The Bombay Quarterly Magazine and Review (Volume 2) (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1852. Excerpt: ... THE BOMBAY QUARTERLY MAGAZINE No. VI.--JANUARY, 1852. Art. I.--THE CHURCH AND CHURCH MISSIONS. It will be allowed by those who believe the holy Scriptures, that it is the duty of every Christian, as far as in him lies, to " do good unto all men"; and that by " good" is intended whatever is needful both for the soul and body, for time and for eternity. The fulfilment of this divine precept is moreover binding upon Christians singly as individuals, and in the aggregate as a community, fellowship, or brotherhood; and when we speak of the obligations of" the Church" to the world, we comprise this twofold duty of eveiy one who professes to be a member of that body. Now, as in every other association, so in the Church, all the members thereof have not the same office, but to each a certain position, with corresponding functions, is attached, which he is required to perform; and in the degree in which he faithfully executes these, and forbears "to stretch himself beyond his measure," or, in other words, to encroach upon the line (navnv, 2 Cor. x. 13) which limits his sphere of action, in that degree will each "have rejoicing in himself alone," and contribute to the buildingup of the community. That this order belongs to the Church is clear from what St. Paul says: "But unto every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men and he gave some apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers. For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ"; and, again: "Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. And God hath set some in the Church, first a...