Early Christians by Editor

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Jul 10, 1855

Early Christians.

By Editor

It must be profitable often to contemplate the situation and study the character of those who, with simple faith, breaking away from the companionship of their fathers, brothers, and friends, openly declared themselves followers of the despised Nazarene, whom his own nation had rejected, and the Romans had executed with more severity than if he had been the vilest of criminals, and more scorn than would have been shown to the meanest of slaves.

Faith in an ascended Saviour could not be exercised till Jesus left his disciples alone, but not comfortless. O that we could realize the intense interest of the disciples' meeting, the evening after the ascension. A few hours before, Jesus had been bodily with them—now he was gone, never to return. In the morning they had walked by his side, now they must walk forth amidst those who had put him to death. His gentle tones yet sounded in their ears, but they can never hear them again. For a few weeks they had often sought him out, or been unexpectedly rejoiced by his company; now the impression is stamped upon their inmost souls, he is gone.

As their agitated souls became calm, what a train of recollections would pass through their minds. What earthly prospect could be more forlorn than theirs? What could the adherents of an executed malefactor expect from a world leagued in bitter hostility against them? How would they recall the impressions of their early life, when they had risen to their daily toil, and patiently dragged the net, or swung the hammer, or tilled the earth, or counted the unwilling tribute of their conquered brethren, and would they not be tempted to say that all the wonderful scenes of the last few years had been a dream?

But the fact that they—one hundred and twenty of them—were gathered together from so many different places and employments, would show that some real and powerful cause had produced this strange effect. They can never be as they once were. A fate as terrible as that of Judas would have been the lot of each who should prove a traitor to the cause of their crucified Master. But to go forward in defense of that cause seemed to be rushing on the points of countless weapons, all aimed at their unprotected bosoms. O what a terrible, yet what a delightful extremity! Being driven from all earthly confidence, they are thrown upon the immovable Rock. Being stripped of all earthly armor, they receive in its stead 'the whole armor of God,' which neither fire nor steel can injure, and in which all the ingenuity of men and devils cannot harm them, while they face the foe and 'resist the devil.'

In this fiery furnace, how nearly was all their dross consumed? What a lovely Christian character was formed! What simplicity of faith, what purity of love, what warmth of zeal, what unflinching courage, what unfailing patience!

The Pentecost was 50 days from the Passover; and as their risen Master had been with them forty days from his resurrection, there was an interval of ten days for prayer and meditation, before they opened their lips to proclaim that the despised Jesus was the only Saviour of the world. This precious season was just what they needed. They had time to realize their own helplessness, and they spent the time in earnest and united prayer. We are sure that no dispute as to who should be greatest, was ever named, but to be confessed; or even thought of, but to be deplored. The day of Pentecost assembled its thousands from Europe, Asia and Africa. The sweet spirit and persuasive words of Peter convinced them that he preached the truth. Though strangers before, they were now made one by the blood of Christ. The new and soul-stirring truths they heard so chained their attention that they stayed together till many of them had exhausted their provisions. How, then, were they to be supplied? The answer was ready. One member of Christ's body could not suffer want while others had plenty.

Those who had lands or other property converted them into money, of which all shared freely. The circumstances which led them to have all things common, did not continue long, but the same brotherly love prevailed during two or three hundred years.

As a single illustration of this fact, we copy from Waddington's Church History, an extract from Lucian, a pagan of the second century, who takes occasion to ridicule Christianity, by telling a story of one Peregrinus who had been expelled from Armenia—his own country—for the most horrible crimes. He thence wandered into Palestine, and became acquainted with the doctrines of the Christians, and pretended to embrace them. Being a man of talents and education he acquired great influence among the unlearned body of true disciples, and in consequence, soon attracted the notice of the Roman Governor, and was thrown into prison for the faith he professed. Here, says Lucian, 'there came Christians deputed from many cities of Asia, to relieve, to comfort, and encourage him. For the care and diligence which the Christians exert on those occasions is incredible: in a word, they spare nothing. They sent, therefore, large sums to Peregrinus, and his confinement was an occasion of amassing great riches; for these poor creatures are firmly persuaded they shall one day enjoy eternal life; therefore, they despise death with wonderful courage and offer themselves voluntarily to punishment. Their law-giver has taught them that they are all brethren, when once they have passed over and renounced the gods of the Greeks, and worship that master of theirs who was crucified and regulate their manner and conduct by his laws. They despise, therefore, all earthly possessions, and look upon them as common. Therefore, if any juggler, or cunning fellow, who knows how to make his advantage of opportunity, happens to get into their society, he immediately grows rich; because it is easy to abuse the simplicity of these silly people.'

We trust that no Second Advent believer will be troubled if we are looked upon in the same light by the proud philosophers of the present day, who have no more faith in Christianity than Lucian had. Let us contemplate the character of Christianity in its freshness and purity, and seek the honor which cometh from God only, and we shall continue to be despised by the world.