James
O'Kelly - The Royal Standard
O'Kelly Chapel A new view is that the "gospel" includes only
seven facts about Jesus Christ while the rest of the Bible is the
interpretation and application of uninspired and waring
apostles. Both of these views are presented in the same
environment which led to the Americal Restoration Movement. That is,
ungodly men engaged in making Christianity into a means of financial
gain. We have examined these views presented by Dr. Rubel Shelly
here. We have further expanded on his claim that
listening to God's direct commands for how He would be served as
having no Biblical foundation here. People like James O'Kelly have, since
Pentecost, understood that Reformation of Restoration is required
almost totally because of the evil men automatically collected by a
professional priesthood. His particular battle was between the
Episcopal church which had brought along all of Rome's errors and the
Methodist church founded by moral and religious men. O'Kelly, before Thomas Campbell, in his
Declaration and Address had defined some requirements for groups to work
together. And long before either, John Locke had done the same in the
Reasonableness of Christianity. We will add material from W. E. MacClenny's
book as time allows: APPENDIX A THE "ROYAL STANDARD." beginning
page 232: In order that the reader may get a clear and
concise idea of Mr. Kelly's manner and style of writing we have
appended a copy of the latter part of one of his works. To this we
have let him affix his own titles. Most of his books are said to have
been written not in his library, but while riding in his gig. The
excerpt will suffice to show, we think, that he was well acquainted
with the Bible and its teachings. But let the reader peruse these lines, and form
his own opinion of their worth: A SKETCH ON SCRIPTURE GOVERNMENT, OR THE ROYAL
STANDARD. 1. I could call forth a cloud of witnesses from
the Old and New Testaments to prove the authority, and sufficiency of
the Scripture Hierarchy, but a few will be sufficient. 2. Thus saith the Lord by the pen of Moses, in
the 18th of Deuteronomy: "The Lord shall raise up a prophet (Christ),
him shall ye hear in all things." 3. The word of the Lord came unto the prophet
Isaiah: "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak
not according to this word, it is because there is not light in them.
Chap. 8:20. 4. The law and testimony must include
the doctrines and government of Christ's
Church. 5. I will now call for the testimony of Daniel,
9:9, [233]
-10: "Neither have we obeyed the voice of the Lord, to walk in his
laws, set before us by the prophets." 6. Isaiah 2:3. " For out of Zion shall go forth
the law, and the word of the Lord From Jerusalem." Compare 8:16.
"Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples." See
11:12. 7. Jerusalem was the place
where the pure Gospel Church was established; from whence the
doctrine and discipline went out into all the world. 8. Matthew 28:90. "Teaching them to observe all
things whatsoever I have
commanded." "Take my yoke upon you, and
learn of me." 2 Thes. 3:6. "Now we command you brethren, in the name
of our Lord," etc. 9. Chapter 3:14. "If any man obey not our word by this
epistle, note that man, and have no company with him." 10. The foundation of the true Church is found
in Eph. 2:20. The apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ the corner
stone. Compare Isaiah 9:7. [Note: the apostles laid
the foundation but Jesus Christ was the
corner stone] 11. That Christ is the
only head of the Church, can be plainly proved by Scripture and reason, Isaiah
9:6: "The government shall be upon his shoulder." 12. Ephesians 4:15. Grow up into him in all
things which is the head, etc.; and Col. 1:18. And he is the head of
the body, the Church. Compare Ephesians 5: Christ the head of the
Church as the husband is the head of the wife. 13. Shall the Church have two heads, or the
woman two husbands? Who will not fear to set himself head with the
Lord? [234] 14. That Jesus is the only law-giver, is evident
from what hath been said, and what I will add. James, the apostle,
saith: "Be ye doers of the word. Fulfill the royal law." Look into
the perfect law of liberty. "We have one law-giver." 15. Let Paul speak: "Do we make void the law
through faith? No, we establish the law." "We are under the law of
Christ." What more do we wish? 16. As Christ is the only head of the true
Church, then are his ministers on a perfect equality. Superiority is
expressly forbidden. Matt. 20:25, 28; 23-8, 10. "Be not called
Rabbi." 17. To act as lords, is to sit as legislators
over God's house, and that by self
election; and then to execute those
laws on the lay members. [O'Kelly wrote from a period when clergy literally
physically punished] 18. Whereas it is written, l Peter 5:2, etc.:
"Feed the
flock of God, overlook the business, not by constraint, neither as
lords over God's heritage." 19. At the conference at Jerusalem, there were
no ministers by the title of bishop. The fifteenth of Acts shows that
the apostles and elders were the only ministers there. Compare Acts
20:28, etc. 20. "Let the elders that rule well be counted
worthy of double honor," i. e., support. If the elder must have
double honor, what shall the bishop have? The apostles neglected
him. 21. Paul did never exercise the authority that
Francis doth. He did not lord it over their faith, nor send a
minister but by his free consent. This is plain. I Cor. 16:12.
[235] THE TRAVELING AND SETTLED MINISTERS WERE ALL
WORKERS TOGETHER IN THE CHURCH, AND CHURCHES ON A PERFECT
EQUALITY. 1. The Church at Jerusalem was rightly founded,
and in Acts 15, we find several ministers in that Church, compare
11:22, Heb. 13:7. Barnabas having long labored in the Church at
Antioch, "he departed to Tarsus," etc. 2. Acts 12:25, we find Barnabas and Saul
returning from Jerusalem after fulfilling their ministry
there. 3. Acts 13:1,2,3. Several ministers in the
Church of Antioch, to wit: Simon, Barnabas, Lucius, Manaen, etc.
Verse 15. Paul and Barnabas are sent to other places, etc.
4. Acts 14:21, etc. Paul and Barnabas return
back by Lystra, confirming the churches. After this (Acts 15:35) Paul
and Barnabas labor in Antioch, "with many others." 5. Acts 15:36. Paul and Barnabas are found
visiting all the churches, to see how they stood. Acts 16:4. They
deliver the divine decrees (which were given by the Holy Ghost) to
every church, for them to observe. 6. Besides those traveling ministers, they
"ordained elders in every city." And as it is written in the Holy
Bible, in the year 1610, "they ordained elders by the election of the
churches." Why did the later translators leave those words
out? 7. Acts 16:14. Paul and Silas with Timothy are
found in the church at Berea. Paul is removed, but the other two
remain. 18:1. Paul is found in Corinth. [236] 8. Acts 18:5, etc. Silas and Timothy coming to
Paul from Macedonia. Ver. 19. Paul moves to the church at Ephesus,
then in another church. Paul labors eighteen months. 9. Acts 18:27. An account that Aquila and
Priscilla gave a letter of recommendation to a certain minister who
was disposed to travel, and his name was Apollos. 10. And from their letter of recommendation, he
was received by the churches of Achaia. 11. Acts 19:22. Timothy and Erastus are found
going to the church of Macedonia, etc. Chap. 20:4, we find Paul and
seven more traveling ministers together. Chap. 20:27, etc., the
elders of the church in Ephesus receive the counsel of God from
Paul. 12. Chap. 21:18, Paul is found at Jerusalem at
the house of James, and all the elders present; the number I can not
ascertain. 13. See I Cor. 3:8, etc. "He that planteth, and
he that watereth are one; I planted, Apollos watered; but God gave
the increase." 14. Chap. 3:22. Let no man glory in men;
whether Paul or Apollos- -all are yours. Chap. 4: 17. Timothy is sent
to remind them of Paul's ways as he taught in every church.
15. Chap. 12 treats on the unity of the body,
and the mutual care one should have for another, but if one member
suffer, all should suffer with it. 16. Chap. 16:10. "If Timothy come, see that he
may be with you without fear; for he worketh the work of God, as I
also do." [237] 17. Verse 12. "As touching our brother Apollos,
I greatly desired him to come unto you." * * * "But his will was not
at all to come at this time." There was no bishop to compel
him. 18. II Cor. 6:1. "We, then, as workers together
with him, beseech you." Chap. 7:6, 7. Titus from the church at
Corinth, comforteth the preachers in Macedonia. And again: "If any do
inquire of Titus, he is my partner 19. And fellow helper concerning you." "They
are the messengers of the churches and the glory of Christ." Lord,
who would try to block up the way of a holy traveling
minister? 20. In Paul's letter to Ephesus, we read in the
beginning that the body is one, and Christ is her head. Chap. 4. One
body, one spirit, one faith, one hope, one Lord, etc. Chap 5. "Christ
is head and saviour of the body." THE SAME SUBJECT CONTINUED. 1. In Chap. 6, we read of a traveling minister,
namely, Tychicus, sent to the church at Corinth. Phil. 2:19. "I trust
in the Lord Jesus, to send Timothy shortly." See Ver. 25. 2. In Paul's letter to the church at Colosse,
Chap. 1:18, we read that Christ is head of the church. "I supposed it
necessary to send unto you Epaphroditus." 3. Tychicus is sent to Colosse. Read the fourth
chapter, and you will find two traveling ministers sent by the
apostle of the church there: also an account of five ministers with
Paul. [238] 4. Paul to the church of the Thessalonians
wrote and sent "Timothy our brother, and minister of God, and our
fellow-laborer in the Gospel of Christ." Eph. 3:2, and 5: "I sent to
know your faith." 5. Paul wrote this to Timothy: "Demas hath
forsaken me; Crescens is gone to Galatia; Titus is gone to Dalmatia;
only Luke is with me." 6. II Tim. 4:9, etc., ver. 12, 20. "Tychicus
have I sent to Ephesus, etc. Erastus abode at Corinth; but Trophimus
have I left at Miletum sick." 7. Paul to Titus: "I left thee in Crete, that
thou shouldest set things in order that are wanting, and ordain
elders in every city, as I had appointed." 8. Titus 3:12. "When I shall send Artemas unto
thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me." Ver. 13. "Bring
Zenas the lawyer, and Apollos on their journey." Phil. 2:29 and 30.
Col. 4:10; II Cor. 8: 18, etc. 9. If what I have collected from the sacred
writings will not suffice, to show the accuracy of traveling and
settled ministers being on a perfect equality, and workers together
in all the churches, in Scripture-times it would be of no use to draw
more vouchers. THE HIERARCHY OR DIVINE GOVERNMENT, OR
GOSPEL ORDER--THE ROYAL STANDARD OR ENSIGN FOR THE CHRISTIAN
CHURCH. 1. Let us now inquire for the author and
reformer of the "Christian Church," or the New Testament that came
down from God out of Heaven. 2. We find in Heb. 9:10, that the Lord Jesus is
[239] the reformer. "He taketh away the first, that he might
establish the second." Heb. 10:9. 3. He is the minister of the sanctuary, and of
the true tabernacle, which Jehovah pitched, and not man. 8:2. He is
the eternal Son, over his own house; and a high priest over the
Church forever. Heb. 4. He is our Lord and only Master, and all we
are brethren. "He that exalteth himself (above his brethren) shall be
abased." See the Pope now. "Be not called Rabbi; and call no man your
father." Matt. 23:8, 9, 10 and 11. 5. Jesus, Jehovah, is the only head of the
"Christian Church." This will plainly appear from the following
texts: I Cor. 9-3; Eph. 1:22; 4-15; Col. 1: 18, 24; 11:19. Two heads
to one body would be a monster! 6. In the divine
book of discipline, we find that females are under certain
restrictions with regard to speaking in the church. And 7. The interpretation of this will fully and
clearly show Christ the only head of the body--or church. 8. In I Cor. 11:5, etc., we find that women
were allowed to pray, and prophesy, with covered heads. "Male and
female are all one in Christ." Luke 1:41, etc. Elizabeth and Mary
shouted and praised God aloud. Compare Luke 11:27. [1 Cor 11:5 was "outside of the
assembly, see 11:17] 9. I Cor. 14:34, etc. "Let your women keep
silence in the churches; for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they
are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law."
[240] 10. By reading the foregoing part of the
chapter? and then comparing the conclusive verse, where the apostle
directed decent order; we shall find, that those were foolish,
contentious women, who desired the pre-eminence. I. Tim. 2:12.
11. The interpretation appears to be this, "The
head of the woman is the man": Therefore, when the woman taketh upon
herself man's authority, either in her own house, or in the house of
God, 12. She sitteth where she ought not; she
disgraceth her husband, interrupteth her ministers, and bringeth
shame to herself; because she hath taken authority over her head; and
she shall be called a bold usurper. 13. But a helper she is, and for that purpose
was she created. And the man is commanded to love, honor, and highly
respect her. "A virtuous woman is far above rubies." "A woman that
feareth the Lord, she shall be praised." 14. Jesus the Lord, is head of every man, (and
woman), in the church. See I Cor. 11:3. "The head of every man is
Christ; the head of the woman is the man; the head of Christ is God,"
that is, his own eternal Godhead. 15. Woman ought to appear in the holy assembly
with head covered, either naturally or artificially, by keeping on,
what the man taketh off. Let her cover her face when she speaketh or
prayeth in the church. 16. But for a man to wear his hat in worship,
or to wear long hair at any time, is a shame, and not the custom of
Scripture times. I. Cor. 11:14, etc. [241] THE SURE FOUNDATION OF THE CHRISTIAN
CHURCH. 1. The house of God is situate on a spiritual
eminence, known by the name of "Mount Zion." The true Church is built
on the eternal rock, on which are seven pillars, according to
infinite wisdom and order; with mighty corner stones. 2. This foundation God laid by his prophets and
apostles. See Eph. 2:20, etc. The true government was ever divine.
The hierarchy by which the old Jerusalem church was governed, was a
true Theocracy. Compare Daniel 9:9, 10. 3. The Lord appointed men in those days, who
were inspired prophets, called judges; something resembling apostles.
They traveled in their circuits, and they taught and explained the
discipline. 4. The people at length were corrupted by the
example of infidels, and in order to be like them, they earnestly
desired a king; as a human and visible head to go before them. Samuel
mourned; but God said, "They have rejected me." I Sam. 8:7.
5. And it came to pass after those days, that
Rehoboam, by his oppressive measures, caused a separation. One party
was called Judah, and the other [party] was called Ephraim. See Hosea
on this. 6. While Ephraim was humble, God loved him. The
Lord proposed to reform the church of Ephraim, and put them back on
the divine order; saying, (Hosea 13:9, 10, 11) "I will be thy king,"
i. e. thy head. 7. They refused, "Ephraim envied Judah, and
Judah vexed Ephraim." Ephraim turned to idolatry. [242] Judah was
arrogant and ambitious, through bigotry and raging prejudice, whereby
many sinned against light and knowledge, even unto death. And,
crucified their great Reformer. 8. John the Baptist next appeared; he was not
one of the Gospel ministers, but a great prophet, and forerunner of
Christ, and His kingdom. 9. He stood as a link of chain between the Old
and New Jerusalem. As Christ Jesus was appointed to be our High
Priest, it behooved Him to fulfill every divine order. 10. Therefore, at thirty years of age
(according to the flesh) he was baptized, and received the holy
anointing, in the form of a dove: and thus he fulfilled that
righteousness. Matt. 3:14, 15. See the Levitical laws. 11. The first Christian Church was planted in
the old literal Jerusalem. From that church went forth the doctrine
and discipline of our Lord, into all the world. 12. "The government shall be on his shoulder."
Isaiah 9:6. "Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples,"
Isaiah 8:16. Compare Isaiah 2:3. "Out of Zion shall go forth the law,
and the Word of the Lord from Jerusalem." 13. Truth is as a nail in a sure place. "Teach
them all things whatsoever I have commanded you." "Not teaching for
[practical] doctrine, the commandments of men." 14. This is the faith once delivered to the
saints for which I contend. Holy doctrine begets holy faith
[243] and that produceth a holy life. To know God in
Christ, and to serve him with a perfect heart, and willing mind--is
pure religion. THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH IS ONE, ETC.
1. My undefiled is one, the only one of her
[heavenly] mother. Song of Solomon 6:9. The different scattered
churches belong to the same Head and organized body. Those churches
are elect sisters. See John's second letter and last verse.
2. The uniting plan is found in the epistle to
Ephesians 4:4, etc. One body, one spirit, one calling, one hope, one
Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father, one way to
heaven. 3. Who is on the Lord's side? Now let names and
parties fall, "The Christian
Church" be one and all. There is but
one door into this body, I Cor. 12:13. And there is but one way out;
that is sin. Isaiah 59:2. 4. The church is the Lord's court. Psalms 65:4.
At this court ministers (who are only leading characters, and gifted
members) are to be tried for disorder. 5. Was it ever heard, was it ever read between
the lids of the New Testament where particular laws were laid down
for the bishop, the elders, etc.? 6. The title minister, or ministri, signifying
servants; to attend and wait, not as masters to be ministered unto,
but servants for Jesus's sake: and therefore to minister. 7. See Jesus of glory, in the days of his
humility, washing the disciples' feet! Bow, ye haughty prelates, and
fall before the Lord thy God. [244] 8. "My kingdom is not of this [political]
world." John 18:36. William, whose surname is McKendree, was quite
out of the secret, when he spake at Lane's Chapel (1797) after this
manner: 9. That O'Kelly had led him astray for a long
time; but by reading "church policy" he found himself in error; and
was now ready to defend the Methodist Episcopal Government.
10. Let no man who believes the Scriptures, and
will observe (Rev. 22:18, 19) ever venture to deny the sufficiency of
the Scriptures in governing the "Christian Church." See the
rules. 11. Art thou a Christian, and civil citizen?
See Romans 12:1, 2, etc. "Let every soul be in subjection," etc. Art
thou a neighbor? "Love thy neighbor (in justice, equity, truth, mercy
and kindness) as thyself;" "Do by all as you would be done
by." 12. In giving, lending, borrowing, etc., let
this be thy rule in all things; treat others as you would reasonably
desire them to treat you. 13. Art thou honestly seeking the necessities
of life? "Provide for thy household." Yet, "Beware of covetousness."
Luke 12:15. Seek not to be rich. "If riches increase, set not your
heart upon them." 14. "Be rich in good works: ready to
distribute." "Having food and raiment, be content." 15. Husbands love your wives and be not bitter
against them." Let the wife see that she obey, and reverence her
husband. Parents, provoke not your children; but bring them up in
Godly discipline. Paul. 16. "Children, obey your parents." "Servants
[245] obey your masters. Masters, give unto your
servants that which is just and equal, (Col. 4:1,) knowing that you
have a Master in heaven." "Forbear threatening." 17. Art thou a Christian slave? Learn patience,
be as content as possible; use no provoking nor hostile measures for
thy deliverance; but if Providence opens a legal way, embrace
it. 18. The feelings of God are thus addressed by
the apostle, Heb. 13:3. "Remember them that are in bonds, as bound
with them; being yourselves also in the body." "Let the oppressed go
free." Isaiah. RULES AND REGULATIONS DIVINE.
1. As members of one body, Christ is the center
of union, as also the head, from whom all receive nourishment. Love
to Him is the term of communion: "If any man love not Jehovah, Jesus
Christ, let him be expelled," I Cor. last chapter, 22 verse.
2. Marks of love to Jesus Christ must be judged
by our willing obedience to his commands. "If ye love me keep my
commandments." 3. If any man that is called a brother, be a
fornicator, or covetous or a railer, or a drunkard, or an
extortioner; with such an one do not eat. I Cor. 5:11. 4. If any man obey not our word by this
epistle, note that man, and have no company with him. II Thess. 3:14.
If a man sin [publicly] rebuke him before all. Paul. 5. If a brother walk disorderly in thy sight,
or trespass against thee, follow the divine rule laid down in
[246] Matt. 18:15, etc. But, if thy brother repent,
"thou shalt forgive him." Luke 17:3, 4; II Cor. 2:6, etc. 6. If disputes arise among the brethren
respecting temporal matters, and they can not settle it themselves to
their satisfaction, they have a plain rule. I Cor. 6:1. You need be
at no loss for divine rules of discipline. 7. See the equality in the "Christian Church." Let the
brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted, but the rich in
that he is made low. James 1:9, 10. 8. With regard to clothing; I read that gold
rings, gaudy raiment, things very rich, and costly, things naughty
and superfluous, with a fashionable conformity to a vain world, are
expressly forbidden. Moderation is right. 9. A little wine is lawful, and necessary in
several cases. Paul. Strong drink in cases of necessity, said
Solomon. But the general rule is, "Whether you eat, or drink, etc.,
do all to the glory of God." 10. Again, "Whatsoever things are true, honest,
just, pure, lovely, good; think on these things." Phil. 4:8.
11. Marriage is honorable. Heb. 13:4, but
Christians ought to marry in the Lord, and not be unequally yoked
with unbelievers. 12. God's house is the house of prayer for all
nations, saith the prophet. Yet the Church has rules to know
ministers by. See Matt. 7:16; II John; Isaiah 8:20. 13. With regard to the equality and unity of
ministers, traveling and settled, as workers in all churches,
[247] in
the days of truth--I am able to draw forth a cloud of witnesses; but
seeing they are to be found in Acts, and the epistles of the
apostles, why should I write them? "Search the Scriptures."
14. The churches are directed to esteem and
support their ministers (who need) and especially those who labor (as
an ox) and rule well, giving their whole time to the business.
15. The way of partial chosen pastors, one for
Paul, and one for Apollos, is the way to exalt some ministers and
debase others. It appears so unequal, that I can not think it is
divine. All are yours--whether Paul or Apollos, etc. 16. To conclude, let us who fear the Lord,
forsake not our select meetings; whilst the following texts remain in
the Bible: Malachi 3:16, James 5:16. Hebrews 10:25. "Be ready to give
an answer of the reason of your hope." I Peter 3:15. Exhort one
another, edify one another. Come ye that fear God, and I will tell
what he hath done for my soul. David. See I Cor. 14. Occasionally an
unbeliever might be let into these meetings, and be convinced of all,
and report that God is there. 18. "Know the state of thy flock." Solomon.
That leading men were in the church, besides ministers, read Acts
15:22. That the church is the free woman, read Gal. 5:1; I Cor. 5;
Matt. 18, Acts 15. "Stand fast in the liberty wherein Christ hath
made thee free." Amen. James O'Kelly's "Plan of Christian Union"
[248] In Volume I, pages 39 and 44 of the Herald of
Gospel Liberty we have an extract from the writings of Rev. James
O'Kelly under the title of "A Plan of Union proposed," which we give
in full as it shows his sentiments at the time: Should I, who talk of union, attempt to set the
example, or lay down a plan, where should I begin? 2. I am acquainted with those of the
Baptist
order, that my soul has fellowship with; but the door into
that Church is water-- and I can not enter because of
unbelief. 3. I am acquainted with some of the
Presbyterian order, whom I love in the Lord. But before I can be a
minister in that society, I must accede to, or acknowledge a
book called "The Confession of Faith." 4. This I can not do, until I can believe that
God eternally decreed some angels and men to eternal life, and the rest to
eternal death--and this is unalterably fixed. 5. Should I propose to unite with my old
family, the Methodists, to whom my attachment is greater than to any people in
the world; notwithstanding their treatment to me: 6. I could not be received, unless I could
subject myself to a human head, and subscribe to an oppressive, and
unscriptural form of government. 7. I would propose to promote Christian union
by [249] the following method, viz: Let the Presbyterians lay aside the
book called "The Confession of Faith." 8. Which faith, is proposed to ministers before
they are received; and instead thereof, present the Holy Bible to the minister
who offers himself as a fellow laborer. 9. Let him be asked if he believes that all
things requisite and necessary for the church to believe and obey,
are already recorded by inspired
men. 10. Let the Baptists open a more
charitable door, and receive to their communion
those of a Christian life and experience; and they themselves eat
bread with their Father's children. 11. Let my offended brethren, the
Methodists, lay aside their book of discipline, and
abide by the government laid down by the apostles--seeing those rules
of faith
and practice were given from above. 12. And answer for doctrine, reproof,
correction, instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be
perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. II Tim. 3:10,
17. 13. What more does the Church need, than is
above inserted. Let their Episcopal dignity submit to Christ,
who is the head and only head of
his Church; and then we as brethren will walk together, and follow
God as dear children. 14. O, how this would convince the world that
we were true men, and not speculators--This would give satan an
incurable wound; and make deism ashamed. 15. Again as each Church is called by a
different name, suppose we dissolve those unscriptural names [250]
and for peace's sake call ourselves Christians? This would
be--"The Christian
Church." 16. At present, I can see no better method than
what I here propose; but if any one can display a more scriptural
method to promote union, for the Lord's sake let him show it.
