Required reading
Discussions (Vol 2) by Robert L. Dabney (Available from Amazon or free here) - Continue 'The revised book of discipline' by reading up to the paragraph beginning: 'Chapt. VIII. We come now to the eighth chapter...'
My summary
Today we continue the discussion of some of the changes proposed by the committee of the general assembly for the book of discipline.
Dabney takes issue with the alterations concerning
(i) the trial of ministers;
(ii) cases without process;
(iii) witnesses.
What grabbed me
I appreciated Dabney's discussion of the sin of unbelief.
Particularly his argument that it shouldn't matter if the world is outraged that unbelief is a disciplinable offence: 'Here it may be objected that whatever the Bible may decide of the voluntariness and sinfulness of unbelief, no unregenerate man thinks thus of it, and therefore the unconverted church member in question, and all other men of the world, will be filled with indignation at what they conceive to be unreasonable punishment, and thus the session will not be upheld by that "approbation of an impartial public" from which their discipline, a power only moral and spiritual, must derive a large part of its force, according to the Book of Government itself. We reply that it is only an evangelical public opinion which is to be regarded by the church with respect. God forbid that the kingdom of Christ, that sacred and majestic commonwealth which is appointed to be, in all ages, the exemplar and defender of immutable righteousness, should become a truckling trimmer to every wicked caprice of unsanctified opinion and prejudice. Let it be hers rather to control, enlighten and elevate public opinion by the consistency and moral courage of her teachings and acts.'
Fear of man should not be the touchstone for church discipline!
Next week's reading
Conclude 'The revised book of discipline'.
Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.
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