THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
T. FANNING, Editors.
D. LIPSCOMB.
VOL. VIII.
NASHVILLE, SEPTEMBER 25, 1866.
NUMBER 30.
For the Gospel Advocate.
THE BAPTISTS AND THEIR ANCESTRY—NO. 1.
Bros. Lipscomb & Fanning:
The Advocate for August 7th, 1866, is at hand, and has not convinced me that the modern Baptists are the degenerate sons of worthy sires who lived three hundred years before they were born, and before the days of Martin Luther. I admit that the modern Baptists are not the descendants of the papists; therefore, you need not prove what is admitted. What I wish you to prove is that the modern Baptists had ancestors before the days of Martin Luther, or three hundred years before they existed religiously, and that they are the degenerate sons of these worthy sires, and I wish to see this ancestry accurately traced up through these three hundred years, so that there will remain no mistake about these worthy sires and their sons.
When you do this, I wish you to tell whose degenerate sons the Quakers are. When you trace the modern Baptists’ ancestry up the stream of time accurately for three hundred years before there were any Baptists in existence, I think we may find where Moses was buried. I believe that I am descended from Adam; but if called upon to prove my lineage and ancestry from these men for the last three hundred years, I could not do it, as I have no knowledge of my family name and ancestors before the eighteenth century. I may admit that I am not a descendant of Ham, but that does not prove that I am a degenerate son of Japhet or Shem. It is a difficult task for a man to prove who his ancestors were.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
Extracted Text:
Three hundred years before he was born when he has no records to guide him, if David Benedict, the Baptist historian of Europe and America, has spent more than sixty years in the search of this long lost ancestry, and he could not find it or trace it in higher than 1607, I think you had as well renew the search for Sir John Franklin, as to try to find the ancestry of the modern Baptists before Martin Luther’s day. Benedict stayed ten days at my father’s in 1810, with the first edition of his history, and I distributed that history to my father’s subscribers, who obtained a large number of subscribers to that work in Virginia and North Carolina, and he has been engaged in the search ever since that time. His account of the Providence Church in Rhode Island, which he says is the oldest in America, is that it originated March, 1638. It consisted of twelve members at first, as the whole company, in their own estimation, were unbaptized, and they knew of no administrator in any of the infant settlements to whom they could apply. They, with much propriety, hit upon the following expedient: Roger Williams, a man of gifts and piety, by the urgencies of the little company, was appointed to baptize. William (Roger Williams), who, in turn, baptized Holliman and the other ten. Any company of Christians may commence a church in gospel order, by their own mutual agreement, without any reference to any other body, and this church has all power to appoint any one of their number, whether minister or layman, to commence their good institutions. This is the Baptist doctrine of apostolic succession, which they prefer to receive from good men rather than through the polluted channels of the papal power.
This admission of the Baptist historian is candid, sensible, and honest. This is the origin and ancestry of the American Baptists. This is our ancestry. With this admission, what is the use of trying to run up their ancestry to the days of Martin Luther? They or any other man had as well look for an ancestor in the bottom of the Mississippi river. Mr. Robinson, who was a more learned man than Benedict, says:
Protestants, by the most substantial arguments, have blasted the doctrine of papal succession, and yet these very Protestants have undertaken to make proof of an unbroken series of persons of their own sentiments following one another in due order from the apostles to themselves. Yes, the papal succession is a catalogue of names of real and imaginary men, of Christians and others, blasphemers and saints. The Lutheran succession runs in the papal channel till the Reformation, and then in a small stream changes it. The Calvinistic succession, which includes the Presbyterians and all sects which originated from Geneva, is a pigsty, made up of men of all principles and all communities, and what is very surprising, of popes, Arians, and Baptists, exactly such men as Calvin and his associates, committed to the flames for heresy. The doctrine of uninterrupted succession is necessary only to such churches as regulate their faith and practice by tradition, and for their…
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use it was first invented. Robinson’s Researches, pages 310, 471.
This is the testimony of one of the most reliable witnesses in Christendom. You have to prove that Baptists are Christians and that Christians are Baptists—that they are convertible words—that Tom and John are the same name.
In 1841, in Raleigh, N. C., I heard a brother White, a Scotch Baptist preacher, one night preach, and he gave the list of the Scotch Baptists—he told how they were members of the Presbyterian established church in Scotland—how they fiddled and danced and frolicked, and were all going on to Heaven in this way—until a religious excitement came along that turned them out of the meeting-houses, and took to preaching and to the reading and studying the New Testament, and were soon convinced that none but believers ought to be immersed, and threw away most all their infant baptism the Presbyterians gave them. But they were in a dilemma. They knew not of a Baptist preacher in Scotland to humor them, and I had to send to England to obtain one. What was it for these people to prove that their religious fathers lived three hundred years before that time—before Luther’s day?
Now, according to Hendrickson, the English Baptists from whom the Scotch Baptists descended, are more likely the descendants of the Episcopalians than the Catholics, as Smyth, their organizer, was an Episcopalian. The American Baptists originated in Rhode Island in 1638. How is it you can trace them back three hundred years to connect them with some body before Luther’s day in the dark ages? There is no more use for Baptist succession than of papal or sectarian.
For the Gospel Advocate.
THE ISSUE—NO. 2
As stated in a previous number, the real issue between the friends and enemies of God is the exclusive authority of the inspired Scriptures. “You are my friends if you do whatsoever I command you;” it is equally true that you are his enemies if you do not. God has been pleased to reveal to us facts, supported by evidence, for us to believe, and these, resting on authority. It will certainly be conceded that the end sought by imposing the belief of these facts and the observance of these rules is our salvation.
Question: Shall we trust the belief of these facts and the observance of these rules, or by seeking to improve them, demonstrate our want of faith and evince our disloyalty? By taking the latter course we plainly say that the means ordained by God are insufficient to produce the result sought—that imperfection emanated from imperfection.
Paul gives a resume of Jewish history, and states, “these things happened for our examples and are written for our admonition.” Let us, therefore, glance at their history and see if we can ascertain what was the cause of their repeated afflictions, unhappiness and final national dis…
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
From a careful examination of the book of Deuteronomy, or second publication of the law, it will be seen that Moses explicitly states that their happiness depended solely upon a careful observance of the law, without adding to or subtracting from it. It is all summed up in these words, “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it; thou shalt not add thereto nor diminish from it.”
A brief glance at their history from their exodus from Egypt till their final dispersion, discloses the fact that a want of faith was the source of their troubles. They were unwilling to trust God. The Jews of the time of Christ believed the law, but the nation repeatedly rejected God and His law, seeking to nullify it to their hurt, and were as often punished. In the Savior’s time He said to them, “You have made void the commandment of God by your tradition.” Paul tells us plainly that they were “broken off in unbelief,” and admonishes us that we stand by faith.
Now let it be observed that beyond doubt they really thought that they believed Moses; but Jesus says, “Had you believed Moses, you would have believed me.” Let it be distinctly remembered that the unbelief “I the Jesus, a testimony of confidence in God’s plan” was an attempt to fortify upon them, caused their suffering, and culminated in their desolation.
Now in view of Paul’s statement that these things happened for our example, and were written for our admonition, ought we not to take warning? “Let us stand in faith.”
A cursory review of the practices of the religious world will, if I am not greatly mistaken, develop the same result.
What produces the present state of the religious world? While the church recognized no law but the law of the Lord, trusted it, followed it, they were united and prosperous. But, alas! they lost confidence in “The Articles of Faith and Rules of Government,” enacted at Nice, A.D. 325, and fell from the Scriptures their understanding of what should be believed. These traditions became the basis of union and the most sacred of orthodoxy. Thus it was that they met with division, persecution, and misery that led their origin. He who does not see that the tendency of creeds is to make unprincipled division and insubordination is not to be reasoned with.
The making of a creed is positive evidence of an unwillingness to trust the Lord’s plan—it is nothing less than treason. It is a new creed, which being committed against any human government, would subject the offender to punishment by law. I have made these statements to show that we are living in an age of unbelief.
Now will it not be concluded that if moving off the divine, and leaning on the human platform rather than the divine, is a serious matter?
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Divine will bestir division
O that men were willing to trust the Lord!
But men, distrusting the Lord’s plan, have set them aside, neutralized them by their traditions.
