sees clothed with circumstances of such high and peculiar aggravation, that he can hardly view it with any temper, and conceives thsit a similar one is scarcely to be found, to his astonishment^will appear to others as nothing difierent from what happens every day. Such is the deceitful influence of self-love. When stated in general, we recognise the justness of the representation ; but how apt are all to be sadly misled by it, wherever a case occurs in which, from the nature of the circumstances, this principle is called fotth ? 3

18 IMPORTANCE OF IMPARTIAL ITT.

It may sometimes happen, that after an offbnce, originally of a private kind, has, in consequence of the failure of othdr attempts to remove it, been brought before a church, a delay may be requisite, on account of the unexpected absence of one whose testimony is necessary, or of some other cause. In such a case, it is of equal importance, that all the members should keep their minds unbiassed till the whole evidence be laid before them. They are sometimes in danger, from the particular neighbourhood in which they live, or from their intimacy with one of the parties, to listeato a partial representation of the matter, and are thus prepared in their own minds to exculpate the one, and condemn the other, before the case be fully heard. But though the decision ultimately pronounced by the pastor should be obviously the right one, such a practice as that referred to is apt to excite a certain degree of prejudice, from which a schismatical spirit (i. e. a spirit hostile to the circulation of mutual confidence and affection,) is very likely to flow. If one part of the members may with propriety hear one statement of the case, may not another part with equal propriety listen to another ? A foundation is thus laid for secret surmising and dissatisfaction; and though there can be no room for objections after the true state of the case is ascertained, and the applic&tion of the law of Christ pointed out, yet there may be a want of that cordiality in the decision, which every member of a church ought to feel where the laws of the Lord Jesus are faithfully executed.

CHURCHES TO JU]>e£ OITLT ON STIDBNCE. . 19

CHAPTER III. CBtmCHES CALLED TO JUDGE ONLY OW EVIDENCE

That churches may jadge with propriety of cases of discipline laid before them, and that they may thns heartily acquiesce in the administration of that discipline as conducted by their rulers, they ought never to forget the maxim of Scripture, that it is " in the mouth of two or three witnesses that every word is to be established." This was the rule according to which the punishments inflicted by the law of Moses were to be put into execution* Thus Deut. 17:6, "At the mouth of two witnesses, or three witnesses, shall he that is worthy of death be put to death ; but at the mouth of one witness he shall not be put to death." This is also noticed in the epistle to the Hebrews, 10 : 38 ; " He that despised Moses' law, died, without mercy under two or three witnesses." The same regulation under the New Testament, is repeatedly enjoined. Thus the establishing of the fact by sufficient evidence is mentioned as the principal design of the second step of our Lord's rule, already quoted from. Matt 18:16. When the offended brother is required to take one or two more with him, one object at least of doing so seems to be, that if it become necessary to lay the matter^ before the church at large, they might proceed upon evidence; for the reason added is,

30 CHURCHES TO JtTDeE OITLT ON EVIDENCE.

^ that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established." In like manner, Paul, in his first epistle to Timothy, calls upon him. Chap. 5: 19, '* Not to receive an accusation against an elder, but before two or three witnesses." And when this same Apostle had the prospect of visiting the church of Corinth, where there was much to reprove, he says, 2 Cor. 13 : ]. "This is the third time I am coming to you. In the mouth^ of two or three witnesses shall every word be established."

Now, it is of the utmost importance for the members of a church to keep this regulation constantly in their eye. From it we learn, that they cannot with propriety form a decision, unless they have that evidence to proceed upon, which the law expressly requires : nay, though they should form a decision, which may ultimately prove a just one, if they act without this evidence, it is not a decision formed in a scriptural way. Sometimes, when a case comes before a church, some of the members, from the personal knowledge they may possess of the circumstances, come with their minds perfectly made up respecting what ought to be done, without considering whether they have evidence suflScient to adduce, upon which their bjethren, who have no access to such knowledge, can form the same judgment. I have known a member of a church leave it, because his brethren could not decide in a case of discipline^ merely upon his personal report of a private conversation between him and anotiier member, while the other party gave quite a different account of it. Now, this plainly indicated either gross ignorance, or a temper not in sphjectian to