THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
T. PANNING,
Editor.
D. LIPSCOMB.
VOL. VIII.
NASHVILLE, MARCH 27, 1866.
NUMBER 13.
CHRISTIAN UNION, NO. 1.
We are much rejoiced that the subject of union amongst Christians is assuming proportions of intense interest. In establishing “The Gospel Advocate,” we had intended to pay special attention to the oneness of the Saints set forth in the New Testament, but upon the suggestion of Doctor Broaddus, of Va., that it is possibly a favorable time to inquire into the practicability of union between the Baptists and Disciples, there has been a manifest reluctance amongst the brethren in reference to the examination of any terms of union amongst the professed members of the Church of Christ.
We think there is no one more opposed to dictation than ourselves, and we are more than sure “busy bodies” and persons wishing to pry into matters before the time, are hateful to all good men. Still, we can discover no adequate reason for silence on all Scriptural subjects, and a free and full discussion of all practical questions, it seems to us, should be encouraged. Why should the brethren exhibit the least timidity regarding union with the Baptists, Methodists, or others? It cannot be from a fear that the rock on which we have professed to stand is not firm. The only charitable conclusion to which we can come is, that many of our most thoughtful friends entertain misgivings touching the wisdom of some who might desire to propose, and even make terms of fellowship with the Baptists. We, however, entertain no fears on the subject. If the Baptists and Disciples are in condition to live and grow together, the union will be consummated, as noiselessly as the materials of Solomon’s temple were put together “without the sound of a hammer or iron instrument.” When the Methodists, Presbyterians, or others, and we, shall have become truly spiritual, there will be a spontaneous union. Such a union as all the powers of earth cannot prevent.
We do not consider it wise to attempt to hasten a union amongst professors of religion. It is a singular fact, that all the creeds, articles of opinion, systems and policies that have been introduced, have only tended to divide, confuse and produce anarchy amongst Christians.
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We have no terms of union to propose to the denominations. We have no peculiar views, creeds, or systems to defend. We constitute no party, sect, or society in the strict sense of these words; and, therefore, we can unite with no sect, and permit not a sect to unite with us, unless we abandon every kind of spiritual ground we have professed to occupy. Neither do we hold any secret views, or pride ourselves in our peculiar principles.
We entertain none. We may be asked then, if we are favorable to the suggestion of Dr. Broadus to meet and hold a talk regarding union with the Baptists and ourselves. We are much pleased with the idea, and would be pleased to have a talk with the universal Baptist family with reference to the ignorance and division amongst the followers of the Lord Jesus Christ. We would also rejoice to hold talks upon the subject of union with our Methodist friends, the Presbyterians, and all parties that have advanced sufficiently in spirit and judgment to free themselves from formalities in religion. Romanism and English Episcopacy have never been able to breathe but by political breath, and therefore, they can occupy but little or no ground in communion with such as consider the government of Jesus Christ and the governments of this world as separate and independent of each other. But all who profess views of religion which are independent of state relations, it occurs to us, might freely consult in reference to the unity of the spirit and the proper bonds of peace. We would also be happy to consult with Romanists, Episcopalians, and world-powers, in reference to any common view that might be discovered, tending questions of morality.
Having no disposition, however, to discuss terms of union amongst professed Christians, in our present number, but feeling anxious to do our duty in regard to allaying any fears that may exist regarding the advantageous or disadvantageous terms that may be introduced at the approaching meeting of the Baptists and Disciples in Richmond, we are disposed to suggest two points for future discussion.
- That it is the will and fervent prayer of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ that all his followers should be one, and must ultimately become one, before the world can believe that Jesus is the Christ, is dearly taught in the New Testament.
- That the only ground upon which all who are the servants of God can and must at some time unite, is plainly and unequivocally written by the pen of inspiration, we consider beyond controversy.
