Bringing the Words of the Wise to Your Computer in the Nick of Time - When Unity Becomes More Conspiracy Than Communion

A good friend took the time to assemble an amazing collection of quotes. Their application to the current ABC crisis requires no commentary or interpretation.

What Is Christian Unity: Unity with Truth or Unity at the expense of Truth? "Constantly we hear of proposals for unity and union . . . but what is the use of pretending where there can be none? There is another matter which needs to be thought of as well as unity and union, and that is TRUTH. To part with truth to show charity is to betray our Lord with a kiss. Between those who believe in the eternal verities and those who constantly cast doubt on them there can be no unity or union." C. H. Spurgeon, The Sword and Trowel (February, 1887), page 91.

"On all hands we hear cries for unity in this and unity in that; but to our mind the main need of this age is not compromise but conscientiousness. 'First pure, then peaceable' (James 3:17). It is easy to cry 'A confederacy', but that union which is not based on the truth of God is rather a conspiracy than a communion. Charity by all means; but honesty also. Love, of course, but love to God as well as love to men, and love of truth as well as love of union. It is exceedingly difficult in these times to preserve one's fidelity before God and one's faternity among men. Should not the former be preferred to the latter if both cannot be maintained? We think so." C. H. Spurgeon, The Sword and Trowel (April, 1887), page 196.

"To pursue union at the expense of truth is treason to the Lord Jesus Christ." C. H. Spurgeon, The Sword and Trowel (November, 1887), page 558.

"It is clear to everyone who is willing to see it that laxity of doctrine is either the parent of worldliness, or is in some other way very near akin to it. The men who give up the old faith are the same persons who plead for latitude as to general conduct. Liberal ministers gain a certain popularity by pandering to prevailing tastes." C. H. Spurgeon, The Sword and Trowel (December, 1887), page 606.

"The bare faced manner in which certain persons assert that 'to separate from men who hold vital errors is contrary to the mind of Christ' would be amusing if it were not saddening. They write as if such a Book as the New Testament were not in existence; they evidently decide what the mind of Christ ought to be without referring to such poor creatures as the Apostles. As for myself, I think more of Paul and John than of the whole body of modern thinkers. What saith the Scriptures? Read Galatians 1:6-10 and 2 John 9-11 for yourselves. The spirit of Scripture is one, and therefore we may be sure that decision for truth and separation from the erring are in full consistency with the charity of 1 Corinthians 13. It is true charity to those who err to refuse to aid and abet them in their errors." C. H. Spurgeon, The Sword and Trowel (December, 1887), page 642.

"To remain in doctrinally mixed denominations is contrary to Scriptural principles because thereby: (1) the specific commands for separation in such situations are disobeyed and (2) the Gospel is compromised, if not denied, since such is an attempt at union is only achieved at the expense of vital Christian truth and (3) real union is hindered. For ourselves we cannot be associated in any way with a movement which implies that the evangelical faith is but one of many equally valid insights and traditions. We believe evangelical churches ought to be seen in fellowship with each other and not with those who reject the authority of Scripture and the complete work of Christ." British Evangelical Council, BEC Attitude Toward Ecumenical Union (London, 1968), page 1.

[His Barking Dog may have the tenacity of the proverbial junk yard dog. However, the barking only happens when danger appears near home. The opinions here have nothing to do with officials or leaders in the PSW]