THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
Editors: T. Fanning, D. Lipscomb
Vol. VIII
Nashville, Jan. 1, 1866
Number 1
SALUTATORY
After an anxious and painful silence of four dreary years, we thank God most devoutly for the favorable auspices under which we are permitted to address you. No one has “set on us” to injure us physically or intellectually; and we trust, to Heaven, that it is our privilege to send our kind greetings to thousands from whom we have long been separated.
While it is not our purpose to make many promises, we feel that it is due to our brethren and the cause of our Master, to say that it is our earnest wish to cooperate with all good men in setting forth the claims of the Messiah to the lost of earth. We have no local or peculiar institutions to defend, and nothing new to set forth. We will cheerfully labor with our fellow servants in the Kingdom of Christ in promoting every interest suggested in the world of life; and it shall be our constant study to oppose every cause antithetical to the reign of the Messiah.
We earnestly desire to cultivate the most kindly feelings towards all men, and should we consider it incumbent upon us to oppose the views and practices of any of our race, we hope to be able to do so in the spirit of love and meekness. Yet we desire to act independently, and when called by duty to oppose error and forewarn the deluded, we trust that we may be able to do so in the fear of God.
T. F.
AGENTS
All disciples of Jesus Christ, who are approved in their respective congregations, are fully authorized to act as agents for the Gospel Advocate. By a little activity a very large subscription may be obtained. Preachers and members are earnestly requested to cooperate with us.
T. F.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
THE ADVOCATE
We revived the publication of the Gospel Advocate at a time when the materials of publication are very costly. The price of commission work, paper, and every species of labor is about twice as high as before the war. Yet we have placed our rates as low as any publication was made five years ago, and lower than any publication known to us. We have placed the terms low, that the paper may reach all, even the poor in the desolated regions of our country.
You need not be told, brethren, that without an extensive circulation the publication must result in heavy pecuniary loss to the publishers. They are as fully prepared as you are for bearing such losses. Will you then give us a helping hand in extending its circulation and usefulness? Will you see that the opportunity for subscribing is offered every brother, every sister, every friend, yes, every enemy of the cause of Christianity in your neighborhood? Do your duty in giving all an opportunity of knowing the truth. Will you not, my brother and sister, make it your business to spend one, two, three days, a whole week, in presenting it to your neighbors? I know it will interfere with your business to some extent. The writer of this expects to give a whole year to this work, without one dollar’s compensation. Cannot you, my brother, give a day or a week?
We would be glad to supply every preacher, and every poor widow, and every desolate orphan in the land with a copy, but this is out of our power. It is your duty as members of the body of Christ, to furnish spiritual food to the poor and neglected around you, especially to your poor brethren and sisters. We expect to urge upon you constantly the necessity of a more earnest fraternal teaching and practical fellowship in helping one another as brethren. Will you not then see that your preachers (other preachers might be benefitted by the reading of such a paper) and the poor in the church, and out of it, have our paper?
You can in no other way furnish so much spiritual instruction to them at so small a cost. You will in this do them a kindness that may result in their everlasting happiness, and aid us in making a good paper. How many families are there in your neighborhood containing a number of children growing up, who have learned to read, but whose parents have either not the means or the disposition to furnish them with books and periodicals, but who, from the lack of other matter, would gladly read a religious journal placed in their hands. Just such persons as these, who have not much reading matter, would be most deeply impressed by, and would receive the greatest benefit from such opportunities.
Brethren who have means, do you think you who fail to search out such cases and supply them with instruction in the great matters pertaining to their soul’s eternal well-being, can be held blameless in the sight of God? The constant, yet gentle influence of a good religious paper brought to bear…
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Upon the minds of such a family, may result in changing its whole course of life. It may result in redeeming it from a life of wickedness in this world, and a death of sorrow and woe in the world to come. With opportunities like these for doing good, neglected, do you think you could meet such individuals at our Father’s judgment seat and feel no responsibility resting upon you for their last condition? And why not spend your means thus?
In days that are past, God blessed us with all the bounties of life. We grew rich, and in this world had our good things. We hoarded our riches, and spent them upon our passions and vain desires. How little we consecrated to God and the good of our fellow man. God in His providence sent a fatal besom of destruction over our land, and how marvellous the desolation! Where once abounded wealth, comfort and happiness, what deep poverty now much more abounds; what pressing want; what sorrow of heart, that refuses comfort for those who are not.
Shall we, in beginning life anew, again pursue the same course that brought us to so disastrous an end? Shall we not, with the first dawn of returning peace, from our pinching necessities, consecrate the first fruit of our will to the Lord, as the earnest of a more faithful discharge of our duties for the future, as stewards of His manifold grace and stewards of His bounty?
Let us then, my brethren and sisters, bestir ourselves. Let us be careful to “do good to all men as opportunity offers, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” Let us “work while it is day,” knowing that the night of death will soon enclose our eyes in its deep slumbers “when no man worketh.”
We have the promise of aid in the editorial department from Brethren P. S. Fall, Jacob Creath, W. H. Hopson, and others of our oldest and ablest scribes and evangelists. We think, brethren and sisters, if you will give us your hearty and earnest cooperation in extending its circulation, we will be able to furnish you a good and useful paper.
We send the first number of the ADVOCATE to many of our friends as a notification of what we are doing; as a sample of the temper and spirit of our paper, and as a gentle appeal to them for aid, both by contributions to its columns and by extending us widely as possible its circulation. Will every brother and sister who receives a copy of this, consider him or herself a special agent to solicit subscribers and send the names, with the money, to the publishers. No numbers, except the first, will be sent unless ordered.
Send all sums, under ten dollars, in registered letters by mail, at our risk; all sums of ten dollars or over, by express. Direct to
T. FANNING & D. LIPSCOMB,
Publishers Gospel Advocate,
Nashville, Tenn.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES – NO. 1
The simple fact that interpreters of prophecy and signs have generally erred in conclusions has created almost inveterate prejudices against them as safe teachers; and yet, there is a high obligation resting upon Christians to note with care the signs of the times; and in the prophecies, there can be no doubt, there are valuable mines of truth yet to be explored. While we make no pretense to remarkable penetration in the interpretation of either signs or prophecies, we are strongly persuaded that there lie on the very surface of passing events, signs that should not be neglected; and there are in the prophecies, stores of valuable information for all who will but carefully look into them.
We desire to afflict our readers with no sensational essays, and yet, we have the example of the Savior, in calling special attention to the signs of the times; and perhaps, there is not a book of any considerable length in either Old or New Testament that does not contain an important prophecy. We might do well to treasure up the words of the Savior, to the Pharisees and Sadducees, who desired Him that He would show them a sign from Heaven. He answered and said, “When it is evening, ye say it will be fair weather, for the sky is red, and in the morning, it will be foul weather to-day, for the sky is red and lowering. O, ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky, but can ye not discern the signs of the times?” (Matthew 16:1).
Again, the Lord said to the people, “When ye see the cloud rise out of the West, straightway ye say, ‘There cometh a shower,’ and so it is. And when ye see the South wind blow, ye say, ‘There will be heat,’ and it cometh to pass. Ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky, and of the earth, but how is it that ye cannot discern this time?” Men still diligently watch the indications of nature, and the wise derive signal advantages therefrom, and it becomes all who would be good and do good, to anxiously regard the signs in the moral world.
In the present number of our paper, it is not our purpose to attempt to specify any particular signs which we should study, but it will be quite sufficient to direct attention to the proper regions for signs.
In the scriptures of truth, certain important results are to be worked out, and our only evidence of their occurrence will be in the gracious signs furnished. For instance, it is said, “To him shall every knee bow, and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:11). Have we any indications of the fulfillment of this promise? There is not a nation or government on earth that acknowledges the authority of Messiah’s rule, and nine-tenths of the professed followers of Christ still pray, “Thy kingdom come,” indicating that the Lord’s reign did not open at Jerusalem on the first Pentecost after His resurrection, as many good men are disposed to believe. That our Heavenly Father crowned His beloved Son king, when He ascended…
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to Heaven, the Scripture admits not a doubt; and “To Him shall every knee bow, and every tongue confess that he is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” Where is the evidence of the fulfillment of this remarkable prediction? None as yet can be discovered, and still no Christian can doubt that the time will come when every item in it will be fulfilled to the letter.
We are not of the school to preach a future of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, or to conclude that the Kingdom of Heaven has no existence on this earth. Whether do we look for a new order of things for the conversion of the world? But we live and act under the firm conviction that Christ is the Redeemer of our race; that God, our Heavenly Father, crowned Him at His own right hand when He ascended from Mount Olivet, and that as certainly as God rules and reigns the heavens and earth, to His Son shall every knee bow and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God, the Father. Where, brethren, are the signs of our Savior’s triumphs? This is a rich field for examination, and we invite attention to the subject, in the firm confidence that our readers will be pleased and much profited by the investigation.
T. F.
TO OUR PATRONS
Dear Brethren:—We feel but little desire to conduct a religious journal with the understanding that we are to confine our labors to the ordinary topics that have engaged the pens of the brotherhood for the last quarter of a century. We should, at least, endeavor to enlarge our sphere of action. Our circle has been small indeed. We have mainly confined our labors to the brethren. It seems to us a most suitable occasion to attempt to become better acquainted with the religious denominations and the world without. If denominational religion is not Christianity, it should be heralded to the uttermost parts of the earth. How can this be done, if our partisan friends do not hear? And how can they hear without a preacher; and without the circulation of our papers amongst them?
Suppose each brother who reads the GOSPEL ADVOCATE makes it a point to influence at least one partisan friend, and one openly confessing himself or herself a member of Satan’s empire, to subscribe for and read the GOSPEL ADVOCATE. A very slight effort will more than accomplish all we suggest. If we do really occupy the only Scriptural ground in religion, it should be known of all men, and if we do not, possibly our friends of the denominations or of the world, if we will but cultivate their acquaintance, may be able to show us the better way. What say our brethren, who feel in their hearts that God looks to us for faithful labor in his vineyard.
T. F.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
We give the following as a contribution, for the present number, from a valued correspondent, from whose pen our readers may expect many such pieces. It loses nothing of its value from the fact that it has once been published. See Millennial Harbinger for July, 1863.
D. L.
ALL AUTHORITY IS FROM GOD
“Thou would’st have no authority at all over me, if it were not given thee from on high; therefore he that delivered me up to thee is greater than thou.” (John 19:11, Syriac Version)
In the above passage is recognized, possibly, one of the most momentous thoughts that the Bible contains. That thought is repeated by Paul in Rom. viii. 1: “For there is no power (or authority) but of God;” that is, the only authority in the universe is God’s. And when our Lord said, “All authority in heaven and on earth is given unto me,” he intimates that he is, for the time being, the dispenser of all divine authority.
When the tempter said to the woman, “You shall be as God,” (as it should read, instead of gods,) he inspired her with a desire to grasp that divine authority, that she might be under her own control. “Dominion” had been given the first pair over everything but themselves; and this appears to be that it was necessary to render them “Like God.” Thus originated the idea of individual self-government; and it need scarcely be said, that while it sprang up in Eden, it is a satanic idea.
It is supposed that while they desired independent authority—as possessed by God—the first pair were really submitting to the dominion of one who then became “the Prince of this world;” and were owning him as their monarch. In his interview with the Messiah, he asserted—what our Lord did not contradict—namely, that “all authority over all the kingdoms of the earth had been given,” i.e., “delivered unto him;” he did not say by whom; and he proposed that if the Lord would do homage to him for them, all should be His. Jesus replied—recognizing the truth with which we set out—”Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
The parents of the human race, in renouncing the divine government, acted of necessity as the heads of that race; hence their posterity became, until they themselves did, the subjects of Satan. Hence, also, human beings die. The kingdom of Satan is the kingdom of Death. There is no death in the kingdom of God.
But to return: The passage with which we set out teaches that earthly power, Pilate, and earthly hierarch, Caiaphas, exercised, each in his own sphere, an “authority which came from above;” that is, the kingly and the priestly authority, in the abstract, both belong to God, who alone engenders it. Whether any human beings, other than the Messiah, can exercise it now, with the divine approbation, will not, at present, be discussed.
The statement is that the authority in each case is God’s; and the inference is, that if one exercise authority, he must do it as God himself would, since he is “God’s minister.” (Rom. xiii. 4.)
The reason why the sin of Caiaphas, in delivering Jesus to Pilate, was so great, was that he did not act as God himself would have acted in…
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such a case. He listened to the clamors of the Jews, instead of to a sense of justice, and to the voice of God; and thus did what he knew was wrong, and what, therefore, God would not have done.
There is no authority but God’s in heaven or upon earth. But men have been permitted to fill places of great power, such as the kingly and the priestly in Israel. Still, the king was the representative of God; so was the High Priest. They were God’s anointed ones; and, as well as the prophets, were in the place of God to the Jews. David was a man after God’s own heart, simply because, as a king, he would do all God’s will; nor did he dare to lay hands on the life of Saul, because God had anointed him.
Although men have thus been permitted to occupy these exalted and responsible positions, they were not allowed to take the honor upon themselves. God selected the first three kings of Israel, and then fixed the succession in the regal tribe of Judah. In like manner, He appointed the first High Priests, and the office was confined to one family.
Let us not overlook the statement that all power is God’s. If, then, He permits any one to exercise authority, it must be as His substitute. If a man has done independently—one that God does not allow—for he has enslaved himself to Satan. Hence, whoever occupies amongst men any authoritative position, exercises the authority of God—that is, if the position itself be established by God. Parents are in the place of God to their children; so are masters to their servants; and husbands to their wives. Such as have the rule over congregations, too, must act as those who are to give an account.
The human race is God’s property, and those in whose hands any part of it is placed, must so “occupy until he comes,” as that he may “receive his own with usury.” That is, it must be managed as He Himself would do it. The way, therefore, to enjoy a good conscience in these relationships, and to secure the divine approbation, is to act as God Himself could act were He a husband, a parent, a minister, a magistrate, or a bishop; and we have abundant illustrations of the manner in which He would act, in the way in which our Lord acted, as well as in His lessons, and in those of the apostles.
But the exercise of authority has yet another phase. The thirteenth chapter of Romans—as well as 2 Peter ii.—speaks of spiritual authorities, and “higher powers,” to which the disciples of Christ are required to submit.
If there be no power but from God, what are we to understand as to its exercise in a human government? Are all such governments—various as they are—”ordained,” that is, established, or derived authority, “of God”? Does He “set up” a despotism in one place, and a democracy in another? That they are permitted—just as, while men were seeking after God, the “times of their ignorance God winked at”—cannot be denied; but that they are approved, in every form, more than idolatry was, is yet to be demonstrated. Government of some sort is absolutely necessary for man in his present condition. If, in his original state, a law was essential, how much more now! But the question that might arise is: must that law be divine or human? “It is not in man that…
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“walketh to direct his steps.” Men have been allowed to construct governments, but undoubtedly it has been to prove that “the wisdom of the princes of this world comes to naught;” that man cannot govern himself; that man cannot govern man; that none but God can govern man.
To be perfect, a government must regard the whole man. His whole nature must be controlled by it in every aspect of that nature. Can a being who does not and cannot thoroughly know himself—or can any number of men thus circumscribed—construct a code that shall be thus efficient? Certain elements, in various combinations, enter into all structures; and the predominating element gives name to the structure. Every human government may possess some one element wanting in another; and all the elements that can enter into any governmental structure may be found in the numerous attempts that men have made, during 6000 years, to solve the great problem that they have had before them; but a perfect government must combine in itself all the elements that can enter into all the forms that have been devised, or that we may conceive. The human race may be allowed to make experiment after experiment, until its wisdom exhausts itself; that it may be compelled to confess that that wisdom—notwithstanding its wonderful fecundity—is limited. It may then find that “the law of the Lord is perfect,” that no element that man regards as essential to a government is wanting in that structure that distinguishes “the dispensation of the fullness of the times”—administered by the “anointed Lord of all.”
So long, however, as the wisdom of man is not exhausted, he will continue to make effort after effort for the construction of a system that he regards as better than any preceding one, but only to discover more clearly, and to expose more fully, his own imbecility. When no further effort is possible, he will welcome the dominion of the heavens, as embracing all that he has imagined, and as being able to make him perfect, and thoroughly furnished to every good word and every good work.
While, therefore, revolutions in governmental structures are allowed, we may justly suppose that the present secular condition of society will continue; but if no other experiment be possible—if no new idea can be developed—the end of all things must be at hand.
While it is true that God has permitted men to exercise authority, it is equally so that it has been usurped by them, or has been given them by “the prince of this world.” It has been already remarked that when Satan tempted our Lord by offering him the leadership of all the kingdoms of the land, upon his doing homage for them, the latter did not contradict him when he affirmed that all of them, and the glory of them, had been “delivered” unto him, and that he gave them to whomsoever he would. The first man, the head and representative of his race, delivered himself voluntarily into the hands of the tempter; we can therefore understand the apostle John when he says, “the whole world lieth under the wicked one.” The imagery is remarkable here. The world is represented as being prostrate, and the “wicked one,” like a victorious wrestler, has thrown himself with all the weight of his power upon it, so as
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to hold it down. The history of man indicates that “the Prince of the Power of the air—the spirit that works in the children of disobedience”—has controlled him from the infancy of its existence. The family circle of Eve was soon desolated by a fratricidal war. The devil is said to have been a murderer from the beginning; and to the present moment the art of war has been, by way of eminence, the art that man has made his special study. He has brought into play more skill, more cunning, more real science, more actual knowledge, more mental and physical power and greatness, in perfecting the methods of destroying his race than in any other art, except that of making money. To this art, all are subservient; even the art of war, since more men engage in it with this view than from any higher motive; nor would peace be sacrificed upon the bloody altar of Mars, were not His service the more profitable to men of this world. While, therefore, men may exercise power, it is as the instruments, often, of “the god of this world.”
