"BECAUSE thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked." Rev. iii, 17.
In this text is the plainest declaration of self deception. Those addressed think their condition very good, when in fact it is bad in the extreme. Last week we gave from the Old Testament two cases of self deception which resulted in rebellion. Many more might be given from both the Old and New Testaments. Let us go forward to the judgment, and witness in imagination the disappointment and dismay of the masses of self deceived, when too late for remedy, they learn from Christ their real condition,
Matt. vii, 22, 23. "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."
In the previous verse our Lord utters a most cutting rebuke on the self deceived.
Verse 21. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven."
Many are satisfied with a superficial work, and say, Lord, Lord, in full confidence of their acceptance, while neglecting to do the will of God. This terrible deception is often made complete and sure by the power of the Devil, inasmuch that the unfortunate victim stands unmoved by Scripture testimony, or touching appeals, or even evident judgments from the hand of God. Such generally start wrong, and in blindness pursue their whole Christian course under a deception as to their condition. But in this very connection our Lord has given an illustration of how men should commence and pursue the Christian journey, also the fatal results of a wrong course.
Verses 24-27. "Therefore, whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
We see from Rev. iii, 17; Matt. vii, 21-27, that it is possible for men to be laboring under a state of perfect deception as to their standing before God, yet possess a good degree of honesty. It is also evident that in our day, under the deceptive power of the Devil, and the example of the apostate churches, there is a strong tendency of the human mind to self-deception. Then how important that the minister of Jesus Christ should preach the pointed truth, and hold forth to the people those warnings against self-deception in the same forcible style in which he finds them in the Bible. As a faithful watchman he should see the dangers to which the flock are exposed, and fearlessly utter those warnings drawn from the sacred Scriptures which these fearful times demand for the safety of God's people. He who fails to do this—who shuns to give unpleasant testimony because it may offend—who fears, and trembles, and avoids the cross in this respect, may expect an unfaithful watchman's reward.
Ministers and people should cherish an undying love for the pure testimony of God's word. In this there is safety for both ministers and people from the dreadful power of self-deception. Let the dangers to which the people of God are exposed in these last days be faithfully kept before them.
Self-deception, unless removed from the mind, generally results in rebellion. And we are forced to the conclusion in tracing the Bible history of rebellion, that determined and deliberate rebellion is incurable. Individuals may, through a mistaken view of things, and a perverted sympathy, become imbued with the spirit of rebellion which time and events may wear away, and they again stand in the light; but such transitions of the mind impair the judgment, and becloud the discernment in relation to the things of God. Such persons are in greater danger of again drinking in the spirit of rebellion, and need to set a double watch.
But deliberate and determined rebellion has no remedy. That first great rebellion is to cease only by the extermination of Satan and those angels who rebelled and fell with him. The spirit of rebellion that fell upon the children of Israel soon after their miraculous deliverance from Egypt held fast to them. God led them round and round in the wilderness forty years, and manifested to them blessings and judgments to remove this unclean spirit from them, but they would not be corrected. The next morning after the earth opened and swallowed up Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, and those who dared to stand with them, Num. xvi, 23-38, those who appeared loyal the night before broke out in bitterest and most insane rebellion against Moses, saying, "Ye have killed the congregation of the Lord."
That rebellion that the Jewish priests inspired in the hearts of the people against Jesus Christ—the most lovely personage that ever visited this globe—that clamored for his blood in the judgment-hall, has followed and clung to the Jews until this day. And as we look over our short history as a people we may safely say that one-third of those who have from first to last embraced the Sabbath and come among us have fallen under a spirit of rebellion against the work of God in the third message in bringing out and purifying a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Many could not stand the purifying work, and rebelled against it, and the means employed in carrying it forward. When they first rebelled they had no idea that they would give up the Sabbath; but a few weeks, or a few months, or a few years, have found them Sabbath-breakers. And we have yet to learn that one single case of determined rebellion among us has been fully cured. May God save his people from self-deception and rebellion.
Michigan Annual Conference.
By Uriah Smith
WHILE it is true, as a general rule, that our pilgrimage heavenward lies through a pathway that is rough and thorny, the Psalmist assures us that we shall sometimes be led in green pastures and beside the still waters. There are places where we can set up our "Ebenezers," as cheering way-marks along our journey. There are refreshing oases, as well as parching sands in the desert of time. And when, henceforth, we look back to descry the pleasant and fondly-remem-bered scenes of this kind that we have passed, prominent among them will be the Conference at Monterey, Mich., Oct 4-6, 1862.
This meeting being held in a somewhat retired place, a very select company of brethren and sisters found themselves assembled together at the time appointed. Brethren were present from all sections of the State, to the number, as it was estimated, of not far from five hundred, besides a few from New York, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin. This was probably the largest body of Sabbath-keepers ever assembled in the State.
The religious exercises of the meeting commenced Sabbath morning at 10 o'clock, with a discourse from Bro. White, on the words, "For where two or three are gathered together in my name there am I in the midst of them." Matt. xviii, 20. From this text he showed with freedom and clearness the design of the Saviour to be ever present with his people by his Holy Spirit, in all its operations. He showed that whatever is done at the present day in the line of preaching the gospel, whatever is done by those claiming to be evangelists, pastors and teachers, is done by virtue of the original commission given by the Saviour to his disciples, as recorded in Matt. xxviii, 19, 20, and Mark xvi, 15-18. If, then, this commission, still confers upon us the privilege of the proclamation of the gospel, why may we not claim all the advantages which it offers on the same ground? The Lord promised to be with his people. A record of how this promise was fulfilled in the early church, is recorded in Mark xvi, 20. "And they went forth and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following." It was shown beyond dispute that thus the Lord designed to be with his people, even to the end—a point not yet reached.
Sabbath afternoon, preaching by Bro. Loughborough on Mal. ii, 2, showing the importance of our bringing all the tithes into the storehouse, and proving the Lord, according to his direction, lest through our unfaithfulness, the great blessings which he designs to confer upon us, are turned into curses, and we receive them instead.
Sunday forenoon, discourse by Bro. Hull, on the Ministration of Angels. Many present from the surrounding neighborhood. Something of an idea may be formed of how densely the house was filled, when we state that the floor refused to sustain the great weight placed upon it. The house had been built with sufficient strength to sustain any ordinary, or even extraordinary crowd. But packing it so densely as it was, subjected it to a pressure to which it was not equal. The central support under the floor gave way, allowing that portion to settle some eight inches. The congregation was dismissed, and the damage speedily and promptly repaired.
The appointment for the afternoon was put at 2 P. M.; but the house being ready for occupation again, by request, Bro. White occupied the intervening hour from 1 o'clock, in speaking to a full house upon the seals of Rev. vi, and the events of chapter vii, as relating especially to the affairs of this nation at the present time, and the proclamation of present truth here going forth. He spoke with much freedom, and the rich blessing of the Lord attended the word, which is the best of evidence that the positions taken were in accordance with that wisdom which is from above.
At 2 P. M., Bro. Hull resumed and finished his discourse on the Ministration of Angels, a subject full of comfort and encouragement for the people of God. Desires and determinations must have been created or quickened in every heart, to so live that the angels of the Lord that excel in strength, those high and holy beings, may encamp around about us, to be our shield and deliverance in every hour of peril.
There were two social meetings, which were seasons of interest and encouragement. Sr. White also spoke several times with usual freedom and power, to the acceptance of all lovers of the pure and straight testimony. Her words cannot fail to have effect upon the hearts and lives of those who heard.
The meeting has left a cheering influence with all who were present, so far as we can judge from words and actions. The time which it occupied will be a season of pleasant memory. With what joyous anticipations then may we look forward to that time when the saints shall come from the north, the south, the east, and the west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of God. May the Lord brighten our hopes and quicken our desires for glory, honor, and immortality. U. S.
