Post by Lee on Jan 13, 2014 0:17:31 GMT
Some during the Dr. Thomas's day suggested that unbaptized shouldn't be in the memorial meeting. Psalms 26 was used to make the following statement by them: "That the prophets of old worshipped not in the presence of strangers" which they claimed was the meaning of "Psa 26:5 I have hated the congregation of evil doers; and will not sit with the wicked."
"We object to this statement as a misrepresentation of the Scripture on which it is sought to be founded. David does not say that he suspended worship the moment “a stranger” entered the temple. He says: “I have hated THE CONGREGATION OF EVIL DOERS, and will not sit with THE WICKED.” This is a very different affair. No righteous man would think of joining the assembly of evil doers, or take part in any of their conventions; but is this a reason why he should object to the sympathetic presence of an enquiring unbeliever in the assemblies of those who fear God? Because a righteous man will not sit in the congregation of the ungodly, is that a reason why a repentant ungodly person should be refused assembly with the righteous? Surely so extraordinary a proposition will not be affirmed when it is thought over."
1866 Christadelphian p 159
"We object to this statement as a misrepresentation of the Scripture on which it is sought to be founded. David does not say that he suspended worship the moment “a stranger” entered the temple. He says: “I have hated THE CONGREGATION OF EVIL DOERS, and will not sit with THE WICKED.” This is a very different affair. No righteous man would think of joining the assembly of evil doers, or take part in any of their conventions; but is this a reason why he should object to the sympathetic presence of an enquiring unbeliever in the assemblies of those who fear God? Because a righteous man will not sit in the congregation of the ungodly, is that a reason why a repentant ungodly person should be refused assembly with the righteous? Surely so extraordinary a proposition will not be affirmed when it is thought over."
1866 Christadelphian p 159