From whatever point of view we contemplate the history of the Brethren, we are increasingly persuaded of the divine character of their mission. To them, and to them only, it has been given of God to unfold from His precious word the grand doctrines of the church as the body of Christ; and of His place as Man on the Father's throne; the presence and action of the Holy Ghost in the individual believer, and in the assembly while He sits there; the proper hope of the church-the coming of the Bridegroom-as distinct from the destiny of Israel and the earth. At the same time, fresh light has been shed on the elementary doctrines of the gospel, such as pardon, justification, eternal life, and acceptance; and they have been preached with a clearness, fullness, and power, unknown since apostolic times. Their testimony, we have no doubt, will be maintained, through grace, until the Lord's return, and that amidst the general defection and corruption of the professing church.
But what the Brethren have chiefly to watch and pray against is the world. It is difficult, we know, to maintain a steady walk in the path of rejection outside the world, but this is the only consistent path for Brethren. That measure of conformity to the world, which the denominations not only practice but advocate as a means of improving it, and as lawful, reasonable, and innocent, would be a grievous sin on the part of Brethren. From an early period of their history they have taught separation from the world on the principle of John 17 " They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world." Death, resurrection, and ascension, separate Christ from the world; this is the believer's measure, and the believer's responsibility. And it is this that we are apt to forget, and to lose sight of in the innumerable details of daily life. But the believer is one with Christ, united to Him in heavenly glory, though still here, and ought to be diligent and attentive to all his duties, for the Lord's sake. But thus to live here while we cherish the spirit of our heavenly citizenship, requires watching and prayer in communion with the Lord. There is comparatively little fear of Brethren being drawn aside by any of the popular religious movements of the day; they are too well versed in the realities of the word of God; but the trial and the difficulty will be, in maintaining that place of separation and rejection which the blessed Lord so plainly marks out for them in His prayer to His Father. But if He gives them His place of rejection on earth, He at the same time gives them His own place of acceptance in heaven. When we enjoy the latter, it is not difficult to accept the former.
Having spoken thus plainly, we can retire into the sanctuary, and pray for all who love the Lord, by whatever name they are called, and most heartily for those who have in ignorance spoken against His chosen servants. And, looking at the place of responsibility which the Lord has given them as witnesses for Him in the present day, we feel as if we must say, Be united; abound in prayer, in united prayer, and in the full confidence of brotherly love. We would only further add -and that from the depths of our hearts-in the earnest entreating language of the apostle, " I BESEECH YOU THEREFORE, BRETHREN, BY THE MERCIES OF GOD, THAT YE PRESENT YOUR BODIES A LIVING SACRIFICE, HOLY, ACCEPTABLE UNTO GOD, WHICH IS YOUR REASONABLE SERVICE; AND BE NOT CONFORMED TO THIS WORLD: BUT BE YE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF YOUR MIND, THAT YE MAY PROVE WHAT IS THAT GOOD, AND ACCEPTABLE, AND PERFECT WILL OF GOD." Rom. 12:1, 21I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1‑2).
Courtesy of BibleTruthPublishers.com. Most likely this text has not been proofread. Any suggestions for spelling or punctuation corrections would be warmly received. Please email them to: BTPmail@bibletruthpublishers.com.