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APOLOGUE These pastoral epistles; i .e ., the two Timothies and Titus; are of infinite moment and incalculable value to the Christian Church, evolving the whole problem of her pure and simple organization in the pastorate and the diaconate; the latter comprehending and administering all the temporal interests of the local organization and ecclesiastical polity, and at the same time at their option, like Stephen and Philip, “preaching with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; ” meanwhile the former are the responsible custodians of the spiritual interests, the tender shepherds caring for the flock and feeding the lambs; disencumbered of temporal cares (which devolve on the deacons), they pray, preach, and run after souls night and day, keeping their eye on the Chief Shepherd, whose coming they anticipate every moment, when he shall give them a crown of life that shall never fade away. There is simply no apology for the elephantine and labyrinthine organizations of the different Churches. The moment you create an institution, you open the door to carnality, and Diabolus walks in. This is the solution of the awful ecclesiastical corruption, secularism, and diabolism this day belting the globe with the Briarean arms of Babylon, the mother of harlots. This is the fundamental exegesis of the lamentable absence of the Holy Ghost in the Church services. So long as we abide in New Testament simplicity, true to God’s Word, and recognizing the presence, supremacy, and leadership of the Holy Ghost, he abides with us. O that the Churches would only return to first principles, and adopt again the New Testament Ecclesia!

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