The Gospel Advocate – September 1858

by

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

T. FANNING AND W. LIPSCOMB, Editors.

VOL. IV.
NASHVILLE, SEPTEMBER, 1858.
NO. 9.

PROSPECTS IN MIDDLE TENNESSEE

From some severe reverses in Tennessee of late years, but little has been expected from us by our friends at a distance, yet we are happy in the belief that there is spiritual life in the churches. During our vacation of more than two months we have travelled and preached most of the time, and we have never been so well satisfied with prospects.

The apostasy and opposition of several popular men, who were numbered with us, have doubtless had the effect to induce the brethren to re-examine the foundation on which we are building, and the result is that an unusual degree of intelligence is evinced by all who read and study, especially the Divine oracles.

We regard it not the least flattery to intimate the probability that there are perhaps more independent thinkers, and devoted and intelligent Christians in Tennessee, in proportion to the numbers professing faith, than in any other State in the Union. Our church afflictions have had the effect to weaken the confidence in the infallibility of men, to teach us humility, and we are not sure but they have had an influence to better qualify us for grappling with difficult questions.

We feel it due to the brethren to refer briefly to some of the places we have visited this summer.

In June we visited the congregations at Hartsville and Bledsoe’s Creek, in Sumner county. At the latter place, the brethren after many severe trials, have gained strength to meet and keep the ordinance. Bro. F. M. Carmack is now teaching school in the neighborhood, and if he will preach to the world and let the brethren perform their own life-giving labor, he will be of great service in the cause.

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At Hartsville a few years ago, there were a few straggling disciples praying for any man called Teacher to come and break the bread of life to them, but they have learned better—that Christians are the proper persons to worship the Father. Now the body is growing in spiritual strength, and the Gospel “sounds out,” through the agency of several intelligent and indefatigable brethren. Perhaps no congregation can be found, in which so many members are alive to the work, and we remember no one which promises more useful talent. Should the brethren who are now engaged in the instruction of others give their talents fully to the work, we may expect great things. The little reverses, we have heard of some of them meeting, in being denied admittance into partisan houses, and on sectarian lands, are but small matters, intended to show the meanness of human expedients, and to teach Christians humility and forbearance. A good indication this. The brethren are at work!

In the county of Wilson, in July, we visited Lebanon and Bethel, a few miles in the country, and had the pleasure of inducting a few into the kingdom. In Lebanon there remains some well tried sisters, and a few faithful brethren, but they do not feel able to keep house for the Lord. This is a great error. Where two or three meet in the name of the Lord, they have the promise. At Bethel, we presume there are a hundred or more members who employ Bro. Sewell to preach, and they meet monthly to encourage him to perform the service for Lucre. There are intelligent and good men amongst the brethren and we are encouraged in the hope, that in the future, God will be honored in his ordinances every week at Bethel. We learn the disciples met to break bread, the Lord’s day after we left. This is a life and death matter.

We deem it not improper to refer very respectfully to some of the opposition with which the brethren meet in Wilson. This is the headquarters of Cumberland Presbyterianism, and without specifying the modes of attack upon the kingdom of God, we must say that regarding the members of this denomination, they are the most relentless opposers of Truth known to us; and take them all in all, there is less kind feeling and less real generous sentiment, in our view among them, than in any people known to us. We regard the religion as a positive evil to every one under its influence. Yet, there are some intelligent men, on other matters, and persons in high esteem on other grounds, connected with this sect. We receive no quarters from the members. But by far the most unnatural and worst opposition in Wilson is…

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from our Baptist friends. Personally, many of the Baptist members have long cultivated friendly relations with the disciples, and towards us individually they have exhibited their warmest regards. Still, the Baptists are not of us. The plain truth is, the intelligent of the denomination know that our position in religion is right, and they desire to approach it so closely as to enable them to induce some of our friends to believe that the differences are so slight that if they will become members of their party, it is about equivalent to entering the church authorized by the New Testament. Many have been led off in this very unfair manner. We beg leave to say to our Baptist friends that while we highly respect them for their friendship towards us, we regard their religious standpoint as unauthorized by the Bible. There is no Baptist church acknowledged by inspired writers. It is a sect, the leaders preach that revelations are made at the mourner’s bench, that the anxious are pardoned, and saved, before they obey “from the heart the form of doctrine,” through which believers were made free from sin, and became the servants of righteousness (Rom. vi. 17 and 18), and lastly, the Baptist as a people, in no country think of keeping the weekly ordinances of the Lord’s house. Their worship is through a hired priesthood.

We sometimes think the official worship is the secret of opposition to us. We are of the opinion many of their preachers are satisfied we teach the Truth, and it is their effort to darken counsel. The pastor at Lebanon for instance, we have heard, has felt it to be his duty on several occasions during the past summer, to refer quite delicately to our teaching. In one instance the impression was made that some people preach a merely historical faith,” in a connection that left no doubt to whom he referred, but “Baptists,” he very triumphantly exclaimed, “preach that faith is Evangelical.” In this, the pastor intended to affirm that the faith he preaches differs from our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, through records of the New Testament. Does he not know that Evangelical faith is equivalent to Gospel faith? and that the Gospel faith is nothing more nor less than trusting in God through the historical facts, written that we might believe, and believing, might have life through the name of Christ.

Having learned that the Lebanon pastor is a clever gentleman, we do not like to charge ignorance or dishonesty upon him, but we suggest very respectfully, that he presumes upon the ignorance and credulity of his hearers; and, secondly, we ask him in much kindness, if he requires to benefit us, or our friends in Wilson, to point our errors in our presence, should we be spared to visit Wilson again.

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We desire to cultivate the kindest relations with the Baptists, and all others who profess to fear God, but we have not much patience with any one who does not act openly and fairly in religious discussion. But whilst we would be gratified to fraternize with good men everywhere, we should not feel honored in any fellowship save the union for which Jesus prayed, and in believing through the words of the Apostles.

In the county of Cannon, we visited the brethren at New Hope, near Woodbury, and found many old and new friends. Some of the disciples are endeavoring to keep the ordinances of the Lord’s house, but many were converted with a different view, and it is scarcely to be hoped they will ever learn that the true worship of God consists in personal obedience.

In Rutherford, we visited the brethren at Ebenezer, where they honor the Lord in meeting on the first day of the week, and at Murfreesboro, in which the disciples are alive to the work, and are evidently growing in grace and the knowledge of the Truth. No people of our acquaintance seemed to have entered into the work with a better resolution, and we are familiar with no congregation that has made greater progress.

We also preached to the brethren at Millersburg, where they have been scattered, and some have erred from the path of duty, but the Lord has been kind to them, and at the meeting they determined to rally on the foundation of Christ and the Apostles. There is much valuable material at that point, and we have a right to expect much from the members. The Lord has been bountiful to them, and if they should fail to honor Him in keeping the ordinance, great and hopeless will be their fall. But we entertain an abiding confidence that the beloved brothers and sisters will never look back. We hope yet to hear of the Millersburg congregation sounding out the Gospel.

We next visited Shelbyville, in the county of Bedford, and were kindly invited to address the citizens in the Baptist meeting house. Brother Tillman of this place is an excellent brother, but he needs associates and the countenance of Christians. There are a few disciples in the vicinity, but no congregation. We also preached at Flat Creek, in Bedford, where there are about a hundred members. We have evidence to believe that the brethren will walk in the light of the Lord.

