Читать книгу A Book of Gems, or, Choice selections from the writings of Benjamin Franklin - Бенджамин Франклин - Страница 23

Table of Contents

MEN may talk of the power of those large combinations, governed by a few leading spirits or one leading spirit as the case may be, where office and not character or ability gives power; but while such an arrangement may create in its adherents a desire for office, to give them influence and authority, they will neglect the purity and excellence of good character and ability, which are the only things which should give any one respect and influence among the people of God. But, in the absence of such character and ability as will give a man influence and power among the followers of Jesus Christ, some may become enraged because we do not form some kind of an organization that will give the desired power by virtue of an office. Such a power as this we hope never to see established in the church of God. If men wish power and influence let them act in such a manner as will be worthy of, and command them; and then they will know how to use, and not abuse them.

Our present organization, little as some men seem to think of it, has maintained a general state of union, and has made a concentrated effort for the conversion of the world, unequalled by any body of people about us. While other religious bodies have been divided and distracted by the frivolous worldly questions of our times, we, as a people, stand firm and unshaken, under the guidance of Him who gave us both a natural and a religious being.

Some one will inquire, what do you plead for? or what do you vindicate? It will be said; it is of no use to be exciting fearful apprehensions, and at the same time setting forth nothing tangible. We will, therefore, make an effort to set out something definite and tangible.

1st. We do not want any general combination, in the form of an Association, Conference, Synod or Council, to govern the churches.

2d. We do not want any such body of men to decide who shall be our ministers, or how they shall be supported.

3d. We do not want any such body of men to decide who shall be our publishers.

4th. Every congregation properly organized, has the right to govern its own members, either in itself, or by calling to its assistance neighboring churches and evangelists.

5th. All letters of commendation, or sentences of condemnation, depend wholly for their authority and influence with those to whom they may be presented, upon the intelligence and moral worth of the body whence they emanated. Hence a minister “whose praise is in all the churches,” and who may be “chosen of the churches,” to perform any certain mission, must have more weight and influence among the people where he goes, than he who is destitute of such commendation.

6th. We want voluntary organizations for missionary purposes, the distribution of bibles, tracts, books, etc., etc., all of which we have a right to form in any way which we may conceive most conducive to the interests of the Redeemer’s cause.