The Church of Christ.
* * * * *
BY J. CHURCH,
Minister of the Gospel, Obelisk Chapel.
* * * * *
EXODUS xxv, 40. Look that thou make all things according to the
Pattern shewed thee in the Mount.
JUDE. Contend earnestly for the Faith once delivered to the Saints.
1 COR. i, 10. That ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind,
and in the same judgment.
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Southwark:
Printed by R. THOMAS, Red Lion Street, Borough.
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THE NATURE OF
A GOSPEL CHURCH, &c.
EPH. V. 23. CHRIST is the Head of the Church.
ACTS vii, 28. This is he that was in the Church in the Wilderness.
REV. ii, 27. All the Churches shall know I am he.
EPH. iii, 21. To Him be glory in the Church.
* * * * *
_TO the congregational Churches of Jesus Christ_, _particularly that one
over which the Holy Ghost hath made me an Overseer_: _Grace be to you
all_. _Amen_.—I thought it necessary to write to you on some Subjects
which are very interesting, and to give you in sundry articles, the
particulars of the Faith we profess, as believers in our most adorable
Redeemer; with a few agreements which claim the conformity of all those
who have given themselves up to the Lord, to walk in all well pleasing to
him. I haw endeavored to keep close to the sacred pages, which are the
grand standard of Faith and Practice, and as many as walk according this
rule, peace be on them, and on the whole Israel of God.
The first Subject I wish my brethren well instructed in is the CHURCH of
GOD. It must be allowed that the ever blessed God, for the purposes of
glorifying his grace, hath chosen a number of persons in Christ—that he
gave them to Christ—that the Redeemer accepted them, and delighted in
them as his Bride—and though he foreknew their fall in Adam, yet he
covenanted with the Father to be their Surety, Righteousness, and
Mediator—to deliver them from the hands of their enemies by his precious
sacrifice, and in due time to call them by his holy Spirit, to the
knowledge of himself; to preserve them in himself till called, and
maintain them in the wilderness of this world till their glorification.
All these things being planned before all worlds, in due time the
Redeemer came, according to his engagement, and paid down his life for
their Justification and Pardon—in consequence of which, Justice being
satisfied, the Law honoured, Sinners redeemed, and the Holy Spirit, with
all its blessing secured, the Church of God is called, one member after
another, and will be so till the whole body is complete: hence the
Apostle says, Christ loved the Church, and gave himself for it, that he
might save it with the washing of water, by the Word—the glorious Gospel
of the blessed God is the means made use of, to bring poor sinners to the
knowledge of Jesus—truth having an entrance into the heart, influences
all the powers, enlightens the understanding, subdues and reconciles the
will, sways the affections, captivates the thoughts, and quickens the
conscience. Thus the entrance of God’s word giveth light, and God shines
into the heart, sooner or later, to give them the light of the knowledge
of the glory of God, in the Person of Jesus. This is attended with love
to God, as seen in Jesus—love to the Redeemer, in his Person, Work, and
Offices—love to the Holy Spirit, who has done so much for the soul, and
stands engaged to do much more. This love is led forth to ministers who
are sent of God, especially to those whose ministry is most blessed to
us, of whatever denomination they may be. This same principle of love is
led forth to those who bear the image of Christ, who are divinely taught,
whether they are Children, young Men, or Fathers—for, _he that loveth is
born of God_, and knoweth God—Ye are taught of God to love one
another—_he that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten_.
This fire within catcheth itself wherever it is—in another—thus there is
a unity of heart; this unity of heart is attended with a willingness to
know, and do the will of God; to worship him according to his declared
will, as laid down in the New Testament—to assemble together for Prayer,
reading the Word of God, and hearing it faithfully preached by those whom
God hath sent. It is to submit to all his Ordinances, _Baptism_, as we
are led to see it right, and the _Lord’s Supper_, with the rest of the
Lord’s people; and a walking in holy obedience to the revealed will of
God. This appears to be the Church of God, which he purchased with his
blood; that he always protects, and will maintain as long as the world
lasts. This is called his invisible Church (not to himself) but to the
work, they being attended with others in the same profession, though not
the same _possession_; and making this profession public in their
non-conformity to the world, in being called from among them as well as
redeemed from among them; in consequence of these things they are called
the visible Church of Christ, which has been called _Catholic_, or
_general_ Church.
This Church is variously set forth in Scripture, which is worthy our
attention, with its present and future glory. Permit me to remark, that
many persons suppose a Church to be nothing but a large building: this is
not called a Church in Scripture—it does not mean the _Place_ but the
_People_—the professors of the Gospel, whether called effectually or not,
yet walking together in the Ordinances, and appearing to serve the same
Master, the whole body is called a Church. There is no pure or perfect
Church this side Heaven; in this great House there are not only vessels
of gold and silver, but of wood and stone; the wise and foolish virgins
must be together till the midnight cry is made—the tares and the wheat
must grow together till the harvest—the net will contain good and bad
fish, till the final separation takes place.
This Church of Christ is not Parochial, men do not become church Members
by living in the Parish, for Jews and Turks may live in the same Parish;
nor is it Diocesan, for we never read of more than one Church under one
Bishop or Pastor—nor is it Provincial, for we read of more Churches than
one in a Province—nor is it National, for we not only read of more than
one in a Nation, but of Churches in private houses—nor is a Presbyterian,
for we never read of a Church of Presbyters or Elders, no; but only of
Presbyters and Elders ordained in Churches; this must plainly prove that
Churches existed before the Presbytery or Elders were in them—then it
appears plain that the visible Church of Christ is congregational—so the
Church of England has justly defined it—“The Church of God is a
Congregation of faithful men, in which the pure Word of God is preached
and the Sacraments duly administered;” for only the Lord’s faithful
people can have fellowship with each other—they must be regenerated by
the Spirit, called out of darkness into the kingdom of God’s dear
Son—they are called Saints because of their Sanctification, faithful men
to God and truth, such as should be saved. They are spiritual men,
understanding spiritual things; men of holiness, whose lives and
conversation are becoming the Gospel—baptized into Christ, invisibly, by
the Spirit, and outwardly by Water, if God is pleased to shew them that
it is right, for whatsoever is not of faith is sin. These are the
Persons who have a right to chuse their Ministers, their Officers, and to
use all the Ordinances and Privileges granted to the Church by our
glorious Lord and Master, Christ, who is the king, head, and saviour of
his Elect. It appears the word Church signifies a sacred Assembly or
Society, called of God by the Gospel, met together to worship God
according to his revealed will. Let this suffice, the Church, in its
just and expensive sense, includes _the whole body of the redeemed_.
This Church has appeared in every age of the world; been kept up and
supported in a very wonderful manner, which made Solomon exclaim, in
raptures of affection, wonder, and delight, _Who is this that cometh up
from the Wilderness_, _like pillars of smoke_, _perfumed with myrrh and
frankinsense_, _with all the powders of the Merchant_?—The History of the
Old Testament is but an History of the Church, which, though afflicted,
tormented, and tossed with many tempests, yet was miraculously preserved
by the Lord Jesus, who never left the world without a witness for
himself, nor never will. ’Tis wonderful to trace her rise and
prosperity, her persecution and deliverance, till the present hour—and as
my dear friends (many of them at least) have but little time to read
History, I presume to give them a brief Account of the Church in the
Wilderness, for which I am indebted under God, to Historians.