We suggest these points to all whom they may concern, in order to encourage the brethren to throw off all fear as to the result of union “talks.” If not presuming too much, we would be glad to mention the brethren in another direction. Religious unions that are not equal, free, and spontaneous, are but a burlesque of matters spiritual. We caution our readers in regard to offer safety on the subject of attempting to unite such as are…
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not prepared for it. If we are Baptists, Methodists, or others, are spiritually qualified to take our stand together on the “foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone.” God in His own appointed way, will soon perfect the work.
How the waters opened for the children of Israel to pass through the Red Sea, no one, not even Moses himself, can tell; but the people of the Lord were simply commanded to “stand still and see the salvation of God.” We should obey what is written—to our duty as the servants of God, and He will lead us in paths not discovered by man, and render anticipated results. That Christianity will triumph over all the powers of the world and Satan, we doubt not; but that the world will be troubled, we have not the least doubt.
And that all Christians will come together on the proper foundation, we have never entertained a doubt; but we are ready to admit that the world is ready for such a triumph. Therefore we want temples to be cast down, and immense rubbish to be removed before the day of reckoning can fill the earth.
Our heavenly Father is where all power is held beyond all our weak calculations. Should our motions, or the motions of the Baptists, be selfish, in the effort to unite, we trust that purpose will be thwarted. If a concealed pride to strengthen a party should be ten, the work will still be hindered.
Men who fear God, and who know they occupy the only position the cardinal authority will knock at the door of any party for admission into the heavenly alliance.
We feel it is absolutely improper influences in the parties that may be harmful for unity with the Baptists and Disciples, and we sincerely hope that the day is not far distant, when all who love the truth may be led to abandon everything foreign and Babylonish in religion, and rejoice together as the people of God on “The rock that is higher than they.”
We desire to give the movement every possible encouragement.
Though insensibility as frailty is common to mortals, we should not anticipate too much. Let us pray God, brethren, to keep our eyes steadily fixed upon Him and His plan of forming and perfecting men.
PLAN OF OUR SCHOOL
Since the destruction of the main college at Franklin College, by fire, on October 28th, 1863, the Trustees, assisted by many other good men, who have the education of youth at heart, have been endeavoring to perfect a plan for future operations, and they have sufficiently satisfied themselves as to their duty, to give in a short time, the results of their labors, in a matter to the public. In the meantime we shall not consider it out of place, or at all unbecoming in us, to examine the main features of the contemplated plan.
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In the first place, it is the purpose of the Trustees to raise funds to the amount of two or three hundred thousand dollars. Are we asked, from whom we expect to raise so large an amount? We answer, that we expect all, saints and sinners, and especially saints, who feel the real interest in the education of the youth of the country, to cheerfully cooperate in this great work. The disciples of Jesus Christ in Tennessee, have expended and shall expend through, in the past five years, in honor to match, to build four such institutions as we purpose establishing.
Possibly the want of our means may induce us in future, to invest our hard earnings more wisely than in former years. Without, however, entering into details as to the persons who will cheerfully contribute of their means for the purposes specified, we state that we have no fears of success, should the brethren and the public become satisfied that it is their duty to act in the premises, and that the effort will be successful.
Our object in the second place is for the Trustees to select, in obedience to the wishes of the subscribers to the funds, the most suitable location if it can be determined, in Middle Tennessee, and erect, under the guidance of the best Architects, fire-proof and substantial buildings for the accommodation of from one hundred to a thousand pupils.
Thirdly, it is our purpose to endow the female teachers, that the teachers can live comfortably, and furnish the very best educational facilities without charge to pupils.
If successful in our efforts, an institution equal, if not superior to any on the continent, will rise in obedience to our efforts. Why not? Is there a better country on this green earth than this? Are better men and women to be found? We do not mean to insinuate that there are not a few good men and women scattered up and down the country. We flatter ourselves when we say that we do not believe there is a race on this earth superior to the people of the Southern States. Therefore, we have the confidence that they will build up and endow an institution in Tennessee in which they will rejoice to educate their children.
That degrading and dependent feeling which, heretofore, has led many of our citizens to send their sons and daughters amongst a people, by no means suitable as associates, for educational purposes, should be banished from our country. It will be our effort, at least, to encourage the citizens of our own land to manage their own educational interests.
