Morning Star

COMPLAINTS ANSWERED. No. 5.

One of our correspondents writes from Ohio, that unless we have less of our columns devoted to Missionary & Bible Societies, Sabbath schools, and such like things, he is of opinion that several of our subscribers will say, "Discontinue my paper." To these subscribers we have a few words to say. We have not now time to enter into a labored argument on these subjects. But permit us to suggest a few things for your consideration. Probably some of you are brethren in Christ; honest in your opposition, and really think that your brethren engage in these things because they wish to be like other denominations. Probably some have so little information on these subjects, that, through the influence of infidels, or others nearly as bad, they have actually become settled in the idea, that every effort of this kind, originates from the spirit of the world, and is calculated to lead into pride and many other evils. Now with such, we surely will deal tenderly, and while we pity your lack of information, we will try, if possible, to remove your objections.

Permit us to ask a few questions. Have you had an opportunity of giving these subjects a critical examination? Have you read attentively the constitutions and the proceedings of the different societies, so that you are certain that you have a true idea of their nature and design, and of the actual influence which they have exerted? Or have you only read a little here and there, perhaps from their enemies, and only looked at the most objectionable parts, or upon those points which are in fact but the abuse of these institutions, and then from this partial view made up your minds? Solomon says, "He that judgeth a matter before he heareth it it is folly and shame unto him." If you have not carefully and conscientiously examined these subjects, as in the presence of the Searcher of hearts, you should be very cautious how you oppose, lest you should be found even to fight against God. And you have not only need to be cautious of opposing, but you should be certain that they are not the work of God, in order to excuse yourselves in being neutral. For if these things be the work of God, and you take no active part therein, you will be as bad off as was the city in Israel, concerning which it is written: "Curse ye Meroz, said the Angel of the Lord, because they came not up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty."

But what hurt have Bible Societies done? It cannot be in sending the Scriptures to several millions; who, had it not been for these societies, would have died without them! What hurt does the Bible Society design to do? You cannot think it is its late contemplated object, "To give the Bible to every person on earth within 20 years?"

What hurt have Sabbath Schools done? Is it in this, that they lead millions to learn the Scriptures in childhood? Is it in the circumstance that a very large majority of Sabbath School children are converted in less than ten years from the time of their regular attendance at these schools? Is it in the circumstance that Sabbath Schools, if wisely conducted, keep children from breaking the Sabbath, imprint the best principles on their minds, and generally insure their conversion to God?

What harm have Missionary Societies done? Have they been instrumental of helping those to discharge their duty whom God has sent to preach the gospel to the heathen? Have they enabled them to go and convert thousands, and lay the foundation for the conversion of the most of the nations? What do the Missionary Societies propose to do? Is it never to rest till every nation bows to the cross of Christ? And what harm will this be? Hath not the Lord said, "By their fruits ye shall know them?"

Now, brethren, while we have critically examined these subjects, and know and can prove that they are of God, ought we to shut them out of our paper? Please not discontinue your paper, at least, till our next No.

To be continued.