EPISTOLARIA.
INTERESTING FROM SCOTLAND.
Glasgow, June 11th, 1852.
My Dear Sir:
I have long intended repeating my communications, but many things have occurred to prevent it. I have been, however, noticing how you yourself have been progressing. You really deserve great credit for your perseverance and energy. It is a pity you should apparently be so poorly reciprocated with; but it is only too common for christians to applaud and commend, and decline going further. Money is one of those things so suitable for all purposes, as to make men loth to part with it. One is reminded of one of our English comic writers’ idea of the land of Turveytop, a place to which he describes the inhabitants of the world as being sent after death, where they were put to school to be re-educated. It seems that one old gentleman, who while here, had followed the profession of a banker, used to annoy the poor old dominie exceedingly by always spelling the word good in a very wrong way. It seems that he never could spell it otherwise than as gold. The scholar was so dull, or pervert, that he was incapable of spelling it in any other way. So the world has generally got wrong as to what is good, and among other things has taken to spelling it as gold!
We have not been lazy here. The meeting presided over by Mr. Gilmour has become a church, and assembles in the large hall of the Mechanics’ Institution, North Hanover street, a place nearly as large as a fourth of the City Hall. We had a long series of lectures and conversation meetings; the latter very successful. Some of the subjects treated of in the lectures were such as follow: —“Jerusalem the future Metropolis of God’s (terrestrial) Universal Empire;” also, “Who are to be the Royalty and Aristocracy of this Universal Empire of the Heavens and Earth.” Lecture third is to be “The Battle of Armageddon.”
The interest excited by these lectures has been quite unmistakable; and many by them, and more especially by the conversation-meetings, have been induced to profess publicly their acceptance of God’s truth of the Hope of Israel—God’s future universal Ruler and Empire of the Heavens and earth—by being baptised. It is, indeed, no wonder that such should be the case, seeing that the earth is languishing, and the world mourning, because of man’s (alias the devil’s) rule or rather misrule. Truly creation travaileth and groaneth to be delivered of its burden of sin and sorrow.
The Hope of Israel, God’s own righteous ruler, is thus the hope of the world; and the wonder is that intelligent men, who profess to be Bible students, and zealous for God’s glory, don’t see it! They see clearly that man’s rule during 6000 years nearly, has been an out and out failure; and yet persevere and cling to the vain hope of man still establishing the Millennium by Gospel preaching, Free Trade, Political Unions, Peace Societies, and all numerous nostrums of the imagination apart from God.
My dear sir, we are now more than ever required to press upon men’s minds the near approach of God’s times, and of the near finish of men’s, or the Gentiles’ times.
You will, doubtless, be interested to know how the churches here now stand anent the all important query, “What is truth?” The old church (Known in America as the Campbellite church. —Editor Herald.), I mean the one presided over by Mr. Paton, has been split into three sections; to particularise which I will for convenience name their presidents—first, the party which removed under Mr. Paton; another under Mr. Linn; and the third, which I prefer distinguishing by the name of Millennial Baptists, with which Mr. Gilmour is connected. The first two have remained very few in number; the latter have been very successful both as to attracting numbers, in influence, and efforts. They have had evening meetings, always attended by hundreds; numerous baptisms into the Hope of Israel—into God’s own king, the Seed of Abraham, David’s Lord and David’s everlasting Seed, the true royal and immortal ruler of God’s future universal Israelitish empire of the heavens and the earth. They also published, during the greater part of last year, a monthly periodical named “The Prophetic Student;” which was only discontinued for want of time to carry it on. It sold very well, and treated exclusively on the glorious subjects of prophecy. The same little representative of the interests of the sure word is intended yet to be continued, and that very soon. This little church found it necessary in May last to remove to a larger hall, the Mechanics’ Institution hall, capable of holding several hundreds; and this hall, as I have already informed you, has been filled during the evening, ever since its opening. Not a seat to spare. Our speakers have also been (in accordance with invitations received from these places) visiting Hamilton, Stirling, Paisley, Airdree, &c., and delivering lectures on the Kingdom of God in connection with all its aspects of Territory, King, Aristocracy, subjects, laws, &c., &c., and are still continuing. One of them occupies by invitation of the Rev. Mr. Lichose of Paisley, his pulpit on Sunday next, morning and evening. It would cheer your weary, though unmistakably zealous spirit, to know the interesting, and in many cases romantic, incidents attending these exertions in both preaching and writing; so true is it, that truth gives a body, a substance to religion, which overcomes the circumstances of birth, position, and every thing else, exciting in the heart grateful appreciation of God’s grace in the glorious future of, not ethereal nothings, but of divine realities.