T. F.
Brother John Huns’haw writes from San Antonio, Texas, that “the harvest is ready, but there is no reaper” in that section. Each Christian is especially called to the work, as especially did the thousands driven from Jerusalem, who “went everywhere preaching the word.” Acts viii: 1.
T. F.
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We give below a communication from our Bro. Longan, of Missouri. We admire his style. Thank him for his words of kindly warning and advice. We will ever appreciate the gentle spirit of Christian kindness. We have no doubt but that the ADVOCATE, in its editors and correspondents, will frequently raise the alarm. We make no pretensions to infallibility, but only claim a strong faith in the sufficiency of God’s word and our work for the purpose for which they were given. We trust Bro. L. and our readers will calmly consider what the Bible teaches in reference to the world-governments.
D. L.
CLOVERDALE, Mo., Feb. 11th, 1866.
ELDER FANNING & LECONTE—Dear Brethren: I received years ago to prize the Gospel Advocate for its earnest and independent tone, and for its close adherence to the letter and spirit of Apostolic Christianity. I therefore gladly welcome its reappearance among us in the form of a weekly, and hope that it may be munificently sustained. There is a large field open to you, and I pray God that, in the great work of building up the cause of Christ’s religion in the Sunny South, your labor of love may be crowned with a glorious success. The “Lamentation” of the congregation has ceased—heaven grant that it may never again be heard in our land.
Now is the time for Christ’s friends, scattered veteran and raw recruit alike, to gird their armor, and go forth to the battle for their King. The enemies of the cross are numerous, and their motto is “good will to all men.” Yet you will not be able to mark their progress by the wrought, but flowers and fruits will spring up along their pathways. May the Lord call into the field mighty hosts, and give to them courageous hearts and strong arms, and may the roar of the conflict never cease until the principalities of Satan are utterly demolished throughout the land.
After having somewhat hastily the contents of your second number, (the only one I have yet seen,) I must say that, upon the whole, I am pleased, decidedly pleased. I do not mean by that to be understood as condemning every sentiment contained in it, for on some points I have always thought you a little too rigid; just as much like the lamb’s tree, (if you will pardon the illustration,) very straight. But what of that? We need just such men to check innovations, and to cast the leery spirits of pest and headlong speculation that occasionally rise up among us. The ADVOCATE will, no doubt, be a faithful watchman upon the walls, and will never permit the introduction of any false or foreign element into the Gospel or God’s Son, without sounding the note of alarm. Other sentinels may slumber at their posts, but we may depend upon it, the ADVOCATE will always be wide awake. What if it should happen that it sometimes leads us to fear more evil than really befalls us? Safety is always on the side of extreme watchfulness. Eternal vigilance is the price we must pay, if we would have and keep the…
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pure truth. Trust is very insidious. A very little leaven soon leaves the whole mass. Put on your glasses then, brethren, and if they do magnify the mote and leave just a little, no harm will come of it.
I hope the Advocate will not close its columns to an interminable squabble over the missionary societies. If its editors have anything to say in regard to these “human institutions,” they will say it, no doubt, boldly, but kindly. Fortunately, as shown plainly, I apprehend by you further on, there are very good difficulties in the way. I think you take, altogether too seriously, the remarks of Brethren Munnell and Elly. They never thought of making the mission question a test, among brethren, of fellowship and competition, I mean.
If the Advocate were to devote itself to the work of pulling down our missionary societies, as the big great work to be done, then these brethren would, no doubt, feel constrained to oppose it, but that they intend to interdict a free, manly, Christian-like expression of sentiment on this, or any other subject, in regard to which good men differ, cannot, for one moment, think—
We must not forget, that while there is one faith, there are many opinions. We must agree and think together for the one faith, regardless of inevitable differences in matters which fall within the category of opinion or expediency. May the good Lord keep us one in this!
