THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

T. FANNING AND W. LIPSCOMB, Editors
VOL. II
NASHVILLE, APRIL, 1856
NO. 4

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST – NO. 6

THE OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH

In our last essay, we endeavored to show from the Scriptures of truth, that church organization has reference to planting with Christ, and rising in the body of the Lord, to walk in newness of life; and also, that the purpose of the new institution is to educate and prepare human beings for eternal happiness.

We would respectfully remind our readers, that we have used the phrase “church organization,” in opposition to the idea of “officering the body,” and we desire to repeat, and if possible, impress the idea, that from the moment persons are born into the kingdom, there is not only valuable labor for them to perform, but they are “lively stones” in the building, and of them is required, “a spiritual sacrifice—the fruits of their lips—with which God is well pleased”—and as they constitute the body of Christ, “the pillar and support of the truth,” they are to perfect their character in holiness, and in the fullest sense of the words, they are to keep and dress God’s vineyard.

They are to mutually assist each other in the correction of faults, and to render each other suitable aid for growth in grace and the knowledge of the truth. Though contrary to Stoicism, and Epicureanism, as well as all modern systems of abstract philosophy, the Christian religion can have little influence over any, save such as “come into the vineyard” and work.

Speculative systems encourage inactivity, sloth, stupidity, and brutality; but Christ’s religion says, “labor, toil, overcome, wash your robes in the blood of the Lamb, and I will give you (says the Savior) a crown of life.”

But are we to infer from the fact, that Christians are to “exhort” and “admonish” one another, that there are no officers in the church?

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

If there are no officers, what is one’s business is every one’s business, and the church is likely to exist in great confusion. In examining this subject profitably we first of all, divide the officers into

EXTRAORDINARY AND ORDINARY

Special emergencies create the want for extraordinary officers. Hence in the adjustment of questions, for which nations can refer to neither example, or law, ministers extraordinary are appointed, with power to act as their good judgment may direct after having examined the whole question. In the creation of a new society, measures without regard to law must be adopted; and in the establishment of the Church of Christ, the world was barren of precept or example which could throw the least light on the subject. The new was not like the old covenant—the materials of the building differed from the old house of Moses—there was a change also in the law, and as there were no rules of action known as applicable, it pleased the Prince and head of the body to create officers extraordinary to erect this heavenly edifice.

Hence extraordinary officers are those specially called to the work by the Lord. The first preachers, of course, could not preach unless they were particularly sent—they knew not what to say, but the Lord was to be “mouth and wisdom to them,” and consequently “they brought glad tidings of good things”—such were special agents, called to perform labor in reference to which they were measurably ignorant, and were to be instructed by Him who called them, as the peculiar work to be done required.

For illustration we select a single example of extraordinary officers. It is said by Paul, that “He who ascended up on high, led captivity captive and gave gifts unto men. And he gave some apostles; and some prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for edifying” (oikodomeen) building or erecting the house of God, or temple of Christ; “Till we all come into the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, into a perfect man, into the measure of the stature of Christ, that we be no more children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the slight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; but speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things who is the head—Christ; from whom the whole body fitly joined together, and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying (building) itself in love.”

This is a perfect picture.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

99

of an extraordinary or supernatural body, and extraordinary or supernatural agents to build it up. These specially called apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers were ordained as Christ’s ambassadors to erect his temple, compact every joint, set the house in order, and give the laws to the members of the body, till the “perfection” or the members attained to the knowledge of a perfect man in Christ—till the body could edify itself in love, and then these extraordinary measures were to cease. See 1 Cor. 13th chap.

They were all completed by the close of the first century, and then the officers were no further needed. Hence the idea of a successor is most preposterous. Those men all spoke and acted by the direct influence of the Good Spirit of our God—they perfected the system of Christ’s religion; and consequently since John, the beloved, no man has spoken by the Spirit, and not a syllable, word, sentence, or idea has been added to the spiritual communications in the New Testament. Therefore we have no apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, or teachers in an extraordinary sense.

ORDINARY OFFICERS

The inspired teachers having completed the work assigned them erected a self-perpetuating church, and given all the laws it could desire to thoroughly furnish the members for good works, committed these things to faithful men, who should be able to teach others. Instead now of looking for new light upon the subject of religion, we look back to the inspired writers, and the source of all spiritual knowledge yet enjoyed by the world.

The officers now spring from the wants of the church, and consequently, are the natural outgrowth of the church. As we care not to trouble our readers with questions at all doubtful, we will examine such officers and offices as the brethren universally, we presume, acknowledge; though it is possible the time is not far distant when we may find as much authority for other officers as some already admitted. The ordinary officers of the church, or such as have mainly directed in the body since inspiration closed, are:

1. Evangelists
2. Bishops or Overseers
3. Deacons or Ministers

It will be our purpose in the present number to examine very briefly into the character, work, etc., of the evangelist. For the sake of clarity, we will contemplate the subject under such heads as we suppose will give it system and force.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

1. The Meaning of Evangelist

The word evangelist is from the Greek, euangelistes—an announcer of glad tidings, or preacher of the gospel. The word for gospel in the original is euangelion, and it is from the verb euangelizo, to announce good news.

Originally, the word was used in reference to one who proclaimed news; that is, brought something new—what the hearers previously knew not. Hence John came in the wilderness of Judea, preaching good news concerning One, so much more honorable than himself, that he was not worthy to stoop down and unloose his shoes. The message the world had not heard, and the first or inspired teachers of the Christian institution, were commissioned to proclaim glorious news concerning one who was born a Prince and a Savior, to grant repentance to Israel and the remission of sins.

The prophetic words are:

“How beautiful are the feet of them that preach (first announce) the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things.”

These men, it appears, must have been specially called and miraculously qualified, to bring to the ears of the human family such marvelous things in regard to salvation through the name of the despised Nazarene. But such as repeated the words of the message from above, they learned it from inspired men, were also denominated evangelists, and charged before God and the Lord Jesus Christ to “preach the word;” and there is strict propriety in calling such as repeat the words from memory or from the written scrolls, preachers of the gospel—evangelists. We, however, regard no preacher since the days of the apostles, as inspired, and we cannot anticipate a word or an idea that is new. It is exceeding benevolence, however, that our kind Father has made words of the gospel, as repeated in the ears of willing hearers, the power of God to salvation.

2. The Qualifications of the Evangelist

There is perhaps no subject demanding from the religious world, more serious consideration, than what is usually termed ministerial qualifications. We call attention to it, more for the present with a view of exciting proper interest in regard to its momentous importance, than to elaborate its details.

The best models are those described in the New Testament, and the Apostle Paul’s instructions to Timothy and Titus are all full and perfect in every part, and we trust our brethren will seriously examine every lesson written by inspiration. The world’s idea of high ministerial qualifications is certainly wide of the mark. The most showy, mystical and ludicrous “orators” are…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

101

Generally presumed the best qualified preachers; but whilst we are strenuous advocates of universal education, and believe it would be well for preachers to know everything, we are not sure that what is commonly called learning is of very great service to a minister of the word. Indeed, we are not sure but the silly-shally learning of the age is often taken as a veritable substitute for the only correct qualifications.

Some years since a man who had supposed that the pulpit was the finest theatre in the world to display his powers of eloquence and learning, asked us with reference to the course of study to make a preacher. Said the enquirer, “I want to preach, and I am determined not to be a halfway preacher. If I cannot be equal to the best, I will not preach at all.” We replied that there were three very simple qualifications of a minister of truth, viz:

1. A preacher should know how to read and speak English to an audience in such a manner as to be understood.
2. He who supposes that any simpleton can do this, should take his first lessons in the primary branches of a common school education.
3. A preacher should be acquainted with the Bible, and believe it. There is no other theology.
4. One to become a useful preacher, should be a good man, in the Christian sense of the word, good.

We are not inclined to recommend other qualifications. Time may suggest the propriety of amplifying these cardinal prerequisites.

THE SCHOOLS BEST ADAPTED TO MINISTERIAL EDUCATION

There are no theological institutions on earth, to be compared to the churches of the Lord Jesus Christ. Churches walking in the ordinances of the Lord, have their members at all times in training for the conflicts of life. “A hint to the wise,” is said to be sufficient.

THE PREACHER’S CALL

The Spirit of God, through the truth, calls all the members of the body to exert the influence which their ability will permit, and he who professes to be led by the Spirit, with qualifications to impart the word of life to the perishing, and refuses, or neglects to do so, does certainly resist the Spirit, if he do not lie to God.

So soon as any of the members of the body give evidence of ability to labor in word and doctrine, the Spirit says to the members generally, and to the overseers especially, “Separate me those God-fearing men for the work whereunto I have called them.”

THE ORDINATION OF PREACHERS

Having given practical evidence of capacity to teach, the candidates…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

are consecrated after fasting and prayer, by the imposition of the bands of the presbytery, or overseers of the respective churches.

6. THE WORK OF EVANGELISTS

The preachers of the gospel are called to announce the glad tidings to perishing sinners, to plant churches, by initiating believers into the school of Christ; to train the converted and saved, till they are “able to admonish one another” and grow up into their Head in all things. They are required “to set in order all things wanting in the churches,” “ordain elders” or old men to constitute them bishops or overseers, to watch with regard to false teachers, and have a general care of the churches as Paul and Barnabas had in Asia Minor. But the idea of a preacher’s ensconcing himself upon a salary as the pastor of any congregation, is not only unscriptural but ruinous to all churches in which it is permitted.

As there seems to be a determination on the part of many to introduce this popish custom amongst the disciples of our Lord, we respectfully invite the brethren generally to examine carefully the system before they adopt it. We need a hundred faithful, earnest, and eloquent preachers where we have one, but it well becomes Christians to pray for deliverance from the blighting influence of an indolent, insinuating, and covetous class of speculators, who are striving to sell their chaffy and pompous Sunday speeches for gold. They have always snatched the very crumbs out of the children’s mouths, and they rest as a deadly incubus upon all churches over which they preside. The system kills the congregations, first, by inactivity; secondly, by spiritual stupefaction; and thirdly, by pride to be like the rest of the frivolous world.

Should the preachers teach the congregations to be religious, there will be ample work for the members to perform, to give them spiritual life and energy.

7. THE SUPPORT OF PREACHERS

God has promised to feed and clothe preachers and their families when worthy of his grace. Each congregation sends out her own ministers of the word, with the tacit pledge that she is to see that they and their families shall have their appropriate reward. In primitive times, different congregations in which the servants labored, co-operated in their support. Such is still the Gospel plan, and when the respective congregations fail to support their evangelists, it is positive evidence that they have not been correctly taught, or that they do not believe the Lord. We have the most unwavering confidence that the disciples generally are ready, willing, and waiting to act, whenever…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

103

the preachers fill their respective places as they are called ‘of Heaven to do.

8. THE FUTURE REWARD OF THE PREACHERS

“They that turn many to righteousness shall shine as the stars, forever and ever.”
“Who would not aspire to such a calling?”
T. P.

“JUSTIFICATION BY FAITH ONLY.”

HAVING examined briefly Dr. Ralston’s principal arguments on this subject, we will bring these articles to a close by stating some objections to the doctrine of “justification by faith only,” which we regard as very serious. It necessarily involves its advocates in difficulties which cannot be surmounted without violence to the plain teachings of the Oracles of God.

Our first objection to this doctrine is, that it makes faith come after repentance.

That man cannot receive remission of sins (without which he cannot be justified in the sight of God) before he repents of his sins all agree. Therefore, if faith is the immediate and only condition of pardon, it follows that it must always come after repentance. But we need not argue this point, for the author freely admits it. In his lecture on repentance (page 270) we find the following language: “but we do contend that repentance precedes justifying faith and the new birth, &c.”

The Scriptures clearly teach, that “the faith of the gospel”—call it “justifying faith,” “evangelical faith,” “saving faith,” or what you will—is the first thing in religion, or the rebirth of the alien soul to its God. “Without faith a man can no more avail himself of a single item of the means of salvation, extended to him through the gospel, than he can create a world; for it is this alone that enables him to see his lost condition, and directs him in the way that leadeth unto life.” This is evidently the apostle’s teaching in Rom. xi. 6, where he declares that “without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that would come to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.”

But Dr. Ralston can easily set aside such old fashioned teaching as the above, when the life of a favorite dogma of Modern orthodoxy is concerned. Hear him:

“It appears evident from the total depravity of human nature, as taught in Scripture, that the soul must first be visited by the convict-

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

ing grace of God, and that a degree of faith must be produced before the first step can be taken toward salvation. This we find also clearly taught in the word of God. He then quotes Paul’s language, in Rom. xi. 7, to prove that a degree of faith must precede repentance. Thus he disarms the Apostle’s language of its power against this cherished doctrine of his system of “Divinity,” by mustering it into service to prove something that he admits to be true! Surely it must have been in view of the dangers to his position, presented by the above passage of Scripture, that he entrenched himself behind this declaration:

“Now observe, we do not contend that repentance precedes the enlightening, and to some extent the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit, and some degree of faith.”

Such is a specimen of the tactics employed for the defense of a position, the truth of which one cannot call in question without incurring the danger of being excommunicated, as a heretic, from the family of the orthodox! Let us note some of the consequences of this argument. In the conclusion of the author’s lecture on the subject of faith (page 268), we have the following excellent definition of true faith:

“The faith which, passing through the understanding, fixes its seat deep in the heart, and trusts or relies on Christ for present salvation, is that faith which alone can justify and save a sinful soul.”

And this faith, we are told, comes after repentance. The “same degree of faith” then, which precedes repentance, must be of comparatively little importance, and must be regarded as what Dr. Ralston terms “that faith which has its seat in the head,” “dead faith,” “devils faith,” etc. We must therefore conclude that Paul, in the xi chapter of Romans, was speaking of a faith which cannot save the soul, since according to Dr. Ralston, the Apostle referred to that slight degree of faith which precedes repentance—that the faith of Abraham, and of Sarah, of Moses, Joseph, David, and the prophets, was a “dead faith!” Now why should the Apostle take such pains to exemplify that inconsiderable degree of faith which precedes repentance, and yet give us not one word in reference to that more important faith which saves the soul?

But if the Apostle Paul does not define and fully exemplify, in the eleventh chapter of Romans, the faith which saves the soul, where shall we go to find such definition and exemplifications? Probably to such oracles of wisdom as “Ralston’s Elements of Divinity!” certainly not to the New Testament.

But the great Apostle, in the last verse of the tenth chapter of Romans, says:

“But we are not of them who draw back unto perdi-

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Page 105

tion, but of them who believe to the saving of the soul.” Following this, in the same connection, he defines that faith which operates “to the saving of the soul;” and then proceeds to illustrate it by numerous examples. This most eloquent discourse of the Apostle seems to have been written for the purpose of putting the subject of faith beyond all doubt, and is well calculated to give perfect satisfaction to every mind untrammeled by prejudices in favor of the teachings of men.

He speaks of that faith which leads the sinner to repentance and salvation—which arrests the poor prodigal, as he wanders far from home in the destructive ways of sin and folly, and leads him back to his Father’s house. This is the faith which, in the sixth verse of the chapter, is represented as being absolutely necessary to him who would come to God. He uses the term throughout the chapter, and indeed as often as he has occasion to speak of faith (not much less than one hundred and fifty times), without any of those modifications which men now find it so convenient to apply to it, for the accommodation of their peculiar system of religion.