Business Proceedings of the Michigan State Conference.
By Editor
Evening after the Sabbath, October 4, 1862, the Conference held its first business session. Prayer by Bro. White.
The minutes of the last meeting, being called for, were read and accepted.
The ministers present belonging to the Conference were the following: James White, Joseph Bates, J. H. Waggoner, J. B. Frisbie, John Byington, J. N. Loughborough,157Moses Hull, M. E. Cornell, and R. J. Lawrence.
Moved by Bro. White that all our brethren present who are in good standing with any church of Seventh-day Adventists be invited to take part in the business proceedings of the Conference. Carried.
There being brethren present from other States, it was also
Moved, That the brethren present from New York, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin, who are in good standing with the Seventh-day Adventists of their localities be considered by this Conference as delegates from their respective States. Carried.
The next business being the formal connection of the churches with the Conference, it was
Moved by Bro. Loughborough that we now enter into an examination of the standing of the churches, here represented, their membership, and their wishes to become connected with the Conference. Carried.
A majority of the Battle Creek church being present, they signified by vote their desire to become permanently connected with the Conference, and were admitted. The following churches were also united by vote with the Conference, being represented by letter and delegates; namely, Burlington, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lapeer, Greenville, Wright, Monterey, Watson, Otsego, Colon, Convis, Tompkins, St. Charles, Chesaning, Orange, and Hanover. Churches at Allegan and Parkville, would have requested admission to the Conference, had they been fully organized. Delegates were also present from Caledonia and Vicksburg, praying the assistance of some messenger in organizing, preparatory to admission into the Conference.
All the churches represented did not report the number of their members. Those which were reported amounted in the aggregate to four hundred and sixteen.
The church at Salem Center, Ind., through its delegates, J. L. Locke and H. L. Doty, requested admission into the Michigan Conference, and were accepted.
Bro. Isaac Sanborn presented to the Conference a letter from the State Conference of Wisconsin recommending him to act as a delegate from that body. On motion, the letter of recommendation was accepted, Bro. S. having by previous vote been admitted as a delegate to the Conference.
The next subject introduced by the Conference committee, being ministers' papers, it was
Moved by Bro. Walker that this Conference renew the credentials of the ministers belonging thereto, namely, Brn. White, Bates, Waggoner, Frisbie, Byington, Loughborough, Hull, Cornell, and Lawrence. Carried.
Resolutions adopted:
Resolved, That this Conference assign to its ministers their fields of labor.
Resolved, That the ministers present, and the elders of the different churches, and where elders are not present, a delegate, or member of the church in good standing, constitute a committee to district the Conference and assign to ministers their respective fields of labor, and report at the next session of this Conference.
Resolved, That the ministers of the Michigan State Conference should receive a liberal support.
Resolved, That our ministers should make a report, at the annual Conference, of their labors each week, during the Conference year.
Resolved, That our ministers should make a report at the annual Conference of the amount of their entire receipts and expenditures during the Conference year.
Moved by Bro. White, that the Conference appoint a committee of five to receive funds from the churches and scattered brethren of Seventh-day Adventists for the support of our ministers in their labors whether it be tent labor or otherwise. Carried.
Moved by Bro. Hull, that Myron J. Cornell, G. W. Amadon, Wm. Hall, Albert Kellogg, and Henry H. Pierce, all of Battle Creek, Mich., be that committee. Carried.
Moved by Bro. White, that this Conference cheerfully excuse the Monterey church from paying the remainder of their tent pledges for the present year. Carried.
The Conference here adjourned to one o'clock P. M. of the day following, and the committee on ministers and their fields of labor, went into immediate session.