By-the-bye, I send you a Glasgow paper containing an intimation of the purchase of the land of Canaan by M. Rothschild. If this be true, we have indeed a very marked sign; for its purchase will undoubtedly be followed by events that will affect the world. There will be the withdrawal of Jews from all parts with their means, which may politically affect very much other countries; for the riches of the Jew being generally in gold and silver, may yet necessitate Jerusalem becoming the seat and deposit of the world’s wealth—the great Bank of the World; and then the Holy City will become important both politically and commercially. And independently of these comparatively important things, there is its position in fulfilling of prophecy; for it is certain that the Jews will be in part as a nation, settled in an unconverted state in their own land at the appearing of the Lord, referred to among numerous other passages in the twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth chapters of Zechariah. * * * How soon, how very near, may not the appearing of the Lord be; and if so all its accomplishments; such as, the establishment of the Nebuchadnezzar-Image empire, on the Feet of which the destroying Stone power is to fall—Daniel 2: 34-35; the resurrection of the dead; the translation of the church—1 Corinthians 15: 23; 1 Thessalonians 4: 16; and so forth. My earnest desire is, that you and I, and all who love God, and, if it were possible, all men, may be, as the apostle comforts the Thessalonians with being in reference to that time, even in rest with God.
I have heard that your intention is to be in Scotland soon; so soon as to be likely now upon the way. I shall be glad to know if this be your intention. If you do come, the success of your last visit would be far exceeded. Since your departure, an increasing inquiry into the glorious realities of prophecy has been widely progressing; and the signs of the times being ominous, have prepared men for at least hearing of these heavenly realities, with which their ethereal nothings are as dross to the pure gold. The principle introduced by the devil of spiritualising, or explaining away, alias commentaryism upon God’s plain sayings, is now as then the source of man’s ruin. Man has now lost the power to enjoy God’s truth, because he has denied his sayings by making them mean otherwise than what they obviously import, forgetting that God will be justified, not in the meanings men put upon his words, but in his sayings, that he may overcome when they are judged—Romans 3: 4.
Expecting to hear from you soon,
I remain yours sincerely,
ROBERT LATTA.
REMARKS.
The above is indeed cheering. Intelligence in the Word with earnestness can do much in arresting the attention of the public. But besides this there must be something in the Scottish mind predisposing it to the consideration of the sure prophetic word. As far as my experience has gone, the scripture testimony has a far more ready access to the Scotch, than to the English, or, people of this country. —Wealth and the pride of life have corrupted the heart of England; while in America, a “devil-may-care” indifference to everything that does not tend to money-making, or self-glorification, has made the public mind callous, and irresponsive to the truth. Religion in Scotland is a passion, in England a fashion, and in the United States a profession. Perhaps the difference in these three things may explain the reason of the truth creating greater interest in Caledonia than in any other country in the world. May it continue to have free course, and be glorified.
I have no present intention of revisiting Britain. The conducting of the Herald depends upon my personal attention; and its continuance at this crisis seems to be necessary. It teaches the truth in places to which I cannot obtain access; and discourses to a far more extensive circle than that defined by its own list. Through its means the truth is establishing itself in the hearts of many who may in other places, as at Glasgow, bestir themselves in its behalf. Scripta manent written words remain; and though preaching is good, written instruction is better. The preaching of the prophets and apostles was highly useful to their generations, but it is their writings only remain to do us good. My conviction is that people and preachers require instruction in the word, which they cannot get at meetings, colleges, and schools, and which if they could, the latter have neither time nor means to procure. I believe that the Herald supplies this instruction, which it is more important to furnish just now, than for me to be travelling about speaking to crowds who forget what is spoken almost as soon as uttered. I must, therefore, not neglect the Herald, though the difficulties to be contended with arising from the wordy, but unsubstantial, cooperation of its friends, often tempt me to leave them to instruct themselves as they best can. But for the sake of what I heartily believe to be the truth, I devote my time to the Herald as though my daily bread depended upon it. I know no one that will or can become my substitute in this matter. I cannot therefore absent myself in long tours, or journeys consuming much time. Consequently at present, or until providence raises me up a helper, I must decline the invitations I have received in Louisiana, Iowa, and so forth, and deny myself the laborious pleasure of touring it through Britain. Those in that country who care to see me again, or to know what I teach, may for the price of the Herald promote their own gratification. —The means are within their reach, and they can serve themselves. An interest in what is written, will be an earnest, of a sincere desire to see the writer, and hear his words again.