In my next hope to give some additional evidence of distrust or unbelief among those who claim to be followers of Jesus. In conclusion, the words of Scott, the commentator, are suggested for the reader’s consideration. “The suggestions of the enemy are often mistaken for divine impressions, and men fancy they are following the Lord, when they are gratifying their own wayward inclinations. Upon the whole, in all matters, let us refer to the law and the testimony. Plain precepts and maxims of wisdom are of other rules than the most ingenious allegories, and the book of Providence, as well as the supposed guidance of the Spirit, must be examined by and brought to the test of the written word, which are the light to our feet and the lamp unto our paths.”
May the Great Helper bless all who love the law he has given, bring all to see its supreme authority, to honor him by keeping it, and preserve the faithful to His everlasting kingdom.
Henderson, Texas.
THE CONGREGATION IN MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE.
We are much gratified to learn through letters and other means of communication, that quite a number of the beloved disciples in Memphis maintain their Christian integrity through the late war. Indeed, during the war, much to their credit, we learned that almost some of the best brethren would not countenance boldly preachers, such as James A. Butler, and others. Very recent communications inform us that there is a prospect of finishing the new house of worship this year, and at the present the brethren have the services of Bro. T. W. Caskey, of Jackson, Mississippi.
We have known Bro. Caskey from his youth, and while in 1861, we thought much of him in consequence of too much interest in Caesar’s affairs, we watched him through the struggle, and we are happy to see he came out of it with a settled determination to give more of his great energies to God than heretofore. While we are not disposed to flatter, we are constrained to say to our brethren, that as a man of high intellectual ability, indomitable will, and conduct, Bro. Caskey, in our humble judgment, has but few superiors. All he needs is to be placed in circumstances to give himself wholly to the work.
We publish below a notice of his engagements, as found in the Memphis bulletin of the last instant.
Rev. T. W. Caskey,
for whom he is laboring, here our best wishes, and fervent prayers. We hope to hear good reports.
Christian Church, Linden Street.
At this church Elder T. W. Caskey,
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
of Mississippi, centered upon the discharge of pastoral duties for the congregation. Elder Caskey is neither a polished declaimer or finished orator, but as a reasoner he is clear, pointed, earnest, powerful, and is altogether an exceedingly attractive and interesting speaker. We congratulate the church and our city that he has consented to labor among us.
His remarks as to the mutual duties and relations subsisting between pastor and congregation were affectionate, solemn, earnest and received marked attention by his audience.
“If any man suffer, as a Christian, for Christ, let him not be ashamed,” was the text. The theme of discourse was the name, Christian. In the New Testament we find full authority for the terms “Disciple” and “Saint,” as applied to the followers of Christ, in their individual capacity; Christian being applicable to them in congregated and collective relation. There is not in the Bible the slightest show or authority for the fifty or one hundred names which divide, distract and hinder the religious world. We stand plainly upon authority for the name Christian. We desire no other. We glory in the name. It is the name we wear by authority of our heavenly Father through our elder brother Jesus Christ. True, it may at times have been given us in derision. We are willing to be derided for Christ’s sake. The name “Campbellite” is habitually thrust at us by our religious neighbors. We ignore the name. We are not willing to be derided for Mr. Campbell’s sake. We were not baptized into his name. He did not die for us. He has not the slightest theological or biblical authority with or over us. He was a great and good man. We admire the splendor of his genius, his towering acquirements, and have the most affectionate remembrance for his lifelong labor to bring the religious world back to primitive Christianity, discarding priests, creeds and councils with the Bible, and the Bible alone, as authority in matters of Christian faith, morals and manners. If a man has full knowledge of this, our wish, as to the name Christian and our disinclination to the term “Campbellite,” and still persists in an opinion and invitation using the latter term, I hold he is neither a Christian nor a gentleman, and will have neither social nor Christian intercourse with him. Time and space will not allow us to follow the learned gentleman further in his elaboration of the interesting subject.
We take pleasure in stating that Elder Caskey’s congregation is making all efforts to have their new house finished early in the fall. When finished it will be a superb edifice and an ornament to that part of the city.
