p. 133 | Public Opinion by Wm. C. Gage

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 27, 1866

Public Opinion.

By Wm. C. Gage

THAT Seventh-day Adventists are correct in their application of prophecy, especially in regard to the fallen condition of the nominal Christian world as a fulfillment of the second angel's message, and the anticipated union of Church and State as a fulfillment of Rev. xiii, 14, is most strikingly demonstrated by the present state of public opinion. The careful observer can scarcely fail to see that the former position must be correct, while the latter has every argument in its support.

Perhaps no better expression of public opinion, on religious subjects can be found, than the action of churches, synods, and other ecclesiastical bodies. The reports of such meetings, so far as made public, have possessed to me a good degree of interest, and have furnished strong confirmation of our position on these points. Two items from among the many, we present to the readers of the Review.

The pastor of a popular church near Boston was recently compelled to resign for taking strong ground against gambling, or "raffling" at church fairs. The church persisted in thus conducting their levees, &c., against his earnest protest, and a council was called, who sustained the minister, but considered it "unadvisable for the pastoral relation to be continued." While the religious press had comparatively little to say in regard to the matter, the secular papers expressed their disapprobation of this act and the cause thereof in no measured terms. It has often been asserted by the defenders of present truth that the popular clergy would run the risk of losing their salaries if they openly denounced the sins of their people, and this incident proves the assertion to a demonstration.

Shortly after the above occurrence, another popular church dismissed its pastor for uttering "unscriptural views in relation to the Sabbath," which, if we are correctly informed, consisted in opposition to the "Puritanical rigor of Sunday-keeping." Notwithstanding the church was of the most "liberal" order, this darling dogma of Papacy must not be assailed; for while so few are strict Sunday keepers, its advocates are found in all classes and grades of society, while not a few are openly advocating rigorous Sunday laws.

Thus do we see that public opinion is being moulded to suit the corrupted descendants of the "mother of harlots." May we shun the "broad road," and be with the "little flock" who will "inherit the kingdom."

WM. C. GAGE.

Manchester, N. H.