To insist on the necessity of baptizing persons who have no sin and do not or can not believe, is to attach an efficacy to this ordinance which is unknown to the teachings of Jesus and His apostles. It is to rob it of all its meaning-the expression of one's faith in the burial and the resurrection of Christ. It is clearly taught that baptism is the consummating act in the pardon of sin. Infants have no sin, for "sin is the transgression of the law." "Where no law is, there is no transgression." There is no law given to infants, and could be none, and no obedience is required of them. Their innocence and purity is pronounced by Christ, for He says: “Of such is the kingdom of heaven."a And, "except ye turn and become as little children ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."b

C

The Church of Christ, as divinely established, was congregational. There was no higher organization, no synod, assembly, or ecclesiastical body placed over it or given legislative authority for it, for Christ is the "head of the church." Individual Christians are made “kings and priests unto God." They are called "a holy priesthood," "a royal priesthood." Being sovereign they have an absolute right, under Christ, to select their own servants or officers. Until all Christians realize this vital fact, many will be in servile religious bondage.

e

There are, however, many reasons why there should be cooperation and union among the various congre

gations, not to legislate for the Church of Christ, which is prohibited, but to promote its welfare, and by united effort to spread the gospel abroad and build up the Kingdom of God on earth. By the classification mentioned in the Scriptures it is evident that the churches were divided into districts as "The churches of Galatia,' "" a "The churches of Asia," and "The churches of Judea." We are informed that "The churches of Macedonia" and "Achaia" e joined together "in the ministering to the saints,' and there was a "brother whose praise in the gospel is spread through all the churches . . . and who was also appointed by the churches to travel" g with Paul and Titus; and of them it was said, "They are messengers of the churches." h This shows cooperation of the churches in the fellowship of giving and ministration.

The Church of Christ was so ordained and established, and its simple form of government was such that it could be planted in every nation and grow under any form of government. Hence the general form of cooperation among the various churches or congregations, for its spread seemed wisely to have been left to the good judgment of Christians under their various circumstances and surroundings in different nations and among divers peoples.

Christianity is a historical religion. The Church of Christ was complete, and so passed into history with

the close of the New Testament. So far as revealed to us there has been no change made since, by any authority in heaven or upon the earth. Why can not the Church of Christ be reestablished everywhere now as it was then, in all its divine beauty and simplicity ? Can not Christians build now on the same foundation, having the same Lord, the same name, the same officers, chosen in the same way, observing the same ordinances in the same way, telling the penitent believers to do the same things in order to become members, requiring the church members to live now as they lived then? If this be not the Church of Christ where can it be found? It is vain to search outside of inspired history to find the true church of the true Redeemer.

If the reader is not familiar with the following passages, it is important that they be read, as they are most expressive, both of duty and destiny.

а

As to the duty of church members we refer the reader to Christ's sermon on the Mount, a where principles are taught that were to predominate in His church or kingdom when established.

e

Also in regard to humility and forgiveness. "Continuing steadfast." c See Peter as to Christian virPaul in regard to "charity or love." Also, in regard to the "Fruits of the Spirit.” f As to Christian equality and faithfulness. Duty. And the

tues.

a Matt. v., vi., vii. c Acts ii. 42.

e 1 Cor. xiii. passim.

b Matt. xviii. passim.

d 2 Pet. i. passim.

f Gal. v. 22, 23; Rom. viii. passim.

8 Gal. iii. 28; Rom. xii.; Eph. iv.

h

Jas. i. 27.

"High calling."a In the closing chapter of Revelation it is said, "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."b

a Phil. iii., iv. passim.

b Rev. xxii. 14.

CHAPTER XXXV

THE APOSTASY.

The Corrupt Church. The Man of Sin. The Influence of Protestantism. The Fall of Babylon. False Pretenders.

HAVING described the New-Testament church from the sacred records, and desiring to aid in restoring it in its simplicity and purity, it is important to note the rise and progress of the corrupt church which was predicted by the apostles. In order to now convince the world of the true church we deem it essential to briefly consider the apostate church-an ecclesiastical and political despotism, which swayed scepter over so many nations of the world for a thousand years, and which instituted persecution, martyrdom, and the horrors of the Inquisition. If such appalling degradation and misery was the natural outgrowth of Christ's teaching and example, those who desire the good of mankind would be inclined to reject it. But we shall find that such condition was to obtain for a time, and the power causing it was to be suddenly overthrown, when the true light would shine again and the reign of the Messiah would become universal, and His pure religion would extend over all the world. This "abomination of desolation" can not, therefore, be charged to the teachings of the sinless One. While