Sister D. M. Priest writes that “Brethren Wilmost, Green and Mathews are exerting a good influence in North Mississippi.” Why do not these brethren write to us? Brethren, you can do valuable service by acting as agents for the Gospel Advocate.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
CAN NATIONS EXIST, PROSPER AND CONTINUE AGES WITHOUT WAR?
Brothers Fanning & Lipscomb – As an illustration of the great and fundamental principle of Christianity now advanced by us, allow me to call attention to the fact that there is one government on earth which has stood without change, without revolution and without war, longer, if I mistake not, than any other civil government that ever existed. I allude to the Republic of San Marino, in Italy, between the Apennines and the Adriatic. The territory of this republic is only thirty miles in circumference, and its population about seven thousand, according to a recent statement of Gov. W. Irwin, who visited it. This republic was founded more than fourteen hundred years ago, on moral principles, industry and equity, and has preserved its liberty and independence amid all the wars, revolutions and troubles which have raged around it.
It has been the first to respond to the first request of friendship and fraternity. It is governed by a Captain-Regent, chosen every six months by the representatives of the people, sixty-six in number, who are chosen every three months by the people. The taxes are light, the town houses are neat, the fields well cultivated, and on all sides are seen comfort and plenty, the happy effect of morality, simplicity and frugality.
Here, then, there is a government without an army, without a navy, and without any military schools, so far as known, standing like an oasis in a world cursed with war and deluged with blood. What a sublime spectacle does San Marino present! There she has stood for more than fourteen hundred years without war, with no internal convulsions or discord, while all around her, to the utmost limits of the earth, war and destruction have prevailed. I am anxious to know something of the religions faith of the people of San Marino. Can you, Messrs. Editors, enlighten me?
Truly does Bro. Creath say that war fails to accomplish the purpose for which it is waged. First, after all the bloodshed, the lives lost, and the property destroyed, negotiation and diplomacy have to settle the difficulty. Surely Christians who advocate war do not know what manner of spirit they are of. I do not write this to censure any who have thought and acted otherwise in the past, for the truth is, this subject has not been understood; but it must now be discussed so that hereafter, if any professing Christians advocate and justify war, he shall do it with his eyes open, and be left without excuse before God.
The discussion of this subject has scarcely begun yet. Those who oppose it do not know the amount of evidence yet to be adduced. Strange that those who teach it to be the duty of Christians to “keep their garments unspotted from the world,” should urge that his right for Christ.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
Letter from John T. Walsh
Newbern, N.C., Sept. 5th, 1866.
We have to mingle in political strife, and wallow in all the partisan slime of the political cess-pool. No, we must not write on this subject, lest we offend some brother who has a perfect horror of getting political into this religious paper; but who, at the same time, has no scruples about being a candidate for the State or national legislature, nor even to become a captain or general in the army, and lead men to deadly conflict, where brother with brother dies, wallowing in each other’s blood. “Blessed are the peace-makers,” said Jesus; but war-thinkers tell me, “we must conquer a peace.” Did the Lord mean we must conquer peace by the sword? I opine not.
My brother, the sword belongs to Caesar, but you belong to Christ. You are Christ’s bond-servant. You are not your own. You have been bought with a price. Glorify God, therefore, in your body and spirit, which are His. Strip yourself of the world, and prepare to give an account of your stewardship.
Fraternally,
JOHN T. WALSH
Letter from D. L.
Newbern, N.C., Sept. 5th, 1866.
We can give no information in reference to the religious faith and practices of the San Antonio. While it is undeniably true that the practice of peace principles are calculated to secure untroubled peace to those practicing them. Yet we doubt the capacity of any organization of earth, since the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ—the Prince of Peace, to maintain and uphold the principles of peace of that purity that will separate it from all the kingdoms of this world, and secure to it the permanent rewards of lasting and perpetual peace.
D. L.
Letter from W. N. Linton
Montgomery, Texas, Aug. 28th, 1866.
Brethren Fanning & Lipscomb: Having been a subscriber to your paper before the war, I am glad to renew, believing yours to be the best work in the land. Admiring your manliness in contending for the pure testimony and your exposition of error and departure from primitive Christianity, coming from whatever source it may, I bid you God speed, and hope you may prosper in all your efforts to establish truth and put down error.
