A. T. J by Alonzo T. Jones

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 30, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 41.

A. T. J

By Alonzo T. Jones

Since writing the above the Christian Statesman of Oct. 16 has come to hand, containing a portion of a paper read by Rev. A. T. Pierson, D. D., before the Ministerial Union of Philadelphia, from which I clip the following strong confirmation of the points of the foregoing article:—

“We are often fettered by our denominationalism. Brought up to exalt our sectarian standards, and views, and politics, we sometimes degenerate into religious partisans and politicians, espousing our sect, because it is our sect. We stand by our colors, whether it is the color of the blood or not! We preach and teach what we find in our denominational standards, whether or not we can give an intelligent scriptural reason for our position. Have we the boldness to face opposition and ridicule for the sake of the truth? And, if a candid, careful searching of the word should compel us to believe that our denominational position is unscriptural in any respect, would we simply follow the light God might give us, or consent to silence and compromise with conscience? Many of us are hindered in preaching the word and in directing the affairs of Christ's body, by the very officers of our church, and especially by ungodly trustees! If, out of profound convictions, born of prayer and spiritual travail, we should insist upon a new and more spiritual conduct of our churches, or preach some gospel truth that pierces the quick, there are some church officers who would come between us and the congregation, and request us to keep silence or resign.”