Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.Volume 1 Number 1

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xhortationsThe Newsletter of the Apostolic Christian Publishing Company II Timothy 4:2

February, 1996

Fundamentals of Faith and FellowshipThis article is a reprint from a publication of the same name, available from the Apostolic Christian Publishing Company. The publication itself is an excerpt from Apostolic Christian Church History, also available as a complete publication. It represents an excellent synopsis of the faith from the vantage point in time immediately following the firm establishment of the faith, and at the beginning of the spread of the faith to America. Gospel of Jesus Christ, His example, and the teachings and instructions given by Him and His Apostles are our rule and our ground of faith. We acknowledge God, the Almighty, as Creator and Preserver of the universe in the visible and invisible creation. We confess Jesus Christ as the Son of God and Son of man, who testified anew of the love of God toward mankind lost in error and sin, and who Himself put this love into effect to the giving of Himself on the accursed tree of the cross for the salvation of men. His precious blood of reconciliation makes us clean from all sin (I John 1:7). The blood of Christ we understand to be His work of redemption which He finished on the cross of Calvary. We confess the Holy Ghost Continued on page 2

In This Issuen n n nFundamentals of Faith and Fellowship Page 1 The Headcovering Page 1 The Life of Samuel Heinrich Frhlich Page 5 Adornment Page 14

The HeadcoveringDoug SavinBrother Doug Savin is a minister in the Toronto, Ontario, Canada, congregation. In all cases, the emphasis applied to the text and quotations in this article is his. The church practice of the headcovering has been one of controversy ever since I can remember, and for many years before that, I am sure. One reason for that, of course, is a lack of understanding of that teaching as laid out in I Corinthians 11. What brings about some of the confusion is the way the King James Version translates the Apostle Pauls letter from the Greek language in which it was originally written. What further complicates matters is that some take this chapter to be directed only to the Corinthian church. Let us analyze that chapter in context of the whole Scripture to eradicate any doubt as to what it really means.

ConfessionFor other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (I Cor. 3:11). The Bible, the Word of God, which reveals in eternal truth the guidance and destiny of nations and mankind, is the foundation of all true living in faith. The New Testament especially, i.e., the

Does this teaching apply to us today?Firstly, the Apostle starts the chapter by praising the church for keeping the ordinances that he had given them either Continued on page 3

February, 1996

Exhortations 1

The Apostolic Christian Publishing Company was founded by the late Elder Brother Philip N. Braun in the 1920s, with the purpose of disseminating writings of spiritual value throughout the brotherhood and to the world at large. Brother Philip was well aware of the power of Satan unleashed and rampant in a sin-darkened world, and often could be heard to say of the evil one, He is the master of a thousand arts. Consequently, to battle this evil, especially as it found its manifestation in the deceitfulness of nominal Christianity, Brother Philip devoted his life to the task of bringing forth the truths of the Word of God by publishing many discourses that expounded upon it. I had the privilege to work directly under his tutelage for a number of years before his untimely death in 1978. Though many of the materials he oversaw the publication of lacked what we may call polish, Brother Philip felt a continual sense of urgency about this calling, and told me often, We need to get this into the hands of people. It is always the smug conceit of each generation to believe that those who preceded them were somehow less sophisticated, less knowledgeable and enlightened, less wise. A thorough and critical review, however, of the written legacy left to us by the founding brothers of our faith reveals how preposterous such an opinion is. To re-echo the words of Brother Henry Michel, we have to marvel at how much light had been given to our brothers in faith who preceded us. Though there are some who may consider the reaffirmation of the faith of our fathers to be nothing better than a re-hash of history, it is the purpose of this newsletter to further illuminate the continuing relevancy of their God-given wisdom by placing it within the context of contemporary living, with all its issues and challenges. May God bless His truth, and may we with earnestness contend for it. Exhortations is the newsletter of the Apostolic Christian Publishing Company, Syracuse, New Y ork. Its purpose is to declare and promote the original doctrinal standpoints and practices of the Apostolic Christian Church through the publication of relevant articles, both historical and contemporary.

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xhortationsThe Newsletter of the Apostolic Christian Publishing Company

Fundamentals of Faith and FellowshipContinued from Page 1 of truth and love, of obedience and discipline, who according to John 14:16 and 26, also Acts 2:1-4, was poured out on the first day of Pentecost, and who to this day gives Himself into the hearts of men who through an upright conversion, through repentance, faith, grace, and baptism, have come to renewal of life and peace with God. Christ taught Nicodemus: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. (John 3:5). We believe that every man is a sinner by birth: There is none that doeth good, no, not one (Romans 3:12), and The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23). though not grounded in the Scriptures, that he is a Christian, even though he knows nothing of his baptism. Frhlich wrote: Man must first have heard the Word of salvation with his ears, understood it with his mind, believed it with his heart, and confessed it with his lips before he may be baptized on this, his faith, and embodied into the church of Christ. The Church is the body of Christ. The Head of the Church is Christ. We confess ourselves to be

The Church is the body of Christ.non-combatant, according to the Sermon on the Mount, and we reject the taking of an oath according to the word of Christ: Swear not at all... But let your communication be, yea, yea: Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil. (Matt. 5:34,37). We believe in the coming of the Kingdom of God, which has its beginning in the heart of man and its glorious consummation in the appearance of the Lord, when He will come in the glory of His Father with the holy angels (Mark 8:38).

We believe that God in His Word offers every man the possibility to be delivered from his sinful and lost condition. Have I any pleasure at all that the wicked should die? saith the Lord God: and not that he should return from his ways, and live? (Ez. 18:23). This possibility is confirmed by the word of Jesus on the cross: It is finished. The faith in Christs sacrificial death is the foundation of the redemption; and the following scriptural baptism, bound with the gift of the Holy Spirit, is the seal of holy kinship and divine adoption as sons of God. Infant baptism is not scriptural, because it has no foundation in the New Testament; it is an error and leads men into a false security. It is for him the only testimony,

Correspondence regarding this newsletter and other publications identified herein may be addressed to: Apostolic Christian Publishing Company, P .O. Box 416, Syracuse, New Y ork 132150416.

ConversionThe appearance of Jesus Christ on earth is a call to all men: The time is fulfilled, Continued on page 3

Gregory D. Kufchak Editor

Gaius W Laubli Associate Editor .