After various remarks upon the labor of ministers in this and other States, the following resolution was adopted:
Whereas, Several States are dependent on the Michigan Conference for laborers; and,
Whereas, Those going out as laborers in some instances have been too much under the dictation of inexperienced brethren, therefore
Resolved, That it devolves upon the Michigan Conference to direct as to how and where such missionaries shall labor.
The committee not having time to finish its deliberations before the hour arrived for the next business meeting of the Conference, they reported their business unfinished for want of time. The report was accepted, and the committee discharged.
The Conference having resumed its labors according to adjournment, adopted the following resolutions:
Whereas, We believe that the Lord has called Bro. and sister White to labor among the churches, and,
Whereas, The state of the cause in the several States, demands their labor, therefore
Resolved, That this Conference recommend Bro. and sister White to labor in different States, and assist in organizing conferences and churches, as the way may open before them.
Resolved, That we appoint a Conference committee of three for the coming year, and that Brn. James White, J. N. Loughborough, and John Byington be that committee.
Resolved, That we refer the districting of the Conference, and also the location of our ministers to the Conference committee.
Bro. Sanborn brought before the meeting the following items, upon which he and the brethren in Illinois and Wisconsin wished the opinion of the Conference:
How shall we treat divorced marriages?
Shall preachers from other denominations embracing the message, preach and baptize among us, on the strength of their former ordination and standing as ministers?
Shall young preachers, before being ordained, be allowed to baptize?
Shall Bro. T. M. Steward have a letter of commendation as a preacher among us?
Bro. White calls for a full and clear definition of the expression "divorced marriages." Bro. Sanborn explains that he means by it, those who have been divorced from their former husbands or wives for other causes than that mentioned by the Saviour in Matt. xix, and under that divorce have married again. Shall such persons subsequently embracing present truth, be received among us?
In reference to these items the following action was taken:
Resolved, That the matter of divorced marriages be referred to the Conference committee.
Resolved, That ministers of other denominations, embracing present truth, should give proof of being called to preach the message, and be ordained among us, before administering the ordinances.
Resolved, That no person, young or old, should administer the ordinances before being ordained.
In reference to Bro. Steward's case, it was suggested by Bro. Loughborough that, as Bro. Steward now occupies a position somewhat similar to that of a young minister, further time be allowed him to give proof of his ministry, before giving him a letter. A resolution was offered by Bro. White as follows:
Resolved, That when Elder T. M. Steward gives perfect satisfaction to the ministers and churches of Wisconsin, the Michigan Conference will be perfectly satisfied with him.
This resolution was finally withdrawn by the mover, and the Conference saw fit to take no action in the matter.
Moved by Bro. Loughborough that the next State Conference be held at Battle Creek, Mich., October 2-5, 1863. Carried.
Resolved, That we invite the several State Conferences to meet with us, by delegate, in general conference, at our next annual Conference. Adopted.
Moved, That Wm. S. Higley, Jr. of Lapeer, Mich., be chairman of the Conference for the coming year. Carried.
Moved, That U. Smith be secretary of the Conference for the same term. Carried.
Moved, That the minutes of this Conference be published in the Advent Review. Carried.
Adjourned sine die. Prayer by Bro. Bates.
The transaction of the business above recorded, occupied four sessions. Each motion and resolution was discussed more or less at length by the preaching brethren, and others, present. The meetings were harmonious, and the brethren unanimous in their conclusions.
Joseph Bates, Chairman.
Uriah Smith, Secretary.
Annual Meeting of the Seventh-Day Adventist Publishing Association.
According to resolution and previous notice, the second Annual Meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association was held in the town of Monterey, Allegan Co., Michigan, first-day, October 5, 1862, at 9 o'clock A. M.
Present, all the officers of the Association. President in the chair. Meeting opened with prayer by Eld. John Byington. The roll was then called. Members present 102, representing 222 votes in their own names, and ten votes as proxy for others. Adjourned to meet again on second-day at 8 o'clock A. M.
Association convened at the time and place of adjournment. All officers present. Vice President in the chair. Session opened with prayer by Eld. Isaac Sanborn of Wisconsin. The roll was again called. The next business in order being the Auditor's Report, Eld. J. N. Loughborough, Auditor, presented the following report:
SECOND ANNUAL REPORT OF THE AUDITOR OF THE S. D. A. PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION.
This is to certify that I have examined the books of the Association, and find the accounts correctly kept, showing the following results:
The estimated nett value of the Office property at the time of the last report, was $11505,42
Added in Completing Building, 1732,55
Received for Shares in Association, 4437,56
Donations to Association, 1462,35
Received on Review, 2949,41
“ “ Instructor, 294,53
“ “ Book Sales at the Office for Cash, and by Mail, 1064,51
Received on Book Account, 998,67
“ “ Custom Work, 545,97
“ Premium on Draft, 1,31
“ for Mich. Tent, 622,58
“ on Deposit, 4661,06158Due on Books, 1509,50
Received on Missionary Account, 1,25
Due from Custom Work, 51,78
Total, $31888,45
The Association has paid as follows:
For Work in the Office, 2608,98
“ Materials and Sundries, 3861,39
“ Completion of Building, 1732,55
On Borrowed Money, 8828,36
“ Mich. Tent, 645,34
“ Missionary Fund, 13,25
“ Interest on Notes, 44,43
Total, $17734,30
The Association has present liabilities as follows:
Outstanding Notes, $2148,78
Due to Missionary Board, 350,50
“ on Deposits, 1007,26
“ for Work in the Office, 45,79
“ “ Material and Sundries, 7,11
Total, $3559,44
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Auditor.
The general business of the Association was then introduced by the Secretary, in a written statement of the business to come before the meeting; viz.,
Election of Officers.
Election of Editors.
Salaries of President, Editors, Secretary, and Treasurer.
Compensation of Auditor.
Time and Place of the next Meeting of the Association.
The business was then called up item by item, for discussion and action, by written resolution.
The first business in order being the election of officers, Bro. J. N. Loughborough presented the following Resolution, which was adopted.
Resolved, that all the officers of the Association be nominated by one balloting, and that we now proceed to that nomination.
The Association then proceeded to the election of officers for the ensuing year. The following brethren were nominated and chosen: Eld. James White, President. Geo. W. Amadon, Vice President. Eld. J. N. Loughborough and William Hall, Committee on Publication. E. S. Walker, Secretary. Uriah Smith, Treasurer, and I. D. Van Horn, Auditor.
The election of Editors for the Review and Herald and the Youth's Instructor being next in order, the following Resolution was submitted and adopted:
Resolved, that we nominate the Editors for the Review and Instructor at one balloting, and that we now proceed to that nomination.
Elder James White was unanimously chosen Editor of the Review, and Geo. W. Amadon Editor of the Instructor.
The fixing of the salaries of the President, Editors, Secretary, and Treasurer, being next called up, the following Resolution was offered and adopted:
Resolved, that the President, Editors, Secretary, and Treasurer, receive the same compensation for the coming year as they received for the present year.
The compensation of Auditor being next in order, the following Resolution was read and adopted:
Resolved, that the Auditor receive for his services the present year, the sum of fifteen dollars.
The last item of the general business of the Association being the fixing of the time and place of the next annual meeting, in accordance with the expressed wish of all the members present of the Church at Battle Creek, the following Resolution was submitted and adopted:
Resolved, that the next annual meeting of the Association be held at Battle Creek, Mich., on Friday, the second day of October, 1863, at 10 o'clock A. M.
Adjourned, sine die.
JAMES WHITE, President.
E. S. WALKER, Secretary.
Second Semi-Annual Report of the Treasurer of the S. D. A. P. Association.
By Uriah Smith
CASH ACCOUNT FROM APR. 4, 1862, TO OCT. 1, 1862.