We organized a church in the town of Montgomery, about four years ago, with eleven members, till there was none in the county. The church now numbers some sixty members. We are building a good meeting-house in town, which will soon be completed. There is now another congregation in the county numbering about eighty members, and still the cause is onward. The prospect is better now for accessions than it has been at any time previous. We have had thirty accessions in the last six weeks.
Your brother in Christ,
W. N. LINTON
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THE DUTY OF THE EVENING
Night has let down her curtains and earth is silent; the sound of human voices is hushed, the lowing of the herds has ceased, the birds have fled away, and the angel of sleep is shedding his sweet influences over a weary world. He has soothed away the sorrow of the afflicted, and he rests, forgetful of his anguish. The suffering spirit is peacefully sleeping, knowing neither pain nor fear of the future. The thoughtless one lays her head upon the pillow and remembers no more; but the earnest young Christian awakens her room and is unable with her God. It is the time to remember his love, and to lift up her heart and voice in humble gratitude before seeking repose. The cares, trials and temptations of the day are over. They have done something towards the formation of her character for eternity. Her course of conduct has had the effect of improving her fellow-being, or it has had no good influence on any one.
If she has spent her hours in the fear of God, or she has been unmindful of Him. She ponders—how did I employ the morning hours? more precious than gold or pearls. The evening—did I stamp improvement on it, and did it leave an impress for good that will remain? Did I feel that the eye of my Heavenly Father was upon me? If such was the case, she knows there is cause for regret. It is the hour to ask the pity and pardon of strength to do right in the future.
If she has lived in the performance of duty before God, her heart is full of comfort and peace. She begs the protection of her Father during her hours of helplessness, and falls to sleep trusting to his love and care.
It is sad that young and old do not cultivate a habit of constant communion with God. There is nothing so calculated to dignify and elevate life as the sweetest happiness. Earnest prayer, then, is the duty of the young Christian before she bids the world good night and sinks to rest. In prosperity prayer gives a greater zest to all the enjoyments of life. In sorrow it is a refuge from the storm.
Sorrowful disappointment is often the lot of woman, and she should seek for enduring happiness in earnest prayer to Him who knows her weakness, and who can love with pity her. One who has suffered, commenting to girls, says:
“Her heart is on you—
And you weep,
And the night is long,
And the day is bright,
And the morning is coming,
And the light will shine,
And to know,
That you will be happy to have given.”
The remarks break through the silence.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
For the Gospel Advocate.
Lynsville, Tenn., Sept. 1st, 1861.
Dear Bros. Fanning and Lincoln:
I wish to make known a few facts that are existing among the brethren of this vicinity. There are disputes whether it is right for Christians to attend the meetings of the different sects of the world or not. We would like to hear what the Advocate says on this.
- There are some of our brethren who volunteered in the late war, that seem to think they did no wrong in volunteering their services, but I for one was conscripted, and I feel that I did right to ask my Heavenly Father to forgive me for sinning under these circumstances.
- I have seen professed followers of Christ engage in idle amusement, such as playing marbles, checkers, and occasionally cutting cards to tell fortunes, etc. I think it would be a good thing if the Advocate would give us some plain knocks on these things. We are rather lukewarm; we need stirring up; we need the zeal of a Paul among us to arouse us to a sense of our duty to our Savior.
I have been reading the Advocate attentively for six months, and have found it worthy the attention of all classes of people. The subject of the Church of Christ and worldliness is the topic of the day in this section. Hit us again on this.
Your brother in Christ,
H. S.
We have no objection to Christians occasionally attending the preaching of the denominations, provided they do not let this attendance interfere with their duties to God. God has appointed a meeting for his children on every first day of the week, at which time he proposes to meet and bless them in his own chosen appointments. No Christian man can forsake the assembling of the saints of which Jesus numbers one without depriving himself of the blessing God bestows through these appointments.
In addition to thus depriving himself of this blessing, he distinctly says, He prefers the meeting and association of others to the meeting of God’s family. He thus insults God and God’s people. But at other times we can see no objection to Christians attending the preaching of others, provided they do not compromise truth by all improper participation in unscriptural practices. While we are well aware that Christians should not engage in carnal strife either voluntarily or under draft or conscription, yet we have been so remiss in our duty in teaching properly on these subjects, the greatest forbearance should be exercised by all to those who differ from them, and a constant, careful, humble effort should be persisted in to bring ourselves and others to a full realization of scriptural truth on this subject. All these idle, vain and contaminating practices should be avoided by Christians. Those who thus trifle away the precious moments, utterly fail to realize the responsibility imposed by…
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Their high and holy calling, and are thus waiting moments and burying
themselves, for which God will hold them to a strict account at the last day.
