1249. CHURCH, Definition of a.—
A
church is “a voluntary society of men, joining
themselves together of their own accord,
in order to the public worshipping of God in
such a manner as they judge acceptable to
Him and effectual to the salvation of their
souls”. It is voluntary, because no man is by
nature bound to any church. The hope of
salvation is the cause of his entering into it.
If he find anything wrong in it. he should be
as free to go out as he was to come in.—
Notes on Religion.
Ford ed., ii, 101.
(1776?)