Next, we preached in Fayetteville, Lincoln county, in August, had the use of the Methodist meeting house, and were favored with a fine hear…

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A few sisters in this place meet on Lordsday afternoon to sing, engage in religious conversation, etc. There are men in the vicinity, who, if they had faith, would enable these sisters to keep the ordinances, but we heard that some, to avoid responsibilities, had joined the Baptists.

We next preached at Petersburg, near the Marshall line. The Cumberland Presbyterians, for the second time, had the satisfaction of turning their neighbors into the streets to hear the word of God. The people listened with interest, and there were many brethren present.

We next visited Lewisburg in the county of Marshall, and delivered three discourses to large and deeply interested audiences. Dr. T. W. Brents, a very efficient teacher, assisted by our well-proved Bro. Reese Jones, had just added between thirty and forty to the Lord. The cause has been greatly abused in Lewisburg by J. R. Collinsworth. He professed to believe that religion is revealed in the Bible, and being a man of an active brain and ardent feeling, preached with considerable success for several years, but finally he got into his head something that he called “the real,” and “formal,” in religion, which is the modern infidel notion of Theodore Parker regarding what he calls “the absolute religion,” or a religion independent of the Bible, and that can exist better without its forms than with them. Another phase of this infidelity is, whatever men consider truth is truth to them. It is generally manifested by preachers attempting to preach any doctrine that may suit the audience, or that will promise a few salary crumbs. Such men believe nothing, and such a man we regard our quondam friend. We much regret his apostasy on his own account, as well as on the ground of injury sustained by the church, and his own family.

From every indication, we look for him to do us all the harm he possibly can; but we are fully aware that our brethren whom we named above, possess all the ability to meet his open opposition; and the Lord will reward him for all his unmanly deeds. We would to God we could speak in more respectful terms of our former associate; but as we said to the apostate Shehane, “when a man abandons the cause of the Bible, we are bound not only to abandon him, but to regard him as untrustworthy in any respect.”

From Lewisburg in company with Bro. Manire, we visited Berea, on Duck River, and preached to a large audience. The church was once in a flourishing condition, but through the influence of a sort of catch-penny, phrenological lecturer, preacher, slanderer, and swindler,

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Called Robert Smith, and others under the show of forming a paradise on earth, by a community upon the common property speculation, the cause has been very much injured. There are, however, good and noble Bereans yet, and we believe the cause will revive. The same afternoon we travelled some twenty-five or thirty miles to Nolensville, in Williamson county, and addressed a very attentive audience of gentlemen, only, on the “measure of religious truth,” and reached home the same night.

Early in the month of August we visited some of the churches in Williamson and Maury. In Franklin, the county seat of Williamson, there has been a church since our first visit in 1831. The brethren, some of them at least, meet to worship the Lord, and the interest is increasing. Bro. Davis is an acceptable preacher and a good man, and the Lord has called him to preach.

We also preached to our old friends, after an absence of twenty years, at Hillsboro, and baptized one. The disciples were strengthened and refreshed, and the same evening we reached Boston, preached, and baptized two, and were rejoiced to find that almost all the people in the neighborhood, mainly, through the influence of Bro. Seth Sparkman, were meeting weekly to worship.

We next preached at Williamsport, in Maury Co., to a large and much interested auditory. No one confounded the Lord, but a kindred friend since wrote to us: “It is thought that if you travel through this way often to preach, this whole nation will be baptized and join the church.”

We preached two days at Columbia, baptized some of the best citizens near the town, but found some of the brethren wrecked by whisky and speculative theology. They generally are bound together. There are some faithful women, however, remaining, and a few brethren who we trust will right up, and go to work in good earnest.

We next preached at Thompson’s Station, baptized a good Methodist lady, and returned home to direct in our school operations.

We regard it as entirely becoming in conclusion to make two or three statements touching prospects:

  1. We have labored in Tennessee in word and teaching for twenty-nine years, and we never witnessed half the anxiety generally to hear and examine the Truth.
  2. We never before saw half so many brethren determined to labor for the Lord.
  3. More churches are meeting for worship than have been at any previous date engaged.

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  1. We conscientiously believe that the brethren no where on earth possess a higher appreciation of the Truth, and of spiritual life, than in Tennessee, and with all our reverses the prospects are flattering. A faithful perseverance in well doing will remove mountains.
    T. F.

READING

It is written by the finger of God (Rev. i, 3.), “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things written therein.” Paul says, “whereby when you read, you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ, which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed to his Holy apostles and prophets by the spirit. That the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body and partakers of his promise in Christ by the Gospel.”
Eph. iii, 4, 6.

Again, the apostle not only said to his son Timothy, “that from a child he had known the Holy Scriptures which were able to make him wise unto salvation,” but he exhorted him earnestly “to give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine,” to “study to show himself approved unto God, and to continue in the things he had learned.”

But if there is any obligation in this age superior to all others, it is the requirement to read the sacred oracles. We can indeed entertain but little hope that the world can be improved morally, where the people regard enlightening influences like the wind blowing upon the forests; and this must be the condition of all who close their eyes against the word of life, and look for religion to come direct from heaven, expect it to enter their souls, not through their minds, intellects, understanding and heart, but to gain admittance like water into the sponge—by absorption—or thrill through their physical systems as lightning through the oak, or the gases through the vegetables.

The attention must be arrested from such low and animal conceptions of religious influence, before true spirituality can abound. We ask the brethren, why is it that many amongst us are inclined to speculate? Why do not all progress in the spiritual light faster? Why do the disciples differ in their views? And why is it that so many complain of coldness in religion? The answers are easily given. The book of God has been closed or neglected, and Christians have depended upon their own reason, their views, and religious policy. Whenever churches or individual Christians substitute their own policy for the authority of the…

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Scriptures, moral death is the immediate and inevitable result. The moment we turn from the light of God—the Bible—we are in midnight darkness. All men, great and small, learned and ignorant, fall under the same impenetrable cloud.

But our intention in these remarks is to call attention to a few very plain practical matters, touching the subject of reading, which we sincerely hope will be of advantage to many.

  1. Without labor, study, reading, reflection, human beings can hope for but little intelligence on any subject, and especially so on the subject of religion. It is a matter which can be understood alone by reading, or hearing the word of God. “Faith comes by hearing,” and we rejoice in the belief that all responsible beings are capable of studying the words of Truth to advantage. When man was driven from the garden, he was to eat bread by “the sweat of the face,” and we may add, gain light from above, by effort—continual effort.
  2. The manner in which we read should not be considered a trifling affair. When the children of Israel returned from captivity, ignorant in many respects of their own law, “Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation, both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding. And he read therein from the morning until mid-day, and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law, and the people stood in their place. And the Levites read in the book of the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, (Translated the words, the meaning of which they had forgotten or never knew. T. F.) and caused them to understand the reading.” Nehemiah, chap. VIII. We certainly need an earnest and continued effort to influence the brethren and others to read in order to understand and know the Truth.
  3. The works to be read are matters of no small interest. We, of course, read the Bible first of all. Men, women, and children may read it not only with profit, but become wise unto salvation, without knowing much of other books. It may not, however, be out of the way to suggest, very respectfully, some of the most necessary studies connected with the Bible. In the first place, we recommend that students of the Heavenly science should learn to articulate the English alphabet, spell, and to read English in a manner to be understood. This is a great achievement. Few persons are adequate for this labor. The English grammar should be known. This is too often regarded as an

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Important accomplishment. Few speakers or writers are correct in their language, and yet there is but little apology for defects in this department. Next, we recommend the study of history—of all history—and particularly the history of religion as presented in the Bible and the most reliable ecclesiastical works.

Next, we urge the necessity of having always at hand, dictionaries, lexicons, and works on criticism. For many years we have doubted the utility of works on the evidences of religion, except in so far as they afford a history of the various books of the Bible; but such efforts as Bishop Butler’s to show analogy between things natural and supernatural, are superlative nonsense. Religion is extraordinary. Heavenly, supernatural, revealed, and the world by philosophy can know neither it, nor its author. All knowledge is harmful, but any light substituted for that spiritual and glorious light in the Book of books, becomes darkness impenetrable. Commentaries are dangerous.

We regard it as in keeping with our most important Christian labor, to offer a few thoughts in regard to the study of religious newspapers and periodicals. Their uses are various, and yet they may be productive of much evil. They have proved for the last forty years, the most confident agents to call the wandering from systems of speculation, to the contemplation of the spiritual oracles; secondly, they have proved valuable in exposing false theories which have taken the place of heavenly wisdom; thirdly, they have been means through which brethren became acquainted; fourthly, the reports of evangelists, found in our papers, have been of immense value in encouraging the brethren; and lastly, we are disposed to regard religious periodicals as very useful works on Bible criticism.

We are much surprised though, to see how few read the religious journals. We doubt not there are a half a million of persons in the United States who have declared themselves in favor of the Bible alone as authority in religion, and we have no idea there are thirty thousand readers of religious periodicals amongst us. Not more, we presume, than one in twenty of the people called Christians, subscribes for a paper devoted to religion, and of that number, perhaps not one in five reads with the view of understanding what is under examination among the brethren. In our travels, we have been surprised to see so very few disciples who are at all familiar with even the discussions amongst the brethren. It is said our civil government was built, and still rests “on the virtue and intelligence of the people,” and be this true or false, we feel conscious that the success of the cause we plead, depends mainly upon the INTELLIGENCE of its…

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Professed friends. Christian knowledge will awaken in us Christian life. No people on earth can feel deeply, who do not personally examine the ground of their faith. If we could feel free to exhort our brethren on any topic it would be on this subject. Mr. Wesley, we believe it was, who said eight hours for rest, eight hours for labor, and eight for study and devotion, and this is an admirable division of time.

How many professed Christians read even one hour in twenty-four; and how many meditate an hour in the week? David said of a good man, “His delight is in the law of the Lord, and in his law doth he meditate day and night; and he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”

When will the beloved disciples become aroused to greater diligence in reading and study? Would it not be well for writers and speakers everywhere, to give special attention to this department of our high and holy calling? Read, and study the Bible, brethren, and read everything you can, calculated to advance the cause of the Saviour.
T. F.

PARENTAL MISTAKES IN THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN

The excessive anxieties of parents in reference to the education of their children, frequently create barriers which place success entirely beyond their reach. This remark is true, also, in a religious sense. Parental solicitude to do for innocent children what was not necessary, was the groundwork of the doctrine with Romanists and Protestants, of a mystical power in baptism, called “baptismal regeneration,” and with the Baptists, a mystical influence of the Spirit, which they call a “regeneration of the Holy Spirit,” to change the imaginary corrupt and sinful nature of their criminal infants.

There is not one word in the Bible regarding the guilt of the infant before God, or its salvation by a mystical influence of water or spirit. But the anxieties, nevertheless, of parents, have filled the world with false and injurious systems.

Though it was our object in commencing this essay to make a few suggestions touching fatal mistakes regarding education in our schools.

  1. Should parental make the impression on the minds of their daughters that their education is intended merely to accomplish them as young ladies, that they may appear well, and by it be enabled to

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marry well, and have but little more use for their studies, their minds will but seldom be earnestly engaged with what should occupy them; their progress will be poor, they will graduate on time and money, possess but little love for their books, understand nothing dearly or satisfactorily, and soon prove that their education was a deception upon them and all concerned in it. There are, of course, exceptions, but there is perhaps more hypocrisy in female education than in reference to any matter regarding which there is so little suspicion. Hence oftentimes to cater to parental prejudice, teachers encourage extravagant dressing, lightness, fashion, deception in examinations, and particularly in essay reading on graduation days, as the surest plan to please parents and daughters, and line their pockets with luxuriating cash. Worse still, many parents love to have matters thus.

2.

Fathers, in the next place, from a mistake as to the meaning of education and its purposes in life, innocently destroy all hope of success in their sons. We have known kind men, who, for instance, from the supposition that classical learning and the higher mathematics, chemistry, geology, etc., are not necessary for farmers, so impress their sons with the inutility of education in general, that soon they conclude that spelling, grammar, etc., will not make corn, potatoes, or cotton grow and the whole subject is abandoned. We have seen well disposed young men, from these false notions, make but little progress, though they spend years sufficient in school to have made them fine scholars.

By impressing upon youths the idea that they are to become physicians, many begin to consider what they can omit in a respectable course of study, and indeed, how little will answer to make themselves doctors, and very often they philosophize themselves thus into the opinion that a very small amount will do. Frequently parents tell their sons they are to be lawyers, and they must study with reference to this profession, and nine times out of ten they look off at an ideal something they consider a popular profession, and “distance lends enchantment to the view,” all smaller matters, such as reading, writing, geography, history, grammar, arithmetic, and gentility are entirely overlooked. We can scarcely call to mind one who attended school with a desire to become a preacher, that preaches, or is even a good man. Such are dazzled with the idea of their own future greatness, and thus gazing at a man of straw, they fail to perform the labor which alone can qualify them for goodness and usefulness.

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These are all fatal errors, but we may be asked to suggest a better plan. We will do so with pleasure.

Let parents impress upon the minds of their children the incomparable value of education in developing their physical, mental, and moral powers, that great labor is indispensable in every pursuit of life, that it is in their power to possess large stores of knowledge, and that without a well-developed mind and body nothing of great worth can be achieved. The study of the English branches, classics, mathematics, and science will serve but as delightful pastime. We are sometimes told that Latin and Greek cannot be necessary for persons who are to speak English, and English scholars can be made much sooner than classical scholars. We wish to make a statement on this subject which may be somewhat startling. We never knew an “irregular”—one who takes but a part of a course—that became well acquainted with any branch, and our observations not only lead us to the conclusion that a first-rate speller, reader, writer, grammarian, or arithmetician cannot possibly be made, without a much more extended and laborious course of discipline than is supposed necessary in the acquisition of these primary branches, and we moreover declare that we never knew a finished scholar in any one of them that was not a general scholar. In plain words, one can become a first-rate Greek, Latin, and English scholar much sooner than he can become an English scholar alone. Indeed, we doubt if there is any such scholar. Hence the highest mathematicians are best qualified to teach arithmetic, the best linguists are best qualified to teach the A.B.C.’s, and the men of the largest moral perceptions are best prepared to instruct in the simplest lessons of religion. The fact of one possessing the will, the self-denial, the patience, and strength of mind to become a scholar, is the surest if not the only evidence of ability to engage in any popular profession, or of taking responsibility in any position in life.

Finally, let the education which consists in developing the powers of the body and soul, and in filling the mind with wisdom, be regarded as a fortune in itself; and of higher value than the theory of any profession can be without it, and it will be sought after as hidden treasure. The standard of educational worth must be elevated before genuine training and knowledge can be appreciated by the youth of our country. This labor must be accomplished mainly by teachers and parents.