I see you propose to discuss the relations of Christian men to human governments. This is a matter that needs investigation. In the ceaseless controversy which we have been compelled to wage with the sects around us, this question has been largely overlooked, and the result is, that some have caught it, to some extent, misapplied to meet his demands. The subject needs a thorough examination. And yet, I am not sure the opportunity has fully come. However, a series of articles, written in the calm, Christian style of the case in your second number, I think, to do good. Suppose you should not, passing this, I will try to do the same.
Your second number, I think, is a good one. I suppose you will not be able to throw much light on the subject, and brethren who desire to know their duty in all things, will be greatly benefited. I am just certain that you are wholly right in regard to this matter; and yet, if I gather your position correctly, I cordially approve it in that point.
Between church and state lies a line broad and distinct. And I think disciples should clearly appreciate this distinction. Let us have no entangling alliances with the world. But should a Christian citizen of a free country refuse all participation in public affairs? I confess your remarks seem to me to look that way. If such is your position, I regard it as ill…
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I am willing to hear you, however, and am fully prepared to weigh your reasoning candidly. I long to see the disciples holding themselves aloof from the strifes and contentions of ungodly men. In our country, politics has been a great curse to the church, and is going to send even preachers to petition. But my sheet is full. I bid you God speed in all that is good. May the Lord bless and keep you.
Your brother in hope of a better world.
GEO. W. LONGAN.
CHRISTIAN UNION
Just now there is quite an interest manifesting itself among the professed followers of the Savior on the subject of religious union. Our conviction is firm, that the union of all true followers of Christ in one body is the essential prerequisite to the purification and perfection of the church and the conversion of the world. We are satisfied that God will never own and bless a divided church. Christ can never own but one body as His bride. That must be a united and harmonious body.
Must it be united, then, not in a conventional agreement, not in one large, powerful organization? Such a union bears no resemblance to the Kingdom of Heaven, but a very striking one is the man of sin. Christians must be one in Christ—just as He and His Father are one. One in faith, one in feeling, one in action. Must all walk by the same rule. Christians can never be thrown into antagonism with one another, when they are truly loyal to Christ, when they are walking in Christ, any more than God and Christ can be found in antagonism one to the other.
Cannot He be against one another in political or sectarian strife? Can men be against one another to oppose each other’s work, and destroy each other’s influence, as Bro. T. Campbell says, he will be against every man that does not come out and advocate missionary societies, while they are all one in Christ. One or the other, of both, must be out of Christ before this opposition, this antagonism can be produced. Christians can no more oppose each other in any of the departments of life, while they are in Christ, than Christ can oppose Himself. All this talk about being “united,” “harmonious,” and such like, when we are trying to destroy each other’s lives and influence, is the merest hypocritical cant. And it is the evidence of a malarial, sickly, degraded idea of Christian union or union in Christ, for us to talk of such things. It is an attempt to deceive ourselves and to perpetrate a deception upon the world. A union in Christ must make us emphatically one, one in practice, with but one rule by which to walk.
That rule tells the Christian how he should act to spread the gospel. It has the one same rule for all for doing this. Hence, when Christians work by this rule, they all act alike in spreading the gospel, just as much as they act alike in obeying the gospel. They all coop-
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They have the same rule for conducting themselves with reference to human governments, and when they walk by that rule, they all treat every human government just alike. It never makes one Christian a partisan to one human government and another to another. It never makes one Christian kill his brother to sustain one government, and another Christian kill him to pull it down or build up another. Christian unity doesn’t tolerate these things. Nor does Christian unity allow Christians who are in Christ to do these things to each other.
Two Christians in North of the Ohio and Cumberland rivers should not live in luxury, and learn those South of them to suffer and starve for want of the necessaries of life. Brethren, this is an awful state of things.
The true Christian spirit in him that has, would give, expecting nothing in return, but that the life and talent of our brother should be rendered to God instead of eating cotton. Which we know we would gladly do were not the urgent necessities or large family in want pressing upon him.
Now, brethren, assuming to wealth that seek to exemplify the thousands, tens, and little of thousands, in works that at least remotely Christian in their character, what say you? Will you exhibit true Christian fellowship, by supplying his wants and enabling him to preach the gospel?
