[The following note, addressed to the chairman of a committee of a professed Advent Church, we publish, to show the inconsistent position of all those who profess to stand on the Law of God, and yet live in open violation of one of its precepts. Although the circumstances here given are local, yet the principle is the same, and the cutting reproof drawn from them is applicable to all those who are continually breaking the fourth commandment. "For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." James ii, 10.]
Providence, First-day, May 29th, 1853.
Mr. ------: Since you called on me this afternoon, I have consulted my wife on the subject of your inquiries, touching the moral character of Miss------, and find that neither of us have anything to say as touching it, for which you could consistently cut her off from your fellowship. For Webster says; "The word moral, is applicable to actions that are good or evil, virtuous or vicious, and has reference to the law of God, as the standard by which their character is to be determined."
And secondly he says:—"Subject to the moral law." And again he says:—"The moral law is summarily contained in the Decalogue or ten commandments, written by the finger of God on two tables of stone."
Now in addition to what I have told you, I can prove that person of whom you inquire to be a liar.
But still I am unable to see how you can consistently disfellowship her for a violation of the ninth precept of the decalogue, while you, and all your church, are continually violating the fourth.