When our Lord made his appearance in the likeness of sinful flesh, he
thoroughly purged the floor of his Old Testament Church—he effected a
wonderful revolution, set aside every carnal ordinance, and fulfilled all
laws, moral and ceremonial. After his death and resurrection he went to
glory, that he might fill all things. He endued his Apostles with power
from on high—raised up a company of preachers, who were means in the
hands of the Spirit, for building Sanctuaries to God. The middle wall of
partition was now broken down—the Gentiles were fellow-citizens with the
Jews, and both made up one household. We shortly after read of Churches
in many parts of the world. For the first fifty years after our Lord’s
resurrection, the Gospel was most powerfully successful—God sent forth
the rod of his strength, and much good was done in the name of the holy
child, Jesus.—But Satan roared loudly; the Church was in the
Wilderness—and as it had been persecuted as related by the Apostle in the
13th of the _Hebrews_, so it was again—they under the New Testament
Dispensation, were persecuted, beaten, sawn asunder—they wandered about
in Sheep’s and Goat’s skins, and hid themselves in dens and caves of the
earth. Surely the New Testament Saints are included in that pathetic
address, _Oh_! _thou afflicted_, _tossed with tempest_, _and not
comforted_. Errors in doctrine soon appeared, even to the denying of the
resurrection of the body—Ordinances were soon corrupted, and
worldly-mindedness was prevalent. Persecution wasted the Church of God
very early in the year 66; it began by imperial authority. _Nero_ having
burnt a part of the Roman City, charged it upon the Christians, and
enacted laws to destroy them, and multitudes of them were burnt alive in
his garden, for nightly illumination: in this Persecution, it is supposed
_Paul_ and _Peter_ suffered death. About the year 72 _Domitian_ raised a
new Persecution, but he was soon murdered by his wife. About three years
after it began, in 105, _Trajan_, the Emperor, raised a third
Persecution, which lasted about two years. Then a fourth Persecution by
_Adrian_, which lasted ten years—besides, vast numbers of Christians were
murdered by the Jewish rebels. For a long time the Church was quiet from
outward Persecution, but awfully infested with errors, which became an
internal Persecution. About the year 302, the infernal Emperor raised a
dreadful one against the Christians; many were scourged to death, had
their flesh torn off with red hot pincers, and mangled with broken pots.
They were cast to wild beasts, beheaded, crucified, burnt, drowned, torn
to pieces between trees, roasted by gentle fires, and some, having holes
made in the body, had melted lead poured into their bowels. In Egypt
alone, an hundred and forty thousand were cut off by violent deaths, and
seven hundred thousand by banishment and hard labour. In every part of
the Empire churches were razed to the ground, and the copies of the
Scriptures burnt. Now they thought they had utterly abolished the
Religion of Jesus; but the vengeance of God followed the hellish tyrant,
as it had _Herod_, _Nero_, & _Domitian_ before. _Cæsar_ obliged him to
resign his post, and retire to a private life, where he soon ended his
days by a draft of poison.
God raised up _Constantine_, the Man Child spoken of in the 12th chapter
of _Revelations_; he tolerated the Christians. His colleague revoked it
in the East, and, instigated by the Heathen Priests, made war against
_Licinius_. The brother-in-law of _Constantine_, enraged at his army
being routed, he murdered a multitude of the Priests, who had promised
him the victory. He was just going to venture a second battle, when he
was smitten with blindness and terrible pain: he poisoned himself, and
amidst rage, pain, and despair, acknowledged his trouble the just reward
for his cruelty to the Christians. _Licinius_ for a time seemed to favor
the Christians, yet soon turned a bitter Persecutor; but _Constantine_
being now a Christian, marched a great army against him, and defeated him
in three great battles, in the last of which an hundred thousand were
slain, _Licinius_ taken, and put to death. Thus we see the Bush long
burning, and not consumed, because the _Angel of the Covenant_ was in
it—and this is he that was with the Church in the Wilderness.
The Christians now enjoyed a great calm under the reign of _Constantine_
and _Theodosius_; but Satan always took an opportunity to ruin the Church
by Heresies when he could not by Persecution. Arianism, and many other
errors were propogated, which occasioned dreadful troubles to the Church.
