THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
T. FANNING, Editor
D. LIPSCOMB
VOL. VIII.
NASHVILLE, OCTOBER 30, 1866.
NUMBER 44.
“BAPTISMAL REGENERATION.”
FRANKLIN COLLEGE, Tenn., Sept. 25, 1866.
CHRISTIAN LETTER, No. 1.
To Mr. David Kelly, President of Cumberlands Female Institute, and Preacher in the Methodist Church at Lebanon, Tenn.
Dear Sir:—
Your letter, past, we had a short, but pleasant acquaintance in the town of Franklin, Tennessee, and from the report of some of my friends, I am glad to learn that you have not forgotten me; and I assure you that I am most cheerfully renewing our acquaintance. I was pleased to hear that at Cook’s Camp ground in your county of Wilson, you recently delivered a discourse, with the view of expounding certain positions which you understand I maintain, and which you consider not only erroneous, but more dangerous. For this freedom, no unpleasant feelings have been excited in me, and indeed, I very cordially approve of your course. If you regard the teaching of my brethren or denominational character, as an honor to Christian gentlemen, it well becomes you to expose it.
You will permit me, however, to intimate, that it has occurred to me, that possibly the disciples may not teach us you suppose, and therefore, I thought it might be well to call your attention to a few points in Tennessee to which we may, perhaps, misunderstand each other.
I must say, if I have correctly informed, you attacked and vanquished a doctrine, as my teaching, which I do not believe to teach, viz.: “Baptismal Regeneration.” I never considered it true, and neither do my brethren believe or teach it. Some thirty-five years ago, when my beloved bro. Alexander Campbell, was on his way from Babylon, and saw “men, as trees, walking,” he employed some of the language of Mahol, as set forth by Rome and her daughters, on this subject, which, in my humble judgment, can…
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not be determined by the Scriptures, and which I am conscious, from frequent conversations with that great and good man, on the subject, he never attempted to defend.
The doctrine had its origin in the Roman apostasy, and has never really been maintained by any people, except this mother or communion and her legitimate daughters. It originated in the supposed Washing of Infants—totally dependent—sinners exposed to the wrath of God and called to salvation, and some ordinances can be found for their deliverance. Hence the necessity of spiritual regeneration. Its origin, I think, was in Rome, but when the English Episcopal Church shrank from their guilty infants, she speaks of it as “Regeneration by Baptism.” On this subject you will also permit me to introduce to your attention the teaching of Mr. John Wesley, a son of the Church of England, and if I mistake not, the recognized founder of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In his “Doctrinal Tracts” of 1833, by the General Conference he says, “Infants are all guilty of original sin; until they are brought into the ordinary way, they cannot be saved unless they be washed away by baptism.” On the same page Mr. Wesley adds: “Infants are not saved from original sin; therefore they are proper subjects of baptism.”
On the 37th page Mr. Wesley says, after quoting a class of men called the “Fallen,” “this testimony is plain and I think I make the necessary assumptions. All the authorities of Rome and Protestantism set forth the doctrine of the original guilt of infants, of the necessity of regeneration, and all, “save the Lamb,” maintain, either in express words, or substantially, that this is by baptism. The Baptist hold to the original sin, but they teach that some mystical regeneration or the spirit saves infants.
Reconsidering this whole assumption, allow me to say, that whatever may be said of the original sin, the original guilt of infants, I am not sure that they are not all born in the same way.
But I must proceed to another question. I could show the statements of the New Testament, and you will find, that it is essential before one can become a Christian. If correct in this conclusion, no long…
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As we use the word regeneration as equivalent to the phrase “remission of sins,” “born again,” “passing from death to life,” etc., we evidently confuse matters by employing a word without its proper meaning. Of course you will not expect me to attempt a very critical examination of the word regeneration in this brief letter; but if I am not mistaken, the Greek may be rendered, Regeneration, New Creation. If so, the idea may have reference to the state into which one enters by the new birth, and not the act of entering itself.
I think I can give reasons for this conclusion, which no man of discriminating mind can resist. Doctor Clark, you perhaps know, says the word Regeneration, Matt. xix: 28, has reference to the time of passing into the new state, and not the condition of entering. If, then, the word refers to the state, we can understand more clearly its use in Titus iii: 5, where the Apostle says, we have been saved, “By the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit.” The renewing of the Spirit is not the Spirit, but the work of the Spirit; and I interpret that the washing of regeneration is not the regeneration itself; no more than the fruit of the tree is the tree itself. In such forms of speech, the preposition of denotes possession; as the light of the sun denotes the light belonging to the sun; the child of his mother means the child belonging to a certain mother. The plain idea of the passage then must be, “The Washing of the Regeneration”—New Creation or Kingdom of God.