For that is the exhibition of true Christian fellowship in Christ. Will you send the money to him or to the editor of the Advocate, and it shall be forwarded? We do not propose to publish the names of those who give. The Advocate does not expect to encourage that kind of ostentatious giving.
We will, when his wants are supplied, present the names of other brethren in equally distressing circumstances, whose resources are practically destroyed by the pinching necessities that press upon themselves and families, and whose wants will be supplied, if there be any real, true Christian…
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Fellowship and union remaining in the Church of Christ.
If there is not a sufficiency of faith, and devotion, and brotherly love left in the church to relieve the wants of these brethren, who “labor in word and doctrine,” to say nothing of the thousands of suffering saints throughout the South; I am assured, brethren, there is not a sufficiency of faith, devotion, and self-sacrifice to save a single soul from hell.
We do not ask aid from our brethren North or from our preachers in Middle Tennessee. Notwithstanding their impoverishment and the many calls made upon them for the help of the suffering and needy, the multitude and halt that have been thrown upon them, the brethren yet ought, and we feel confident will, hold up the hands of the laboring brethren in their midst, and enable them to preach the gospel to the world. But for those South of us, and in sections where the preachers are few, we beseech, in the name of Christ, a consideration of your duty, remembering that, “whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?” “My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue, but in deed and in truth.”
D. L.
THE ANCIENT ORDER OF THINGS
PARIS, Mo., March 10th, 1866.
Bro. T. Fanning—Dear Sir:
I have read your suggestion in the Advocate of February 27th, respecting the consultation meeting to be held some time this spring or summer in some place in this state, or somewhere else. As you have named my State, Missouri, and requested us to give our opinion respecting such a meeting, I will speak for myself. I, for one, prefer to call it a cooperation meeting; one for preaching, praying, singing, exhorting one another, and for the conversion of sinners, for the edification and encouragement of the saints, and making the acquaintance of each other.
In the beginning of the reformation, Father Thomas and A. Campbell, and Jacob Creath, Sr., James Challen and others held such a meeting in May, 1830, which meeting is remembered to this day for the good effects it produced. The imperfect state of my health at present forbids my attendance, but I consent to such a meeting and would rejoice to renew my acquaintance with some old brethren whom I have known for forty years, and some of whom Brother A. Campbell and myself met in Tennessee when we visited that State in 1830, and held another meeting with these brethren at the times above named. Those were glorious meetings to me, and I shall long remember them, though I presume most of those brethren who worshipped with me in Nashville in 1830 are gone to rest. At these memorable meetings we had no “messengers” from churches, no church-representatives, no letters read, no resolutions, no debates, no
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They were all love, peace, joy, social worship—a voluntary meeting, a companionable meeting for the good of each other and the whole brotherhood. These meetings can be held in different sections of the country, and all the sister and neighboring churches can cooperate with the church where the meeting is held, and by this sort of cooperation the gospel can be disseminated through every section of the country, among the aged, the infirm, the poor, and those who have no means to send out preachers, can help by their presence, their songs, their prayers, and their contributions; to pay the men who do the labor at these meetings.
These meetings were called among the old Virginia Baptists thirty and sixty years ago, “Union Meetings,” which denominations, I believe, I prefer, as I am a Virginian. We held such a meeting last summer in Abingdon, Mo., and its vicinity, and the brethren were delighted with it. This plan secures the rights of churches, spreads the gospel through different neighborhoods, and allows the poor churches and brethren the means of participating in the gospel, and it solves many evils. I would keep these meetings in operation all the year.
I remember this remark in Missouri when I traveled here in 1830, and we never prospered more than we did then. I have been thus particular, because when I have urged single churches to send out their preachers or privates through the country to preach, I have not made what and how those churches are to do which are poor and cannot do as you recommend. Let them attend these meetings and contribute their mite towards their support, and let the rich pay to support these meetings among the poor.
The preacher in charge where the meeting is held, or one of the elders should preside in the meeting, and it should be called the meeting of that church, and it should be responsible for its proceedings, and all the gifts of the brethren should be called out in singing, in prayer, in conversation, in preaching, especially young men.
There is ample scope for all the various talents, zeal, and energies of every church, and each will retain the power in her own hands. We object to any church representation by “messengers,” because it is false, as only one church can meet in one place, unless another one moves to that place, because it is unscriptural, because it is destructive to the liberties of the churches, and because unlawful assemblies have been the most deadly foes to the liberties of churches and the most successful in corrupting the gospel. The Pope of Rome grew out of these unscriptural assemblies. See Dr. Thomas Shott’s notes on Acts, 20th chapter.
I am glad, Brethren Fanning and Lipscomb, that you have revived the Advocate, after its silence for a number of years, because I believe it will be the means of greatly helping the gift, hope, and love of our scattered, disconsolate brethren whom you have addressed in former years, and who will listen to you more readily than to others at a greater distance.
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203
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arotm’l._ruu. An•l I hnpt’ they may t’t·d ·~ •lc.:p luL<~I·c:;t in J•’lll’ t’fiurt~ to protlt tlll’m. 1 Sf>l’llt ncal’ly two
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JACOB C:HEA’riL
We dC?»irc nnthing !-:C(‘bt•i:tn ot• politic:tl in the contcmplalctl meeting.
anci tll~tt!;: nro. C•·cath t~>r his ,-alu:tblc sug~cs~ioz>~.
T. F.
ALEXANDER CAMPBELL
Died on Lord’s day night, the 5th inst., at his residence in Bethany, Va.
For several years past his faculties, mental and physical, have been failing.
His excessive labors have been greater than his powerful and robust constitution could bear up under. His memory had especially failed him for the past several years, and he, we learn, as a consequence, has lived almost unconsciously, happily so, too, of the heavy and bloody struggle that has been going on around him. In his forgetfulness of the outward world, he retained, however, a lively appreciation of his responsibility to his Maker, his Savior’s wonderful scheme of love and merciful scheme of redemption, and his delight was still to dwell upon the words of the living God, which he had so diligently studied during the days of his almost unparalleled bodily and mental vigor, and treasured in his heart the rich promises of life eternal. He had retained much of his physical energy up to a week previous to his death. His decline was then marked, but even in death, we are told, his strong will and mighty energies struggled vigorously with the grim monster. Death triumphed, as it must, over all that is mortal, and his body has been consigned to…
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the bosom of his mother’s earth. His life and works are well known for us to speak of them here. His labor “was in the Lord;” it could not be in vain. We know the work of giving a strong, essential motive of his life to a number of our brethren who were personally more familiar with his spiritual traits of character. His life, his labor, his faith, their ever-constant success, and above all, the humble, childlike simplicity of his faith and character, present to us an example worthy the highest emulation of those who would be, at once, useful and good.
D.L.
We commend the following to the attention of any brother or brethren who may be disposed to aid in a good work. No man is more worthy of help.
Jonesboro, Clayton Co., GA., Feb. 23, 1868.
Bro. Parsons & Brethren—my dear brothers, regarding the letter of the last, you said, “Some men have been laboring in the vineyard, and they have not been helped as they should be.” I would say that for the sake of any brethren who have known me, I can hardly conceive of any chance for me. After considering all we had to do, and through the suggestion of my brethren, I have moved to Mitchell county, the hundred miles below. That our family was taken wide with the children still I have seen, which lasted us until the last autumn. And when I get back to my home last spring I had nothing but a few broken stock or money, and too low to make a crop, consequently I lost two crops, or less one by the bank, and was not able to make another last year. I am this year with the same circumstances trying to make a crop; I want to make some 1,000. I hope to make enough to live upon and I read my mark.
And this brings me to your question of the. Now if some of my brethren will help me, I will pay them back something to feed my family. I have a wife, two daughters, and her four small children to take care of and support. Their house was burnt and all but taken and destroyed by the army. I still think this is the best.
