THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
T. Fanning and W. Lipscomb, Editors
Vol. II
Nashville, May, 1856
No. 5
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST – NO. 7
THE OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH – DISHOP, OVERSEERS AND PASTORS
Every government on earth implies a right somewhere to ordain laws, subjects and executors of the laws. A democracy, in its widest and wildest sense, excludes all law; for it implies decisions by the masses, and executions by the multitude. A government of the people by their representatives, implies law by the consent of the whole people – executed by chosen agents. An aristocracy imports a government by a few, executed by their own selections; and a monarchy implies a government by a single individual, executed by agents of his own choosing.
As democracies proper are beyond the precincts of government, we must not spend time in examining them, and as representative governments, or those properly called republics, partake too much of the human element for a spiritual religion, we must look into aristocracies or monarchies for divine regulations. An aristocracy comports well with the fabulous religions which advocate “lords many, and Gods many,” but the only pure, inspired and spiritual government on earth, is from above, from the dread monarch of heaven and earth, who alone knows what is in man, and is competent to govern him.
The Holy oracles, as contained in the volume we pre-eminently denominate The Bible, we regard as a perfect spiritual government, and the foundation, not only of all law, but of the very idea of all government. We repeat, that in our view of law and order, that without the Bible, man could not have attained to the knowledge of government. It must be remembered that every government has arisen from
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either real or supposed moral responsibility, but in the present age, the chief point of controversy is to determine whether man should be led by his fleshly appetites, or the restraining influences of the Bible. Plato, more than four centuries before Christ, taught that “morals consist in obeying the laws of the soul acting by virtue of the affections which govern it.” It will be observed that the very pivot of all religious speculation is contained in this rather loose declaration. If government arises from laws, or affections within us, we must fall back upon the old heathen fables which asserted that we are all gods or partake at least of the nature of the supreme, and need no aid in government; but the Christian standpoint differs across the whole heavens. It says, “Man is of the earth and is earthy.” The Lord God omnipotent who rules the armies of heaven, is alone competent to furnish him a perfect government. With these suggestions, we shall conclude without argument that the Christian system as set forth in the Bible is perfect, and thoroughly furnishes man in every good work.
When then we open, especially, the New Testament, we learn that Jesus Christ as the image of the Father’s person, and brightness of his glory, has established his church by officers denominated Evangelists, who supervise the whole household of faith, preach the Gospel, plant churches and give themselves solely to the work of the ministry. But inasmuch as it is “not meet for them to leave the word of God to serve tables,” or to attend especially to the discipline of the individual congregations, or visit the poor, sick and dying, the great head of the church has ordained that men of different qualifications, in some very important points, should be consecrated to this work.
Whilst on this point we hope we shall not give offence by suggesting that it is not only undignified, but leaving the most important field on earth, for comparatively a very inferior position, when a preacher of the Gospel of Christ, leaves his work to feed swine, teach school, serve tables, or take the pastorate of a little flock, to perform the service of the old sisters and sympathetic brethren whose peculiar province it is to supervise, educate and discipline the members of the respective churches. But we presume it would be well to put our thoughts in a more systematic form, and therefore, we shall call attention to the subject under captions, and enquiries both suggestive and perspicuous.
1st – WHO ARE THE DIVINELY CONSTITUTED BISHOPS OR PASTORS OF THE INDIVIDUAL CHURCHES?
We by no means desire a discussion with anyone, and especially
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with our beloved brethren, but we are inclined to think that much more depends upon the answer of this question than many of us are willing to admit. We feel not disposed to conceal the fact that the brethren have taken different positions on this point, and yet we think, by a careful examination of our charter, we will eventually respect our constitution, although it has been many ages and centuries much neglected, and perhaps has not been sufficiently appreciated by any of us.
Are preachers, or evangelists the scriptural overseers or pastors of the respective churches?
In answering the question we should call to mind the fact that Paul spoke of feeling “the care of all the churches,” resting upon his shoulders, and we are more than satisfied that the Lord has made it the special duty of evangelists to look sedulously to the interests and welfare of all the churches. They, indeed, are the only competent persons to plant the congregations, and to set them in order by ordaining the different agents for keeping the body alive; but this meets not the question.
After setting the churches in order, are the evangelists Heaven’s agents to execute the laws, and perform the service of the brethren? We are truly sorry that we feel constrained to take ground against the teaching of most excellent brethren. As a single instance, we mention the fact that the brethren in Kentucky, at their “Annual State Meeting,” a report of which is before us, have published a very well written discourse, by our highly esteemed Bro. D. S. Burnet, taking boldly the ground that each church should be supplied with a resident evangelist as pastor of the flock, and not only so, but that the welfare and very existence of the churches depend upon each congregation supporting such a shepherd. The theory is fully set forth in the following words, viz.: “The Bishop, or resident preacher, who performs both the episcopal and the evangelical functions, must be looked to as the hope of the church in regard to its cultivation, both in knowledge and members. An effort—a series of efforts—should be made to furnish every city church, and as many of the rural ones as possible, the labors of a competent pastor.” (Page 27.)
Again Brother Burnet asks, “Are we now fulfilling expectations by the sterling strength, biblical knowledge, compact logic, and rhetorical finish, as well as chastened spirit and effective pathos of our pulpit exhibitions?”
These things are clear, and of course need no exposition. The only question is to determine if Brother Burnet and the brethren of the Kentucky State Meeting occupy the ground of Paul and Peter. All
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That is said in the discourse in regard to the importance of having the churches well taught and disciplined, we cordially receive, but the question with us is in reference to the evangelists taking the oversight of the congregations. If we have read the scriptures to any profit, the brethren who have put forth this discourse differ widely from the inspired teachers.
In the first place, there is not an example or precept in the Bible for a single pastor of a church, save our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the chief shepherd. Granting that pastors and overseers are identical, we must insist that there is meaning in the style, “Bishops and Deacons” in the church at Philippi. Also in the statement, “and when they had ordained them elders in every church,” etc.
In the next place, we are unable to reconcile the broad declaration of Brother Burnes that “We must look to the preacher as the hope of the church in regard to its edification,” with Paul’s statement of a city church, too: “I am persuaded of you, my brethren, that you also are full of all goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish (instruct) one another.” Rom. 15:14. But we need not debate these points. There is not a word in the scriptures favoring such views; and whilst we entertain the highest regard for all concerned, we must think the brethren have adopted their views and practices from the sectarian influences that surround them, and from habit, and not from the influence of the Bible.
Whilst we desire to employ no word which will be offensive to any one who may differ from us, we feel in duty bound to employ terms sufficiently pointed to call attention to the subject; and therefore we most plainly intimate that the system of converting evangelists into pastors of the respective flocks is from without, and is plainly popish in all its bearings.
Before closing our remarks on the negative side of this question, we wish to state that we regard it as an error attended with serious evils, to conclude that the term elder is equivalent to Bishop, or that the word elder ever necessarily implies an office. The word elder is the comparative of the word old, and in both the old and new covenants, it is indicative of qualification, and of qualification only. It is true it is applied to overseers, in the same sense that the word lawyer is applied to the judge—not that lawyer etymologically or otherwise implies a judge, but because one must be a lawyer in order to become a judge of the law.
