Response to Poor Pilgrim
By Editor
In relation to the article signed "Poor Pilgrim," we have somewhat to say. In the first place we wish to correct what we think a mistake that "Poor Pilgrim" has somehow fallen into. To us it is altogether news that the RECORDER had at any time declined to publish articles on account of their advocating the doctrine of the second coming of Christ. So far as this fact is a matter of prophecy, it has been the avowed doctrine of the denomination. But our ancestors were not such "wisecres," (weisagers,) as to know the time and manner of his coming, any further than they were able to learn from what is revealed in the sacred writings. We are inclined to the opinion also that "Poor Pilgrim" lies under a mistake in thinking that our opposition to the doctrine of the second coming of Christ has driven from our fellowship those churches he has named. Indeed, we were not cognizant of the fact that they had left the connection. That members (and we know not how many), have left us in consequence of having adopted sentiments in connection with Adventism, not common to the Seventh-day Baptist churches, we admit; but we think "Poor Pilgrim" does us injustice in charging us with driving them from us. As far as we are acquainted with facts, such persons have disowned and discarded us. We have never known of a case of church censure or complaint against any member of any one of our churches, on account of opinions in relation to this subject. When members have refused to fraternize with us, merely because of their peculiar opinions in connection with this subject, or because we have extended to other denominations of christians some cordiality, it is ungenerous to charge upon us that we have driven them away from us. “Poor Pilgrim” says: “I understand the conductors of the RECORDER have ignored the subject, except so far as it is supposed to be connected with the Whitbyan theory of the conversion of the world, and the spiritual reign of the saints in the kingdoms of this world, or as it is commonly expressed, ‘The reign of Christ in the hearts of his people.’” We are certainly not posted up in this matter. We ignore all such ignoring. By what means did “Poor Pilgrim” come to the knowledge of this fact? In regard to the action of our predecessors on this subject, we are ignorant. If they are justly liable to the rebuke of “Poor Pilgrim,” we are not apprized of their reasons for becoming so. We, however, believe it could not have been through fear that “Adventism should find a lodging among our people.” Nor that they were afraid that by admitting the subject to the columns of the RECORDER, our people would lose our great popularity; but be that as it may, we will assure “Poor Pilgrim” that these things are no bugbear in our way. We do most sincerely rejoice in the great good our Advent brethren are represented as doing, and it affords us pleasure to learn that they have so successfully labored in leading such a multitude to embrace the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. And their severe proscription of us as a class of christians, does not materially abate this pleasure. We would that they could do a thousand times more good than they have yet done. “Poor Pilgrim” expresses the hope “that our present editorial Committee will take off the ban from this subject, in all its shades and positions.” Well, if there be any ban upon the subject, it is unknown to us. And now, we would in all kindness ask “Poor Pilgrim” if he can recollect any remark published in the SABBATH RECORDER equally denunciatory against “this proscribed class” of christians, with that which he has addressed to us? After telling us that we have driven from us two churches and many other individuals, whose piety is as unquestionable as any that remain among us, referring to our people who remain, he says, “Whose mark is this? Let Rev. xiii, 16, 17, answer.” And what answer does this text give? why this: “And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads; and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or name of the beast, or the number of his name.” If this reference does not represent our people in close fellowship, and in intimate relation with the master spirit of all evil, it would be difficult to select language that would. We think the writer, whoever he be, is under obligation to state to us in plain and unequivocal terms, what he wishes us to understand by his referring us to this text. If we understand him correctly, then he is bound to inform us what the characteristics of this mark and number or name of the beast is, that we have so conspicuously upon our hand or forehead. Unless he can and will do this, “Poor Pilgrim” ought not to expect us to write such hard things against ourselves, and we certainly will not against our brethren. So far as we may be capable of judging, as to what is right, we intend to do what is right, and we will try to do it in the right way. We design to look well to our boiler and safety-valve, and avoid being blown up, if possible.—Eds. Recorder.