Acknowledging the Application.
We have been wont for some years past to apply (because too plain to be denied) the testimony of Paul in 2 Tim. 3:1–5, to the popular religionists of the present day. It appears from the Rochester (N. Y.) Democrat, of Feb. 7, 1871, that the preachers of that city acknowledge that Paul’s language too truly describes the present condition of the churches, or that an era is approaching, such as is foretold by the apostle. On Sunday a circular, entitled, “A Testimony,” signed by fifteen ministers, was distributed to fifteen congregations of the city. The Democrat says:— The “Testimony” sets out by stating that the foregoing pastors are constrained to bear witness to what they “conceive to be a fact of our time: viz., That the prevailing standard of piety among the professed people of God is alarmingly low; that a tide of worldliness is setting in upon us, indicating the rapid approach of an era, such as is foretold by Paul in his second letter to Timothy, in the words, ‘In the last days perilous times shall come.’ ” These conclusions are reached not by comparisons with former times, but by applying the tests found in the Scriptures. They instance as proof, “the spirit of lawlessness which prevails.” The circular then explains how this lawlessness (religious) is shown. Men have the name of religion, but they obey none of its injunctions. There is also a growing disposition to practice in religious circles what is agreeable to the natural inclinations, rather than the duties prescribed by the word of God. The tendency to adopt worldly amusements by professed Christians is further stated in evidence. In conclusion, the pastors whose names are affixed to the “Testimony,” pledged themselves to resist this mystery of lawlessness which now affects the church. At the same time, they do not deny that many are found who live pure and piously, and these are the light of the world and the salt of the earth. We are glad that some are beginning to see, and call attention to, this state of things. And yet we think we can only expect, according to the Scriptures, that matters in this respect will continue to grow worse, till all those connected with the churches, who do lead pure and pious lives (and we are happy to believe there are many such) will see the hopelessness of the case, and free themselves entirely from a communion which can bring them no good, but only evil. Rev. 18:4.