A Book of Gems, or, Choice selections from the writings of Benjamin Franklin

In Short

This volume serves as a curated anthology of the thoughts, editorials, and theological arguments of Benjamin Franklin, a prominent figure in the Churches of Christ during the late nineteenth century. The book functions as a manifesto of a specific religious tradition that sought to strip away denominational "creeds" and man-made structures in favor of a primitive, Bible-centered Christianity. Through essays, polemics, and letters, it captures a voice defined by fierce intellectual clarity, a disdain for clerical pretension, and an unwavering commitment to the "ancient gospel." It remains a primary source for understanding the mid-century American religious landscape.

The Story

The progression of this book is not a narrative of events, but a journey through the development of a firm, unyielding theological framework. It begins by establishing the necessity of the "new birth"—defined not as a vague mystical experience, but as a deliberate act of obedience involving belief, repentance, and immersion. The author systematically dismantles the comfort of inherited religious status, asserting that no amount of pedigree can replace a personal, biblically mandated transformation.

From this foundation, the argument expands into a critique of contemporary church life. The author addresses the encroaching "modernity" of his day, which he views with deep suspicion. He laments the rise of "clerical" professionals, the distraction of elaborate church buildings, and the introduction of instruments like organs into worship, which he considers a departure from the simple apostolic model. He moves through various social and moral concerns—dancing, political involvement, and the influence of popular preachers—always testing these against the touchstone of his interpretation of the New Testament.

The middle section of the book acts as a defense against dissent. He addresses the "mission of infidels" and the rise of universalism, arguing that such views are not merely different opinions but destructive forces that threaten the moral fabric of society. He views the church as a battlefield where one must take a "strong position" to avoid being swept away by the shifting tides of cultural opinion. He is particularly critical of those he labels as "divisive," warning his readers to mark those who prioritize their own notions over the unity of the body of Christ.

As the collection approaches its conclusion, the focus shifts to the practical outworking of this faith. He emphasizes the need for a "working ministry," where evangelists prioritize the poor and the unchurched over the comforts of established pulpits. The book ends not with a sense of finality, but with a call to arms. He exhorts his readers to push the cause of the gospel onward with their "dying breath," suggesting that the work is a perpetual struggle against human tendency toward error and indolence. He frames his legacy—and the legacy of his fellow laborers—as one that will ultimately be judged not by popular consensus, but by the standards of the "grand assizes of heaven."

How It Unfolds

The mandate of the new birth The author asserts that the conversation with Nicodemus contains no hidden meanings regarding the resurrection or the spirit, but serves as a foundational requirement for entry into the kingdom. He insists that faith must be coupled with baptism to constitute the full biblical experience of being "born of water and the spirit."

The critique of worldly religion The text turns its gaze toward the trappings of the church, mocking the use of fine clothes and elevated pulpits as barriers between the preacher and the people. He argues that if a preacher’s appearance or stage is more noticeable than his message, the substance of his ministry has already failed.

The battle against division A significant portion is dedicated to identifying and calling out individuals who, in the name of "reformation," succeed only in creating discord. He warns that these men are easily identified by their lack of constructive work and their tendency to scatter the flock.

The standard of truth The author concludes by emphasizing that true religion is not a speculative pursuit but a rigorous search for objective truth. He challenges his readers to remain steadfast in their adherence to the Bible alone, even as they face the "reckless twaddle" of popular revivalists and the encroaching influence of secular political life.

The People

Benjamin Franklin stands as the central, guiding intelligence of the book. He is a man who desires only to strip away the "manacles" of human tradition to expose the raw, original intent of the Christian faith. He is constantly confronted by "clerical young pastors" who crave pre-eminence, and by "infidels" who seek to destroy the foundations of morality. Unlike these adversaries, who seek personal influence or the destruction of order, Franklin seeks a return to an apostolic simplicity.

The "clerical young pastors" serve as his primary foil. They are characterized by their desire to hold power over congregations, to cast members out, and to seek the comfort of a settled "pastorate." Franklin views them as a passing, albeit dangerous, distraction—men who are often more interested in their own status than in the salvation of the lost.

He also addresses the "missionary men," whom he categorizes into three tiers. He reserves his highest respect for those who go forth and preach without the aid of intermediaries. He reserves his disdain for the "middle men" who sit in offices, collecting funds and waiting for enough capital to arrive before they act. Throughout these interactions, Franklin’s character emerges as that of a sentinel. He does not soften his words for the sake of decorum; he views himself as a steward of a precious, endangered inheritance, and he ends up as a figure of stern, unwavering resolve, having spent his life defending the boundaries of a faith he believes to be the only reliable path for a fallen humanity.

In Its Own Voice

“Except a man be born again he can not see the kingdom of God.”

The author highlights the necessity of a fundamental spiritual transformation, rejecting the idea that one's family lineage or birthright could grant access to the kingdom.

“The way he prescribes will do the thing commanded; some other way might not do what is commanded at all.”

In justifying his resistance to musical instruments and other innovations, he insists that strictly following the written word of God is the only way to ensure religious compliance.

“Nothing is so ridiculous as for such men to go grumbling round the country, finding fault with everything, pulling down other men’s labor, and building up nothing.”

He expresses deep frustration with critics who claim to seek progress but whose only output is the creation of division within the church.

What It's Really About

At its core, this book is an argument for the sufficiency of the Bible. The central question animating the entire work is whether human organizations, traditions, and "side-influences" are compatible with the original, unvarnished gospel. The author contends that they are not. He argues that modern efforts to make Christianity palatable—by adopting the methods of the world, participating in political strife, or focusing on "innocent amusements"—are actually subtle forms of apostasy. The book is about the struggle to maintain a "strong position" in a world that he views as constantly trying to dilute the truth. It is a sustained plea for intellectual and moral honesty, asking whether believers have the courage to trust the Bible as a complete and final authority, even when doing so puts them at odds with the current of their own time.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy the history of American religious thought, or who appreciate the cadence of nineteenth-century polemical writing, will find this collection compelling. It feels like stepping into a room where a very serious, very articulate man is speaking with absolute conviction. There is a bracing, sharp quality to the prose; you may not agree with his rigid stance on instruments or his low opinion of "modern" preachers, but you cannot help but respect the consistency and intensity of his worldview.

However, the book is not easy reading. Its prose is dense, flavored with the specific, often combative, dialect of nineteenth-century sectarian debate. The modern reader must be prepared for the author’s period attitudes, which are frequently dismissive of those he views as intellectually or morally inferior. He is a man of his time—sharp-tongued and uncompromising—and he makes no effort to be diplomatic. If you come looking for a gentle, modern devotional, you will be surprised by the intensity of his arguments. But if you are interested in the roots of American fundamentalism or in the "primitive" impulse that has shaped so much of the religious landscape in the United States, this book provides an unfiltered, primary-source account of a movement that refused to adapt to the changing whims of the world. It stays with you as a reminder of how powerfully conviction can shape a life, and how easily a man can become convinced that he is the last defender of an essential truth.