David M. Freund Business Manager

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February, 1996

Fundamentals of Faith and FellowshipContinued from Page 2 and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. (Mark 1:15). The true Christian life begins with repentance, faith, knowledge, grace, baptism, laying on of hands; then follow the life of faith, the sanctification, the resurrection (Hebrews 6:1-2). True knowledge of self, turning from sin, contrition, turning to God: that is repentance. Bound up with upright repentance is a confession of sins, according to Mark 1:5. Wrong that has been committed, lying, stealing, moral infractions, offenses, slander, etc., must be confessed, and as much as possible restitution must be made. The contrite confession and the restitution work for reconciliation between men, but they are not sufficient to make men righteous in Gods sight. The last condition of man consists not alone in the individual sins which he has committed, but in his unbelief and in the evil state of the human heart (Romans 7:24), which cannot be restored by restitution or confession before men, but only by the complete redemption, in Christ, of the sinful nature (I John 1:7). Only the sacrifice on Calvary, the death of the innocent Lamb of God on the cross, presents the all-sufficient sacrifice, and only the faith in this offering, which becomes an inner conviction and experience, enables man, lost in sin, to be reconciled to God and redeemed from the bondage and servitude of sin. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. (John 8:36). So Paul could testify: I obtained mercy. (I Tim. 1:16). For the person, who by faith in Christs redemptive act on Calvary, through repentance and conversion, has received forgiveness of sins and has come to be at peace with God, the way is open to all the promises of Gods Word, according to the measure of his faith. From now on the rest of his way no longer lies in his own choice: the child of God must be subject to his heavenly Father and the leading of the Holy Spirit, who testifies in him. The doctrines of the Gospel are authoritative for his future life. No man has ever been truly converted without vowing faithfulness to God, in the following of Jesus to the end. This vow of faithfulness God would confirm in the redeemed person through the covenant of grace in the baptism of faith. By the redemption, through the blood of Christ, man comes to true peace and rest of the soul, according to the word of the Lord: Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28). This refreshing, after contrition and repentance, becomes for the soul an inner experience and a testimony of faith in redemption. The heart for the first time feels true peace and that joy of soul of which the Savior says: ... Your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you. (John 16:22), ... But rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven. (Luke 10:20). This joy the eunuch felt when he went on his way rejoicing (Acts 8:39). Continued on page 4

The HeadcoveringContinued from Page 1 verbally while he was present with them, or perhaps by another epistle that we are not aware of. Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you. (vv 1-2). Paul then continues by stating in global terms the hierarchy of Gods authority as ascribed to Himself, given to His Son, and finally to the man and the woman. But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. (v 3). The fact that he speaks in such universal terms of God being the head of Christ, Christ being the head of every man (also see vv 4-5) and man being the head of the woman, rejects the idea that this is speaking to only the men and women of the Corinthian church, and for that era in history only. Secondly, Pauls use of the word every and the definite article the indicate that he was not speaking to their (Corinthian) believers only. Once again it is a global concept. God has never ceased to be the Godhead; Christ has never ceased to be the head of the man; and, unless told otherwise, the man has never ceased to be the head of the woman. Based on the above facts, it must be concluded that chapter 11 of I Corinthians applies to the church even today.

What does it mean for the head to be covered?Having established that this Scripture applies to us today, let us move on to the teaching on the headcovering. Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered dishonoureth her head: for that is even all one as if she were shaven. For if the woman be not covered, let her also be shorn: but if it be a shame for a woman to be shorn or shaven, let her be covered. (vv 4-6). The Greek word used in verse 5 for uncovered is (akatakaluptos), which simply means unveiled or uncovered. This word is derived from the Greek word (katakalupto), which means (according to Strongs Concordance) to cover wholly, veil, cover, hide. The implication here is that the womans head is to be fully covered. This may go totally against the grain of todays practice, but that is what the Scripture says. The only other alternative is to shave the head, as stated in verse 6. This would be a foolish thing, because that would be a rejection of Gods gift to the woman to make her look beautiful (see v 15). It is clear that verses 4, 5, and 6 state that if a man prays or prophesies with his head covered, he dishonors his head, which is Christ. It is also clear that if the woman does the same with her head uncovered, she dishonors Continued on page 8

February, 1996

Exhortations 3

Fundamentals of Faith and FellowshipContinued from Page 3 22:16; Gal. 3:27; 3:5-6; Col. 2:12; I Peter 3:21. For him who knows the Scripture, there can be no doubt that the baptism of faith is a necessity for the life of faith. It is not within the liberty of the redeemed person to choose if he will or will not allow himself to be baptized, but rather he must ful-

The Baptism of FaithThe external sign of the covenant between God and man is holy baptism, as Christ Himself commanded, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:15-16).

In regeneration, we should not only receive forgiveness of sins, but also be redeemed from the bondage of sin so that we no longer sin, but are able to walk before God without sin, as followers of the Lord. The conscience, cleansed by the blood of Jesus, shall not again be stained with guilt, as the Savior said to him who was healed: ... Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto thee. (John 5:14; 8:11). It is very important to grasp the meaning of baptism according to the words of the Apostle Paul (Romans 6:3). In baptism by immersion, the old man is symbolically given into death, buried, in order to rise again to a new life and walk as a disciple of Jesus Christ. For him, who stands before holy baptism, it brings a great blessing if he is conscious of the earnestness of this sacred act, so that he may fully take part in the promises of God connected with it. God is faithful in all His sayings. Many passages in Scripture explain the true meaning of baptism: Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38 and 8:36; also 9:18 and

Infant baptism is in error because it is not based upon the Word of God.fill this ordinance in faith. The baptism of faith is, therefore, neither a human precept nor a human act. It is the answer of a good conscience toward God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ (I Peter 3:27). Only the baptism of faith which follows upon spiritual regeneration is instituted by Christ. The baptism of the Spirit of which John the Baptist speaks (Matt. 3:11) is fulfilled in the baptism of faith. Both are in harmony with the completion of the work of redemption. By Jesus Christ on Calvary the baptism of John was abolished, and now only the baptism into the death and resurrection of Christ is scriptural (Romans 6:3-5). Whoever says that he has received the baptism of the Spirit and needs not the baptism of faith (in the water) does not stand under the full obedience of the Word (Acts 19:2-6). On the other hand, infant baptism is an error because it is not based upon the Word of God.

The church father Tertullian, already in the year 204 A.D., wrote: Infant baptism is unnecessary for children in the age of innocency, for Christ, by His death on the cross, according to the teaching of Scripture [Romans 5:11] has atoned for the guilt of Adam for all the children of Adam, without exception; but the curse of the Law He set aside only for the believers, and this last is the main thing. He who would be saved must believe and be baptized. Unbelief is sufficient for damnation. Children, however, are neither believing nor unbelieving and can, therefore, not be baptized as children, but can, nonetheless, be saved for Jesus sake. The guilt of Adam can remain upon us only through open, practical unbelief, and then no longer as Adams guilt, but as our own. A person cannot come to faith until he has been under the Law [Gal. 3:23]. Original sin must first be acknowledged before faith, grace,

would assure you that you are now a child of the eternal, almighty Father. He has received you as a child and heir in Christ His Son with the promise: And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. (Psalm 50:15). You shall have part in all the good of the house and Kingdom of God. The name of the Son tells you that the Savior died for you as your Redeemer, and that, with His blood, He on the cross wiped out the handwriting of sin which was against you. He calls you into His discipleship and goes before you through cross and suffering to glory. Now you can join the song of praise: Jesus lives! And with Him I! And the name of the Holy Ghost means for you that now this Spirit would accompany you through joy and sorrow, through need and peril; would comfort, warn, chastise, and impel you to every good word and work. And He would more and more deliver you from all evil and from all that is harmful. And so this shall come true: For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God, and The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God. (Romans 8:14,16).