“We are not our own, we have been bought at a price.” We should devote our lives to His service.
D. L.
We intended to be present at various meetings this autumn, from
which we regret to be absent. The question is in our mind, and it is not
prudent the care of our responsibilities to be absent from home. I hope,
however, that circumstances will be favorable for our meeting in Frank-
lin, Oct. 14th. We have desired many years to see “Old Virginia,” the
home of our ancestors, but we see not a way open as yet. We still hope
for more favorable seasons for seeing many sections we have
not seen. We are not entirely resigned to seeing our brethren in England
before we cross the Jordan, but really we do not see how it will be
possible. Perhaps, too, we ought to see again. Brother Campbell and we
were there three years since, but we have there no brethren. Now
T. P.
For the Gospel Advocate
DANVILLE, C. H., S. C., Sept. 6th, 1866
ELIJAH T. PANNING – Reduced Brother in the Lord – After an interval of
many years I address you again. Alas, what calamities have befallen our
once happy country by this cruel and merciless war. Who can ex-
culate the loss in morality, religion and civilization. Every one seems to
be lamenting their loss in property, but how few are deploring the form-
idable losses.
The churches in this section are apparently lifeless, scarcely ever meet-
ing for worship, and none appear interested for the welfare of Zion. I
never thought that property was so much burdened with the life of
Christians before. Our section is in a destitute condition. We are on
the verge of starvation. This year has been very hard indeed, but owing
to the present appearance of crops, I fear next year will be a great deal
worse; in fact I don’t see how we are to live another year unless our
Heavenly Father provides for us.
I have nearly everything by the invading army, as I lay in the ruins.
My schoolhouse has been burned. I have not been able to see a school
since. My patrons are not able to send their children to school,
having lost their all, and the brethren being in the same condition, are
unable to lend a helping hand. I have been obliged to labor in the
field for a support, but still I am resolved to labor on Lord’s day in the
Lord’s field. My confidence is as unshaken as ever in the good cause.
I feel persuaded that nothing but Christianity can save
the country, and I believe that sectarianism had much to do with bringing on this
needless war, but I fear the end is not yet. The people are more wicked.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
I consider we are living in those perilous days spoken of by Paul in his letter to Timothy. War, Pestilence, and Famine are in the land, all precursors of the coming of the Lord Jesus. What is the condition of matters with you, both temporally and spiritually? Can you do anything for me, and can you procure any aid for me among the brethren of your acquaintance? It will be most thankfully received.
Can you give me any information concerning Brother J. J. Trott and his whereabouts, and if he is yet in the land of the living? Brother J. Richmond, the brethren there, suffered and lost everything, homes and all connected with them. The freedmen are not disposed to work. I have established a Sunday School for the colored children in my neighborhood. I am determined to do all I can for their improvement, believing it to be my duty to do so.
Praying the same blessing to rest upon you in all your labors,
I remain your brother in Christ,
J. S. HAVENER.
For the Gospel Advocate.
Loundes County, Ala., Aug. 30th, 1866.
Bro. Lunsford:—I wrote you some fifteen days ago, an account of a protracted meeting held by Bro. Kirkpatrick and myself in Chambers County, at which we had thirty additions to the Christian Church. Soon after we returned home we received an urgent request to go to Tallapoosa County and hold a meeting. We could so, and gained thirty-five more, which we organized into a Christian congregation, with the proper officers, as we had done those in Chambers County.
These good people now must not be neglected. This good old brother Kirkpatrick is one of the great men of the earth. Like all of us, in one respect, he is very poor, but rich in faith. He seldom contends with flesh and blood when duty looms up before him, because, as he says, “he has respect unto the recompense or reward” hereafter.
