The Original 1883 (First Edition) of
The Ecclesial Guide

5. -- Problems of the Modern Situation.

In this situation of things, there are problems which did not embarrass the operations of the Gospel in the first century. People come to a knowledge of the truth, here and there throughout the world, by means of the published literature of the truth, which has gone widely abroad. What are they to do on attaining to this knowledge? They are members of the various religious bodies around them: shall they continue in their accustomed association? Reason itself would answer this question even if there were no Scriptural guidance. How can a man continue in association with a body with whose sentiments and objects he has ceased to have sympathy? The Scriptures prescribe that which impulse would dictate: to "come out" (2 Cor. vi 17) to have no fellowship (Eph. v 11), to withdraw (2 Tim. iii 5). It is impossible that the truth could grow or live in the theological communions of the day.