_Julian_ the Apostate, endeavored once more to extirpate Christianity,
but was killed in a Persecution he raised, before he had reigned two
years. Errors increased daily. About the beginning of the sixth century
the Church seemed more tranquil, but the Devil was incessantly working
her ruin by the introduction of Popish errors; ignorance and profaneness
was almost universal. The Government was almost one perpetual struggle
between the Bishops, which should be the greatest. _Gregory_ the Great,
by immense superstition, troubled the Church; and her discomfiture was
soon universal. This was the case of the Church in the West; while,
about this time, _Mahomet_ the Arab, took his rise in the East, and
propogated his delusion there. Thus the Beast rose about 606, or 666;
and now, in another sense, the Church entered into her Wilderness state,
the outer Court being given to the Gentiles, to be trodden under foot for
forty-two months, or 1260 years. Sad indeed the consequence of the rise
of the Man of Sin. For many years worse Persecutions than under the
Pagans took place, but God did not leave the World without a Witness for
himself. Every now and then the Lord raised up faithful men, who opposed
the Pope’s Supremacy; particularly _Luther_, in _Germany_—_Zuinglius_, in
_Switzerland_, and _Calvin_; in _France_. The christian Religion, as
taught by _Luther_, was established in _Demark_, _Sweden_, and _Germany_.
The Doctrines taught by _Calvin_, in _Holland_, _Scotland_, _England_,
and _Ireland_; but in _Ireland_ the Persecution was dreadful indeed, and
not much less in _England_. The Popish massacre of about three hundred
thousand Protestants in _Ireland_, and the Persecution in _England_, bid
fair to abolish the Protestant cause among us. In _France_ the
Persecution was dreadful—_Lewis_ the 13th distressed the Protestants
greatly; numbers were barbarously murdered, and several hundred thousand
with difficulty fled to _Holland_, _England_, and elsewhere. But blessed
be God for the glorious Reformation! for a Protestant King and Princes;
for the Will of God in our mother Tongue; for Parliaments that secure our
Rights; for the clear Preaching of the Gospel, which is our joy, though
we have to lament great decays among Churches; a dry, speculative, legal
System, in opposition to the pure truth, which is branded with the odious
term of Antinomianism; and in the world an infidel spirit of
Free-thinking, in opposition to the Word of God. But we are looking to a
glorious period, when truth in its native simplicity, shall fly with the
rapidity of lightning, and illuminate the World; when _Anti-christ_, _in
the East and West_, _shall fall_, _to rise no more_—when _Zion’s Watchmen
shall see_, _eye to eye_—when _Jews and Gentiles form one fold_—when
_peace and holiness shall be universal_—when _kings shall be nursing
fathers to the Church_, _and the whole earth serve the Lord_! Happy
period! the Lord hasten it in his time.
Brethren, we shall soon be done with time, and through rich grace, join
the chorus of the skies.—Hold fast the form of sound words: be concerned
to feel the power of truth in the heart; keep in the fear of God, obeying
his will, walking as he has set forth his mind; looking unto Jesus;
praying to be kept in all danger, temptation, persecution, and trial, and
so we shall give him glory in the Church below, and in the Church
above.—_Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling_, _and to
present you faultless before the presence of his glory—to the only wise
God our Saviour_, _be glory_, _dominion_, _and power_. _Amen_.
* * * * *
_The following are the Articles of Faith I read at my Ordination_; _and
are necessary for every Christian to know_, _feel_, _and enjoy—they are
the Sentiments I preach_, _and you_, _as a Church_, _believe_. _May we
rejoice in the truth_, _and yield obedience thereto_.—
_We think if requisite that every Member of the Church should give his or
her assent to the annexed_
CONFESSION of FAITH.
I. I BELIEVE, that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the
word of God, and the only rule of faith and practice.
II. I believe, that there is but One only, living, and true God; that
there are three Persons in the Godhead, who are equal in nature, power,
and glory; and, that the Son and Holy Ghost, are as truly and properly
God, as the Father. These Three divine Persons are distinguished from
each other by peculiar relative properties. These Three divine distinct
Persons, I profess to reverence, serve, and worship, as the One true God.
III. I believe that before the World began, God did elect a certain
number of Mankind unto everlasting life, whom he did predestinate to the
adoption of Children, by Jesus Christ, of his own free grace, and
according to the good pleasure of his will; that he appointed holiness as
the means: and that no one has a right to consider himself as a chosen
vessel, till he is effectually called by the grace of God.
