Vermont telegraph. [volume] (Brandon [Vt.]) 1828-1843, 1841-12-08

churches and individuals will be liable to
Judge wrongfulIy. ~.
ANSWER. The same objection is equally
good against considering slavehoIding, or
kidnapping, or theft, or Iewdness diseip-
Unable offences. The question is not
about proceeding to discipline in doubtful
cases, but in cases which are not doubtful.
OBJECTION XIV. But in the case of
apoioglsts and neurals, the aledged Of
fence Is not one of overt in morality.
ANSWER. Then covetousness" is
not. But by what rule is is determined
that 1t is not immoral? By the great
moral law of God ? or by the worlds
standard of moraIity2 The objection ex-
presses the too common falacv, tina,
church members are 20 be dealt with only
for dtsreputatte sins. Where has the
Bible drawn the distinction implied in the
objection H. it.. IT,.
OBJECTION XVI But the rule of ex-
clusion from church is different from the
rule of admission into it. When men
once join church they acquire rights
IRON which they cannot be dispossessed
without forfeiture.
ANSWER. BIT what is a forfeiture /?
The church is Christ's church, subject to
his rules, not to mere human compacts.
Evidence of Christian character is neces-
, sary.to church membership, and the loss
! OF that evidence is a forfeiture of church
privileges. Otherwise excommunicatio0
is uumeanine. The objection manifestIy
assumes that church members, manifestly
devoid of spiritual life. or giving no evid-
ence of piety, may be retained in the
church permanently, in state of impenil-
enee Such principle cannot fail to de-
; stroy the church that embraces it.
OBJECTION XVII But what shall a
feeble minority do? How shall they
maintain gospel order? With how few a
number would il do to administer church
discipline and exercise church power?
ANSWER. Where two or three are
gathered together in my name" says the
Savior, Is there am [ in the midst of them"
Matt. xviii. 20.1 Examine the whole
ehaptef, and you will see that the Savior
was treating of church discipline church
authority, and church order, apparently
| had this very objection In mind, in utter
ing these memorable words.
| OBJECTION XVIII. Him that is
weak in the faith receive ye, but not to
doubtful disputations,"" &c. from. xiv IL
| ANSWER. The apostle was treating OF
mere meats and drinks and outward OBJ
serEances ard positive institutions, just
sacheas the objector@is now SO soIicitous to
preserve from danger. even at the expense
offundamenaI morality, the primary truths
Of religion, and the essential rights Of GU:
common humanity These mere exter-
nal and Giro umstantial matters, the apostle
would not have insisted upon ia such a
manner as to forget the weightier matters
Of the 1aw-jus.ice, mercy, and fidelity.
The apostles exhortatlon is therefore the
very.reVerse Of the ob|ector's.
Is it indeed "doubtfuI disputation'
whether a man is thing ? whether an
immortal soul should be made merchand-
iza? whether the image Of God and the
purchase of Christ'S blood should be treat
ed as dog should be herded, by pro.
miscuous concnbinge, with vine should
BE- forblddr n the lIgh's OF education and O.
the Bibr
To fashion The text into a shape in &C
; cordance with the drift of the ohiector':
argument, it should be made to read thus
! Him that is stout ogains5 ME faith receive
d, We, and in despite Of fundamental and sell
= evident FIRST principles. For one man be
S lieVeth that he may ircbrute his brother o
= apologize for the act, another who is weak
t lets the oppressed 60 free. or pleads for thei
s enfranc hisement. Let every man be fall
a persuaded in his own mind" Sc. &c.
3 Now if people really believe this TO b
!? the scope Of the apostles exhortation,
r, fair paraphrase Of the text, let them say SC
1t If not, let them be little cautious ho'
Z they play at games of hazard with texts
] the Sacred Scriptures.