I would respond according to the abovementioned condition in life.
Yours affectionately,
NATHAN W. SMITH
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GIVING
He who wants to be able to do a great amount of good before he does any, will do without blenching his face. “Do good as opportunity offers,” is Heaven’s law. He who takes an interest only in doing good on a large scale, generally does it for the sake of display. He who does good for the sake of obeying God and benefiting the oppressed and afflicted, will relieve the wants of the needy in the quiet, humble, unobtrusive way of life, wherever he may find them.
He will avoid all ostentation and publicity in giving. The reason it is so much easier to give publicly than privately is because the greater portion of the human family wish to be seen of men in their giving; hence will give publicly when they refuse to aid more needy and deserving private objects of charity.
True Christian charity is not so. “When thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth: that thine alms may be in secret; and thy Father, which seeth in secret, himself shall reward thee openly.” God has never promised to reward alms that are done openly.
We should not wait to be able to give largely before we give. A kind word, an encouraging smile, a cup of cold water, in the Master’s name, to the suffering, distressed, weary, heart-burdened children of misfortune and sorrow, comes in remembrance before God, and verily, has its reward.
A letter from Hannibal, Missouri, contains the following:
“Brother Wilkes appeared in Palmyra for trial last Monday, to answer the charge brought against him, viz: preaching the Gospel. The witness who was summoned to the fact, did not appear; consequently the suit was dismissed. When he was first summoned against Brother Wilkes, he charged him simply with preaching. When asked what he preached, he replied, ‘the Gospel.’ He was then asked, ‘What is the Gospel?’ He frankly answered, ‘I do not know.’
Suit goes on. Why is it that so-called religionists do not know what the Gospel of Christ is? Ask almost any one you meet, of any denomination, and you get no answer. Is it because the preachers are so indolent in their discussions that it is impossible to learn? They are, then, blind leaders of the blind. The prevailing ignorance is most lamentable. It appears to be a popular feeling that anything will answer to save a sinner. A large house of worship, called a church, a grand organ, and music by a choir, rented pews, respectability, an elaborate pretense, a soulless sermon, containing no one word of Scriptural instruction, a ritual unknown to the New Testament—performed by a clerical dignitary, and an exclusive and selfish spirit, seem to satisfy the longings of such, and they are legion.
When will a lying world learn that the Gospel itself, in its originality, simplicity, and beauty, as found in the New Testament, is alone “the power of God under the salvation of every one that believes” and obeys it.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
A REPLY TO THE CALL OF W. C. ROGERS, COR. SEC. OF THE A. C. M. SOCIETY FOR AID TO DISSEMINATE THE GOSPEL
From the Gospel Advocate.
Dear Friends and Brethren: In the Advocate, Feb. 28th, 1866, there is a call from W. C. Rogers, Cor. Sec. of the A. C. M. Society for more money to be put in his box at Cincinnati. We would have preferred that he had given, in the first place, something of the Scriptural authority for this society, and then of its objects. The authority for the Society is one thing, and its objects are another thing. The power to create man is one thing, but the object of his creation is another thing. If this Society is unscriptural, then all its objects are unauthorized of God, not excepting the following resolution offered in the last meeting of the A. C. M. Society held in October, 1865, in Cincinnati, O., found on the fifth page of the proceedings of said meeting which reads as follows:
Resolved. That we have great reason for thanksgiving to the Ruler of nations, not only in the return of peace to our suffering country, but also in the emancipation of the slave, and the triumphal vindication of our free and enlightened government.
Now, is one of the objects of said meeting? Is it one of the means of disseminating the Gospel? This resolution implies that the Society has more to do with political or religious restoration, or is it both religious and political? It appears from this resolution and other things, that this one political interest is the supreme and controlling object of all political meetings that do not conform with its history for the last few years and its results; they must continue in all political meetings to preach, to agitate, to insult, and to give thanks to the Deity for the turn they have wrought, and then ask injured and outraged brethren to contribute to such an object under the color of “disseminating the Gospel.” Those brethren who can believe that this is the way to disseminate the Gospel can do so; but those brethren who believe that political resolutions are the Gospel can do so; and those who desire to contribute to such an object can do so.
