Our Saviour has declared that the church is built upon a rock; that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it; and that He will be with it always, even to the end of the world.

Matt. 16:18. And I say unto thee, that thou art Peter; and upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. Matt. 28:20. 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. See also Isa. 59:21. Acts 2:47. Titus 2: 14. 1 Pet. 2:9, 10. Isa. 61:8, 9. Dan. 2:14, 44. John 14:14, 16, 17. 1 Thess. 4:18. Matt. 13:41-49. Eph. 4:11-13.

42. Does a full belief in the certain perpetuity of the church of Christ, imply a belief in the perpetuity of any particular visible church?

There is nothing in the word of God to warrant a belief in the perpetuity, or continued purity, of any particular visible church. On the contrary, we are there admonished that even apostolic churches had fallen away, and would finally become extinct; and that a very general corruption of the gospel, which had then commenced, would be consummated, to the destruction of many souls.

Rev. 2:5, 16, 24. Remember, therefore, from whence thou art fallen; and repent, and do thy first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Repent; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. But unto you I say, and unto the rest in Thyatira, as many as have not this doctrine, and which have not known the depths of Satan, as they speak, I will put upon you none other burden. See also Rev. 3:3, 4, 15, 16. Rev. 18:2. And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 2 Thess. 2:11, 12, 1 Tim. 4:1,6 2 Tim 3:13. 2 Pet. 3:1, 3. Rev. 17:10. Acts 20:30. 1 John 2:19. 2 John 7. Jude 18. Rom. 11:18, 22. Boast not against the branches; but if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee. Behold, therefore, the goodness and severity of God; on them which fell, severity: but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness; otherwise thou also shalt be cut off. 1 John 2:1, 4.

43. Is a connection with any visible church, sufficient to secure the salvation of the soul?

On the contrary, our connection with a false church

may lead to the damnation of the soul, by involving it in the guilt of its heresies and abominations. Neither is salvation to be secured in any other way than by believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, as the only propitiation for sins.

2 Thess. 2: 11, 12. And for this cause, God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believe not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Pet. 2:1-3. But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you; whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. See also Matt. 24:5, 11, 24. 1 Tim. 4:1. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils. Acts 7:42. 1 Cor. 11: 19. For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you. 2 Tim. 3: 1, 15. Rom. 2:25, 29. Gal. 5:6. John 3.

44. What, then, are we to understand by the doctrine, that out of the church there is no ordinary possibility of salvation?

By this doctrine we are to understand, that faith, and consequently salvation, are ordinarily bestowed by God through the instrumentality of his ministers, and that it is only in this way that men are ordinarily introduced into the invisible church, out of which there is no salvation. But it does not teach, that salvation cannot be obtained out of any particular visible church, by whatever name it may be called; neither is such a claim, on the part of any church, to be otherwise regarded than as alike impious and vain.

Col. 1:18. Eph. 5:23. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church; and he is the Saviour of the body. See also Rom. 10:14, 15. 1 Cor. 5: 12, 13. For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? But them that are without, God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. Acts 2:47. Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Rev. 3:7. And to the

angel of the church in Philadelphia, write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth. Rev. 1:18. Rom. 5:1, 2, 8. Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Numb. 23:8. How shall I curse, whom God has not cursed? Or how shall I defy, whom the Lord hath not defied?

45. May we expect to find any church, on earth, perfectly free from error?

The purest existing churches are subject both to mixture and error; and therefore we must not expect in them absolute perfection.

1 Cor. 13:12. For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. Matt. 13:24, 47. Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man that sowed good seed in his field. Again: The kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind. See also Rev. 2 and 3.

46. Is it, then, a matter of indifference to what church we belong?

No; it is our solemn duty to understand the character and signs of a true church of Christ; and to adhere to that church which is found most consonant to the scriptures, in its doctrines, its ordinances, and its constitution.

Matt. 5:19. 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. 1 John 4:1. Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God; because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Thess. 5:21. Prove all things: hold fast that which is good.

SECTION VIII.

Of the duty of different churches; and of the church militant and triumphant.

47. In view of this liability to err, what is the duty of each church?

It is the duty of every denomination, or church, to reform abuses where they may exist; to endeavor after full conformity to the plan of church order appointed by Christ; to contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints; and to exercise strict discipline over all offenders, according to the spiritual laws of Christ's kingdom.

Rev. 2:14, 15. But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling-block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication. So hast thou also them that hold the doctrine of the Nico-, laitanes, which thing I hate.

48. What is the further duty of the members of each particular church, towards those of every other denomination?

It is their duty to pray for them; to exercise charity towards them; to live peaceably with them; to remember, that to their own master they must give account; while rejoicing in the truth, to hold it in love; and, as far as no sanction is given to error in doctrine or practice, to coöperate with them in every good word and work.

Psa. 122: 6. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Rom. 14:4. Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth : yea, he shall be hollen up; for God is able to make him stand. Rom 12:18. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 1 Cor. 9:22. To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Gal. 6:10. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith, &c. See also 1 Cor. 13, and Jude 3.

49. What further division of the church does this consideration of its present division lead you to mention?

The church is further divided into the church militant and the church triumphant.

50. What is meant by the church militant?

By the church militant, is meant the whole body of true believers in this present evil world; who are called, and required of God, to contend with many internal and external sufferings, adversities, persecutions, heresies, and temptations.

2 Tim. 4:7. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

51. What is meant by the church triumphant?

By the church triumphant, is meant the whole number of the elect, the church of the first born, whose names are written in heaven; who are freed from all temptations and trials; admitted to the most perfect rest and blessedness; and gathered together into one glorious church, under Christ their head.

Eph. 1:10, 22, 23. That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church; which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all. Heb. 12:22-24. But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the first born, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, and to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel See also Rev. 21 and 22.

52. Should not the hope of this blessed state, shed abroad in all true christian minds the spirit of kindness and brotherly love?

Yes. However differing as to their modes of thinking, and their particular opinions and forms; and however divided into particular communions; all real christians, who hold the head, ought to regard themselves as constituting but one church, and so to live together in unity of spirit, and in the bonds of peace; looking for the