THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
T. PANNING AND W. LIPSCOMB, Editors
VOL. II.
NASHVILLE, DECEMBER, 1856.
NO. 12.
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST – NO. 14
CHRISTIAN UNION – CONCLUSION OF SERIES
Can order, harmony, love and union be evolved from the hostile elements of the religious world? Men left to their own thoughts, we opine, will never harmonize. They must abandon their independence to become one in any enterprise; and especially in the Christian religion. During the space of almost six thousand years the wisdom of men, boasting of their competency for self-government, have constructed and reconstructed governments with the vain hope of forming one universal brotherhood, but the nations of the earth are now more distant from each other, in their political creeds, language, and moral sentiments than at the Babel dispersion. In philosophical investigations our frail brothers of the dust have succeeded no better. From Plato to modern Spiritualists each succeeding system of wisdom has proved all that preceded it false; and it would require a wise man indeed to define any system now generally respected on earth. The most distinguished writer on speculative philosophy of the age has styled what he is pleased to call his system “Eclecticism,” a word that signifies nothing.
But in religion, have men been more successful? If there is any bond of union in human wisdom we have not been so fortunate as to discover it. The reverse of all bonds and all positive belief seems to be the tendency of the times. The test of union and brotherhood in the nineteenth century is the negation of all certainty and all purity. The man who will grant to his fellow the moral right to believe no creed, to demand nothing in conduct of a positive character, as a test of fellowship, is regarded as liberal and most orthodox. Even in the
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Denominations which possess positive creeds, the preaching, conversation and tendencies are unfavorable to any test of a good man save latitude. Those who fancy themselves sincere, though their hearts may be totally depraved, whether they are Jews, Pagans, Transcendentalists, Wine-bibbers, or Flesh-mongers, are “free men,” and all are traveling the broad road to eternal life! This is not an exaggerated statement.
But as such general and sweeping declarations may not be most instructive, it becomes us to treat this grave subject somewhat systematically. Suffice it to say then, that the political, philosophical and many religious systems of the world serve but to convince the human race of the utter incapacity of man to originate any correct system of government or morals, or even to imitate the models which God has given. Notwithstanding the confusion of the religious world, we rejoice in the belief that good men everywhere ardently desire and pray for Christian union. This fact proves that the wise see there is something wrong, and also that an effort is necessary for matters to be righted. In laying down our premises we first of all declare, It is the will of God that all his adopted sons and daughters should be one.
In proof of this position it will be remembered that the Savior, in the garden, prayed that “his disciples might be one even as he and the Father are one.” Paul not only says, “There is one body,” but “There is but one body.” Throughout a large portion of the New Testament we read of the “triumphs of the Church;” “she is the pillar and support of the truth;” “the bride the Lamb’s wife;” “Jerusalem above;” “the mother of us all.” Over the church the Lord is to reign till he subdues his enemies, and then he will deliver it up to the Father, “that God may be all in all.”
No one denies the unity of the church in the days of the apostles. Whence then the hundreds of hostile factions? An enemy hath done this. These are not affianced to God. They are standing on human platforms, and, like all other works of man, the latest of these temples must fall, and vanish from earth. The foolish hope of each ambitious sect being able to conquer the world must fail. As to the fact, however, that Christians were originally united, and there was but one sheepfold, there can be no doubt; and there is but as little doubt it is the will of Heaven for all the saints to be one now; but the question demanding attention is much more difficult of solution. It reads, “How may all sincere persons come to see eye to eye, and constitute…”
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ONE FAMILY?
There is no human creed upon which all sects can unite. It is wicked for the Romish hierarchy to claim authority from antiquity. She is a heresy, the oldest and worst of earth; but Christianity is older even than she. The Greek creed cannot hold the inhabitants of one eighth part of the Eastern continent together; and with Romans the Greeks can never affiliate.
Protestants, too, differ toto calo. No two sects can harmonize. Suppose representatives, wise, sage and profound, from the different denominations of earth were to meet in solemn conclave, might we not hope for a system upon which all could unite? Universal councils have met time and again without the least benefit accruing to the human family.
The Council of Nice in Bythinia, in 325, formed the first authoritative creed intended to force all who professed faith in Christ to fraternize as brethren; but its effect was to drive former friends into eternal hatred. This model creed instead of harmonizing has continued to divide, and it has subdivided in the Protestant sects the friends of truth and peace. The Council of Trent, in the sixteenth century, made another daring and protracted effort to bring all the jarring elements into submission by new decrees. But the labor was abortive.
Consequently, we could anticipate no better results in other councils. We have made no progress in government, and especially in religious government. The efforts of the world to harmonize the churches but evince the imbecility of our race. There are works we can accomplish, but we cannot plan or legislate for Jehovah. “Who has been his counsellor?” There are but a few very simple conditions of union amongst men who fear God; but these are indispensable.
- We must “cease from man whose breath is in his nostrils.” All his philosophy amounts to nothing; and the greater he is intellectually, most generally, the greater simpleton he becomes in speculation. The new born babe knows just as much of God, hence and eternity, philosophically, as Locke, Kant or Bacon ever knew from their natural resources.
- We must abandon forever all churches, creeds and religions made since the death of the apostles. They are all counterfeits. If they are not in the Bible or authorized by it they cannot be of Heaven. This is the trying matter? It is difficult indeed for the Romanist to doubt the fallibility of his church, though she may be pointed out with the finger of inspiration, as “The mother of harlots and abominations of the earth.” The Episcopalian clings tenaciously to his English mother, though the product of a whim of Henry VIII.
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Indeed all the Protestant denominations are zealous not only for the traditions of the fathers, but much more zealous for their party existence. Whilst we rejoice to believe there are sincerely religious persons in all these bodies, they resemble genuine republicans under monarchical governments. They are not likely to convert monarchies into republics; they act wisely in abandoning the worse for the better.
So should we act in religion.
“Come out of her my people, lest ye be partakers of her plagues,” saith the Lord.
If, however, after the solemn warnings of inspiration for the people of the Most High to leave the city of confusion, they refuse, they must perish beneath the ruins of her battlements. The destruction of all sects is as certain as that there is a God, who rules heaven and earth. Party religions are an insult to God, angels, and good men. But we are told it is wrong to oppose systems and bodies, unless we have better to present in their place. Most true.
There is a church which antedates them all; even Rome herself some three or four centuries, and of the dignity and the character of her members there is no possible comparison. She is modestly denominated, “THE CHURCH OF CHRIST.”
