Signs of the Times

From Sharon, Alabama; Feb. 13, 1850

Brother Beebe-From the satirical article in the first number of "Signs", under the head of "horrid murder," it appears that some of the New School fraternity of self-styled Baptists view the preaching of Christ's gospel to be somewhat similar to the art of declining nouns, conjugating verbs, or giving the-ing to particles. Such a system presents a very different gospel from that which was spoken, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth. I Corinthians 2:13. Any man who professes to preach the gospel and yet denies the teaching of the Holy Ghost in giving an effectual door of utterance to the ministers of Christ is particularly far removed from the gospel of Christ unto another gospel. I cannot admit that Christ's gospel has changed or is more easily understood than when Paul or Timothy preached it, neither can I admit that the natural and intellectual powers of man have changed or that man is more capable of understanding the things of the Spirit than he was formerly.

It is however contended by some that the rapid march in intellectual improvement and the blaze of human science have effectually superceded the necessity of the ancient work of the Spirit. If man by nature sustains a different character from that which is given him in the scriptures of truth then indeed it is needful that we discard the scriptures of the old and new testament as inapplicable to our improved character and we must be turned to another gospel more adapted to the character in which we are. The gospel plan of salvation embraces individuals in the most helpless form and needy condition that it is possible to conceive of and is not adapted to any but such as are full of wounds and bruises, without strength or merit, without hope, without God, with their minds and consciences defiled with sin, being blind, deaf, dumb, and dead in sin. Give to man a better and a more improved character by nature and the gospel plan is not applicable to him. The tenor of the gospel of Christ is hid from the wise and prudent and is revealed unto babes. It is hid to them that are lost and is foolishness to them that perish. It is a stumbling block to the self-righteous, and babbling to the wise, scientific Athenian philosopher. But to them who are called of God, it is the power of God and the wisdom of God. Paul went not up to Jerusalem to them that were apostles before him, in order to learn from them how or what to preach, but says he, "I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me was not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by revelation of Jesus Christ." Galatians 1:11-12.

The gospel contended for by some of our theological school men runs thus, "We certify you brethren that the gospel which is preached of us is not after God. For we neither received it of God, neither were we taught by him, but by our own study, we have obtained it, and by a knowledge of the original Greek and Hebrew language so that we are able to speak fluently, decline nouns, conjugate verbs through the various moods and tenses and thus prevent "another gospel" hid, however, from babes or ignorant, unlearned fishermen, but revealed and understood as clear as noonday sun to the wise and prudent men of the world."

I doubt not but many to whom God has committed a dispensation of his Gospel and caused them to feel of a truth "necessity is upon me and woe is me if I preach not the gospel" have felt the need of more scientific knowledge and could scarcely read the Bible at all without spelling the words letter by letter as a child, and such have no doubt presented this flimsy excuse to the Almighty, and earnestly begged him to excuse him and send some better scholar, a more learned man, &etc,. But such excuses avail nothing; It is God's order of calling not to call many wise men after the flesh to work in his gospel vineyard---it is his methods to choose the weak things of the world to confound the mighty, and work in such a manner by his Spirit in his poor ministers. Yes. Such excuses are presented to the Almighty, but he says in his word, "Who made man's mouth? Have not I, the Lord?"

My youth, my experience, my great poverty and continual affliction in my breast have all been repeatedly been rendered as excuses praying to be exempt from the responsible calling of the gospel ministry, but all have availed nothing.

Lord, help me and resign me to thy will.

William Mitchell