This washing of the Church, or family, as Mr. Wesley renders it, is the baptism declared, through which, penitent believers, in the language of Paul, “Put on Christ,” Gal. iii: 27. But I have said quite a sufficiency, I presume, upon this subject, for the present.
Now sir, if you regard me as a candid man, and respect my brethren, it would seem to me, that justice to yourself, as well as to innocent and injured people, requires you to explain our true position to your friends of Wilson.
Respectfully,
T. FANNING.
THE DEVIL AND HIS KINGDOM NO. 1
In the present state of the religious mind, we are satisfied that a full, free and thorough examination of the character of the Devil and his agencies in the earth, will exert a powerful influence in turning men from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God. It is certainly clear that very few of our contemporaries, indeed, have ever imagined that Satan has any interest in the affairs of this earth, when, if the people generally were convinced that the prince of darkness is still on his throne, and holds universal dominion, multitudes would flee from him as the great enemy of our state.
For many years we have labored, to the best of our ability, to satisfy our fellow citizens, with whom we have come in contact, that there is a world-wide chasm between the character of the Kingdom of Christ and the Kingdom of Satan, and for a considerable time the teaching…
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seemed to gain but little favor. During the late war, however, the position was respected by a few of the more earnest professors of the faith; and since peace has again dawned upon us, many of the professed disciples of our Lord have been disposed to examine the subject. Few, in our judgment, have calmly investigated the subject, that has not determined to live alone for the Prince of Peace in future. Such men took what we regard as spiritual ground, could not be moved by the parties in bloody conflict, while they might all have felt their preferences for the people on one side or the other; it is always becoming—these men of God could not be induced to waver as to the character of the conflict. They were Christians, and could not become parties to the disputes of this world.
At the conclusion of the war, we intended to give the subject of Satan’s power and authority a full examination, as we were capable of doing; but we have been compelled to defer it. We have recently published the powers of darkness during the war, desired to call attention to the Kingdom of Heaven in contrast with world powers; and therefore, in resuming the publication of the Gospel Advocate, we occupy several numbers with essays on this subject, for ability, we think, has not been equalized by any other means. Let the subject be not exhausted. Brother Lipscomb intends to write more, and when we shall have put forth our best efforts, there will still remain ample room for the best men of our age to give the world profitable religious instruction on the subject of the transitory superiority of the Kingdom of Heaven over the kingdoms of this world.
The purpose, in the first place, is to look at the Devil and his kingdom, in the light of the Scriptures; and secondly, it is our earnest desire to present the Kingdom of our Savior in a manner that will turn our readers’ attention to the eternal kingdom of God. As soon as practicable, we wish to submit our conclusions to our readers, with the hope that all which may claim objectionable may be examined and exposed. We have no theory regarding the Devil or his works, or upon any other subject, to defend; and hence, we request the aid of our brethren in every discussion.
T. F.
CHRISTIANS SHOULD KEEP CLEAN HANDS
During the war, our brethren generally in this section received but little credit for their advocacy of peace. In most instances, soldiers attributed our teachings to the act of subjugation. We have been rather surprised recently to hear of some of our bloody church directors accounting for our teaching to the effect of subjugation. We have been in no rebellion. While we are not disposed to enter into disputatious regarding our sincerity, or the sincerity of others, we are anxious for our southern readers especially to see something of the pleadings of our…
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Brethren in this section before the war. Many of us did what we could, and in our judgment, those alone who stood with us, come out of the conflict with untainted garments and clean hands. Others have since seen the light, and all the honest, we trust, will see it. Read the following:
CLEVELAND, Texas, May, 1867.
My Christian Friends
Permit me to say something to you in reference to the times, which, at this time, are very peculiar, as regards the Christian and the country in which we live. We, as a people, have enjoyed great prosperity, and have pre-eminently basked in every worldly point of view, but as a people, none on the earth have been more ungrateful; enjoying liberty, indeed, they have used it to gratify the lust of sin and the spirit of the world; boastful and indulgent, they have forgotten God their Maker, and given themselves to the service of Baal.
Compromises in and out of the church are not of the main features in the case. We know many weak points in the multitude of her crimes, but the church has deluded her arguments until she has only a name to distinguish her from the world. The humility, self-denial, and sacrifice of Christ are often known only in the writings of the Testament; the light of the church is darkened, and the Bible thrown aside as if it suited not such as this; its sacred truths are ignored, and those who still cling to them are held in contempt. It is seen in the worldly condition and price of professing Christians, their neglect of all the laws and principles of Christ, our Lord; in their love and fear of the world, and the greediness with which they devour the good things it yields them, such as titles and rights. They pile up trashy literature and their thoughts, showing how their minds and hearts have been trained, and that they don’t even read the plain simple reading of the Bible.
