Hello,
These to points were brought to my attention in regards to home Bible studies and I thought I'd see if anyone could offer some insight.
I would say that the context is family worship and that a home Bible study would not fall under the concern of this point.
This is more interesting to me. It seems to be saying that there was a time when different families would gather yet that practice should not continue. Could this be applied to a home Bible study with families from various congregations? Or is this like point VI only referring to family worship and so a Bible study would not fall under this point.
Cheers.
These to points were brought to my attention in regards to home Bible studies and I thought I'd see if anyone could offer some insight.
VI. At family-worship, a special care is to be had that each family keep by themselves; neither requiring, inviting, nor admitting persons from divers families, unless it be those who are lodged with them, or at meals, or otherwise with them upon some lawful occasion.
I would say that the context is family worship and that a home Bible study would not fall under the concern of this point.
VII. Whatsoever have been the effects and fruits of meetings of persons of divers families in the times of corruption or trouble, (in which cases many things are commendable, which otherwise are not tolerable,) yet, when God hath blessed us with peace and purity of the gospel, such meetings of persons of divers families (except in cases mentioned in these Directions) are to be disapproved, as tending to the hinderance of the religious exercise of each family by itself, to the prejudice of the publick ministry, to the rending of the families of particular congregations, and (in progress of time) of the whole kirk. Besides many offences which may come thereby, to the hardening of the hearts of carnal men, and grief of the godly.
This is more interesting to me. It seems to be saying that there was a time when different families would gather yet that practice should not continue. Could this be applied to a home Bible study with families from various congregations? Or is this like point VI only referring to family worship and so a Bible study would not fall under this point.
Cheers.