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The true Church of Christ is in intimate union with Christ Himself. It is indissolubly joined unto Him, vitally connected with Him, and, I must add, it is altogether His possession, His servant. When it is in sound and healthy condition, it is in profound and active sympathy with Christ in all His purposes and works; and when it appears in all its beauty and grace, it is in full conformity to the mind of Christ.

I. THE MUTUAL LOVE OF THE CHURCH. This is the grand characteristic of believers: love in active exercise, love expressed in word and deed. In order to love, there must be knowledge or acquaintance.

II. THE WORSHIP OF THE CHURCH. The seat of worship is the heart. And the believer cannot neglect the exercise of private or secret worship. Then, those whom God has set in families should have a home altar, around which morning and evening the whole household should gather. As to the worship of God's house, it is your privilege to be partakers of it, and you are under a solemn obligation to observe the ordinances of the sanctuary.

III. THE WORK OF THE CHURCH. This work is two-fold — edifying believers, and converting sinners.

IV. THE FINANCES OF THE CHURCH.

V. THE SPIRITUAL TONE AND TEMPER OF THE CHURCH.

(A. G. Maitland, M. A.)

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KJV: This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.

WEB: This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly.