We must come back to the first principles of practical piety, and cultivate the passive virtues of the Christian character. We must remember that Christianity is being like Christ, and that unless we partake of that love which is patient and kind, which does not envy, nor boast, nor is proud, nor rude, nor self-seeking, nor easily angered, which keeps no record of wrongs—we are nothing!
"Is just what the title denotes, a manual for communicants, designed to instruct them in respect to the nature of a Christian church, and the various privileges which are secured to them, and the various duties which devolve upon them, in virtue of their church membership. As Mr. James is both in principle and practice a Congregationalist, his views of this subject are, of course, in some degree, modified by the general system of church government to which he is attached; and while, on some minor points, a Presbyterian might find occasion to dissent from him, an Episcopalian, and especially a member of the Church of England....We have no hesitation in saying that they members of any communion may read it with edification and profit. They may learn from it much which is calculated to deepen the sense of their responsibility, to extend the circle of their influence, and to increase their interest in all that is connected with the prosperity of the Redeemer's kingdom." -The Literary and Theological Review
"The author has some excellent remarks which are of universal application." -Friends' Monthly Magazine
"A mind richly imbued with the principle and spirit of our elder divines. It is impossible to peruse without perceiving that Mr. James has been a diligent and successful pupil in this school. He has imbibed much of their fervor, and unites a large portion of that evangelical authority, mingled with persuasive earnestness and suavity, which imparts to the writings of such men as Baxter, a mysterious power over the hearts of men." -Congregational Magazine
CONTENTS:
Nature of a Christian Church
Nature and Design of Christian Fellowship
Privileges of Membership
General Duties of Church Members
Duties of Church Members to Their Pastors
Duties of Church Members to Each Other
Duties of Church Members to Other Christian Churches
The Pastor's WIFE
DEACONS
Christian PARENTS
YOUNG Christians
RICH Christians
POOR Christians
Christian TRADESMEN
The True Nature of Church Power
Mode of Conducting Church Meetings
Admission of Members to the Church
John Angell James (6 June 1785 - 1 October 1859), was an English Nonconformist clergyman and writer. (Wikipedia)
