The Primitive Church

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Mar 17, 1853

The Primitive Church

THE BEAUTY AND PURITY OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST,

IN ITS PRIMITIVE STATE, CONSISTED IN ITS SIMPLICITY.

WHEN converts were made to the cross of Christ, out of Judaism, or heathenism, the love they had to their new Master and precious Saviour, was made manifest, in their affection for those, who exhibited a kindred spirit; and in whom was seen the image of Christ, "having like precious faith."

The very fact of becoming a convert to christianity, made a necessity in their case, of separating themselves from an opposing world. The very natural result, of such a state would be, to bind them together, as brethren and sisters of one family, and heirs together of the same promised inheritance, belonging to the same household of faith. With such a spirit and having such hopes, they would keep the unity of the spirit, in the bonds of peace, and the fellowship of the spirit.

The Bible to them, would be the only rule of faith and practice; and their own private judgment, would be the interpreter of the word. A human creed, or an explanation of what God meant, in his message to man, would have been to them an addition to his word. They had no book of discipline and forms to which they must subscribe, and by which they bound themselves to the party or sect. The word itself, to them, was sufficient "for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." With no other rule to govern them than this word, and so long as they were controlled by and brought under its influence and teachings, just so long would their hearts be knit together, as the hearts of David and Jonathan, and nothing but death could separate them. All such were brethren, and members of one body; and in the fellowship of the spirit, in whatsoever place such kindred spirits were found, there in that place, was to be seen the Church of Christ. Just so long as they had the Spirit of Christ, and were led by the Spirit, just so far were they bound together, and were members of one body; and Christ's body is never divided. If any lost or did not possess the Spirit of Christ, they went out from them, because they were not of them. "They went out that they might be made manifest, that they were not all of us."

If any one like Demas should love this present world, he of course, would forsake the assembling together; because with those kindred spirits he now finds no pleasure, and the atmosphere would be too pure, and too holy for a worldly mind. The benevolence of the gospel that reigned in the breasts of the brethren, would be put forth to reclaim a Demas; but if no motives could reclaim him, he would be in all things to them, the church, "as a heathen man, and a publican."

The more pure, and distinct, the truth was exhibited; the more certain, and sure; the effects would be seen, in detecting, and exposing, the hypocrite, and the worldly minded.

Those then, who loved the truth, would run together for the truth's sake; and a withered branch would be scorched by its bright and burning light; and all who possessed the spirit of Demas, would be constrained to go to their own place.

As the churches or sects are now organized, a withered branch, must be retained however worldly the mind may be, if in the externals, he conforms to the standards, and opinions, to which he has subscribed. When the leaven of a worldly spirit has infused itself into the mass of the members of the different sects, it is not to be a matter of wonder, that worldly motives should influence them in their official acts, and demonstrate to the prayerful observer, that they court the approbation of men, and therefore do blunt the sword of the Spirit. Some even in their public bodies, have openly avowed their determinations, to prevent the considerations of certain sins of which some of their members were guilty, because the agitation of the subject would divide their counsels. Esteeming a division in their ranks, a greater evil, than to sacrifice the truth.

Is it a matter of surprise then, that every organized sect in our land as sects have united to oppose the evidence of Christ being near even at the door?—The worldly mindedness of these sects, do not look for such an event as desirable. O how fallen! "how is the gold become dim! how is the most fine gold changed?" "Oh that my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears; that I might weep day and night, for the slain of the daughter of my people."

Men have deceived themselves, and supposed that religion was in a prosperous state, because the sects are now respected, and their religion spoken well of by the world; forgetting the fact that there has been a woe pronounced against those, of whom all the world shall speak well of; and again, if ye will live godly in Christ Jesus, ye shall suffer persecution.—If there is no persecution, where then is the living godly, if men's hearts are the same as when this truth was uttered. How necessary for the honor of God, that the truth should be vindicated; and if the nominal churches will not; in consequence of their worldliness, suffer it to be done, whilst remaining in their fellowship? how necessary and appropriate that those, who love the truth more than they love these human organizations, (for which they can no where find the authority in the word of God,) should come out of them, and give all their influence against them. This has always been the course of all reformers, and in

order to accomplish much, they have found the necessity of a separation.

On this rock of offence, it is to be feared that some, who have been looking for the bridegroom, will find that the love they have to their church, is greater than their love to the truth, with the suffering, and reproach, which will accompany them in obeying the command, "come out of her, my people." May the Lord give his people wisdom in these last days, when they are to be tried, and purified, and made white; and also remember, that they must never sacrifice principle, and duty; for ease, and the approbation of our fellow men.—Voice of Truth, 1844.