This church was built not upon Peter, the five points of Calvinism, or the thirty-nine articles, but upon the confession that “Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God.” It cannot be that this church has no existence in the nineteenth century, and yet it is lamentably true, that partisans could not write a history of religion, and acknowledge the existence of the Christian institution. The reason is clear; were this done, the humiliating admission would be made, that their respective little shanties, standing quivering round about this grand temple, are not of God.
But the universal creed of Christendom, where is it? Not in compilations of men. It is true beyond all cavil, that the Bible, fairly translated into the different languages of earth, is the only creed of Christians. Blessings attend them who believe on the Saviour as the Scriptures say.
Our Lord prayed, that “All who should believe on him through the words of the apostles might be one; that the world might believe the Father sent the Son.”
This is the last point to be gained in uniting all who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Men who believe through the words of the Spirit, and not through the colored interpretations of priests, cannot differ in faith; and when their faith is one, their profession must be one.
T. F.
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METAPHYSICAL DISCUSSIONS – No. 3
From the titles of the books published on the subject, we should conclude that there were two kinds, or orders of philosophy; viz, Mental and Moral; or one which relates to the natural powers of the mind, and the other to our knowledge of God and our duties to him. Upon a careful examination, however, there is no appreciable difference in the office of the various philosophies.
Mental philosophy undertakes to show the inherent powers of the mind; to reveal the being and character of Deity, and a perfect knowledge of right and wrong. Moral philosophy not only assures the ground of natural ability in man to teach the character of his Author, but also professes to demonstrate the existence of God from external nature. Dr. Paley’s stereotyped syllogism is familiar to every school child. It runs thus:
- Whatever exhibits marks of design has an intelligent Author.
- The world exhibits marks of design;
- Therefore, it has an intelligent Author.
We are not disposed, at present, to offer an argument for or against this reasoning. We simply state that the fallacy is in the minor premises, and we believe the conclusion is false. Our object is more in this statement to present the teaching of the world than to discuss it. Therefore, with the conviction that our readers will be much profited by the course, we will very briefly call attention to the history of philosophy, or to the general metaphysical conclusions of men.
1st. HINDOO PHILOSOPHY
All historians agree that we find what is called philosophy first in India; though we should regard it as a perversion of the knowledge of the true God. As strange as it may appear, the ancient Hindoo philosophy furnishes a perfect key to all subsequent systems. The whole circle of thought is quite short, easy of comprehension, and yet it is well, indeed, for Christians to know what it is. The reader will please notice the very few points which constitute the entire circle of Hindoo speculation.
- “Bram,” they say, “existed eternally, the first substance, infinite—the pure unity.” This unity, or Deity, they maintained, entirely escaped the grasp of the human understanding. Originally he reposed in the contemplation of himself; subsequently his creative word caused all things to proceed from him, by a succession of continual emanations. The Hindoo God, Bram, from which all things spring, assumes a trinity of characters. As Creator, he is known as Brama; as Preserver, he…
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is called Vislmou; and as Destroyer and Renovator of forms of matter, he is styled SEEV..&.. By the destruction of seeva all things return to unity or Bram. Thus, all things emanate from Bram, and are reabsorbed by the great soul of the world, Atma, and consequently the circle is complete.
Individual souls are but emanations of the universal soul, and after the transmigrations of this world they all return to unity. Any child can comprehend these thoughts, and we repeat, that man has made no improvement upon these things. But we will call attention to a few more supposed developments of the human intellect.
The Chinese taught that all things rest upon and spring from the great summit, called Tao, and Tao is the same as primitive reason, Bi, which directs every one. Confucius, the father of the Chinese religion and philosophy, said to his followers, “I teach you nothing which you might not learn of yourselves;” referring to the infallible and divine reason within, which controls the world. Thus, reason is the universal Divinity amongst the Chinese, as unity was amongst the Hindoos. The Persian, Egyptian, Chaldean, and Phoenician conceptions were all taken from these eastern speculations.
Next in order, it is proper to call attention to Greek philosophy. Most historians begin with Thales, born 640 years before our era, who taught that “water was the cause of all things.” Thus he attached the notion of Divinity to water. The first very distinguished philosopher, however, in Greece was Socrates, born 468 years before Christ; and all accounts we have been able to find of him fail to satisfy us that he was a man of very remarkable powers. He was eccentric, affected airs of wisdom, and was put down as one profoundly knowing. The only philosophical point in his history was his notion, that a daemon or divinity within him admonished him what course to pursue. He was said to be the author of the system of arguing by asking questions.
The most distinguished philosopher of Greece was Plato, a disciple of Socrates, born 428 years before Christ. His teaching may be stated in a few sentences. He maintained that there is something in the human intelligence universal, absolute and necessary in itself. This infallible something within he called Ideas. The conclusion is that there exists a substance of which ideas form the essence; and that substance is God. It will be observed this universal, independent, absolute, formless something within, called ideas, reveals the Divinity. In morals, Plato taught that religion consisted in acting in obedience to the natural powers, called affections, which govern.
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er.ned the soul.
In regard to the soul he taught, that as far as it is united to ideas, it partakes of the divine substance, and is absolute. Hence, God is the imminent root of the soul’s existence. This is precisely the idea of emanation in the Hindoo teaching. Both Hindoo and Chinese taught that souls are evolved from the great soul of the world, and will finally be reunited to it. Plato admits the guiding divinity, with Socrates, and we are not able to discriminate between the controlling power within, denominated reason and pure Divinity.
But these are the thoughts of all speculative philosophy and theology, and we deem it altogether respectful to our readers, to very humbly request them to so carefully examine these things, as to be familiar with them. In our next we hope to present the teaching of modern speculatists and its connection, particularly, with religion.
T. F.
THE POWER OF THE TRUTH
Undoubtedly the most baneful notion that possesses the minds of the people of the present day is, that which envelopes the whole matter of man’s duty and responsibility to his Maker in a cloud of mysticism and uncertainty. The people know and believe nothing with clearness, but all is a matter of doubt, blind chance and haphazard. The teaching of the popular religions of the present day offers to them nothing real, tangible and sure, as a lasting and unfailing spiritual food.
Whirlwinds of excitement sweep over our land and the whole country seems thoroughly aroused with religious zeal. But what permanent results do we see? What fruit worthy of so auspicious a promise? Are the people made better, wiser, happier, more devoted to God, and less devoted to the flesh and the world? Suppose one half the so-called conversions, that are heralded with such jubilant rejoicings as mighty outpourings of the Holy Spirit all over our land, were indeed and in truth conversions to God, would we see the world filled with wickedness, and the people, as we truly fear, growing more Godless, more irreverent every day that we live? Would we with such manifestations of Divine Love see sin, crime, infidelity, and fleshly degradation, not only stalking almost unnoticed and unrebuked throughout our land, but invading the house of God, and with solemn mien and a show of reverence pronouncing God’s Anointed Son a mere man, and making God himself a liar? Are these the fruits which we ought to expect from the boasted conversions and revivals of…
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Our land? Are these the results of genuine conversion to God?
We think not; we read of no such fruits of the Spirit among those of primitive days who obeyed the truth from good and honest hearts. No such fruits as these are found in the conduct of those of early days who forsook all for Christ Jesus and gladly sacrificed life itself for His blessed cause. True, bad men, from corrupt and base motives, frequently found their way into the body of Christ, but the spirit of the great mass of the followers of our Lord was, “Lord, what will you have us to do?” Our hands are ready for any work—our lives for any sacrifice in obedience to thy will.
The Question
The question is, What cause is there for the present dearth of religious life? For the present want of vital, efficient energy in any body of professed Christians in our land? We think there is abundant cause for this state of things to be found in popular religious teaching and religious notions of the present day. It is to be found in the simple fact that apart from the excitement into which the people are coaxed, and dragged and blindly led by stories of ghosts and death-bed scenes, they know nothing whatever. They are taught to expect some assurance of acceptance with God, either in a dream, a vision, or some mysterious feeling, and when they receive this the matter is at an end.
Of Jesus Christ and Him crucified, of any of the wonderful events of His life, of the testimony of His divine mission, or of the cost, the trials, the duties and responsibilities of the Christian life they have not even the semblance of knowledge. Of the teachings of the word of God, of the purposes of the Old and New Testaments, of the meaning of the Gospel and the intention of the various portions of the sacred writings, they have about as much knowledge as the savage Hottentot. Still we are told that these are a converted people, and have the assurance direct from God that their sins are forgiven. What a shame that the religion of Christ is made to bear the burden of such conversions, and that men who know better still give countenance and encouragement to such idolatry.
Conclusion
Can we wonder from such teachings that religious life is at a low ebb? What ground of faithful Christian conduct is there in this system of things? How can people have faith in Jesus Christ when they know nothing of Him? How can we look for earnest, efficient, hearty Christian conduct with no distinct notion of any Christian obligation or duty? What is the amount of all our profession when we know not what it is to believe in Jesus Christ? What is it to have confidence in the testimony God has given of His Son; when we know nothing of the…
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Lessons of peace, of self-denial, of forbearance and forgiveness, of meekness, temperance, Godliness, brotherly kindness and love developed and enforced in the Gospel? What a miserably vain and preposterous notion is it that we can possess the faith, the hope, and the love of the gospel in utter ignorance of the object and centre of all Christian faith and hope and love? What idle and senseless talk is it to speak of being holy, justly and uprightly before God and man in entire ignorance of every divinely appointed precept and injunction of a pure and Godly life?
Can we be astonished that there is no steadfast, unshaken devotion to the truth in this state of things? But the people are the readiest dupes of any and every delusion and receive with equal goodwill every phase, shape and quality of necromancy, witchcraft, ghostology, or whatever other irreverent and infidel deception designing and crafty men may offer for their voracious appetites? Under the system of religious teaching prevalent in our land we cannot see what better results we have a right to expect. We cannot see what other fruits we could expect from a system that turns the attention of the people entirely away from the teachings of the word of God, and tells them that they are to place more confidence in a dream, a vision or an indescribable sensation of some sort than in any recorded teachings of God’s Spirit.
It is a system that regards God as a stern monster, not ready and willing at all times to accept those who come unto Him, but that He must be supplicated with long and agonizing struggles to become more gracious, more merciful to us than He has been before we expect any favor from Him. It sets aside and counts as utterly worthless the whole gospel and the offers of pardon and redemption therein contained, and subjects man to the whim and caprice of a most partial and unjust influence, turning some men to God and leaving others equally ungracious and equally worthy in sin and despair.
It is this system of things that regards the love of God manifested in so rich and glorious abundance in the gift of His only begotten and well-beloved Son to die for a wretched and hopeless world; and the proclamation of these tidings of gladness to sinful mortals, insufficient to turn the people from the error of their ways, and make them love and obey the truth. It is this influence that makes the announcement of Heaven’s glorious message, which angels and seraphs rejoice to proclaim, an idle tale in the ears of the people—that closes their eyes and stops their ears to the reception of the gospel while they fold their arms in utter indifference, “waiting,” as they say, “the Lord’s own good time.” So long as the people look for miraculous agencies of conversion and trust to…
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ghosts, and sights and dreams, the word of God cannot weigh a feather with them. So long as they are taught that there is no power in the word of God to convince them of sin, and instruct and guide them in the ways of truth, the preaching of the gospel can have but little effect.
So long as they remain wedded to such teachings and such notions, the plainest, clearest and most vivid presentation of the love of our Savior and His terms of redemption must be almost labor in vain. This is the enemy with which we have to contend; the system that teaches the people but little of itself, while it destroys their confidence in everything like Christianity, and substitutes instead the wildest delusions of fevered and distempered brains. It sneers at the word of God as the letter of religion, and teaches that man, with the faculties of heart and mind that God has given him cannot, from the reading and hearing of that word, learn his whole duty as a man, and obey heartily and intelligibly every requirement of the gospel.
Such is the bane that poisons the very fountain of religious life, that blinds the eyes of the people and prevents them from heartily receiving and obeying the truth, and that cramps and deadens every energy of the people of God, and makes religion, instead of being a noble exemplification of love, benevolence, and goodness, a mere system of speculation and blind fatalism. Let us by no means flatter ourselves that we are free from the leaven of this influence, while men whom we would gladly respect as fathers in this great work begin to speak of the “letter” of the gospel, and claim the need of other powers and other influences than man’s God-given faculties of mind and heart, and the influence of the truth itself presented in the love of it, in order to man’s receiving the teachings of inspiration, we confess many fearful forebodings arise in our minds.
To us, indeed, it has strongly the appearance of forsaking that noble and proud position taken in the beginning of this Reformation, in claiming and vindicating the supreme authority of the word of God. It has much the appearance of rejecting, as devoid of all life, meaning or power, the words which Christ himself has pronounced to be “Spirit and Life,” and of bowing humbly at the feet of “Orthodoxy” to beg forgiveness for having dared to doubt or call in question her edicts. We may be mistaken in this. We hope that we are. But we must confess that all attempts to show in what respect we are in harmony with the popular religious sects of our land, have to us very much indeed the appearance of a disposition to seek the favor of men. If we have the truth, we can see no use, profit or advantage in comparing ourselves with others, or in endeavoring…
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Introduction
To show our “orthodoxy” on any of the long contested questions of the religious world. Let us be content to maintain fearlessly and unflinchingly the position which has enabled men without learning and without talents to meet and put to flight the most valiant leaders of the sectarian world. We are not for war, but for peace. But if peace is to be purchased by a surrender of the whole ground, we say let the war go on. It will be a good fight of faith, and infinitely is it to be preferred to any dishonorable and dastardly compromise.
State of Affairs
Saddening to the heart of the lover of the truth as is this state of things, we are not without hope. The word of God—the “sword of the Spirit,” the voice of Him “who spake as never man spake,” is yet in our hands. It waxes not old with tolling ages, nor becomes tarnished and worn by long use, but today is as mighty, and vigorous and ready for every faithful soldier of the cross as when in primitive times it smote the hearts of trembling thousands.
Power of the Gospel
Of its might to dispel clouds of error from the minds of the people, and to tear away the veils of prejudice from their eyes, even this day has been witness. Our trust and our hope is still in the gospel as the power of God unto salvation. It is the seed of the kingdom of Christ, by which every subject is quickened and made alive in Christ Jesus. It is the great enlightening, instructing, admonishing, and purifying agent of the body of our Lord.
Overcoming the World
And finally, by it we shall be enabled to overcome the world and all its snares and trials, and at last triumph through faith in Jesus Christ as the Son of God. Our confidence is still in the power of this truth to make all see alike, believe alike, and feel alike. Heaven has left it as the great instrument for building up, uniting, and sanctifying the Church of Christ.
Call to Action
When the people can be persuaded to give up their senseless and inoperative dogmas of mystic influences, and permit this word of truth to shine with full-orbed, unclouded brightness in their minds and hearts, then may we expect to see them intelligent, upright and “ready at all times to give an answer to every one who asks a reason of their hope, with meekness and fear.”
Conclusion
For this we must toil and struggle in this Christian warfare, looking neither to the right nor the left, but trusting to the might of the word of God. If there is not power in the word to make all who receive it children of God and heirs of the promise, then we are utterly, hopelessly in the dark, we know no other way. The dreary shadows of mysticism, and the cold, dead formulas of fatalism, even admitting them to be true, present a most gloomy prospect to him who desires to know of a certainty a way of salvation.
To the word of the gospel spoken by Christ.
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himself and by his holy apostles, then, we can only turn for sure, certain, confiding, steadfast hope. To that word which is both “Spirit and Life,” that is “quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword,” to that word “whose entrance gives light and makes the simple wise;” to it we still must turn, and to it trust as God’s mighty power unto the redemption, enlightenment and glorification of man.
W. L.
HUMAN ORGANIZATIONS versus THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
Hickman, Ky.; October 29th, 1856.
Brother Fanning, – Little thought I, when I requested you to review the report of the Kentucky State Meeting, held at Hopkinsville in the year of our Lord eighteen hundred and fifty-five, that I was laying the foundation for a controversy with any of my brethren, acting with that meeting.
The object I had in view appears to be accomplished, if I take as in duty bound, the publication of Bro. G. W. Elly, in the Oct. No. of the Advocate as a fair index to that meeting. Bro. Elly says “as a body there is no religious community or set of preachers freer from such a tendency, or would go farther in opposing such pretensions,” and then adds, “our scribes should be a little more cautious how they make charges so sweeping.”
Now the charges called “sweeping” by Bro. Elly are the following, quoted in the 3rd paragraph of his publication.
“We move in Kentucky with a steady step, towards a hierarchy as unscriptural as that of Rome or England, and the preacher who seek to make themselves the church, appear to think all is well. It seems that some are endeavoring to degrade the church into an auxiliary to the more than foolish societies of our age and country.”
Bro. Elly says “no such facts are known to me.” I ask Bro. Elly why not let a “nameless” correspondent pass into the obscurity that inevitably awaits those who fight the chimeras of their own brain.
Will Bro. E. answer the following question? Is the State Meeting of Ky., with its articles numbered from one to eleven in its constitution of Divine or human appointment? I assert that it was not authorized or established by Divine wisdom; it is one of the “more than foolish societies of our age and country.” That that society have labored to degrade the church into its auxiliary, no man can doubt who will take the trouble to read the report submitted by G. W. Elly, the Corresponding Secretary.
Let us look at it.
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One moment.
“You1· Boa’T’d of Directors, gratefully acknowledge the goodness of God, in permitting them to make the fifth annual report of the success of your efforts in Evangelizing our State.” The work of Evangelizing the State of Kentucky is taken in hand by this Society, and they seek to make the church auxiliary to their Executive Board.
To whom is this Executive Board responsible?
Is it to the church? Is it to the “State meeting”? If they are responsible to the State Meeting, they are irresponsible of the church, and we have in Ky., the humiliating spectacle of a church degraded to an auxiliary of a human society; the conclusion is legitimate, from premises undeniable.
“The great want of the church is becoming more and more obvious and positive, we mean Evangelists who shall be able to plant and build up congregations. To supply this necessity we can no longer refuse to give our best energies; auxiliary to your efforts a few of the brethren of Northern Ky., have resolved to raise fifty or one hundred thousand dollars, the interest of which being pledged to the education of suitable men for the Ministry.
During the five years past the brethren have evidently grown in the conviction that a more general cooperation of the Churches is essential to the common good and their objections have consequently been growing less and less.”
The report closes with the yearly labors of the 12 Evangelists and a financial report. This society also recommended the Christian Age to the brethren of Kentucky. The Age, through a correspondent, gave forth to the world an article based on this fifty or one hundred thousand fund as a nucleus around which the preachers would annually congregate, and their annual assemblage from all parts of the State would ultimate in the thing so much needed to win thorough organization.
This publication made its appearance shortly after the celebrated report of Bro. Elly and Bro. Burnett’s Pastoral discourse. Until it was denied, was I not justified in saying that we move in Ky. towards a hierarchy unscriptural as Rome or England? The sin of these organizations is making God’s people tributaries to their pride, as they are unwilling to organize and act on God’s model, as shown in the scriptures of truth.
In what important feature does the State Meeting differ from other hierarchies, with its President, Secretaries, Treasurers, etc.?
Bro. Burnett’s discourse harmonizes beautifully with Bro. Elly’s report. The pastorate is a gift, gift of God, given to the Churches, and he exhorts that an effort and strenuous effort be made to furnish every city church and as many rural ones as possible, the labors of a competent Pastor, who shall rule well and labor in word and teaching, surrounding and…
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sustaining such by as many fellow workers as the community may furnish. Pronounced at the meeting that gave birth to the report, carefully printed and bound up with the minutes and reports of said meeting, and by it given forth to the world, was I not justified in saying it went forth endorsed by the religion of the State? I seek not to convict others of inconsistencies, I only desire to set myself right, and if in doing so others are wounded I regret it.
With me, the Church is the ground and pillar of the truth. She is the most dignified and authoritative body in the Universe. She is competent to the conversion of the world, the perfection of saints in every good word and work, and the only body on Earth to rear, educate, and qualify preachers, bishops, and deacons.
Whoever usurps her authority fights against God. Whoever is too liberal to make all his sacrifices through her, is too proud to divide honor with the Lord who bought him. Give us not less but more of the true education, ministerial education, acquired by studying God’s Oracles in the church.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be thoroughly furnished unto all good works. The education of the world may make orators, but the Bible facts learned from the church make preachers and teachers mighty in word and deed.
Spend not your powers, my dear brethren, in an effort that must fail, but give them to the Lord our God in his church, his vineyard, where a harvest of glory will crown the end of our labors. Blessed be God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
If we strive for masteries, let us strive lawfully; let us labor in, not out of the body of Christ. Let us disconnect ourselves from human expedients and return to the Lord, and honor him by honoring the church and let the church be a glory in the world, a city whose light cannot be hid; and then, but not till then, will the name and character of a Christian be a passport to his brethren without any endorsement from any human Society on the earth.
The highest honor ever conferred on mortals is a worthy connection with the Church of Christ. Remember she is like leaven, the extreme particles are not first leavened.
Your Brother in the bonds and hope of the Gospel,
W. G. ROULHAC.
Men are not always right in the use of their rights.
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DISCUSSION IN REGARD TO REMISSION OF SINS
BETWEEN J. T. YOUNG, OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, AND R. PULLY, OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH, AT LONGVIEW, ASHLEY COUNTY, ARKANSAS, OCTOBER 29, 1856
We have before us a report of the above discussion, written by Brother J. N. Welch, of Drew County, Ark., with the request to publish it, but as we differ in reference to the propriety of the step, we feel that it is proper to give our brethren in Arkansas our reasons for our course.
We wish it distinctly understood, that we believe investigation, open, manly and free, is God’s divinely appointed means to elicit the truth, but we see some difficulty in discussions of the subject of remission with the Baptists. Indeed, the Baptists and Disciples agree in so many points connected with the salvation of the soul, that we doubt if there is sufficient ground for debates on this matter at least. It may be well to examine a few features of the subject in which we agree.
- The Baptists and Disciples both teach, that believers are proper subjects of baptism, and that no others are entitled to this honor.
- They both maintain, that the “good seed” sown in “honest and understanding hearts” works effectually in changing the heart, soul, mind, feelings, and disposition towards God.
- The Christians and Baptists both invite believers only to unite themselves to Christ in obedience.
- The Baptists and Disciples both say, that baptism is nothing more than the line between the church and the world.
- They both agree that by baptism we “put on Christ” or come into the body.
- The Baptists and Disciples both agree, that believers, who have repented and been baptized into Christ, are the only persons authorized to partake of the Lord’s Supper.
- They both teach that the baptism of an infant or person without the proper scriptural change of heart, has no meaning, and therefore constitutes no part of the obedience to Christ.
- They agree that the dogma of “baptismal regeneration” in the Romish and English churches, is in direct opposition to the teaching of the Bible.
We may be told, that we essentially differ still in reference to remission. We trust this difference is more in word than in fact. A Baptist may say he does not believe in baptism for the remission of sins; that “FOR means ON ACCOUNT OF remission of sins.”
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
Aware this has been a matter of difficulty with the Baptists, but we are now to conclude any of them really believe that the sinners on Pentecost, when Peter told them to “repent and be baptized,” were either really or formally pardoned.
But we may be told by our Baptist friends, that they do not believe the forgiving power is in the water. Neither do the Disciples. God has the right, however, should he see proper, to make blood the procuring cause of remission, although there is no inherent power in blood to forgive sins; and it is his prerogative to say, “wash and be healed,” or “repent and be baptized, by the authority of Christ in order to the remission of sins,” with the understanding that the water does not forgive, but the Son of God alone has the power. What a world of evil might be removed if we would but examine all subjects considerately.
T. F.
The light is shining in Marshall Co. These brethren have it in their power to do much good.
T. F.
LEWISBURG, TENN., November 11th, 1856.
BRETHREN FANNING & LIPSCOMB: Owing to the well-known embarrassments hanging about the Christian Church at this place I have thought it would not be uninteresting to you and the brethren generally to know that our venerable brother and much esteemed fellow laborer, Rees Jones, and myself have recently held a meeting here lasting nine days. We endeavored to preach the unvarnished truth in the love of it, and the result was that fifteen noble young soldiers were buried with their Lord, and were added to the army of the faithful. One more reclaimed and the brethren encouraged. Praised be the name of the Lord. Your brother in Christ,
T. W. BRENTS.
Bro. P. T. Southern, of Shelby Co., Texas, under date of Oct. 23, 1856, writes us, that in his section some “twenty or thirty had been added recently, and amongst the rest, three Baptist preachers and one Methodist preacher.” He adds, “I do not say these things boastingly.” Happy are we, brother Southern, to hear of the prosperity of our Master’s cause in Texas. We wonder that all the preachers, Baptist, Methodist, and the balance, do not unite with the people of the Lord in maintaining the exclusive authority of the Scriptures.
T. F.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
CHURCH ORGANIZATION AND GENERAL CO-OPERATION
Murray, KY., August 24th, 1856.
DEAR BROTHER FANNING:
A few days ago I received all the Nos. of your Gospel Advocate for the present year up to July, for which accept my thanks, as I presume they were sent me by yourself and Bro. Lipscomb. After sketching them over with the intention of giving them a close reading as soon as I have leisure, permit me to say that I am greatly pleased with it, and regard it as one of the very best papers we have, devoted to the advocacy of primitive Christianity.
For neatness of typography it is not only not to be surpassed, but not to be equaled by any paper we have, and is printed and done up only as Bro. J. T. S. Fall can do such things! I have heard of it before, and seen one or two numbers, from which I formed a most favorable opinion of it.
I am glad to see that our brethren have a paper at Nashville again, and such one as the Gospel Advocate. The cause in the South and South-West needed such a one; and I hope that it is calculated to effect great good. I am delighted with your articles on the “Church of Christ.” I agree with you as to the manner in which you are discussing that subject—they have always been my own views—and they cannot fail doing good, by imparting correct views on that subject to the minds of the brethren, and particularly our church officers, Evangelists, Elders or Bishops, and Deacons.
When you finish them they will deserve to be put together, and published in pamphlet, tract, or book form, with an introductory article on First Principles and the Identification of the Church, and an appendatory one on the laws of the Kingdom of Christ, including also the subject of co-operation.
And this reminds me that we much need a system of general co-operation. We have a system of small district co-operations in many places, and should have them everywhere. We also have some State or large district co-operations and should have them everywhere. But we need a system of general co-operation for the whole Union, to meet at stated times, as often as might be necessary, and consult and act upon matters of general interest to the whole brotherhood.
We should have a “Book Concern,” which could organize and appoint agents to canvass the country and procure funds to start it with, to publish such books, tracts, etc., as the good of the cause requires. It should also have the supervision of our Colleges, which should be responsible to it, and make such reports from time to time as might be.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
necessary, so that the brethren might see how they were managed and their donations were appropriated. And there are also many other matters which they could discuss and upon which they could act, that would come within the scope of their operations.
The small district co-operations could send delegates to the State, or large district ones, and these again could send delegates to the general co-operation. Or both could be composed of delegates from the small co-operations, or if thought best, directly from the congregations; but I think the former plan would be best and most effective. The co-operations that we have will have first to take the matter in hand in order to effect this general co-operation; and the sooner they do so, the better for the cause.
Such a meeting should be composed of our oldest, most experienced, ablest, and most prudent men—particularly the inaugural meeting—and we have plenty of such, who would attend at some central point agreed on, if the brethren would bear their expenses, which they should do.
Where there are no small co-operations, one, or two, or more congregations could appoint and send a delegate. And let every delegate take with him a certificate of appointment, letter, or some such document, and none be received and admitted to seats without. Such an assembly as this would be a very different body from the disreputable one that met at Cincinnati some years ago. They could, when met, make a set of rules to govern them in their deliberations; and could lay off the whole Union into large cooperative districts, somewhat on the plan of the Methodist Conferences, to be bounded by geographical, rather than by State lines. For instance, the western and middle parts of Kentucky, with that portion of Tennessee north of the Cumberland River, could form one or two—West Tennessee, with the “Kentucky Purchase,” could form another—Middle Tennessee, south of the Cumberland River, with that part of Alabama north of the Tenn. River, another—East Tennessee another, and so on.
These district co-operations could lay off their sections into the small districts. These latter could meet annually; the large ones biennially, or every two years, and the general co-operation triennially or quadrennially. Or, if thought best, oftener. The small ones could be called “co-operations;” the larger, “Associations;” and the general co-operation, “Convention.” Or, by such other names as the brethren might think best, and as might be most appropriate.
Such are my views on the subject of co-operation. Without it, and without some effective system of general co-operation, we cannot get along well.
Your brother in Christ,
JOHN R. HOWARD
H.L. GOSPEL ADVOCATE
MINUTES
Of the Fifth Annual Meeting of the Christian Co-operation of Western Texas
The Christian co-operation of Western Texas having met in the City of Austin on the 22nd of October, A. D., 1856, and being organized by its former officers, proceeded to the election of Officers for the ensuing year.
Whereupon Elder A. Newman was chosen President; Elder H. Thomas, Secretary, and Brother Wm. Simpson, Treasurer.
Statistical Information
Statistical information from the churches being then called for, the following churches were found to be represented:
- The church at Austin, Travis county
Messrs. H. Thomas, S. B. Giles, J. R. M’Call, W. B. D. Carrington and Wm. Simpson;
Additions: 12; Whole number: 52. - Lockhart, Caldwell county
W. B. Wilson;
Additions: 23; Whole number: 89. - Shiloh, DeWitt county
Letter;
Additions: 63; Whole number: 167. - Berea, Washington county
A. Newman;
Whole number: 26. - Post Oak, Washington county
No messenger or letter. - San Marcos, Hays county
No messenger; letter;
Additions: 14; Whole number: 43. - Mountain Church, Gillespie county
Additions: 8; Whole number: 50. - Georgetown, Williamson county
S. Strickland, D. K. Stewart;
Additions: 8; Whole number: 58. - Hickory Grove, Milam county
No messenger or letter;
Whole number: 71. - Belton, Bell county
No messenger or letter. - Darr’s Creek, Bell county
No messenger or letter. - Bastrop, Bastrop county
Whole number: 15. - Cedar Creek, Bastrop county
W. Rutherford;
Whole number: 7. - Sempronius Academy, Austin county
Letter;
Additions: 9; Whole number: 34. - Hamilton, Burnett county
John M. Wood;
Additions: 62; Whole number: 97. - Elm Creek, Washington county
Letter;
Whole number: 38. - Caldwell, Burleson county
Letter;
Whole number: 25.
Reports from General and District Evangelists being called for, the same were handed in, received, read, and adopted.
On motion the meeting adjourned till 3 o’clock, P.M.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
THREE O’CLOCK, P. M.
Meeting convened pursuant to adjournment.
Prayer by Brother Carrington.
On motion, the following resolution was adopted:
Resolved, That we recommend to the evangelists and preachers to instruct the churches upon their duty in support of the evangelists; and should said churches after being instructed fail to contribute according to their ability for evangelizing purposes, then we recommend to said evangelists that they direct their labors elsewhere, since those who are unwilling to sow should reap no harvest.
On motion, Resolved, That a committee of three be appointed to procure means and employ one or more evangelists during the ensuing year. Whereupon the President appointed S. B. Giles, W. H. D. Carrington, and Wm. Simpson said committee.
On motion, Resolved, That Brother A. Campbell be invited to visit the State of Texas, and that a committee of three be invited to correspond with and receive Brother Campbell, and to defray the expenses of said visit. Whereupon the President appointed S. B. Giles, W. H. D. Carrington, and L. D. Carrington said committee.
