FOR THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Troy, N. Y., Feb. 20, 1835.

FOR THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

Troy, N. Y., Feb. 20, 1835.

ELDER BEEBE: Your paper still survives the storms of opposition. Its intention was not to add to the revelation of heaven, which was complete in all its developments of God’s character, men’s state and circumstances, together with their Eternal Salvation by Jesus Christ. But to comfort those, who like the Prophet, might think they were left alone, to give those strength to come out from the modern inventions; who like the Israelites had their sandals all bound on ready to leave Egypt, and to be a means of leading many to see that the golden City would be destroyed suddenly—that all the balm taken for her pain would not heal her, for her sins have reached unto heaven and God hath remembered her iniquities.

The Signs have not been altogether ineffectual in their design. Although many professed Baptist Preachers have declared them to be worse than Universalist publications and their influence to be more pernicious, so many laymen have not dared to read them nor hear them read, yet they continue to force their way through opposition and find lights in dark places. Some have been delighted with pieces copied from them, which, if they knew had been taken from the Signs, would only be as gall and wormwood. I have admired the spirit which has dictated many, yea, most communications in your columns. Your enemies have found it easier to sneer than to answer, the irrefragable truths set forth therein. Many are just beginning to learn that such a publication is in operation.

Yesterday I received a visit from Elder Elnathan Finch, who has been preaching for the Baptists for nearly half a century and has travelled thousands of miles for that purpose. He informed me that he was once carried 170 miles into one of the Territories, in a sleigh, to baptize; that in one month he had baptized 130, and in the course of his pilgrimage, he had buried with Christ by baptism, a considerable number over a thousand persons. He says he has lived to hear Baptist Preachers say, the Lord was not pitiful—that Christ did not die for sinners.

I should have thought that, being old, he must have erred by not hearing correctly, if I had not heard the same person advance ideas fully as inconsistent. In one sermon, I heard him say that we and we alone must save the world. Elder Finch now resides in Wilton, Saratoga co., and preaches to a small Church, sound in the doctrine of the Gospel. They began to think they were left alone, “and their lives were sought,” till of late, in conversing with a person, he was informed he talked, like the Signs of the Times. What do you mean by the Signs of the Times? Have you not heard of a paper called by that name? Never. What is its object and contents? After being informed that it spoke for itself, he got with some difficulty, two or three numbers, and was so pleased to think that there was a remnant left still, yea, a large army, that he thanked God and took courage. Hearing that you had an agent in Troy (Mr. Mosely) he came with $3 in payment for three numbers, as an entering wedge to the places where the agent shall direct.

By this you will learn that the paper has not yet found all those who would be glad to take it; you need not be terrified if its sentiments and objects meet great opposition. If God approves, all the powers of earth and hell combined cannot effect an overthrow. The existence of your paper until the present, proves some to be false prophets—its death long before this has been foretold; but instead of finding less patronage, it will find more if properly conducted. There has been no pains spared to circumscribe its circulation and prejudice the public against its contents; in fine, such is the opposition of some of the Churches to it, that they have said it is enough to know that a person reads it. Why? Does its sentiments contradict those exhibited by the Baptists 30, 40 and 50 years ago? No, they are in accordance with the New Testament. Then why all the reproaches?—because it exposes the modern craft, and takes away the hope of gain by their soothsaying; and to say the least they, the Baptists, have united with those who persecuted them to build up the very things for which our fathers were persecuted.

But the just one has cause to rejoice and be exceeding glad, for so persecuted they the prophets before you. I have had a little share, but it is so little compared to His who despised the shame, that at this time I have nothing to say further on that subject; but would add “a living Dog is better than a dead Lyon;” and “why is a dinner of herbs with love better than a stalled ox and hatred therewith;” because a fair, warm, or false Church without direction, is like a jewel in a swine’s snout; though joined hand in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished. May God remove us far from her, that we come not nigh the door of her house, lest thou give thine honour unto others, and thy years to the cruel, lest strangers be filled with thy wealth and thy labours be in the house of a stranger, and thou mourn at the last, when thy flesh and thy body are consumed. May grace, mercy, and peace be with you. Amen.

Yours Affectionately,
E. RAYMOND.