This Spirit would... impel you to every good work.righteousness, and healing can come. Children, however, are in the the age of innocency for Christs sake because Christ has taken the guilt of Adam upon Himself, even though original sin is in them, but not by imputation, which can first be recognized through the Law, and then set aside by faith or is imputed through unbelief. The baptism of faith, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost is connected with the most precious promises of God. The name of the Father

The Gift of the Holy SpiritThe word of prophecy (Joel 3:1) was fulfilled with elemental power on the first Pentecost: And suddenly there came a sound from Continued on page 5

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Fundamentals of Faith and FellowshipContinued from Page 4 heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost... (Acts 2:2-4). Peter answered the question put by the Jews, Men and brethren, what shall we do? with the words: Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. (Acts 2:38). At the baptism of Jesus in the river Jordan, John testified: I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him. (John 1:32). At Samaria the disciples prayed over those who had accepted the Word of God that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. (Acts 8:14-17 and 19:2-6). On the basis of these testimonies, we also hold to the apostolic direction in the manner, that the gift of the Holy Ghost is invoked on behalf of the one desiring baptism through the laying on of the hands in faith and the common prayer of the congregation for Gods blessing. As in the days of the Apostles, these promises are fulfilled in the believing soul in demonstration of the Spirit and power and not in outward visible form. The gift of the Holy Spirit is the inner sign or testimony of reconciliation with God. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 14:15-17). When a man, through his inner conflict, has battled through to faith, so that he has attained peace with God, it will be a continuous desire in him to conduct himself so that his inner connection with his Redeemer will not be disturbed. The gentle Teacher and Watchman over this pure condition is the Holy Ghost, who has already led the soul through repentance. This Spirit also awakens the desire after baptism, i.e., the sealing of the adoption of sons, in order to complete the full obedience of faith. Whoever listens to the Holy Spirit will be led by Him into eternal life. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance... (Gal. 5:22-23).

The Life of Samuel Heinrich FrhlichPart 1 Introductionn the early 1840s, the young congregations founded by Samuel Heinrich Frhlich [*the fellowship title Brother is generally omitted for the sake of brevity] were assailed by dissension from within, in addition to the persecution they were constantly suffering from without. One leader gathered to himself those who fell away from sound teaching and wished to associate with groups outside the membership who had not a clear grasp of the baptismal truth and were not convinced that baptism was necessary. Another faction held that the promises of the covenant in baptism were wholly one-sided: that God gave promises but that no vow of obedience was required on mans part. The dissidence had not only caused general laxity in church discipline, but had threatened the very life of the new church.

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These false teachings attacked the very root of the faith. It was therefore necessary that strong and incisive teaching from the Word of God be brought to overcome such fatal opposition. These sermons used the sword of the Word in the struggle to a successful end, so that the truth was maintained. Many of the apostates came back upon their painful disenchantment, while others remained excommunicated. Frhlichs activities fell in the time when freedom of faith and conscience was dawning upon the nations of nominal christendom (Revelation 3:8): I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name. Frhlich believed this to be the then in the Saviors parable: Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins which... went forth to meet the bridegroom. (Matthew 25:1, ff.). The candlestick was again being set in its place on the continent of Europe where the light had flickered out for the descendants of those who in bygone centuries had been true witnesses. Frhlich knew whereof he spoke concerning the established state church of which he had been a part and, by the grace of God, saw the light of the truth. He appeared at a time when so-called christendom had fallen into degeneracy and the State Protestant and Catholic Churches dominated the governments of Europe, to teach anew the true Gospel of Jesus Christ as it had been taught by the apostles. He had been planted, so to speak, in the very soil of the Protestant State Church, and although his conversion did occur while he was still therein, this church had not brought it about; in other words, though he was no longer of the Protestant State Church, he found himself still Continued on page 6

The Reception by the CongregationBefore baptism and reception into the congregation, the one desiring baptism, in the presence of the circle of brothers and sisters, gives exContinued on page 6

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Exhortations 5

The Life of Samuel Heinrich FrhlichPart 1Continued from Page 5 in it. Thus it became the field of his missionary effort. In this labor, the mission of bringing the Gospel into the field of the great false churches of false christianity, which, since the beginning of the fourth century had been elevated to the position of state religion, he was a pioneer.

Fundamentals of Faith and FellowshipContinued from Page 5 pression of that which he has experienced of Gods grace, i.e., of his rebirth. Paul says: For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Romans 10:10). Gods Spirit shall bear witness in the congregation if the one desiring baptism is prepared for baptism. When the congregation is satisfied with the testimony of the one desiring baptism, an elder administers baptism by immersion. Then by the laying on of hands and the prayer of the elder (Acts 19:5-6; I Tim. 4:14; Heb. 6:2) the baptized person is received into membership and has full part in the life of the fellowship, especially also in the Lords Supper. Not through the reception into membership, not because we call ourselves believers, but through a living faith in the blood and merits of Christ, a faith that is active in works, will we inherit eternal life, as those who are born again out of the living Word of God which abideth forever. Therefore it is written: ... be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. (Rev. 2:10). sign, which Moses had instituted at Gods command for this protection, was the eating of the Passover lamb, and the blood of the lamb which was to be spread over the door posts of the Israelite homes. In every home in which this blood-sign was lacking, the angel of the Lord struck down the firstborn. It was, therefore, the seal for Israel as the chosen people of God. Annually the Passover was to be celebrated as a memorial of the redemption of Israel from the bondage of Egypt. The great redemption festival was, among others, celebrated at three different places: namely, in Egypt (Ex. 12), in the wilderness (Num. 9), and in the land of Canaan (Josh. 5). Christ observed the Passover with His disciples shortly before His suffering and death, and in connection therewith instituted the Lords Supper of the new covenant. And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer. (Luke 22:15). Referring to His impending suffering, death, and resurrection, Jesus united the hearts of His disciples in their love to Him and toward each other. With the words: For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins, (Matt. 26:28), Jesus transferred the blood-sign of the old covenant, that is, that of the Passover lamb, to the new covenant in His own blood. The Lords Supper, therefore, means for the converted Christians a remembrance of the sacrificial death Continued on page 7

Early Life and Conversionamuel Heinrich Frhlich was the son of a sexton, descended from a Huguenot (French Protestants of the 16th and 17th centuries) family, by the name of DeJoyeau, a French word meaning the joyful, who lived in France. When Louis XIV revoked the Edict of Nantes under which the Huguenots were permitted to live in France, and after St. Bartholomews Night (August 24, 1572) when many thousands of Protestants were massacred, the remaining families fled in all directions. The DeJoyeau family sought refuge in Switzerland where the name was later translated into Frhlich (joyful).

