Reformation vs. Apostasy.
By D. Hildreth
THERE is quite a difference between taking an advance step and a retrograde one. There is quite a difference between stepping out upon principles which elevate the character, purify the life, and unite the body; and those which ultimately lead to confusion, destruction, and a retrograde in the divine life. There is quite a difference between taking an advanced position on some truth, and merely renouncing a former position. It makes a great difference in my estimation whether the leaders of a faction succeed in gathering the spiritual members of the flock, or whether they go around and pick up the fanatics and rebellious, unteachable spirits which hang about the suburbs of Zion. It is to be presumed that a come-outer comes out from something, and comes out to something. It is to be presumed that they come out from a corrupt church and form themselves into a purer church.47 How is it with a certain faction at the present time who have come out from Seventh-day Adventists? Have they embraced truths more precious than those they have renounced? Have they stepped out on principles more elevating and purifying? Are they more temperate in the use of stimulants, more plain in dress, less conformed to the world than before; or are they gradually returning to excesses condemned by S. D. Adventists? Which way are they going? Let every one who is on "the fence" ponder well this question before taking the final leap. D. HILBRETH.