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attempting to reform them, only urge them as pretensions for separating from their brethren, with whom they are in solemn covenant. Instead of adopting the animating language of the Levites to Ezra, Arise, for this matter belongeth to thee; we also will be with thee; they only stand and discharge some blind and random reproaches; then face about, and withdraw. Thus they discourage the hearts of their brethren, strengthen the hands of evil doers, and provide a retreat for the guilty, who would evade the just discipline of the church. How frequent is the case, that when an offending brother is admonished for his sins, he defeats the instituted means of his repentance, and seeks refuge from merited censure, by flying to some other sect, who make him welcome with all his sins, having his person in admiration, because of advantage.

To conclude: Be ye all like minded one toward another according to Christ Jesus, that ye may, with one mind and mouth, glorify God. Be not deceived by false appearances. The kingdom of God cometh

not with outward show and ostentation; neither is there occasion to say, Lo, here; or, lo, there; for it is a kingdom within men. True religion is peaceable, modest and humble: Hypocrisy is turbulent, noisy and vain. False doctrines, like dry winds, e blustering and unsteady, violent in their motions, and noxious in their effects. The doctrines of truth are like the gentle dews on the tender herb, and the showers on the grass. Be ye not carried about with every wind of doctrine. The sincere Christian, rooted and grown up in Christ, and established in the faith, with knowledge and judgment, like the deep rooted oak, stands firm and unmoved, whatever winds may blow; while false converts and unprincipled professors, like withered leaves, are caught in the giddy whirl, wafted around and made the sport of each wanton gust. Conclude not that there is most true religion, where the flame of zeal seems to mount the highest. Chaff and stubble will spring into a sudden blaze, which towers for a moment, and then expires: Solid fuel burns more moderately,

but yields a more steady and genial heat.. Paul, while a pharisee, was zealous to madness against the truth; when he became a Christian, his zeal was as much changed as his object. You now see no more of his former madness: His Christian zeal is a calm, rational, firm resolution, bearing him along in the course of duty, with equable motion, through every opposition and danger. The spirit of true religion is not in the storm, the earthquake or the fire, but in the still, small voice..

And now the God of all grace and wisdom grant, that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and all judgment, that ye may approve the things that are excellent, that ye may be sincere and without offence until the day of Christ, and may be filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the praise and glory of GOD.

AMEN..

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APPENDIX.

IN the preceding pages we have endea voured to maintain this position, 'That no man has a right to officiate, or ought to be received, in the character of a publick teacher of religion, until he has been approved and recommended by Elders of Churches.'

The scriptural evidence in support of our position, we hope cannot reasonably be controverted. But an objection will perhaps meet us from supposed necessity, or historical fact.

'Many centuries,' it will be said, 'have elapsed, since Christ commissioned his apostles, and since they ordained their successors: And how can we know, that the succession has been continued without interruption? And if there has been an interruption, then there was a time, when ordination was taken up anew by private Christians.

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