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In a letter to the English Continental Society of London (England), written in November, 1831 (after his expulsion from the state church), making application for an assignment as an itinerant preacher in the Rhine Country, Frhlich gave a detailed account of his awakening and conversion. It is believed that inasmuch as what Frhlich received from the Lord was by revelation, this account, besides being helpful to souls among us seeking God, who feel heavily the burden of their sins and their separation from Him, may enable souls outside the activities of our congregations, who are entirely unfamiliar with the teaching and to whom this would be a new message, to understand to the fullest extent what conversion by reconciliation and regeneration means. Further, it is hoped that this account may set aright those who confess having gone through conversion, as to any benefit to be expected from a so-called theological education to better prepare them to work for the Lord. It is also hoped that it may make clear that one must be accepted by Christ as well to accept Him, and that there is no such acceptance by Him without conversion and baptism. In the letter mentioned above, Frhlich wrote, in part: As to my outward circumstances, I was born July 4, 1803, in Brugg, a small municipal city of the Swiss canton of Aargau. From my youth, the idea of devoting myself to the ministry was made so much a matter of course by my parents that I never considered anything else, although I did not in the slightest degree feel the great importance and responsibility of the Continued on page 7

The Lords SupperThe Lords Supper in the new covenant takes the place of the Passover for the covenant people Israel. Moses commanded the children of Israel to keep the Passover that they might be spared the judgment which had been prepared for the Egyptians (Ex. 12:12-21). The outward

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Fundamentals of Faith and FellowshipContinued from Page 6 of the Lord for our redemption. It should bring a renewal of love for the Lord, a new life through the remembrance of the experience of salvation, and thereby a strengthening of faith. It is wonderful how Christ would nurture this bond with His Church on earth through the Lords Supper till He comes again. It is His testament to His Church. In the breaking of the bread as His body, and the drinking of the wine as His blood, Jesus has created something that ever and anew, in the most intimate manner, unites our hearts with Him and His Church. According to I Corinthians 11:26 we should thereby partake of the Lords death till He come. Taking part in the Lords Supper is a very earnest occasion, a matter of conscience, as we see from I Corinthians 11:27-29. When the Lord Jesus went to the Lords Supper with His disciples, it was a way to suffering and death. Of this the true Christian will remind himself, and shall so go to the Lords Supper as though it were a going into death; and then one day he will go into death as though it were a going to the Lords Supper. For this reason announcement is made beforehand when the congregation is to partake of the Lords Supper: the members are held to self-examination of their state of faith and are admonished to come to the Lords Supper in a reconciling state of love and peace. If love has suffered or the peace has been disturbed, the responsible ones are first to be reconciled. The keeping of the Lords Supper shall not be neglected, and the believer shall make every effort to remove hindrances (lack of love, dis-

The Life of Samuel Heinrich FrhlichPart 1Continued from Page 6 vocation, and still less did I realize what was required to fulfill the duties of the office which preaches reconciliation. I was to learn it much more in the way of a trade than as a profession. Accordingly, I was instructed in the necessary rudiments for this purpose in the school of my native city up to my 17th year, and was advanced to the extent that upon my removal to Zurich on New Years Day, 1820, I was not only at once taken into the Collegium Humanitatis, but also, contrary to custom, after a years course promoted to the Gymnasium Carolinum. According to the practice there, in the following years I progressed class by class and pursued my studies mechanically, without spirit or life; indeed, without any real interest however, not without absorbing the principles of theology and rationalism from Dr. Schultess and others, although quite unnoticed and unconscious thereof. When I came home on vacation with my head full of fancies, I caused my God-fearing mother, who is now dead, many a tear; and even paraded with bare-faced fluency the glories of the new teaching that there was no devil, no hell, etc. In the four years of my stay at Zurich, I advanced thus far that I should enter the actual class of theology, but I preferred to go to Basel to study theology in the newly organized university under the still famous name of DeWette, and others. That was in the latter part of the year 1823. In the meantime the might of SIN and the power of DEATH had grown up hand in hand with UNBELIEF, since it cannot fail that where the head of the old serpent rises, its members also rise and, of necessity, stir. I became enwrapped and entangled in such a horror of sin that I shudder now when I think of it, and the saddest of all was that, in accordance with my very principles, I could pass over it so lightly and so easily quiet and deceive myself, that I could even formally say to myself, That which I am doing is not sin. O woe unto me, if God had been a man or had dealt with me as a man! He would have shattered me as a potters vessel. Nevertheless, at one time during this period I preached on Psalm 51:10, Create in me a clean heart, O God..., from which I now comprehend what all the so-called beautiful sermons of the Rationalists amount to! Fortunately, this was my first and last sermon in this state of ignorance. Soon after I went to Basel. However, the hour of my enlightenment and release from the dominion of darkness had not yet come. Even deeper was I destined to fall into the depths of Satan. For fully another year and a half I lived without God and without the knowledge of His Son Jesus Christ and of myself. Continued on page 13

Taking part in the Lords Supper is a very earnest occasion.harmony, an unreconciling spirit, offense). Already in the old covenant the Lord rendered a serious judgment (Num. 9:13) upon every Israelite who neglected the observance of the Passover. Whoever is irreconcilable or who has sinned, and also unbelievers, are to have no part in this Supper. The Lords Supper is not observed in order to receive the forgiveness of sins in some mysterious manner: the certainty of this forgiveness must have previously been attained by every participant in this Supper. Whoever is unworthy, i.e., whoever is unclean or leavened in heart or irreconcilable, and thus receives the Lords Supper, receives no blessing; and what is more, he heaps guilt upon himself, because he does not discern the Lords body. The Lords Supper shall be observed in our congregation several times a year. The urge to have the Lords Supper should not come only from the elder, but rather, if possible, from the bosom of the congregation. Continued on page 8

February, 1996

Exhortations 7

Fundamentals of Faith and FellowshipContinued from Page 7 By means of the observance of the Lords Supper love and fellowship are newly strengthened, and the soul is more intimately united with its God and Lord, with renewed courage of faith to continue fighting the good fight. (Matt. 28:20). This nurture the believers could not receive in the state church, which, in its views on repentance, conversion, baptism, and holy communion, did not agree with the Evangelical Baptists. Unless these converts could be bound together in a stronger and closer union there would be little prospect of the permanency. It was soon apparent that a great amount of labor in the care of souls was necessary. Earnest search and struggle, also bitter experiences and setbacks, crowded Frhlich step by step as he was being led by the Spirit of God to organize a congregation of believers. What was built up in laborious spiritual battle would otherwise have been lost through schisms in various directions and trends of thought, or through worldly and sinful influences. The unity of faith as it is established in the Gospel, One Lord, one faith, one baptism, can flourish only in a closed organization in which Christ is first and last, and in which the Spirit of God operates and keeps discipline and order. A thorough knowledge of the Scriptures activated Frhlich to translate the Word, i.e., the Old Testament from the Hebrew and the New Testament from the Greek: the Word which ever and again was held to be the only guide. There was constant testing to see how things should be done according to the Scriptures. Experiences were gathered, and although no dogmas, on account of which Frhlich had suffered Continued on page 11

The HeadcoveringContinued from Page 3 her head, which is the man. The word for dishonor here (according to Strongs) is (kataischuno), which literally means to shame down: i.e., disgrace or (by implication) put to the blush.

