DOES THE WORLD TURN OVER?
By E. L.
From the Sabbath Recorder. DOES THE WORLD TURN OVER?
WHILE traveling in the West, I found it convenient to stop a little time with our brethren at Milton and vicinity, Wis. On perusing the back numbers of the Recorder (which is always a pleasure to me), I discovered a short article written by Bro. "J. M. T.," in which, it seems from its style, that he thought I, in my article, intended to laugh him out of the position, taken by him in a former article, on Mal. iv, 1: "For behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven," etc. I had no idea of laughing him out of his position; although I confess I did laugh when I read his article. The time has been when I might have read such an article, and thought nothing of it; but that was when I thought the old school, or orthodox doctrines were all correct, and no mistake. But since the subjects of the intermediate state of the dead, the destruction of the wicked, and the setting up of Christ's kingdom upon the earth, etc., etc., have become subjects of investigation and discussion, I have tried to investigate some of those subjects for myself, without pinning my faith upon any one's sleeve. On examination for myself, I have concluded that some of my orthodox training and education, looks a little foggy. On reading "J. M. T.'s" article, I thought that looked a little that way; not that I doubted his sincerity, or his honesty in his position, in the least. I suppose his object was to try to head off the doctrine of the destruction of the wicked. I have worked at that myself. I was once selected to assist in a debate upon that subject. At that time, I was, (as I thought), a confirmed believer in the doctrine of the endless punishment of the wicked; and of course, took that side of the question. And as every good soldier would do, I set myself at work to prepare gun and ammunition for the contest. After I had searched the Bible from the commencement of Genesis to the end of Revelation, for ammunition or proof, to sustain my position, to my astonishment, I found the most of the proof, best adapted to the other side of the question. It seemed to be death and de-struction all through the Old Testament, and when I came to the New, I did not find the proof as abundant as I had anticipated. But not liking the idea of backing out, I collected what I could that hinged in that direction, and thought I would do the best I could. So into the contest I went. On firing a few rounds, I found my gun kicked tremendously, on the account of my ammunition not fitting first rate; and as my opponents continued to pour in such a volley of well-arranged ammunition, such as death and destruction, I found it very convenient for me to retreat. Since that time I have acknowledged the doctrine of the destruction of the wicked, as a Bible doctrine. While I make this confession, I am aware that I lay myself liable to the frowns, and perhaps the indignation of some of my orthodox brethren. Some have already called me infidel, and atheist, etc. I do not wonder at this; for the first men that (in days gone by) advocated the principle of the rotundity of the earth, were put down as fanatics, and if they escaped with their lives, they did well. So with an individual who advances a new idea that the present orthodoxy has not adopted in relation to the Bible. We can occasionally, at the present day, find a man that believes that the earth stands still, and that the sun, moon and stars roll around in a sort of shell, or concave around the earth, like apples rolling around in a basket. I know a man in Allegany Co., N. Y., who says to believe this, and claims that he can sustain this position by the Bible. "Why," he says, "if the earth turned over, the seas, lakes and rivers would all spill out." So it seems to me in relation to "J. M. T.'s" application of the above text. If he admits that it has an allusion to the end of the world, his eternal and endless punishment doctrine all spills out. I hope "J. M. T.," or any other brother, will not take any exceptions to my abrupt manner of expressing my thoughts, and hope he, or some one else will take the responsibility of collecting all the texts touching the subject of the endless punishment of the wicked, and present them to the public through the columns of the Recorder; and if no one else should see fit to take up the other side of the question before I arrive at my home, at Nile, Allegany Co., N. Y., which (if providence permits) will be as soon as March or April, and I am not convinced by the proof presented, that my position is incorrect, I will endeavor to take up the subject. I find the above mentioned subject is enlisting much attention wherever I go, especially in the West. The people will investigate, notwithstanding the remonstrances of some of our orthodox ministering brethren. Some complain of our Publishing Board for allowing these subjects to be discussed through the columns of the Recorder, and complain bitterly about "Poor Pilgrim's" articles. Well, some people will complain, especially if their row looks a little hard. Here let me say a word about "Poor Pilgrim." I have had the privilege of a short acquaintance with him since I have been traveling in the West. Allowing me to be judge, he is a man of no small ability, argumentative, answers questions readily, is free and social in his manners, well posted on the reforms of the day, and perhaps is the best posted in Church history of any man in our denomination. The man that makes up his mind to attack him on any of the above named subjects, had better look well to his lock, flint, and ammunition; or, ten chances to one if he does not come out second best in the contest. He is not a disorganizer of churches, as some seem to represent, but is in favor of remaining together as a denomination, notwithstanding the differences of opinion upon those subjects; but wishes to investigate, that we may know the truth in relation to these great subjects. As for myself, I am for investigation, and while we investigate, let us cultivate love, charity, and long forbearance towards each other, that we all may learn the truth; for the truth only can make us free. Edgerton, Wis., Oct. 14th, 1859.