The Last Reformation By F.G. Smith BY THE SAME AUTHOR WHAT THE BIBLE TEACHES THE REVELATION EXPLAINED PROPHETIC LECTURES ON DANIEL AND REVELATION PREFACE God's true people everywhere are looking for light on the church question. A deep undercurrent of dissatisfaction with the present order of things exists in the ecclesiastical world. The historic creeds are stationary and conservative, but religious thought can not always be bound nor its progress permanently hindered. Honest Christian men and women will think, and they are now thinking in the terms of a universal Christianity. If I am able to discern the signs of the times, the rising tide of Christian love and fellowship is about to overflow the lines of sect and bring together in one common hope and in one common brotherhood all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. What will constitute the leading characteristics of the church of the future? This is the burning question. Spiritual-minded men are conscious that things can not long continue as they now are, but what and where is the remedy? After this book was completed and in the hands of the printers, I received a copy of "The Church and its Organization," by Walter Lowrie, and was surprized to find in it much truth that I had already received through independent investigation and embodied in my manuscript. I refer particularly to the charismatic organization and government of the church. It is gratifying to know that other minds are being led to the same conclusions regarding a subject of such vital importance to the future of Christianity. In writing the present work I have endeavored to present the Scriptural solution of this great problem, a solution which takes into account, and gives due respect to, historic Christianity, the prophecies respecting the church and its destiny, and the fundamental characteristics of our holy religion as it emanated from the divine Founder. If this work can be of service in pointing out Christ's plan and purpose to "gather together in one the children of God which are scattered abroad," and also be instrumental in helping to accomplish this grand Christian ideal, I shall feel abundantly repaid. F.G. SMITH. Anderson, Indiana, May 6, 1919. CONTENTS PAGE Introduction--"The Time of Reformation" 9 Part I--The Church in Apostolic Days CHAPTER I The Church Defined 19 II The Universal Church 21 III The Local Church 33 IV The Organization and Government of the Church 41 Part II--The Church in History V Corruption of Evangelical Faith 73 VI Rise of Ecclesiasticism 87 VII The Reformation 101 VIII Modern Sects 111 IX The Church of the Future 125 Part III--The Church in Prophecy