churches, a description of men whose characters are far from being uniformly circumspect, and yet not sufficiently irregular to warrant their being separated from communion. They are disor derly walkers; busy-bodies in other men's matters, while neglecting their own; in a word, unamiable characters. Now those that are such we are directed to exhort, and charge that they conduct themselves as becometh Christians. If after this they continue disorderly, observe a degree of distance in your conduct towards them; withdraw your intimacy; let them feel the frowns of their brethren yet be not wholly reserved, but occasionally explain to them the reasons of your conduct, affectionately admonishing them, at the same time, to repentance and amendment of life. Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. For we hear that there are some who walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busy-bodies. Now them that are such we command, and exhort, by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. And if any obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed: yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. If churches were to consult only their own reputation, they would often discard such persons at an early period but where there is reason to hope that the heart is right in the main, great forbearance and long perseverance must be exercised in endeavouring to recover. How many imperfections were discovered in the conduct of the twelve apostles, while their Lord was with them; and what an example of forbearance has he left us! One character reclaimed is of greater account, and more to the honour of a Christian church, than many discarded.

Finally a watchful eye upon the state of the church, and of par ticular members, with a seasonable interposition, may do more towards the preservation of good order than all other things put together. Discourage whispreings, backbitings and jealousies. Frown on talebearers, and give no ear to their tales. Nip contentions in the bud. Adjust differences in civil matters among yourselves. Bring together, at an early period, those in whom

misconception and distrust have begun to operate, ere ill opinion ripen into settled dislike. By a frank and timely explanation, in the presence of a common friend, that may be healed in an hour, which if permitted to proceed, a series of years cannot eradicate. Be affectionately free with one another. Give tender and faithful hints where it appears to you that one of your brethren is in danger of being drawn aside from the principles or spirit of the gospel. Let all be prepared, from their first entering into connexion with you, to expect them. If any one take offence at such treatment, give him to understand that he who cannot endure caution or a reproof, is unfit for Christian society, and in the utmost danger of falling into mischief.

The free circulation of the blood, and the proper discharge of all the animal functions, are not more necessary to the health of the body, than good discipline is to the prosperity of a community.

If it were duly considered how much the general interests of religion, and even the salvation of men, may be affected by the purity and harmony of Christian churches, we should tremble at the idea of their being interrupted by us. The planting of a church in a neighbourhood, that the gospel may be preached, and the ordinances of Christ administered in their purity, is a great blessing. It is a temple reared for God, in which he designs to record his name, to meet with his humble worshippers, and to bless them. We have seen churches of this description, in the midst of a career of spiritual prosperity, edifying one another in love, and gathering souls to the Keedemer's standard, all, in a little time, blasted and ruined by some unhappy event that has thrown them into disorder. One of the members, it may be, has acted unworthily; he is reproved; his relations or particular acquaintance take on his side; discipline is interrupted: the church is divided into parties; hard things are said on both sides; the bond of love is broken; tender minds are grieved and retire; worship is but thinly attended, and the enjoyment of it is vanished: God's friends mourn in secret, and his enemies triumph, saying, Aha! so would we have it! Truly it is a serious thing to occasion the ruin of church of Christ! If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy!

A

VINDICATION

OF

PROTESTANT DISSENT,

FROM THE CHARGES OF

THE REV. THOMAS ROBINSON, M. A.

Vicar of St. Mary's, Liecester:

IN A PAMPHLET ENTITLED,

A SERIOUS CALL TO A CONSTANT AND DEVOUT ATTENDANCE ON THE STATED SERVICES

OF THE CHURCH OF ENGLAND,

THE Oppositions which have of late years been made to Christianity, have happily induced its friends, of all denominations, to come to a better understanding with each other: forbearing contentions of lesser moment, they have joined their efforts in defending the common salvation. On this ground, evangelical Dissenters, though their opinion of a national establishment of religion is the same as before, yet, from a regard to the doctrine, character, and usefulness of many of its ministers, have sincerely rejoiced in their labours. Evangelical Episcopalians have also, many VOL. IV.

53

of them, laid aside smaller differences; and, whatever they might think of dissent, have esteemed the serious part of Dissenters. Thus far the malignant influence of Infidelity has not only been counteracted but made to defeat itself.

But things have not operated in this way in every instance. In various late publications by evangelical Churchmen, great stress is laid on " regularity," by which seems to be meant, not only a strict regard to the forms and orders of the Establishment, but the standing aloof from all Dissenters, as "sectaries and schismatics." A piece in The Christian Observer, said to be written by Mr. R., an aged and respectable clergyman in the north of England, goes so far as to dissuade ministers of his description, from having any acquaintance with them. Such Dissenters as Watts, Doddridge, and Guyse, received "great advantage," it seems, from their acquaintance with certain Clergymen ; and employed it in recruiting their congregations at the expense of the Church!!*

It would seem, from such insinuations as these, to be dangerous for Dissenters, however distinguished by talents or character, to come near these dignified men; for if in their life-time they be treated with civility, they may expect to be reproached for it after they are dead! The celebrated work of Mr. Overton, makes quite enough of this "regularity," and bears hard upon Dissenters. "Sectaries and schismatics" are names pretty liberally bestowed upon them. The same may be said of the Address of Mr. Robinson. Whether these gentlemen judge it prudent to take such measures, as feeling their churchmanship suspected by their irreligious brethren, and wish to establish it at our expense; or whatever be the reason, they seem of late, some of them at least, to be not a little desirous of renewing hostilities.

Before I proceed any farther, I desire it may be noticed, that I have no personal antipathy to any one of these ministers; that I have the happiness to be acquainted with several of them, who, I am pursuaded, are men of another spirit; that even those on whom I take the liberty of animadverting, are esteemed by me, and

* Vol. I. No. III. p. 162.