"ONE LORD, ONE FAITH, ONE BAPTISM."
By H. A. St. John
THE other day, when passing a large Catholic Church building in San Francisco, I was attracted by the words of Holy Writ, "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism," written in large English letters across the front of the edifice. I could but think that another inspired declaration of the Bible ought to be written under it, and that is, "For there is One God, and One Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus." 1 Tim. 2:5. How the recognition and acceptance of this great truth, just as true as the former, would sweep away some of the leading teachings and practices of this great church! If there is but one Mediator between God and men, as the word of God distinctly affirms, then what becomes of the Catholic doctrine and practice of praying to the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and a whole lot of other dead saints, to intercede, plead, and mediate for us between God and men? If there is but one Mediator, and that Christ Jesus, then what becomes of the doctrine and practice of the mediation and absolution of a host of priests on earth? In the great plan of God, no virgin, no saint in heaven or elsewhere, no priest, bishop, or pope, and no other being in the wide universe, excepting Jesus Christ, can come in as mediator between God and men. This great prerogative belongs to him, and him only. "If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." 1 John 2:1. An advocate, one advocate, not two or more, and that one is Jesus. These great truths of God's word do most effectually wipe out the popish doctrines of prayers to either canonized or humanized saints, the confessional, and pretended absolution of an earthly priesthood. Let it be rung in the ears of all men everywhere that God's word teaches, not only "one Lord, one faith, one baptism," but also one Advocate and one Mediator, between God on the one side and men on the other, and that one, and only one, is Christ Jesus the Lord. Sinner, the Father invites you to come to him in the name of Jesus. Present yourself and your plea in his name alone; all other beings in the universe are powerless to help you to favor with God.