Orleans independent standard. [volume] (Irasburgh, Vt.) 1856-1871, 1870-11-22

ing a much clearer insight of this vital
matter than was ever exhibited in the wri-
tings of Emerson, or the speeches of Mr.
Weiss, or the sermons of rockingham, or
the classic essays of Matthew Arnold, or
the learned productions of some of our
newspaper correspondents, who have so
much to say of this distinction in connect
ion with their ever repeated diatribes
about waning creeds' and the 'new
faith" having neither form nor dogma,
that is about making its advent in our
world.
A creed, then, is an incident inseparable
from a Christian; but it belongs not
strictly to the logical essence of the defni-
ton we are seeking. \ disciple, as we
have said must learn something, or he
gives the lie to his profession. But there
may be true disciples who receive different
impressions, different understandings, diff
ferent lessons from the Masters words.
How far this may 60 without becoming in
consistent with the name or the profession
we do not here inquire. 1t can only take
away the title or Justify its being withheld
when it amounts to a subversion Of the
teachers claim of authority, or becomes SO
great as to warrant doubt Of the profess
ors truthfulness. But within certain
limits, which we think capable of clear
definition, it is this spirit of discipleship,
that makes the Christian The writer of
this receives ex amino, all the positions Of
the Nicene Greed; but, nevertheless one
to whom they appear as hard sayings may
be really nearer to him, more beloved as a
Christian, than another more orthodox,
dogmatically, but having less of this spir-
it. 1t is possible that the latter, with all
his pretensions may be actually the less
evangelical" because he mingles with
his orthodoxy more of the false spirit of
the age, more of foreign worldly element,
than he of the scantier creed. 1t is the
fact Of being learners in the same school,
loving the same Master sitting together
at hi, feet listening intently to every word
that fall, from his lips, that makes the
true brotherhood, rather than full agree
ment in the lessons received.
Light of the world, / will have Nc
other guide but thee; very dark and poor
may be my following; difficulties, errors
prcjudices may be in my way Imay mis-
take thy directions, but my soul cleavetl
hard after thee; it Is all darkness with
out thee; teach me, for thou only hast tn
words Of eternal life nothing short of thi
/ can constitute the Christian profession, o
{ entitlc to the Christian name. \ ma,
/ may expires, his approval of some O
Christ's doctrine, he may most blandl
o. patronze him; he may rank him ever $
4 high among the good and great; he ma
concedc to Him something he allsSnspil
alton; he may even style him divine
e but unless he thu, take him as his sol
e guide through the wilderness. he i, not
4, disciple, he i, not Christian. He ma
, even i'm some sense call Christ 81 God
a, Ro,,eau did; but, unless, with all hi
: heart, he give, him that apparently lowe
B, yet nearer name by which the Sayiourhin
= self taught his disciples to addres, hin
!. unless he calls him Master, the Maste
j. my Lord and Master, he has no right
/ assume this denominational title, or allo
# it to be given to him by others.