17. All may see what I am at, I wish the divine
Saviour to be the only head and governor of the Church, her law and
center of union. 18. I wish all the faithful followers of our
Lord to love one another with a pure heart fervently. Let them break
down the middle wall of partition; and all break bread
together. 19. Blessed will the eyes be that shall see
that day. The shouts of the Christian
Church will then be as terrible to the
strong holds of satan, as the sound of the rams' horns was to
Jericho. 20. Such a sacred plan as this, in my view
would exclude boasting, God and his Christ would be exalted.
21. The followers of Christ were
at the first called disciples; but at length they were called
Christians. This was the new name which was spoken of by Isaiah,
62:2. 22. Those Christians compose the
Christian Church, or the body of
Christ. Brethren, if we are Christ's
then are we Christians, from his authority, his name, and his divine
nature. 23. This, if we would comply with, would cause
the "residue of men to seek after the Lord; and all the gentiles upon
whom my name is called, saith the Lord." Acts, 15 :17. [251]
24. The glorious temple erected by Solomon was
walled,
evacuated
and utterly destroyed by the enemy: yea the very foundation rooted
up. But the foundation of the Christian Church standeth sure, the
gates of hell can not prevail. 25. Therefore, all that we have to do,
brethren, is to quit our
babel, and as the soul of one man,
strive in union to build the "Christian Church," with the golden
doctrine of love and holiness, and the silver discipline of Christ's
laws. 26. If a brother can not say shibboleth as
plain as you, yet let him pass and smite him not.
In matters not at all essential, we may bear and forbear, until God
gives more light. Come, Christian, what sayest thou? 27. Let us not consider,
every notion of the brain as the established article of our faith, or
creed. Let not our reason be so imposed
upon as to suffer our party zeal any longer to break the bands of
Christian friendship. 28. You may observe the regular soldiers who
are well instructed in the inhuman business of war, although they
have their favorites, and mess together, but when the alarm of war is
given, and they behold the enemy approaching, they all unite under
the same discipline, with life in hand: 29. They join in compact union, with one
consent, in one common cause--against the foe; they are then led on
by their leaders as the captains of their salvation, and die by each
other or gain the day. [252] 30. But it is not so with us. We too, are
soldiers against infernal spirits, and the
power of wickedness, our weapons spiritual:
31. And we turn our swords against one another,
and each party appears to be engaged in a separate cause, as if each
name had a separate God. While all confess there is but one God, and
one way to heaven. 32. I have observed that when a minister of
righteousness delivers the doctrine of holiness and love,
in doing this he must point out the
errors existing among professors, there is some name generally offended. 33. After a person takes offense from something
delivered from the pulpit, the remaining part of the sermon, however
spiritual, is left to that offended brother. 34. But were we all of one name, errors could
be exploded from the pulpit and the press, while the
divine reproofs and corrections would give conviction, without offense.
We could enjoy much more satisfaction of society in this world, and
be better capacitated for the society above. 35. When souls are awakened by the
voice of
the Son of God through preaching, they then incline to forsake the
foolish, and associate with people of good conversation. 36. They stand in the way, and ask for the road
to life; each party casts out a clew and assures the strangers that
their light is divine. The other name will warn the seekers against
the errors of that people; for they build with "wood and stubble."
[253] 37. The inquirers stand astonished at the
Christians, until they are tossed to and fro, like waves of the sea,
and some have turned back, and walked no more with us. 38. O, why do we wander in paths of
man's
invention, or cleave to the example of modern
churches; and why such violent attachment to names, seeing the royal
standard is at hand? 39. Only unanimously agree that the Holy Jesus
shall be the only head of his Church, and the only center of her union, and
the one law-giver. 40. We then as brethren, and pastors after
God's own hand, can preach Christ Jesus the Lord, and we will
serve--for Jesus' sake. 
