dear Pilgrim, Thank you for yours. I will most certainly look up the links you have kindly given, and I read Ryle's "The True Church" years ago, as a very young believer.

I am just wondering then what you think of the many I know, including myself, who are isolated at home through severe illness, and never can attend any church! Are we not still part of the body? Also when I was still a member of a local church, I was still not visited, so my husband complained, when a rare visit was made and when challenged the pastor said, "If its not there, its NOT there!"
Only the Lord knoweth them that are His, and many in the body of Christ are neglected.
May I please say that if any of you know any chronically sick and who are true believers, please contact them or visit them, if they are well enough to receive visitors for a short time.
I know of many who are bound to home through illness, but so thankful to have computers for fellowship. But often I have questioned why the body of Christ so seldom want to make contact. Is it because they feel awkward, not knowing what to say or do?
I find it is only the sick who seem to care about the sick, and this is also my only friend's cry too!
I know I have gone away from the original subject, so please forgive me.
Thank you Pilgrim for taking the trouble to help me.
Yours, in Christ's Name, English Rose