The Original 1883 (First Edition) of
The Ecclesial Guide

12. -- Objects of Ecclesial Work.

The objects of ecclesial operations are two-fold: 1--the edification (or refreshment, encouragement, strengthening, or building up) of its individual constituents in the faith -- "the edifying of itself in love" (Eph. iv. 16); and 2--the exhibition of the light of truth to "those that are without." In this two-fold capacity, the ecclesia is "the pillar (that which upholds) and ground (that which gives standing room) of the truth" (1 Tim. iii. 15). These two objects will always be carefully pursued by enlightened and earnest men. Neither is to be lost sight of, and neither sacrificed to the other. Edification is the more agreeable: but the testimony of the truth is the more dutiful function. We must, therefore, resist the tendency to exalt the former over the latter; and, at the same time, be on our equal guard that we pursue not the latter to the sacrifice of the former. There is a tendency in young ecclesias to give the public testimony the more prominent place; and in older bodies, perhaps the tendency is to prefer that which is individually profitable to that which may seem to them a bootless exhibition of divine matters to a heedless public. A right condition of things gives both an equal place. Duty to Christ will sustain older ecclesias in a course from which their individual preferences would withdraw them: and the need of comfort, and the luxury and service and worship will help the younger bodies to give due place to breaking of bread and exhortation.