Spirit of life in Christ Jesus.
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stry henceforth study the Holy Scriptures with fervent _ prayer, and obtain license from God-to preach the sim-ple Gospel, with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven, _ without any mixture of philosophy, vain deceit, tradi-tions of men, or the rudiments of the world. And letnone henceforth take this honor to himself, but he that is~called of God, as was Aaron. Item. We will, that the church of Christ resume hernative right of internal government—try her candidatesfor the ministry, as to their soundness in the faith, ac- 4 quaintance with experimental religion, gravity and apt- 4 ness to teach ; and admit no other proof of their authority : but Christ speaking in them. Wewiill, that the church & of Christ look up to the Lord of the harvest to send _ forth laborers into his harvest; and that she resume herprimitive right of trying those who say they are apos-tles, and are not. Item. We will, that each particular church, as abody, actuated by the same spirit, choose her ownpreacher, and support him by a free will offering, with-out a written call or subscription—admit members—re-move offences; and never henceforth delegate her rightof government to any man or set of men whatever. Item. We will, that the people henceforth take theBible as the only sure guide to heaven ; and as many asare offended with other books, which stand in competi-tion with it, may cast them into the fire if they choose ;for itis better to enter into life having one book, thanhaving many to be cast into hell. _ Item. We will, that preachers and people, cultivatea spirit of mutual forbearance ; ; pray more and disputeless ; and while they behold the signs of the times, lookup, and confidently expect that redemption drawethnigh. em: We will, that our weak brethren, who mayhave been wishing to make the Presbytery of Spring- BARTON W. STONE. 53 field their king, and wot not what is now become of it,betake themselves to the Rock of Ages, and follow Je-sus for the future. : Item. We will, that the Synod of Kentucky examineevery member, who may be suspected of having depart-ed from the Confession of Faith, and suspend everysuch suspected heretic immediately; in order that theoppressed may go free, and taste the sweets of gospelliberty. rat titItem. We will, that Ja , the author of twoletters lately published in Lexington, be encouraged inhis zeal to destroy partyism. We will, moreover, thatour past conduct be examined into by all who may havecorrect information ; but let foreigners beware of speak-ing evil of things which they know not. weeMe Item. Finally we will, that all our sister bodies readtheir Bibles carefully, that they may see their fate theredetermined, and prepare for death before it is toolate. |
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