WE have done a noble work, and that work is not to be foiled, defeated and destroyed by men who know not our Master and love not his cause. We have been raised up by the Lord to be a mighty community. God has a mission for us, a great mission, and we are not to be defeated in it. That mission must be done. The Lord has put into our hands facilities for doing this great work, and he requires it at our hands. That work is simply to restore his own pure religion to the people of this generation, and build up the church as it was at the beginning. We have ascertained that the Lord laid but one foundation, reared but one building upon it, had but one temple, one body, one family, but one church. This one body had but one head, but one leader, and we are to keep our eye on him, follow him, love him and serve him for ever. We can not turn aside to the strifes of the world, from our legitimate work. We have preached union among the children of God, struggled for it and prayed for it long and ardently, and we now appreciate its value more than ever, since we feel its power and influence in time of trouble. An influence that can bind us in one body, in one fellowship, in the midst of such commotions and excitements, is not of this world. It is not an earthly influence, but above the earth. It is from God. We know each other as the children of God, the disciples of Christ, as christians, and not as political partisans. We know not a man because he belongs to this political party, or that; not because he lives on the one side of a geographical line, or the other; not because he holds to this political creed or that; but we know him because he is a child of God, an heir of the same inheritance, and redeemed by the same blood of the Covenant. The bond that binds us together is not an earthly bond, and it is not limited by time. It is the love of God. It is not limited to this world, but shall last co-existent with the years of God. It shall live and be fresh and vigorous when all worldly schemes and policies and their advocates, shall be forgotten. Those who enjoy it shall also live beyond all the turmoil of political strife, beyond all the struggles and trials that beset our faith in this life. May we not live in vain, but do good in our day and generation. Mercy and peace upon the Israel of God.
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.