LETTER FROM LOUISIANA

“Though not a member of any church, I am, nevertheless, very desirous of the continuance of the Herald. I am not blessed with a superabundance of money, yet I am willing to make a yearly subscription of twenty dollars for its support. The Elpis Israels have arrived, and I am glad to have such a religious “curiosity” to read. I would not take twenty dollars for the rebuke given to Mr. Alex. Campbell in the March number of the Herald. I could not believe that he wrote such a note until I borrowed the Mill. Harbinger and read it. Why the man is pope or dictator to the believers of such assertions as that note contains without reading the book. I knew one Methodist to read all of Mr. Rice’s arguments and none of Mr. Campbell’s, and the “Reformers” laughed at him for a bigot. Now I believe the like of them who believe that note without reading Elpis Israel. I think, the man who can believe that Christ is on the throne of the Universe, and on David’s throne at the same time, can easily be made to believe in Anthropomorphism. He must be as credulous as John Pye Smith, D.D., * of whom Mr. Campbell complains so bitterly for “discourteous usage.” How can a man, so sensitive of blame or abuse, be so lavish of it on others unless he considers himself a sort of pope? He is exceedingly deferential to his “beloved brethren” when he wants money; and equally dictatorial in matters of faith and practice.

* Mr. Campbell is not aware that this gentleman has been under ground long enough to go down to the sides of the pit. His grievance will have to remain unredressed till they meet “in the place of departed spirits,” when their ghosts can settle the difficulty. —EDITOR.

He claims great credit for having discovered that Jesus was crowned “Head of the Universe” previous to his spiritual reign in his church “in this world;” and that this “identical Jesus * * shall as visibly and sensibly descend to earth again to escort his friends * * to a new paradise of God!” I think he deserves a patent for this discovery! But does it agree with the notion of some who declare that, as soon as saints die He sends a convoy of angels after their immortal spirits? I wish you would inquire of him (if he believes the immortal soul, or spirit, is capable of enjoying as much out off the body as in the body)—why will Jesus reunite it to the dead body in order to judge and carry it away to “a new paradise?” If Jesus Christ will return, and will send forth his angels, and gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity—why transport them to “a new paradise of God?”

Mr. C. would do me a great favour if he will explain, why it is that those who will be approved on the day of judgment will seem to be entirely unconscious of the fact of their acceptance until sentence is pronounced? It seems to me that if an immortal soul had been reunited to one after living in heaven awhile, he, at least, would not answer, “When did I see thee in prison, &c.” Will Mr. Campbell tell me, if the immortal soul loses all knowledge of its entity in heaven when it is reunited to the body?

You may suppose that these things are of no importance to me; but, Sir, I like to know the truth on any subject; and as I was not a subscriber to your paper in time to know your views fully, I wish to get Mr. C’s. I addressed him once on the subject of spiritual influence; and was referred, by some reformers, to the Mill. Harbinger, where I found as many contradictions as there are heresies extant. Light on this subject is needed; because many persons who ought to be teachers are babes.

I believe that many of my neighbours are as tired of Campbellism proper as they are of any other ism. Campbellites themselves are less dogmatic, and are willing to throw away even two dollars and fifty cents for “ a treatise based upon a hallucination, &c.” from my heart I thank you for your rebuke of Mr. Campbell, and your satire. As I know your objection to milking the goats for preaching, I give you the ten dollars and fifty cents to my credit, for that single chapter.