Was it small accomplishment? By the workings of Satan and the willing submission of Christians to his deceitful influence, the church has been just as much as possible led astray. The church has become a mere shadow of what it ought to be, and the light of the world has been extinguished.
Thus, the minds of men have been turned away, captivated and blinded to the exclusive or better things, until they are what they are, and what Satan influenced them to be. We are a people with more passion than reason.
Doubtless, the Justice of God calls for reclamation upon the country. Are professing Christians prepared? Not to fight; but to die. If it
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please the Lord to permit the wicked to raise the sword to slay the wicked, shall the righteous join them? Did the Savior teach his disciples to fight for him when he was about to be taken and crucified, the innocent Lamb of God! Was it his life to be saved by the sword? Did he not say, “He that taketh the sword shall perish with the sword”?
In the example of our Lord, who, when he was reviled, reviled not again, when he suffered, threatened not; and does not tell us it was set forth for our example, that if Christians were called upon to resign all they possessed, their homes, or even their lives, should they fight for them? Here we see many, even those Christians who justify the shedding of innocent blood, who call on their Savior; are we better than they?
In short, are we Christians? If so, how can we fight in any of these things?
I fear there are many who have not the Word of God abiding in their hearts enough to know that if they fight, Satan wins.
But Christians— to the armor of God! For now is the hour of temptation, will you overcome, or will you fall?
I can not say with Paul, “I am not only ready to suffer, but I am ready to die for the Lord.” Our Lord said to him at one occasion, “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?” How significant is that question; its meaning may be unthoughtful when it is too late.
Imagine a band of Christians armed to kill another band of professed, to make widows and orphans, do you think they would be judged to be faithful? How could a murderer have faith? Are not the works of men like fruit that they bear? Is the shedding of blood a Christian work?
It cannot be.
“We have no continuing city here,” (Hebrews 13:14) “for we are looking for one to come.”
We are not our own; the blood has bought us with his blood, and if we seek to save others, we shall surely lose them.
Should we not give all the world and let one soul?
If we live godly in Christ Jesus, we shall suffer persecution; the Christian is called to suffer, for—oh blessed hope! they know they shall live again.
If Moses was outlawed, do you think he would send us to war, knowing their hope was in the death; but we are Christians, and we know the kingdom of Christ is not of this world or his subjects would fight for it.
Then in times of trouble and darkness, Christians watch that the tempter tempt them not, and that they have not their own; the battle may be hard, but the victory is sure, and the end is peace.
Let us not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, for by that means some have fallen.
We know that a tender branch will be cut off; then let us be sure the Bible is in our hands, by it we shall be judged, soon our Lord may come and the judgment of its members or its contents. We shall…
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now hope he will not delay his coming; it may not be long, though it may be the darkest night that ever brooded over a civilized world, that heralds his coming. Where then shall be vaunting monsters—oh, how will they appear the bloody hands of those who profess to be the followers of the Prince of Peace?
I trust there will be found some whose garments are white, and who will be accounted worthy to escape, and receive the crown of life; but I fear the number is small, for many declare they believe it according to the will of God to defile themselves with the sword; Alas! how many are there, who have humbled the spirit of Christ from His teachings, or read the writings of the apostles to salve their conscience!
I would exhort Christians everywhere to let the world go, and prepare for that better life than this life affords. We know not what is in the future, but every believer in the Lord Jesus Christ knows the Word of God and in fear and humility, strives to know and do His will; knowing that whether we live or die we are the Lord’s. Then let us follow pilgrims, now is the trial of your faith, and you shall have great need of patience; but let us not be discouraged, we have the Bible, and no ex…
Yours in the Hope,
A. L. HAYNIE
REPORT FROM ALABAMA AND MISSISSIPPI
TUSCALOOSA, ALA., Oct. 16th, 1866.
Dears, Fasting and Laboring:
I write to you a short report of the labors of me, K. H. L. and others during the month of September, in Alabama and Mississippi. We visited Abbeville, Columbus, Palo Alto and West Point.
We commenced a meeting at Abbeville on the first Lord’s day, and continued one week, holding six by immersion and one by letter.
I will endeavor to give a brief statement of things just as they are. We have, at Abbeville, a new small congregation of most excellent brethren and sisters who are willing to do all in their power for the promotion of the good cause; but in this vicinity there is a strong influence behind the fortification of humanism, that renders the Gospel decidedly imperious to the Gospel, and I fear it will be the cause for a long time to come, if not forever; so that the preachers who visit there may think themselves lucky if they succeed in gaining a multitude.