How, then, it may be asked, can it be true that there is no power but of God? This passage teaches, as we have seen, that the only authority in the universe is that of—i.e., lawfully belonging to—God; but it is manifest that “the evil one” surreptitiously supplanted God by promoting the woman’s independence of a control which, it was insinuated, was a sheer tyranny. Having succeeded in this, the rest was easy. He had prostrated man, and still holds him without struggle; nor will he so hold him until he has been taught by sore experience that all his efforts at what he calls self-government are futile; and that God has sworn that to His Son “every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that He is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
“All rule and all authority and all power must be put down.” (1 Cor. xv. 24, 25). All kings must bow down before Him; all dominions must serve Him.
The great struggle has been and still is internecine. Man has been rendered the foe of his fellow. The race has been divided against itself, and has been desolated. Who but the adversary of man can thus have sown the seeds of discord? The desire of preeminence, so early implanted, has conquered every other, and the love of money and the art of war have been its outgrowth. Patriotism is but one form of this selfishness. An Englishman, Bulwer says, loves England because it loves him; and he is but the type of other men. We do not feel indignant if the glory, the honor, the prosperity, the flag of another country be assailed; but when our own, as we say, is touched, our rulers plunge us into strife and bloodshed, when they take excellent care to avoid. Pride, lust of power, selfishness, envy, malice, may thus be gratified, but the sad, yet wonderful truth, that “the whole world lieth under the wicked one,” is thus demonstrated.
Is this state of things to distinguish the end of human history? If so, we may well ask with David, “Wherefore hast thou made all men in vain?”
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NEW PUBLICATIONS
While we of the South have been cut off from the outside world by
brutal bayonets, and our vision hemmed in by the black smoke of fiercely
fought battles, we are happy to be able to state that some of our
brethren, at least, have found time and disposition to devote their talents to the
study of God’s holy word, and the things that pertain to the Kingdom of
Heaven. As the result of this study, we have a few volumes worthy the
attention of our brotherhood and the public. First in its appearance, was
a Commentary upon the Acts of Apostles, from the industrious pen and
never idle mind of our brother J. W. McGarvey, of Lexington, Ky.
Whatever may be the minor faults of this production, we think it one of
the best volumes that has been issued from the press for a number of
years. As a commentary upon this most important portion of Sacred
Scripture, and upon the plan of introduction into the Kingdom of Heaven,
therein developed, for clearness and justness of conception, and as an
aid in understanding the varied instructions and questions of the divine
teachers, by a thorough inquiry into the different circumstances and
standpoints from which they spoke, it is superior to any work known to
us. We heartily commend it to all of our readers who feel an interest
in the understanding of this most interesting and important part of Holy
Writ. A copy found its way to us through the blockade a year or two
ago. We know not where to tell our readers it may be found or the price.
Perhaps it can be had of Franklin & Co., Cincinnati, Ohio; or D. T. & J.
B. Morton, Druggists and Booksellers, Lexington, Ky.
Also, has been issued, a new translation of the New Testament
by H. T. Anderson, of Ky. Certainly the most solemnly important undertaking
ever engaged in by man. The volume is one that we commend to our
brethren and the public as worthy of their attention. It is published in
a large, clear type, on good white paper, bound in muslin and morocco,
not very well put together, so at least, our volume proved. We propose
at some favorable period, a more extended notice of this work as a
translation, but in the meantime commend it to our readers as well worthy
the attention and study of all Bible students. While on the subject of
translations, we will advise our readers, also, that the Bible Union has
been steadily pursuing its design of giving a revision of the Sacred
Scriptures into current English. We see the announcement that the final
revision of the New Testament has been completed, and the work is now
ready for circulation. We have not been able to obtain a copy, and know
not where or how to tell our readers to procure this work. There is
nothing that is so well calculated to give a Bible student an unshaken
faith in the truths of the Christian religion, or so to wear away
misconceptions of the teachings of the Bible and give to him a just
estimate of its true meaning, as a careful study of the varied renderings of the Greek
and Hebrew text into English. Nor do we know anything that is better.
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Calculated to interest us all in the study of the Bible, than a comparison of the different translations.
Exhortation to Brethren
Then we say, brethren, we know your desolations and deep poverty, stint yourselves in other things, and buy these different translations and commentaries, and interest yourselves, your families and neighbors in the study of the Bible. Such a course may result in sowing the good seed into hearts that will bear fruit unto eternal life.
Whether either of these works will ever supplant, in the public estimation and the public affection, the old, familiar, reverenced and loved version that our fathers and mothers read and studied, from which they received instruction in the way of eternal life, and from which they drew comfort and consolation in all their hours of darkness and sorrow, the intrinsic worth of each, tested by long and severe and justly jealous criticism, alone can determine.
But neither of them is ever adopted as the standard of spiritual authority, by even any one body or professing Christians, yet their merit is sufficient to amply reward us for the money and time spent in procuring and studying them.
Change in Hymn Book
We must also note a change in our Hymn Book. Our old Hymn Book is now out of print. The places from which it was printed have been destroyed. A new, much altered, and much enlarged one has been published, under the auspices of a committee appointed by the Missionary Society at Cincinnati, Ohio.
We note from a cursory examination of the new book, the alteration of many of the old and familiar hymns. Many of these changes are far the better, many grate handsomely upon our ear, many new and excellent hymns are added; but we miss some old familiar pieces, whose absence from our congregational and social worship many good and true Christians will sincerely mourn.
We note too, a tendency in the additions and alterations, to too much of a literary style to suit the wants and comprehensions of the masses. There are many learned men and educated women, we thank God, in the Church of Christ. But the great masses of professed Christians are now, even we trust will be, from the poor, laboring classes.
Men and women of strong, native, discriminating minds and sterling, honest hearts, who have learned what of language they know chiefly from the simple style of the Bible, and that in everyday use among the laboring classes of our community.
Whatever is introduced into worship in the congregation, either in preaching, singing, praying or biblical reading, that is above this level, transcends the power of appreciation of the very large majority of the worshippers.
Conclusion
Another objection to it we would state, in behalf of a large class of Christians and preachers, is its size. Almost three times the bulk of the former book, it may answer well the needs of city congregations, stationed ministers and pastors, and the wealthy who ride to church in…
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Contents
Excerpt
Carriages and similar equipages, but these, in the days of the Savior, constituted a very small proportion of those who received him. We believe it will ever be the case in a healthy state of Christianity. To the great masses who must go to the meeting house on foot, and at least on horseback, to the true, earnest hearted evangelist, who appreciates the true spirit and mission of his calling, and in apostolic style, goes to the poor of earth, to the oft neglected places of our backwoods, with his staff in hand, loud often times without purse or change of garments, but preaching as he goes, publicly and from house to house, in a word, to the whole class of laboring Christians, it is adapted.
Brethren, it is impossible to conform the poor and the unlearned to the habits and tastes of the rich and educated, or to furnish them with the means of conveying bulky, badly bound books without damaging them very soon. The moral we would draw is this, in all provisions of books, houses and things, or customs, that are desirable for universal adoption in the churches of Christ, an earnest watchfulness should be had to the necessities of God’s elect—the poor of this world, rich in faith toward God. The proceeds of the hymn book after defraying the expenses of publication, go as a perpetual fund to the Missionary Society of Cincinnati, Ohio. The book may be had of W. T. Derry & Co., Booksellers, Nashville, Tennessee.
D. L.
Contributors
We are much pleased to be able to say to our readers that we have the positive assurance of several of the ablest writers in all the brotherhood that they will be constant contributors. At this promise we can but be gratified, and we take this opportunity to say to our brothers and sisters generally, that if anyone should conclude that he or she has a good thought, or should possess the least light, not seen by all, we would be glad to give it to our readers.
Never mind the manner. Write in your own style—just as you think and see; and with the permission to put each communication into such shape as we may approve. We hope to receive and send forth much valuable information from unanticipated sources.
To writers we have but one request, at present, to make. We earnestly desire each and every one to write in the fear of God. If we write in the proper spirit, there will be no danger of injury to the cause of truth. Yet we wish to witness no compromise with sin, or with even the appearance of evil.
Our motto should be, “Strong arguments and soft words.” It would also afford us real satisfaction to publish the arguments of such as may sincerely think that we are not on the foundation of “Apostles and Prophets.” If we know not the truth, and others do, we think we would regard them friends indeed, if they would show it to us.
T. F.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
OUR PLATFORM
We have received several letters from brethren assuring us that if we will defend certain peculiar interests and submit a satisfactory platform, we shall have a very large patronage indeed. In reply, we respectfully suggest that in our early youth we repudiated all human creeds in religion, and we have never regretted it. We now see no adequate cause for changing our position. We have but little respect for the doctrines and commandments of men, “which things have indeed a show of wisdom in will-worship and humility,” but we think it safer “to touch not, taste not, handle not, ordinances which are to perish with their using!” All that may seem to us good, however, in human governments, societies, and organizations, we expect to commend, but we very earnestly ask the fellowship of God’s servants in advocating the claims of religion to a lost world, on the broad platform of the Bible fairly translated.
We bear no particular translation to defend, but expect to find excellencies in all, and doubt still, as we have long done, if there are men living, sufficiently advanced in the science of religion, to give to the world a faithful and clear translation of the divine oracles from the original Hebrew and Greek. We have not yet seen a version that does not favor some denominational prejudice or some individual eccentricity.
We trust, however, the time is not far distant, when God will raise up men fully competent for the labor, and when his people will be much better prepared to read the pure word of life.
Dear Brethren, we have nothing peculiar to offer—doubt man’s capacity to direct his steps aright in religion—what we ardently desire is the fellowship of all who love our Lord Jesus Christ, on the firm basis submitted by our blessed Redeemer and his Apostles in the New Testament.
T. F.
A MAN OF WISDOM
Many have expressed astonishment that Alexander Campbell has written but little in regard to the prophecies, whilst others of quite inferior ability and very little learning indeed, have produced singular sensations on the masses by their prophetical writings. Why this difference amongst writers? Brother Campbell was called to perform a work for which no other man of the age was so competent. His mission was to set forth the authority of the Word of God in religion. This he has done, and there is not a Protestant party on earth that is not more or less under the influence of his teaching.
We presume the reason the Great Father did not call him to expound the prophecies was, that possibly either he was not entirely competent for the task, or the people have not been in a condition to hear what is yet in reserve for us.
T. F.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
FRANKLIN COLLEGE
After a suspension of Franklin College for four years, the institution was opened under favorable auspices on the 23rd day of October, 1864, and the main edifice, with most of the libraries, cabinet, apparatus, and furniture, was consumed by fire on the 28th of the same month. The occurrence was the result of an innocent blunder of a little boy in burning out his chimney. The loss can scarcely be estimated. The building was a substantial brick, 120 feet long, 40 feet wide, and four stories high, all finished in plain, but good style. A house could not now be built for less than $30,000 or $35,000, and the books of the two literary societies, the cabinet, apparatus, and the books and other property destroyed belonging to the writer, with the destruction of the furniture and books of the late President of the institution, Elder W. D. Carnes, could not be replaced, we suppose, for $20,000. There was no insurance.
Although the loss to individuals was severe, as well as to the public, we have hope that this sad occurrence may possibly open the hearts of good men to render much more valuable and secure aid. We are happy, however, to say to our friends that we have ample buildings still remaining for the accommodation of some fifty or sixty students, and the school is still in successful operation. Mr. Geo. A. Ranuick is devoting his entire time and energies to the juvenile classes, Professor A. J. Fanning teaches, still, Mathematics and the English branches, and the writer gives all proper attention to the classics. We have room for some half a dozen more students. It is our purpose, at no very distant date, to lay before our readers the plan of such an institution as is contemplated, and such as it seems to us the times demand, and cannot fail.
T. FANNING
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT
At the suggestion of brethren for whose judgment we have great respect, we cheerfully offer to the Virginia brotherhood a special department in the Gospel Advocate. It would afford us much happiness to give the reports of the preachers, churches, and brethren generally, of the venerable State of our ancestors, and we flatter ourselves that our paper will be the very best medium for publishing the essays and correspondence of the brethren of that section. We would, at least, be happy to serve the friends of our Savior in Virginia. Will brethren Goss, Coleman, Hopson, Pettegrew, Parrish, and others favor the cause suggested? We can but believe that God has ordained that men of like blood, education, and habits, fraternize more cordially than others, and that the laws of nature are irrevocable. We will be pleased, dear brethren, to labor with you, shoulder to shoulder, just as far as it may be practicable in carrying forward the common cause of our Savior.
T. F.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
15
HOPE INSTITUTE (FORMERLY MINERVA COLLEGE)
This Seminary for girls and young ladies, under the supervision of Mrs. C. Fanning, assisted by Miss Eleanor Will, Miss Mary Edmondson, and the writer, promises to do very well indeed. The purpose is to give the best of educational advantages to pupils, under influences entirely of a Christian character. We have never been better pleased with the moral tone of a school, and for this indication, we can but be thankful to Heaven.
We are anxious for our brethren, especially, to know what we are doing in regard to the education of youth. To us, this seems the most important labor for all Christians. Teach the young correctly, and there will be few, and possibly, no defects in the aged.
T. F.
CHURCH NEWS
We learn through a communication of N. W. Smith, of Covington, Tenn., that Brother James Holmes has added in his field of labor over one hundred and thirty since July last. Brother Holmes has been for many years one of the most efficient and safe teachers of Christianity in the South-west. May he be spared many more years in his Master’s service.
We have heard that Brother Cook is laboring for the cause in Memphis. We would be pleased to hear from him, and indeed, any and all of the brethren in West Tennessee. Brethren send us reports of your labors.
T. F.
DOCTOR N. L. RICE
At the close of an address recently delivered in New York city, by the President of the Bible Union, Mr. Rice declared that “He did not believe that immersion is Gospel baptism,” and that he “could not immerse.” When a preacher becomes the subject of religious speculations, it requires but slight effort to renounce the authority of the Savior entirely. Our old friend, N. L. Rice, certainly did once respect the authority of the Scriptures to a greater extent than this glaring obliquity would indicate. We grieve that a man of his age and sprightly intellect should manifest such an utter destitution of respect for the truth of God.
T. F.
DEPARTMENT FOR THE SISTERS
We have never seen good reason for refusing the sisters a special department in a paper devoted to religion. The purpose of a religious journal is to enlighten the mind spiritually, purify the heart, refine the manners of Christians, and to better enable them to convert the world. If Christian women are not interested in this labor, we are mistaken, and therefore, we most cordially invite our sisters to write for our paper.
T. F.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
CHRISTIAN INTEGRITY
There is nothing that commends the character of man, that so commends the profession of the Christian, as a spotless character for true integrity in all that we say and do. To be perfectly truthful in all that we say, candid in our whole demeanor, and faithful in the discharge of all the obligations we take upon ourselves, is one of the highest, yet rarest, attainments of the Christian professor. Its influence upon the individual who attains to this degree, is most benign. It gives him the true dignity of modest worth—it spreads a peace and quiet satisfaction of soul over his whole life that speaks a spirit at peace with God and man, and a stranger to the perpetual gnawings of a reproving conscience within—it makes its professor truly free, freeing him from the harrowing distrust of acceptance with God, from the just complaints of injured and wronged fellow-creatures, and from the bitter condemnation of his own outraged sense of right. The opposite character and course, necessarily produces a timid, fearful, shrinking spirit. Its own consciousness of ill-doing ever present in the secret chambers of the soul, chokes the man with his meanness, and cows him from a sense of true manly bearing, so that he either becomes a craven hearted coward, or a brazen-faced, conscience-seared monster in his crimes.
The influence of the truly upright man upon society is not less beneficial than upon his own soul. His trustworthiness and moderation make him to be loved and trusted by all who know him. His life becomes an example to the youth of his community, and the weight of his character commends the religion of our Savior to the lost and dying of earth, and he encourages them to lives of righteousness and piety here, that will lead them to Heaven at last. Let us then strive to be truthful and faithful in all that we do.
We never see a Christian workman do unfaithful work in his calling, but it depreciates his character as a Christian. The world cannot have that confidence in the religion that we profess, which it ought to have, until we show that it controls us in every act of our lives. The shoemaker that does unfaithful work in his calling—the blacksmith that slights his work—the tailor that makes bad garments—every artisan that fails to exhibit a high integrity of character, in doing what he does, faithfully and well, destroys the confidence of the world in the religion of Jesus Christ, and especially in his profession of Christianity.
“Do all that you do in the name of the Lord Jesus.” Means that we should merchandise, just as Christ would were he a merchant, that we must farm, tan, make shoes, bind books, my sister, do sewing and keep house, treat your husband and children just as Christ would, were he engaged in any of these callings. Fidelity, integrity would mark all that he did. He who denied not, but confessed the good confession unto his own bitter and cruel death, could not be unfaithful in any calling for the sake of gain or pleasure—to gratify passion or ambition. Would we be Christians in truth, we must be like him.
D. L.
JOHN T. S. FALL & SONS,
BOOK AND JOB PRINTERS, CORNER OF COLLEGE ST.—NASHVILLE, TENN.