Cheraw gazette. [volume] (Cheraw, S.C.) 1835-1838, 1837-01-31

~ IL IL lS N w
of the spirit in the bond Of peace; it is a
practice which scws dissension among
brethren; and has marred the progress of
the Gospel under the ministrations Of the
most faithful ministers of Chris:yet scruplc
not to assert, that it is practice lrconsls-
tent with the experience of real reIlglon.-
James j. 26. "ll any man among you seem
10 be religious, and brideth not his tongue,
but dcccivcth his own heart, this mans re-
ligion is vain.
When offences break out in church,
let the member that is grieved for them fol-
low the rule that is laid down in Matt. xviii.
and he will likely gain his offending brother.
If religion be low in the congregation, let
him encourage private societies for prayer,
let him be faithful in attending on these, let
him exert himself to spread knowledge IN
them: and if he reside in the country, let
him put his Ccow-mcmbcrs in mind of the
doctrines they hear from Sabbath to Sab.
bath, when on the road 10 public worship.
And in order to be useful in these respects,
let him use due pains to grow in spiritual
knowledge The member who has con-
versation Of this kind, will be public blcs-
sing in his congregation, while the talking
malignant professor is like Il scorching wind
from the wilderness, that causeth 10, wlther
every thing that comes in its reach.
A submission to Christian discipline. is
another distinguishing part of the character
of the church-member. That such an in-
s;itution should be kept up in the church OF
Christ,is as evident as that the Gospel should
be preached in it. If our brother offend US
publicly and obstinately, we are to tell
the church, we are to eShort one another
daily, lest any be hardened through the de-
ceittulness OF sin; we are to put away the
wicked person from US; VIC are TO have no
fellowship with the unfruitlu works ofdark:
ness, and they who sin arc TO bc rcprovcd
before all, that others may fear. These are
scripture appointments; the church-rcmber
should view this attention 10 discipline as
the appointment Of Christ; the keeping it tuP
is tho hedge in the Lords vineyard, which
keeps the boar out Of the wood from vast
ing it; and the flying from, or the opposing
it, is an evident proof Of pride rcigning in
the heart. My Christian brother, remcm-
bcr what the Spirit of God saith on this SUBJ
iect, Heb. xiii. II. "Obey them that have
the rule over you, and submit yourselves,
for they watch for your souls, as they which
must give account" Do not obey them
implicitly; but when they act in agreeable
ness 10 the commands of Christ, rise not
up against them. Remember the spirit and
the fate of korah. and be assured Of it, that
they who initiate this conduct generally
perish in his gainsaying.
While | have been showing you that
church-mcmbers should respect the disci-
plnc Of Christ's house, would put in mind
also, that you ought not to cast the burden
of it wholly on the shoulders Of ministers
and officers. A part ofthis work belongs 10
you as church.members, and much Of the
happiness of your congregation depends on
your failhfulness in the management ofIt.-
Your duty is this: If you find your fellow
church.membcr has really offended, you
ought no: to publish his fault to others in the
first place. far less ought you not TO tri-
umph over his fall in public companies, nor
hastily run to your minister with the news.
The direction of Christ is Matt. xviii. Is.
Take him between yourself and him frs,
and sllew him his fault; and this course,
we'll managed with prayer and prudence,
has often been blessed for the recovery of
a fallen brother. But it may be nccdlul
then 10 tell the church, /. e. church.rulers.
The contributing of our substance for
the support Of Gospcl.ordinanccs, is ano'h-
or peculiar duty of the church.mcmbcr
Gal. vi. 6. "Let him that is taught in the
word, communicate to him that teacheth in
all good things" l Cor. ix. Ia. "The
Lord hath ordained, that they who preach
the Gospel should live of the Gospel"
In the conclusion, shall mention du:y
which is equally incumbent on the rulers
and private members of the Church. Both
ought 10 be importunate in prayer. that the
Lord would send forth laborers into his
vineyard, and that lie may bless them when
they arc entered on their public work.
Their is nothing that Paul insists on more
inL his cpis.lcs, than an interest in the pray
ers of his people. To lead them to this
duty, he puts them in mind Of his trials.
temptations, and weaknesses and that his
standing and success depended on the God
Of all grace. Other Gospel ministers arc
importunate for an interest in your payers
for the same reasons.
BROIHERLY LOVE.