Reformations in the Nominal Churches.
From what we read and hear of the great excitement in the different churches which has prevailed for some months past, it is evident that this work is quite extensive and very sweeping. This work is regarded by thousands as a wonderful outpouring of the Spirit of God upon the children of men. Many regard these reformations as an evidence that the world is about to be converted. And in some places, I learn that it is supposed that the temporal millennium has already begun. But we are inclined to regard this work as a wonderful delusion—a very sweeping deception of the last days. Says the Apostle, "For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, . . . and they shall not escape." As I learn that our brethren and sisters in some places are in sympathy with these excitements, and think it to be the work of the Lord, we would like to ask such a few questions: Do you believe that the smiles of the Lord are with the sectarian churches as bodies? If so, how do you reconcile the declaration of Luke xiv, 21, "Then the Master of the house being angry," (which we believe represents the displeasure of God which rested upon the churches for rejecting the doctrine of the second advent of the Lord?) Is he "angry" with the churches without a cause? Again, read Rev. xiv, 8. Did not the churches grieve the Spirit of God in rejecting the preaching of the First Angel's Message in 1843? Does not their downward course since that time show that they have not, and do not stand in the light of the truth? And can you doubt that the time is near when we may apply to them the declaration of the angel of Rev. xviii, 1-4? The village of Hillsdale, Mich., has been blessed (if it is a blessing) with one of these reformations. I might speak from observation of the measures used by the preacher to lead his converts step by step, till they were pronounced hopefully converted to the Christian religion, but I forbear here. Let it suffice to say that with a brother who attended the meeting with me, we left the house strengthened, if possible, in the faith that the churches are fallen, and many will be the "strange children" of the last days. See Hosea v, 6, 7. Read the two following extracts clipped from a Hillsdale paper, and see the position occupied in connection with secret societies, by the minister under whose labors this work commenced and progressed. And tell me, do you think that God would use in his cause those who for the truth preach fables, and for the commandments of God, the doctrines and traditions of men, and are connected by such a secret and unholy alliance, with the wicked men of the world, as is indicated by the following: