Debating Church and Congregation in Independent Thought
A correspondent argues that the New Testament envisions a single, habitual assembly rather than a separate church and congregation. Citing passages from Matthew Acts and First Corinthians, the writer critiques the idea of an external, divided worshiping body and defends the unity of the church as the whole congregation of believers.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
J.B. L
Mhany
Christ
J. BR. L
Synagogue
Assembly of
Church of God
Ephesus
St. Paul
J. RB. L
Lord Jesus Christ
Corinth
Universal Church
Calvin
Alford
Satan
God
Paul
John Calvin
Selective sympathy draws the true church together
The author argues that the church forms itself by the Lord’s grace creating spiritual affinity among believers. He contends admission depends on loving recognition of this bond, not state or endowment machinery, and warns against sectarian and prideful distortions. The discussion, dated Nov 20, 1868, hints at future debates on excommunication and church theory.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
God
J. BR. L
J. R.L
Correction on Christian Spectator history 1868 note
A letter to the editor clarifies that the Christian Spectator did not finish its course in 1866 but was renamed Free Churchman and Christian Spectator around Christmas 1867. It announces a January 1869 revival with former attractions and new features, noting the quoted claim rested with Mr White rather than the newspaper.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Christian Spectator
Free Churchman
Stock
White
Plea for Orphans and Alexandra Orphanage Appeal
A letter urges support for the Orphan Working School at Haverstock Hill founded 110 years ago to care for 400 children now needing 8000 pounds annually. The Alexandra Orphanage for Infants, founded 1864, admits ninety six infants and plans new buildings at Hornsea Rise under a distinct plan.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Orphan Working School
Alexandra Orphanage
Haverstock-hill
England
United Kingdom
Hornsea Rise