WE claim that the religion of Jesus Christ is a complete, perfect and divine system, in itself; distinct from, superior to, and as high above every thing else as heaven is above this earth; and that all who desire to do so, can determine what it is, practice it and be christians. We claim that the gospel is complete, perfect and divine; distinct from, and independent of, everything else, and that he who desires it, may know precisely what it is, believe it with all the heart, obey it and be saved by it; otherwise the Lord could not be just and good in condemning the man who does not believe it, or does not obey it. The matter, therefore, with us now is not to determine what the truth is, or the gospel; this we have long since settled. We, as a people, know the truth, the saving truth, the only saving truth, as a whole, or in its embodiment, or concentrated form, though many may not understand it in detail, and the great matter now is to practice it, enjoy it and advocate it. God intends or purposes it for all mankind, as much as he did for us. It is now our duty to make it known among all mankind; or, as Paul expresses it, “to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which, from the beginning of the world, hath been hid in God, who hath created all things by Jesus Christ; to the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places, might be known by the church, the manifold wisdom of God, according to his eternal purpose.”
A Book of Gems, or, Choice selections from the writings of Benjamin Franklin
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About This Book
A curated anthology of sermons, debates, tracts, and miscellaneous religious writings arranged by subject and indexed for quick reference. Selections treat biblical authority, church order and practices (such as baptism and communion), pastoral responsibilities and preaching, moral exhortation, repentance and salvation, missionary effort, and reflections on life’s brevity. Short homiletic pieces blend doctrinal argument with practical counsel and urgent appeals for immediate personal and communal reform, offering guidance for Christian conduct and for those engaged in ministry or church renewal.