christian. Hence they are regarded by Nolan and other writers, to form a part of the destined instrumentality by which the great predicted apostasy will effect its destructive purposes. * Neither let any one look to these societies as the source of moral reformation. Reliance for promoting benevolence and good morals generally, must be solely and wholly on the gospel and the grace of God. Torn from this living root, this evangelical basis, all experience shows that sound morality will quickly wither and expire. All other methods are empirical and delusive. The bad tree cannot bear good fruit, and every plant which our Heavenly Father hath not planted shall be rooted up. In proportion as we vigorously ply the gospel means for making men better, we may expect success; in proportion as we forsake them to try other devices, nothing but defeat. Would we see what the gospel and the church have done? Let us contrast christian with heathen lands and christian with heathen ages. Extinguish every institution found in the former and never known in the latter, for the poor, the aged, the sick, the blind, the deaf, the dumb, the destitute, the cold and perishing, the orphan and widow, the superannuated and imbecile, the ignorant and them that have no guide. The fact is that every thing that refines and elevates society, and that soothes its sorrows, and alleviates its calamities, is the fruit of christianity. And would we see what christianity could do? Let all among us become christians and let christians be what they should be, and then there would not remain a tear unwiped, a sorrow unrelieved, or a calamity unprovided for. Yes, if all the members of our churches would thus live and act and give to the church the energy, time, activity and zeal devoted to other objects, and if they would promote among themselves as far as need be, associations for the ends contemplated by these secret societies, how would our churches, instead of being languishing and faint, arise and shine, the glory of the Lord being arisen upon them, and how would they constrain all men to see and feel that "God is in them of a truth."† *On the Millennium, p. 83. See Bloomfield on this passage. We would here call attention to the Christian Mutual Benefit Societies established in New York, of which the following is a notice: "The Third Anniversary of the Christian Mutual Benefit Society, No. 3, was held on Wednesday evening, 17th ult., in the Central Presbyterian Church in Broome street. The Rev. J. C. Hopkins, of the Bethesda Baptist Church, presided; the report of the Society was read by the Secretary, and addresses were delivered by the Rev. Geo. F. Kettell, of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Vestry street, and Rev. Mr. Armitage, of the Baptist Church in Norfolk street. As this Association is a practical illustration of Christian Union, we take much pleasure in calling the attention of our readers to their anniversary. It is composed entirely of church members, and the report states that the members are attached to twenty-six different churches in this city. Their principal object is to relieve the sick, and provide for the families of those who may be taken away; being similar, in most of the To every christian man who had been led into these secret associations we would therefore with all earnestness say: "Brother, you have made a mistake in 'carrying out the principles of Christ,' as you call them. His principles require us to 'do good to all men as we have opportunity, especially to them who are of the household of faith;' but you have allied yourself to a society which requires you to aid and assist all men in distress, and especially those who understand the secret grip. Christ never acted upon or inculcated such a principle as that. He enjoins upon his followers that while they do good to all men, they should especially feel compassion, not for those who can give a secret sign, but for those who love and follow Him. Beware, then, my brother, how you transfer your sympathies from your brethren in the church to a society which makes religion no test of membership, and bind yourself by rules which To You are contrary to the inspired word." details of their organization, to the Odd Fellows and Sons of Temperance, without presenting those objections which exist in many minds to secret. societies. This association is organized and conducted entirely on Christian principles, and in addition to its leading object must do much to do away denominational prejudices, and draw closer the bonds of Christian love and sympathy which exist in every Christian heart, but which are so often chilled for want of light and sunshine, that they wither and die, and cease to be known as distinguishing traits of Christian character." |