SUSPICIOUS by Editor

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 11, 1858

SUSPICIOUS.

By Editor

We notice in the Herald of Oct. 9th an article in favor of the Sabbath, from one N. T. James, who claims that his words are words of inspiration, and who is evidently under the leadings of a spirit of virulent fanaticism. This article, notwithstanding the evidence it bears of the writer's condition, the Herald coolly inserts from beginning to end; and we have been led in our own mind to query concerning the reason for so singular a course. It is not usual for the Herald to admit into its columns writers of such a stamp. We would judge no man; but at the same time we shall be permitted to state plainly how, to us at least, the matter looks. Was not that article given in order to associate the Sabbath movement, in the minds of the readers of that paper, with what is wild and fanatical; thereby to prejudice their feelings and close their ears against it? So it looks. But, some one may say, you do not know that it is so; and you have no right thus to judge. Well; but it looks so; and we are not to blame for noticing how it looks. If such was not the Herald's intention, it wrongs itself; for it thereby lays itself open to suspicion of a very unenviable nature. But if such was the intention, no censure can be too severe.

This suspicion is fostered by the course which the Editor of the Herald recently took in the case of a drunken vagabond, whom he accidentally fell in with, who chanced to be a believer in the destruction of the wicked. In the course of their conversation, the unsophisticated toper plead in palliation of his manner of life, his belief in the final end of all the ungodly. This case the Editor adduced as showing the tendency of that doctrine. We were glad to see him faithfully belabored for this, by I. C. Wellcome, a few weeks afterward. We think the present case is equally open to censure on the same ground. Had the article been concerning the traditionary dogmas of Sunday-keeping, or an unconditional immortality, which the Herald has incorporated into its religious creed, we are confident it would never have secured an insertion. But if, indeed, no sinister motive is involved in this thing, the Herald is still open to the exhortation of the Apostle, to avoid even the appearance of evil.