Chapter One: Introductory
I DESIRE to submit to the readers of the "Christian Standard" a series of articles on the "Principles of the Doctrine of Christ." This language, quoted from Hebrews 6:1, may be more literally rendered "the word of the beginning of Christ," as in the margin of the Revised Version; but the meaning of the two renderings is substantially the same. The word of the beginning is in fact the first principle of the gospel, as originally proclaimed.
The immediate context of the passage above cited suggests that these principles are fundamental; that it was upon them as a foundation that Christianity was built up; or that it was out of them as seed truths that it was developed.
Consequently, it is only by studying and understanding them that we can hope to reach a clear and full comprehension of the Christian religion, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be.
It should be noticed that the specification of principles given in the same context ("repentance from dead works," and "faith towards God," with some others) is not exhaustive of the subject, but illustrative of the writer's meaning. The items mentioned were quite sufficient for his purpose, serving as they did to exemplify the kind of things which he would have his readers "leave," that they might "go on to perfection." But it is scarcely necessary to say, especially to anyone who is not "unskillful in the word of righteousness," that some extremely important principles (such, for instance, as faith in Christ) are not included in this list, although to a well instructed Christian they may be implied. I shall therefore feel justified in studying this great subject in its historical presentation and development, without confining myself to the allusions and specifications given in the above cited Scripture.
It shall be my object to conduct the investigation with all needful care and pains; and while I hope not to be tedious, I shall occupy as much time and space as may be necessary to give a perspicuous and orderly presentation of the whole subject.
On many accounts it is deemed important, not only by myself, but by others in whose wisdom I confide, that this work should be undertaken. The Christian Churches, or the people known as Disciples of Christ, who maintain and propagate the principles which I am herein to present and discuss, have established a character which naturally excites inquiry. They have not only exhibited an unswerving Christian and Biblical conservatism, but they have demonstrated, by almost uniform, certainly by very remarkable success, that they possess elements of influence and power which cannot be ignored by religious society, and which are beginning to command respectful attention and consideration from the leaders of religious thought. What I have to say, therefore, may be regarded to some extent responsive to this state of mind and feeling.
I also have in view that large class of serious and reflective persons, not members of any church, but who feel their responsibilities, who appreciate, at least in a general way, the importance and value of the Christian religion, and who, while caring nothing for the peculiar doctrines and conflicting claims of different sects, would still love to know and to receive the essential truth. They may be in perplexity and mental difficulty. The jars, discords and rivalries among the churches may even have generated sober and honest doubts. May it not all be a delusion? Is there any sure and certain right way? If so, can it be found? And can it be known when it is found? To such persons the first principles of the gospel, clearly set forth and sufficiently supported by holy Scripture, will be almost like a new revelation from heaven, resolving their doubts, relieving their perplexities, banishing their darkness, and exhibiting in light and beauty the whole way of life and salvation.
Among the Disciples themselves, also, there are weighty reasons why those principles should be given a prominent and conspicuous place; and why they should be viewed from different angles, and exhibited in different lights. It is true that none of us can be said to be wholly ignorant of them. They have been discussed and advocated over and over again in some instances with indiscretion and ad nauseam; but in general, with thoughtful care and considerate adaptation. They have been viewed by minds of singular clearness and penetration, and supported with pen and tongue by men of great learning and strength. I cannot hope to surpass or even equal the able writers who have preceded me in this field. They have reaped the harvest; I come, like Ruth the Moabitess, to glean after them. Still, however wisely and skillfully they wrought, the special value of their work grew out of its adaptation to the times and circumstances which called for it. Now the times have changed. A new generation has come forward. Peculiar conditions and circumstances have arisen. In some respects the tone, spirit and attitude of the churches have been modified. Works which were formerly read with delight, and appreciated by every one at their true intrinsic value, are now seldom read at all, especially by the young, and when read seem to have lost something of the flavor and freshness originally possessed by them. In this rapid age it takes but a few years for such productions to go out of date. And therefore, if what I may say shall have no greater value, it must at least, and for a time, have the value of recency.
It may be proper to add that, if spared to prosecute this undertaking, I expect to do so in my own way. I shall not seek after novelty, nor to avoid the paths which great and good men have trodden before me; and no doubt I. shall generally, if not always, find myself in their company; but I shall not slavishly follow them. The nature of the subject, and the importance of the circumstances which call for its present discussion, demand that it shall be studied and treated de novo.
Finally, I cannot forget that the spirit of Christian unity is becoming daily more and more potential in religious society. Even the ministers of the different churches--who have hitherto exerted a repressive influence upon this spirit—are beginning to feel its force, and to anticipate the joy of its full development. And now that some of them, nay, that many of them, are coming toward us, as it were, with flags of truce, and words of love, rather than as of old with clubs and taunts, it would ill become me to meet them with blows and reproaches. If it was ever proper and necessary to present and advocate the principles of the gospel in the spirit and with the bearing of controversy and belligerency, it is not so now. It is not a time of war, but of peace; a time in which we may hope to "sit down together at the feet of our common Master, to hear his word, to imbibe his spirit, and to transcribe his life in our own." We believe that the great fundamental principles for which we have so earnestly contended, and which have given us so much satisfaction and strength, are catholic in their nature; that by a divine adaptation they are fitted to and needed by every creature in all the world; and that it requires only a dispassionate consideration of them, free from bias and prejudice, for all to see that they are indeed what we believe them to be, "THE TRUTH AS IT IS IN JESUS."