FOR THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES. 1840 Anoonymous

FOR THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

BROTHER BEEBE:—As I have seen no late communications in the Signs from the Old School Baptists in Georgia, I have concluded to trouble you with a few lines relative to our affairs. You are apprized perhaps that a sliding process has been going on in our churches some time, since the adoption of what is called the non-fellowship resolution, by which our number have possessed somewhat diminished; who have lost some of our most popular preachers, and most active members—to that some of our churches are left in a very weak and destitute state; yet, we think, our loss in point of numbers has been greatly supplied in other respects, in real and permanent advantages. There is, in fact, but one opinion among us as to the propriety and utility of this measure; all agree that it has been productive of the most beneficial results; it has relieved the churches of a number of mere nominal, disaffected members, who have hitherto hung like an incubus upon them; it has restored peace, unity, and brotherly love among us. We seem now to be of one heart and of one soul, a beautiful imitation indeed of the primitive church. But there are other circumstances which we think interesting and encouraging; there is evidently a reaction in public opinion in our favor:—even our enemies themselves begin judging, and our accusers are witnesses. The combined opposition of the New School and other denominations who heretofore united with them in their crusade against us is evidently giving way; conflicting interests have excited mutual jealousies and animosities; the intriguing spirit and proselyting policy of the New School have disgusted and offended their late allies. The anti-christian confederacy is broken—the unholy alliance is dissolved; other denominations, it is true, are as much opposed to our principles as ever, but they now seem disposed to do us the justice to admit that, so far as it respects our controversy with the New School, our course has been the most honorable and consistent. This certainly is an important concession in our favor, especially considering the time and circumstances under which it is made; for there never was a time when the Old School were acting out their peculiar principles more fully and fearlessly than at the present time. But this is not the formidable division has evidently taken place among the New School; they are now at open war among themselves; they are contending one in the Abolition Society,—some for it, and some against it, and so great is the opposition that some of their most popular members have determined to withhold their funds from “The General Missionary Board,” and drop all further correspondence with all those who are friendly to the abolition cause. The Georgia Association, we learn, is divided and rent asunder in this contest; several churches have already seceded from that body, and others, no doubt, will follow their example. The Central Association is also much agitated on this exciting subject: it was debated I understand at their last session, with a spirit and zeal peculiarly their own; but what their decision was I have not learned,—one thing I know, composed of such discordant and combustible materials as that body is, it will not take much at any time to produce an explosion.—To what extent these matters will proceed in this matter we cannot tell; whether they will eventually renounce the society-system altogether, or only this particular branch of it, is unknown as yet. Be that as it may, we hail it as a signal triumph of Old School principles, and it sounds to us very much like the death knell of the New School.

These circumstances, taken altogether, seem to have made an impression on the minds of some, that better times and brighter prospects await poor afflicted Zion, and who can tell but their fond hopes and anticipations may be realized? Yet, I am aware it is possible we may attach too much importance to such favorable appearances: no calculations founded simply on a concurrence of human events can be safely relied on; they are only important in this respect, so far as they are agents of a super-ruling providence, and evidences of the divine interposition in our favor; for after all that has been said about efficient means, human instrumentality, united effort, &c., I do not believe in any other efficiency but a divine efficiency.

But I set out to give you a few simple facts without comment, leaving you to draw your own inferences and conclusions. I will only add my best wishes for your welfare, and for the peace and prosperity of brethren, and subscribe myself,

Yours affectionately,
ONE OF THE OLD SCHOOL.

Georgia, Dec. 23, 1840.