Mexico weekly ledger. (Mexico, Mo.) 1855-1956, 1886-11-18
THE "CHRISTIAN" CHURCH.
J. W. HIaBEE.

Why are other religious bodies
generally SO bitter against uss That
they are is beyond dispute. If they
are quarreling among themselves
they will often unite, the Herod's and
Pilates agreeing for the moment to
forget their own difference, in order
that they may oppose the common
foe. Is has often been said that we
are the..latter day Ishmaelites, because
our hand is against every man and
every mans hand is against us.
This opposition against us is general
ly strongest where we are truest to
our special plea. We can get along
very well with them as long as we
agree not to pay any attention to
their errors, and net to present our
own excellencies. But is this right?
That all greatly desire peace is be-
yond all question, but should it be
purchased at the cost of truth? Shall
We cease to present the elements OF
the gospel in their freshness and
purity! Shall We agree to let the
sects alone in order that we may have
quietness? What then becomes of
our convictions? How shall we ap-
pear before God? What will be ssy
to us if we hold the truth in unrisht-
eousness in order that we may for
the time enjoy flowery bed of easel
He will take away the mission he has
entrusted to us and giveit to a people
who will bring forth the fruits there.
of. God is not dependent upon us,
being able now as of yore, to raise
up of stones children unto Abraham.
"But," says some timid brother OF
sister, "can't the truth be presented
so that it will not provoke opposi.
tion?" "Preach it in love-" says an
other, land no one will object"
My observation is that those who
thus speak cannot talk for five min.
utes upon our difference with some
sectarian brother or sister withou,
either offending the hearer or him.
SELF without both becoming angry,
Try it. "Whst then shall we do?'
say these critically timid brethren
"Weli, no matter what happens we
should never at any time cease to
speak the truth. We must remember
that the religion of Christ must first
be purified. and then it will he peac.
able, and il it takes the fire to burr
up the dross, let the fire burn. We
have distinctive plea, we occupy {
peculiar position towards the denom
nations, and our earnest conviction,
will not permit us to let them alone
Although we must at all times re
strain from impugning their motives
and considering them as wilfull,
wrong, we must continually show
them wherein they are advocating
error. Though they should at an,
time preach Christ of envy or strif'
let US rejoice that Christ is preached
Compliment them for the good the,
do, then they will the more easily b.
induced to listen to a recital of thei
own shortcomings. Bot remember
that present the truth as you ma,
you will arouse opposition. III
who breaches much of truth must ex
pect truths reward, a crown @
thorns," Immortal Love and Trutl
was nailed to the cross for bein
loyal to his convictions.
But why Is it that even a lovin
presentation of our plea will awake
bitterness and opposition? Our brett
rem Of the Reformation are as goo
citizens as any; they are as eager t
engage in every good word and worl
they are as moral and refined. Wins
can he the matter?
l. There is the natural enmit
that exists in the human heart Il
wards that which opposes it an
seeks to convict it Of error. Yo
} yourself know bow this is; d
you relish being told Of your errors
Now, we, in a way peculiarly OF
e own, are continually saying TO thes
{ brethren "You are wrong" and ,
men after David's own heart are ver
t scarce bitterness is engendered
: place of repentance and confession.
/ 2. We oppose the time honore
? Traditions of these brethren. All I
{ them are clinging TO errors whic
age and party pride have made sacre
They love them as dearly as if the
were specifically enioined in Il
Word of God. "Why don't they 81
that they are wrong?" Why d
y not the Apostles understand tn
!. Jesus was going to die3 The prime
plies of the telephone were known 4