Our friends in Scotland have found that even a little original periodical requires time for its preparation; more than they could bestow. Much time, however, is not needed in conducting magazines of the common sort. A pair of scissors, plenty of exchanges, and pretty numerous communications from persons, who, though neither teachable nor competent to teach, are desirous of appearing in print; will enable an editor to make up a number in a very short time. But where the articles are mostly original, and God’s mind is the subject of interpretation, time, thought, and nervous energy, are consumed to a far greater amount than is perceived by the reader. The conducting of a periodical whose function is to subserve party purposes is a light affair; but to sustain one that is to teach the Word, not to gabble about it, but to make it intelligible to minds spoiled by philosophy and vain deceit, as most are, is an onerous work, a flesh-wearying, and time-consuming, labour; and places the labourer in a position in which he can attend to little else. This is my experience with the Herald. So that when its friends are inefficient, and having no time to attend to private interests, I am in a straight betwixt two. It seems a pity that there is not some one in Britain who has the ability and information, and can devote his whole time and energy to the press. There is a fine field there for interpreting the word, and “putting to silence the ignorance of foolish men;” such as papists, puseyites, political theorists, spiritual milleniumists, and so forth. One that would enter into the strong man’s house, and bind him hand and foot, or be bold enough to try, is the sort of truth-advocate demanded by the times. A milk and water scribe may suit the nervous old ladies of a party; but a warrior is needed to handle the Spirit’s two-edged sword with a sword’s effect. Such a person, not allowed to starve, and sustained by earnest fellow-soldiers, would produce a stirring effect in Britain; where, as far as I know, there is no unshackled, independent, and manly writer on things scriptural and ecclesiastical. But the Lord knows what is best; when the crisis needs the services of such, he will doubtless be produced.
Good news is always cheering to the believer. I trust, therefore, it will not be long ere brother Latta favours us with a like report.
EDITOR.
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REVISIT TO BRITAIN.
The following is an extract from a letter July 16, 1852, just received from England, which we publish by request of the writer and other friends—“I have been spending a short time in Nottingham lately, and met in fellowship with our friends there. Some among them were “wishing Dr. Thomas would come again;” and wondering “if he were likely to revisit Britain within a year or so.” I remarked that, “new manifestations on the Continent might bring him.” They “hoped so;” they “should rejoice to see and hear him again.” A brother then observed that, “Dr. Thomas must incur considerable expense in revisiting them; that it could not be expected that he should sustain this unaided; that he ought not to do so; that if they wished his return they should assure him against pecuniary loss when he came at much personal sacrifice to minister to their instruction and edification.” These remarks led another to suggest the raising of a fund to be gradually laid up, and appropriated on Dr. T’s return to the disbursement of his travelling expenses, the hire of a lecture room, &c.; the fund to consist of the surplus of the weekly contributions at communion, after the expenses of room rent, &c., were defrayed, and the wants of the poorer members supplied, and the extra voluntary donations of all who wished to see Dr. T., amongst them again, and were able to give. The proposition was approved by those present, and was afterwards formally made, submitted to the church, and carried unanimously.
“Thinking that the consideration and liberality of the Nottingham church might furnish an example worthy of imitation to other churches in this island, among whom you have laboured, and will, I trust, labour again; I proposed that it should be made known to them through the medium of the “Herald,” and offered to request you to permit us to do so. You will therefore oblige us by making this communication public. It may serve as an incentive to some of our friends in the truth, who desire to hear you once more proclaim “the Gospel of the Kingdom” among us; and will at least testify to the christian love and gratitude of the community of believers in Nottingham for and towards their beloved brother and instructor far away. I have only to add their affectionate remembrances to you.”
