Question. What is the order of receiving members into the church, that were
no members anywhere before?
Answer. The person must give an account of his faith; and of the work of
grace upon his soul before the church; and also a strict enquiry must be
made about his life and conversation; but if through bashfulness the party
cannot speak before the congregation, the elder and two or three more persons
may receive an account of his or her faith, and report it to the church.
But if full satisfaction by the testimony of good persons is not given of
the party's life and conversation, he must be put by until satisfaction
is obtained in that respect. Moreover, when the majority are satisfied,
and yet one or two persons are not, the church and elder will do well to
wait a little time, and to endeavor to satisfy such persons, especially
if the reasons of the dissent seem weighty.
Question. What is to be done when a person offers himself for communion
from a church that is corrupt, or erroneous in principles?
Answer. 1. The church ought to take account of his faith in all fundamental
points, and of the work of grace upon his heart.
2. And if satisfied, then to send also to that corrupt people, to know whether
they have any thing or not against his life and conversation: if satisfied
in both these respects, the church may receive him.
Question. To whom is it members join themselves? Is it to the elder, or
to the church?
Answer. They are joined to the whole community of the church, being incorporated
as members thereof, and thereto abide, though the pastor be removed by death.