The Oneness of God's People by Stephen Nelson Haskell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Mar 27, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 13.

The Oneness of God's People.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

In the last recorded prayer of our Saviour for his disciples we find these words: "That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one. I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me." Here is described close relationship. The language is unmistakable. But the wine of Babylon has been so freely drunk by professed Christians that the truth of this scripture is either entirely ignored, or so perverted that it is supposed to teach only a sort of theoretical faith in Christ, and consequently all denominations, however different their belief in the teachings of the Scriptures, can unite in the fullest fellowship. This scripture does not teach that men will have the same judgment in reference to things of this life, but it does teach something more than a mere theory which will encircle the tens of thousands who simply profess faith in a Saviour. The apostle expressly declares, "There is one body, and one spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." There are not many different bodies, faiths, and baptisms, but one. He exhorts the church at Rome to be likeminded one toward another, that they might "with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ."

The same apostle in writing to the Corinthians uses language equally impressive. He says, "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment." It appears that this church had become partial to particular ministers, for Paul wrote unto them, "Now this I say, that every one of you saith I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ." To manifest this partiality was to prove either that Christ was divided, or that they were carnal; for he farther says, "Ye are yet carnal; for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?" The apostles worked in harmony, and when any variance in policy did occur it was immediately settled.

A remarkable feature of the work of God in the last days is that his people have a special message to proclaim to the world. Rev. 14:9-12. With those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, there is a oneness of faith, and a harmony in their plans of operation, notwithstanding they are a scattered people. They are found in every State and Territory of America, in every civilized nation of Europe, and in China, Japan, and the islands of the sea; and they are gathered from every people and nationality under heaven. Their regularly organized churches number only about seven hundred, while the numbers found in unorganized companies, and scattered where there is no company, far exceed those in the organized churches. Yet their confidence in the plans devised to spread the message found in the fourteenth chapter of Revelation leads to perfect harmony in their labors.

It is now about one year since a special move was made to establish missions in the principal cities of America, from the Atlantic to the Pacific; from Portland, Maine, to Portland, Oregon; and from New York City to San Francisco. This move has the moral and financial support of tens of thousands who believe in these truths. Many of these individuals would sell their last foot of land, and their only shelter to carry forward the work.

This oneness does not include every one who professes to keep the commandments of God; far from it. It is as true now as it was in the days of the apostles, that men will arise "speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them." And it is as necessary now as it was then. The apostle says, "For there must be also heresies among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you." In the end this does not hinder the work. The cause receives a new impetus, after the integrity of the faithful has been tried, and the ranks purified from the "chronic grumblers."

It is the Infinite One that is leading forward his people by his truth to a sure and certain victory; and that victory is but a little way in the future.

" 'Tis but a little while, And he shall come again, Who died that we might live, who lives That we may with him reign. Then, O my Lord, prepare My soul for that glad day; Oh, wash me in thy precious blood, And take my sins away." S. N. HASKELL.