We anticipate much good from our labors if the brethren do not get into a very unsuccessful controversy on the subject of Christian Cooperation. I see some things already in the horizon which might threaten Christian union. We hope for the best. Second Lord’s day in September we commence a protracted meeting in Wilcox County. Will write you the results.
In much love, your brother in Christ,
C. S. REEVES.
P.S.—Cannot some of our brethren from Tennessee meet us in cooperation at our yearly meeting, which comes off near Troy, Pike County, Alabama, commencing on Friday before the third Lord’s day in October next? We would like so much to confer with them about the greatest and best work we can do for our Master’s kingdom on earth. Where is Bro. Goodloe?
U. S. R.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
Salem, August 24th, 1866.
BROTHERS FANNING & LITSCOMB
Our congregation meets on the first day of every week near this place, for the purpose of attending to the ministrations of the Lord’s house. We have a Bible class composed of the members of the congregation, and of a few aliens, the object of which is to diligently search God’s Spirit, speaking, etc. Our lesson on last Lord’s day embraced the first and second chapters of Acts.
In investigating this lesson, a question arose upon which the brethren did not agree. By request, I respectfully submit the matter to you for further light.
Read Acts ii: 3-4, “And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Now read from Luke iii: 16, “I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire.”
We all understand that those who “went up into an upper room” on the day of Pentecost, were “baptized with (in) the Holy Ghost.” But the point and justice is, were they on that occasion “baptized with (in) fire?”
Please favor us with an answer at your earliest convenience, either by private letter or through the Gospel Advocate, as you may deem expedient.
Truly and fraternally,
H. B. M.
We do not consider the tongues like as of fire that sat on the apostles on the day of Pentecost, was the baptism of fire spoken of by John. We think the 17th verse of the third chapter of Luke is an explanation of the light. “He shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire; whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.”
In the purging of his floor or gathering the world, he will gather the sound into his kingdom—they will be saved—the apostles entered into his kingdom were baptized with the Holy Ghost—the wicked were to be burned up with fire as the chaff.
D. L.
We have several appointments for preaching through some of the adjoining counties. An old adage says, “Duty never calls in two directions at once.” It calls very imperatively upon us at this time to report here.
We will fill none of these appointments until the Cider has…
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
For the Gospel Advocate.
Harrison County, Texas, Aug. 24th, 1866.
Brother Lascou:
You will find within five dollars which you will give to the most needy of our brethren. Our churches in Eastern Texas, the most of them, have come together, and that before the War. We have lately had Brother Simmons with us, and with the church in Rusk County. He is better acquainted with the Bible than any man I have ever met with, but all his labor seems to do no good so far as I can see. Brother Holloway and myself held a meeting in Upshur County some time since. We had twelve additions. I have baptized one since, in my own neighborhood, which is all that have joined the church anywhere for a long time. I have read your pieces on World-Powers. I have no objection to them, but how a man can keep from taking sides in such things as the past, I cannot tell. All the brotherhood that I have been acquainted with that profess this doctrine has, had to take their reflections in a direction which is not always agreeable. I am a state’s rights man, and I believe that we should stand up for them.
I remain your brother in Christ,
J. H. Cain.
We think our Brother Cain would effect much more for the good of the world and the honor of God by standing up for the rights of those churches that “come to nothing,” than by standing up for the rights of any human institution. Where brethren are standing up for human governments, the churches of God usually come to nought, for we cannot serve two masters. Bro. Cain, with whom we once spent a pleasant and profitable time in preaching in Eastern Texas, I hope will learn that God has higher and holier work for His children than holding up and sustaining the poor, tottering, corrupt fabric of man’s build. He calls on us to be co-workers with Him in sustaining, extending and upbuilding His own glorious and eternal kingdom against which the gates of hell shall not prevail. The maintaining of truth will always impose upon us disagreeable duties that lead us in ways that are not most agreeable, but shall we shrink back on this account? Jesus died on the Cross to establish His kingdom; we may expect to suffer in order to maintain and spread it. We found it difficult to keep our minds off the late strife, because we had permitted our feelings, affections and lives to be engrossed with the matters of the world—having tried to wean ourselves from them and give our unqualified allegiance and fealty to the Lord.
D. L.
Princeton College, at Princeton, Ky., is now in the hands of our brethren, and was opened on the second Monday in this month with flattering prospects, under the superintendency of Bro. Jno. Lindsley.
