We need not be ashamed and must above all suffer and endure all things with rejoicing. It is difficult to give a true impression of how central and all-pervasive is the emphasis on obedience in S.K.'s religious works. It must suffice to note that five or six of his discourses treat obedience per se, quite apart from those that center upon following Christ, the duty to love, and such closely related topics. Once S.K. got past the idea of hidden inwardness, obedience became one of his major motifs. But whenever the love of Christ Can penetrate a man's poor heart, He begins of himself To sing a new song.
Obedience is the stone Despised by all the world.
Obedience alone is That for which faith aspires. Obedience is the treasure Buried deep in the field. But the most eloquent witness to this aspect of Brethrenism comes not out of any Brethren writings but from two outsiders contemporary with the early Brethren. One was Elhanan Winchester, the outstanding leader of colonial universalism, the other, Morgan Edwards, the equally outstanding Baptist pastor and church historian. Whatever they believe their Saviour has commanded, they practice, without inquiring or regarding what others do.