IV. I believe, that God made all things in Creation, out of nothing, to
display his goodness, wisdom, power, and glory; and, that by the same
power, he upholds and governs, rules and directs all things in Heaven and
Earth; and, that he displays his sovereignty according to the counsel of
his own will, or his eternal plan, formed before all Worlds.
V. I believe, that there is one Mediator between God and Man; the Man,
Christ Jesus; that he stood in his mediatorial capacity as our
representative and head, in the covenant of eternal redemption and grace;
engaged to be all that to his people, they could possibly need in time,
and their bliss through eternity.
VI. I believe that God made Man upright; but mutable and liable to fall:
that through the influence of Satan, he broke the covenant of works, and
fell from the image of God; that all Mankind sinned in him and fell, with
him, as their head and representative; and both him and his posterity
became liable to the curse and penalty of a violated law.
VII. I believe, that all Mankind are conceived and born in sin, Children
of disobedience, enemies to God, violators of his commands, averse to
good, prone to evil, Children of wrath, obnoxious to the justice of God,
and the condemnation of his law: and I believe, that no Creature can help
or deliver himself, out of that wretched state into which he has fallen.
I solemnly believe, that this is the state of all Men by nature.
VIII. I believe, that according to the eternal appointment of God the
father, and the Covenant engagements of the dear Redeemer, that in the
fulness of time, God sent his Son into the world to redeem fallen Men;
that part of the human race, that was given him in eternity; that their
redemption was obtained by the shedding of his blood; that this
redemption is special and particular, designed only for the elect of God,
the Sheep of Christ, who only share the special and peculiar blessings of
it. And, in order to accomplish our redemption, I believe, it was
necessary that the Redeemer should take upon him our nature, a human body
and soul, created and formed by God the Spirit, conceived in the womb of
the Virgin Mary, born of a Woman, made under the law, that he might
redeem his people from it; work out a righteousness adequate to its
demands, make an atonement by suffering the death of the Cross, satisfy
divine Justice, glorify all the attributes of Deity, and open a way for
the communication of all those blessings, which are needful for the
Saints of God, both for time and eternity.
IX. I believe, that the matter of the Sinners’ justification before a
holy God, is the righteousness of Christ imputed to them; which is, his
perfect, spotless obedience to the law, in their room and stead, without
the consideration of any works done by them; and, that the full and free
pardon of all their sins, past, present, and to come, is only through the
blood of Christ, according to the riches of his grace; and, that none can
be justified in any other way. This righteousness being seen by the eye
of faith, and embraced by the hand of faith, we are manifestly justified
and freed from the law; that, being dead wherein we were held, we live to
God, and by love serve the Lord, having our fruit unto holiness, and the
end eternal life.
X. I believe, that all the objects of eternal love, the subjects of his
choice, and the purchase of the Redeemer’s blood, are effectually called
in one way or other, by the efficacious and irresistible grace of God the
divine Spirit; and not by an act of Man’s free will and power. I believe
they are washed, justified, and sanctified, in the name and by God the
Spirit, in some part of their lives.
XI. I believe, that all saints are kept by the mighty power of God,
through faith, to eternal Salvation; and that as sure as they are called,
justified, and sanctified, they will infallibly persevere; because of the
perpetuity of God’s love, the stability of his covenant, and his
faithfulness to his absolute promises.
XII. I believe, that the Church of Christ consists of true believers in
his name; that these are his mystical body, of which, he is the only
head, and there is no other: and that all the Children of God derive
spiritual life from him, by virtue of union to him; that he is our life;
and in consequence of that, we are now quickened by his life-giving power
in conversion; our bodies shall be quickened in the last day, and all
Believers shall enjoy eternal life, in glory for ever.
