LETTERS FROM ELDER BUCK AND ELDER BOWEN (1839 SIGNS)

Mount Pleasant, Va. Dec. 18th, 1837.

Dear Brother Beebe: I often think when I have to write you on business, that I will commit some of my many thoughts on the subject of Religion and the Spirit of the times; but when the time comes for me to write, I conclude I had better leave your columns open for more useful and interesting pens than mine. But really Brother Beebe when I read and hear, such fulsome and unchristian like things as I read in the Religious Herald, and other such like periodicals, and hear such things as I do hear, that are said and practised under the name of Religion, and benevolence, my spirit is stirred within me, and I feel as if it was my duty to do my best to expunge such sophistry; and that appears to me to be priestly covetousness. There is a piece in the Religious Herald of the 20th. of Oct. last, headed “To my poor Brother” over the signature of “J. S. B.” that in my opinion is the most shameful, and barefaced piece of dictation that modern times have produced. Therefore under such feelings, I am extremely reluctant that the Signs of the Times should be discontinued, and hope that the friends to Truth will support it, and every one that desires it to be continued will forward for the 6th. vol. one dollar in advance; and fifty cents at the expiration of the year for each subscriber, as it is the only paper (that I know) in the United States that is now contending boldly, and faithfully for the Truth and it is all and the only chance the Old Regular Baptists have to say any thing to the public in defence of themselves, and their doctrine.

THO. BUCK, Jr.

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Southampton, Pa. Dec. 26th. 1837.

Brother Beebe:—Enclosed, I send you a little of the needful to sustain the Signs, which I esteem as the only medium of communication between the dear family of Christ, the Old School Baptists, who are all, truly of one mind and heart.

It gives me sincere pleasure to be able to forward from this Branch of the Family a few more names to be added to your subscription list. You will please forward to the twelve former subscribers, and also to the names subjoined, below. Although in this region the Signs are, by many despised, it only evinces to me the enmity of their hearts to the truth, together with a disposition to favor popular error. But I am happy to say there are others who do esteem them highly for the doctrine and experimental truth which they contain; to all such, they are a most welcome visitor.

I am strongly inclined to believe that there never was a periodical that sustained its existence for the same length of time, under such violent opposition. Means are used to destroy it wherever it circulates, and even this heated opposition is strong evidence in its favor. Take courage, therefore, my brother, for that which is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

How consoling to the saints is the reflection, “The Lord reigneth.” Well may they say with David, “I will not fear what men can do.” Often has that precious truth comforted my mind. Yes, Ye beloved of the Lord, though scattered abroad in the vineyard, and laboring under the weight of a body of sin and death; watching and striving against a wicked heart, corruptions within, a flattering and deceitful world, with all its specious baits, and gilded temptations, with a thousand other trials to encounter; having also to, withstand error, and that, from professed disciples, such as Paul called false brethren. These are some of the afflictions, persecutions &c. which all must meet with who will live Godly, in Christ Jesus. Therefore, think it not strange concerning these fiery trials, which are to try you, as though some strange thing had happened to you, for such things have been, still are, and must continue to be common to the peculiar people of God, until the man of sin be destroyed. Well may we rejoice that we are counted worthy to suffer for Christ’s and for the truth’s sake. Hence, Beloved, let us patiently wait upon him in the exercise of our ministry which we have not received from man, but by the Holy Spirit, from the Lord of the harvest.

Will Brother Trott be so kind, when he has leisure, if amidst his extensive labors he can find such a time, to send abroad through the columns of the Signs, his views on Rev. i. and last clause of the 4th verse, “And from the seven spirits which are before the throne,”

My mind has been exercised considerably about the frequent use, in scripture, of the number Seven, which so often occurs in the Old and New Testaments. Seven nations were named as enemies to Israel, Deut. vii. 1. Seven Priests were to bear the Ark, while Israel compassed Jericho, Josh. vi. 6—9. Seven trumpets of Rams’ horns were used. Seven pillars were hewn by Wisdom, Prov. ix. 1. Seven women, Isaiah iv. 3, and in the law, concerning sacrifices, days, and years. Also, by the Prophets and New Testament writers, this number seems to be very significant.

Yours in the fellowship of the Gospel.
JAMES D. BOWEN.