In behalf of that little band of disciples, we would request any of our preachers that come to visit them, and guarantee they will be most cordially welcomed and happily treated. We next visited Columbus, where we continued a meeting for nine days, holding two sessions of baptism. During the day our audiences were very small, and at night tolerably good.
In Columbus, religion is fashion, and fashion is religion, and that is not…
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Christianity by at least a slight difference. In order to secure a good hearing at this place, it would require a fine “Church” (meeting house), a loud bell, a large group of flashy carriages around the door about eleven o’clock every “Sabbath” (Lord’s day), all of which, tipped off with an extra flourish or “gauze semblance” might, perhaps, secure a very eloquent preacher a slight hearing from the “elite” of this city. (Query—would not the same amount of trouble and expense be better appropriated in preaching to the poor and unsophisticated?)
We hear that our brethren and sisters here, with a few exceptions, will not manifest zeal sufficient to “let their light shine” much upon their neighbors. Since the baleful death of the self-styled Daniel Williams and Elder John Gentry, the flock has greatly needed a shepherd to watch over the sheep and feed the lambs.
From Columbus we went to Palo Alto, and the people, with one exception, seemed as if they were ready to give heed to the things that were spoken. It always affords me pleasure to preach to such a people. There were in all twenty-nine accessions by immersion, reclamation from the Baptists, &c., and the brethren were greatly built up and strengthened.
On our return we spent the days at what was once a thriving town in Lowndes Co., and the former home of Jim Lawson; but alas! alas! the calls are decrepit, greenbacks are good, and the people absorbed in business, furnish a very slim attendance, except on the “Sabbath.” Of the small congregation that once existed there, Bro. James Collins, like myself, is only escaped. While there, a lady from Abilene, confessed the Savior.
During the tour, Bro. Howell was quite himself, and the Lord excelled in preaching. May the Lord reward so faithful a preacher and so devoted a Christian. Bro. Robert Usrey encouraged us with his presence most of the time.
After our labors were over, we returned to Columbus, where I was married by Bro. Sewell, to Miss Mary C. Williams, a sister in Christ. Since, I have returned to North Alabama, and during a meeting of four days, at Jettakford, attended by quite a number of brethren from the Baptists and Methodists.
Yours, in hope of immortality.
J. J. PICKENS.
For the Gospel Advocate.
Brentwood, Texas, Oct. 6, 1866.
Bro. FANNING & LUSK—Please make the following corrections, (to wit;) In the Gospel Advocate, No. 31, page 604, read, for “Baptists,” the “Methodists,” under W. S. Bush, W. T. Bush,
Fraternally,
W. T. BUSH.
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
REPORT FROM SOUTH ALABAMA
PINEAPPLE, Ala., Sept. 17, 1866.
Dear Brethren: — Truth is onward in this part of our Lord’s Vineyard. Within a few weeks past about 75 persons have obeyed the Gospel, and come out on the Lord’s side. May Heaven’s mantle be around them amid the conflicts and storms of victory through all eternity.
I was aided in these labors of love, most of the time, by G. S. Reaves, son of Elder Peter Reaves, who is of precious memory; also our amiable Bro. Dr. Adams, who is an ornament to the Christian profession; was with us part of the time. Bro. Reaves is warm in the cause, and a young preacher of great promise, and I think ought to be encouraged. He and Dr. Adams are beloved in the Lord.
Bro. L., I am hailed from all points of the compass, and solicited to preach to the people; gladly would I respond to this call; but I am so crippled in money matters, that I cannot do it without some aid. May the Lord put it in the hearts of his people to aid in the great work in which we are engaged. I have recorded about six weeks to the proclamation of the Word, and the result has been beyond my most sanguine expectations. All that is wanting to place the cause we advocate upon a permanent basis, is judicious effort.
May the Preacher of the primitive Gospel exhibit the wisdom of the scriptures, and the harmlessness of the Dove. Paul said, we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves, your servants, for Jesus’ sake. It appears to me Bro. L., if we are to regard Christianity as true, if we are to expect what it promises, on the condition of specifics, we must particularly continue in doing the things it enjoins. How we may best do those things, and perfect the Christian character; how we may be able to claim and appropriate the promises, and how we should behave towards ourselves, towards the Church, towards the world at large, and towards God, the Judge of all, are matters and considerations which fall legitimately within the compass of Evangelical labor.
It is the duty of the Preacher to warn the unruly and comfort the feeble-minded; to encourage the disciples under all their trials; to watch over and protect the morals of the brotherhood; for a Christian without morals, without devotion, without charity towards the poor, without the likeness of Jesus, the beloved of the Father, shining in his behavior, is a contradiction in terms, and a disgrace to the name of Christ, and him where you may, however much noise he may make about religion, and however zealous he may appear, for certain tenets and modes of worship.
