From the highest to the lowest of God’s creation, we see the most perfect organization: the stars are all placed in order, the sun and moon have their tabernacles, the solar system is a display of God’s wonderful arrangement.

When we turn to God’s dealings directly with man, we see the same carefulness of system and order. Look at his government of the children of Israel; at Sinai, laws are given, commandments delivered, and specifications are laid out with most positive command to “see thou makest all things according to the pattern shown thee in the mount.”

When we come to the works of Christ and His apostles, we observe the same care for a sample, but sufficient form of the church government. He chose His twelve apostles, gave them proper training, and gave them the commandment concerning the kingdom: “Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have command you, and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.” (Matthew 28:20)

The apostles went forth, preaching everywhere, and the people were converted, sanctified and baptized with the Holy Ghost; forsook not the assembling of themselves together as the manner of some do, but formed the saved into local congregations, and called them churches; ordained elders and deacons; and always left some one to look after the spiritual and temporal interest of the church.

Let us humbly follow Christ, our great leader, and take His work for our rule of faith and practice.

Amen.