Whenever any view of the subject of faith is presented by the Scriptures incompatible with their own preconceived notions, they dispose of the difficulty in a very summary manner by telling us that, in this passage a different sort of faith is meant. Thus they are ever armed against all opposition on this point, by an abundant supply of such invincible objections as “historical,” “evangelical,” “human,” “divine,” “intellectual,” “saving,” “justifying,” &c.—technicalities of modern theology which have no existence in the oracles of God.

The progress of the age in religion possibly may require such additions to the scriptural vocabulary; but if the world continues to advance with such rapid strides, we may confidently expect that the glorious day of light is not far distant when the teachings of such Old Fogies as Paul, and Peter, and James, already falling into disrepute, will be entirely lost sight of.

That faith must precede repentance is further evident from the manner in which it is received. In Rom. x: 17 we learn that “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” To this proposition the author gives his assent and, under this head, defines faith to be “not a blind assent of the mind, resting upon no rational foundation; but it is a well-grounded conviction, and a reasonable confidence, based upon good and sufficient evidence.” This is a good definition of faith; and, if Paul is to be taken as authority in Rom. x. 17, the “word of God,” received into an honest and understanding heart, is…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

The “good and sufficient evidence” which is capable of producing this “well-grounded conviction” and “reasonable confidence.” Now the “hearing of the word,” all agree, necessarily precedes repentance, and therefore faith, the immediate result of this hearing, must also precede repentance.

This conclusion, it will be observed, rests upon the presumption that faith is the legitimate result of “good and sufficient evidence,” which, as we have seen, the author admits. But he seems to take a somewhat different position on page 281. He there informs us that “justifying faith,” which is the faith in question, “implies more than the assent of the understanding, resulting from the force of testimony;” by which, of course, he means to say that the result of testimony, however strong, is a mere assent of the understanding to the truth of a proposition.

Again, on the same page, he says: “This doctrine (that faith is the result of testimony) appears to be inconsistent with the depravity and native inability of man to do anything toward salvation, without divine grace imparted. For if faith be the condition of salvation, as all admit, (?) and if it be the natural result of a mental exercise in the examination of testimony, then it will follow that, as man can exercise his intellect at pleasure, independent of aid from Divine influence, he may believe of himself and be saved by the mere exercise of his natural powers.”

So far, then, is the word of God from being able to produce faith in the heart of man, as Paul teaches, that, even after its heavenly testimony has been received and maturely weighed, man is not a believer, nor can he, until he has repented of his sins and a miracle has been wrought, in the communication of “Divine influence,” to enable him to believe!

We are thus brought to the statement of a second objection. The doctrine of “justification by faith only” not only makes faith come after repentance, but it puts the exercise of faith beyond the limits of man’s natural powers. In other words, if we admit the truth of this doctrine, we must conclude that, after all, an individual has exercised his natural abilities to their fullest extent in the examination of the word of God; after he is thoroughly convinced that he is a sinner, and that, without an interest in the blood of Jesus, he is in continual, imminent danger of eternal banishment from the presence of God and the glory of his power, he is still unable to “believe to the saving of the soul,” until he is endued with power from on high to enable him to exercise “justifying faith.”

We must admit that the utmost the word…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Page 107

of God can effect the conviction of the understanding, and that the heart cannot be affected except by the agency of abstract “Divine influence.”

We shall have no controversy with the author in regard to the definition of faith. We freely admit that it must not only convince the understanding but must enlist the feelings and affections of the heart; but we maintain that the only medium of access to the heart is the intellect, and that it is the legitimate effect of the “quick and powerful” word—the “sword of the spirit,” acting through the understanding, to penetrate the deep seat of the affections. If we deny this we must conclude, that the sublime attestations to the truth of the heavenly Oracles have less effect upon the heart of man, than the evidences upon which we act in the comparatively unimportant things that pertain to this life.

When evidence sufficient was presented, to convince the understanding of King David that the erring but beloved Absalom was dead, did the effect of the testimony reach no further? Was the depravity of David’s heart such that, after the conviction of the understanding, it had to be touched and softened by miraculous spiritual influence to enable the King to feel and lament his loss?

The effect of faith upon the heart is always proportioned to the importance of the object of its regard. This effect we see continually exemplified in the daily walks of life, calling into action the various feelings and passions of our nature, as hope, joy, gratitude, love, &c. In matters pertaining to the concerns of this life all admit that it is the result of sufficient testimony, and yet it sets in motion the springs of human action. And must we suppose that the same principle is less effective, when it has regard to the more momentous concerns of a future state?

But we are met here by the popular objection that the understandings of the great majority of persons, in enlightened Christendom, are thoroughly convinced of the truths of the Gospel, and yet comparatively few have complied with the terms of salvation.

I must confess I have not yet come to entertain so degrading a conception of human nature, poor and fallen as it is, as to admit the truth of the declaration. Lot believed, upon the Angels’ testimony, that the city of Sodom would be destroyed, and acting upon his convictions he escaped the impending evil. Suppose he had not obeyed the mandate of the Angels, but remained in his place until the destructive “brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven” rained down to the destruction of…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

that devoted city; on the supposition that he believed the Angels’ testimony, how irrational would his conduct appear to us! Yet we are taught (and it is utterly heterodox to disbelieve it) that rational men and women who are thoroughly convinced that the only way to happiness, present and eternal, is by the cross of Christ; that those who obey the gospel of the Son of God shall receive a hundred fold in this world, and eternal life hereafter; that those who refuse such obedience are in daily, hourly danger of the eternal punishment which awaits the wicked, “where the worm dieth not and the fire is not quenched;” can still be stupidly indifferent to these momentous concerns! The most charitable conclusion is that they do not believe these things; that they are either the victims of an insidious skepticism, scarcely acknowledged even to themselves, or that, without investigation, they have given a “blind assent” to certain truths the force of which they have never felt.

God has given to man his holy Word, setting forth his Son as the proper object of faith, and presenting abundant evidence to convince the world that he is the Christ, the only hope of salvation. Now if it be true that man has not the ability, in the thorough apprehension of Scriptural testimony in all its force, to believe unto salvation, it follows that the thousands, whose understandings, we are told, have been convinced by the word of God, cannot justly be held responsible for not believing. The “force of testimony” has only affected the head, while the heart remains untouched. If therefore they die (as many of them must) without that heart faith, which the special intervention of divine agency alone can enable them to exercise, they cannot, in justice, fall under condemnation. This ill agrees with the Master’s denunciation against the “unbeliever”: “He that believeth not shall be damned.”

Again: if man cannot believe by the exercise of his natural powers, it necessarily follows that, in order to the exercise of faith, he must either be miraculously endowed with a new power of mind, or some latent power must be aroused by divine energy, which would otherwise have remained forever dormant. The total depravity of man’s nature, the result of Adam’s fall, must therefore consist in part at least, either in the total extinction or in the suspension of certain functions of the human mind!

Dr. Ralston’s view of the subject may be gathered from the following expression: “Nor can man ever possess faith till through grace he exercise the ability with which God has endowed him.” That is, God has given to man the natural ability to believe, but he cannot exercise that ability until he is enabled to do so by a special dispensation.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Page 109

Section on Grace

One would think that the same cause, which operated in so far destroying a single element of man’s moral nature that nothing short of the Omnipotence, which originally created it, could call it into action again, would have had the same effect upon the whole. This would lead us to the adoption of the old Calvinistic theory of regeneration, which is based upon the presumption that man is not susceptible of religious impressions before the entire renewal of his spiritual nature.

