The Relation of Assemblies to Assemblies

and to Individual Conscience

in the

Maintenance of Scriptural Discipline.

Preface to Present Issue.

It is with a firm conviction that unscriptural divisions had driven us into an unscriptural position and with a sincere desire to help the Lord's people who are truly exercised as to their path in the difficulties of these days, that we send forth this reprint of our brother Mr. F. W. Grant's pamphlet, "The Relation of Assemblies to Assemblies." It was first issued previous to the conference in Plainfield in 1892, and has not, that we are aware of, been withdrawn. The teaching of the tract was accepted by brethren in South Brooklyn and other places, but for acting consistently therewith they have been cut off from fellowship with both the writer and publishers of the tract and all those in their "circle of fellowship." It is true that Mr. Grant has since written another tract entitled; "A Divine Movement", the tendency of which was to undo the work of the previous tract, (Relation of Assemblies) and to re-establish their former sectarian position by again building the fence around "their own circle." It is because many brethren have not read. "The Relation of Assemblies" and can no longer obtain it from the publishers, that we re-issue it, and commend it to their prayerful consideration.

For ourselves we wish to say that we have not joined any party of brethren. Our business is not with parties, but with individuals. We do not receive or put away parties. We have no instructions in scripture to do so; in fact we do not recognise parties, but the one body of Christ; nor membership of parties, but that of the one body. Our responsibility therefore is with individuals who come to us. We have no instructions in scripture in regard to receiving any but those who come to us, and if any come to us and bring not the doctrine of Christ, we receive them not. We are members of nothing, but of the one body, and as such we receive those sound in the faith, as being partakers of the same hope and subject to the same Lord as ourselves.

We believe this to be a scriptural position and we are glad that Mr. Grant has pointed it out in this tract so much better than we could do. We therefore commend it to you, simply asking you to prove it by scripture and hold fast what is good.

This tract can be obtained, also copies of "Fellowship in Closing Days" and "Our Attitude Toward Fellow Members of the Body of Christ" by addressing

Edward G. Mauger,

415 6th Street,

South Brooklyn, N.Y.

Brooklyn, June 15, 1901.

An Examination and an Appeal.

To all whose hearty endeavour is to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace: