The Commandments of the Lord Jesus Christ and His Apostles, for the Ordering of the Church of God, as Well as the Conduct of Individuals
IN bringing forward the following collection of Scripture Rules for the ordering of the Lord’s Church, it may not be amiss to state, that the immediate object in collecting them together, was that they should form in themselves an answer to the commonly received opinion that the Scripture did not adequately provide in detail for the OUTWARD order and discipline of the Church of God; so that it is commonly believed, that if the Church were to lose the aid of human laws and human systems, it would become all confusion, and be “without law.” They have been arranged under various heads, to show the simplicity and variety of the Lord’s commandments in ordering the association of His people, as brethren, in the midst of a wicked world, bud separate from its evil. They will speak for themselves, whether (always looking to the Spirit of God, which is the Spirit of love, for help and direction) they do not embrace everything which can occur in the Church in her collective capacity, as well as in the private walk of an individual Christian. And it is hoped likewise that the children of God may be led to see that the secret of true order and true unity (the desire after which is by the Lord’s mercy increasing, we trust, amongst many) is to be found in forsaking the tradition of men and cleaving only to the commandments of God. We should remember that union to be righteous union should be carefully founded on the commandments of God’s word; and further, that that word to be a uniting word, must be held by us not in the letter only, but in the Spirit; not merely in profession and in form, but in truth and in power. Our union must be in the Lord to be unity at all; it must stand not in the wisdom of man, but in the power and truth of God. It is one thing to witness in practical obedience to the truths the heart has received; and another to acknowledge with the lips that which is as practically denied.
It is in what is called “The Sermon on the Mount,” that our Lord fully asserts His pre-eminent authority as Teacher; and seems to have anticipated the objections urged against His mission, that because He brought in a new dispensation, He must of necessity destroy what had gone before, (and which is now brought against some of His followers) by saying, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law and the prophets, I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill,” as the Apostle afterward replied to the same charge, “being not without law to God, but under law to Christ.” (1 Cor. 0:21.)
He taught that the law or righteous commandments, to which the Scribes or Pharisees gave outward obedience, were insufficient for the guidance of the children of the kingdom of heaven. “Except your righteousness exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no wise enter the kingdom of heaven.” And addressing them as children and not servants, He asks, “What do ye more than others? be ye therefore perfect even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
He was Himself the end of the law which was given to the flesh for righteousness, and became the fountain of a life of obedience to the further commandments He Himself taught, as coming from the Father; and all His instructions under the authoritative, “I say unto you,” are what the child of Heaven is called to listen to and obey.
Every word of God to the flesh is condemning. Every word of Jesus, where received in the Spirit from Him, is life and blessing, and therefore power imparted to obey.
The importance of this Sermon is to be found in its fixing the state, character, and privileges of those that belong to Christ; and us a consequence, practical duties to be expected from them. They may be arranged thus—
Their Character
in the world.
Their position
and standing towards
the world,
or the design of
God in them.
Their duty and
responsibility.
Poor in spirit.
Mourning.
Meek.
Hungering and thirsting after righteousness.
Merciful.
Pure in heart.
Peacemakers.
Persecuted for righteousness sake.
The kingdom of heaven is theirs.
They are to be comforted.
To inherit the earth.
To be filled with righteousness.
To obtain Mercy.
To see God.
To be called the children of God.
Their reward in heaven will be great.
The salt of the earth.
The light of the world.
The City on a hill.
The light on a Candlestick.
To let their light shine.
To keep their savour.
To have their eye single.
To serve One Master.
To seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness.
To have their treasure in heaven.
VER. 17-20.
Our Lord opens the intent of His mission, showing its purpose is to fulfill the law of God; while exceeding all that the law required both in His teaching and conduct.
1.
Our Lord judges the sin of “anger without a cause” by that which, under the law of Moses, applied to murder. (Ver. 21, 22.)—The admonition upon this is, “Be reconciled to your brother.” (Ver, 23, 24,) “Agree with your adversary,”
2.
Lust is accounted adultery. (Ver. 28) Mark 42-50. It follows as the admonition upon it to the disciples— “Mortify your members which are upon the earth, fornication, uncleanness,” &c. (Col. 3:5.) “If thy right hand or right foot offend thee cut it off.”
3.
Our Lord forbids a man to divorce a wife except for one cause. The law regulating the hitherto general practice is thereby made useless.
4.
Our Lord says— “Swear not at all.” The law therefore for the performance of oaths and vows has no place.
5.
The law of retaliation is set aside; in its place Jesus says, “Resist not evil.”
6.
“Thou shalt hate thine enemy” is set aside; Jesus saying, “Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be the children of your Father, who causes His sun to shine upon the evil and the good, being perfect as your Father is perfect.”
Having thus shown what we should be toward to the world and toward each other, the spiritual character of our service toward God is pointed out by three injunctions to secrecy, that what we do of spiritual service, we may do to God and not to Man—viz. that we give alms in secret; (Matt. 6:1-6.) that we pray in secret; (7-15.) that we fast in secret. (16-18.) The Lord then opens general principles, as necessary to the feelings, and acts, and life of His disciples, which suits the high practice He had been pressing upon them; and which indeed are necessary in carrying them out. They hang upon what our Lord calls “a single eye,” and “serving one Master,” being separate from the world; for example, see the command—“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, but lay up treasures in heaven,” that the heart may be there; “for where your treasure is, there the heart is also.” Then follows—
“Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or for your body what ye shall put on; but seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and these your Father shall add unto you.”
7.
The Sermon finishes with various directions, which show how our Lord contemplated the evils which should eventually mar and destroy the Church. (Chapter 7.)
The first caution is against judging a brother; its object seems to keep love in the Church, and prevent sectarianism. The second caution is to preserve the purity of the Church; and directs itself against the misplaced charity, which would extend fellowship in holy things to the world—“Give not that which is holy,” &c. Thirdly—universal love to all, &c, willingness to impart is pressed upon all, from the circumstance of God’s love and willingness to give all that He is asked to give (Ver. 7-12.) it is directed against covetousness, the crying sin of Christians.
The Lord then shows the necessity of entering in at the straight gate, from the circumstance of their being another gate and way in which the greater part of persons would walk and be lost.
Then follows a caution against false Prophets, (the Church’s greatest enemies and snares) showing how they were to be known—by their fruit, and in judging them thereby.—“Beware of false Prophets,” etc. (Verses 21-23.)
The whole closes with a prophetical account of the rejection of many for want of holiness, who seem to have done many things for Christ and exercised many gifts; but Jesus will say to them, “I never knew you;” and finally shows that sincerity is built upon obedience. “He that heareth these sayings and doeth them,” &c. so proving the truth of Rom. 8:3, 4 that Jesus, while putting away the law of Moses, did provide for the fulfillment of the law of God in righteousness, by those who being quickened by Him and framed after His mind, “Walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit;” and that obedience to God’s will, is now the very thing which is effected by the gospel, calling the disciples of Jesus out of darkness to be the light of the world, and to walk as children of light; proving what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God; showing forth the praises of Him who hath called us out of darkness into marvelous light; that men seeing their good works may glorify their Father which is in heaven.
Now it is in this position of holiness toward God—love toward one another—grace and mercy toward the world at large, with separation from its evil, that the Church of God is legislated for by the Apostles, who spoke by commandment through the Holy Ghost, who testified of Christ as He had done of the Father, being indeed His voice to us—the way by which He makes good His own words to us, that He would be with us always, even to the end of the world. May we then receive, as His own words to us, the following directions, which so clearly point out His care for us as individuals and as a Church, in all our relative connections to one another—to our families—to the world; and may He make us obedient in all things.
Prefatory Texts.
“Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.” (John 13:13.)
“He that receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48.)
“If any man think himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write unto you are the commandment of the Lord.” (1 Cor. 14:37.)
“Therefore, brethren, stand fast; and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word or our epistle.” (2 Thess. 2:15.)
“Be mindful of the commandments of us the Apostles of the Lord and Savior.” (2 Peter 3:2.)
Canon 1
Explanatory of the principle by which the Church of Christ is constituted; and therefore a guide to any part of it in the reception of members.
“To whom coming as unto a living stone; disallowed indeed of men, but chosen of God and precious. Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house.” (1 Peter 2:4, 5.)
“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.” (Eph. 4:4.)
“He that is joined unto the Lord is one Spirit.” (1 Cor. 6:17.)
“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body; whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free, and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” (1 Cor. 12:13.)
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” (2 Cor. 5:17.)
“For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything nor uncircumcision, but a new creature; and as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them and mercy.” (Gal. 6:15, 16)
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3.)
“To as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the Sons of God, even to them that believe on his name; which were horn not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” (John 1:12, 13.)
Jesus died, “not for the Jewish nation only, but that also He should gather together in one the children of God that were scattered abroad.” (John 11:52.)
“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” (John 12:32.)
“If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in thy heart that God Lath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. For the Scripture saith, whosoever believeth on Him shall not be ashamed..” (Rom 10:9-11.)
“For the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon Him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Rom. 10:12, 13.)
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.” (Mark 16:16.)
“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou Father art in me, and I in thee, that they may be one in us.” (John 17:20, 21.)
“They that gladly received his (the Apostle Peter) word were baptized; and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” (Acts 2:38 to end.)
“Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed; and the number of the men was about five thousand. And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul.” (Acts 4:32.)
“And some of them which were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which when they were come to Antioch, spoke unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord.” (Acts 11:19-21.)
“And it came to pass that Barnabas and Saul assembled themselves with the Church at Antioch, and taught much people.” (Acts 11:26.)
“Now when Paul and his companions came to Thessalonica, Paul opened and alleged that Jesus was the Christ. And some of them believed and consorted with Paul and Silas: and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few.” (Acts 17:1-4.)
“Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus unto the Church of the Thessalonians.” (1 Thess. 1:1.) See also—
Acts 18:7, 8; 1 Cor. 1
Acts 16:14; Rev. 2:18.