T. F.

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THE QUESTION OF REVISION

There is no work so much needed as the Bible correctly translated. We have rejoiced much at the efforts of the “Bible Union,” and the “Revision Association,” in laboring to give the world an improved version of the Holy Scriptures. True, we have expressed some doubts regarding parts of the procedure, and for this sin, the Secretary has ceased to forward the publications. Be it so, we are most cordial in the work of revision, but we have felt from the beginning that there may be grounds of difficulty.

In the first place, the vast amount of expense merely to make a show of many revisers, when in fact, some two Baptists are to do all the work, seems to us a shallow expedient. The labor now depends, we presume, upon Doctors Conant and Hacket. The latter has been sent, we presume, with the funds of the societies to Athens to study the Greek language, with the view of becoming better qualified to prosecute the work.

Secondly, while it is admitted that the disciples of Christ have paid about one-third of the entire expense, the labor of Alexander Campbell, in giving the Acts of the Apostles for criticism, is treated most uncivilly by the Baptist papers generally. We have not had the pleasure of seeing it, but we expect it not to pass the examination of the final reviser, and we are not disappointed. We had no right to look for respect. The brethren’s money has been taken, and from this time forward, we shall not be surprised at any insult.

Upon the whole, we regard it as bad policy to engage with any party, to perform labor which the Father requires of the church of Christ. We have placed ourselves in a situation to sacrifice much of our independence, and to receive the worst treatment from a denomination that is devoted to party, and which is utterly incapable of making or receiving an unsectarian Bible. There are as good men, no doubt, as partisans can be, amongst the Baptists, but it detracts greatly from our high position, as servants of God, to associate with the Baptists or others, except upon the foundation of Christ and the Apostles. The time may be near at hand when it will become the duty of Christians, to give the world the Scriptures in a style which no others on earth are as competent to give or receive. The Revision movement can but exert a good influence on a small portion of the Baptists, and in this we rejoice.

T. F.

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DEATH WITHOUT HOPE

P. Aur. encouraged the brethren to believe it was their privilege to sorrow not like some who were without hope, and we sometimes hear of deaths which we regret not, and others, in which there is not the slightest ground of hope.

The brethren of the “Reformation” have causes of sincere rejoicing that a paper misnamed “The Christian Sentinel,” which we referred to in a former No., the very last journal amongst us openly advocating the direct spiritualism, and various other forms of infidelity is no more. It died, like J. B. Ferguson’s paper in consequence, of men and women who believe the Scriptures, having no use for such a sheet. A good indication this, in the Northwest.

Bro. E. L. Craig has established at Jacksonville, Ill., “The Bible Advocate” in its place. Regarding the moral death of J. R. Collinsworth, we regard it due to the brethren to notice the completion of his statement, and then we hope never to write his name again. Bro. W. P. Cowden, of Lewisburg, informs us that he has joined the Cumberland Presbyterian church. He says, “in giving his trial of soul to the Cumberland brethren, he said he experienced pardon of sins about the time he was fourteen years old. Shortly afterwards he was sprinkled, and now is preaching for his new brethren.”

To our mind it is perfectly plain there is not a sincere and intelligent man on earth, who has read and preached as much truth as friend C., who was ever convinced that a knowledge of pardon of sins is experienced in the revelations of the altar or mourner’s bench; that immersion is not the baptism of the New Testament, or that sprinkling is obedience to God. Dead, dead, hopelessly dead, is he.
T. F.

CHURCH OFFICERS

From the fact that we maintain the right of Christians, as the priests of God, to offer their own sacrifices to Heaven, we are asked by some of the brethren in Missouri if we deny the existence of church officers? We say no. We find the following officers mentioned in the New Testament:

  1. Evangelist, or ministers of the Word, are “faithful men,” educated, set apart, sent out, and sustained by the church, to preach, plant the believers with the Lord in baptism, organize the congregations, and set in order things wanting.
  2. Bishops are the ordained seniors or elders, whose labor it is to feed the flock with spiritual food.

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Deacons and Deaconesses

  1. Deacons are the servants of the church, whose labor is mainly to supply the flock in temporal matters.
  2. Deaconesses are godly women, devoted to the relief of their distressed sisters of earth.

We read not of others.
T. F.

SUCCESS OF THE TRUTH

For many years we have published but little in reference to our tours, though we have met with good success all the time. We have reason to thank God that during the present year, we have been enabled to induce many brethren to keep the ordinances of the Lord’s house. Recently we have had the honor of introducing into the kingdom of our Savior by immersion, some of the very best citizens of the State. Other brethren are laboring with success, amongst these we may mention Bro. J. L. Sewell, of Putnam; Bro. Trimble, of Franklin; Bro. Lee, of Maury; and Bro. Holmes, of West Tennessee. We would to God, we had a thousand successful preachers in the State where we have now one. We trust the congregations will raise up men to go forth into the Gospel field. This is the Lord’s plan, and is wonderful in our eyes.
T. F.

PERSONAL

We have on our table communications almost without number, regarding a controversy, which we are ardently laboring to bring to a close. The brethren must bear with us for refusing their well-intended and subject propositions a place in our columns. The time may come when we may find it to be our duty to give many of them publicity. They may rest assured that their approval of our course fills our heart with inexpressible gratitude to God. We think it not improper to suggest that good and true men in different States are laboring to have a full adjustment of the differences with President Campbell. We have no ground at present, on which to build a hope; still the darkness may suddenly pass away.
T. F.

FRANKLIN COLLEGE

We are pleased to tell our friends that this institution has not opened with so flattering a prospect for several years. We are determined to give, if possible, the very best educational advantages, to advance the interests of all pupils, and satisfy all patrons disposed to appreciate ardent labor. Our purpose is to place it in the power of our brethren and friends of limited means to educate their sons. Mrs. Fanning’s school is also, as usual, doing remarkably well.
T. F.

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GIVING UP THE TRUTH

Most persons who obey the Gospel do so with sincere purposes of heart, and their desire is to be faithful servants of our Lord, to grow and be built up in holiness and godliness, as children of the Most High. True, many of the young, and even of the more aged, may not have very distinct views of what constitutes a life of obedience to God, but most know enough of their duty to be profited and attain to still greater acquisition if they remain steadfast to the purpose of the hearts in setting out to run the Christian race.

But when we see a failure on the part of such numbers to attain to anything like a state of Christian intelligence or devotion, does it not become a question of serious moment to know why these things are so? Why is it that so large a portion of those who submit to Christ never are able to take any part in the service of the congregation of the Lord? Even to read a portion of the word of God, or offer an acceptable prayer to the giver of all our blessings?

Why are so many so indifferent as hardly ever to be found in the assembly of the Saints; or, if these careless and uninterested in the worship? Truly, this is a poor exhibition of the exalted character of “kings and priests unto God.”

Submission to Christ by confessing his name, turning from our sins, and being buried with him in the watery grave is but the starting point in the Christian life. From this point our course is either upward or downward. As babes in Christ we may grow in favor, in courage, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love, but this growth is not attained merely wishing for it, and waiting to become strong without exertion. The subjection of our spirits, our minds, and our bodies to the will of God is not the work of a moment. There is required of us continual labor, a continual reaching forward from the first ray of Truth that penetrates our hearts to the fullness of the stature of the man in Christ Jesus.

At no point can we stop and say, “This is enough.” The moment we become satisfied with the attainments already made we must begin to fall.

On the other hand, the work of departing from our profession, of denying the Lord that bought us, and putting him to an open shame, of becoming castaways and reprobates, is not the work of an hour. Probably no man in the full enjoyment of faith in the Lord, in a day or even a week resolved to give up all and turn back to the service of the flesh and the devil. The work of apostasy is a gradual one; it is no instantaneous change from good to evil. The horrid crimes that…

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Blacken humanity are not the result of a momentary impulse, but have their origin far back in an uncontrolled and disobedient childhood, a reckless youth, and a violent and revengeful spirit of mature years. Step by step the work has been accomplished, and we punish the culprit for the crime which is but the full growth of his earlier training and habits.

Thoughts and purposes always precede words and acts. Murder, adultery, theft, and arson, first exist in the purpose of the heart.

“Last, when it hath conceived, bringeth forth sin, and sin when it is finished bringeth forth death.”
“He that hateth his brother is a murderer.”
“He that looked on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery already in his heart.”

Sin is most insidious. Its snares are often about before we are aware of it. Nothing but eternal vigilance and unceasing prayer can render us safe. The Scriptures abound with warnings to guard us from its secret influence.

“Take heed, brethren! lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.”

If we would watch our own hearts, we would soon see the continued need of the strictest care. How often do we begin, first with the omission of one duty which we regard as of little importance, and another, until we soon find ourselves far gone in apostasy from the Truth. Perhaps we first neglect the frequent reading of the word of God, and then we begin to lose all pleasure in daily meditation upon his goodness, in thanking him for his mercies, and in praying to him for his strength.

We let a day pass without calling upon his name, and another, until the week goes by, and we feel little disposition on the Lord’s day to meet with his people, and excuse ourselves upon some pretense, and soon all interest in the concerns of God vanishes from the heart.

We begin to find faults and imperfections in those whom we delighted to love, begin to insinuate that this brother or that, is not so pure as he might be. We begin to question the propriety of this or the other command, can see but little use or profit in any of the requirements of the Gospel. We begin to become sceptical, and talk about contradictions and improbabilities of the things of the Spirit. The company of the Saints and the godly conversation of the people of God have no delight for us, but we prefer the vain jesting and wicked godless ribaldry of the profane and vulgar.

Thus leads us down the downward road, until soon we are past recovery from the snare of the wicked one.

In such a state of things, how careful and watchful does it become us to be. Let us beware when we feel too confident of our own.

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Strength.
“Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall.”
When the cares of the world multiply about us, and schemes of gain or renown dazzle us, when temptations to wickedness beset us, let us watch, let us be guarded well with the full armor of God, “having our loins girt about with truth, having on the breastplate of righteousness, and feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; above all taking the shield of faith, and taking the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, watching thereunto with all perseverance.” Thus alone can we be secure amidst every vile and machination of the Devil, and be enabled to resist every lust of the flesh. Let us especially beware of the first step in the road of departing from the right way, the first neglect of an obligation to Heaven.
W. L.

WHY MEN ARE INFIDELS

We verily believe that no man ever yet examined the records of Scripture with a desire to know the truth, that was not most firmly convinced that they are indeed what they profess to be—the words of inspiration—communications from God to man. I know many men boast of being sceptical, and pride themselves upon their disrespect for the word of the Almighty. They have ready at their tongue’s end every infidel quibble, and seeming contradiction that has been hunted out by the boasted lights of infidelity, things which no man of sense can regard in any other light than the most contemptible puerilities. No man of an honest heart and sane mind ever yet was convinced by a careful study of the work of God, that it is the work of imposture and deception. Men are infidels simply because they have been, and are slaves to such practices as wholly unfit a man for the enjoyment of immortality, and divest him of the desire for it. Such men can afford to be professed open, Heaven-defying infidels.
W. L.

It is a sad mistake to suppose that men and women can fully fill up the Christian character without faithfully discharging all the duties of the state in which they are placed. Paul teaches servants and masters, husbands and wives, parents and children, how they may adorn the teaching of God our Savior in all things. It is by filling up the full measure of their relative duties. Whatever may be our condition in life it is our privilege as servants of God, to honor him and adorn his doctrine by every act of our lives. How exalted are our privileges? How great are the mercies of our God?
W. L.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

NEWS FROM GILES AND OTHER COUNTIES

Dear Brethren:—Though a stranger to you I hope I have the right to call you brethren in the faith. My intention in writing to you is to enlist the brethren, if possible, of Giles, Lawrence, and other adjoining counties in the cause of evangelising.

In the first place, let me give the condition of the few congregations of disciples worshiping in these counties. Since my arrival in this country I have visited the congregation at Rural Hill, in Giles; at this place I found a little body of soldiers, but I believe they are without bishops. (Are they without brethren? T. F.) and thus, they only come together when they can have preaching, which is not very often I learn. (Cannot Christians worship God by virtue of their membership in Christ’s body? T. F.)

I have spoken once for the brethren at Shady Grove, Lawrence county. At this place I found several disciples, and I think they are destitute of bishops. (Worship is not official but Christian. T. F.) but have preaching perhaps twice a month by Elders Gibson and Blake. At both of the above named places the brethren seem desirous to see the cause of our Lord and Master prospering.

I also spoke at Mt. Horeb Academy, in Lawrence, at which place there was once a flourishing congregation, with efficient bishops, and preached to by Elders Russel, Wilson, and my much beloved uncle, and father in the faith, J. K. Spear. But alas, for the course of Mt. Horeb, only three or four disciples are to be found, and the old meeting-house is turned into a wagon-shop, and the people are so thoroughly sectarianized that the Gospel in its original purity seems as foolishness to them.

I have spoken twice at Rockhill, Lewis county. No congregation there. I have also spoken in Campbellsville, at which place there are a few brethren; and on last night I spoke in Lynville. Here I find a large congregation, but I am told that they do not meet weekly. (Why is this? T. F.) Here they have the labors of Elders Street, Lock, and White, occasionally. These brothers preach at different points on the Lord’s day, but I believe they do not preach much in the week.

I make these statements that the brethren at the above named places may have a knowledge of each other’s conditions, and thus be brought together in one cooperative body, that they may take into consideration the all-important subject of evangelizing. Brethren, I am satisfied that if the old fashioned Gospel could be preached in these counties equally, that in one year the congregations which are already…

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planted world begins to grow, their zeal would commence burning, and many efforts would be made to sustain not only one laborer, but would labor to fill the harvest field. Yes, many cold hearts would throb with new energies and vigorous impulse, many poor sinners brought back to God.

What shall we do? Shall we be still? Shall we see our houses taken from us? Shall we hear sinners crying for mercy, asking what they must do to be saved, and we not send the word of the Lord to them? The denominations are all at work, all converting sinners by hundreds, to their respective parties.

Bro. Fanning, can you not visit some of the places of which I have spoken? Bro. Lock says that the brethren at Lynnville are very anxious for you to visit them, and hold a meeting with them. He spoke last Lord’s Day in Mt. Pleasant, about the first preaching of the kind in the place. It is also desired that you go there. Oh that we all may be instrumental in doing much good in behalf of a glorious Saviour. Shall we have a cooperation?

Yours, in Christ,
J. K. SPEER, Jr.
Giles county, Tenn., Aug. 25, 1858.

If the brethren in the counties mentioned will hold a cooperation meeting we will endeavor to attend.
T. FANNING

CHURCHES IN KENTUCKY

DEAR BROTHERS:
We are much pleased and gratified at your course in the reformation. We have noticed your operations in advocating the Truth with delight, and especially the defense of the Truth against speculations, and thank God that you have been enabled to conduct the controversy with such a spirit of kindness and forbearance.

We hope the day is not far distant when the churches will be aroused from their lethargy, not only upon the infidelity amongst us, but upon a more Scriptural organization and worship. The churches in this region have far degenerated, in putting out their service to hirelings. Some of the most wealthy and best churches are so completely under the influence of the hireling system that they only meet one Lord’s day in the month, and that too to sing and hear one pray; preach, break the loaf, and return thanks for all the church.

The preacher rarely calls on anyone to take part in the worship, perhaps the church containing from one to three hundred members, and not more than one or two members in the body that could be induced by any force bodily to take any post in the worship. This is pretty generally the case throughout the State, so far as known to me, with a few exceptions.

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and why are the churches in this condition? Because they are not taught better. It looks as though it were a settled policy of the sectarian preachers to prevent rather than encourage the churches to live in the service of the Master, to grow in grace and in the knowledge of the Truth.

The church of Christ at this place has for many years repudiated the hireling system, as being anti-Christian in its tendency. Although we have sometimes tried the system which always had a crippling influence upon the service of the church.

On the 4th Lord’s day in July Bro. A. Hains, and young Bro. Harding, of Winchester, Ky., were with us, and three noble ladies were added to the church, though I am sorry to see in the American Christian Review of last week that Bro. Hains, in his notice of the church, refers to the incompetency of the eldership. Generally, clearly endeavoring to disparage, or at least not to build up in their body, and calculated to draw and destroy every impulse.

We would be delighted to see you once more in Kentucky, contending for the Truth, upon the subjects above named. If you can come, call and see us. We want to see you face to face.

Yours, in hope of a better state of things,
JNO. G. SIMS.
Nicholasville, Ky., August 3, 1858.

MISSIONARY REPORT

Dear Bros:—More than six months have passed away since last I wrote you, and my apology for not writing is contained in the following:

I hoped ere this to perform a general preaching tour over the nation, but unforeseen circumstances have prevented the accomplishment of this purpose, and consequently I have had but little of interest to communicate to you. Sickness in my family, and my farm, have necessarily engaged the greater portion of my time; still we have not been forgetful of this great object of our residence in this Western country—the preaching of the glorious Gospel of Christ.

We have been delivering on Thursdays a series of lectures on historic and exploratory Christianity at our public school-house, and at the church near the line. We are pursuing this course preparatory to the planting and organization of a church in the Nation, near Christian Mission, and we hope to have the pleasure of communicating the accomplishment of this important enterprise sometime during the present year.

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By special request of some of the churches I held two protracted meetings in Washington county, in June, which resulted in the conversion of seven persons.

On the 3rd of July I had the pleasure of attending the Commencement of Arkansas College, located at Fayetteville. Our talented Brother, Robert Graham, is still President of this institution, and continues to be a popular and successful teacher and preacher.

In hearing the able and appropriate addresses of the many young men of much promise, and in witnessing the dignified and impressive manner of President Graham in conferring collegiate honors, I was forcibly reminded of the many similar scenes enjoyed during our residence at Franklin College. How sweet the memory of those happy days.

On Lord’s Day, July the 4th, I delivered to a large and attentive audience at Fayetteville, an address on “Christian Liberty,” and another at night on “Present Salvation.” This church is still prospering under the able teaching of Bro. Graham.

August 1st, the first Lord’s Day of this month, we had the pleasure of hearing Bro. Geo. Harlan, of Murray county, Tenn., son of Bro. Joseph Harlan, of Sumner, confess that “Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God, the Father,” and of baptizing him at Christian Mission, Cherokee Nation, into the name of Christ for the remission of sins.

Having travelled up the Arkansas river in the heat of mid-summer, he laid the foundation of a violent attack of bilious fever. Soon after his arrival at my house he was prostrated, and continued in a very critical condition some eight or ten days. At times he almost despaired of recovering, and in view of the probability of leaving this world, he requested of me the privilege of obeying the Lord, in whom he believed with all his heart, and whom he devoutly confessed with his mouth, in the institution of baptism, stating that he had been convicted for some time of his duty to obey the Gospel, but for some reasons he had postponed it. He improved from the time of his immersion, and this morning took leave of us for home, rejoicing in a kind Providence which had been the occasion of his submission to Christ as Lord of all. May the Lord bless him, and may he prove an ornament to the Christian profession.

Yesterday Brethren Graham, Northam, and myself, closed a meeting of several days continuance. The forenoon of those days was devoted to the church in the State, and the afternoon to preaching to the Cherokees in our neighborhood. We had no additions, but I think…

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Favorable impressions were made, the fruit of which will be seen ‘ere long.

This morning the Brethren left for Fayetteville, near which place we are to meet again next Saturday to hold the annual meeting of the churches of Washington county.

My family having somewhat recovered, and my crop off hands, I intend devoting my time to travelling and preaching, and as the churches in Washington county are without an evangelist, I may spend a portion of my time with them, till they can be otherwise supplied.

If the church could find a suitable preacher and send him as a missionary to the Cherokees, to cooperate with me in the good work, my judgment is that it would be a Scriptural and profitable investment of the Lord’s means.

Our thoughts are often with good brethren and sisters of Tenn.; we miss their society here, but while we are deprived many privileges still we have reason to thank the Lord who has opened the hearts of a few Christian friends to sympathize with us in our time of need. I must acknowledge the Christian kindness extended to us by our beloved and charitable Bro. John Alberty and family. The good Lord reward them abundantly for all their kind attentions.

Remember us, brethren, in your prayers—pray for the triumph of primitive Christianity among the people. We need your sympathies, we need your prayers.

Farewell!

Your brother in the Lord,
J. J. TROT
Christian Mission, Cherokee Nation, Aug. 10, 1858.

Dear Bros:

The third Lordsday in last month I was at Lampasas Sulphur Springs. The meeting closed Thursday night following—six women and fourteen men—twenty were immersed, and a church formed of twenty-seven, which will, I think, meet and keep the ordinances.

Bro. A. Dickson lives there. Bro. Coloway, from Arkansas, Bro. W. B. Rogers, and some Baptist ministers were with us.

The meeting was amid the tents of visitors to the springs, and as nearly “all sorts of people” as we might expect to find anywhere. Still, it was marked by good order, and profound attention. The Cumberlands commenced a meeting at the lower spring a week before, and closed Monday night, or rather Tuesday morning of our meeting, with some eight or ten additions. They had a wonderful time!—prayed…

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that the Lord would hinder the “barrier about to be set up them in a few days,” i.e. our meeting; said we were worse than the Devil, weighed down the merits of the blood of Christ with water, etc., as I was thoroughly informed.

One Methodist minister, who attended our meeting frequently, gave me quite a solemn (?) lecture about saying Christ was immersed; proceeded as if I had committed some great moral outrage, and closed by saying, “I hope you will not do so any more my Bro.” Still, he would attend, and look on interestingly, when we visited the water day and night. I thought of admonishing him for looking on and seeming interested in such horrible wickedness, but did not meet an opportunity.

Some of the Baptists are nearly tight, and some of them might, perhaps without propriety, be called Gnostics.

Affectionately,
C. KENDRICK.
Salado, Bell county, Texas, August 4, 1843.

