FOR THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Williamson co., Tenn., Nov. 8, 1844.

FOR 
THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

Williamson Co., Tenn., Nov. 8, 1844.


DEAR BROTHER BEEBE:—Through the kind mercies of a covenant God, I am yet a spared object of his goodness and loving kindness, and am once more permitted to address the children of God through the “Signs.”

If I am not mistaken, I feel to adore the riches of Almighty Grace, that is evidently displayed in the preservation of the church in this day of darkness and delusion; for notwithstanding all the boasted light of modern religionists, and all their efforts to enlighten the world, we still see that the man of sin is making rapid strides through the world, not only among non-professors, but in the religious community he appears to predominate; he has long since raised his standard and unfurled his banner, and thousands are flocking daily thereto. What an incontrovertible truth this displays in the fallen and degenerated state of man by nature, and what lengths they are prepared to go without the interposition of divine grace. Nay, we even see in our ranks, as professors of Old Baptists, those who propagate

“what I believe to be is much opposed to the honor and glory of God, as the worst species of Arminianism; and in the case of my travels through this land, I hear it at almost every corner. I have been permitted to attend three Associations this summer, and heard some truth and some error.—[unclear]. The first that I attended was Red River, held at Sulphur Fork, Robertson co., Tennessee. Here we had a large display of eternal and self-exalted devil, non-resurrection with all its etceteras. I was led to think, what are we coming to.—Surely some of us have departed from the faith and order of the gospel, and from the ancient landmarks—from that sure foundation which God has laid Zion for all his chosen. The next one was Stone River, at Bethlehem, Rutherford co., Tennessee. We had good preaching, except one sermon, and in that the non-resurrection was preached in the strongest and most positive terms I ever heard. The feelings of my brethren were much dampened, and the hurt will not soon be healed, if ever.

Now I want to know, brother Beebe, if the heresy of a non-resurrection is not as bad as any in the world? Does it not stand in opposition to the expressed will of God? Is it not destructive to the hope of all God’s children?—What I ask—What are we contending for if this be true? The point contended for by them is, no resurrection of the body. Well, if their position be true, we might as well close the Book forever; “for if the dead rise not, then is Christ not raised, and if Christ be not raised, then your faith is vain, you are yet in your sins.” I understand that this heresy is prevailing to an alarming extent in the bounds of Richland Association. I heard your worthy agent, brother A. Moore, give us a short account of it at Cumberland Association. Will brother Moore let us hear from him on that subject? We had a precious season at Cumberland Association. This sound and respectable body of Baptists met with the church at Wilson’s Creek, Williamson co., Tennessee. There was quite a large attendance of visiting brethren in the ministry,—the preaching was all of the right sort; it was grace from first to last, the [elects?] of God’s people were fed and comforted with the precious promises of the gospel: it was a season not soon to be forgotten by many. We had the pleasure of hearing our beloved old brother, Elder John Bob[unclear] preach at this Association. Though old, and nearly worn out, he ably contends for the truth. If it is a comfort and consolation to every one of the children of grace, that there are some who yet contend for that faith which was once delivered to the saints,—the same faith that every true preacher yet contends for, and that is the faith of God’s elect, and we know of no other in the word of God, until will stand its scrutiny; and notwithstanding all the false notions of religion in the land, this is the only faith that brings comfort and consolation to the poor, sin-burdened soul. Hence, my brother, when I come to contemplate the wondrous workings of divine grace in the soul, taking away the principles of the old man and implanting that new and ever living principle of Christ in the soul, the hope of glory, I am lost in ecstasies and surprise: but this doctrine has ever been opposed by the pharisaical part of mankind, both in ancient and modern days; human nature is no better now than it was then; the same principles governing the heart, and nothing able to eradicate it short of divine grace. All the efforts of man, whether of a religious character or otherwise, fail to accomplish it; and all the theologians and worldly wise men may rack their brains, but they cannot effect it; what [after?] work, my volumes have been produced, the most stupendous projects formed, (though of a feeble character,) such as the institutions of today in all their multifarious varieties, have all proved vain: no earthly plan can do if any avail in any possible manner. But then—“Is there no Balm in Gilead, is there no Physician there?” Yes, blessed be God, ye children of Zion, there is a sovereign remedy, that fountain opened in the house of David for sin and uncleanness, which exactly suits the case of every poor sinner; though naked by nature, it clothes you in the robes, even the righteousness of Jesus, which is, by the faith of God, unto all and upon all them that believe. Verily we may say with the old Apostle, “O the depths!” &c.

You cannot expect to be perfect while in the flesh; trials and tribulations await you here—enemies within and enemies without, all wearing against you. But O! to look forward and


Behold, the lovely Jesus made everything for you: your Wisdom, your Sanctification, your Righteousness, and Redemption; in short, everything prepared for your eternal welfare. Your corrupted body will go through the crucible of death, but will be raised, fashioned like unto his (Jesus’) glorious body. Then it is that you will shout the victor’s song—O grave, where is thy victory? O death, where is thy sting?

Farewell: And may God who is rich in mercy preserve his chosen flock from every error and delusion, is the sincere prayer of a poor sinner.

Unworthily yours in gospel bonds,

JOHN H. GAMMON.