p. 19 | Strange? Is it not?

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 8, 1859

Strange? Is it not?

MYSTERIOUSLY, marvelously, unaccountably! Was there ever anything like it? Reader, can you believe it? It is true, nevertheless: J. G. Fee, the consecrated missionary of the cross, a beloved brother who has given his very life for Jesus and his cause, was recently rebuked in the Fulton-street Union prayer meeting, for requesting prayers for poor slave mothers, bereft of their children by the ruthless hands of the man-stealer! Among other requests for prayer, this missionary brother ventured to present this one, for those in bonds in his missionary field, and for which he was rebuked by the leader, Mr. L. Likewise, the brother who ventured to open his lips in prayer for the oppressed, on the occasion, was severely reprimanded by this same pro-slavery leader. This is only one instance among many, in which the spirit of caste has been manifested here.

Friends, what are we going to? Is Satan, in very deed, to rear his serpentine head in the very sanctuary of God, stamp down the very essence of salvation?

These Union meetings are our soul's desires and hope, but how can we look for the smiles of heaven to rest upon this narrow-minded, unchristian spirit? Why attempt to pray or speak except as the Spirit gives utterance?

When we enter the prayer room, must we do so with our prayers and requests cut and dried to a wicked, time-serving policy?

Lord, have mercy on these blind guides, that strain at a gnat and swallow a camel, that tithe mint, anise and cummin, and omit the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy and faith.—Golden Rule.