Secret Societies by H. N. C.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 15, 1863

Secret Societies.

By H. N. C.

During the fall of 1862, there was a lodge established here called the "Sons of Temperance." During the winter I was persuaded to join. Previous to this I had consulted some of my brethren, and was advised to let it alone. Says one brother, "There are some members you would not like to call 'brethren;'" and he said I would find myself closely connected with such. But I told him that I would try it, and when I found it was a damage to my spiritual life, I would immediately withdraw.

I tried it, and the first time that I met with them I was satisfied that it was the place for me. Paid my initiatory fee, was honored with the office of chaplain, and at the expiration of the quarter was re-elected, served that term, and was next promoted to the chair. Soon after this I found things were not right, and by a little examination of myself found that my mind was altogether absorbed in the matter, and I thought more of the Lodge than of the house of divine worship. Remembering the promise that I had made, and believing that I was one of the class that Paul speaks of in his first letter to Timothy (vi, 4, 5,) "Doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness; from such withdraw thyself," I followed the admonition of the apostle, and by so doing made good my promise. Believing it, therefore, to be impossible for a Christian to be a member of a secret society without first apostatizing, or soon after, I hope that those who may think of joining such society will first study our Saviour's life; and if you there find that Jesus either practised or advised it, by all means join. I think it one of Satan's snares, well and artfully arranged, to entrap those who are trying to be the disciples of Christ.

We have no time for idleness. Let us be about our Master's business. In these days of peril we need on the whole armor, that we may be able to guard against our besetting sins.—H. N. C. in World's Crisis.