Last Objection to Justification by Faith Only

The last objection which we shall urge to the doctrine of “justification by faith only” is that it is contrary to facts presented in the Scriptures.

Presentation of the Gospel Terms of Salvation

The first presentation of the gospel terms of salvation to dying men was on the first Pentecost after our Lord’s ascension to heaven. The Holy Spirit descended, according to promise, and the Apostles were “endued with power from on high” to preach the gospel of peace to the nations. And whilst the multitude gazed with astonishment at the wonderful display of almighty power, Peter, to whom were entrusted the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, arose and preached to them the simple story of the gospel.

Effect of Peter’s Preaching

The effect of that preaching was that many who heard, believed. Their faith came “by hearing,” just as Paul says it comes, and had its existence in the hearts of the Pentecostians before the terms of salvation were ever proclaimed to them.

And shall we be told that this amounted to nothing more than a mere “assent of the understanding”—the faith of the head which reaches no further? What saith the oracle? “When they heard, they were cut to the heart.” The word of God, which Peter by inspiration spake, passing through the understanding penetrated the heart, and wrought a great change in its feelings and affections.

There were doubtless many sincere Jews present, who verily believed that the man Jesus, who was put to death on Mount Calvary a few weeks before, was an impostor. They thought that the end of the Jewish Law was not yet, and that the terms of salvation were still to be sought in its ceremonies. Suddenly, however, they are convinced that he, whom they had crucified, was “made both Lord and Christ.”

They believed and the effect of their faith was they asked Peter and the rest of the Apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” Now, since faith is a matter of such vital importance, it is but reasonable to suppose that, if these people on Pentecost had not exercised faith before they addressed this important question to the Apostles, Peter would have told them to “believe on the Lord Jesus Christ.”

110

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

In order to salvation. But he says not one word to them about believing, and therefore they must have been believers already; and in as much as he requires them still to comply with other conditions for the remission of sins, we conclude “that by works a man is justified and not by faith only.”

THE INDIAN MISSION

Dear Brethren:

I have recently returned from a preaching tour of about three thousand miles through Missouri, Arkansas, and the Cherokee Nation. In all this extensive and laborious trip, performed in the months of November, December, January, and February, by steamboat, railroads, stage, horseback, and sometimes on foot, the Lord has blessed me with good health, good friends, and a safe return home again. Oh help me to praise the Author of every good and perfect gift!

In a hasty trip through Missouri, being authorized by our Missionary Society, I solicited aid for the missionary cause. The churches had contributed their thousands to Bethany College and Christian University, and their hundreds for Revision, and therefore came to the sage conclusion, that a few dimes or dollars was all that they could and ought to do for the conversion of the children of Shem! The richest Christian brother, whose heart and purse were appealed to, said he had “no sympathy for the Indian!” His good wife’s apology for withholding her hand was, the red man had shot at her grandfather in Kentucky. The Kansas war was another insurmountable obstacle. But some of the churches and brethren responded to the missionary call, and contributed about $166.

I traveled generally over the Cherokee Nation. Though the weather was very cold, yet I preached at several important points, visited many of my former acquaintances and old friends, and conversed much in reference to the political, educational, agricultural, and religious state and prospects of the Cherokees. They have had many serious difficulties, growing out of their removal West. But they have recovered from the temporary violence, and civil law again reigns.

Education is advancing in the Nation. They have a good system of District schools, at which hundreds receive a common English education, and in which many are prepared for the National Seminaries. They have two National Seminaries at which many males and females, who have received the prescribed preparation at the district schools, take a regular four…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Page 111

Years’ course in languages, sciences, etc. This system of education is sustained by the interest of several hundred thousand dollars, vested in United States stocks. Under this system, if well managed, the Cherokees are destined in a few years to become a highly educated people.

Nearly all the families of the Nation are engaged in agricultural pursuits. Their dwelling houses vary from the comfortable cabin to the splendid frame and brick mansion. Their farms vary from ten to one, two, and three hundred acres. In many places they have fine winter and summer range and large flocks of hogs, cattle, horses, and mules. Thousands of beef cattle are driven from the Nation to California and other parts of the United States. Nothing is wanting to make the Cherokees vastly wealthy but more industry and economy. They have no taxes to pay for the support of civil government, no educational fees to pay, and have one of the best stock countries in the world, having the best country west of the Mississippi River in the same latitude.

The Moravians, Presbyterians, Baptists, and Methodists have many missionaries, mission schools, and churches among the Cherokees. Hundreds of Cherokees have died pious members of the churches, and hundreds are still as moral and pious members of the churches as we have in the States.

The Cherokees have a written language of their own, invented by a Cherokee who spoke no English. The constitution and laws of the Nation are published and read in Cherokee and English. Portions of the Old Testament, the whole of the New Testament, and many hymns and tracts have been translated into Cherokee. They also have a national printing press, and for many years published a national weekly newspaper, printed in both languages, titled in the old Nation “The Cherokee Phoenix,” and in the West “The Cherokee Advocate.” It is however suspended at this time, but will likely be resumed again.

Thus we see that the Cherokees have all the means of improvement. All they need in a religious point of view is more missionaries to aid them in applying the means. They have every degree and variety of color and civilization among them, from the full copper to the snow white, from the rude child of nature to the cultivated statesman and refined matron. They are in advance of all the other Indian tribes, and are looking forward to the happy day when they shall be added as another bright star to the American constellation. They only want a little more time and more help to more fully prepare them for the globe.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Various Adoption

A vast multitude of full blooded, half breeds, quarters, eighths, sixteenths, thirty-seconds, etc., old and young, rich and poor, male and female, are gradually advancing in all the civilization and Christianization of Christian nations, and furnish as good material for the finishing polish of the Christian missionary as can be found among the millions of the children of Shem, Ham, and Japheth in either of the four quarters of the globe.

But the Cherokee Nation is only a part of the great missionary field in the far West. The whole Indian Territory west of Iowa, Missouri, and Arkansas is inhabited by thousands and tens of thousands of the children of Shem, Ham, and Japheth. A great number of whites and negroes live in the Choctaw, Chickasaw, Creek, and Cherokee countries; the former by marriage, or by permit as mechanics, merchants, etc., the latter as slaves. In Kansas and Nebraska, the Indians have reservations, and the residue of the Territory is being rapidly settled by thousands of whites from all parts of the Union, North and South.

Now let me say, in conclusion, that if our Missionary Society wishes or intends to do anything in the great missionary field of the world, in my humble judgment, a more promising harvest cannot be found on the globe than the Indian Territory. Who will be the reapers? Have we no preachers willing to gain eternal honors in this great missionary field? Will the Christian churches of the United States furnish the means? Will the churches of Tennessee contribute a liberal proportion? Who will speak, or write, or do something worthy so benevolent and so glorious a cause? We pause to see.

Your brother in Christ,
J. J. TROT
Franklin College, Tenn., March 6, 1856.

---

THE PRISONER – A QUESTION

Brother Fanning: Suppose Mr. A., a citizen of the world, should kill Mr. B., and afterwards Mr. A. should hear the gospel in prison and submit to its authority, and should desire to commemorate the Lord’s death, what should be done?

Reply: If penitents in prison should be permitted to take the yoke of Jesus Christ, of course, it is their right to remember his death in partaking of the bread and wine. Let the saints visit the imprisoned brother for the purpose of observing the ordinance with him. We have immersed many in our State prison, and broken bread with them, in much humility, and derived no small degree of spiritual improvement from it.

T. F.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

CONVERSION

The meaning of the phrases convert or conversion, though palpably plain and easy to be understood by an appeal to dictionaries, nevertheless is wholly misapplied when the Christian religion is concerned. A proper understanding of these terms develops to the Bible also the meaning of the words pardon, remission, salvation, new birth, and regeneration. They are kindred words to convey the same truth. He that is converted is saved from all past sins, and he that occupies this position to the divine government, as a matter of necessity, is esteemed as enjoying the remission of sins, salvation, the new birth, and regeneration.

Conversion, it is true, like most if not all of the other terms alluded to, is a generic term, and may be applied equally to all sorts of conversions. A few examples will suffice. A is converted from falsehood to truth; from dissipation to sobriety; from the barbarous to the civil state; from the single to the married state; from an ignorant to an intelligent state. Of course, therefore, it may be applied to the condition of the mind, the heart, and to the whole person.

When A is converted from lying to the truth, it necessarily involves the idea of speaking, or the writing of the truth. It is not, therefore, a decision of the mind simply, but action is always involved. But we appeal to Walker, and Robinson; Calmet for the meaning of the word “conversion” or “convert.”

• Walker: “To Convert. To change into another substance, to transmute; to change from one religion to another; to turn from a bad to a good life; to apply to any use, to appropriate.”
• Calmet: “Conversion, a turning from one state, manner of life, course of conduct, or principles to another: As from the worship of idols to that of the true God.”

Let us now hear the apostle Peter: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted.” Was this a command or a promise? If a command, it could and must be obeyed; but if a promise, no obedience was demanded, but was simply to be enjoyed. The first implies duty and action, the latter improvement and a state peculiar to the gospel.

Our Baptist, Presbyterian, Methodist friends, and others affirm, that when the mind and heart have undergone a change from the love of sin to that of God, that such a person is converted, saved, pardoned, regenerated, or justified.

Conversion from one course of life, or from one religion to another, always stands inseparably connected with means, or its attendant steps.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

He that is converted to God, first hears, then believes, or trusts, then feels, and last of all he turns from the service of Satan to that of God. Turning is, therefore, but the result of hearing, believing, and feeling.

No Jew was converted to Jesus Christ until after his public confession, that Jesus, and not Moses, was now his lawgiver and Savior. Nor could any one be regarded as “converted” to Christ, who was not immersed. Positive proof.

“For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ, have put on Christ.”
—Gal. iii. 27.

It is also as plainly taught that in order to the benefits of Christ’s death for salvation, we must be baptized into it. Proof.

“Know you not that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ, have been baptized into his death.”
—Rom. vi. 3-4.

From the above facts, connected with many others which might be offered, we are prepared to affirm, that the orthodox teaching upon the subject is wholly self-created, has no countenance from the scriptures whatever. They apply it simply to the state of the mind and heart, the apostles always to the state of the whole man. The first stops in their reasonings and feelings; the latter in their actions.

We adduce the following facts:

“Unto you first, God having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, (how and when?) in turning (not for it) away every one of you from his iniquities.”
—Acts iii. 26.

It is manifest from this article, that in order to conversion the whole man must be turned to God, not simply his heart or affections. Such a change of the affections only prepares the sinner for the turning; it is not the turning itself.

It seems to be wholly impossible for our friends, who object to our teaching, to discriminate between the state of the mind and affections, and the change of the sinner’s state. With them, conversion is complete when the sinner believes, or fully approves of God’s plan of salvation.

In order that we may the more fully understand the apostolic use of the word convert, the following scripture is given:

“Let him know, that he which converted the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide (or cover) a multitude of sins.”
—James v. 20.

It is evident that James did not consider the sinner converted, or saved until he was turned from his evil practices; this he could not do until his views and feelings were changed. In conversion, both soul, spirit, and body must be actively engaged. To turn the heart is not…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

115

Enough, we must turn the whole man to God. The consummating act in this process is immersion. All going before are only preparatory to this act.
GEO. W. ELLEY
Lexington, Ky., Feb., 1856.

---

OUR CONDITION AND NEEDS

DEAR BROTHER LIPSCOMB:
Permit me to state my views upon the subject of Christian co-operation. We have made effort after effort to establish a system of co-operation, and it seems that all our trials have hitherto been abortive. I am thoroughly convinced that the failure has been occasioned by a combination of circumstances. Some few years ago our cause seemed to be prosperous, we had several laborers in the field proclaiming the gospel, but since then an adverse wind has blown over our horizon, and clouds of distraction and discontent have hovered over us, and now Zion is in mourning.

Some few years since when J. B. F. held the helm of our prosperous beginning in the course of co-operation, he with his too liberal sentiments, called into the field of service more laborers than we had means to pay, and ever since there has been a retreating from the field and the aspect we now present is a lamentable one. In order to the prosperity of the cause we plead, there must be an understanding of the scriptural rule of Christian contribution. I am convinced that the proper plan of contributing is in proportion to a person’s ability; for it should be remembered that the “Earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof,” and the earthly possessions with which we are blessed, are lent to us and ere long we shall have to give an account for the manner in which we make use of them.

I do not pretend to say that the brethren ought to make the preachers rich, or that preachers ought to expect it; but many of our preaching brethren are poor and have large families to support, and unless they get a support for themselves, they are forced to abandon the ministry. Now, my dear brother, this ought not to be so.

And again we have many young and zealous brethren who would enter into the ministry and whose qualifications would enable them to proclaim the gospel successfully, but many of them are poor and cannot go forth at their own expense. Hence they seek some other employment for their support.

I hope that you and brother F. will take some notice of the subject of Christian co-operation as taught in the Bible, and labor…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

The matter in the “Advocate!” I am fully aware that many of the brethren are opposed to the equality system of contribution, but I think those brethren are honest in their intentions, and all that is necessary for them to know is, that the equality system is in unison with the teachings of the Bible, and they would be willing at all times to acquiesce in carrying out the great principles of the Christian institution, by contributing for the benefit of the Lord’s cause in proportion to their ability.

I am very sensible of another fact in reference to the present state of affairs. We have had some preachers in our service, whose manner of address was harsh and severe, which had a tendency to alienate the minds and feelings of the brethren from contributing anything to encourage such preaching as those persons practiced. We should at all times keep in mind the sacred truth, that love is to conquer the world, and we should ever manifest the Spirit of our Savior. For when we want to convince any person of the truth, it is very improper to insult by misrepresenting truth.

In the contemplated meeting at Franklin, I hope we may have some of the best heads and hearts in Tennessee; for if ever there was a time in Tennessee that all the talent was needed, now is the time. And I most firmly believe that this lamentable scourge will prevail until we do come to the scriptural system of co-operation. Other plans aside from this, are the inventions of men, and must evidently give place for the true plan when it shall have been presented in its true colors, colors too tinged with the descending dews of Heaven.

The true plan of Christian co-operation acts reciprocally in its tendency and bearing in a Christian community. A minister laboring for a faithful church feels like he is sustained by them; having confidence in their integrity of purpose, it will tend to nerve him up and to proclaim the truth with renewed energy. Thus it is that the faithful minister becomes identified in feeling and interest with his hearers. There is no church that can prosper without the union of effort of minister and church.

I believe most firmly that there is too much jealousy existing in the minds of many preachers and churches, for them to present the proper aspect in the world in order to gain access to Christ.

I hope you will pardon me for so lengthy a letter, for you may be sure I feel a deep and vital interest in the establishment of the Bible system of co-operation. There is a great work for us to perform in the world. We are regarded as the “Salt of the earth;” shall we not then use all the saving influence we may have in order to the conversion of the human family? Great and noble is the Christian calling.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Great and glorious are the promises of the gospel, and who is there that is willing to let go the hope that has so long consoled his drooping spirits and cast himself back on the rolling billows of uncertainty without hope, without Jesus as a friend? I trust none.

