Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1861-01-17
Iron THE REPORTER.
Religious,

EDs REPoRfER Believing that occasional
items of religious news are willingly admitted
into your paper, | would furnish for your COL
umnS the following notice of late meeting
held in Smithfeld by the people known as the
"Discples Of Christ" or more generally per-
maps as "CampbelteS" though the latter
designation they utterly discard as they do
not profess to be in any sense the followers or
disciples of Mr.. Campbell. They honor aud
respect him precisely as they do any other
great and good man but their respect for him
is in exact proportion to bis respect and rev
erence for, and his conformity TO tie aoord of
God, which is the christians only creed-the
christians "ony rule of faith and practice
Your correspondent esteemed himself very
fortunate IN having this opportunity Of hear
ing for himself, from this much-slandered peo-
pie, an exposition of their understanding Of
Bible truth. Rev. NJ. Ence, from Ohio |
think, was the principal speaker during the
entire progress of the meeting, and although
young man, still his presentations of the
Gospel as Gods power for the salvation of
men, were certainly very able, aud very effect
i've too, as the result of the meeting shows
There were more than 20 persons converted,
put him on before the world and six or seven
more as | have learned from other denomi
nations united with the church
Having heard so much of the "heresy" of
this people, was very happily disappointed
to hear apostolic christianity urged upon the
attention of the people with such power, and
the almost breathless attention of large, res
pectful and often fearful audiences, told the ef-
feet of divine truth upon their minds. There
was no noisy enthusiasm and excitement, but
everything was "done decently and in order" :;
ard the calmnesS, deliberation, and deep feel
ing IF the converts showed conclusively that
they I'D derstood what they were doing it for
Never before have we seen the practice of the
inspired apostles as recorded in the New Tes-
lament, more perfectly initiated in every res
meet than in this meeting. AS in primitive
times. anxious inquirers were told what to do
to be saved, and like the first converts to
christianity, did uchat they acre told, and event
on their way rejoicing" A merciful Savior
was held up as the only hope OF sinners, and
obedience to his requirements was powerfully
urged upon the people The word OF God was
elevated to its true position, and was conclu-
siVely shown to be the only guide in the great
work of salvation. The terms of acceptance
with God were so clearly pointed out that no
one could mistake his true position, nor fail 10
understand what he must do to be saved.
Upon the whole then, my opinion of the
Disciples" is quite favorable, Notwithstanding
all that has been and is said about their heter.
odoxy If in any respect they differ from 9TH
ers, they most unquestionably have the Bible
in their favor And so far as practical reli-
gion is concerned, 1 have yet to learn that
they come short of those who so loudly con-
denim them, in piety, benevoence, christian de-
pertinent, or in the desires and efforts for the
spread of the gospel and the conversion of sin
ners "By their fruits" mol by their opinions,
''ye shall know them" "PRovE ALL THINGS !;
hold fast that which is good"
4 LooKERoN.