BELIEVING the name of “Brethren” to belong equally to all children of God, we disclaim the title of “The Brethren” as distinctive; for we do not mean either to un-christianize others, or to forego our relationship with any member of the household of God (Eph. 2:19); and all we mean by rejecting other names than Christians, brethren, believers, is, that we unite together solely in the Name of Christ, and as brethren who have “boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus” (Heb. 10:19). Being made “priests unto God” (Rev. 1:6) “to offer up spiritual sacrifices” (1 Pet. 2:5), we neither deem any man appointed as leader essential to any act of worship, nor do we need any help for our infirmities but the Spirit (Rom. 8:26, 27) knowing also that “Christ … maketh intercession for us” (Rom. 8:34): nor can we recognize any gift or qualification for office, except it come from above (Jas. 1:17; Eph. 4:8; 1 Cor. 12:4).

We do not, however, reject Christian ministry, but accept it thankfully in its widest extent, whether in rule or pastoral care, teaching, exhortation, preaching or ministering to the saints in any way, even to the cup of cold water (Acts 20:28; Rom. 12:7,8; Eph. 4:12; 2 Cor. 8:4; Matt. 10:42); believing that every joint supplies strength and ministers nourishment to the body, unto the edifying of itself in love (Eph. 4:16; Col. 2:19). Having, then, gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us (Rom. 12:6), we desire that there may be perfect liberty for their exercise. In our assembly meetings, we are prepared to receive portions of Scripture, an exhortation, from any brother, as he may be led by the Holy Spirit, or to unite as the Lord may enable us, with any brother who can pray or sing with the Spirit (1 Cor. 14:15,26,31; Eph. 5:19); but, conscious of the weakness and folly of the flesh, we would entreat our dear brethren to be “slow to speak,” and to wait humbly for the Spirit of truth to lead them, according to the written Word of God in all they may utter.

In an assembly gathered together on Scriptural principles, we believe we have room to hope there will be such as can speak to edification, exhortation, and comfort (1 Cor. 14:3); since THE SPIRIT, who divideth to every man severally as He will (1 Cor. 12:11), abideth ever as Ruler, Guide and Comforter in the Church of Christ on earth till He comes again (John 14:16; John 16:14; 2 Cor. 3:17). According to the Word of God (1 Cor. 14:24,25), when an unbeliever comes into such an assembly, he will not be deceived by being called to join in a service which he cannot perform (Rom. 8:8).

We come together the first day of the week to break bread (Acts 20:7), only desiring that all who are partakers of that one loaf should indeed manifest that they are one body (1 Cor. 10:17); heavenly in character, because the LORD, the Head of the body, the Church, is risen (Col. 3:12; Eph. 2:6). Therefore, we consider it due to the Lord, who presides at His own table, that those partaking thereof give good evidence of new birth, soundness in the faith, and godliness in their walk and associations. We are commanded to withdraw ourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly (2 Thess. 3:6), and we are required to judge those that are within (1 Cor. 5:12; Heb. 12:15). By the grace of God, we would cleave to the simplicity that is in Christ, avoiding “strifes of words,” yet earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints (Jude 3), building up ourselves only on that (Jude 20), and according to our ability, preach the gospel to every creature.

Acknowledging our own weakness, yet deeply lamenting the widespread departure from the apostles’ doctrine in the professing church, we desire to cling to the Word of God, alone, walking in obedience to all therein revealed for the Church’s guidance.

We believe implicitly in the verbal inspiration of the entire Bible, and receive it as in very truth the Word of God (2 Tim. 3:16). From it we learn that man is utterly lost and ruined by nature and guilty by practice, unable to save himself; but that through the atoning work of Christ Jesus, and that alone, every believer born of God, has eternal life and is therefore forever secure (John 10:27-29). We see also in Scripture that all such are sealed with the Holy Spirit and baptized into one body (Eph. 4:32; 1 Cor. 12:13).

We look for the Saviour’s return at the rapture to receive all His redeemed to Himself (1 Thess. 4:16,17), then, seven years later, to set up His kingdom in power and glory over all the earth (Matthew 24:27-31).

We believe in the eternal blessedness of the saved and the everlasting doom of all Christ rejectors.

Reader, may all brethren in Christ acknowledge these doctrines of Christ by obedience to them!