We must allude that the custom of the churches bringing forth, stripping, pert youths as pastors, elders or bishops of churches, is not only ludicrous in the extreme, but it is in fact subversive of the whole.
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Christian Order
Should we regard it necessary, we will take pleasure in carefully examining every passage of scripture which can have the least bearing on the subject.
But we must answer the question. The bishops, shepherds, pastors, overseers or superintendents of the churches are men of age, experience, wisdom and goodness, educated in the respective congregations, and raised up as the natural outgrowth of every church, walking according to law, to guard and instruct the disciples of Jesus Christ.
We do not deny that immense harm has been done by the appointment of uneducated, irreligious men to the bishop’s office. While the brethren permit themselves to elect men to the office by majorities of men, women and children, without regard to qualifications, we cannot hope for competent officers.
We may indeed expect to see the churches burdened with merely nominal overseers, who do nothing in a proper manner, and who fail, of course, to teach others to perform the service of the Lord. The idea of electing a man, not in the habit of conducting worship in his family or in the congregation, not competent to sing, read the word of life, pray, exhort, govern and teach the erring, to the bishop’s office, is highly preposterous.
We heard of one being elected to the office who was not even a member of the church; and one bishop at least we know, who never so much as gave thanks at his table; and five-fifths of the men appointed to the station suppose the office is a mere sinecure—consequently they do nothing. It is vain to appoint bishops who give all their time to trade, agriculture, the practice of medicine, teaching school, etc., in the churches, and yet think they are discharging the duties of the office by reading a chapter on the Lord’s day in a very clumsy manner, and breaking the loaf in a cold, awkward and irreverent style.
Perhaps we may be told that few indeed are capable, with these views, of becoming scriptural overseers. Then elect none. But if churches when planted, were taught to believe the members were required to keep house for God, to attend all the services without help from without, we presume every congregation would soon have men eminently qualified for the work.
21. WHOSE RIGHT IS IT TO MAKE BISHOPS?
This question is answered by Paul, Acts 20:28. He says to the seniors of the congregation of Ephesus, “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
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From the day the church is planted, it is the proper province of every member to labor in the cause to the best of his ability. Nature and common sense say, the older and more experienced members are to lead in the exercises, as in the case of Stephanas: 1 Cor. 16, 15, and all are to submit to—not the elected or hired—but to “such as labor and help” in the work of God. By each exercising his gifts diligently, it will not require many years or months for all to show by the character of their work the positions to which their qualifications respectively assign them.
No election need be held to ascertain who shall lead in singing, reading, or praying—who shall serve as deacons or overseers—all know what the members have done, and consequently what each can do. Therefore the Holy Spirit says to the evangelists, “separate me such a man to the office of deacon—such an one to the overseer’s office, for I call them to fill the stations for which they are most competent.” All the members of the church concur that the qualifications clearly indicate the position of each. Therefore the members bring them before the evangelists, as in the case of the deacons at Jerusalem, Ac. 6, 5, when all fast, and the evangelists pray and lay their hands on them, and thus consecrate them to the work for which the spirit has called them. It will be observed that the appointment is by no popular election, but it is a solemn consecration of body, soul, energy and time to a work which the respective members have indisputable evidence they can perform.
THE WORK OF OVERSEERS
- God has made it the Bishops’ duty to feed the flock. Ac. 20, 28.
- They are to be “apt to teach,” and are therefore the instructors of the congregations.
- The overseers are to rule and take care of the churches of God. Tit. 3, 5.
- The bishops are “The stewards of God,” who hold fast the faithful word, and are able by sound doctrine both to exhort and convince the gainsayers. Tit. 1, 5, 10.
We most heartily agree with our brethren who maintain high qualifications for evangelists, and yet we cannot see why the qualifications mentioned in the scriptures are not quite as important for the bishops of the congregations. Had we intelligent, grave, zealous and pious overseers in all the churches of the United States, a different state of affairs would very soon be manifest. The churches would grow beautifully strong and godly, and the light would shine forth from them to…
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Cheer the perishing sons and daughters of earth, and evangelists reared up in congregations taught by properly qualified bishops, would go forth from the bosom of the churches, giants in the field of battle. So soon as the present race of know-nothing, do-nothing and dumb bishops of the churches can be killed off; and the assemblies of the saints can be directed by spiritual men who devote themselves to the work, we will witness a change for the better, and not before.
In vain may evangelists preach, baptize and build up churches, unless the members can be made sensible of their obligations, and especially their high relations to God and men. The church either comprehends everything in religion, or there is no religion, and man fulfills his destiny by adhering to his animal instincts.
Owing to the fact that the nominal bishops of the churches have generally presumed their work is confined to occasional Lord’s day service, it would be well to remind the brethren that a superintendent is a man who gives his mind, heart and soul, with his time and physical powers to the work—not so much in working himself as in inducing others to labor. An overseer who would undertake to do all the planting, digging, etc., for the crop, and let the hands sit in the shade would be thought a madman. Equally out of place is he who fails to employ most actively the members of Christ’s body. Of course he that would direct others must understand the labor himself.
We doubt not the Apostle had the superintendents in his eye when he so earnestly exhorted the Romans to, “Be afraid, for he bears not the sword in vain, for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. Wherefore you must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. For this cause pay ye also tribute, for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing.”
We hope we attach no undue blame to the brethren who have been called bishops in the congregations, for we have long been satisfied the fault lies at the door of us who preach and plant churches. We fail to put the members into such exercises and training as will develop their powers, and hence in a short time the churches are generally found wholly inefficient—incapable, indeed, of meeting, worshipping or doing anything, and hence the idea that a man must be hired to do the only labor which could possibly keep the congregation alive, but when performed by others, it acts upon the saints as a deadly opiate. This is the deep root of most of our evils.
But this is a great subject and cannot be examined in a few brief…
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We have but stated faintly what we regard the outlines, but should we be spared, we trust our readers will be able to see the whole subject of supervising churches in the light of open day. There are several other questions connected with church superintendents which demand our attention. We desire to remind our brethren, who may be inclined to object, that we have no selfish ends to serve in our teaching, and we will gladly abandon any false position whenever it is discovered. Our constitution is correct, and if we differ, the fault is ours, and we should “strive together for the faith of the Gospel.” May the God of all grace direct us by his counsels.
T. F.
ARE WE A DEVOTED PEOPLE?
In the midst of the fierce and unscrupulous warfare with which the movement called the Reformation of the nineteenth century has been forced to contend, there, no doubt, has been too little attention given to the solemn and imperative duties of the Christian profession. The exertions which have been made, have been directed more to the exposure of the delusion of others, and to the defence of the gospel as God’s only authority for the guidance of man, than to the noble and heavenly culture of the Christian life. It would hardly be affirmed by the most sanguine among us, that we are in all things sincerely, earnestly, and heartily devoted to the high responsibilities taken upon submitting ourselves to Christ.
Our best efforts so far, viewed by the light of the gospel, appear poor, weak, and feeble indeed, and all that we have yet accomplished in the work of restoring the pure teachings and practices of the gospel, is but a beginning. That we have fulfilled our mission as lovers of the Truth, and developed in its fullness the grand scheme of redemption, we hope none of us are so vain as to imagine. We have no disposition to entertain gloomy thoughts in reference to our present condition, but we do believe that there is power in the Christian religion to make a better people than any now existing as a body on earth. If the gospel has done all that it has power to do, and these weak, and halting, and meagre efforts at Christian services are its best results, we cannot but regard it as a failure. If this is the fulfillment of its mission in subduing men’s hearts and turning them to the love of the Truth, how abortive have been the purposes of Heaven?