D. L.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
623
THE CHOLERA
The Cholera is in our midst, raging with a degree of virulence unexpected at this season of the year. The pestilence that rides upon the breeze—that rages in the darkness and stillness of the night—that poisons the breath of man and wastes at noonday is upon our people. It is not so fearful in its ravages as is currently reported, yet sufficiently so to cause deep seriousness to rest upon all. Wherefore, since God’s chosen scourges of wickedness in this world—War, fearful, desolating and destructive—raged upon us for a time. Famine still stares us in the face and threatens many sections of our country. And now the plague that strikes down the strong and robust riots unchecked upon the perishing mortality of earthly houses. Verily it seems that God intends to chasten us into submission, intends to humble us or destroy us if we refuse to bow to Him. These times of affliction call forth the Christian faith, not the love of God’s servants, impose new duties, and cause us to exhibit the true confidence we have in God.
That the wicked who have no hope beyond the grave should be panic-stricken and filled with terror at the approach of such a monster is natural. But that Christians who have the promise of God’s protection here, and the assurance of a Heaven beyond the grave, should be timid and trembling, panic-stricken and dependent, is unreasonable, unbecoming and unworthy the Christian character. Brethren and sisters, let us show that our faith in Christ and His resurrection has stripped death of its horror and the grave of its triumph. And let us seize these opportunities of affliction from the hand of our Master to show forth the superior excellency of the Christian religion.
D. L.
FELLOWSHIP
We have received twenty-four dollars from the church at Concord, Christian county, Ky., for the suffering saints south. This is the second offering of the brethren from this point, making over one hundred dollars. Will the brethren read Bro. Hanner’s letter? We might add others, but oftentimes privacy is imposed, improperly we think, but still we respect it. We have received six dollars from sisters at Franklin, Tenn., and two from Clarksville for Sister Spec.
D. L.
GOOD THOUGHT
An earnest and afflicted sister says, “I wish to thank Bro. J. F. Brown, of Paducah, Ky., for his article in the Advocate of July 31st, on ‘There’s a better country.’ It,” she says, “has been a solace to me, and I hope it has been to others. Will he not write more for the Advocate?” Brother Brown seems to have a clear mind and a good heart—he means an understanding and honest heart. We hope he will be long spared to labor in the vineyard of the Lord.
T. F.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
DIED
At the residence of her father, Elder Chas. Metcalf, Sept. 5th, 1866, in the forty-fourth year of her age, Sister Amelia Martin. Sister Martin died of pulmonary disease. She had been feeble for several years. When the skill of physicians and the attention of kind, sympathizing friends failed to relieve her, she calmly and cheerfully met death, to be borne to a land where pain and sorrow are unknown. We never saw an individual more cheerfully and gladly welcome death than she. She had been a zealous follower of the Savior from early youth. Her religion was of that earnest and devotional cast that caused her to bring its truths and precious promises home to the heart as divine realities, so she could gladly welcome death as a change from a state of sorrow, affliction, and sore distress to a bright and happy life in Heaven above. We truly sympathize with her relatives and friends in their loss, but rejoice with them in her eternal gain.
D. L.
For the Gospel Advocate.
Springfield, Mo., Sept. 8th, 1866.
Bro. Larkcom:
I have just returned from a preaching tour north, of three weeks. My stay at each point was short, but I succeeded in persuading twenty-one persons to become Christians. Could I have stayed longer at each point, the number would have been doubled. The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few. Bro. B. D. Smith, formerly of Tennessee, and who labored with us at our successful meeting here in June, is, I learn, preaching with success north of us.
Your brother,
F. M. STRATTON.
CONSULTATION MEETING AT FRANKLIN
At the meeting held at Murfreesboro, a consultation meeting was appointed, by invitation of the church at Franklin, Tenn., to convene in the disciples’ meeting-house of that place, on Tuesday, October 9th, at 10 A.M. We hope all the brethren and sisters everywhere, who feel an interest in such matters, will attend.
TO CORRESPONDENTS
In writing for the Advocate, correspondents will please write on one side of the paper only. Write as distinctly as possible, and without flourishes. Proper names should be written very plain.