Lesson 4:
Identity and Legacy

1. Holiness and humility

“Words teach; examples draw.” - Nehemiah Coxe, quoting an older Latin source

Sound doctrine must be accompanied by holiness.

Pride destroys local churches and associations of churches.

Self-centeredness; selfishness; hyper-independence; “strong personalities”

James 3:17

“The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason.”

The “hymn-singing controversy” of the 1690s

2. Eagerness and education (or, maturity and mentoring)

1 Timothy 3:1

“If anyone aspires to the office of overseer, he desires a noble task.”

2 Timothy 1:13-14

“Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.”

2 Timothy 1:2

“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.”

Younger and older generations needs to do their part.

3. Commitment and commendation

“Let us look upon it as part of our Generation-Work, to do something in order to the comfort of the churches of the saints in succeeding ages. It will be your honour to erect convenient places to worship God in; and give your children the best learning you can, bringing them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, not knowing but that they may be blessed instruments for Christ when our work is ended” (1692 General Assembly Narrative).