Acts 16
“Him that is weak in the faith receive ye, but not to doubtful disputations.” (Rom. 14:1.)
“Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.” (Rom. 15:7.)
“Whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but Him that sent me.” (Mark 9:37.)
“Whose shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better a millstone were hanged about his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.”
“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones.” (Matt. 18:6-10.)
Canon 2
The place and office the Church holds on earth both toward God and. the world.
“Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy Priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifice, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:5.)
“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men for kings, and all that are in authority.” (1 Tim. 2:1, 2.)
“I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth, as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matt. 18:19, 20.)
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you that ye should go and bring forth much fruit, and that your fruit should remain; that whatsoever ye ask of the Father in my name, He may give it you.” (John 15:16.)
“I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what His Lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you.” (John 15:15.)
“It is written, eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him; but God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that He may instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.” (1 Cor. 2:9-16.)
“Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.” (1 Cor. 7:23.)
“Brethren, let every man wherein he is called, therein abide with God.” (1 Cor. 7:24.)
“For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die: we die unto the Lord; whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s; for to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that He might be Lord both of the dead and the living.” (Rom. 14:7-9.)
“Know ye not, that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” (1 Cor. 3:16, 17.)
“Know ye not, that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God? and ye are not your own, for ye are bought, with a price; therefore glorify God in your body and spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Cor. 6:19, 20.)
“What agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” (2 Cor. 6:16.)
“They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world; as thou hast sent me into the world, even so also have I sent them into the world.” (John 17:16, 18.)
“Ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9.)
“Blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life.” (Philippians 2:15, 16.)
“For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord, walk as children of light ... .whatsoever doth make manifest, is light.” (Eph. 5:8, 13.)
“Ye are the salt of the earth.”
“Ye are the light of the world; a city that is set on an hill cannot be hid let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matt. 5:13-16.)
“He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also so to walk, even as He walked because the darkness is past and the true light now shineth.” (1 John 2:6, 8.)
“If I depart, I will send the Comforter unto you, the [Church,] and when He is come He will reprove the world [by the life and testimony of the Church,] of sin, because they believe not on me; of righteousness, because I go Only Father and ye see me no more; of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” (John 16:7-11.)
“The Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.” (1 Tim. 3:15.)
Canon 3
On the supremacy of the Lord Christ in the Church.
“This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye Him.” (Matt. 17:5.)
“Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, an eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil,” &c. (Matt. 5:20 to end.)
“Be not ye called Rabbi; for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren. Neither be ye called Masters; for one is your Master, even Christ.” (Matt. 23:8-10.)
“Ye call me Master and Lord, and ye say well; for so I am.” (John 13:13.)
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo! I am with you alway, even to the end of the world.” (Matt. 28:19, 20.)
“There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy.” (James 4:12.)
“Christ, as a Son, over His own house, whose house are we,” (Heb. 3:6.)
“Paul, an Apostle, not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead.” (Gal. 1:1) as likewise the headings of the other Epistles.)
“Unto every one of us is given grace, according to the measure of the gift of Christ; wherefore He saith, When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men: and He gave some, Apostles; and some, Prophets; and some, Evangelists; and some, Pastors and Teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” (Eph. 4:7-12.)
“Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this which ye now see and hear,” (Acts 3:17.)
“This do, in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19.)
“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread,” &c. (1 Cor. 11:23.)
“If I forgave anything to whom I forgave it for your sakes, forgave I it in the person of Christ.” (2 Cor. 2:10; 1 Cor. 5:4, 5, also.)
“I saw seven golden candlesticks, and in the midst of the seven candlesticks, one like unto the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the foot. . . and He had in His right hand seven stars, and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword. . . The mystery of the seven stars, which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks, the seven stars are the Angels of the seven Churches; and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest, are the seven Churches.” (Rev. 1:12, 20.)
“Unto the Angel of the Church of Ephesus write, These things saith He that holdeth the seven stars in His right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.”
“To the Angel of the Church of Pergamos write, These things saith He which hath the sharp sword with two edges,” Etc. (Rev. 2:1, 12) as also all the messages to the seven Churches.)
Canon 4—Christ’s New Commandment the Bond of the Church
“A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one toward another.” (John 13:34, 35.)
“This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” (John 15:12-14)
“Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” (1 John 3:16.)
“And this commandment have we from Him, that he who loveth God love his brother also.” (1 John 4:21.)
“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness; and let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body.” (Col. 3:14,15)
“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves; for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” (1 Pet, 4:8.)
This Love is fully described in 1 Cor. 13, Rom. 14:15-21, 1 Cor. 8:11-13.
Canon 5—On Receiving the Lord’s Supper
“With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. . . And He took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, this is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me; likewise also the cup, after supper, saying, this cup is the New Testament in my blood which is shed for you.” (Luke 22:15-20 also Matt. 26:26.)
