Truth or Unity?

In 1887 C. H. Spurgeon was concerned with the rapid descent away from the teachings of the old Calvinistic doctrines, thus they became more simplistic in their preaching. A man-centered theology frequently took the place of the great truths of the gospel, and the sermons became more and more Christless. In March of that year Spurgeon published the first of two articles entitled "The Down Grade" in his monthly magazine called The Sword and the Trowel. In August of that same year The Sword and the Trowel carried an article by Spurgeon entitled "Another Word Concerning the Down-Grade." this is an excerpt of that article which appears towards the end of the article.

"It now becomes a serious question how far those who abide by the faith once delivered to the saints should fraternize with those who have turned aside to another gospel. Christian love has its claims, and divisions are to be shunned as grievous evils; but how far are we justified in being in confederacy with those who are departing from the truth? It is a difficult question to answer so as to keep the balance of the duties. For the present it behooves believers to be cautious, lest they lend their support and countenance to the betrayers of the Lord. It is one thing to overleap all boundaries of denominational restriction for the truth’s sake: this we hope all godly men will do more and more. It is quite another policy which would urge us to subordinate the maintenance of truth to denominational prosperity and unity. Numbers of easy-minded people wink at error so long as it is committed by a clever man and a good-natured brother, who has so many fine points about him. Let each believer judge for himself; but, for our part, we have put on a few fresh bolts to our door, and we have given orders to keep the chain up; for, under colour of begging the friendship of the servant, there are those about who aim at robbing the Master."

Excerpt taken from "Another Word Concerning the Down-Grade" by C. H. Spurgeon which first apperead in the August 1887 Sword and Trowel