Does this teaching only apply to married women and married men?Now when the Scriptures speak about the woman dishonoring her head, it does not limit it to married women. That is, although the word for man here is (aner), and could mean (cf. Strongs) any one of fellow, husband, man, or sir depending on the context in which it is used, it must be taken as simply man, whether married or single. The reason for this is that verse 4 would not then apply to unmarried men if the word referred simply to husband. What the Apostle Paul was saying through the Holy Spirit was that because the woman in general is to be submissive to the man, she should have her head covered during worship. This agrees with the same idea that the woman (female) is not to usurp authority over the man when it comes to teaching in the church: Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. For Adam was first formed, then Eve. (I Timothy 2:11-13). Notice again that the Apostle Paul invokes Gods order of creation and hence authority. Nowhere in the Scripture passage of I Corinthians 11 does it say that only the married woman was to wear the headcovering as a sign of subjection to her husband. We have erroneously assumed that it was just referring to the husband.

Congregational Order and Care of SoulsGod is not a God of disorder, but a God of peace (I Cor. 14:33). According to Scripture, church order and church discipline are necessary for improvement and not for destruction (II Cor. 10:8 and 13:10). ... Be ye holy; for I am holy. (I Peter 1:16).

FellowshipOriginally it was not Frhlichs intention to found his own party or a separate society or even a sect; but he hoped to make the experiences of faith which he made in his conversion bear fruit in the bosom of the state church. Those persons converted and baptized under the influence of Frhlichs preaching of the Word were at first merely a group of likeminded individuals loosely held together, among whom were yet many kinds of views and trends to be found. But it is not sufficient to awaken people and to lead them to the Savior: they must be preserved in the faith, taught, and nurtured after the word of Christ: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you...

Why should not man cover his head during prayer or worship?For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, forasmuch as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man. For the man is not of the woman; but the woman of the man. Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. (vv 7-9). In verse 7 the Word of God says that man is the image of God and is to reflect Gods glory. Man is the being that God has chosen to glorify Himself in public worship. Whether we understand this, or accept it or not, should be immaterial because this is what Gods Word states. God created woman to glorify Himself, by having her support the man in this same endeavor. It is not that the woman is of any less importance in Gods eyes, but that she has a different function than man in the purpose of glorifying God. Verse 11 tells us that man and woman are dependent on each other and together glorify God. Again, this is not speaking just about husband and wife. Nevertheless neither is the man without the woman, neither Continued on page 9

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February, 1996

The HeadcoveringContinued from Page 8 the woman without the man, in the Lord. For as the woman is of the man, even so is the man also by the woman; but all things of God. (vv 11-12).

angels of God over one sinner that repenteth. (Luke 15:10). Angels are constantly observing Gods creation, specifically man, and more specifically redeemed man. Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 18:10). Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels. (Mark 8:38). For whosoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Fathers, and of the holy angels. (Luke 9:26). The angels have always wanted to know about Gods marvelous ways, especially those of salvation, because an angel will never know what it means to be a redeemed, ransomed spiritual son of God. God gives them a taste of this by revealing it through the church, Christs body. And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God (Ephesians 3:9-10). Thus when angels behold the submission of the woman to the man, they give glory to God for that. They marvel at Gods power working in the lives of mankind as he turns to God in repentance and then continues to live a life in submission to His will. If man follows God of a willing heart he causes the angels in heaven, who know no insubordination, to rejoice and praise God for that joy. The church is to glorify God in this manner. According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord (Ephesians 3:11). Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. (Ephesians 3:21). As a last statement on the headcovering, the Apostle Paul implies that this should be self-evident that the woman should be veiled or covered when praying. Judge in yourselves: is it comely that a woman pray unto God uncovered? (v 13). What the Apostle may have been referring to was the observed practice of the Jewish women who were worshipping God also with their heads covered. Although there were Jewish Christians in the Corinthian church, many Gentile converts should have realized that this was proper simply by observing the Jewish converts who continued to wear the veil during worship. Continued on page 10

What do angels have to do with this?For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. (v 10). We must always look at our walk on this earth with the primary purpose of glorifying God, and not attempting in any way to ascribe glory to ourselves. We are not to compete with God. We must recall that God created millions of angels to glorify Himself. Each angel has specific duties. There are different types of angels: cherubim, seraphim, destroyers. There are different orders of angels, and hence different levels of authority amongst the ranks of the angels. Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him. (I Peter 3:22). The Scriptures speak about archangels, principalities, and powers. One prime function of angels is to give God glory. He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels. (Revelation 3:5). And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. (Revelation 7:12). For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. (I Corinthians 4:9). The Apostle Paul was comparing the struggles of the Apostles with that of those that were taken captive and paraded before the world, much like the victorious Roman generals that would display the spoils of the victories before a home crowd. In this case, angels would also be gazing at the great sufferings of Gods people, who attributed their enduring strength and grace to God. Angels would then give God praise and glory as they stand amazed at Gods power in men, made possible only by mans submission to God. Angels stand in awe of Gods plan of salvation and means for redemption of mankind. Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us they did minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into. (I Peter 1:12). Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the

February, 1996

Exhortations 9

The HeadcoveringContinued from Page 9

Her hair is given her for a covering?Doth not even nature itself teach you, that, if a man have long hair, it is a shame unto him? But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her: for her hair is given her for a covering. (vv 14-15). What? Has the Apostle Paul changed his mind? Certainly not. He would not systematically expound universal truths about God and, using them as a base, lay down the proper decorum for public worship and then say, I was just teasing you; the womans hair is really her headcovering. The Apostle has just completed his teaching on the headcovering in verse 13, and has now changed the topic to the length of hair of the man and the woman. That is, up to and including verse 13, he states the order of submission in the church and the wearing of headcoverings by women and the not covering of the head for men. In verses 14 and 15, the Apostle is now focusing his attention on the length of hair for the man and woman. This, too, is of importance in the worship of God and how we reflect His glory. One very essential difference in this verse is the Greek word used for covering in verse 15. This verse has perhaps caused the most confusion. The word used here is (peribolaion), which literally means something thrown around one, i.e., a mantle, veil; but can be used as covering or vesture. That is, the type of covering described here is some form of decorative vesture or scarf that is cast around the womans head, as can be seen in eastern dress. The Apostle here is saying that the woman should have long hair because God has given it to her for an adornment (glory). Her long hair makes her more beautiful (her glory), much like the flower of a plant beautifies the plant. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away (I Peter 1:24). On the other hand, the man ought to have short hair so as to differentiate him from the woman. The man is not to be effeminate; that is, not displaying characteristics that are regarded as typical of women (see Deuteronomy 22 and Romans 1).

to how the head is presented, this is the only acceptable way of worshipping God, here, and in any other church. This statement reinforces the fact that this teaching was not just for the Corinthian church, but for all other churches of God. The word used for such here is (toioutos), which (according to Strongs) means literally truly this, i.e. of this sort (to denote character or individuality); and can be translated as like, or such (an one). That is, there are no other variations of this decorum: it is unique. By the way, the NIV, NASB, and Amplified versions of the Bible all translate it this way. Just as an illustration as how the same wording could be used today in the Apostolic Christian Church, let us look at water baptism. We all practice full immersion. Lets say that somebody came along and wanted to change that practice by simply sprinkling the convert with water. If the Apostle Paul were here today he probably would have said, If any man be contentious (has a problem with it), we have no such (other) custom (other than full immersion) neither do (any other of) the churches of God.

