STATE OF THE DENOMINATION
By T. B. B.
The following from the Sabbath Recorder shows the painful condition of the Seventh-day Baptist Denomination. This people have necessarily been more separate from the world than others, in consequence of observing the true Sabbath; and have taken a bold stand in reforms, and to enfranchise the enslaved. And if this sketch "is not in any particular overdrawn," what must be the condition of those popular Sects, closely united with the world, and stained all over with the sins of which this nation is guilty? STATE OF THE DENOMINATION.
It is a solemn thought, that "judgment must begin at the house of God." What the end will be of those who compose the Seventh-day Baptist denomination, when the judgment shall have passed, it may not be easy to say; but no one, we presume, will accuse us of uncharitableness, if we say, they will "scarcely be saved." 1 Pet. iv, 17, 18. The same inspired writer who teaches that the righteous will scarcely be saved, also informs us of a way in which we may have an entrance ministered to us abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of Jesus Christ. 2 Pet. i, 11. It would seem, however, as if the most of us thought it quite enough to be saved "so as by fire." 1 Cor. iii, 15. But what if the fire consume us, ere the hand of mercy snatch us as a brand from the burning? Let those who are content to have just religion enough to get to heaven, think of this. Three of our Associations have now passed their anniversaries for the present year; and what do we learn from their statistics, of the state of the denomination? Alas! alas! We are progressing, but not in that which would be the life of the churches. We are advancing, but not in the work of subduing the world to Christ. We are "rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing." Probably, there never was a time, when we enjoyed greater prosperity in this world's good.—But for all that, we are "wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Worldly-mindedness has eaten up our piety. With here and there an exception, our churches have diminished in numbers, instances of backsliding have multiplied, family religion is deplorably neglected, the power of the ministry is waxing feeble, and there seems to be a prospect that God is about to send upon us the worst of all curses, "a famine, not of bread, nor of water, but of hearing the words of the Lord." One of our ministering brethren, who has labored long and usefully, in a communication which, we suppose, was not intended for the public eye, expresses himself with much feeling on this point, and very appropriately. He will excuse the liberty we take in publishing a part of his letter. Our readers will ponder the solemn facts upon which he dwells, and ask whether it is not time to clothe ourselves in sackcloth, and beseech God to take away our reproach. T. B. B.