Weekly expositor. (Brockway Centre, Mich.) 1882-1894, 1894-02-23
A PLEA FOR FAIRNESS.

In view of the fact that much has
been said, and is being said, which
show a misund Ito say the
least of the teachings of the Church
of Christ, worshiping in the Brick
Chapel, a few words of expla-
nation as to our real position may
not be amiss. And 1t is hoped in the
interest of better feeling in the viii
lage, and a broader charity among
those who profess allegiance to the
| One Saviour, that such gross misrepre-
sentations should cease.
Our church covenant reads: eve,
whose names are subjoined, do hereby
covenant and agree, by the help of the
Lord, to walk together as Church of
Christ, faithfully maintaining its ordi-
nances, taking the Bible as our only
rule of faith and practice, church
order and discipline" 1t may be said
by some, that this is too indefinite.
But, to our minds, it is a strong posi-
ton, and covers the whole ground; and +,
besides, has all the elements of unity
in it. as it is all we require of those
who have believed in the Lord Jesus
Christ. and have confessed Him, and
taken Him as their Saviour, to be re-
ceived into fellowship. But, possibly
this may not satisfy those who will per-
sist in saying, that nothing good can
come out of the Brick Chapel, we
therefore cheerfully give in detail,
some of the items of our faith, showing
that we occupy common ground with
all other Christians, when preaching
the Gospel to u sinful, dying world.
We believe in God, the Father, in
Jesus Christ as the Son of God, and
the only Saviour of Sinners. We be-
lieve in the Holy Spirits agency in the
conversion of sinners, and that, when
converted, they must cruelty the flesh
with it's affections and lusts, and live,
to the extent of the light God has
given them in the service of the Master
We believe that mankind in their un-
regenerate state, are sinners. and at
enmity with Coo, and in that condi-
ton cannot be acceptable to Him, and
need a Saviour, not to save them in
their sin, but from Sin, in fact, to cure
the disease of sin, and make them pure
and holy, fit for the presence of our
Heavenly Father. And without holt
ness, no man shall ever see the Lord
We believe in punishment. both here
and hereafter. and that all who tell
lies, white or black, all who cheat and
defraud their fellows, all who bear
false witness against their neighbor, all
who gamble, who bet at horse races,
or indulge in any other known sin,
whether they be in the Church of
Christ, or any other church, or out of
them, If they do not repent of them
must suffer the penalty that a just God
has imposed. We believe in u day of
wrath, and that all who heap up wrath
against that day. must pass through it,
and receive just recompense for
every deed done in the body, whether
good or bad.
To be brief, our faith is based wholly
on the Word of God. From mans in
terpretatiOns we are forced at times to
dissent, and simply use, as others do,
and have the right to do, the best judg-
ment God has given us, praying always
that His Holy Spirit may enlighten and
lead us into correct understanding of
His holy will; that we may always be
ready and willing to give an intelligent
Bible reason for the faith and hope we
hold.
We freely admit, however, that
there are some truths we hold and
teach, different from others, perhaps
not as essential as those enumerated.
But we are just as honest and sincere
III our convictions as those who oppose
US; and we simply stand upon our
right, God given right, TO express
and teach what we believe to be true,
granting others the same privilege;
pleading, however, for the sake of the
truth, for an intelligent, not a blind
criticism. 1t would be much -fairer
and more honest, and in harmony with
the teachings of scripture, to come out
and hear for yourselves, and then, like
the Berean brethren of old, search the
scriptures and find out whether these
things are so. Yours truly,