In the Christian course, and notwithstanding troubles, trials, and difficulties may rise up around us, yet if Jesus is our strength, all is safe. What is there here in this world which should claim our earnest endeavors more than to promote the cause of our Savior? In view of our responsibility to God and our fellow men, let us strive for the “Crown of Glory,” reserved in heaven for all who love the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. Then in the midst of seeming despondency we should “contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the Saints,” remembering that the great prize is at the end of the race.

Your brother in Christ,
New Hope, Tenn., Feb. 16, 1856.
C. R. DARNELL

REMARKS

We are disposed to think there is a disposition with our brethren to entertain gloomy feelings in regard to the many troubles which have so seriously affected us in Tennessee. The only profit that we can derive from any bitter experience of the past is that we may thence learn wisdom for the future. Beyond this, a constant recurrence to matters that are unpleasant not only fails to profit, but rather produces injurious consequences.

To ever look at the darker aspects of matters rather tends to weaken our confidence in each other and the Truth. Sad and mortifying as has been our condition, there is nothing in it that should cause despondency to any lover of the Truth of Heaven. That men should betray the best of causes, being led away by wicked delusions, is but an exhibition of what misguided and depraved human nature is capable.

But still we have lost nothing. The truth of the Gospel is as strong today as it was when Peter smote with it the proud hearts of the mocking rabble on Pentecost and made them acknowledge the same Jesus whom they had crucified both Lord and Christ. If man’s opposition or defection could have destroyed the gospel, its days would long since have been numbered. It rests upon no such foundation.

Though all men should forsake it, and pronounce it false, what could it matter to those who believe God rather than man, and are content to let “Him be true but every man a liar.” Let us rather look at what is hopeful and gives promise of better things. Our experience in the Christian life runs back not many de-

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

---

118

---

… but still we believe that people calling themselves Christians in Tennessee are as ready to-day to do the commands of the Savior and sustain his cause as they have been for many years. There seems to be a general and earnest desire among the brotherhood to manifest a different spirit in the cause of our Master. We are disposed to hope for better things.

The great matter of need is to learn to trust the word of God rather than systems of men, and to become content to worship God according to the purity and simplicity of his own appointments. We have much of the old leaven of sectarian ecclesiasticism, which does us much harm. But we trust we are learning the right way, and are disposed to practice what we learn. God’s Word contains all the wisdom that is necessary to build us up, and let us hope that our brethren are disposed to obey its requirements.

W. L.

---

WORDS OF FRIENDSHIP AND ENCOURAGEMENT, WITH GOOD SUGGESTIONS.

Brothers Fanning and Lipscomb: I have, through the kindness of one of your subscribers, had the pleasure of reading the columns of the Advocate, from the publication of the first number up to January. And were I to undertake to relate the interest I have taken in reading said volumes, words would not express the high estimate I put upon the work.

Your views on Co-operation; on the practice of some of the congregations hiring men to worship for them, also on faith and speculative opinions, accord well with the teachings of the Bible. Your sentiments on negative Christians, negative and insulting preaching are important; and had they been expressed years ago, and the brethren given heed to them, the injury that has been done would not now have to be repented of.

Brethren, were you in talking distance of me, I would like to discourse with you much upon these subjects. They are truly important, and ought to be soberly and seriously considered.

Would it not be a matter of great importance if men of pretension would examine the Word and themselves, comparing the two together, that they might see if the Spirit and theirs were in kind and object the same? The church has one head and body, and one Spirit that animates that body.

I shall look for something interesting upon the members of the church in the next number of the Advocate, and if not in the next before you leave the subject. I have confidence in your ability.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Page 119

To present this matter to the mind of your readers in the proper form. O, how lovely is the spirit of our Divine Master, how productive of good fruits; and the possessor of a like spirit is also lovely. This spirit makes all good. The husband, the wife, the neighbor, and the statesman. It proposes peace in the domestic circle, among neighbors, and peace between nations. Who then would be ashamed to advocate its power, or refuse to partake of its blessedness? The Church, O, where is its presence, and the spirit thereof? We see professions, but we suffer and mourn for the want of reality.

Since I have been reading the Advocate, I have thought there was a brighter day dawning, but I live in continual fear and dread; believing, as I do, that the present year will present many temptations. Political excitements will run high, and the church will in some degree partake of its deadly influence. You, as publishers of a religious journal, will in due time give a word of admonition. The Elders of the different congregations will be at their post—ever watchful; the preachers also giving aid. These combined influences, the press, elders, and preachers, may, in a great measure, keep the church from under the influence of worldly strife. If so all will be accounted worthy, and the blessings of Heaven will attend their efforts.

E. J. MAYHEW
Locust Grove, Weakly Co., Tenn., Feb. 4, 1856.

---

A GLOOMY PROSPECT

A highly esteemed brother of the South writes in the following mournful strain:

“Dear Brother Fanning:
Christianity is nearly prostrate with the few that seem to love it. We have had no preaching since you were here except one sermon by Brother J. H., and whether we shall ever be able to make any further progress as to numbers, the Lord only knows.”

The whole substance and style of our brother’s letter evinces the deepest despair, and the moment we read it we felt an inclination to indulge in a like strain; but we asked ourselves the cause of this gloom and fear.

Is Christianity calculated to depress its votaries? Does not the hope of eternal life through the Savior light up the pathway of life, and encourage Christians to rejoice? We think we have the key to the despondent feelings in many sections of our fair land. We expect too much and do too little, and hence our disappointment. Most unfortunately, too many of us, instead of reconciling it to ourselves to assemble with two or three of the poor…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

120

and afflicted, to keep the ordinances and rejoice together, we stand by the side of fashionable religionists and pray for finer houses, more eloquent preachers, and larger congregations. The first condition of success is independence to worship God for ourselves, and very soon our sympathies will be directed to the salvation of our fallen brethren or church. If our dear Brother H. will assemble three or four times during the week with the few widows and humble disciples of S. to worship the Lord, and sing, read, pray, exhort, and commemorate the Lord’s death, a few months, we would venture to predict a report something after the following style:

“Dear Brethren: – Grace attend you. We are in peace and prosperity. The beloved brothers and sisters never fail, when in health, to assemble and exhort one another. They are happy in the songs of Zion, in the prayers and thanksgivings, and at the reading of the living word, they bow their heads, cry amen, and shed tears of joy as freely as did the Jews at the reading from morning to evening by Ezra the scribe, upon their return from captivity. Our communion around the table of the Lord on each first day is refreshing beyond measure. Our children all love to study with us on Lord’s day and at all our social meetings the word of the Lord – they sing most charmingly – much sweeter are their notes than those of the big organs in idol’s temples. Many of our neighbors, beholding our good works, love to hear us tell of the love of God in redemption, and as we cannot employ our evangelist’s time so well in our congregation, we keep them in the field pleading the authority of our Prince. Can you inform us where sinners need our labors most?

“In the faith,
D. H.

“P. S. – I had neglected to say, that from the fact that we all put our money into the Lord’s treasury upon every first day of the week, as we have been prospered, we have quite a surplus on hand. Can you direct us to any needy evangelists or poor saints whom we can have the pleasure of relieving?
D. H.”

REPENTANCE AND RESTITUTION

Brothers How and Mason, of Kentucky, propound the following questions:

1. Is the doctrine of Restitution contained in the Repentance of the Bible? and if so, was the Restitution demanded of the multitude baptized by John, before, or after baptism?

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

Page 121

2. “Does Paul teach the same doctrine at Jerusalem and Damascus, (See Acts, xxvi. 20.) in reference to ‘Repentance, towards God, and doing works meet for Repentance?'”

