A Guide to the Formation and Conduct of Christadelphian Ecclesias

The Title Page and Contents of the Christadelphian Ecclesial Guide.

Title Page

THE TRUTH IN THE NINETEETH CENTURY:

OR

THE LESSONS OF THIRTY YEARS' EXPERIENCE PRESENTED

IN THE FORM OF

A GUIDE

TO

THE FORMATION AND CONDUCT OF CHRISTADELPHIAN ECCLESIAS,

IN

THE CHARACTERISTIC CIRCUMSTANCES OF AN AGE WHEN THE TRUTH

AS APOSTOLICALLY DELIVERED HAS BEEN

REVIVED

IN THE WAYS OF DIVINE PROVIDENCE, WITHOUT THE CO-OPERATION

AND LIVING GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT AS ENJOYED

IN THE APOSTOLIC AGE

________

BY ROBERT ROBERTS, OF BIRMINGHAM.

(Editor of the Christadelphian.)

________

BIRMINGHAM:

ROBERT ROBERTS, ATHENAEUM BUILDINGS, EDMUND STREET.

________

1883.

Contents Page

Introductory

1. The Term “Ecclesia”

2. The Name “Christadelphian”

3. The Apostolic Ministry

4. Revival of the Apostolic Faith

5. Problems of the Modern Situation

6. What is the Solitary Man to do?

7. The Administration of Baptism

8. Form of Procedure

9. Baptismal Formula

10. Course after Baptism (alone)

11. After Baptism (in company)

12. Objects of Ecclesial Work

13. Rules and Modes

14. Absense of Spirit Appointments

15. The Necessities of the Present Situation

16. Mutual Consent the basis of order

17. Exercise of Authority out of the Question

18. Serving Brethren: not rulers

19. Suitable Qualifications.

20. Ecclesial Control.

21. Mode and term of Appointment

22. Eligibility for Re-election

23. Arranging Brethren

24. Arranging Meetings open to all

25. Presiding Brethren

26. Recording Brother

27. Finance Brother

28. Exclusion of Business from Sunday Meetings

29. Fraternal Announcements

30. Mode of Conducting the Meetings

31. Introduction of New Brethren

32. Cases of Sin and Withdrawal

33. Examination of Applicants for Immersion

34. Basis of Fellowship

35. Disputes

36. Individual Offences

37. Ecclesial Differences

38. Dissatisfied Minority

39. Absense and Separate Meetings Unlawful

40. A Time to Separate, and how to go about it

41. Involved in another Ecclesia’s Trouble

42. Ecclesias in relation to one another

43. The true Secret of Success

44. Fraternal Gatherings from various Places

45. Marriage

46. Sunday School

           A System of Rules embodying the foregoing Suggestions

           A Statement of the Doctrines forming the Christadelphian basis of Fellowship

           THE COMMANDMENTS OF CHRIST-

                       Class I. - Difficult to Obey

                       Class II. - Not Easy, but less Difficult

The Main Ecclesial Guide