Defense of Brother Bates
By Editor
We regret that Bro. Mason, actuated by the spirit of error, should write to the Harbinger office in the unguarded manner that he did, giving the enemies of truth a chance to revile us; but it is certainly christian in him, after seeing the advantage that the Harbinger had taken of his letter, to let the facts be known, and thus show that Bro. Bates is free from the charges made against him. Bro. Mason may expect to receive similar treatment from the Harbinger for freely letting facts be known, to that experienced by Bro M. E. Cornell, but with a conscience void of offence, and the blessing of God, he can bear with pleasure all the curses of those who violate the fourth commandment and "teach men so." God is on the side of his truth, therefore, weapons formed against it will not prosper. Even the wrath of man will praise the Lord. This unrighteous course pursued by the Harbinger will prove effectual in opening the eyes of the honest children of God, and leading them to the truth in the end. In seizing upon93the first opportunity, when the chance looked favorable, to slander, and if possible, crush Bro. Bates, a self-sacrificing, devoted servant of Jesus Christ, the conductors of the Harbinger have shown what is in their hearts, and what they would do to others should a favorable opportunity be presented. But, thank God, such revilings only serve for the breeze to fan the flame of truth, and to lead its devoted proclaimers to more watchfulness and prayer. This seems necessary to the advancement of the cause of truth. "It must needs be that offences should come, but wo to that man by whom the offence cometh." The question is asked by C., "Is the possession of a nice brick house, a sofa, a piano, silver forks and good clothes, evidence of the wickedness of their owner, and that his religious sentiments are erroneous?—If so, some who are keeping the Seventh day will come short." We answer, that a man may have all these things when the light of truth breaks into his mind, but if he believes the Lord is coming, he will act out his faith, and his works will show that he really believes what he professes to believe. The possession of all these things is certainly a small evil compared with the corrupting doctrine that the commandments of God are done away, and the sin of pouring out slanderous abuse upon those who observe and teach the commandments. It has been our object to expose the absurdities of the no-Sabbath system by the plain word of God, and teach our fellow men the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. And it is painful to us to be, in any way, called from this work, to reply to those who have no better arguments to offer than slanderous reports relative to Sabbath-keepers. It has been and still is, our design to meet, in a candid and thorough manner, the arguments brought against the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. This we have done.—And if the Harbinger did not feel the force of the truth it resists, it would not resort to slander to raise prejudice against us. As Eld. Marsh's house, furniture, &c., have been by the Harbinger the subject of free remarks, and as those remarks have cruelly borne upon us, it is just to introduce here a letter from Sister Jane Fraser, that our readers may have the facts in the case, and if any of them have received wrong impressions, they may be corrected on points she refers to. BROTHER WHITE:—As I am identified with that class who profess to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, who are everywhere spoken against and misrepresented, I wish, for the sake of the cause of God, to state some facts in reference to a recent article in the Harbinger, in which all this class are called liars. I was in Eld. Marsh's employ about four months, commencing August, 1851. When I first went there, they had a very nice Melodeon, which they said cost $70.00. The use of this was given to a Mrs. Webster, a very proficient teacher of music, for such services as she might render in making his wife and daughters competent to play the Piano.—(Which C., in the article referred to, has well said, was not bought, for it was a hired one.) During the time that I was there two of his daughters did take lessons on the Piano, and Mrs. Marsh commenced a few weeks before I left. Eld. Marsh was expecting to sell his house and lot while I was there, which he valued at three or four thousand dollars. But for some cause he was disappointed. I state these things that your readers may have the true, unvarnished facts in the case.
Rochester, Oct., 1852. JANE FRASER.