NOTES ON MEN AND THINGS.
By WM. S. FOOTE
In looking over the writings of many of the illustrious dead, "whose praise is in all the churches," such as Calvin, Luther, Wesley, Clarke, Scott, Edwards, and many others, it is pleasant to observe how thoroughly satisfied they were with regard to the perpetuity of the law of God, and with what earnestness they speak of the necessity of obedience to its holy requirements. They had the same opinion with regard to the teachings of the Old Testament generally, knowing that "all scripture given by inspiration of God is profitable for doctrine," &c., and that "holy men of old, spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost," and that the church of God was built upon the foundation of the prophets, as well as the apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone. "But "the mystery of iniquity" has been, and yet is, at work; and in fulfillment of prophecy, opposition to the law, and consequently to the government of God is increasing, "evil men and seducers are waxing worse and worse," and the blind, blinded by the god of this world are leading tens of thousands down to irretrievable ruin. Some there are of whom we ought to expect better things, possessing the power of swaying the minds of thousands, and who could if that power was rightly directed, be a blessing instead of a curse to mankind. One of this class of teachers, in a sermon recently delivered at Brooklyn, N. Y., says: "The Old Testament requirements served their purpose during a social and physical development of mankind, and are rendered no longer necessary now in the moral instruction of the race." Did the apostle Paul mean to convey such an idea in Rom. xv, 4, when he said, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope?" But it may be thought by some that the social and physical development of mankind has progressed so far towards a state of perfection, that Paul and his companions in tribulation ought to be ranked among the moral and intellectual nobodies of our race, when compared with some of the religious teachers of this day. To look in, at, and beyond, Ezekiel's "hole in the wall" does not afford a prospect pleasant to dwell upon by a pious mind. Our object in taking notes of this kind, is to induce others to believe that we may not be out of the way in believing that the religious organizations of the present day, with their diverse creeds, constitute the Apocalyptic Babylon. And if it is so, it will be safe for the people of God to heed the warning, "Come out of her my people," and unite with those who, through grace, are rejoicing in the light of present truth. In love to souls, now perishing for the lack of knowledge, we say to you, Search the Scriptures, and if you cannot find sentiments there which accord with those taught by your religious file leaders, "touch not, taste not, handle not," it is death to do so. (Rev.?) H. I. Van Dyke lately delivered a very strong pro-slavery sermon at Brooklyn, N. Y., which rendered him highly popular at the south. He went to Charleston (S. C.) and delivered a speech at a meeting of a Bible Society there, and said, "On entering I saw the State flag, and imagined myself in some foreign country, but on landing found myself at home." Yes, at home among traitors and thieves, and like many others who are drunken with Babylonish wine at the present day, he is pretending to lead his followers to the city of God, within whose walls there will be nothing found which is unholy or unclean. And it seems that he is determined not to leave any expedient untried to win over unstable souls. And now, those who speak out a vision of their own hearts, have scores of followers, where those who "speak out of the mouth of the Lord," get one. A book entitled, "Lectures on the Apocalypse," is said to be attracting considerable attention in England. Its author, Rev. T. D. Maurice, maintains that the prophecies of John refer to the fall of Jerusalem, and the closing up of the Jewish dispensation. Unfortunately for the book and its author, the fall of Jerusalem happened twenty-six years before the banishment of John to Patmos. A writer in the N. Y. Observer of March 7th, says that the earth is gradually nearing the sun, "its track being spiral and will be curving inward, until with a velocity exceeding that of a cannon ball hundreds of times, it will dash itself into the body of the sun!" In that case there would be a "wreck of matter and a crush of worlds," which the writer may persuade some will take place. When we read the above we could but exclaim, "Thank the Lord for the light of present truth; for it is a perfect shield against the folly of this world and the wiles of Satan. No theory can be published, however absurd (if it only has the sanction of great names), relative to the destiny of the earth, or the teachings of the prophets, or even of our Saviour, but what will find adherents. Satan knows it, and at this time seems to be influencing the minds of many to get up as many cases of excitement in the public mind as possible, in order to draw people away from a contemplation of the truth."