Resolved, That we request the brethren in West Texas to hold a meeting at Georgetown, in Williamson county, on the Friday before the fourth Sunday in June, 1857, which shall be a meeting of general investigation of the Scriptures.
Resolved, That the Secretary copy the proceedings of this meeting, and forward to the Gospel Advocate for publication.
On motion, the meeting now adjourned to meet with the Church at Sempronius Academy, Austin county, on Friday before the fourth Sunday in October, A. D., 1857.
HENRY THOMAS, Secretary.
A. NEWMAN, President.
REPORT FROM NORTH CAROLINA
YADKIN INSTITUTE, N.C., Oct. 8th, 1856.
Bro. FANNING & LIPSCOMB:
I arrived at this place on the 17th, ult. and commenced immediately, after the manner of Paul (see Acts 20: 20) teaching publicly and from house to house. I am happy to say to you, that I found the disciples here “walking in truth.” They have met every Lord’s day since they first became a congregation last spring. I have added nine to their number since my arrival. Prospects still good.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
373
I have preached at two other points, to very attentive congregations, and am solicited to preach at many places not only in this, but adjoining counties, and could I or some Evangelist remain here one or two years, great good could be effected. May the Lord direct us! As ever, your brother in hope,
J. K. SPEER
GOOD NEWS FROM NORTH CAROLINA
LAVERGNE, November 12th, 1856.
DEAR BROS. FANNING & LIPSCOMB:
After writing you from N. C., I continued my labors there up to 2d inst. I visited about thirty families. Added nineteen to the Church at Yadkin Institute. Preached at five other places to large and attentive congregations, who seemed very anxious to learn more about this way.
From among the many places I was invited to preach, I selected Dobson (the county Town of Surry Co.) as the place where I would make an effort to plant a church. Here I found residing a Baptist and a Methodist minister. Both of high standing in their respective churches, and of fair abilities both natural and acquired. After hearing me three times the Baptist most freely gave up his humanisms for the truth, and after hearing four more discourses the Methodist made the good confession and was immersed in the name of Jesus Christ, for remission of sins; with these I gained 14 others, thus planting a church in Dobson of 16 members, with two of as good preachers as are to be found in that region. Thus you see I gained 35 in all.
Many, very many persons of different religions and of no religion, very pressingly insisted on my staying longer and going to other places, but the time allotted me by my brethren here had expired, therefore with great reluctance I had to decline any longer effort in N. C. After breaking the loaf with the disciples in Dobson first Lord’s day inst, we took the parting hand (this scene is more easily imagined than described) and I left for home, where I arrived safely on the 8th inst, and found all well. Praised be the Lord! I hope the Evangelists of Southwestern Virginia will visit the above places. Will the brethren of Tennessee send an Evangelist to N. C.?
As ever, your brother,
J. K. SPEER
P. S. Harbinger and C. Intelligence please copy.
Well done, Brother Joshua; cling to the world as it was written by the Spirit, and it will run and be glorified. What Evangelist will be able to give a more encouraging report for 1856? We expect to have a good report of all who are saved by the truth.
T. F.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
NEAR AUSTIN, TEXAS, Sept. 20, 1856
Much respected Brothers Fanning & Lipscomb, in the one faith and one hope. It is with gratification and thanks to our Heavenly Father, that I sit down to inform you and your numerous readers of the Gospel Advocate, of the prosperity of the good cause of primitive Christianity in this country. At Austin the Brethren meet regularly every first day to worship the Great God according to his word; the good cause is progressing as much as could be expected in Western Texas. We now have many much devoted and pious preachers in Texas. You will find enclosed two letters which I am requested to send you for publication or as much as you think necessary.
Brethren, I am much pleased with the Gospel Advocate, and will do all I can for it. I would say that the brethren are refreshed with new recruits pretty often at Lockhart and at various other points, for which we should be very thankful to our Heavenly Father. But I am afraid that the great political excitement now before the people may have a tendency to allay the religious zeal.
May God grant that we may all live the life of the Christian, that when we come to die we may die forgiven, is my sincere prayer. So I bid you adieu.
Your brother in the Lord,
W. B. BURDITT.
The following are the Letters reported by Bro Burditt.
SALADO, BELL COUNTY, TEXAS, Aug. 29th, 1856.
Much respected Brother, – I set down to say a few things to you in this usual way of conversing with friends separated at a distance as we are. I returned home on yesterday. I held a meeting last week in the North East part of Burleson County, commencing on the 2nd Lord’s day and closed my meeting on Friday with 12 additions by confession and Baptism, leaving favorable prospects, but was compelled to close for a Baptist meeting previously appointed.
And also I held a meeting in the Eastern part of Bell County, 18 miles from Belton, commencing on the 3rd Lord’s day in July past, and closed my meeting on Friday following, with 25 additions, 18 by confession and Baptism and 7 from the Baptists. Making in all 25, and in the close of the meeting they organized upon the basis of primitive Christianity, and they chose their Elders, Deacons, and Clerks that they might first be proved.
Bro. Carrington, I mention these facts, that if you or our beloved brother McCall think it necessary to afford it a place in the Philanthropist.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
Page 575
or some other Christian periodical that you will please do it. It may be the means of preaching brethren visiting these places. Give my Christian love to all the beloved brotherhood that may inquire about me.
THOMAS ARMSTRONG
September 20th, 1866.
BRO. BURDITT.
The following statements given to you by me are correct.
Brother Kendrick writes 20th August. In 12 days we have had 31 additions at Palestine; this is by far the best meeting we have had at this place.
Brother B. F. Hall says we had 48 additions in Goliad County at one meeting, and fifteen at two other meetings.
Brother Strickland says he had 14 additions at Caldwell, 8 at Georgetown and 45 at Hamilton; this congregation was about 30 months old and has 137 members. He had additions at several other places.
Brother Armstrong at two points gained 31 additions; all the above within 60 days have joined the good cause.
J. R. McCALL
ALABAMA REPORT
Lone Murtin, Ala., Oct. 20th, 1856.
BRO. FANNING:
I visited old Cypress—now called Stony Point—Lauderdale County, Ala., and held a meeting of three days continuance, including the third Lord’s day in last month, at which we had three additions by confession and Baptism. The drooping spirits of the brothers and sisters were much revived during the very pleasant interview.