If this society with all its appendages of constitution, articles, by-laws, rules, officers, boxes, and politics are necessary to spread the Gospel, were not the Apostles looking for not employing them to disseminate the Gospel? If this society is necessary to disseminate the Gospel, of what…
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What are the churches? What was the number of Peter’s in Jerusalem? What was put into it as he said he had no silver or gold? What are those brethren to do who have no boxes yet among us? Have we established among the churches a way in view with this Society?
If there was no other objection to this Society, this resolution would forever prevent the real objects of this Society. It was most impolitic to incorporate into its proceedings a resolution so political and forced to the Gospel as this is. The change is a substantial one.
It is proper to state that the resolution as quoted was finally passed in the following form: “Whereas, the condition of the last four years has resulted in the emancipation of one million of souls, and the return of peace to our suffering country, now opens and demands the efforts of the Gospel to the Apostasy.”
FRANKLIN, Ky., Feb. 26th, 1866.
Bro. Lipscomb:
I have organized a church in this place. The prospects are very favorable for a rapid increase. When situated in the vicinity, they will number fifty or sixty of the most influential citizens. A great interest is manifested upon the part of the world.
Can you not come and hold a meeting sometime in March or April? The brethren seem anxious for you to come. I am praying for them on the first Lord’s day in each month. Can you meet me the second day before the first Lord’s day in April? They have an excellent house for worship. Everything is favorable for success. We would be happy to see you there.
Please inform me immediately.
Your brother in Christ,
M. P. Bailey
Daysville, Todd County, Ky.
The Lord willing, two will be with the brethren at Franklin, Ky., embracing the first Lord’s day in April next.
D. L.
OBITUARY
PADUCAH, Feb. 26th, 1866.
Died—In Christ, February 17th, 1866, Mrs. Mary J. Allbritton, after an illness of thirteen hours. Our sister was the fourth child of Merritt and Mary A. Brown, and was born February 21st, 1830, in Williamson County, Tenn. Four or seven children are gone, three of whom had…
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
Bowd to the authority of the Savior, and one, an innocent boy of ten years.
“We stand on Jordan’s strand, Our friends are passing over, And just before the shining shore We may almost discover.”
— JO. F. BROWN.
(The Gospel Advocate has not space for lengthy obituaries. Our brethren and friends must not think it unkind in us to give only short notices of the deceased or those dear to them. Usually they are of interest only to a few readers, and can neither benefit the dead or the living. W. L.)
PROSPECTUS OF VOLUME VIII. OF THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
The undersigned propose resuming the publication of “The Gospel Advocate” as a weekly journal, starting January 1st, 1861.
Our purpose is to maintain the right of Jesus Christ to rule the world, the supremacy of the inspired Scriptures in all matters spiritual, and to encourage an investigation of every subject connected with the Church of Christ, which we may consider of practical interest. The Kingdom of God as a real, permanent institution, “The pillar and support of the truth,” upon a proper appreciation of which, the welfare of the world and the happiness of man depend; her origin, organization, history, and mission; her relation to worldly powers, civil, military, and religious, and her final triumph, will occupy much of our attention. The education of the world in Christianity, and the training of Christians for immortality, will constitute an important part of our labor.
The work will be published at Nashville, Tennessee, in weekly numbers of sixteen pages, the size of the former Gospel Advocate, neatly folded and stitched, at:
- $2.00 for single subscribers.
- $1.50 for five subscribers.
- $1.00 for ten subscribers, immediately in advance.
We would be pleased to have the cooperation of the brethren generally, and the preachers of the Word especially, in circulating the paper. In making remittances, send all sums over $5, and under, in registered letters by mail at our risk, and all sums over $10, by express, or in checks or Post Office draft.
Direct all communications for the Advocate to:
T. FANNING, D. LIPSCOMB, Editors & Publishers, Gospel Advocate, Nashville, Tenn.