Objections by E. Goodrich

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 26, 1864

Objections.

By E. Goodrich

The objections that possibly may be brought to bear against any system believed or preached, are of three kinds.

The first is real objections, those founded on facts, those that embody principles that make it impossible that any system against which they bear should succeed.

Of this kind are those that oppose the efforts of men to make a perpetual motion. As a result can only equal the cause producing it, and as men have control only of temporary causes, or temporary control of perpetual causes, it follows that men can never make a perpetual motion.

The second is apparent objections, those that originate in an imperfect knowledge of the things represented. Either the thing is imperfectly described, or else we fail to comprehend the description given. A great deal depends upon our stand-point of observation. Things at a distance look very differently from what they do at a nearer view, especially if the light shining upon the object is imperfect. The little girl walking out in the edge of the evening, seeing objects imperfectly, and being a little excited, through fear, verily believes she sees a bear in the very place where the old birch stump has always stood. But moving on, apparently without thought or purpose, she soon reaches a point where she can easily discover her mistake.

The third class of objections are those of personal interest. The language of this class of objections is, I believe, I would, and I could; but it is against my interests, and I will not make the sacrifice.

Touching the system of religion, as taught in the Scriptures, and touching the objections that are urged against this system, no real objections have as yet been demonstrated to exist.

As to apparent objections, it may be frankly admitted that there are many. These objections exist in consequence of three things.

First, the system is imperfectly represented, both in theory and practice. Many who preach, mistake and misrepresent what is taught and what is designed to be taught in the Scriptures. This is manifest from the amount of different views that claim authority from the same scripture. And many who make a profession of religion shamefully betray the truth by their inconsistent walk. And it is frequently remarked by outsiders that if religion was as good as men profess that it is, they would certainly live it. We ought, in all such cases, charitably to remember that it costs more to practice than to preach, and not only that, but the system of Bible religion is no more responsible for the ungodliness of its professors than mathematics or mechanism is to blame for the blunders of those who profess to know, but do not.

Secondly, apparent objections frequently exist in consequence of a lack of thorough investigation. We do not see clearly because we do not study to know for certainty.

And thirdly, we have objections because we have not had that experience which alone can give us a thorough and satisfactory knowledge of the truth itself.

As to objections of interest, they are many and great. And to the men of strong appetites and passions, where affections are pretty thoroughly fastened to the things of this world, this class of objections is the strongest kind of argument. In the days of our Saviour, many believed, yet for fear of persecution, or for other motives of selfish interest, dared not confess Christ. And in the parable of a great supper, which is but an illustration of the preaching of the gospel, and the manner in which men would receive it, those that were bidden with one consent made excuse. One had bought a piece of ground, and must needs go and see it. Another had bought five yoke of oxen, and must needs prove them. While another had married a wife. And for these reasons, and not for a want of being convinced that such an event would take place, they could not attend the feast. The carnal mind is the same in all ages; and it is much easier to convince men of the truth of Divine revelation than it is to induce them to obey, though it should be at the loss of all things else.

And one thing that the objectors ought always to remember is, that it is an hundred times easier to tear down than to build up. Also, no truly generous man will destroy the hope of another without furnishing a better. And if there is any system of morals more perfect, if there is any faith more sublime and satisfactory than that found and taught in the Scriptures, it is both the right and duty of the Bible skeptic to reject those taught in the Scriptures, and teach the better, but not till such can be found.

E. GoODRICH.

Edinboro, Pa.