“For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread: and when He had given thanks, He brake it, and said, take, eat; This is my body, which is broken for you; this do in remembrance of me. After the same manner also He took the cup, when He had supped, saying, This cup is the New Testament in my blood; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. For has often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord’s death till He come Wherefore my brethren, when ye come together to eat, tarry one for another. And if any man hunger, let him eat at home; that ye come not together unto condemnation.” (1 Cor. 11:23-34.)
“The cup of blessing—which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? the bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ For we being many are one bread, and one body for we all are partakers of that one bread.” (1 Cor. 10:16,17.)
“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow.” (Acts 20:7.)
Canon 6—On Public Prayer
“I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.” (Matt. 18:19,20.)
“The hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem worship the Father. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth.” (John 4:21-24.)
“I exhort therefore, that first of all supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and for all that are in authority. I will therefore, that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting: in like manner, also that women adorn themselves in modest apparel.” &c. (1 Tim. 2)
“Is any sick? let him call for the Elders of the Church, and let them pray over him......And the prayer of faith shall save the sick.” (James 5:14,15.)
“I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also.” (1 Cor. 14;15.) (in the public assembly.)
Canon 7—On Singing Psalms and Hymns in Assemblies of Christians
1st.—The example of the Lord and His Apostles when together eating the last supper. “And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.” (Mark 14:26.)
“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises to God, and the prisoners heard them.” (Acts 16:25.)
The practice in the Church proved, (though in disorder,) hi the Church at Corinth— “I will sing with the Spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also How is it brethren? when ye come together every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine. Let all things be done unto edifying.” (1 Cor. 14:15,26.)
“Be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your hearts to the Lord.” (Eph. 5:18,19.)
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another; in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” (Col. 3:16.)
“Is any merry? Let him sing psalms.” (James 5:13.)
“Having the harps of God.” (Rev, v. 14, 15.)
Canon 8—On Reading the Holy Scriptures in the Assembly
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Tim, 3:16.)
“Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine.” (1 Tim. 4:13.)
“Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy.” (Rev. 1:3.)
“When this Epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the Church of the Laodiceans, and that ye likewise read the Epistle from Laodicea.” (Col. 4:16.)
“I charge you by the Lord that this Epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.” (1 Thess. 5:27.)
“And when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the Epistle, which when they had read, they rejoiced for the consolation.” (Acts 15:30, 31.)
Also the example of the Lord, and His Apostles when opportunity was given them—
“And as His (the Lord’s) custom was, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up for to read, and there was delivered unto Him the book of the prophet Esaias, and when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written,” &c. (Luke 4:16.)
“And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures.” (Acts 17:2.)
Canon 9
On the mode of ministry in the assembly of saints, each person exercising his gift.
“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching,” (Heb. 10:25.)
“We have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office; so we being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another; having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; or ministry, let us wait on our ministering; or he that teacheth, on teaching; or be that exhorteth, on exhortation.” (Rom. 12:3,8.)
“As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; if any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever, Amen.” (1 Peter, 4:10, 11.)
“Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are diversities of administrations, but the same Lord; and there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.” (1 Cor. 12 throughout.)
“For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted.” (1 Cor. 14:31.)
“When He ascended up on high, He led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men; and He gave some, Apostles; and some, Prophets, and some, Evangelists; and some, Pastors and Teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” (Eph. 4:8-11.)
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.” (1 Tim. 4:2.)
“All these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit, dividing to every man severally as He will.” (1 Cor. 14:11,)
Canon 10—Rules for Preserving Order in Such a Mode of Using Ministry
“Let all things be done unto edifying.” (1 Cor. 14:26.)
“For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.” (Rom, 12:3.)
“If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability that God giveth; that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter, 5:10, 11.)
“Therefore my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak.” (James 1:19.)
“My brethren, be not many masters, (teachers) knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation; for in many things we offend all; if any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.” (James 3:1,2.)
The rule for ordering the use of the gift of tongues is in 1 Cor. 14:27,28.
“Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge; if anything be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace; for ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted for God is not the Author of confusion but of peace, as in all Churches of the saints.” (1 Cor. 14:29-33.)
“Let your women keep silence in the Churches; for it is not permitted unto them to speak, but to be under obedience; as also saith the law; and if they will learn anything let them ask their husbands at home; for it is a shame for women to speak in the Church.” (1 Cor. 14:34, 35. 1 Tim. 2:11.)
“Let all things be done decently and in order.” (1 Cor. 14:40)
It should be added that it appears implied in 1 Cor. 11 that there were occasions when women prayed and prophesied, in which case they were commanded to be veiled.
Canon 11—On Giving and Collecting Money
“Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the Churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come.” (1 Cor. 16:1, 2.)
“If there be first a willing mind, it is accepted, according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not; for I mean not that other men be eased and ye be burdened, but that there may be equality.” (2 Cor. 8:12, 13, 14.)
“Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance, which is administered by us: providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.” (2 Cor. 8:20, 21.)
“But this I say, He which soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully. Every man, according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, nor of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver.” (2 Cor. 9:6, 7)
Canon 12—Regarding Days, Meats, and Carnal Ordinances
“In vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Hear and understand; not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man, but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man,” (Matt. 15:9-11.)
“I know, and am persuaded, by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself; but to him that esteemeth anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.” (Rom. 14:14.)
“One believeth that he may eat all things; another, who is weak eateth herbs; let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not; and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth; for God hath received him.” Rom. 14:2, 3.)
“One man esteemed one day above another; another esteemeth every day alike; let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, regardeth it unto the Lord; and he that regardeth not the day to the Lord, he doth not regard it; for none of us liveth to himself.” (Rom. 14:5-7.)
“Meat commendeth us not to God; for neither if we eat are we the better; neither if we eat not, are we the worse.” (1 Cor. 8:8)
“Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days, which are a shadow of things to come, but the body is of Christ. Let no man beguile you of your reward, in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels; intruding into those things which he hath not seen; vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, and not holding the Head, from which all the body, by joints and bands, having nourishment ministered, and knit together, increaseth with the increase of God. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances, (touch not, taste not, handle not, which all are to perish with the using,) after the commandments and doctrines of men? which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body, not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh.” (query—but for the satisfying of the flesh?) (Col. 2:16-23.)
“Now, after ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years; I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labor in vain.” (Gal. 4:9-11.)
“Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free; and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. . . . For brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.” (Gal. 5:1,13.)
Canon 13—On Receiving Brethren From Other Churches
“And when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived, the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas, the right hands of fellowship.” (Gal. 2:9.)
“Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers, which have borne witness of thy charity before the Church; whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well; because that, for His name’s sake, they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. We, therefore, ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth.” (3 John, 5-8.)
“Need we, as some others, Epistles of commendation to you, or letters of commendation from you.” (2 Cor. 3:1.)
“I commend unto you Phoebe, our sister, which is a servant of the Church which is at Cenchrea; that ye receive her in the Lord as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you; for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.” (Rom. 16:1,2.)
“And if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. Let no man therefore despise him, but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me.” (1 Cor. 16:10.)
Canon 14—Respecting Our Conduct Towards False Teachers or Brethren, as Well as Heretics
“There be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ; but though we, or an Angel from heaven preach any other gospel to you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As I said before, so say I now again, if any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.” (Gal. 1:7,8, 9,)
“He that troubleth you shall bear his judgment, whosoever he be.” (Gal. 5:10)
“Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them; for they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple,” (Rom. 16:17,18.)
“If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions, and strifes of words; whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness; from such withdraw thyself.” (1 Tim. 6:3,4,5.)
“Shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase unto more ungodliness, and their word will eat as doth a canker, of whom is Hymeneus and Philetus ... If a man, therefore, purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honor, sanctified and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.” (2 Tim. 2:16,21.)
“There are many unruly and vain-talkers, and deceivers, whose mouths must be stopped......wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith.” (Titus 1:10,13.)
“A man that is an heretic, after the first and second admonition reject; knowing that he that is such, is subverted, and sinneth, being condemned of himself.” (Titus 3:10, 11.)
“Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God......if there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not your house, neither bid him God speed. For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.” (2 John 9-11)
“I know thy works, and thy labor, and thy patience, and bow thou canst not bear them which are evil, and thou hast tried them which say they are Apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.” (Rev. 2:2.)
“In the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their ownselves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof, from such turn away.” (2 Tim. 3:1-5.)
“And of some have compassion, making a difference, and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.” (Jude 22, 23.)
Canon 15—How to Deal With Disorderly Brethren, Whether as to Personal Offense or General Misconduct
“Take heed to yourselves: if thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him, and if he repent, forgive him. And if he trespass against thee seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turn again to thee, saying, I repent, thou shalt forgive him.” (Luke 17:3,4.)
“If thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone; if he shall hear thee thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the Church; but if he neglect to hear the Church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a Publican.” (Matt. 18:5-17.)
“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 ye received of us. . . And if any man 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.” (2 Thess. 3:1, 14, 15.)
[This last injunction evidently does not bear on those who disobey, while purposing to obey; it does not lay the sin on those who, mistaking a command, unintentionally (and perhaps zealously) err, but on those who know to do good and do it not, and to such it is sin.]
Canon 16—How to Deal With a Scandalous Person Called a Brother
“In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered. together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” (1 Cor. 5:4, 5.)
“Of whom is Hymeneus and Alexander; whom I have delivered unto Satan, that they may learn not to blaspheme.” (1 Tim. 1:20.)
“Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. I wrote unto you in an Epistle not to company with fornicators; Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. But now I have written unto you not to keep company; if any man that is called a brother he a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or an extortioner, with such an one no not to eat, 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.” (1 Cor. 5:6-13,)
Canon 17: On Our Conduct to a Brother Who Has Been Beguiled Into an Offense or Error
“Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not.” (2 Cor. 11:29.)
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself; lest thou also be tempted. Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” (Gal. 6 l. 2.)
“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him, let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his ways, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19,20.)
“If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death; I do not say that he shall pray for it,” (1 John 5:16).
“Them that sin, rebuke before all, that others also may fear,” (1 Tim. 5:20.)
“And of some have compassion, making a difference, and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating even the garment spotted with the flesh.” (Jude 22, 23.)
Canon 18: Penitents to Be Re-Admitted
“But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part; that I may not overcharge you all. Sufficient to such a man is this punishment, which was inflicted of many. So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow. Wherefore I beseech you that ye would confirm your love toward him ... To whom ye forgive anything, I forgive also: for if I forgave anything, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.” (2 Cor. 2:5-11; Gal. 6:1).
Canon 19. On Fasting
“When ye fast, be not as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; that thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in Secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly.” (Matt. 6:16,17, I8).
“Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” (Matt. 17:21.)
“And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast, and they come and say unto Him, Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but thy disciples fast not? and Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bride-chamber fast, while the bridegroom is with them I as long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then shall they fast in those days.” (Mark 2:18,10,20.)
“As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them. And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.” (Acts 13:2,3.)
“And when they had ordained them Elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.” (Acts 14:23.)
Canon 20: On Sickness in the Church
“If any man see his brother sin a sin which is not unto death, he shall ask, and he shall give him life for them that sin not unto death. There is a sin unto death: I do not say that he shall pray for it.” (John 5:16.)
“Is any sick among you? Let him call for the Elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord; and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up, and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.” (James 5:14,15.)
[Referring to 2 Tim. 4:20; Philippians 2:27; 1 Cor. 11:30, does it not appear that these rules apply mainly to cases when sickness is sent on a believer, as a judgment on evident carelessness or sin?]
Canon 21: Rules for Ascertaining Who Are Ministers Sent of God
“He that speaketh of himself, seeketh his own glory; but he that seeketh His glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.” (John 7;18.)
“Am I not an Apostle? ... . are not ye my work in the Lord?”
“If I be not an Apostle unto others, yet doubtless I am to you, for the seal of mine Apostleship are ye in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 9:1,2).
“Beware of false prophets!” (Matt. 7:15).
“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” (Matt. 7:20.)
“We have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully, but by manifestation of the truth, commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.” (2 Cor. 4:2.)
“Thou hast tried them, which say they are Apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.” (Rev. 2).
“When they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me, as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter: (for he that wrought effectually in Peter to the Apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me towards the Gentiles,) and when James, Cephas and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right bands of fellowship.” (Gal. 2:7, 8, 9.)
“Receive us, we have wronged no man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man.” (2 Cor. 7:2.)
Canon 22: The Character Becoming Such, by Which Also the Previous Canon May Be Confirmed.
“Giving no offense in anything, that the ministry be not blamed.” (2 Cor. 6:3.)
“The servant of the Lord. must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves, if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledgment of the truth.” (2 Tim. 2:24, 25.)
“The love of money is the root of all evil. . . but thou, O man of God, flee these things, and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” (1 Tim. 6:10,11.)
“But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.” (1 Thess. 2:7.)
“We then that are strong, ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Rom. 15:1.)
“Let no man despise thy youth, but be thou an example of the believers in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” (1 Tim. 4:12.)
“In all things showing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity.” (Titus 2:7.)
“Ye know from the first day after what manner I have been with you at all seasons, serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations; and how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, and have showed you, and have taught you publicly; and from house to house.” (Acts 20:18, 19, 20.)
“My speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.” (1 Cor. 2:4).
“Even unto this present hour we both hunger, and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling-place; and labor, working with our own hands: being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we suffer it: being defamed, we entreat; we are made as the filth of the earth, and are the offscouring of all things unto this day.” (1 Cor. 4:11-13.)
“Not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.” (1 Cor. 10:33).
“We are not as many which corrupt the word of God; but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.” (2 Cor. 2:17.)
“In all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses in labors, in watchings, in fastings; by pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers, and yet true; as unknown and yet well known; as dying, and behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich: as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” (2 Cor. 6:4-10.)
“Christ in you, the hope of glory whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom: that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: whereunto I also labor striving according to His working, which worketh in me mightily.” (Col. 1:28, 29).
“Our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: but as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness, nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others. For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail; for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily, and justly, and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe, as ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, that ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory.” (1 Thess. 2:3-12).
“If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith, and of good doctrine.” (1 Tim. 4:6.)
“Preach the word, be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine.” (2 Tim. 4:2.)
Canon 23: On Elders, or Overseers, or Pastors, With Instructions for Their Conduct
“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his Lord hath made ruler over His household, to give them meat in due season?” (Matt. 24:45.)
“Feed my sheep.” “Feed my lambs.” (John 21:15,16.)
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which He hath purchased with His own blood. Watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel. Yea, ye yourselves know, that these hands have ministered unto my necessities, and to them that were with me. I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, it is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:28-35).
“Warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.” (1 Thess. 5:14.)
“The Elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an Elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed. Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly: not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind, Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.” (1 Peter 5:1-4).
“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy.” (2 Cor. 1:24.)
“This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a Bishop, [or overseer the desireth a good work. A Bishop then, must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach, not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient; not a brawler, not covetous: one that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (for if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the Church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest be fall into reproach and the snare of the devil.” (1 Tim. 3:1-7.)
“If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children, not accused of riot or unruly, for a Bishop (or overseer) must be blameless, as the steward of God; not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, nor given to filthy lucre, but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate, holding fast the faithful word, as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine, both to exhort, and to convince the gainsayers.” (Titus 1:5-9.)
“And He had in His right hand seven stars.” (Rev. 1;16.)
“The mystery of the, seven stars which thou sawest in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches; and the seven candlesticks which thou sawest, are the seven churches.” (Rev. 1:20.)
“For we are laborers together with God, ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” (1 Cor. 3:9.)
Canon 24: On the Deference and Honor Due to Such
“Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.” (1 Cor. 4:1.)
“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God; whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation Jesus, Christ, the same yesterday, to-day, and forever.” (Heb. 13:7,8).
“Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief, for that is unprofitable for you.” (Heb. 13:17.)
“Salute all them that have the rule over you.” (Heb. 13:24.)
“And we beseech you brethren, to know them which labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you, and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake.” (1 Thess. 5:12,13)
“I beseech you, brethren, (ye know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have addicted themselves to the ministry of the saints,) that ye submit yourselves unto such, and to everyone that helpeth with us and laboureth.” (1 Cor. 16:15,16).
“Let the Elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially they who labor in word and doctrine.” (1 Tim. 5:17).
“Against an Elder receive not an accusation, but before two or three witnesses.” (1 Tim. 5:19.)
“And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.” (1 Cor. 4:6.)
“Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.” (Gal. 5:6.)
“Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they which preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel. But I have used none of these things.” (1 Cor. 9:14.)
“The laborer is worthy of his hire.” (Luke 10;7;1 Tim. 5:18.)
Canon 25: Regarding Deacons
“And in those days, when the number of disciples was multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration. Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables. Wherefore brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost, and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business; but we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word, And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose whom they set before the Apostles, and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them” (Acts 6:1-6).
“Likewise must the deacons be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found. blameless. Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. For they that have used the office of a deacon well, purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Jesus Christ.” (1 Tim. 3:8-13.)
[The 11th verse of this Chapter in connection with Rom. 16:1 gives countenance at the least to the office of deaconess.]
Canon 26: On the Church’s Maintenance of Its Members
“For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. Now them that are such, we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work and eat their own bread.” (2 Thess. 3:10, 12).
The complaint of the Grecians in Acts 6 is a proof that the widows were specially considered the Church’s care in the daily ministrations; and rules regarding them are given as follows—
“Honor widows that are widows indeed; but if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents; for that is good and acceptable before God.. . . But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel. Let not a widow be taken into the number under threescore years old, having been the wife of one man, well reported of for good works, etc., etc., but the younger widows refuse. . . . If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the Church be charged, that it may relieve them that are widows indeed,” (1 Tim. 5:3,16.)
Canon 27: On Worldly Callings
“And let ours also learn to maintain good works (to profess honest trades, marg.) for necessary uses, that they may not be unfruitful.” (Titus 3:14.)
“Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called. Art thou called being a servant? care not for it; but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather; for he that is called in the Lord being a servant, is the Lord’s free man. Likewise also, he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant ... .Brethren, let every man wherein be is called, therein abide with God.” (1 Cor. 7:20-24.)
“Let him that stole steal no more; but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.” (Eph. 4:28.)
“And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; that ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.” (1 Thess. 4:11,12.)
“And because he (Paul) was of the same craft, he abode with them (Aquila and Priscilla) and wrought; for by their occupation they were tentmakers.” (Acts 18:3).
Canon 28: On Keeping Company With Those Without
“I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil!” (John 17:15.)
“I wrote unto you in an Epistle not to company with fornicators; yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolators; for then must ye needs go out of the world.” (1 Cor. 5:9, 10.)
“If any of them that believe not bid you to a feast, and ye be disposed to go, whatsoever is set before you, eat, asking no questions for conscience sake: but if any man say unto you, this is offered in sacrifice unto idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:27, 31.)
“Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt: that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.” (Col. 4:5, 6.)
“Sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” (1 Pet. 3:15.)
Canon 29: On the Honor and Subjection Due to Power Without, or of the World
“Render unto Caesar the things which are Caesar’s, and unto God the things that are God’s.” (Matt. 22:21; Luke 20:25.)
“Then said Paul, I wist not brethren that he was the high priest; for it is written, Thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.” (Acts 23:5.) [This would as fully bear on authority in the Church.]
“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers, for there is no power but of God; the powers that be are ordained of God: whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God, and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation; for rulers are not a terror to good works but to evil: wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? Do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same; for he is the minister of God to thee for good; but if thou do that which is evil, be afraid, for he beareth not the sword hi vain; for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil; wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but for conscience sake. For this cause pay ye tribute also; for they are God’s ministers, attending continually on this very thing. Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor,” (Rom. 13:1-7).
“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether it be to the king as supreme, or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by Him for the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: as free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Fear God, honor the King.” (1 Peter 2:13-17.)
“ Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,” (Titus 3:1.)
[It should be observed that there are no instructions to those in authority; submission and obedience are alone taught.]
Canon 30: On Going to Law Before the World, or Using Its Power
“If any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.” (Matt. 5:40.)
“Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? if then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set them to judge who are least esteemed in the Church. I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren? but brother goeth to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers; now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another: why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded.” (1 Cor. 6:1-7.)
[It may be well also to refer to the conduct of the Apostle Paul toward the magistrates at Philippi, and his plea of Roman citizenship before the centurion at Jerusalem. (Acts 16:36-39; Acts 22:25-28). In the first instance, the magistrates had unrighteously punished him unheard and “uncondemned,” and sought then to let him and their injustice go privily away together. The requirement of the Apostle was, that the iniquity should be charged in its right place and not upon him, when he had done no wrong; he did not seek redress, but that all might know he had suffered for Christ’s sake, and not for breaking the laws. The magistrates were the law-breakers not the Apostle; they were not subject to their own laws, while he was; and for the Gospel’s sake he desired this to be known. In the next case, he saved the centurion from a similar violation of the law of which he was the guardian. Paul had not sought Roman citizenship, he was free born; but he could not see the law broken in his case, without remonstrating and setting the injustice of the act before him; in neither case did he go to law, or seek redress of wrong; but that the iniquity of breaking known laws in his person, should be made known or prevented.]
Canon 31: On Our Conduct in Natural Relationships, and in Our Households
“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church: and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore as the Church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything ... .Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave Himself for it ... .Let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself, and the wife see that she reverence her husband.” (Eph. 5:22, 33.)
“Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.” (Col. 3:18, 19)
“Likewise ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, that if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear; whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time, the holy women also who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands......Likewise ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered.” (1 Peter 3:1-7.)
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor thy father and mother (which is the first commandment with promise) and ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” (Eph. 6:1-4.)
“Children obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers provoke not your children, lest they be discouraged.” (Col. 3:20,21)
“Servants, be obedient to them that are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as unto Christ. Not with eye-service, as men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; with good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men; knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening, knowing that your Master also is in heaven, neither is there respect of persons with Him.” (Eph. 6:5-9.)
“Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men, knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance, for ye serve the Lord Christ Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that ye also have a Master in heaven.” (Col. 3:22; 4:1.)
“Let as many servants as are under the yoke, count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and His doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved. If any man teach otherwise he is proud, knowing nothing,” etc. (1 Tim. 6:1-3.)
“Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things, not answering again, not purloining, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things.” (Titus 2:9, 10.)
“Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully.” (1 Peter 2:18,19).
Canon 32: On Distinctions Between Rich and Poor in the Church
“Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate.” (margin, be contented with mean things.) (Rom. 12:16.)
“If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet; for I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done unto you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, the servant is not greater than his Lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.” (John 13:4-17.)
“And all that believed were together, and had all things common; and sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need: and they continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God, and having favor with all the people.” (Acts 2:41-47.)
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; and ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool; are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom, which He hath promised to them that love Him if ye fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself, ye do well: but if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.” (James 2:1-9.)
“Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: but the rich, in that he is made low; because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.” (James 1:9, 10.)
“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” (Phil. 4:5)
Canon 33
Concerning apparel; and use of riches by the Church.
“Ye are not your own; for ye are bought with a price; therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Cor. 6:20.)
“I beseech you brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Rom. 12;1, 2.)
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof; but be that doeth the will of God abideth forever.” (1 John 2:15-17.)
“In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array, but (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.” (1 Tim. 2:9, 10.)
“Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; but let it be the bidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, given the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight God of great price. For after this manner, in the old time, the holy women, also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands.” (1 Peter 3:3, 4, 5.)
“I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed; and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear.” (Rev. 3:18.)
“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth. . . . but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal; for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matt. 6:19, 20.)
“If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me.” (Matt. 19:21.)
“Whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him; how dwelleth the love of God in him?” (1 John 3:17.)
“Having food and raiment, let us be therewith content; but they that will be rich, fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil, which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.” (1 Tim. 6:8, 9, 10.)
“Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate, laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.” (1 Tim. 6:17-19.)
“Being enriched in everything to all bountifulness.” (2 Cor. 9:11.)
“He which soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully, shall reap also bountifully.” (2 Cor. 11:6)
It is more than probable, that many rules are yet to be found in the Scriptures, not brought forward here; indeed it is in no way intended to be asserted that this arrangement contains the whole; but enough are produced to show how grievously both the Church at large, and almost every individual in it are walking in disobedience; and not only so, but that they are not seeking to ascertain God’s commandments, that they might order their steps according to them. Alas! how unlike even the most disorderly of the Churches of old, to which it could be said, “Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances as I delivered them to you,” (1 Cor. 11:2.)
[It should be added also, that it is not supposed that they meet every exigency of every kind that might arise. The Holy Ghost, dwelling as a Spirit of wisdom in the Church, will ever supply the need in such cases, where looked to.]