Dear Brethren - We have had an agreeable meeting; love and peace have prevailed among us. Letters from various quarters inform us, that peace, in general, is continued among the Churches; but complaints of the Lord's absence, in worshipping assemblies, and leanness among the sons of Zion. There is doubtless a cause why the spouse of Christ is left to mourn thus. Under such circumstances it becomes us, to be careful in strengthening the things that remain, and exert every power that we may glorify God, and promote Zion's interest. Let us aim at setting the house of God in order, and cleansing within Zion's walls. We would therefore address you on the subject of church government, and the exercise of discipline.

By a church of Christ, we understand a number of persons selected, and called out from an ungodly world, and subjected to the gospel by almighty, efficacious and sovereign grace; giving themselves to the Lord, and to one another, by the will of God; and are the ground and pillar of truth.

The rule by which such church is to be governed is the Holy scriptures, being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets; Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone. By those inspired, sublime and eternal doctrines, a gracious God makes discoveries of His love, and communicates the knowledge of salvation through a precious endearing Redeemer; and that which furnishes the man of God unto every good work; to this divine and supreme law due subjection is required.

Having sound subjects, and an unerring rule for the government of them, special care ought to be taken as to the mode of government; it becomes the preachers of the gospel first in order, to be faithful in preaching the word of life; reproving the obstinate, warning the unruly, and comforting the feeble-minded. The church is commanded to be subject to them, as those that watch, for their souls; whom Christ has employed as stewards in His house, and placed as overseers, to deal out to His servants and handmaidens their meat in due season. Such persons called to labor in Christ's vineyard, ought to shine with distinguished light, as stars in the firmament; and, without weariness, both by precept and example, diffuse knowledge wherever they go, and provoke others to love and good works.

It is likewise the duty of each member of a church, to watch over each other, lest there be any root of bitterness springing up, and thereby many be defiled. Dear brethren, urge on your fellow members -- their constant attendance on divine worship, and meetings for private business. That word that forbids their neglect, will not excuse their absence; and, if they cannot be reclaimed, put them away; for it is unreasonable that the church should be encumbered and burthened with dead, useless members. Forbid idle visits, superfluous apparel, and carnal conformity to the sinful customs of the world, as unworthy and beneath the dignity of the heirs of glory. Look into it, and see that each fellow member maintains family worship, and suppresses sin and vice to the remotest branch of his household.

In case of crimes, let reproof be suited to their nature; if public, then reprove publicly, that all the rest of the church may fear; if private, then use admonition; in either case, if the person may be said to be overtaken, tenderness and compassion is to be exercised in restoring him -- Clearly demonstrate your readiness to revenge all disobedience, and purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump.

As you profess to be renewed by grace, and enjoy the love of God, and now become a fellow citizen with the saints, and of the household of God, remember you are not your own; never boast your freedom, for you are professedly Christ's servants; your person, your time, your property, all belongs to Him; therefore under Christ, and in union with His church. You have a right to appoint a place for worship, and the time when it is to be performed, and, with the concurrence of the church, ascertain the expenses necessary to carry it into full effect; and defray every other expense, arising from your relation to each other as a religious body.

Each member of a gospel Church, according to the best regulations of society, and the supreme law of the spiritual kingdom, are to pay according to their several abilities, that there may be, according to the scriptures, equality; -- if this rule be objected to, which appears the only scripture rule, we despair of any other being found, and the consequence will be, for the bride to wander at uncertainty without any correct rule.

Finally -- engage, solemnly engage, in the important work of the Lord's vineyard; let the consideration of the love of God to us, when we were unlovely, stimulate, excite and stir us up to diligence. Short will be our duration here. Let us esteem it our highest honor, and greatest happiness, to serve the most high God, in which delightful work may we ever be employed, is the desire of your brethren in the Lord. -- Farewell.

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[From William Fristoe, The History of the Ketocton Baptist Association, 1766-1808, 1808, pp. 56-57. The grammar and spelling are unchanged. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]

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