On the next Saturday, and fourth Lord’s day, I was at Mooresville, Limestone County, Ala., where I baptized one. Myself and wife have just returned from Moulton, Lawrence County, Ala., where we spent near a week very pleasantly, and I trust profitably. Here the brethren and sisters were much stirred up. The sects waned a little, but that is all.
Your brother in Christ,
J. H. DUNN.
DIED, at his residence in Harrison County, Texas, on the morning of the 27th of October, Brother James A. Preuett, aged 38 years, 11 months and 20 days. Brother Preuett had for many years been a devoted member of the Christian Church, and died in the hope of eternal life.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
THE CLOSE OF VOLUME SECOND
Whilst it is good for us to retrospect our lives, we can but fear that something we have said, or done, has not been to the honor of our God; and it is a fearful thing to offend the Majesty of Heaven and Earth. This number closes our year’s labor, and what is done, cannot be easily changed.
Our only aim has been to call attention to the authority of the written oracles; and whilst we claim not infallibility in our teaching, we flatter ourselves that we have done some really valuable service in directing our friends to the only source of spiritual light and consolation. Hence we close, not only with the consciousness of having done the best we could; but with the full and rejoicing conviction that we are pleading the cause of truth. Feeling conscious then, that we are laboring in our Master’s vineyard, we hope we shall be able to continue in our noble warfare with increased strength and redoubled energy. With the beloved brethren, everywhere, and with the many generous friends out of the church, who have been disposed to examine the truth with us, we will be happy to commence the labors of another year of our pilgrimage.
Dear brethren, let us work as in the presence of Him to whom we are responsible.
T.F. & W. L.
TO OUR PATRONS
Dear Brethren and fellow travellers to an eternal state, we deem it proper to speak to you a few kind words in regard to the progress of the Gospel Advocate.
Our plan of “keeping no books,” of sending the paper to none except the needy, without the money, has succeeded admirably well. We think it probable, to be sure, that a few whose paper was stopped at the close of the first volume, became indifferent; but brethren, this is wrong. Ours is a common labor, and we hope our friends will reflect, that we are co-workers in the Lord’s vineyard; and by a mutual effort, we may accomplish much. Individually, we can do little or nothing in the church, or for the church. Union of effort will enable us to rejoice in the prosperity of our Master’s cause.
Brethren, we beg you to remember, that unless you take the matter in hand, the most valuable auxiliary in the cause of truth must fail. Will you promptly send in your lists of subscribers before January? The very smallest effort on your part will make a vast difference in our ability to do good. We trust, that a sense of Christian obligation may rest upon all the friends of Zion in selecting their means of advancing the truth.
T. F. & W. L.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
S77
THE CHURCH PROPERTY IN NASHVILLE
A decree, in favor of the brethren, has been rendered by the Chancellor for the meeting house in Nashville. Possibly we may deem it proper to give a statement of matters regarding some of our troubles in Nashville soon. It is the earnest prayer of the saints that the Lord may overrule our sad misfortunes for good.
T. F.
DISCIPLES’ ALMANAC AND STATISTICAL REGISTER
We propose publishing the above in elegant style, on the finest calendared paper, illustrated with engravings, executed in the highest style of art, with an engraved title page printed on tinted paper. The object of this work will be to give the accurate statistics of the number and resources of the Denomination in a condensed form. The Press, Elders and Evangelists, Superintendents of Sundry schools, and individual members throughout the United States, Great Britain, the British Provinces, and Australia, should take personal interest in this work, and send us the fullest and most accurate returns of the churches, &c., in their section. This can be accomplished by filling the following blanks, and forwarding the same to us.
- Post office:
- County:
- State:
- Church:
- Number of Members:
- Names and Post office address of Elders and Evangelists:
- No. of Sunday-school Scholars:
- Name of Superintendent:
- College or Seminary (if under the auspices of Disciples):
- Names of President and Professors, etc.:
- Endowments:
- Prospects:
- Interesting Items, Benevolent Institutions, etc.
In addition to the above, a condensed history of the rise and progress of Denominations; the Press, with Editor’s name, and subscription price. Books by the Disciples, Author’s name, and price, Location of churches in the cities; Pastor’s residence, etc. Address all communications, post paid, to JAMES CHALLEN & SONS, Philadelphia, Pa.
REMARKS EDITORIAL
We are always pleased to receive communications from Bro. James Challen of Philadelphia. He is a good man, and has proved himself a successful Evangelist. So far, we have most heartily encouraged him in his publications, although for some of them we have not seen very clearly their true place in the Church. But we must confess our misgivings regarding “the Almanac.” True, we all want Almanacs, and see no good reason why Bro. Challen, or the church of which he is a member, or any number of churches might not publish one. Why,
378
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
Then, we are asked, should we object? We do not object to an almanac published by a disciple of Christ. The proposition, however, is to give us a “Denominational Almanac.” This smacks of Rome. Let us notice a few things in the prospectus.
We do not object to an Almanac.
The Proposition Includes:
- Number and resources of the Denomination.
- Superintendents of Sunday Schools.
- No. of Sunday Schools.
- Colleges, Endowments, Professors.
- Benevolent Institutions.
- History of the life and progress of the denomination.
- Pastors’ residences, etc.
As Bro. Challen asks the brethren to make suggestions on the subject, we make one.
We may be old fashioned, and keep not up with the “progress” of the times, but we espoused a cause many years ago, which we have never regarded as “denominational” or sectarian; but this almanac is to set us forth as a sect, heresy, or faction like others, and by giving our “number and resources, Sunday schools, colleges, life, history, pastors’ residences, etc.” we will apologize for our existence as a “denomination.”
Some of the matters proposed may not be had, but they are all foreign, and by occupying the attention of the brethren with such things, much more important matters must be neglected. Upon the whole, we must confess that after all our profession, pleading for the authority of original Christianity, to be placed now as a new “denomination” or sect like others, is more than degrading to us.
We are mortified to see the tendencies of some of our brethren’s writing. We love Bro. James Challen, but we cannot approve of “denominational” efforts, and especially while the idea is that we constitute but another sect, with a recent origin. We deny the insinuation. We wish to fraternize with no such denomination as is plainly brought to view in this prospectus. “Straws,” it is said, “show the way the wind blows.”
We dislike to find fault with our brethren, but we think it not proper to remain silent.
T. F.
Died on the 13th of August, 1856, J. W. Haynes, aged 29 years 3 months.
Bro. Haynes obeyed the gospel two years ago, and lived as a faithful and zealous Christian ever since. He died most calmly and with affectionate and earnest prayers for the people and church of God.
GEO. BATEY.