We must take a different view of this great matter. The powers of
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The gospel have not been exhausted—its might to redeem, to purify, and cleanse from all sin and vice, have not been tested. The Christian religion has never been made the first great matter of life. Its interests and concerns have been secondary. We have not permitted it to sink into our hearts, and fix itself in our affections as the great controlling and guiding influence of our lives. In submitting ourselves to Christ, we have failed to take him as our Lord and Lawgiver supreme in all the concerns and duties of life.
It is a low conception of the Gospel to regard it as any other than the highest concern of life. That Christ should sacrifice himself and consecrate with his own blood an institution for our good, which was to be a mere secondary consideration with us, is a thought too ignoble for the basest ingratitude. If the religion of Christ is worth anything to me, it is worth everything, and no matter of life or death should be a concern of greater importance to us than the regard we have for the words of the Gospel.
No view of Christianity which does not make it supreme, is any honor to its author, and to fail to regard it thus, is to fail to appreciate the condescending love of our dying Savior. To be religious after a popular fashion at this day, might be considered no difficult matter. Most men regard it at least of advantage to connect themselves with some of the current religions of the day, and identify themselves with some popular body. This costs them but little sacrifice, and rather contributes to the station which men hold in the estimation of their fellows. Their aim is to possess just so much of the semblance of religion as will constitute them, in the eyes of the world, respectable Christians; but to become truly godly and devoted from a deep and earnest conviction that Jesus is the Christ, is a thought that has never entered their minds.
To labor and toil as servants of Heaven for the honor and supremacy of the cause of Christ, and to live lives of sincere and unwavering devotion to the Christian profession, is quite a different matter from any mere popular profession known among men. I am taught in the gospel, that Christ requires of his followers a consecration of themselves, with every talent and means in their possession to his service. The God of Heaven accepts no meager, half-yielded obedience. He will not share our affections with the selfishness and carnality of the world. We either love Him and His cause with a love that will lead us to endure every sacrifice and self-denial for his sake, or we are still…
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Clinging with all the strength of our hearts to the sin, the wickedness and selfishness of the world. I can have no respect for any religion which enjoins upon men to deny themselves and follow the Savior, and yet permits them with impunity to pursue a course of utter disregard to every injunction which stands in the way of their earthly plans. The features of Christian duty, so clearly expressed in the Graces of Life, are realities and not fictions.
Virtue is no imagination. Goodness is more than an empty abstraction. Love is more than a mere fleeting feeling, destitute of all effect or significance. Meekness, temperance, godliness, brotherly kindness, gentleness, long suffering are not mere high-sounding titles of qualities, which have no reference to our lives and conduct here.
When we are commanded to love one another as children of one common Father, can we engage in every malicious and wicked slander, and speak of each other only with poisoned breath of detraction, and still be accounted as obedient children of Heaven? When we are commanded to “overcome evil with good,” is it a mere flourish of words to be explained away to suit the revengeful spirit of every wicked heart?
When we are taught that “pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their afflictions, and to keep ourselves unspotted from the world,” can we see destitution and wretchedness, and not once think it to be our duty to extend the hand of relief, and still expect the mercy of the God of Heaven?
Are we walking in the fear of God when we can forsake his house and the assembly of his people for the vain and foolish company of the wicked? When the veriest nonsense of the light and frivolous, and the profane jesting and ribaldry of the wicked are preferred by us to the godly conversation and communion of the faithful followers of our Lord?
Are all the injunctions of Christian life, so clearly and forcibly expressed, of no practical meaning to us? Sadly mistaken indeed will we be if we expect that we can thus trample upon the sacred commands of Heaven, and still be regarded as acceptable servants. Heaven, in justice to itself, can never approve of such service. God is merciful, but still he is just, and justice must be done though the heavens fall.
It seems to me that we do not sufficiently impress our hearts with these earnest matters. Our faith in the promises of God is feeble, very feeble. We lack the vigorous trust and abiding confidence which will remove mountains. We have not that interest in the things of God which will lead us to sacrifice everything to the cause of our Redeemer.
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It is useless to say we have strong confidence in the word of our Savior, when he has promised to those who enlist manfully and heartily in his service a hundred fold in this life, and in the world to come eternal life, and still we hesitate and shrink from the service of our Master, and prefer any petty concern of this life to a fearless and earnest endeavor for the prize of immortal renown. What cause, save this glorious mission of Heaven, could live with such service?
My brethren, what could we not do in Tennessee if we were a God-fearing and a God-trusting people? Do we lack any element of power to conquer this or any other State? Have we not the best and strongest cause to plead in the universe? Have we not wealth, talent, and everything to insure success? Yes, truly, an abundance to spare. One thing lack we yet. It is confidence in God and his word. We have given ourselves to Him only in part. Our best energies and powers of body and mind we have reserved for the things of this world. While professing to be freemen of the Gospel, we are still in almost hopeless bondage to sin and all its degrading consequences. While professing to be the people of God, and to be guided by His word, we still cling to human weakness, and hope for help from human frailty. Hence we speculate and devise plans and schemes to put a little life into our dead bodies. We talk much about our cold and feeble condition, and meditate about ways and means to make us strong, and fervent, and faithful to this trust of Heaven.
Oh, when shall we learn that our strength is in God? Shall we ever be done with this wicked, rebellious, and traitorous tampering with the word and the appointments of God? If we are for the flesh, with its corruptions, weakness, and degradation, let us not disgrace by empty professions the pure cause of Heaven. If we are for the Truth, let us espouse it manfully, earnestly, and fervently. Let us commit all to it. Let every word of our lips and act of our lives be for it. Let us take to ourselves the Word of Life, and with it, as with “a fire and hammer,” let us break up the stony-hearted negligence and indifference of our own lives, and then we may be ready for service as valiant, faithful, and effective laborers in our Master’s cause.
W. L.
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FAMILY RELIGION
The religion of the Bible is, in itself, a plain, intelligible, and complete system, and is intended and adapted to make man happy here, and to prepare him for eternal joys in the world to come. It teaches all that is necessary for his happiness on earth, and his future well-being, in language not to be misunderstood. A Christian, in the true sense of the term, is a complete and finished character, so far at least as he is capable of becoming on earth; and in order that he may be fitted and prepared for an inheritance in the mansions of bliss above, there are certain duties incumbent upon him, enjoined by the Great Author of Christianity, by the omission of any of which he forfeits all claims to the joys of heaven. The Great Creator and Author of our nature has made us social beings, and has instituted various societies among mankind, both civil and religious. The first society of which we read, in the volume of God’s inspiration, is that of the family, which was first instituted in Paradise, in the state of purity and innocence. God having created Adam, and finding that it was not good for man to be alone, found a companion for him, united them in the endearing bonds of conjugal alliance, and placed them in the garden of delights, prepared for their reception.
In the Patriarchal age of the world family worship was instituted, and was the only religion that existed in the world for many hundred years; and although this dispensation has passed away, family religion has never been abolished, it is still obligatory upon Christians of the present age; and he who omits this important duty, certainly acts inconsistent with the spirit of that Christianity which he has professed, and lives unmindful of that great relationship which he bears to the God of the universe, who created us to love, honor, and adore Him. The necessity and importance of family religion cannot be too highly estimated by professed Christians of the present day. We greatly fear that among many of those who wear the name of Christ, this subject does not receive that close and prompt attention which its importance so justly merits—that it does not occupy that high position among us to which it is entitled—that many look upon it as not being absolutely necessary to a faithful discharge of duty as members of the church of God; but we think that a prayerful, impartial, and thoughtful investigation of the subject, will lead us to very different conclusions.
We hold then, that family religion is a duty which every Christian…
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Owes to himself, to his family, and to his Creator, the willful neglect of which will certainly bring down upon him the just displeasure of the Great Author of his nature. This duty is clearly indicated in the sacred volume, and to that source we must appeal in order to find the truth—by its decision we must abide. The great apostle to the Gentiles, in addressing his Christian brethren, after having given sundry directions, with regard to religious duties in families, adds, “Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving.” (Col. iv. 2.) And again, we are commanded by the same authority, to pray always, with all prayer and supplication. (Eph. vi. 18.) In another place he exhorts Christians in a general manner, “to teach and admonish one another, and to exhort one another daily.” This being the case, how much more is it the duty of Christian parents to teach, admonish, and exhort their families, which are more closely allied to them.
Much instruction on this subject can also be gathered from the Old Testament. The pious David, the sweet singer of Israel, had his regular intervals for family instruction and devotion; and so very punctual was he, in his religious duties, that no other business was permitted to interfere with them. The prophet Daniel, rather than omit this important duty, subjected his life to danger; so zealous was he in attending to his devotions that when the royal decree was passed prohibiting anyone asking a petition of God for thirty days, we find that he still prayed to God three times a day, and gave thanks before him as he did aforetime. (Dan. vi. 10) Such examples as these, and we have not given all, ought to teach us a valuable lesson. How earnestly should we, who enjoy the light of the glorious gospel, strive to maintain the religion of the Savior in our families.
But again; we are not to consider this merely as a duty imposed upon us by the authority of our Creator, but should esteem it as one of the greatest and most glorious privileges we can enjoy—a privilege of which we should be proud—to hold sweet communion with the God of the universe—to offer up our petitions to that glorious Being, whom angels celebrate upon their golden harps, knowing that he will hear and answer our requests. It should cause us greatly to rejoice to know that our kind heavenly Father would condescend to permit such unworthy worms as we are to appear before him. Let us then, with hearts overflowing with love and gratitude to our great Benefactor for this blessed privilege, offer our morning and evening sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving until we are called from hence to worship him in a temple “not made with hands eternal in the heavens.”
Fayette, Miss.
K. B.
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EDUCATION – No. 1
We are persuaded that a few short essays upon the subject of Education will be in keeping with the objects of “The Gospel Advocate.” Our purpose is to employ whatever ability we may possess in the improvement—physical, intellectual, and spiritual—of our frail kindred of earth; and whilst we may fail in the highest achievements, should we, in declining years, be enabled to point to a few profited by our labor, we shall be more than happy.
We are aware that there are difficulties of a most serious character attending the subject of training both young and old. Like other professions, education is a subject of speculation in more senses than one. In the first place, many write eloquently and speak with much power in regard to education, who are really uneducated, have had no experience in directing others; and although public opinion is frequently manufactured by such, the community is injured by their opinions. Secondly, too many write and speak in reference to schools, as well as teach, merely with the object of getting money. Such will not likely cultivate a broad and deep philanthropy, or exert a permanently good influence.
But there is no subject which is not more or less attended with errors, and almost insurmountable difficulties. Perhaps, there is no one beset with so many false theories, wicked prejudices, and evil spirits as the Christian institution. Yet it lives in spite of error, sin, and Satan, and it will live on till its triumphs shall be felt and acknowledged. So with education, though much abused it is, of all other subjects, of the greatest moment to the youth of the land, and, regarded in a moral point of view, it should engross all the energies of manhood and declining age. Life, indeed, is a school into which we enter at birth and leave, either with honor or disgrace, at death. Thus regarded, education comprehends all improvement—physical, intellectual, and spiritual. There are many forms in which the subject may be profitably examined.
The first point is to ascertain what humanity is; and in illustration of the subject, we beg leave to quote from a modern French author of no mean ability. He treats man as a trinity of principles:
- The motive power, embracing what are termed by metaphysicians the instincts, or passions; but which are better named the animal powers.
- The executive powers, or the faculties of the mind, by which we are to understand our thinking powers.
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3d. “The governing power,” or the will, that is to say the power of directing the faculties.
The author also speaks of a crowning principle under the name of reason, which he defines as the power of comprehension. We doubt, however, the power of defining reason as comprehension; for, strictly speaking, the mind comprehends little or nothing in this vast universe of the Almighty.
But if there is any plausible ground for Jonfi’roy’s division of principles, we should first of all contemplate mankind with reference to motive power, the passions, feelings, instinct, or animal nature. This subject might be profitably treated under the head of Physical Education.
On this subject we have listened to many learned lectures, and read not a few essays; and most of them embraced not the whole subject, in all its length, depth, breadth, and fullness. Most generally the health and physical development are alone regarded, when the animal passions are solely neglected. The infant first exhibits animal wants, or passions, and if they are not disciplined and brought under control at an early age, there is but little hope of ever directing them wisely. Indeed, the great work of education and religion is to enable us to govern ourselves.
Modern Spiritualism, under the respectful term of reason, philosophy, and feeling, says, substantially, give a loose reign to passion, to animal powers—”be true to nature,” and of course disregard all restraints. We apprehend that this kind of philosophy is not on the decline. On the famous temple of Apollo was written, “Know thyself,” which has been understood for thousands of years to be an admonition, to look within, and ascertain what man is capable of achieving. But modern systems say, “fear not; but as your animal appetites direct, so act; for you hearken to the voice of God, when you incline to the passions.”
We repeat, the whole object of the negative side of education and religion, and we add, the entire purpose of life, is to restrain passion, feeling, impulses, and the fleshly desires. Happy are they who get the mastery over themselves. The conquest is greater than that of storming a castle, or even taking a city.
If we are correct in our reflections, education begins with the first breath we draw, and terminates alone with death. This subject, of all others, imposes the most important obligations, and promises the highest rewards.
May we examine it with candor.
T. F.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
SUGGESTIONS TO YOUNG SISTERS
I wish to speak to my young sisters, on the importance of cultivating a spirit of prayer and supplication. I do not think it is sufficiently impressed on the young. All the pure and good of ancient times esteemed it the greatest privilege to approach the God of their spirits in earnest devotion. David says, “my voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer to thee, and will look up.”
We have a greater example than that of David. Our Savior was a man of prayer. He went to the quiet mountain, and would spend whole nights in communion with his Heavenly Father. After leaving this world, he enjoined it on his disciples, to “pray without ceasing,” and upon obedience to this injunction depends in a great degree, our happiness as Christians.
When we are cultivating a spirit of humble devotion, so that we can say “thy will be done,” we are also living in the path of duty in other respects. The young in their joyousness, and gayety forget to call upon God. Even after many have professed to be Christians, they do not sufficiently consider how much their happiness may be increased by constant communion with him; and how important it is to ask every day, forgiveness of sins, and the many blessings he promises to those who seek aright.
All things here are uncertain. Where the sweetest, and purest happiness is expected, the deepest and bitterest anguish may spring up, and when earthly prospects are clouded, how desolate, and lonely is the heart, that cannot constantly pour out all its sorrows, before a kind Father in Heaven. The young come forward in life, full of hope and expectation. All objects are surrounded, as it were, with a bright halo—are veiled in the softest rose color. Soon the beauteous light is less soft, and the dark clouds are sometimes seen in the distant horizon.
Then it is, when sadness comes over the spirit, fear and uncertainty oppress the young heart, that the earnest supplication bursts forth, “Father, protect me;” better it is when all is gladness, to “pray without ceasing”—to live so, that the soul may rest peacefully on the bosom of its God, and fear not the storms that may arise.
Prayer, earnest, reverential prayer, has a most transforming influence.
Young persons who delight in it are more attentive to duty than others, and make constant effort to form Christian character. Notice those who rise early, lift the heart, the hands, and the voice, to the…
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Father in Heaven, and humbly beg His protection and blessing. They cannot fail to live more usefully than others, who forget this obligation, and engage in duties of the day without that hallowed influence. The first will spend the hours in such a manner, that they can reflect with pleasure at night and can lie down calmly looking again, with gratitude and affection, to Him who has given so many blessings.
If a girl wishes to succeed in study, nothing will more assist her than earnest prayer. It has the influence to calm the mind, to render it thoughtful, to fill it with quiet happiness, and surely such a state of feeling is more favorable to the acquisition of knowledge than any other. I have never known a young person who delighted to bow before the Father of her spirit, who did not become noble in all her aspirations.
She communes with the King of Kings, and she avoids what is wrong, because it unfits her to approach His presence. She purifies herself because He is pure, and His approbation is the first desire of her soul.
The expression of her countenance becomes more interesting, as the spirit which prayer inculcates is shed over it. She has a sweetness and gentleness of manner that nothing else can give.
When we see a noisy, thoughtless woman, we never think of her cultivating a habit of constant reverence for the majesty of Heaven’s King. A young Christian who is prayerful considers her actions and duties. She considers the influence she has upon others, that she must give an account for it, and she desires so to act, as to win her young companions to purity and correct conduct. The influence of prayer, together with an intelligent understanding of the Christian Religion, will render a girl more refined, more lady-like, than all the heartless forms of fashionable society.
The Christian religion, with its influence, is the foundation of all that is pure, lovely, and elevating in society. That character is most faulty, which is least directed by its pure teaching, and that is most faultless, which is every hour governed by it. The young should pray, earnestly pray, because they are happy, and because prayer will render that happiness more firm and enduring. They should pray, because they are weak, and will need help to struggle with the trials and difficulties of life.
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They should pray, because they need a strong and true friend to aid them in their helplessness and frailty. Lastly, they should pray, because they must bid adieu to earthly ties, and appear in the presence of the God of prayer. May we all be ready, is the prayer of
A SISTER
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST A MISSIONARY INSTITUTION
It was the eternal purpose of God to bless all nations in the Messiah. This benevolent purpose was revealed to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, when the angel of God spoke from heaven the great promise of redemption: “In thy seed shall all nations of the earth be blessed.” Noah and Daniel predict the subjection of all nations to the reign of Messiah.
The Church of Christ, in its origin, was the grand result of missionary efforts. Angels from heaven became missionaries on earth. They proclaimed the incarnation, resurrection, and glorification of the Son of God. John the Baptist was sent as a missionary to Israel to prepare the way of the Lord, and to prepare a people for the Lord. The Son of God was the great missionary from the Father. He came to live, and die, and rise again for the world. The twelve and the seventy were missionaries to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. The Father himself became a missionary at the baptism and transfiguration of his Son, in order to reveal and confirm the great personal proposition, and foundation oracle of the church—”Jesus is the Christ the Son of God.” The Spirit of God was the first missionary of the Christian age, in order to consummate the preparation and introduce the reign of heaven on earth. The Apostles were sent as missionaries to “all nations”—”to all the world,” and directed to begin at Jerusalem. They began at Jerusalem on Pentecost, and on that day the church was born as the result of the united missionary efforts of God, angels, and men.
The Church of Christ at Jerusalem was a missionary church. The apostles, evangelists, and members of the mother church were all Christian missionaries. Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the uttermost parts of the earth, constituted the fields of their benevolent efforts. They first made a united and successful effort at home. They sold goods, houses, and lands to defray expenses. But they did not become selfish and stay at home. The disciples, when persecuted,
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“went everywhere preaching the word.” Philip the evangelist went to Samaria and preached Christ to the mongrel inhabitants. The apostles at Jerusalem sent Peter and John as missionaries to Samaria to confirm the good work commenced by Philip. The Spirit and Angel of God sent Philip as a missionary to the Ethiopian nobleman. Peter passed throughout all quarters. While at Joppa, the Lord delivered him from his Jewish prejudices, filled his mind and heart with all the fullness of Christian light and love, and sent him as the first missionary to the Gentiles. He uttered first of all the great missionary principle of Christianity—”God is no respecter of persons.” Some of the persecuted preached the word at Phenice, Cyprus, and Antioch. The church at Jerusalem, hearing that a great number had turned to the Lord at Antioch, they sent forth Barnabas as a missionary to Antioch, where he and Saul continued a whole year, and taught much people.
Paul was the great missionary Apostle of the Gentiles. The Lord of glory appeared to him in person, and sent him, first to the Jews, and then especially to the Gentiles. He was not a Sunday pastor, but a faithful missionary to all nations. He began his labor of love at Damascus, proclaiming and proving that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God. But one city was too small for his great missionary spirit. He went to Arabia, returned to Damascus, and after three years went up to Jerusalem. After he went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. Barnabas found him at Tarsus and brought him to Antioch, where he continued a whole year. The church at Antioch now became the great missionary society of the Gentiles. Paul and Barnabas, by the direction of the Holy Spirit, were separated for the missionary work. “And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.”
But we need not follow these faithful missionaries to Cyprus and the many countries in which they preached the gospel, planted, and trained churches. Luke, the great missionary historian, keeps Paul prominently before us, as the great missionary hero of his history, till we find him a prisoner at Rome.
But we learn from the Epistles, as well as from the five historical Books of the New Testament, that the Church of Christ is a divinely authorized and divinely organized missionary society. The grand design of Christianity according to Paul, is: “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth,
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and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that
Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. — Phil. 2 c.
The final and immortal consummation, as seen and heard by John in
his Patmos visions, will eternally confirm the missionary character of
the church: “After this I beheld, and lo, a great multitude, which no
man could number, of all nations, and kindred, and people, and tongues,
stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white
robes, and palms in their hands; and cried with a loud voice, saying,
Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the
Lamb.” — Rev. vii. ix. 11.
Do we believe in the eternal purpose of God? Do we hope in the
promise of God, confirmed by his oath? Do we desire to see the
glorious age predicted by the Jewish Prophets? Can we contemplate
the benevolent missionary efforts of God, angels, and men combined
and remain cold-hearted? Has the nature, official relation, and example
of the Son of God no charms for us? Did the Spirit come to
regenerate the world, through the agency of the church, and will we
wickedly refuse to be his honored agents? Did he reveal and confirm
the gospel of our salvation and will we hold the truth in unrighteousness?