We hope never to forget the great object of all true preaching, that is to improve our hearers in the knowledge and the love of God. The time is not far off, when love to our Creator and Redeemer will be seen and felt as that precious grace of which our nature is capable. When faith is lost to sight, or is absorbed by glorious…
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knowledge, and when love is swallowed up in fruition, love, love to trust and man, will remain and forever supply the wants of its possessor. It is the well of living water that springs up to everlasting life. Now, any thing else, let us cultivate this heavenly principle; let us by it prepare for the coming world. Now abideth faith, hope, love; these three; but the greatest of these is love. To the greatest principle let us give the greatest attention.
Yours, in Christ,
W. C. HERKPATRICK.
Ezel Buckle, Bedford Co., Tenn.
October 8th, 1885
Brethren Fanning and Lattimore— We had an appointment of several months standing for a protracted meeting, to commence at Cross Roads in this neighborhood, Sabbath before last in September. Bro. Dr. Bowlin and I, assisted by Bro. S. Vaughn, went to work, and we had a most glorious time; 29 confessed the Lord, and were immersed, two others united with us.
Saturday before the second Lord’s day in September, Bro. Vaughn and I commenced at Shiloh, Coffee Co.—we continued this day. Dr. Bowlin joined us Monday. Our labor resulted in 23 added to the congregation of the Lord, several Baptists, some Methodists.
Saturday before 3rd Lord’s day in September, Bro. Vaughn and I commenced preaching at Pisgah, four miles east of this place. Bro. Bowlin joined us as assistant Monday. We closed on Thursday with 16 added to the congregation.
I had promised the brethren in Lookout Valley, Dade Co., Ga., some months before, to hold a meeting for them.
In February before 4th Lord’s day in September we commenced at Liberty, two miles from Trenton. I found Bro. Wheeles there. We continued to preach twice a day, including Wednesday, when I felt it to be the will of the Lord that we should close, which we did, with 11 accessions by confession and immersion; and many returned that they had strayed into which they had wandered during the recent revival of Christian morals.
We called and encouraged the brethren to attend the Lord’s day meetings and family worship, as some of the important means of spiritual life and growth.
On Friday we came across the mountain to Rocky Springs, A. B., where a few years ago was quite a flourishing congregation of disciples. The army had torn down this house of worship, the brethren were considerably scattered, they had only had one or two meetings during several years. Bro. T. Wheeles had some twelve months or more as a supply over and preached for them six days, eight confessed, and one united from the Baptists. The brethren seemed encouraged, several said they…
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were determined to meet on Lord’s day, read the Scriptures, and attend to the worship. May the Lord bless them.
Bro. Dr. Bowlin, assisted by Bro. Campbell, commenced a meeting at a place called Liberty, Coffee Co., Saturday before the Lord’s day in August, closed on Friday following, with 34 additions. From there they went to Potty’s Gap, to assist Bro. C. Craft in meetings which he had been continuing several days alone; their combined efforts at this place resulted in several additions to the Master’s cause. From this point Bro. B. went, on Wednesday after the 4th Lord’s day in August, to Lexington’s school house, and continued till next Friday, assisted by Bro. Campbell, the result of which was a gathering to the Great King.
On Saturday before the 4th Lord’s day in September, Bro. Bowlin commenced a meeting at Pugh’s school house, in Rutherford Co., near Bro. H. Jones, where he continued several days, resulting in several accessions to the house of the Lord.
Old Bro. Morrick, 81 years of age, of the Methodist Israel, engaged with Bro. Bowlin in his efforts for the good cause, and his encouragement of the teaching, telling the people it was the truth, go into it. I could have done more to meet the demands of the Gospel Advocate, but the fact the brother had no means to procure any in those sections of GA and AL, where I was.
We have another protracted meeting to commence Saturday, before the 4th Lord’s day of the present month, at Cross Roads, Bro. Fanning sent a good preacher to help us.
Yours in the hope of the Gospel,
G. W. HONE.
For the Gospel Advocate
LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 17th, 1866.
Bro. F. & A. I. – I report my success, as “Messenger for the Brethren of Tennessee and Kentucky.” At this place the condition and claims of our “poor Saints” I have presented, and God has blessed the labor. I met with a cordial reception, the hearty warm feelings of the children of God were evinced by their bountiful response. They gave me $37 in money, which has gone to Bro. Metcalf; and beside this, they are now collecting supplies, such as clothing, corn, meat, beans, potatoes, &c., which will be forwarded to Metcalf Bro’s. & Co., very soon. You must send a competent and responsible man South with supplies, to see that there be a just and equitable distribution, and to prevent deception and speculation.
