Billeder på siden
PDF
ePub

and myself found ourselves safe, and in the enjoyment of all that we could desire, in the bosom of these friends, that the common faith and hope of the gospel, through the sacrifice of Emmanuel, have obtained for us. It was some time before I could realize the scenes through which I had passed. In the words of our favourite poet already quoted at the beginning, I will say "Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!"

My love to every one around Bethany that loves our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Finished after my landing, May 30, 1847. Your affectionate father, A. CAMPBELL.

THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS.

"All power is given unto me in heaven and on earth. Go ye therefore, and teach (or disciple) all nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."-Matt xxviii. 18-20.

MR. EDITOR.-The almost endless divisions in what is termed the church of Christ, the diversity in the laws which govern these respective sects and the practices that obtain, intimate that there are many who claim the right to make laws and institute observances in the kingdom. Now if it can be shown that the Lord Jesus alone has this right, (which we think the above quotation plainly indicates,) then it will follow, that the authority, the laws and institutions of men, should be rejected, to build upon that foundation upon which the whole body of Christ can be united and become one-a consummation, which all who love the Lord Jesus devoutly wish; but which, so long as professing Christians recognize and submit to the inventions and traditions of men, will never be accomplished. One man possesses as much right to rule as another-hence parties without end may be formed. Submit to none but Jesus-neither to Luther, to Calvin, to Wesley, or any other man, however great he may be-and all parties will be destroyed.

The risen Jesus declares that "all power is given unto him both in heaven and in earth." Therefore all who exercise authority in his kingdom, must derive it from him; and if they cannot show they have thus obtained it, must be rejected as usurpers of his throne and dignity, "whose right it is." The King is now seated upon the holy hill of Zion, and thus exercises his authority, "Go ye therefore, convert, or disciple the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them," &c. But we have not only the power of Jesus exhibited, but the work of the Apostles, which was, 1st, To convert the nations by preaching the gospel; 2nd, To introduce those who were regenerated into the kingdom by baptism; 3rd, To teach those thus introduced, all things, whatsoever Christ had commanded them. Now here is not the least countenance for the Apostles to act as their wisdom might suggest. Nothing was left to them. No not even were

they to do or teach anything that Jesus had not commanded. The advantages which the Apostles enjoyed peculiarly fitted them for their mission. They had been near the Lord during his public ministry-had seen his life-heard his teaching-witnessed his miracles-and after his resurrection during forty days received instruction in all things which concerned his kingdom, receiving his commands, &c., Acts i. 2, 3; in addition to which the Holy Spirit was promised to teach them all things, and bring all things to their remembrance, whatsoever he had said unto them, rendering mistakes impossible by its guidance and direction. But all these advantages were only to enable them to deliver with accuracy what they had been commanded and taught--as the Lord Jesus, the Apostle of the Father, came not to declare his own will, but the Father's who had sent him, so they were not, as the Apostles of Christ. 'He whom God sent, spake the words of God." John iii. 34. "I speak to the world those things I have heard of Him. As my Father hath taught, me, I speak these things." John viii. 26, 28. "For I have not

[ocr errors]

spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. Whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak.” John xii. 49. Now if the Lord Jesus was thus exact, and his Apostles were to be the same, "teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you," how much more should those who have neither been personally taught, commanded, or inspired, be exact in teaching only what the Lord Jesus commanded or taught, either personally or through his Apostles-who having authority from him, possessing all power, are to be received as the Lord Jesus himself to whom they invariably ascribe the power and the glory, doing all in his name, whether it were teaching or performing miracles. "But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts: for neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness: nor of men sought we glory, neither of you nor yet of others." 1 Thess. ii. 4-5. Again, we are not as many who corrupt the word of God." 2 Cor. ii 17. "I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not.” 1 Tim. ii. 7. That the Apostles only did and taught what the Lord commanded them, is evident. How frequently do we meet with this or similar expressions, "I command thee, in the name of Jesus Christ, (or by his authority,) &c.," and when they had not commandment or instruction, would say, "I speak this by permission, not by commandment," 1 Cor. vii. 6, or, concerning virgins I have no commandment, yet I give my judgment (or advice) as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful," &c., verse 25, so they were only to receive it as their advice: not so with the commandments or instruction they had received from the Lord, or by inspiration, for they exhorted them, the brethren, to "stand fast, and hold the traditions which they had been taught, whether by word or epistle." 2 Thess. ii, 15. Also, "That ye be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandments of us the

66

[ocr errors]
[ocr errors]

66

66

apostles of the Lord and Saviour." 2 Pet. iii. 2. Again, "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God." 1 Pet. iv. 11. Earnestly contend for the faith once delivered to the saints." There is no new revelation to be expected, no fresh directions given for future ages. The Apostles, the only ambassadors of Christ, have declared his will-the way of salvation-and all things necessary for the establishment and growth of his kingdom. All that succeeding generations have to do, is to follow the precepts and examples given with the greatest exactness, neither adding to or diminishing therefrom. This is of great importance, and all who preach the gospel would do well seriously to reflect upon it-that they do not preach themselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord: not their own wisdom, but the wisdom of God: 'Lest," as Paul observes, 1 Cor. i. 17, "the cross of Christ should be made of none effect." And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in much weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." 1 Cor. ii. 1—5. Oh what a change has come over the face of things! Now, preachers of the gospel must be trained in the arts of rhetoric and oratory; worldly wisdom and eloquence being indispensable for their purpose.-Then, the Apostle laid aside these, lest he should mar the wisdom of God, and deprive the gospel of its glorious simplicity and saving power. He was deeply conscious that "the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God stronger than men." That God had chosen this method to confound the wise and the mighty, that no flesh should glory in his presence. Here is the secret of the divine government from the beginning to the end-that all, without exception, should bow to Him, submit to the government, laws, and teaching of his Son, whom he hath placed on the throne, endowed with all authority and power both in heaven and in earth." Hear him.” "Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you. The kingdom is not to be established by either human might or human power; but by my Spirit saith the Lord of Hosts." Hence all glory, honour, and POWER, is ascribed to him whose “right it is.” But do those honour God or his Son "who make the commandments of God of none effect by their tradition," or "laying aside the commandments of God, hold the traditions of men?" "In vain do ye worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.' Matt. xv. 6 and 9, Mark vii. 7 and 8, &c. “He that hath my commandments and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me." Again, If any man love me, he will keep my words. He that loveth me not, keepeth not my sayings." John xiv. 21. “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." John xv. 10, 12. "Teaching them

[ocr errors]

66

to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." That is, with my word, &c. But sufficient has been said as to the degree of authority possessed by the servants of Jesus, we will now notice that part of the commission which applies to those taught.

66

Now, first, a teachable disposition is supposed, which perfectly accords with the character of the subjects given, who are said to be "born," regenerated," "begotten again," and "except ye receive the kingdom of God as a little child ye cannot enter therein. Ye must be born again :" consistent with which was the disposition of the primitive disciples who exclaimed, "Lord, what wilt thou have us to do!" and unless this genuine mark of regeneration exist in the disciples, or scholars, of Jesus, there is every reason to conclude that such are not fit subjects of the kingdom. Thus the mighty, the strong, and the wise, are not to glory in their might, or strength, or wisdom. Oh, no; even they have to humble themselves as little children, submit their will to the will of God, and be taught all things that the Lord enjoins. They are to become nothing as it were, to give up their former self, to be clothed with a new nature, to have a new spirit, new dispositions and feelings, new aims and prospects, to stand on new relations both to man and to God. Conscious of the want of resemblance to his heavenly Father, he comes for the transcript of his character-desires to be like him, a partaker to the divine nature. Having this childlike temper of mind he is ready to hear all that Jesus hath commanded—not only to hear, but to observe and do the same. He will not say, I will do this and leave undone that, but "thy will be done." However opposed it may be to his former habits and feelings, to his wisdom or conceptions as to the nature and fitness of things, he will not be heard saying, this is not requisite, that is nonessential, or those means are not suffieient to accomplish such mighty results. Oh, no: he will think and reason like a child.-My father is much wiser than I; he knows what is best for me, and what will accomplish his will. Instead of leaning to his own understanding he will continually distrust himself, and lean entirely upon his Father who is incomparably wiser than he. Here is the spirit requisite for receiving or returning to the ancient order of things. It is not merely to return to this or that, but to observe all things whatsoever Jesus hath commanded. Not after we have gone a certain way, to stop, because it does not agree with our mind or feelings-because we are not prepared to give up ourselves or to make those sacrifices which would be necessary. Let us not mistake as to the nature of the religion of Jesus. It is a religion of constant self-denial, of taking up the cross. It does not consist merely in receiving the doctrines taught, regarding it as a beautiful theory or vision, or something far above our reach, with which we have no concern. Oh, no: it is a striking reality. Would that it was thus regarded; that every part means what it says, and shall most surely be accomplished.

We look upon the institutions around us, the works of men, to be realities, and their words to mean what they express-and are the words and works of God less real, of less significance and value,

than the words and works of man? "Be not deceived, God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth that shall he also reap." Yes; the Lord Jesus has not only given us precept upon precept, but he hath also left us an example that we should follow in his steps; an example that neither consisted in the gratification of the lusts of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, or the pride of life. But he hath showed us how to crucify these he hath showed us how to live. Hence the fight, the trials from within and without, that we shall have to pass through, which are intended to purify us, to fit us for that state where we are to live and reign with the Saviour, coming out of the fire as gold seven times purified, as vessels fitted for the masters use. Yes, in returning to ancient Christianity-in submitting to Jesus as our only Sovereign, as our guide and examplar -it must not be in part, in embracing only the ground work, as it were but receiving all things whatsoever he hath commanded, not forgetting that it is the end we are to look to, and that these all things are the means to that end. And what is the end? The restoration of man to the divine image, fitting him for that holy and happy state, that glorious inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city."

66

The following passages show the consequences of obedience and disobedience under the old and new dispensations.

Life, with all its enjoyments, was set before Adam in obedience; death for disobedience. Mark the result for simple disobedience.

The law of sacrifice was instituted; and we see in the case of Cain and Abel the approbation of one, the non-acceptance of the other, for obedience and disobedience. And so through the patriarchal age.

Under the law, we read of the blessing and the curse, Deut. xi. A blessing if they obeyed the commandments of the Lord, and a curse if they disobeyed and turned aside from them, verses 26-28.

Joshua v. 6. For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, till all the people, men of war, which came out of Egypt, were consumed, because they obeyed not the voice of the Lord.

1 Sam. xii. 15. But if ye will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against his commandments, then shall his hand be against you, as it was against your father, &c.

And under the gospel the Saviour is made the author of eternal salvation to all those who obey him, Heb. v. 9. But he will also appear, taking vengeance on those who obey not the gospel, 2 Thess. i. 8. For the gospel was to be proclaimed for the obedience of faith amongst all nations, Rom. xvi. 26.

And what shall the end be of those who obey not the gospel, 1 Pet. iv. 17.

The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day, Isa. ii. 11.

Cease ye from man whose breath is in his nostrils, for wherein is he to be accounted of, verse 22.

W. G.

« ForrigeFortsæt »