REPORT FROM DEKALB

Dear Bros:—We had quite an interesting, and I trust profitable, meeting here, embracing the first Lord’s day in this month. The result was nine baptisms, and one received by letter. The brethren too were stirred up to more than ordinary zeal, and made to rejoice in the success of the occasion. Good impressions were also made on outsiders. Besides which there were two elders made (Elders were made anciently by time and experience. ~. J~.) for the congregation here, and as the manner of doing that thing may interest beyond those immediately interested, I will here briefly detail it. A committee of five brethren were appointed with reference to this matter at a monthly meeting, two months previous to the one at which the matter was consummated. They asked until the next monthly meeting before they reported, which was granted. They then brought in the report, recommending two brethren. The report was received, and the nominations put to a vote of the congregation—there being a general turnout—which were unanimously carried. The vote was manifested by rising. (There is just as much authority to vote married men and women to be husbands and wives. T. F.) The brethren thus chosen were solemnly ordained to the office, in the usual manner, one month afterwards, at our late protracted meeting. This mode is, I think, fully as Scriptural, (There is not a word of…

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Scripture on the subject, T. P.) and equally as sensible as any other, and I think it preferable to rushing into the office with violence. (We suppressed the preachers’ names that commented on these things. T. F.) In the aggregate I think our meeting was a decided success, and I trust that its effects will be permanent.

As a congregation we have been in the habit of meeting twice a month. We now have up the question, “Whether or not we will meet weekly?” The prospect is that it will be decided affirmatively. We think them decidedly better than the monthly and semi-monthly meetings, where they are properly conducted.

Fraternally yours,
O. D. WILLIAMS.
Alexandria, Tenn., August 16th, 1858.

Bro. Williams fights the Truth, and yet it seems from the determination to meet often together to worship the Father, that he and the brethren are disposed to walk in the light of life. In this we rejoice. Persevere beloved brethren.
T. F.

Dear Bros:—I have not heard any one express himself on the subject; still I am prepared to say, being a very careful person, to notice things narrowly, that the prospect of doing good in this country is better than I have ever seen. My reasons are: first, the people are pretty well informed now, and are anxiously seeking to become more so; and, second, the worshiping orders around us, have exhausted almost all their religious appliances, and cannot move the people very much.

If our preaching brethren in this country had a little more energy and were not afflicted with a disease, two of the mortal effects of which are, first and natural, fear for filthy lucre; and, secondly, the very ancient desire for the chief seats in the synagogues, much good could be accomplished this fall.
M. T. HACKWORTH.
Columbus, Miss., August 15th, 1858.

Dear Bros:—I visited Aberdeen, Miss., in the month of May, and spent a few days, just on the heel of a very great excitement gotten up by the Rev. Mr. T., of Washington, D. C. We had four worthy accessions to the good cause, and the prospects for good are more flattering than ever before. The brethren are now meeting on the first day of the week to teach.

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Correspondence

W. H. Hooker
Hebron, Ala., July 28th, 1858.

The cooperation of the Mountain District will hold its annual meeting with the church at Fountain Springs, commencing Friday before the first Lordsday in October, at 10 o’clock, A. M. It is earnestly desired that each church shall be represented by letter and delegates, setting forth in detail, the condition of the respective congregations, with the amount of funds contributed for the sustenance of the evangelists.

J. P. Rascoe, Secretary
Rock Island, August 15th, 1858.

Letter from J. H. Dunn

Dear Bros:
The course of primitive Christianity progresses slowly in North Alabama, owing to the scarcity of proclaimers of the “pure testimony of God.” However, within the last two months, I have gained thirteen accessions to the various congregations where I have labored, viz.:

  • One at Mooresville, Ala.
  • One at Stony Point, (Old Cypress), Lauderdale County.
  • Three at Moulton, Ala.
  • Five near Johnson’s Mills (six miles from my residence), Limestone County.
  • Three at Tabernacle, Morgan County, Ala.

You shall hear from me again soon, when I trust I will have good news to communicate, as the prospects at several points are flattering.

You humble brother in Christ,
J. H. Dunn
Lone Anthony, Ala., August 31st, 1858.

The New Theology

We intimated some time since that our brethren in Great Britain are quite alive to the interests of the Christianity of the New Testament, but we now feel in duty bound to lay before our readers a short essay upon the New Theology amongst us.

Whilst men from whom we have a right to expect at least moral honesty, are whispering through the land, that there is nothing wrong, a brother in the British Millennial Harbinger for August, speaks in a style that can but command respect.

Read, brethren.
T. F.

Evil Tendencies of the “Inner-Light” Doctrine

“The evil tendencies of a system may, in justice, be pleaded in opposition to it, when its tendencies are evil; but, if good, they inure to…”

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its benefit. I shall attempt, in this article, to demonstrate the evil tendencies of the doctrine of “inner-light,” or “the divinity within,”—”partial inspiration.”

  1. The doctrine, if universally received, would result in the overthrow of the Bible, and the annihilation of all faith, resulting from its divine testimonies; for no man can believe that faith in Christ is the result of receiving “the teaching of the Apostles” (John xvi. 20), and at the same time believe that “their words”—the Gospel—possessed only a “death-revealing power.” No man can believe that the power of the Gospel is a “death-revealing power,” if he believes “life and immortality are revealed or brought to light through it.” Does it reveal the power of death to the believer, or is it “the power of God unto the salvation of the believer? Who is right, Paul or modern advocates of this new doctrine of German transcendentalism—this inter-divinity? Who shall we believe?
  2. If a man knows God by the power of “the divinity within,” then was Paul mistaken, in saying “the world by wisdom knew not God.” How absurd was it to ask, “How shall they believe on Him of whom they have not heard?” Why, Paul, “the divinity within” is the source from which we derive our knowledge of God; “our instruction comes purely from within.” So answers a new school of Neologistic would-be philosophers, in the middle of the nineteenth century, and in the bosom of the Christian church. The doctrines of “the divinity within” come not from the Bible, but from Shakespeare, who cannot determine a question of divinity for me, neither “within” nor “without.”
  3. It is an evident truth, that the idea of God and our accountability to Him, of spirit and soul, of Heaven and Hell, are not inborn, but revealed. If inborn, or attainable by the divinity within, where is the necessity of revealing that to man, of which he was instructed “from within?” Why did the Saviour say, “No man knoweth the Son but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him?”
  4. If all men are accountable, then do all men possess “the divinity within;” but how strange that its guidings are not uniform. Strange that it should lead to results so diverse—strange that the “divinity within” has not always acknowledged divinity without or above. Will not divinity acknowledge divinity? If, then, all have this “divinity within,” and if divinity acknowledges divinity, then will all men be saved. But if all men possess this divinity—if divinity in…

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heres in man, and man is lost—divinity condemned by divinity—divinity in Heaven and divinity in Hell. What a thought! How meet that it should descend from imagination as its mother, and as the begetting of native pride of the human heart! Man ever desires to deify himself. Blessed Saviour, keep us at thy feet! Fill us with the divine spirit of humility, love, and a sound mind!

I will conclude, at present, by saying that I shall feel constrained, by the love of Christ and my regard for His cause, to oppose in all proper ways, at all times, in all places, under all circumstances, and with all my feeble powers, this “new issue,” in whole and in all parts. I care not who its advocates may be, or what position they may occupy. I care not what relation they may sustain to any of the institutions of literature, science, or religion. I shall do what I can to overthrow their opinion. If they prostitute their positions or institutions of learning to the propagation of visible subverting vagary, I will do all that a Christian man may do to defeat them in their work; and if any organization with which they are connected becomes an engine to aid them in their work, I will do all in my power to level that organization with the dust. I fear some brethren are slumbering on a volcano.

We have labored too long, and suffered too much, in establishing the truth of a living, soul-redeeming, Bible Christianity, to give it up for any system of German Neology. If I lose friends by doing so, I shall rejoice thereat. Indeed, no man is my friend who will ask me to sacrifice my judgment and a consciousness of duty, in order to gain or retain the favor or friendship of any man or association of men. I rest here for the present, but may write again. These are my sentiments, honestly and plainly expressed.
V.

