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112
Early Writings
become established upon gospel order, which has been overlooked
and neglected.” This is indispensably necessary in order to bring the
church into the unity of the faith. I saw that in the apostles’ day the
church was in danger of being deceived and imposed upon by false
teachers. Therefore the brethren chose men who had given good
evidence that they were capable of ruling well their own house and
[101]
preserving order in their own families, and who could enlighten those
who were in darkness. Inquiry was made of God concerning these,
and then, according to the mind of the church and the Holy Ghost,
they were set apart by the laying on of hands. Having received their
commission from God and having the approbation of the church,
they went forth baptizing in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy
Ghost, and administering the ordinances of the Lord’s house, often
waiting upon the saints by presenting them the emblems of the
broken body and spilt blood of the crucified Saviour, to keep fresh
in the memory of God’s beloved children His sufferings and death.
I saw that we are no more secure from false teachers now than
they were in the apostles’ days; and, if we do no more, we should
take as special measures as they did to secure the peace, harmony,
and union of the flock. We have their example, and should follow
it. Brethren of experience and of sound minds should assemble,
and following the Word of God and the sanction of the Holy Spirit,
should, with fervent prayer, lay hands upon those who have given
full proof that they have received their commission of God, and set
them apart to devote themselves entirely to His work. This act would
show the sanction of the church to their going forth as messengers
to carry the most solemn message ever given to men.
God will not entrust the care of His precious flock to men whose
mind and judgment have been weakened by former errors that they
have cherished, such as so-called perfectionism [
see appendix.
] and
Spiritualism, and who, by their course while in these errors, have
disgraced themselves and brought reproach upon the cause of truth.
Although they may now feel free from error and competent to go
forth and to teach this last message, God will not accept them. He
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will not entrust precious souls to their care; for their judgment was
perverted while in error, and is now weakened. The great and holy
One is a jealous God, and He will have holy men to carry His truth.
The holy law spoken by God from Sinai is a part of Himself, and holy