When is the headcovering to be worn?The Scripture is quite clear that it is during prayer and prophesying. What is praying? Here the word is (proseuchomai), which literally means, to pray to God, i.e. supplicate or worship. I Thessalonians 5:17 says we should pray without ceasing. What is prophesying? Three chapters later we find: But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. (I Corinthians 14:3). Any time we are speaking spiritual things to edify, exhort, or comfort, we are considered to be prophesying.

Historical PerspectiveHistorical research encouragingly reveals that women in the early church, and in the centuries that followed, observed the Biblical teaching of wearing the headcovering when participating in prayer or public worship. Clement of Alexandria (150220 AD) was an ardent advocate of this practice. He said, For this is the wish of the Word since it is becoming for her to pray veiled. He based his conviction on Gods Word. It is also interesting that the art of the ancient church, as preserved in the Roman catacombs, depicts praying women as wearing the palla, a veil or scarf on the head which hung down over her shoulders. Note that this was in Rome also, not just in Corinth. As late as the Tenth Century AD, there is a drawing of a worshipping group of believers: the mens heads are uncovered, and the womens heads are covered with veils. In Rembrandts painting of Preacher Anslo Giving Comfort to Women, it shows the womens heads covered with a gauze veil.

Has the Apostle changed his mind again?But if any man seem to be contentious, we have no such custom, neither the churches of God. (v 16). Again, for the same reason, the Apostle does not just sweep everything under the mat and say, Look, if this is going to be a big problem for you, lets just forget everything I have just said. Here he says, If anyone is a lover of strife ( philoneikos), or wants to argue, we have no other practice, neither does any other church of God. That is, when it comes

BibliographyKing James Authorized V ersion of the Bible; Prayer Veil, Apostolic Christian Publications; Strongs Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible

10 Exhortations

February, 1996

Fundamentals of Faith and FellowshipContinued from Page 8 so much in the state church, were set up, the proven way and guidance for the congregation was revealed by the practical use of the Bible. An important directive in the interest of good order in the congregation the apostolic council in Jerusalem gave to the Christians who were more out of heathenism, which reads: That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication... (Acts 15:29). We avoid therefore the eating of blood and foods prepared with blood and things strangled. The care of the fellowship has the purpose to keep alive the life of faith and unity among the members. For this reason Paul wrote to the Philippians: If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. (Phil. 2:1-2). Christ said: I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. (John 15:1-2). the members. The same Father makes of us one large family. If one member suffers, all suffer. Has one a burden, all help to bear it. This intimate fellowship becomes especially manifest in mutual intercession. The first congregation of Christs disciples is exemplary, for they were of one heart and soul.

tion in love and sincerity, in holy caution, gentleness, and wisdom, with the individual alone shall be exercised. The instruction of the Apostle for such cases is: Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. (Gal. 6:1). Frhlich wrote in 1854: The offended person should, in the reconciliation, heartily approach the offender with heart and hand,

pleasure of God.

ExcommunicationSerious sins bring with them exclusion from the congregation, according to the divine Word: For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. (Heb. 10:2627). The exclusion is announced before the assembled congregation to which the erring one has been invited, or of which he has been apprised in writing (II Thes. 3:14). Frhlich wrote on May 30, 1855: The Apostle Paul made a distinct difference between punishment and exclusion; i.e., between a brother who walks disorderly, does not work, goes about idle, is impertinent, and so forth, and the brother who lives in open sin, such as adulterer, fornicator, drunkard, blasphemer, miser, and cheat. From the first kind one should withdraw (punishment), that he may be ashamed; but he shall not be excluded if he accepts admonition and improves, and he shall be treated as a brother (II Thes. 3:6-15). On the other hand, one of the second kind shall be excommunicated as an evil leaven, who leavens the whole congregation as long as he is therein. (I Cor. 5:11-13). Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. A re-admission of an excommunicated person comes Continued on page 12

Proclamation of the WordIn the proclamation of the Word, the basis of the Gospel repentance, forgiveness, baptism, and above all, the name Christ Jesus according to our confession shall be in the foreground.

... If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.because actually it is the Lord Himself who has been offended more than the human person, who should gladly forgive and bury all that is done to him personally. Christ said: ... If he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. But if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. And if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church... (Matt. 18:1517). The admonition, if necessary, should be repeated. (Titus 3:10). If a member of the congregation has become guilty of a serious error, action shall be taken in the sense of the apostolic teaching (I Tim. 5:20): Them that sin rebuke before all, that others also may fear. A restriction in full participation in membership will be imposed for a time upon the respective member whereby he will be directed to sincere repentance in order to win back the good

Brethren MeetingsIn order to strengthen ever anew the bond of fellowship and of the love of Christ, general meetings of the brethren, from far and near, are to be held from time to time. In these meetings important matters and questions concerning the fellowship are to be deliberated upon in broth-

The care of the fellowship has the purpose to keep alive the life of faith...erly harmony. The first meeting of this kind was held in 1836 at Hauptwil.

AdmonitionsThe Gospel gives instructions on how to deal with those who err. In the first place, the personal admoni-

By the redemption we have become branches of the same vine or the children of God, brothers and sisters. The congregation is Christs body, we

February, 1996

Exhortations 11

Fundamentals of Faith and FellowshipContinued from Page 11 into consideration only as far as the divine Word permits, and where the working of the grace of God in the heart of the erring one is apparent. For this reason God has appointed teachers and elders in the congregation, according to Hebrews 13:17: Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. and not merely actuated by the driving of lust, so that everything might be done to the glory of God. Bride and

Rearing of ChildrenSuffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. (Luke 18:16). There have been forces at work at all times to draw to themselves the children, who represent the future. The instruction of children lay very close to the heart of Frhlich, and he often had to admonish parents for their neglect in this connection. It is the foremost duty of parents to bring up their children in the fear of God and to lead them to their Savior, for it is surely the wish of every parent to have their children happy in body and soul, and to find the right way through life. Believing parents ought to be more diligent in rearing their children in simplicity, truth, and modesty, which is

Military Service, Conscientious Objection, and Taking of OathsChrist taught the people: Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven. (Matt. 5:38,44-45). To Peter He said: Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. (Matt. 26:52). And John answered the soldiers: Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely. (Luke 3:14). On the basis of these words of Christ, the true Christians of all times had to hold to the conviction that one should not kill, not even in wartime: they confessed themselves noncombatant, which corresponds to the faithfulness of the congregation to Christs word and life. It is also in accordance with the simple, wholesome human reasoning that nations are not born into the world for the purpose of mutual annihilation, but to possess the earth and to come to the Kingdom of God. Instead of the oath, an affirmation by word of mouth is acknowledged. In this wise we render to the state that which is due to the state, and to God that which belongs to God.

