LETTER TO BROTHER PURINGTON (DUDLEY) 1868

Near Lexington, Ky.

April 9, 1868.

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.

THE TRUE POSITION OF THE CHURCH

A correspondent in our last number, Page 171, desires us to state what is the true position of the church in the trying circumstances of our nation. 

GOSPEL GLORY PROCLAIMED BEFORE THE SONS OF MEN IN THE VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE WORSHIP OF GOD

This is a very long but important treatise on the church  - ed.

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”.

SOT REPRINTS: ASSOCIATIONS...

It is to us, at all times, a matter of no small joy, to witness a disposition on the part of our brethren, to examine the divine rule, and to inquire at the sacred oracle for the validity of every institution of our religious practice. The attention of several of our dear brethren, in these parts and elsewhere, has lately led to the subject of Associations, and it will be seen that the result of their investigation, thus far, has not produced a unanimity of sentiment on the subject.

SOT: ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY & CHURCH CREEDS...

Since the Apostles of the Lamb have finished their course with us in the flesh, no history of the church of God should be allowed to lure us from the doctrine which they taught, the judgments they have recorded, the ordinances they have enjoined; nothing is to be added nor aught diminished from the perfect standard of faith and order they established, which is confirmed by all the valid authority of earth and heaven.

SOT: ANCIENT & MODERN METHODS OF BUILDING...

In offering few remarks on this subject, we will confine ourself to the idea of building what are denominated christian churches. Although the Dove, the undefiled of our Lord is but one, and is identified with Christ her head, yet the queens and concubines being many, and all passing among men for christian churches, the plural number must be employed in order to include the variety.

RR: PRACTICE OF THE APOSTOLIC CHURCHES

Brethren, there are many things which have been on my mind for some time now, for which I do not profess to have the answers. These are humbly submitted for the consideration of all brethren who profess the doctrines and practices of the Old School or Primitive Baptists. Perhaps these questions (or some like them) have been on your minds, as well, and the Lord has given you light on them.

POLEMIC SERIES: WHAT IS A "LOCAL" CHURCH?....

What is a local church?  When does an assembly of believers stop being a local assembly?