THE OLD MAN, A RIDDLE...

WE have for many years been partially acquainted with the inmates of a house, whose history, if we were able to do justice to the work, would be interesting, and perhaps profitable to some portion of our readers.

THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN....

My kingdom is not of this world, (John 18:36)

There are many divergent views in “Christendom” on this very important subject, but regardless of the minor differences all views make the kingdom something carnal. The text at the head states otherwise in as plain a manner as any place in Scripture. A kingdom must have a king; all will, I trust, admit this proposition. Who is the King then of this Kingdom? Is it the Pope or other earthly man? Do churches, councils or associations rule as kings? No, Jesus is the King over His kingdom and His words to Pilate still apply: “My kingdom is not of this world”.

THE REGENERATION...

Over the last few weeks both Elder Poole and I have been speaking on the subject of Eternal Vital Unity. I would like to continue that this morning; at least what I believe is a corollary topic that goes right along with it. And without it the subject that I want to deal with I don’t believe makes much sense.

THE COMMON SALVATION...

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation” (Jude 3)

THE CHURCH OF THE LIVING GOD...

My Dear Brother Beebe: - I have read with interest the communication of Brother William J. Purington, and, with your permission, propose subjoining some remarks on a subject immediately connected with the closing part of his communication.

That the “Old School Baptist Church” is “The Church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the Truth,” to the exclusion of all other organizations, claiming that high and honorable distinction, I have not one doubt.

INTOLERANCE OF PROTESTANTS WHEN IN POWER...

New Vernon, N. Y., Jan. 15, 1845.

HAVING expressed our views freely in former numbers of this paper, upon the intolerant spirit which is manifested by certain Protestants, in their indefatigable efforts to control and manage all the schools and fountains of mental improvement of our country, and to enforce their sectarian dogmas upon the community, without regard to the consciences, or constitutional rights of those who honestly dissent from their standards of orthodoxy; and also in the extraordinary exertions they have made to get our civil government committed, and our legislatures to so far transcend their constitutional power as to legislate upon the divine law; and having, with all, strongly repudiated the recent unprovoked persecution and slaughter of Catholics, for their religious faith; we have been most unceremoniously denounced by the “Holy Alliance,” as an advocate of the Catholics - a friend of publicans and sinners.

MODERN RELIGIOUS SYSTEMS...

Lexington, Ky., Feb.7, 1875.

MY DEAR BROTHER BEEBE: - I have reflected much, and more recently, on the ancient, compared with the modern systems of religion. In the days of Christ and his apostles, “the wisdom of this world is [declared to be] foolishness with God;” that “He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.”

THE BATTLE IS NOT YOURS BUT GOD'S...

“And he said, Hearken all Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem and you, King Jehoshaphat, Thus has Yehovah said unto you, Do not be afraid or dismayed by reason of this great multitude for the battle is not yours but God’s" (II Chr. 20:15)

THE IMAGE OF GOD...

Lexington, Ky., March 24, 1871.

MY DEAR BROTHER BEEBE: - The sixth number of the current volume of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES came to hand a day or two since, in which I have read attentively a communication from Elder John A. Thompson, of Lebanon, Ohio, offering a criticism on some things contained in my letter published in the number for the first of February.

ETERNAL VITAL UNION OF CHRIST & HIS CHURCH...

By Thomas Dudley, 1847
Moderator of Licking Association of Particular Baptists of Kentucky.

Brethren and Sisters: - The Father of Lights, in whom there is neither variableness or shadow of turning, in His kind and unerring Providence, has permitted us to meet in our associate capacity, and to hear from you through the medium of your letters and messengers, and to avail ourselves of the opportunity of addressing you briefly on the three following propositions, viz: First, That Christ and His Church are one. Secondly: That their oneness is vital and spiritual. Thirdly: That it is eternal.

ETERNAL VITAL UNION...

Dearly beloved Brethren and Sisters:

Our fondest gratitude is due the Author of our holy religion, for the privilege of associating once more in our annual convocation, and for the sweet, and we trust, profitable converse we have held with each other.

We know not how better to subserve the cause of truth, or the interests of Zion; than by submitting such views of the divine economy of redemption and salvation, as we entertain; whilst we most cordially accord to others, the right to test the correctness of those views by the standard of truth.

THE CHRISTIAN WARFARE...

CIRCULAR LETTERS.

TO THE CHURCHES

Composing the Licking Association of Particular Baptists, specially, and to the “Old School Baptists,” generally.

Circumstances seem, in the judgment of the undersigned, to render it necessary to his own vindication, and but justice to those who concurred with the sentiments contained in the following Circular; that it should be published for your prayerful consideration.

MISSIONARY PRIESTCRAFT....

Brother Beebe: - As the Old School Baptists are so frequently charged with denying to others, the right of doing what they please with their money, a few remarks on this subject may not be unreasonable.

RR: THE DECLINE OF OLD SCHOOL BAPTISTS?...

Several letters have come to us recently expressing the same sad observation relative to the visible decline in numbers among our churches. No doubt too, but many more have observed the same for themselves, but have not expressed their conclusions to us. One dear brother opined that the end must be near, and well it might; but not because of a decline among the Old School.

HISTORICAL FACTS ON ABSOLUTE PREDESTINATION...

The following letter is being printed in the interest of historical accuracy. We believe there is far too much bad information being circulated regarding our doctrine, practice, and heritage. Where possible, we aim to set the record straight.

SOT: SUNDAY SCHOOL...

After so long a time I once more resume my pen to continue my remarks on some prominent errors. The fifth comes next in rotation, which is, “Holding that the natural man knoweth not the things of the Spirit, neither can he discern them, & yet that parents and guardians ought to, and can teach their children the things of the Kingdom of God.”

SERMON: THE HOSTS OF HEAVEN...

“And he said, Hear therefore the word of Yehovah: I saw Yehovah sitting on His throne and all the hosts of heaven standing by Him on His right hand and on His left hand” (I Kings 22:19)

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GOING & SENDING IN MISSIONS...

BROTHER BEEBE: – I perceive by your last, that a No. of the “Signs” which I sent to the Hartford “Secretary,” has reached its destination, and performed its office.

SOT: FREE WILL 2...

Having found the origin of the free-will system we will proceed to shew its inconsistency with the doctrine of God, for the scriptures fully declare that man is corrupt throughout. “That every imagination of the thoughts of his heart, is evil, and only evil, and that continually,” that the “Carnal mind is enmity against God, is not subject to his law neither indeed can be.”

SOT: FREE WILL...

We will now proceed to remark on our fourth proposition, which is holding the absurd doctrine, that salvation in any measure depends on the free-will of creatures, and yet is the absolute free gift of God through grace, depending on his Election.

GOD'S DECREE

God's Decree
by Jonas C. Sikes, 1929

If Jehovah is Infinite in all His ways,
Giving life to man and numbering his days,
Who dares to impeach Him if in His wise plan
He gave shape and direction to the ways of man?

SOT: BAPTIST HOUSES OF WORSHIP....

BROTHER BEEBE: – I will now make a few remarks on the custom of our fashionable Baptists, of calling the houses where they assemble to worship by the name of Churches, and dedicating them to the service of God.

RR: PREDESTINATION...

The following piece was written several years ago as a response to an article appearing in an Old School paper. The article was the product of one of their editors so they declined to publish this piece. Since that time the Editor left them and took up company with the conditionalists, along with several of his fellow-travellers. As an old proverb goes, “Water seeks its own level.”

SOT: BAPTISTS, CREEDS & CONFESSIONS OF FAITH 2...

BROTHER BEEBE: – A word by the way of Postscript to my last, for I forgot to note the origin of “Creed’s &c.” 

SOT: BAPTISTS, CREEDS & CONFESSIONS OF FAITH...

Brother Beebe; – having briefly considered the evils at present. I proceed to notice the second article in my catalogue of “Baptist errors,” which is Creeds, Articles and confessions of Faith, surmounted by a “Covenant,” used as a test of fellowship in the admission of members into the Church;

RR: NATURE OF GOD'S DECREES...

“But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased" ( Psalm 115:3).

SOT: BAPTISTS & ECCLESIASTICAL COUNCILS...

In a former communication, I proposed to consider some errors which have crept in among the Baptists, ten of which were named as principal errors, and to each of which special regard was to be paid in a particular and separate paper, and first in order stood “Ecclesiastical Councils.”

MODERN BAPTISTS ABSORB MODERN ERRORS 1...

BROTHER BEEBE: – Almost, yes, I may say that every denomination of professors of Religion, have some error more prominent than all their other errors, by which they are especially distinguished.

RR: DYING BEFORE YOUR TIME?...

FROM AN EXCHANGE PAPER
[The following article is a fair sample of the views of limited Predestinarians. It does not seem appropriate to let it pass without a reply.]

RR: CONDITIONAL TIME SALVATION...

Is it a Bible doctrine? or Is it a recent heresy?

“Truth needs no apology, and error deserves none. Prefatory lies have often atoned for ignorance and ill-will in the Eastern and European worlds; but let the sons of America be free. It is more essential to learn how to believe, than to learn what to believe.

SOT: KNOWING IN PART...

Harrisburg, IN, January 31, 1850.

Brother Beebe: – Having a remittance to make, I will write a few thoughts on 1 Corinthians 13:8-13.

“For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”

IGNATIUS OR THE MODERN PRIEST BY JOHN LELAND...

SOT: FAITH...

The apostle defines faith to be the union of two parts, or principles – substance and evidence. – Hebrews xi:1. “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

SOT: THE SABBATH AND THE LORD'S DAY...

Brother Beebe: - I received a letter a short time since from brother Thomas McColl, of Canada West, requesting my views on Rev. 1:10, with a general reference to the observance of the first day of the week as a Sabbath.

SOT: COMMUNION WITH GOD...

Brother Beebe: - I some time since received a letter signed S., N.Y., requesting my views on the important enquiry, How far communion with God may be expected to be enjoyed by christians in this day.

SERMON: II KINGS 19:15 (ELDER CHET DIRKES)...

“And Yehovah said unto him, Go, return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus and when you arrive, anoint Hazael king over Syria, and Jehu, the son of Nimshi, shall you anoint king over Israel and Elisha, the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah, shall you anoint prophet in your place” (I Kings 19:15) [Sermon preached at Welsh Tract Old School Baptist Church by Elder Chet Dirkes today]

SOT: THE BEING AND NATURE OF ANGELS...

BROTHER JEWETT: - We can arrive at but little certainty on the testimony of Scripture concerning this and many other subjects, unless we can come to a conclusion, how we are to receive the words dictated by the Spirit of inspiration.

SIGNES DES TEMPS: EXHORTATION...

"Je t'en conjure donc devant Dieu et devant le Seigneur Jésus -Christ, qui doit juger les vivants et les morts, lors de son apparition et de son règne,prêche la parole, insiste en temps et hors de temps, reprends, censure, exhorte en toute patience, et en instruisant.Car il viendra un temps où les hommes ne souffriront point la saine doctrine, mais où, désireux d'entendre des choses agréables, ils s'amasseront des docteurs selon leurs convoitises ,Et fermeront l'oreille à la vérité, et se tourneront vers des fables".– 2 Tim. iv. 1-4.  

Cet article a été traduit en français par notre frère et ami Christophe Mathieu.

SOT: THE ETERNAL PURPOSE....

Beloved Brethren In Christ: – The only true God is the God of purpose, as be has so fully revealed in the Scriptures, and it is impressed upon me to write to you upon this sublime theme, in humble dependence upon him.