E. M. D.
If it is desired that my visit to Britain should be repeated this is a move in the right direction. Our friends in Nottingham take a very sensible view of the matter. Though it is my duty to “contend earnestly for the faith” without regard to profit or reward, it is the privilege of those who believe it, and their duty likewise, to do the same; and if they wish any special benefit to themselves and those of their nation, to contribute according to their ability to enable those to confer it who they think are competent so to do. — I am glad to find our friends in Nottingham so considerate. Jesus had to work a miracle to pay the tax for Peter and himself; and I have but little more of this world’s goods than they: it is evident, therefore, if my friends wish me to travel to the ends of the earth for their instruction and edification, and to try to open the eyes of their people, they must furnish me with the means to do it. I have the knowledge they approve; they the funds; I am willing to diffuse it among all classes to the end of the world; if, then, it remain with me, no one can justly impute the monopoly to my disposition to make merchandise of the truth.
If I were ever so rich it would be my duty to spend freely and be spent for the gospel’s sake; but it would still be equally the duty of the poor of their poverty liberally to contribute towards the diffusion of it. The poor should never permit the rich to monopolise the support of the truth; nor should the rich refuse to allow the poor the honour of sharing with them in its expenses. The Kingdom is for the poor, and the glory of the vindication of its doctrine against all its enemies is their’s. With these views, I have no hesitation in admitting my friends in Britain to a fellowship in the enterprise of a second visit to their country on the plan proposed; and of commending it to all who wish to see me there again.
EDITOR.
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LETTER FROM TENNESSEE.
Dear Brother:
You understood my communication aright, though it was not humorous but playful. Nor do I blame you for answering it more gravely; for you are engaged in a grave and heavy business! As certain moderns have said, you are “about a great work and cannot come down.”
Now, I am not disposed to beat out my brains against any man’s castle, so I shall not try to expose the flaws, either in your platform or that of your opponents! I am for a fair fight; and whether it is ultimately proven that Heaven is to be on earth, or in the Sun, (as some incline to think,) or away in some remote region beyond this visible diurnal sphere, I shall be content, so that it be a “goodly land,” and I am admitted there.
Your Elpis Israel is well written. I like its didactic style. You use no argument of the debating kind, but just lay down how the matter is, ex cathedra, as one having (if not authority) full knowledge of the subject; then very aptly add your proof, and then go on. This is to my mind. For I have ever thought that a proposition which, when fully stated, needs argument to support it, or a man’s character where he is known, a law suit to sustain it, were at least very doubtful, and not worth the trouble; and, what is more, were seldom made any better by it.
My wife is much pleased with your book, and is cramming it into her neighbours, hands; but there I think it will stop. It will be hard work to put it into either their hearts or heads! I have told several preachers, and (in this I am very serious) now tell you, that your works must make many adherents or deists. I am inclined to think many of both.
However, my wife has teased me into sending you $5.00 more. She wants the worth of it, sent on in the HOPE, for distribution; or rather loaning first to one, then another. Were I sending on for myself, I should look for a great many copies, as I can buy lots of theology for that sum. But as she thinks so highly of the work, you have the game all in your own hands.
Wishing you health and success according to your merits,
I remain benevolently yours, &c.
ROBERT MACK.
Columbia, Tennessee, June 8, 1852.
REMARKS.
“Adherents or deists, many of both”—that is, believers in the Hope of Israel, or rejectors of Gentilism, many of both. I believe, and trust, this will be the result of reading Elpis Israel. If a man understand its teaching and admit that it is sustained by the scripture, he can certainly no longer adhere sincerely to the popular superstition; and if he do not embrace what he admits to be proven, he occupies a deistical position; or that of a believer in the existence of God without professing any particular faith. Thus Elpis Israel is at once, constructive and destructive. It builds up the truth in the hearts of some; and destroys sectarianism in others. In both cases the subject is benefited; for if we believe not the truth, it is bad; but if at the same time, we are burdened with falsehood, it is worse; because we have no liberty here; and none in the Age to Come.
I trust that our friend Mack’s neighbours will prove more impressible of heart than he thinks. However, we cannot but approve of Mrs. M’s resolution to see what can be done. Much greater effect might be produced on the public mind, I doubt not, if all Elpis Israel’s male friends would beg, borrow, or perhaps steal would be no harm, a little of the energy and interest she displays. But I will leave them to settle this affair with her, returning her for myself many thanks for what she and they have already done.
EDITOR.
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