More From Pullias, 1919
We continue reprinting a reprint: Combines in the Church by C.M. Pullias; first printed in TIDINGS OF JOY in Nashville, Tenn., July, 1919. And, well back up a full paragraph, connecting thoughts of the two issues.
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The main principle violated by a missionary society is combining of all the congregations to do what God has assigned to one. There is no work that cannot be done by the power of God. Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power— that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. (Eph. 3:20,21) That which the church has not the power to do, then. should not be considered. Beside this we might say this way of a few getting together and saddling on the church of Christ orphan homes and schools or anything else is a very serious thing, and will in the course of time prove to be a curse to the church. An individual Christian or congregation might have a school or orphanage if it is able and so chooses, but to have one for the church at large is to bind what God has not bound, so whatever befalls one befalls every one. All such combines are wrong and in them the man of sin is working, just as in Pauls day; and in the course of time he will be revealed to the sorrow of the church. (2 Thes. 2: 3-10)
A brotherhood paper or school or orphanage or a brotherhood anything else will prove itself to be a dictator and usurper of the church of Christ, and an octopus that grips the interest and life out of the church. If you say they make the church more efficient, I answer that men can, then improve upon what God has made. This I deny. The Lord had a purpose in making the church. He made it to fill a place and do a work, and there.. fore it is adequate to such. He also made the church small, poverty stricken, insignificant institution in the eyes of the world, so designing men would not want it; but so soon as it gets to be respectable with the world the armistice is signed and peace is near, but not the kind of peace that God approves. There is, Therefore, great danger in human methods and wisdom. The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. All conventions, associations, societies, and even elders and preachers' meetings may prove to be a curse to the cause they claim to love.
There is no combine with the church and human institutions that does not take the life and power from it. There is no peace till the last enemy is destroyed. Anything that is called peace before evil is annihilated is dishonorable and a disgrace and shame on the church. But the church is the pillar and support of the truth, and I cannot believe it will ever wholly surrender.
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As a matter of historic interest, if any reader has the original of the above, or articles of that period which show any react ion to the article, we would like to have photocopies, and will glad gladly pay for them.