BUT there is one course infallibly safe for us, and that is to follow the New Testament phraseology. We ought not only to use New Testament names, but should pay some regard to the frequency of the use of those names. When a man uses the name christian more in one half hour than it is used in the whole New Testament, it is a clear evidence that there is something wrong with him. The same is true of the name Disciple, or any other designation found in the Scriptures. The man who is truly under Jesus, not only uses New Testament designations for the people of God, but uses them in the same manner as found in Scripture. We never find “Christian church” in Scripture. We find no “Disciple church,” or “Disciples’ church,” in the New Testament. Such names are incongruous. Yet they are current in some sections of country. In some parts of Kentucky and Indiana you hear of the “Christian church” very frequently. In the Western Reserve, Ohio, you will hear both “Disciple church” and “Disciples’ church” very frequently. In the New Testament “the church of Christ” is found; but “the church of God” much more frequently. The members are called Christians, Disciples, and frequently only designated “people of God,” “children of God,” “brethren,” etc. By giving a little attention, we can converse in the same way. In nine cases out of ten, we can express ourselves in the simple words, “the brethren,” “the church,” etc., and be as perfectly understood as if we would adopt the most sectarian designation.
The adoption of all names unknown to the New Testament, is wholly unwarrantable. There is no matter of more importance than this. Let us learn to use the precise language of the New Testament, and use it in the same sense as used there; and, above all, see to it, that we not only call ourselves Christians and Disciples, but that we be indeed Christians, Disciples.