perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understandeth, and right to them that find knowledge. Re ceive my instruction and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold." Such is the voice of wisdom, and the ardent desire of our Heavenly Father, that we should receive the truth. God cannot be glorified in our ignorance, or honored in our errors; and He has done every thing consistent to correct man in his ways, and bring him to an understanding of the truth. Do not say that you have not time to investigate these matters. The object and design of God in your existence is to honor and glorify Him; hence, do not say you have not time to attend to that which should be your first, and the chief business of your life. Neither is it any excuse or against the truth of the doctrines I have presented, that the great body of religious teachers do not believe and teach them. They have not yet been converted to the truth from which the church fell away. The religious world is still in error. The Sun of righteousness that is now beginning to break through the dark cloud of ignorance, superstition, and error, that from the days of Constantine has enshrouded the Church, has not yet dispelled the darkness from their minds; and probably never will with the great majority. They possess too much of the character of the Pharisees, and the bigotry and superstition of Jewish teachers in the days of the apostles, to heed the voice of truth, and the simplicity of the true gospel of the Bible. They are allied to a creed which has the support of their particular sect; and to a stereotyped theology, and have graduated in divinity; and, hence, consider it derogatory to their dignity and character to change their views, right or wrong, or receive any additional instruction. This is very severe testimony to bring against them, but it is nevertheless true. It is a fact which should not be forgotten, that every sect bound together by a written creed and established traditions, never reform as a body from their errors and practices. They either go to pieces and become extinct, or continue in their errors and sins. Therefore, however much additional light and truth may be brought out from the Scriptures, we are not to look to our divines and the popular sects to embrace it, and become its advocates and supporters. The doctrine of the apostle on this point, is," Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers for what fel lowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness, and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? Wherefore come out from among them, and BE YE SEPARATE, SAITH THE LORD, and I will receive you, and be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." 2 Cor. 6: 14, 15, 17, 18. As truth is separate and distinct from error, so its adherents are from necessity, a singular and distinct people. If we separate and form ourselves into a distinct church, for truth and righteousness' sake, and are hated and suffer persecution for it, then happy are we, for great will be our reward from heaven. To defend the truth, it has in all ages required great moral courage, and brought severe trials upon the devoted disciples of Christ. He told them that to be his disciples, and advocate his truth, would bring down upon them the hatred of all nations: for if they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more they of his household. Reader, do not throw this book one side in anger, or in indifference. The doctrines brought to your notice are too important and too scriptural and true for you to treat with scorn and neglect. They demand your serious attention, and commend themselves to your reason, conscience, and affections. What if they are new to you; and what if they are unpopular, are you going to discard them on this account, and follow such a spirit of proscription? Do you call this virtuous wisdom, and prudence? Ah, stop, and just give these pages a more than sectarian look, or a hasty perusal; weigh every argument, examine every Scripture quotation, and take time to think, and digest the food herein prepared for you. One consideration more, and I have done. God has commenced in earnest the work of reform in the popular theology, and it will not stop, it is destined to spread, and it will leave the opposers in the same moral condition as the blind, bigoted, self-righteous Jews. Our land is full of infidelity, for the want of a more consistent theology of the Bible, a system more harmonious and rational, and in accordance with the laws, character, and attributes of the Divine Being. It is an age when it was predicted know. ledge should increase, and the wise should understand. And whatever person or sect stands in the way upon the track of God's car of truth, that person or sect may expect, in the end, to be prostrated beneath its judgment wheels and ground to powder. Therefore, buy the truth and sell it not. Cease to hear instruction that causeth to err from the words of KNOWLEDGE. |