Did the Savior command his disciples to preach the gospel to all nations,
and will we continue to confine it to the children of Japheth? Was the
primitive church a missionary church, and will we convert it into a
local, selfish, and aristocratic institution? Were all the first disciples
missionaries, and will we stay at home ourselves and prevent others
who would go?
Can we read the missionary history, written by Luke, and still worship
the God of this world? Did God exalt his Son to the throne of the
universe that every tongue should confess him Lord of all, and will we
labor to defeat the grand enterprise? Will an innumerable multitude of
every nation join in the immortal shout of heaven, and will we have
no part nor lot in the glorious result? For heaven’s sake let us open
our hearts and purses and send the gospel to all nations! Amen!
J. J. TROTT
For the Gospel Advocate
FALSE PROPHETS AND FALLEN ANGELS
But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there
shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable
heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon
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themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of, and through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you; whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not and their damnation slumbereth not. For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, (Hades) and delivered them into chains of darkness to be reserved unto judgment; and spared not the old world, but saved Noah, the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly; and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly. 2 Peter 2:4-6. I will therefore put you in remembrance though you once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterwards destroyed them that believed not, and the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day, even as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities about them, in like manner giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.
Many now suppose the word angel should be translated messenger, as contended for by Drs. G. Campbell, J. M’Knight, and A. Campbell, and that the circumstances and connection must determine whether a celestial or terrestrial agent was intended. Will not the context show that these messengers were terrestrial? They were introduced and classed with false prophets, false teachers, and ungodly cities, and the wicked antediluvians and Israelites, and are set forth as an example, to warn Christians from acting in like manner, lest the like punishment should follow them.
But how the conduct of a celestial messenger could be introduced as an example to Christians, I am at a loss to conceive. If I were asked what terrestrial messengers kept not their first estate, I would suggest as an example, the ten messengers sent to spy out the land of Canaan, for Jude says, “I will put you in remembrance, though you once knew this, how that the Lord having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterwards destroyed them that believed not, and the messengers that sinned.” Now turn to Numbers, the 13th and 14th chapters, and we will find that the ten messengers brought an evil report, sinned and were punished. But if I were asked what were the estate of messengers, I would refer to M’Knight’s translation.
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Jation And note, “also the angels or messengers who kept not their own office.” Note, “according to Hunt their habitation was this earth,” the office of a messenger is to deliver a faithful message, this the ten and others did not do, but acted unworthy and are reserved for punishment.
Now it seems to me if the celestial messenger can sin, it must be because there is corruption there, and not perfection, for where there is perfection, there is freedom from sin. But if messengers of light are liable to sin, would not making known the fact have a tendency to discourage Christianity, for what security could any of the redeemed have, that they too may not be liable to sin and cut out of heaven? We cannot think that these messengers were ever in heaven, and were cast out, and became Devils.
Again, the angels that sinned, were cast down to Hades; and the devil is on earth; and the angels that sinned were chained in darkness, unto the judgment of the great day, and the devil is at full liberty going about as a roaring lion.
Again, we cannot see any reason, if one celestial messenger did sin, and had to be expelled from heaven, why he should be sent to this earth (mark you, it says, the angels that sinned were cast down to Hades) and that too in its primeval state of innocence.
“God tempts no man,” nor places the occasion of stumbling in the way of any, but rather removes vicious and depraved characters lest their bad examples and evil communications should corrupt good manners.
We submit these to your readers.
S. B. GILES.
Remarks.
Ancient historians inform us that the characteristic item in the philosophy of Socrates, consisted in the practical bearings of most of his teaching. We are inclined to think Brother Giles is correct, but in our view there are so many practical evils amongst us, we should give all our energies to the removal of sin from the church and the world.
T. F.
SHOULD THE DISOBEDIENT BE DISMISSED?
Query. – If a member of the Church be guilty of a flagrant crime, as drunkenness, theft, fornication, etc., should a confession of the crime, and profession of penitence be sufficient satisfaction? Or does the honor of the Church require that such one should be excluded? Please
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Answer at some length.
In some instances such are excluded. In others retained.
Which is right?
G. R.
Answer:
If the transgressor should give satisfactory evidence that he has reformed, the Church should forgive him. It is, however, rarely the case that drunkards, or persons addicted to any settled wickedness, are ever able to repent. A high degree of prudence should pervade the deliberations of Christians in such matters. If a rule can be suggested on this subject, it must consist in discriminating between habits of vice, and being overtaken in a fault. Old diseases are difficult to cure.
T. F.
DISCERNING THE LORD’S BODY
Tifton Factory, GA.
Brother Lincolson:
I want you to give as clear a view as you can of the 29th verse of the 11th Chapter of 1 Cor., especially in regard to discerning the Lord’s body.
Yours in hope,
JAMES HALL.
The Lord’s supper, of which the apostle was speaking, was intended to commemorate to all ages, and among all Christians, the death of the Savior. Our blessed Savior, just before his betrayal, when instituting this most solemn and beautiful ordinance, says to his disciples, “This do in remembrance of me.” This bread, says he, is my body. Of the cup he says, this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many.
The simplicity of this appointment the Corinthians had changed, and instead of attending to it as a simple commemorative rite, they had made a great feast like to the Bacchanalian feast of revelry and drunkenness, entirely losing sight of the purpose for which our Savior had appointed. The apostle then reprimands them severely, and shows them that their service was an abomination and disgrace to their profession.
We may, however, even without making a feast, fail to discern the Lord’s body. When we, through carelessness, permit this living ordinance to become a lifeless ceremony—a mere matter of form with us, without any thought of the momentous and solemn event which it lays before our minds, we are far from discerning the Lord’s body, and eat and drink damnation to ourselves.
But when upon every return of the blessed opportunity to show the Lord’s death, our hearts are alive with gratitude and love, and we feel the impress of the solemn…
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Event which our actions serve, truly do we discern the Lord’s body. No Christian, under the influence of the true spirit of the Gospel can attend to an institution of so great moment with any other feeling than the deepest devotion and the sincerest desire to be elevated by such communion with body and blood of our Savior, which are so fitly brought before our minds by the simple emblems appointed by our blessed Lord. With most fervent and thankful hearts should it be our delight to fix our thoughts upon the great event which has redeemed us from the power of sin and death, and meditate upon the wonders of that boundless love, manifested for the salvation of man.
W. L.
THE LORD’S TREASURY
Brethren, Fasting and Liberality: If the beloved brethren did but understand their privilege, and of course their duty, in regard to the Lord’s treasury, there would be little or no difficulty in raising funds for all purposes desirable in the Church of God. The first question is, to ascertain if we really have full instructions on this subject in the Bible. If we have not, one man’s plan may answer just as well as another’s, and the more schemes adopted by Christians to get money the better for society.
We think, however, that the Lord has furnished all that pertains to life and godliness, and, therefore, we shall appeal to the Scriptures with much confidence.
If I am not mistaken, there are at least two points which should always be before the mind in the management of contributions for useful purposes:
- Each member of the family of the Lord is to be left free, from day to day, from week to week, from year to year, to bestow of his or her earnings as God has prospered. This labor affords an opportunity to the members to cherish benevolent feelings, and enables them to cultivate their hearts in directions that no other exercise can do.
- Whilst our sacrifices are to be according to our ability—to that which we have, and not according to what we have not; it is a service to God, which we are to perform in his presence, looking to him for a reward, and, therefore, the left hand is not to see what the right does. The manner makes it a sacrifice to Heaven.
To show the importance of the work, I invite attention to the following Scriptures, viz.:
- Romans xii. 13-20
- Romans xv. 24-27
- 1 Cor. ix. 7-14
- Also 8th and 9th chapters, and xi. 13
- Gal. vi. 6-10
- Eph. iv.
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28; Philippians i. 1-6; iv. 15-19; 1 Tim. v. 16-18; Heb. xiii. 2-16;
James i. 21; ii. 14-17; 1 Pet. iv. 9, 20; 1 John ii. 1.
I feel satisfied, if the brethren strictly attend to these Scriptures, we may soon be ready for any good work required.
As to the manner of making contributions I will refer to Math. vi. 6; 1 Corinthians xvi. 2.
I like the translation of Campbell, McKnight, and Doddridge: “Now concerning the collection which is for the saints, as I ordered the congregations of Galatia, so also do you. On the first day of the week, let each of you lay by somewhat, by itself according as he may have prospered, putting it into the treasury, that when I come there may then be no collections.”
Who cannot see that our Lord rose from the dead to establish a beautiful system? He rose from the dead on the first day of the week, and the disciples met on the first day of the week to break bread (Acts xx. 7), and put something in the treasury. Let us, brethren, not withhold our weekly sacrifices. If we do, we can neither prosper nor live as Christians. Who would fail to meet the disciples of the Lord Jesus every first day of the week, to worship before the great Jehovah, in reading, singing, prayer, teaching, exhortations, commemorating the Lord’s death, and in the fellowship?
W. C. HUFFMAN
Hartsville, Tenn.
ENCOURAGING
WASHINGTON CO., Ark., March 5, 1856.
Brothers Fanning and Lipscomb – The Gospel Advocate has come to hand, and I bid it welcome. It is one of the neatest papers I have seen, and its contents appear to be of the right kind. I have no doubt it will subserve well the cause of truth wherever it is read.
I am proud to learn that my native State is taking such a bold stand in favor of Apostolic Christianity, in opposition to the latter day systems of delusion, which are only calculated to dishonor God, degrade Christianity, and corrupt morals.
I hope the true sons of faith, in Tennessee, will ever be on the alert and watch with care and expose with promptness those mighty workers of darkness, delusion, and death, to their last bitter end, and the building up of the faithful in Christ Jesus. The subjects proposed are important matters, and should be discussed with care.
For your success in this great enterprise, you should have the prayers and co-operation of all the lovers of Truth.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
We are making some efforts in Arkansas, but in consequence of the want of means and efficient laborers we have not done, nor cannot do, as much as we could wish.
Yours in Truth and for the Truth,
J. S. ROBERTSON.
THE CONSULTATION MEETING AT FRANKLIN
We were pleased to have it in our power to attend the deliberations of the brethren at Franklin, from the 10th to the 14th of April; and we rejoice to know all present seemed to be deeply interested. Bro. Andrew Craig, of Perry, presided, and Bro. F. M. Carmack of Franklin College, acted as Scribe. As an address based upon the results of the deliberations will be published, we must be content with very brief notices of the subjects discussed.
In the first place, the brethren, in our judgment, exhibited the deepest concern in regard to the truth of the Scriptures upon all subjects which they examined; and secondly, a frankness and Christian courtesy pervaded all the deliberations, highly commendable.
If we are not mistaken, the brethren generally, after very careful examination, were disposed to conclude that the Church of Christ is fully adequate for all of our moral and spiritual wants, that she indeed is competent for all the good work of Temperance, Freemason, Odd-fellowship, Conference, Missionary Co-operation, Bible and Remission Societies of earth.
The subjects of Evangelist Bishops, etc., with their qualifications, consecration, labor and support, we thought, were very satisfactorily examined. We were most rejoiced to learn that the brethren desire other consultation meetings. The proper plan is for any congregation to call upon sister bodies through our paper, or otherwise, to meet in consultation.
We have attended no meetings which are so profitable to the brethren. A few days together in friendly and Christian conversation furnish a rich reward for all sacrifices made in attending the meetings.
How many Churches will call a meeting for July?
T. F.
PAPERS DEVOTED TO PRIMITIVE CHRISTIANITY
- The Millennial Harbinger, by A. Campbell, Bethany, Va. No paper, in the world, in our judgment, has exerted so great an influence for good.
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- The Christian Record
by James M. Mathes, Bedford, Ind.
Price: $1
Brother M. writes for the sake of the cause of truth alone. - Christian Evangelist
Fort Madison, Iowa, and Canton, Mo.
by D. Bates, and D. Pat Henderson.
We receive no paper evincing a stronger devotion to religion as taught in the Bible. - The Christian Sentinel
by W. A. Mallory, and the Faculty of Eureka College, Springfield, Illinois. - The Christian Philanthropist
by C. Kendrick, Palestine, Texas. - The Reviewer
by S. E. Shepard, New York.
Devoted to the revision of the Holy Scriptures.
A valuable work. - The Christian Intelligencer
by R. L. Coleman and A. B. Walthall, Scottsville, Albemarle Co., Va. - Christian Union and Religious Review
by E. E. Orvis, New London, Pa. - The American Christian Review
by B. Franklin, Cincinnati, Ohio.
The Editor has confidence that there is a Bible organization which must succeed. - The British Millennial Harbinger
by James Wallis, Nottingham, England.
This is a valuable work for England, as it furnishes its readers with many of the best essays published in this country, in addition to the matter furnished at home. - The British Evangelist
by Joseph B. Rotherham, Newtown, Montgomeryshire, Wales. - The Christian Banner
by D. Oliphant, Brighton, Canada West.
The Editor has confidence in the truth. - The American Christian Preacher
by J. T. Walah, Kinston, North Carolina. - The Christian Union
by J. S. Lanor and others, Augusta, Ga. - The Christian Age
by W. W. Eaton, and C. L. Laos, Cincinnati, Ohio. - The Ladies Christian Annual
by James Challen, Philadelphia, Pa. - The Gospel Advocate
by T. Fanning and W. Lipscomb, Franklin College, Tenn.
Brethren who may wish to subscribe for any of the papers mentioned can do so by writing directly to the respective editors.
T. F.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
CHURCH NEWS
BRO. W. B. Burditt, writes from Texas of the date Nov. 9th:
Brethren: Our co-operation has just closed. It was held in the town of Lockhart. There was a large attendance, and some three or four additions. The congregation of Disciples meeting in Lockhart numbers about 100. Bro. Henry Thomas commenced preaching and organized a Congregation with 9 or 10 members, about two years ago. Brethren S. B. Giles and J. R. McCall also labor in this region, and I think the cause is prospering.
We hope Bro. Burditt will act as efficiently for the Advocate as he has heretofore done. He has removed from Austin to Bastrop Co.
W. L.
BRO. HEZLEY KELLEY writes from Falcon, Ark.
