A church which has not inspired apostles nor prophets, cannot be the Church of Christ, for these are essential to its full constitution. All the officers we have named are necessary, in their various positions, to the complete organization of the "body of Christ."
Through these appointed servants of God, the members of the Church are instructed in their duties, led along in the path of truth, admonished of their faults, rebuked for their transgressions, brought to the unity of the faith, corrected of their errors, and when they become evil-doers, and reformation is not probable, disfellowshipped from communion or excommunicated from the Church.
The Church of Christ is progressive. That is, it advances in the knowledge of the truth. As fast as its members are prepared for additional light, through the practice of principles already revealed, new manifestations are given, for the growth of all who will receive the truths unfolded towards the fullness of the stature of Christ Jesus. Old truths are not discarded, but new truths are added, and clearer light is thrown upon what was previously known. Thus the Church advances and prepares its communicants for a higher sphere when they pass away from the plane of mortal existence.
But while it casts off no truth, it eliminates from itself, by natural process, everything obnoxious to its health and vitality. Corrupt and wicked persons occasionally find their way into its sanctuary; some, after being washed from their impurities, turn again to their filthiness, and others become rebellious and discordant. These incongruous elements are gradually separated from the body. For the Church is a living thing, and casts off that which does not assimilate or which is inimical to its growth, harmony and progress.
The members of the Church are all united by a fraternal bond. They are all brethren and sisters, no matter what their condition in life, no matter of what nationality. Indeed nationality is swallowed up in fraternity. They are no longer Jew or Gentile, English, German, Danish or American, they are all one in Christ Jesus. They are no more Catholics or Protestants, Dissenters or Episcopalians, but are baptized by one spirit into one body, and in all essential principles have one faith, and are joined together in the same mind and the same judgment.
The Church of Christ in this and every other age, is connected with the Church of previous ages. That portion behind the vail works in harmony with the new Church in the flesh, and its members, whether in the body or out of the body, move to the common end: the establishment of the kingdom of heaven upon the earth, the spread of the principles of the true Church, until "every knee shall bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus is the Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Then the Church will have filled its mission—to preach the gospel, administer in its ordinances, unite the Saints, manifest the things of God, establish righteousness, bring together the heavens and the earth and make straight the path for the Lord Jesus. And the vail of the covering will be taken away; the Church of the Firstborn will be one in all things beneath and above; evil will be swept from the earth; and truth, peace, harmony and praise will glorify this planet and its inhabitants, who will know God, from the least even unto the greatest.
SIXTH LEAF.
Apostasy from the Primitive Church—When it Commenced—The Apostles Predicted it—The Apostasy Universal—The Woman Clothed With the Sun, and the Scarlet-Clothed Harlot—What They Represent—The Reformation—Spread of Truth but Lack of Authority—Multiplication of Sects—No Voice From Heaven.
Comparison of the various sects of modern Christendom with the Church of Christ as established by Jesus and His apostles, which was briefly described in the preceding chapter, will show that there has been a wide and remarkable departure from "the faith once delivered to the saints." It is contrary both to scripture and sound reason to think that Christ would set up two or more discordant religious systems to distract mankind and cause strife and contention. "God is not the author of confusion." There is but one straight and narrow path that leadeth unto life. The mind of God is one; the minds of men are various. The fact then that there are various opposing religions in the world is conclusive evidenced that men have been engaged in their invention. It is also clear that they have established very imperfect imitations of the true Church of Christ.