We regard these questions of no small importance, and respectfully suggest to our beloved brethren, that there is a possibility, few religious persons indeed, fully appreciate the practical import of repentance.

Why is it that so many who join the various churches,

evince so little change of life?

It is a great work to subdue our passions, control our habits, and conform in all respects to the law of Christ. There can be no question that our Heavenly Father requires restitution of all injuries in our power, but he does not demand impossibilities. Very often, the unfortunate sons of earth, rob men of that which they cannot restore—good name, and but for the exceeding mercy of God, in freely forgiving all their sins, they would be hopelessly lost.

With reference to the time, the multitude were required to give evidence of repentance, (Luke, iii. 8.) it must be evident, it was required in order to baptism. John’s baptism had become exceedingly popular—all the regions round about were pressing to him, asking its administration at his hands. He saw most clearly that policy was at the bottom of the movement with many, and therefore, he required evidence of their sincerity.

He that had two coats, would give satisfactory proof of honesty of purpose, if he would give one to him that was destitute; so with him who would give of his meat; and of publicans, when they would cease to charge exorbitant prices, and soldiers, when they would desist from violence.

There is but little doubt, that John had witnessed glaring instances of hypocrisy, and his purpose was to prevent imposition—therefore he demanded evidence of an honest heart.

We deny not, that evidence of sincerity must exist after baptism, and all along the pathway of life; but in the instance of John’s inquisition, the “fruits worthy of repentance” were required, upon their confession.

Church History

We are informed in church history, that soon after the establishment of the church, numberless catechumens—persons preparing for baptism—were found in many of the churches; but with the exception of the Methodist denomination, we are acquainted with no people who put their members on trial, before they receive the full into the body.

To be sure, some of the Baptist churches years ago, required candidates for membership, to give what they denominated, “a Christian experience,” but as most of the denominations now see that men…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

cannot relate a Christian experience before they put on Christ in baptism, and there is no authority in the Scriptures for giving a relation of our bad and good feelings in arriving at the conclusion to serve God. We rejoice to know that many of them satisfy themselves with the confession of faith in Christ in order to baptism. The practice of the disciples on this subject is well known.
T. F.

DIFFICULTIES IN THE BIBLE

An aged and thoughtful correspondent in Georgia writes in the following manner:

T. FANNING, Esq. — I have long been a Bible reader, and I have generally been disposed to believe it, though I have noticed a seeming contradiction in Mat. 21 and Mark 11. Matthew says the temple was cleansed before the fig tree was killed, but Mark says it was afterwards. Now Sir, if you can reconcile these declarations, I should like you to do so.
J. B. P.

REPLY TO J. B. P.

We very recently read a volume of the famous infidel theologian DeWitte, on difficulties, defects, contradictions, and absurdities of the Bible. We have also looked over the work of Glidden & Knot, on the origin of the different races of mankind, as they suppose, and carefully marked their consummate sneers at the statements of the Divine volume, and our conclusion may be expressed in few words. We are more than satisfied there is abundant evidence in the Scriptures of truth to convince any sincere enquirer that the volume we denominate the Bible, is from God, yet the Almighty permits men to speculate themselves out of all belief and to ignore all truth.

When in youth, we were inclined to follow the inclinations of the flesh, the thought frequently suggested itself, that perhaps the Bible is a fable and there is no spiritual truth, but a universal skepticism was so abhorrent, we could not endure it.

But without the Sacred records, there is no moral light to direct our wandering steps. But we must notice the difficulty. Matthew and Mark agree most perfectly as to the facts touching the driving of the money dealers from the temple and blasting the fig tree; but the trouble is in reference to the order in which the events are recorded. The inspired penmen seem not to have been specially directed as to the order in which they wrote the transactions of the Lord, but because Mark mentions the curse of the fig tree first, it is not positively certain this occurred before the bankers were driven out.
T. F.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

DO TRUST IN THE WORD OF GOD?

The great matter of this age, it seems to me, is to impress upon the world and upon our own hearts, that there is no strength in ourselves. We lack confidence in the word of God. The disposition of our own proud hearts is to put away God from us, to forget His word and rely upon the might of our own puny arms.

The prosperity and boasted intellectual progress of this age are not favorable to growth and maturity of the humble, unpretending life of the Gospel. The wild, mad and heedless rush after “something new”—the vain inflation of mighty mental activity and vigor—the much cry of new truths, new developments, new discoveries, create a restlessness in men that leaves them little disposition to sit down quietly and cling steadfastly to an old Book which the liberal, progressive spirit of this age pronounces a mere “husk;” its spirit and life long since gone. It requires nerve to confront the rush, the din and uproar of men frantic in the chase after new plans and new theories, and tell them to turn their eyes back to the misty gloom of the past for “light.” He who would venture so much must expect no very flattering reception.

This feeling we fear is far from being limited to those who pay but little respect to any moral teachings. It finds, to a fearful extent, a lodgment even in the hearts of those professing to honor the name and authority of Jesus of Nazareth. Its manifestations are numerous. Are we satisfied to hear the word of God presented to us in its pure simplicity as it fell in inspired language from the lips of our Savior and his apostles? Is it not far more acceptable to us embellished by the fascinating graces of human authority by which many of its harsh and earnest commands are softened and leveled down to suit our own sinful notions and designs? Is the object of preaching at this day to proclaim to sinful men and women the facts and requirements of the Gospel that they may learn and know the way of Life and Salvation? How many discourses are pronounced every Lord’s day throughout the length and breadth of our land, that fail, utterly fail to present one single feature of that glorious Gospel which alone can save our dying fellow creatures from destruction and woe.

We speak not of others. With deep mortification of heart have we seen large concourses of people who have assembled and were willing and even anxious to hear the Gospel, yet at the end of the discourse not a single sentence could be recalled which conveyed any clear intelligence to that waiting assembly in regard to the great plan of redemption. The hour had

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

There was a display of much learning, much high flown speech, but the Gospel was not presented, and that people were not improved but rather rendered indifferent and careless in regard to these earnest matters of life and death. This we are foolish enough to call preaching the Gospel for the salvation of dying men and women. Can we wonder, in such a state of things, that people do not learn to receive and obey the commands of Heaven? Would such preaching in the mouth of Peter ever have pierced the hearts of three thousand of that scoffing multitude, and made them acknowledge the same Jesus whom they had crucified both Lord and Christ? We have not a discourse on record of any apostle or evangelist that does not present “Christ and him crucified” to the people and his name as the “only name under Heaven whereby we must be saved.” In every discourse the great point is to turn the people to Christ, as the Author of salvation.

It was the only preaching at that day that could convict men of their sinfulness before God and turn them from the ways of wickedness to the love and practice of holiness. Any other preaching than the presentation of the solemn and earnest facts and requirements of the Gospel is a mere display of human ingenuity, and has no place in the glorious mission of the heralds of heaven to lost men. It shows that men are not satisfied to trust implicitly to the Gospel and its power to save and restore fallen humanity. God’s truth receives no honor from it and His blessing can never attend it. While men show so clearly that they do not put their trust in the word of the Almighty, we cannot expect any but lean and feeble results from the most tireless labors.

But when we exalt and magnify the truth of Heaven and trust to its influence in all our teachings, men will hear and must obey its injunctions. God’s blessings will be upon every effort we make, and we will grow in strength, in numbers, in wisdom, in love, and in every grace of Christian charity.

W. L.

THE VIOLENT PRESS INTO THE KINGDOM

In the January number we incidentally made a suggestion or two in reference to Luke xvi. 16, to which some of the brethren have been kind enough to call our attention in a very special manner, and therefore, we think it may be of some service to the student of the Bible to examine the passage with a little more care. In the first place, we stand corrected in using the name of John in one instance instead of…

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

125

Luke

Our version of the passage reads:

“The law and the prophets were until John; since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.”

Matthew records it thus:

“And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.”

We are so well pleased with Dr. Robinson’s translation of the difficult words, that we will give them to the reader. The Greek words are,

Pas chreia aitein, biazetai,

English:

“Every one presseth violently to enter in.”

That is, it expresses violently into it; implying the eagerness with which the Gospel was received in the agitated state of men’s minds.

Possibly, the only idea in the Savior’s mind at the time was, “The Jews till John were engrossed with the law and the prophets; but since the kingdom of heaven has been announced, all eyes are anxiously turned to it and every heart beats high to witness its triumphs.”

If the reference was really to entering into the body, we are still inclined to think that the writer—Luke—was contemplating the subject from his position years after the kingdom came.

If any brother or friend should conclude, he has clearer light on the subject, we would be pleased to enjoy it.

T. F.

---

AN ERROR CORRECTED

A friend at Richmond, Miss., informs us, that a relative of ours in that State, reported to a preacher, and he to the world, that we had admitted in a private and confidential communication, that there was no immersion in the world till the close of the second century. This statement we have noticed in a book on baptism, by J. L. Chapman.

In reply, we most respectfully say to all whom it may concern, that we have never intimated that anything was baptism, in either ancient or modern times, save immersion.

Since our first examination of the subject, we have never doubted that the word Baptizo is an active verb and, like all other verbs, denotes an action peculiar to itself, and if it should ever be authoritatively translated into English, all scholars agree that it will be to immerse.

We have frequently said, there was no controversy on the subject till the third century, and then there was no doubt as to the word denoting to immerse alone; but the controversy from Novation to this good hour has been, in the words of Prof. Stuart, to determine the question, “Will anything but the letter do?”

May we not, in the language of Calvin, change the form and not change the substance? This is the only point of controversy now.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

In the religious world regarding the action of baptism. But our purpose is not to discuss the subject, but to correct a false impression. We hope our friend, L. S. T., at Richmond, will set this matter right. We suspect the Rev. W. M. Allen has been led to favor this false report, from quite insufficient authority. Such things are no lasting credit to him, and we in much kindness ask him to correct the impression.

T. F.

---

SUMMERVILLE INSTITUTE,
Summerville, Miss., Nov. 27, 1855.

POSSESSIONS OF DEVILS

BROTHER FANNING:
I have been requested by a brother to solicit your views upon Mark v. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7th verses, to be given through the “Advocate.”
Your brother,
T. L. GATHRIGHT.

REPLY

We regard it not our province to give “our views” on any subject; neither can we imagine the difficulty in the passage. The statement is with regard to a man possessed “of legions of devils,” and if we believe the word, it must be taken literally. There can be no misunderstanding as to its meaning, and if there is any controversy, it must be with regard to its truth. We believe, as firmly as we believe the Scriptures are the Word of God, that men in the days of the Savior were tormented by evil spirits or devils. It might be a question of much more moment to determine whether any of our unfortunate race in this age have fallen into a demon’s sphere.

T. F.

---

“The Kentucky Ministerial Education Society”

A charter has been asked of our Legislature for a society to be known as above, and already about $30,000 have been subscribed for that purpose, and we hope to reach $60,000 by our next State meeting in October. The interest of which only is to be used for the education of suitable men for the ministry. The principal is to be invested in safe stocks. The brethren everywhere approve of the move, and heartily respond. It is a great move, and as I think indispensable to an increase of Evangelists. The age demands more, and also men of enlarged capacities. The rich young men will not preach. The poor lack the means to qualify themselves to plead the cause of truth successfully in this age of progress.

I trust that your paper may have a large circulation, and accomplish great good.
Yours truly,
GEO. W. ELLEY.

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

LIFE

LIFE is not a bitter jest. If a man will look upon it in that light, he loses all the delicious sweetness of the better view. From childhood to old age, man’s life is a perpetual succession of solemn compacts; with his parents, love and obedience; with his teachers, application to his studies; with his playmates, gentleness and fairness; in riper years, with society, courtesy; with business, diligence and prompt honesty; with the State, faithful citizenship, in peace—prompt service in her hour of trial; with the partner of his days, confidence, faithfulness, and love; with the world, concord; with himself, earnestness of thought and action; with his Maker, pure allegiance and love.

Who keeps these compacts, finds life no bitter jest, but a thing of earnestness, of beauty, peace, and joy—a tranquil stream bearing him gently on to the green shores of the Bright Beyond.

FEMALE SCHOOLS

We shall take occasion from time to time to notice such institutions of learning as we can conscientiously commend. We are pleased to learn that the “South Kentucky Female Institute,” under the guardianship of Brother Enoch Campbell, and our old pupil A. L. Johnson, is in quite a flourishing condition. We really cannot call to mind a Female School commanding higher teaching ability. These brethren love the truth of God, and they both teach it in its simplicity. We most earnestly commend the institution to the favor of our friends.

T. F.

CORRESPONDENCE

Brother A. Newman of Brenham, Texas, writes: “Brother Fanning, we are much pleased with your paper. I have seen no periodical of late that is so well adapted to the present demands of the church. The subjects are well chosen and matured, and suited to the objects in view.”

Brother D. P. McCorkle, from Yorkville, Tenn., writes: “The Gospel Advocate is the very thing we want. The brethren are much pleased with it. We wish you great success. Brother Holmes preaches for us next year. He is able to defend the Bible in any country.”

Bro. E. G. Sewell writes, from Spencer, Tenn.: “Brother Lipscomb, permit me to say, I am much pleased with the matter and style of the Advocate. The pieces are short, yet plain enough for every thinking mind to understand them. Nine persons have been added by my labors recently to the good cause.”

THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE

DIED

At St. Louis, March 19, the Rev. S. S. Church, after a lingering illness of nine weeks.

Thus, in the very opening of his manhood, he has passed away from the earth one of the gentlest, purest, and noblest spirits of this earth. Mr. Church visited this city last summer, and, in connection with Elder D. P. Henderson, carried on the great meeting at the Christian Church, corner of Fourth and Walnut streets. He was a Christian teacher of remarkable ability and was highly appreciated by the audiences of biblical students he addressed while in this city.

His life was in full fellowship with the doctrine he taught. The Christians with whom he was associated are rigid in requiring the most perfect obedience to each and every precept of the New Testament, and they earnestly loved him for the purity of his devotion to the example of the only master he ever knew; the Savior of mankind. In Missouri and Illinois, where his merits as a Christian teacher were widely known, his death will be felt to be a calamity of no ordinary nature, and all over this country his loss from the field of Christianity will be deeply lamented.

Mr. Church was an active and devoted friend to Christian University and was one of the Board of Trustees of that institution. Previous to his fatal illness, he had tendered his resignation of the Pastorate of the Christian Church in St. Louis, for the purpose of undertaking new fields of Christian labor. But all overruling Providence has ordered otherwise, and in humble resignation and fortitude, the brethren and sisters of Mr. Church bow to the will of God.

Mr. Church was born in Lexington, KY, but his parents removed to Illinois with him in the fifth year of his age. He has left the earthly pilgrimage at comparatively a youthful period of his life, but he had reached distinction as an able, zealous, powerful advocate of the Christianity taught alone in the New Testament. He is thus cut off from a field of usefulness in which it would be difficult to find a suitable successor. He leaves a wife and three children to mourn this afflictive dispensation of heaven, but they will receive the comforting and substantial sympathies of the brotherhood of the departed Christian.

Mr. Church was buried Friday at St. Louis; the Rev. Mr. Post officiated. – Louisville Journal.