PROGRESS IN OBEDIENCE

DEAR BROS:—The cause of our blessed Lord still advances here. We have had some nineteen additions since the first of July last. One reclaimed and four baptized into Christ, and added to the congregation, at our weekly meetings since your visit in July; two of the four had been members of the Baptist church, but said they had not been baptized understandingly.

Bro. Stalker is preaching every Lord’s day in Sumner, Macon, and in Wilson. He was at Taylorsville, in Wilson county, 2nd Lord’s day in August, and the Baptist preacher would not let him preach in their house, but he was invited to a grove by a brother of the preacher.

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and when the congregation assembled, I am told Bro. Stalker delivered quite a mild and most excellent discourse.

He convinced and immersed an intelligent lady, Sunday before last. I have visited the neighborhood recently where the brethren were not meeting on each first day of the week, and by reading the word of God, and talking to them, they acknowledged themselves convinced that it was done by the first churches.

Two of the three churches have determined to keep the ordinances, and the others say they will do so as soon as they can prepare for it.

Would you not do well to publish in the Advocate a very plain and pointed piece on the subject of weekly meeting, and the weekly contribution? Surely, when our brethren are convinced that the Bible teaches these things plainly, they will act out.

With much love for you and the brethren at Franklin College,
I remain in the Lord, your Brother,
W. C. HUFFMAN
Hartsville, Tenn., September 1, 1858.

CONSULTATION MEETING

Hickman, KY, September 9th, 1858.

Bro. FANNING—Dear Sir: Our consultation meeting commences on the Saturday before the second Lord’s Day in October next. Your presence and aid is earnestly solicited, and much good, I think, would result to us and the cause of Christ by your visit.

Our love in the Truth, as it is written,
W. G. ROULIAC
For request of the church.

REPLY TO THE INVITATION OF THE CHURCH AT HICKMAN, KY

In answer to the above, I beg leave to say to the brethren at Hickman and elsewhere, that nothing would afford me greater satisfaction than to attend to these calls, but Franklin College has been greatly injured by my absence, and I consider it my highest duty, at present, to give my undivided attention to the youths kindly committed to my supervision.

The most unfair and wicked opposition has been exhibited by expelled students and persons from whom we had a right to look for truth and fair dealing, and I consider it incumbent upon me particularly to prove to the brotherhood and the world that very high educational advantages are offered in Franklin College. The institution…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

I am thankful to Heaven, to be able to say that I have opened with helpful patronage, and every prospect is favorable for good success. The members of the Faculty are determined, if in the power of men, to make the school an orderly and safe institution for the education of youth. Young men, we believe, can be brought under wholesome government, and restrained from the vices so generally attending colleges. Although we have not been disposed to boast, we doubt not that we have educated more destitute young men than any school amongst us, and we doubtless now are doing more in this direction than any school in the country.

We are anxious to do good by assisting, particularly our brethren in the education of their children.

T. YANING.

Dear Bros:—I seat myself this evening to drop you a few lines, believing that you are always glad to learn of the cause of Truth prevailing. I had meeting the second Lord’s Day in August, in Conway county, and had an addition of three Sunday, in White county one addition, and including the 5th Lord’s Day in Van Buren county, ten additions, the Truth must and will prevail. I will just say, the subscribers have received their Nos.

As ever, your Brother in the faith,
J. J. STOBAUGH.
Clinton, Ark., September 1st, 1858.

TEXAS REPORTS

Dear Bros:—I am now seated to give you the progress of the good cause in this section of the far West. I held a protracted meeting in the west end of Dallas county, (Grapevine Prairie,) commencing on Saturday before the 2nd Lord’s Day in July, in connection with Bro. T. Jasper, which resulted in eight additions by confession and baptism.

We also held a meeting in the same neighborhood, commencing Saturday before 2nd Lord’s Day in August, which resulted in seven more by confession and baptism, and two from the Baptist. To the Lord be all praise.

Truth is mighty and will prevail, when presented in its purity and simplicity. The Gospel Advocate is still read with much interest by the brethren here. In fact, the brethren think it a great feast to get a new number of the Gospel Advocate.

May the Lord bless you, amen!
A. M. DEAN.
Cross Timbers, Tarrant county, Texas, Aug. 26, 1858.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

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GREEN RIVER CO-OPERATION

The brethren of Southern Kentucky purpose holding a cooperation meeting in Hopkinsville, commencing the Thursday before the first Lordsday in November, 1858, and exhort earnestly the churches to send representation. It is always profitable for brethren to meet together for consultation. The following are the questions to which answers are sought:

  1. When was your church organized?
  2. Who are your officers?
  3. Who is your preacher?
  4. What is your number of members?

Address: Isaac N. Caldwell, Hopkinsville, Ky.

REPORTS

Elder James Holmes of West Tennessee reports as follows: “We have had some sixty additions in some three months in our field of labor, including Masongrove, Cageville, Lemalismac, and Miller’s Chapel.”

Bro. J. A. Clark, of Anderson county, Texas, reports valuable additions in his section of country.

Bro. James H. McDonald, of Moulton, Ala., reports a good meeting at that place, conducted by Brothers Dunn, of Limestone, and Randolph, of Walker county. Several additions and some of the erring returned to the fold.

The brethren are urging us to attend the meeting at the Missionary Society at Cincinnati in October, and we are inclined to do so.

OBITUARIES

Dear Bros: – I announce to you with much sorrow, the death of my wife, Malinda Campbell. She departed this life in hope of eternal life on the 21st of last month, after two weeks of sad affliction. We had lived together twenty-four years, and almost sixteen years in the church of Christ. We have lost five children by death, and she has always divided my sorrows and doubled my joys; in a word, was a Christian.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

wife, but the Lord has taken her, and left five children with me to mourn her loss, with many friends and relatives.

I desire the prayers of all Christians that I may bring up my children in the fear and admonition of the Lord, and that I may not be overcome by sin.
Yours, in the hope of eternal life,
E. H. CAMPBELL
Cannon county, Tenn., Aug. 4, 1854

Brother Campbell has our sincere sympathies in his sad bereavement.
F. S.

Dear Brethren:
It becomes my painful duty to record the death of our much beloved Sister, M. J. Morton, who fell asleep in Jesus June 26th, 1858. Her illness was short, and she bore it with Christian fortitude. She had been a consistent member of the church for about three years, and has left an affectionate husband, and two motherless children to mourn her loss.

On the 9th inst., yesterday, the youngest child was released from earth. Bro. Morton and one child still tarry on these shores to prepare for another and better state.
R. A. COOK
Cagesville, Sept. 10, 1858

It pleased God to remove from our midst on the 26th of July last, Brother John Curtis, aged about seventy-five years. Brother Curtis was for many years a member of the Christian Church, and until the time of his death was one of the Elders of the church.

It was the great desire of his life to learn his Master’s will, and to perform the same, as well as to teach and enforce it to others by precept and example. In the death of Brother Curtis the church has lost an efficient and zealous Elder.

The cordial sympathy of the congregation is tendered to our aged and widowed sister in the Lord, and also to the children and relatives of the deceased. Although we mourn the departure of our beloved Brother, yet we do not mourn as those who have no hope.

Resolved, That the editors of the Gospel Advocate and Millennial Harbinger be requested to publish the above, done by consent of the church, on Lord’s day, August 22, 1858.
S. V. CARTLEDGE, Elder of the church
Poplar Creek, Choctaw County, Miss.

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