A happy marriage is one in which... the burden upon this earth is borne together.bridegroom united themselves at the table of the Lord and together partook of the holy communion. They brought to the church a common gift, and then the blessing was spoken on them and their marriage in the prayer accompanying the celebration of communion (Neander). In later years, about 400 A.D., a church council ordained that bride and bridegroom be presented before the parents or witnesses to receive the blessing. A happy marriage is one in which two persons of one mind, and God as the third in the union, are united in wedlock, where there is mutual understanding and consideration; and where one does not live only for himself, but in the unity of faith and spirit, the burden upon this earth is borne together. On such a marriage God has promised His blessing, as it is written in Psalm 128. After the civil marriage and after the period of engagement has been honorably observed, Gods blessing is invoked upon the couple in the common prayer of the congregation.

MarriageIt is clear from Scriptures that marriage is a state ordained of God. It shall be an indissoluble lifelong union. The Mosaic Law contains commandments which in all strictness and earnestness direct attention to the sacredness of marriage. In the new covenant marriage is regarded no less importantly. In Pauls first letter to the Corinthians, we find this direction regarding entrance into marriage: ... Only in the Lord. (I Cor. 7:39). The believing husband shall be house-priest and give care, not merely to the external good of his family, but he shall above all be an example to them for their spiritual welfare. In the first centuries of the Christian era, therefore, churchly copulation was added to the civil marriage. It was to be known that it is a marriage consummated according to the will of God,

It is the foremost duty of parents to bring up their children in the fear of God...esteemed by all. The preservation of the children against the spirit of the world, ambition, vanity, and secrecy, is a great blessing for themselves, for the family, and for the congregation. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Eph. 6:2-4).

12 Exhortations

February, 1996

The Life of Samuel Heinrich FrhlichPart 1Continued from Page 7 What Schultess began in Zurich was completed by DeWette in Basel. I became utterly carried away by the idealism with which he treated the Scriptures. I thought this was the true way and was sorry only that I did not have the wings to follow him in his flight. I honored him almost as a god. I felt no need of the LIVING GOD and had no thought of conversion from my sins. During my stay in Zurich I also entirely neglected prayer. Even the mechanical prayer learned from childhood seemed ridiculous. In Basel, Witschels Morning and Evening Sacrifice appealed to my taste, not so much for the sake of prayer, but because it appealed to my idealism, and with all my sins I wished to be pious. For that purpose those were the right sacrifices that cost nothing. My benighted spirit had by way of Basel the opportunity to cultivate and develop itself more. There were among the students some who belonged to the Community of Brethren. These were distasteful to me from their very name, without knowing any other cause. It was a blind zeal like that of Saul. I became a scoffer, and slanderer, and a blasphemer. On my transfer to Basel, I was commended by the State Rector of my native city to the courtesy of one of his friends in Basel, Pastor P. [*Frhlich never divulges the identity of Pastor P. in any of his writings.] He received me in a very friendly manner and introduced me into a society of long standing composed of young students who met every Thursday evening to read and discuss the Greek New Testament. Most of these students were inclined toward the Community of Brethren. For this very reason I felt uncomfortable among them and in everything became an opponent. When they finally decided to begin and close the hour with song and prayer, I became angry and stayed away, and also made others desert them so that gradually the class was almost disbanded, until after my conversion when it was again brought to renewed life and blessing. Nevertheless, the true God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ was not alone in His exceeding patience and longsuffering in bearing with me in this time of my blindness, for this beloved Pastor P. was tireless in his endurance with me. As often as I visited with him (which was not very frequently), he greeted me with the question, Well, how are things going in the most important matter of all? What he meant by this and what the most important matter of all was, I could not imagine. Each time I became embarrassed and still did not wish to let him notice it. Once, however, when he asked me again as to the most important matter of all, I could not help but ask him the counter-question what he meant by it. The esteemed pastor almost laughed at the question, but he composed himself, grasped the opportunity, and began to preach to me of repen-

tance to God, knowledge of ones self, faith in Christ, etc. But he preached to deaf ears. I understood not a word of all he said. His sermon seemed in part foolish to me, in part vexatious. Yet I was honest enough to write down at home in my diary the main thought which had stayed with me and as it still stands there under the date of April 6, 1824, namely: Through the knowledge of God, man comes to the knowledge of self; that is the truth which Christ taught us and to which we arrive only through repentance. But that was all; and besides, I do not know whether I wrote it correctly or not, for the sinner does not attain to self-knowledge through knowledge of God, but much more the reverse: Through the knowledge of self, one comes to the knowledge of God, (John 16:8): And when He is come, He will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: From that day on, however, a whole year passed before I felt the slightest trace of the knowledge of self, and from the above it is clear that if the grace of God wished to make something of me to His glory, it certainly had in me, the greatest of all sinners, a fit object in whom to manifest, even in me, the greatest riches of the patience and pity of our Lord Jesus Christ, that I in turn should have pity toward my brethren in the flesh who still wander in error along the course of this world and after the prince of darkness. Finally, it pleased God well to awaken me from the sleep of death. He passed by me and saw me lying in my blood. He said to me as I thus lay in my blood, Thou shalt live! (Ezekiel 16:6). It was the month of April, 1825, when I was spending my Easter vacation in Brugg. All the circumstances are as fresh in my mind today as if they had happened yesterday. I cannot, however, recall that there were many previous preparations or any special circumstances to work towards it. A very soft voice, which was neither terrifying nor depressing, but nevertheless very convincing and penetrating, spoke in the depth of my soul, It cannot remain thus with thee. Thou must change! And at the same time it drew me irresistibly onward. I knelt for the first time before the hidden God and with uplifted hands solemnly gave the vow of fidelity that from now on it must be different with me.

And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Then tidings of these things came unto the ears of the church which was in Jerusalem: and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord. Acts 11:21-23Exhortations 13

February, 1996

AdornmentGeorge FreundBrother George Freund is an elder brother in the Mansfield, Ohio, congregation. The following article is excerpted from a presentation he was originally assigned to make at an Elders Meeting some 20 years ago. This is an important question to the church. As a brotherhood we must ask ourselves, Are we a separated people? The Christian life requires separation from the world. It is found in II Corinthians 6:17-7:1 (and other places), which says, Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Also, I John 2:15-16, Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. There are many things that we must consider, but let us consider the carnal trait of pride and some of the specific things that contribute to pride. Make-up and jewelry, because they feed the evil spirit of pride, are denounced by God and were a source of His wrath and judgment that was brought upon Gods people. Let us always remember that God gave jewels of gold and jewels of silver to His chosen people as they were intended for the honor and glory of Him. Exodus 12:35 tells us that, at the time of the Exodus, the children of Israel, according to the word of Moses, ... borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment. These, however, were intended for the priestly garments and for use in the tabernacle that was to be built. (cf. Exodus ch 2528 and Joshua 6:19). Abrahams servant, when asking for Rebekah as Isaacs wife, offered jewels of gold and silver and raiment (Genesis 24:53). These were offered to

ment and bringing their false gods to him. So they brought the strange gods and all their earrings, and Jacob buried them under an oak tree. Note that this jewelry was considered by God as an idol (Genesis 35:1-4). In the case of the Israelites in the wilderness, the jewelry God intended for the tabernacle was instead worn by the wives, the sons, and the

