3 BIERTON PARTICULAR BAPTISTS ARTICLES OF RELIGION, 1831
apologized for any offence caused. The following is a transcript sent to Mr Howe Dear Peter and Pauline,
79
(07.II .82)
I do hope we did not offend you on the Lord’s Day evening, we do not wish to offend in any way. I call to mind those scriptures as, Matthew 18 v 6, and I Chr. 16 verses 21 – 22. May I explain our position in respect to the matter of Church communion? We hold the administration of the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper to be in the hands and authority of the local Church (it’s self being subject to Christ Jesus and His Laws) and our order is such that we restrict the communion to. Baptized believers (by immersion) Who have given themselves to Church membership of the same faith as ourselves. That they are actually in communion with his or her own Church. Therefore in respect to yourselves it would be viewed you are not in membership anywhere, but would hope you be graciously helped and directed as to what you should do. Please do not think we wish to hold ourselves aloof more orderly than others but rather seeking to hold to those things once given unto the saints and aiming at a defence of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. In pursuit of these things decisions have to be made which often are against our natural inclinations. Trusting you are well, Yours with Christian regards, Mr Howe’s reply The following is a photocopy of Mr Howe reply: David Clarke Esq. 187 Aylesbury Road PWH/MH 7th January 1983 Dear David I do apologized most sincerely for the delay in replying to your letter of 7 November. This is a busy time of year for me and December particularly is a difficult month because virtually nothing can be done in the week leading up Christmas. It was kind of you to write to me setting out the position with regard