Brethren Fanning and Lipscomb: I have been laboring in the Lord’s cause about two years, and have preached constantly for about twelve months, in Columbia, Washita and Union Cos., Ark, and in Union and Claiborne Parishes, La. During this time fifty-three have been added to the Lord. The prospects are favourable for good to be done in this country.
We thank Bro. Kelly for his aid to the G. A.
W. L.
THE CAUSE IN KENTUCKY
DEAR BRO. FANNING: Grace, mercy and peace from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior. I esteem it a privilege to express my gratification that your life is so completely devoted to the good cause of restoring primitive Christianity, in theory and practice.
I pray the Lord, that your Institution may continue to flourish and impart the blessings of life and salvation as long as time lasts; and that your Periodical may be a savor of life unto life to all who read it. It seems to me, that some persons imagine, that tight lacing, and close hard-whooping would remedy all the evil practices that infest the Christian Church. It is a radical mistake. The government of Christ and his organization, are doubtless important, yea, indispensable to a healthy administration, and a full development of Christianity; but the best government on earth never can supply the lack of love to God and man—a personal piety and devotion springing from the heart. When the heart is right, the action will be right and when love is ruling the passions, there will be but little oc…
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Causation for Tight Lacing
It will manifest itself in liberality and a sacrifice worthy of so great a cause. The Brethren in this State are now developing themselves and the cause in which they are engaged. We have three grand enterprises in hand:
- The completion of the Endowment of our Female Orphan School.
- The obtainment of a large fund, the interest of which is to be devoted to the education of pious young men for the Christian Ministry.
- The Endowment of Bacon College with $100,000.
The Brethren are acting most nobly in all of these enterprises. About $20,000 more would complete the Endowment of the Orphan School—we have already raised about $30,000 of the preacher fund—and about $50,000 have already been subscribed for the College. We have already several promising youths at College, preparing for the field. May the Lord bless us in our labors.
Affectionately,
J. T. JOHNSON
Nicholasville, March 20th, 1856.
Remarks
As matters of worldly wisdom, an Endowed Orphan School, an Endowed College, and an Endowed establishment to educate preachers may promise much, but we doubt if the Churches regulated by the Gospel are not the best Orphan Schools, and by far the best Schools for educating preachers. Yet, we are willing to see what improvement the brethren can make.
T. F.
CORRESPONDENCE
Bro. JOHN T. MADHARS, of Bedford county, writes:
“I have yet to find one of those who have read the Gospel Advocate who dislikes it. We wish to do more than we have heretofore done for it.”
Bro. J. G. HESTER, of Lafayette, Ky., writes:
“All who have taken the Gospel Advocate speak very highly of it. I want no better feast for my religious feelings than a careful perusal of it.”
Bro. E. K. AUSTIN, of Wyatt, Miss., writes:
“The Gospel Advocate is, and has been, a more than welcome visitor. I earnestly desire that it may be read by the whole Christian world, since much is to be learned from it by all who desire a growth of grace and love toward…”
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God. Indeed, I think it the best periodical for the price I have ever read, and I wish for it a wide circulation.
Bro. J. V. Young, of Camargo, Miss., writes:
“I wish you to consider me a permanent subscriber to the Gospel Advocate so long as it may continue to be published in the same Christian feeling—setting forth the grand cardinal truths and doctrines of the Bible.”
Bro. J. H. Carn, of Marshall, Texas, writes:
“Dear Brethren, Your paper is valued highly by those who have seen it. The cause of Christ is gradually moving on here. We could do a great deal of good if we had evangelists.”
DEATH OF C. J. F. WHARTON
We are seldom inclined to publish lengthy obituary notices; but if written with a supreme regard for truth, we think they might serve a most valuable purpose for the living. If indeed, a correct portraiture could be presented of the life, death, and future state of the wicked, many, it seems to us, would be warned of their imminent danger; and the good which can be said of the departed, must exert a favorable influence. In the month of March, we received the following sincere note:
“Bro. Fanning:
“My Brother Charles James Fox Wharton, is no more. He has fallen by a stroke of apoplexy, and we wish you to attend his funeral. You are aware he was a practically upright man, and I am consoled to know he died in the ancient faith. For some time he had been an earnest reader of his Bible, and he oftentimes read a whole epistle to his family before retiring at night, and even the day before his death he spent several hours in his office, in solemn prayer to God. Hence he died, a man of faith and prayer.
Your brother,
W. H. Wharton.”
We attended the funeral of our deceased brother from the 3d Presbyterian meeting house in Nashville, on the 9th of March, 1856, and we were more than gratified to see a large collection of the most substantial and godly citizens of the place present. We delivered a discourse to the best of our ability, upon the subject of death and immortality, and seldom if ever have we witnessed greater solemnity in…
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audience! In reading the lines, sung both before and after the discourse, the people became most deeply concerned. We wish our readers to study these most touching verses.
The following are the lines sung before the discourse:
- There is a calm for those who weep,
A rest for weary pilgrims found;
They softly lie, and sweetly sleep,
Low in the ground. - The storm that sweeps the wintry sky
No more disturbs their sweet repose,
Than summer evenings latest sigh,
That shuts the rose. - Then traveler in the vale of tears,
To realms of everlasting light,
Thro’ time’s dark wilderness of years,
Pursue thy flight.
Lines sung after the discourse:
- O Thou faithful God of love!
Gladly I thy promise plead;
Waiting for my last remove,
Resting to the happy dead:
Lo, I cast on thee my care,
Breathe my latest breath in prayer! - Trusting in thy word alone,
I to thee, my children leave;
Call my little ones thine own,
To them all thy blessings give:
Keep them while on earth they breathe,
Save their souls from endless death. - Whom I to thy grace commend,
Under thy protection take;
Be her sure, immortal friend;
Save her for my Savior’s sake:
Free from sin, from sorrow free,
Let my widow trust in thee.
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4. Father of the fatherless,
Husband of the widow prove;
Me and mine vouchsafe to bless,
Tell me, we shall meet above:
Seal the promise on my heart,
Bid me then in peace depart!
C. WESLEY
A more heart-touching occasion, we expect not to witness again, and our readers may be the better prepared to appreciate the circumstances of the occasion, when we inform them, that our good sister Wharton is left with eight children to encounter the ills of life; but God will protect.
T. F.
For the Gospel Advocate
At a called meeting of the Waynesboro Division No. 16 Sons of Temperance, it was announced that our much beloved brother and W. P. of this Division, John L. B. Pickens has been removed from amongst us by death, and carried by angels to the Grand Divisor of Patriarchs and Saints above, to rest with the Grand Patriarch of the Union forever and ever. Therefore be it
Resolved, That in his death the Division has lost a worthy brother and an efficient officer, and the Church a good and faithful member; the School a finished scholar and beloved teacher, and the community a noble example of virtue and purity.
2nd. That the members of the Division tender their heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family in their great and irreparable loss.
3rd. That this preamble and resolutions be spread in full upon the Recording Scribe’s book, and that a copy of the same be sent to the Waynesboro American, the Nashville Christian Advocate, and the Gospel Advocate, for publication, and that the Editors be requested to send the paper to each one of the bereaved relatives; and farther, that the members of the Division wear the usual badge of mourning for thirty days.
B. F. DAWSON,
PHIL. L. HENDERSON,
JONATHAN MORRIS,
Committee
December 4th, 1856.