their eyes and decked themselves with jewels to draw men after them. Always the condemnation is the product of their hearts and their desire to mix or to be as other people. The same is true today of those who wish to broaden the way to accept proudful people who profess to be followers of Jesus, but have not yet separated themselves from the world and the pride of life. Some would contend we must come into a relationship with other churches and accept them if they profess to be born again. They have forgotten the separation from the world that has made our assembling together something special, because we can fellowship together in that like, precious faith and in the simplicity and in the comeliness in which God has originally created us. Some are no longer content to be different, but want to be like the world: and with proud hearts bedeck themselves with make-up and jewelry. God looks into these hearts and recognizes the rebellion therein, of which His word teaches. Had God intended for people to be adorned in this way with make-up and jewelry, they would have been born that way. Can anyone assume that he can improve upon Gods perfect creation? Also note that make-up and jewelry have been the hallmark of harlots down through the ages. Read Isaiah 3:16-26 to see how God judged the Israelites for this sin of pride as they expressed it by their adornContinued on page 15

Make-up and jewelry have always been the hallmark of harlots down through the ages.daughters of the Israelites as recorded in Exodus 32:2. And these, namely the earrings, were taken off in order to make the golden calf. Note again that jewelry became an idol that brought Gods wrath upon the people of God (Exodus 33:4-6). In Ezekiel 16:9-20, the Lord told the children of Israel that their renown went forth among the heathen nations for their beauty which was perfect through Gods comeliness which God had provided for them. Then came Gods condemnation upon them because they trusted in their own beauty to draw people after them. They also took the jewels of God, the jewels of gold and silver, and made idols from them. They had associated with people of other nations, and God called them an adulterous people because God had demanded that they should live separate from other nations. In Ezekiel 23:40, the condemnation was that the children of Israel had painted

If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.glorify God, since his seeking for a helpmate was done in faith that God would so lead. As we look further in the case of Isaac, he became the father of twin sons. Jacob, in due time, went to his mothers family and there married Leah and Rachel. When the time came that he was to return to Canaan with his family, as he journeyed near Bethel the Lord told him to build an altar there. He told his wives to prepare for this sacred occasion by putting on a change of rai-

14 Exhortations

February, 1996

AdornmentContinued from Page 14 ment. God uses the word haughty in this instance. Haughty is a synonym of pride; and with this haughty appearance God included the term wanton eyes. It seems inconceivable that true Christian women or men would deliberately adorn themselves in this fashion. God makes it perfectly clear that such adornment is pride. Proverbs 16:18 says, Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. Again, quoting I John 2:16, For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. James 4:6 says, ... God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. The same God who condemned these things in the Old Testament times because of pride, still condemns them today in the day of grace. That is why in the New Testament the apostles warned against outward adorning. Allow me to read you I Timothy 2:9-10 in both the King James and the Amplified Bibles. The King James says, In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works. The Amplified Bible says, Also, that women should adorn themselves modestly and appropriately and sensibly in seemly apparel, not with [elaborate] hair arrangement or gold or pearls or expensive clothing, but by doing good deeds that is, deeds in themselves good, and for the good and advantage of those contacted by them as befits women who profess reverential fear for and devotion to God. I Peter 3:3-4 in the King James Version says, Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden

Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. This meek and quiet spirit which we found so beautiful in our older sisters of some years ago seems now to be lacking in so many of our present-day Christians. Instead we are told that the church must change to fit the times. How erroneous is this thinking. The Bible teaches that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. What kind of a God would He be if the standards changed from one generation to another? In a scriptural study of the ring in its singular form, we find it used as a signet, or signature, or seal, in making a document official as recorded in Esther 8:8, Write

ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the kings name, and seal it with the kings ring: for the writing which is written in the kings name, and sealed with the kings ring, may no man reverse. Also, Esther 3:10, And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews enemy. Daniel 6:17 also refers to the use of the kings ring as his official signet. When the rejoicing and much-relieved father of the returning prodigal placed a ring on the hand of his son, it was very probably a family signet to signify the sons full acceptance back into the family from whose circle he had departed. It cannot be assumed that it was intended to serve as an ornament. James 2:2 uses the ring in the context of great wealth, and certainly, as such, cannot be taken as an excuse for the wearing thereof. James explains it as giving a false sense of superiority over others and

command of God. It appears that the Apostle Paul had previously given the Corinthians a variety of direction and instruction relative to the matters mentioned in I Corinthians 11:1-16. As a result, some had paid strict attention to these instructions; others had not. As a result, there were contentions and divisions as consequences, where he now here attempts to reprove and rectify the same. The word prophesy also becomes a stumbling block to some who say it only means to preach. The dictionary defines prophesy as to speak or utter for God; interpret, declare, preach, expound, exhort. To prophesy in the scriptural sense is to utter religious truths under divine inspiration: not necessarily to foretell future events, but rather to warn, to exhort, to comfort. Any person who engages in public acts in the worship of God whether praying, singing, or exhorting is in fact prophesying. I Corinthians 14:3-4 states, But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. In the King James Bible, I Corinthians 11:9-10 states, Neither was the man created for the woman; but the woman for the man. For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels. The Living Bible, referring to this same passage, states, So a woman shall wear a covering on her head as a sign that she

Some had paid strict attention to these instructions; others had not.as a source of pride. Another scriptural truth which we hear labeled unnecessary is the wearing of a headcovering by Christian women. We must remember that the Apostle Paul, writing in I Corinthians 11:2 states that it is an ordinance. The Funk and Wagnall Dictionary defines ordinance as an order or law or command of either a governmental body, a religious order, or a law or

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February, 1996

Exhortations 15

AdornmentContinued from Page 15 is under mans authority, a fact for all the angels to notice, and a fact in which all angels rejoice. It is to indicate that she acknowledges Gods established order, and that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God. The Living Bible adds, Yet, if she refuses to wear a headcovering, then she should cut off all her hair. The Revised Standard Version of the Bible refers to the covering as a veil. Genesis 24:65 tells us that when Rebekah came to Canaan and saw Isaac approaching, she put a veil on her head, and she became his wife. Some persons become so bogged down resisting order which they consider church tradition, that they instead establish new tradition of their own; or worse yet, adopt worldly tradition. Paul writes in II Thessalonians 2:15, Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. Also, II Thessalonians

3:6 states, Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us. We must conclude that to set our own standards or our own traditions in the aforementioned matters comes only from our carnal nature and is marked by a spirit of rebellion which God will never honor. To be spiritually minded is proved by a meek and submissive spirit. May our beloved brothers and sisters in all our congregations return to that way which was

established in Godly and reverential grace so many years ago. This way has been proven by the lives of our parents and our grandparents, who found inner peace and joy in living lives of meekness, submission, and humility. They came out of the world and became a separated people. They pointed out to us a way, which, if we also walk therein, will lead to heaven. May we remember the exhortation in the last verse of hymn 100 in the Zions Harp, which states: Look above; behold their way; / Strive to enter in as they!

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