I spoke once at 1st Christian Church, with one confession; also once at 2nd Church, with one confession. At the last named Bro. Thos. P. Haley is holding a meeting, with 14 confessions to date. May the blessed Lord make his children at Louisville…
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abound more and more in the love of the truth unto eternal life and royal honors in Heaven.
Yesterday I visited Euticaco, Ky., at which place Bro. M. E. Land was in the midst of a successful meeting, with 14 additions when I left. The brethren met me in wonderful affection, and when I presented the pitiable condition of God’s sorrowing children, the souls, every heart responded, and all eyes were suffused with tears. They gave me one hundred and six dollars ($106) which is gone to Bro. Metcalf. When I left, that young people, they were preparing to load a car with family supplies, which will be consigned to McCarty Bros. & Co.
Bro. M. E. Land, W. S. Gatliff, Thos. Russell, Bro. Hewlitt, of Maysville, Ky., and Bro. Brigg of Eminence, all preachers, enter heartily into the work, and will cooperate fully with us, as Christians, for Christ’s sake, giving all glory to Christ, in this work of love. They have commenced to the extent and ability every where I may go in this work.
May the Lord bless them abundantly for the Master’s sake.
Bro. G. U. has a well conducted school, with 135 pupils, at Eminence College.
Your Bro.,
J. E. BROWN.
All necessary arrangements will be made to secure the faithful distribution of the contributions of the brethren to the destitute and needy. We make no announcement this week, because Bro. McCarty and Bro. Fall, who were requested to act with us in this matter, are absent from town. Bro. Fall is on a trip to view locations for a college, Bro. McCarty is detained from home with a sick wife.
We will take arrangements and announcements in our next number. In the meantime, we ask our brethren to forward supplies to McCarty Bros. & Co., Nashville, Tennessee. We also ask our brethren and friends south, to follow up with information as to destitute sections, and the names and post office. Addresses of reliable brethren and friends with whom we may correspond, and through whom we may gain needed information.
We especially ask the attention of our brethren to this matter.
DAVID LIPSCOMB.
REPORT FROM SOUTHERN KENTUCKY
Glasgow, Oct. 1, 1896.
DEAR BRO. LIPSCOMB:
Though a stranger, I have been thinking for some time of dropping you a line. I see your paper occasionally in my travels, and am always pleased to peruse it when it falls in my way. I am almost ashamed to write without sending the subscription money, but I am so constantly on the wing that I have but little time to spend in the way of writing. The Bible is my only luxury since I commenced traveling.
However, I wish to renew my acquaintance with our brethren South. Many of them were very dear to me in years past, and I long to know what has become of them. I want them to know that.
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701
I still live and love them, that I am still struggling along and trying to do something in the Lord’s vineyard. During the last year I have spoken 262 discourses, and added 586 to the churches, counting from 1st September, 1865. I hope to spend some time along the line of Tennessee as soon as I am able to set out again. I find there a great deal, the people are exceedingly anxious to hear preaching. I am taking as much reading as my circumstances will justify. Should we live, I hope to become better acquainted with you next year.
May the Lord bless you, and strengthen your hands for the good work in which you are engaged, is the prayer of your devoted brother.
W. T. CRESHAW
A NEW BOOK
A few days ago I was reading a new book, entitled, “The Western Preacher,” published at Bedford, Ind., 1865, Author, Elder James M. Mathes, and on page 571 near the close of a funeral sermon delivered by Elijah Goodwin, I find the following language:
“She was a true patriot, and took deep interest in the struggle now going on between the government and this wicked rebellion. She had one son, one son-in-law, and some eight grandsons in the union army, and other relatives in whose patriotism she gloried.”
Now let no one understand me as saying aught derogatory to the Christian character of the sister. But the thing that strikes me with most astonishment is, that this glorying in the patriotism of her relatives should be classed among her Christian graces. This must be the work of the preacher, and his mind the author of the thought; for I imagine that if some kind friend had approached that sister, as she lay upon her bed of death, and said to her, “Sister, do you not glory in the prospects of the success of our government and the patriotism of your relatives who are now so furiously engaged in shedding their brother’s blood?” that she would have turned away her languid eyes, and said, in sadness, “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cause of Christ.”
So far as my reading goes, I have not as yet found patriotism classed among the Christian graces, or the fruits of the spirit. No, not even so much as found the word in the Bible. How then can a Christian glory in something that is altogether foreign from the spirit and teaching of the Word of God? What means this language that I have so often heard preachers use in their petitions to the Heavenly Father; for “the earth to be filled with the knowledge of the Lord as the waters cover the sea”? For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem. And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people; and they shall beat their swords into ploughshares and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a…
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
702
Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end. And again, “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain; for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” Now is this a state of things and a period to be desired, and to be prayed for, by the people of God? And if so, when may they expect their prayers to be answered? Is it when they shall have a new revelation from God? Is it when they shall have another, who is indeed, and in truth, “The Prince of Peace” to be considered for them? What will the mind of the world think of the preacher, who has the hardihood to repeat these Scriptures in his prayers or preaching, who only a few hours before was seen in the political-religious meeting passing “patriotic resolutions”—pathetically him in the light of angels and men, to give his “material and spiritual aid to the brave and noble soldiers” to help them go forth to their deadly strife with his fellow-men—leaving desolation, ruin, blood and carnage in their wake? Will he not look upon it as mere mockery or hypocrisy?
I very much fear that that person who “glories in bitter envy and strife,” is indulging in a “vain glory,” in which the apostle says “glory not.” (Phil. ii: 3. Jas. iii: 14-16.)
How can a Christian glory in the bitterness, envy and strife of the last few years? Surely, if the Blessed Saviour had been a patriot, he would have asked his Father for twelve legions of angels that he might save himself from the crucifixion and indignities of the Sanhedrim and the agonies of the cross on Calvary. Surely, there was nothing in his humility and want of patriotism in which an Indian Christian could glory.
Was there not a great want of patriotism in that man Abraham, when he said to Lot, “I pray thee let there be no strife between me and thee and between thy herdsmen and my herdsmen, for we are brethren?” Why did he not, in order that the people of this generation might “glory in his patriotism,” attach Lot and force him to comply with his terms and submit to his dictation? Then might he have brought all of his munitions of war into requisition—then might his relatives and servants (pardon the expression) have displayed their patriotism—stained the grass over which they were contending, with human blood, and given to succeeding generations something in which to glory.
But with all our glorying, is it not a sad, an awful truth that stares us in the face at every step, that sin in all its various and horrid forms was never so rife in our land and country as at present? And when—Oh, when shall it be otherwise, when men who claim to be followers of Him, at whose advent into the world the angels chanted their glad wings and shouted “glory to God in the highest, on earth peace and good will to men?”
THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
703
w:tT•ls Jn<‘ll, .. bcc:1mc Cll·lll’)lt :td\’Oc:tt cs of wat·, Yiolcucc at\11 blooLl.
L.Jor•:r, .1/iJ.
S. ‘1’. Mf~G.
P. !-.
I have written the :thovc, ill Jl!lrt. tlmt tho;;c who buy the
“~t·<~~rn l’rc:tt’her·· m:ty know Lh:tt thc!y :trc !,:’cttin:; :t book that will tt·!l the Ill :1 :;o<»l •le’il :11Jou ~ the “war p:ltrioti:<: :.:ol• li<.lr:-1.”
But £ woul.l pre!~;· a war htlok otL :111rl out.
S. T. l\I.
REPORT FROM OLD VIRGINIA
L.Jnt’IS.<\ c. H., V:t., :-icpt. 1 ilth, 1866.
Brothers Fanners and Laymen—The old Gospel is still publishing
~lcorit.Ht:l’r.s. Th,• :lllflicu•:•·~ :rr<~ l:lr~cr t h:tu c\’l’l’. The coU!!l'<‘~:llions li:’tl·n wHh tisl f’rh·nol< h:tl”<• t:ll;t!ll lour pusitiun ur·ai’l’, aa~1 JH’:tl’li!c n:t’Y mn>’lt li!w “the ‘Cd !l’l’\’.1′ wh.:t\• “pol<t~n
:~.~:1in~t.
Some Jl:trti<:!” h;tn! tl~·:hl’l’·•l OJJCiel.l·, Lltnt l.ln·y would 1\CV(·r hn\’~ join. I thr. lbpli,.t Chnrdt nn:let• t It·.• (J\<1 syswm. Tht·le:t\’t•u of t.rutll i:. :It ll’llrk anv•n~· them. an< II’. “”)ll!lt:~·l’nl t’t•i\ll’Jllnti!’ t:tkcn Wlll!ll u~;~;,,
.
.,””‘”‘ :tpplie·: lOI’ ad tni,,_j :>ll jn!o that hotly-it was
tmaniowu-‘ly tlccHc·tl that :he :1pplieants sllu•tld t\lll :111 cxpt~t·ietH!C :ttHl he
l”tpri:.:··d-l.lt>•l h:tYe ml:!l’I’.Y np11u lint :l’>~••d:aiou, :ll~>l pity th•: P·'”iJle uu-
tl(.::i.’ t.h<‘ illlhen<·t· or ;’.
Aml)a~~.t·lt>r; uf CIHi;<:.! c::!l·~·! ami seuL of’ U•>.l!! “() m)’ pcoplt!! Llu!r who tc::th yon causl.! you tr) r·l’r.”
llro. s:u:lhn
me, Bt•v. C:l}lcm:m t\lltl my
sci t’!wltl :: mcctlug at }:\Mt’ll l.otl-
j,.;:l, rc~nlting in eight :nlllilion,:.
Bro. U·>!’, Ilt’ll. Ci1rl;cl’ au,! my~cH; h l’hl :t meeting ;~;; 1\lact:donin,
lli’ange, l’~.sttiting- in Ji(l:ecll a.ll,.
At .Zion, HatttH’Cl’, t\’l)Jlt}’ 1\’ctl.! a•ltclllo th,;: dHII’Ch.
Atl~r!rc;t, Sp<)t~ylvaubJ, two n•lllition;. . .!t Uilbo:t, Lr>Hisa, hn·tht’t’ll Gos:;; aut! P:u·t·i.·dt eontl11c:tcd a mc-ctiu~
of
f•lnt’ tl:ly:<, rcsalt:iug iu the cnn,·ict.iolt or ti.J h·Ly·scn•n to l.IHJ J
.. or•l.
At AntiHclt, Bowlin~
Grccu, tho s:\Tuc ln'<.:thrct\ ha•l some twenty .o.lltli-
tion!i.
Bt·v. Dnll:n·l, f1’0m s. W. v
:t., l’Cporl:;; cncn•n·:l!;iu::t news.
:\l:t,l’ t.u e
work of till’ Lord proper in our ll:nv.ls.
Olll’ iutll:’lhtigabh: I•;vau~eli~<t.,
Ht•o. G. W. Abell, l’l’Jlt)rts sixLJ-Jhm· acces::;i.m< t.•) Ute c:tllSl• inS. 10:. Y:1.
W c al’C not dl’;ltl in Y:~. J3y the !Jlc!ssin;; of Goc.J. we nill pu~h rm luis
704: THE GOSPEL ADVOCATE
good work with all of our energies; and with our latest breath proclaim
the system of redeeming mercy, as taught by Christ Jesus and His in-
spired Apostles. Let preachers and churches do their duty, and God
will bless us abundantly.
In Christian love, your brother,
L. A. CUTLER
REPORTS OF MEETINGS
Bro. Trimble and Sidener held a meeting at Cedar Creek, 2nd and 3rd
Lord’s days in September, with four additions. Bro. Sidener and Hens
derson at Smyrna, in Marshall Co., with four additions. The 4th Lord’s
day in Sept. Bro. Carnes reports eight additions, with a decided growing
interest still in existence. At Manchester, Tenn., Elder Hugh Croft and
Bro. B. F. Woods, a young beginner in the work of proclaiming, com-
menced a meeting at Laconia, Cannon Co., Tenn., continued nine days;
the result was fifty-two additions to the church, forty-one by con-
fession. Bro. J. F. Brown and F. J. Davis held a meeting recently, with the
church at Boston, Williamson Co., Tenn., with thirteen additions. Bro.
A. J. Baker, of Henry Co., Tenn., reports the cause prospering, taking
into account the amount of preaching. He reports three meetings recent-
ly, with twenty additions. Bro. Senter, a worthy brother, and well en-
dowed to do much good, preaches for them. Bro. W. G. Kayl;:eund
reports a meeting of six days continued, on Morrison’s Creek, Jackson
Co., Tenn., and immediate result was forty-eight added to the con-
gregation, increasing its number to about two hundred. Brethren Owen,
Williams, and T. E. Kuykendall were his fellow-laborers in the public
teaching. Bro. T. J. Shaw reports a meeting held by him and our
younger Bro. Grayville Lipscomb, at Lynchburg, Tenn., 1st October, with
seven additions.
REPORT FROM GEORGIA
Johnsboro, Ga., Oct. 2, 1866.
Brethren Fanning and Lipscomb:
I have just returned from a trip in which I preached nine days and nights at Shady Grove and Harmony Churches, both in Clay county. I had pretty good meetings, in the midst of violent opposition. Some speaking lawlessly and falsely of me and my people, calling us by hard names. Some hiring their children not to join the Church of God. Some persuading others not to join, even when they were weeping and saying, that if they were not permitted to join the Church of God, they would never join any. Some people, the children of parents opposing, would laugh and make sport in the meeting house in time of worship.
I can scarcely think there has been some wrong doings of their own preachers and people, or these things would not exist or occur in this day of grace. Can it be possible that prejudices will make people lose all self-respect and politeness?
We rejoice to say, we had eight additions of the best people, added to the two churches. The brethren think that if they could have regular preaching, that the cause would prosper, and I think so too, provided they had the right kind of preacher and preaching.
Yours, affectionately,
NATHAN W. SMITH.