XIII. I believe, that in the new testament Church of Christ, there are
two Sacraments: Baptism, and the Supper of the Lord. I believe, Baptism
to be an outward and visible sign; first, of the sufferings, death,
burial, and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ; secondly, of an inward
and spiritual operation of the Holy Ghost, upon the hearts of believers;
and is a grand emblem of a death unto sin, and a new birth unto
righteousness; for being by nature the children of wrath, we are by
regeneration, manifested to be children of grace. I believe, that only
those who profess the name of Jesus, have any right thereto. That it
should be administered to Adults alone, in the name of the adorable
Trinity; and, that it is to be performed by immersion—but wish to
exercise the most unbounded charity to all who differ from us in this
particular. I believe, that the Lord’s Supper was instituted the night
on which he was betrayed, to represent his sufferings and death; and is
to be attended to by all Believers, until his second coming.
XIV. I believe, that it is the duty of every Christian to obey the laws
of their Country; not to speak evil of Dignities; but, to pray for the
King, his Family, and the Government under which we live; to study to be
quiet, peaceable, and submissive, according to the laws of Jesus Christ,
which is our rule of conduct: and, who has said, “Render unto Cæsar, the
things which are his;” and by his holy Apostles has commanded “That every
Soul should be subject to the higher powers; that we should honor all
Men, love the Brotherhood, fear God, honor the King.”
XV. I believe, that it is the duty of all Believers, to take the
commands of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, as their rule of conduct;
that, while they are relying on his Righteousness, for justification; on
his Blood, for pardon; and, on the Spirit, for internal sanctification;
they, from a principal of love shed abroad in their hearts, are made
willing to obey his laws, as King in Mount Zion: and, that his
commandments are the believer’s rule of outward conduct; that it is their
duty to stand fast in one Spirit, with one mind, striving together for
the faith of the gospel: that it is their duty to walk in wisdom, to them
that are without; to exercise a conscience void of offence towards God
and Man, by living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world:
that it is their duty to walk with each other is all humility and
brotherly love; to watch over each other’s conversation; to stir up one
another to love and to good works; not forsaking the assembling of
ourselves together, as we have opportunity; to worship God, according to
his revealed will; and, when the case requires, to warn, rebuke, and
admonish one another, according to the rules of the gospel: and that it
is our duty to sympathize with each other, to bear with one another’s
weaknesses, failings, and infirmities; and, particularly to pray for one
another. All these duties we are bound to perform, and every other law
of Christ’s spiritual house, through the gracious influence of a Spirit
of love, of power, and of a sound mind; ever remembering, that we are to
obey the laws of our Sovereign, as King, on his holy hill of Zion.
XVI. I believe, that all the Ordinances of divine appointment ought to
be attended unto, by all that profess their faith in, and love to our
Lord Jesus Christ, as the head of his Church; hearing the Word, public
Prayer, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper: singing of Psalms, Hymns, and
Spiritual Songs, vocally; this is an ordinance of the gospel, to be
performed by Believers; but, as to time, place, and manner, every one
ought to be left to their liberty in using it.
XVII. I believe, that there will be a Resurrection, both of the just and
unjust; and that Christ will come a second time to judge both quick and
dead; when he will take vengeance on the wicked, and introduce his own
People into his kingdom and glory, where they shall be for ever with him;
and, then shall the mediatorial kingdom be delivered up to the Father, by
the Redeemer; the mystery of God be finished: Heaven will be the Saints
final home; and, God, Father, Son, and Spirit, be all in all, for ever
and ever.
XVIII. I believe, that the felicity of the Saints will be eternal; and I
as firmly believe, such will be the eternity of misery; unless, the
never-dying worm dies, and this unquenchable fire goes out; which will
not, cannot be; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.
* * * * *
_These Sentiments we are bound to acknowledge_, _as a Church_.—We wish in
all things to adorn these Doctrines; and having been called out of the
world, to the knowledge of the truth, _experimentally_—in that hope, and
through divine grace, we have given up ourselves to God—to walk in his
ways, as laid down in that part of his holy word which respects the _New
Testament Church_. We therefore enter into covenant with each other, and
pray for grace to keep the following scriptural RULES.