Various Letters
A WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT.
Conecuh, Ala., June 30th, 1851.
Doctor Thomas:
Dear Sir—In the course of human events it has fallen out that I have become acquainted and much interested with the “Herald of the Kingdom and Age to Come,” and the important truths it promulgates. You, as editor and promulgator, have broached subjects of the deepest and most profound import, developing principles so totally at war with every thing that the world has heretofore thought and believed, that we may well pause and enquire how can these things be—seeing our mental vision has always been directed heavenward in search of truth, and always held opinions in theology contrary to the doctrines you advocate. “But the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God,” and we have found that by searching the oracles of God what we once thought and believed as truth is contrary to the scriptures, and foolishness in the sight of God; and although our mind’s eye cannot discern as truth all that you hold as such, yet as a system of divinity yours is the most complete, scriptural, and philosophical, in all Christendom. Your keen Damascus blade has swept the whole field of theological controversy, and in one fell swoop demolished, beyond hope of resurrection, the long cherished notion of natural immortality and its kindred doctrines: such as going to “regions beyond the skies,” to enjoy in heaven or suffer in hell, (at death,) all that imagination could conceive.
We must be permitted to say, in all honesty, that when the question of hereditary immortality first presented itself to our mind, such was the power and prejudice of early education, that it was many days ere reason triumphed and truth enabled us to see the way of Life made clear, as revealed in and through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
We are anxiously awaiting the appearance of your “Elpis Israel” in this section of the country, and verily believe it will create “a sensation” among thinking men of all sects and parties. From the nature of the work and the times in which we live, it is doubtless the very book for the times. We opine that it is no holiday affair—that it is a book to be read, and will be read with the profoundest interest. You will hold me responsible for five copies of the work. One to be forwarded to my address per mail, when the subscription for the whole will be sent with instructions where and to whom the various copies are to be mailed.
Yours in hope of Eternal Life,
Through Jesus Christ our Lord,
N.P.
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AN INQUIRING SPIRIT—MATTER FOR A VOLUME.
West Troy, Albany Co., N.Y.
Dear Sir:
I would like to have our brother Editor answer the following questions: Where are the 144,000 in Revelation 7, and who are the great multitude, verse 9th? Are the 144,000 in chapter 14 and 7 the same, and if they are the first fruits and are reigning with Christ? Who is the angel preaching the everlasting gospel to, in chapter 14: 6? Then does not Babylon fall after the first resurrection? Then how will you explain verse 12, “here is the patience of the saints”? Where is the wine press in 14: 19? —Dr. says it is just the size of the Pope’s dominions—it’s without the city (what city?) What is that great city, and how or what is her fall? The merchants (wicked men) are left to weep over her, Revelation 18. Who are they that are called to the Marriage Supper; the Bride (the church) of course would be there before supper, 19: 9? Who are they that walk in the light of the city? When is 3. 9th fulfilled? Where is the Temple in Ezekiel? Is it not where the Jews came and worshipped at the (saints) feet? Rev. and, when do strangers have an Inheritance with the Tribes? Ezekiel, last chapters.
Yours in hope of Eternal Life,
R. E. GORTON.
These things shall be attended to in due course. —Editor.
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A LIBERAL SPIRIT.
Cheneyville, La., Feb. 20th, 1851.
Dear Sir:
I am very glad that you have returned from your trans-Atlantic tour, and to see again the face of my old friend the “Herald.” Its failure for a year or so was annoying to me, particularly because I have never determined either to espouse or reject your views of scripture truth.
I ought to inform you that I have been rejected by the Baptists because I did not believe in two judgments, or, what is equivalent, the immortality of the soul.
I am well acquainted with the Reformers, who have a fine congregation in Cheneyville, and who sometimes manifest the disposition that their brethren do in other places towards those who do not agree with them.
I take the liberty to invite you to Cheneyville, if you should ever visit New Orleans. I will pay your expenses from N. O., and back. * * *
Yours respectfully, P. T.
“ELPIS ISRAEL.”
Rochester, N. Y., July 20th, 1851.
Dear Brother:
I have read your article from “Elpis Israel,” “The three Unclean Spirits like Frogs,” in your “Herald of the Kingdom and Age to Come,” which has arrived safe. There seems to me to be so much light in it that I must confess it rather astonished me. Send me “Elpis Israel;” it is doubtless, a book of great value, for the article referred to is of greater value to the sincere inquirer after the truth, than the entire price of the book; and I pray that our heavenly Father will continue to direct your pen that the poor sinner may be led to Jesus; and understand the nature of the glorious kingdom of God, so soon to dawn on a pleasure-seeking generation.
Yours in hope of Immortality
when our Saviour comes,
J. C.
By the time this number is in the possession of our readers, “Elpis Israel” will be nearly out of the binder’s hands. —Editor.
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