The cash receipts of the Association for the past term have been:
For Review & Herald, | $1377,91
" Youth's Instructor, | 133,31
" Books (cash sales), | 407,31
" " (sold on account), | 590,32
" Shares in Association, | 1346,00
" Donations to Association, | 668,29
" Custom Work, | 129,10
On Deposit, | 2108,48
" Mich. Tent, | 611,19
" Minn. " | 3,00
" N. Y. " | 5,00
Total, | $7379,91
During the same time the Association has paid as follows:
For Labor in the Office, | $1115,18
" Material & Sundries, | 2281,67
On Deposits, | 3522,18
For Completion of Building, | 142,23
" Missionary Fund, | 12,00
" Minn. Tent Fund, | 3,00
" Mich. " " | 303,65
Total, | $7379,91
URIAH SMITH, Treasurer.
The Cause in N. Y.
By John Nevins Andrews
BRO. WHITE: Since parting with Bro. Cornell in Rochester, I have found the Lord present with me to aid in his work. I deeply regretted that Bro. Cornell should leave this State, yet felt constrained to acquiesce in his decision. I spent Sabbath and first-day, Sept. 20 and 21, with the brethren in Adams' Center. I found them still interested in the truths preached during the tent-meeting in that place. I think there are quite as many walking in the truth as we expected would obey it. But while some are taking a stand for the truth that we did not expect, others that felt its force deeply for a time, are now manifestly ashamed to identify themselves in any manner with it. Thank God that the truth is not destitute of the cross.
The meeting in this place, Roosevelt, the past Sabbath and first-day was attended by the brethren in this part of the State very generally. It was a good season, because the Lord met with us. The report of our business proceedings will be furnished by Bro. Arnold. I think there is much reason to hope that those things which have hindered the work in this region will be removed out of the way. It is the purpose of my heart to do all in my power for the furtherance of this object by bearing a faithful and searching testimony to those who profess the truth.
We are now laboring to prepare for the organization of a State Conference. Our brethren feel that it is essential to their prosperity as a people. We are trying to rise by confessing our own faults, and seeking pardon for the same, instead of bestowing all our care upon others. What gives me some degree of confidence is, that the tender, melting Spirit of God is doing its work upon the hearts of our brethren. If this work be not resisted, the cause of God will be revived in this region where it has so long been hindered.
Let me say that we do most earnestly request your attendance and that of sister White at our coming State Conference. I do feel that my heart is strongly united to yours, and that I desire to hold up your hands in the great work in which you are engaged. I trust that events will not dispel my confident hope that the brethren in this part of the State are about to shake off the bands that have so long held them down. If you can see it in the order of God to attend the proposed Conference, I do trust that you will come.
I wish to say that what you have written relative to the drafting of men by the government meets my hearty approval. The state of my head is such that I cannot undertake to present any argument on this subject; but I would refer the brethren to the article of Bro. Waggoner's in Review No. 17, entitled, "Our Duty and the Nation." It is a candid statement of the subject in the light in which I have viewed it from the beginning. I beg those who are so ready to denounce submission to the draft to read the article of Bro. Waggoner's once more. When the time of trouble opens upon us, our relations to our government and our fellow-men will be changed, for probation will then have ceased. But that time has not arrived.
Perhaps I ought to say a few words relative to myself. My general health is good; but the difficulty in my head is such that it appears to me nearly certain that I shall be compelled, at least for a season, to desist from all mental labor. I do not now see any alternative. This brief statement must explain my silence in the Review. The effect of meetings upon my head is very unpleasant indeed, but not so serious as that of writing. I ask the counsel and the prayers of the friends of truth.
J. N. ANDREWS.
God’s Hand in Trouble
Nothing is more calculated to quiet the mind in trouble, than viewing all things in the hand of God; and that God as my friend.
Business Meeting in New York.
At a business meeting of the conference held at Roosevelt, N. Y., September 27, 28, 1862, J. N. Andrews was chosen chairman, and David Arnold Secretary.
An admonitory letter from Bro. M. E. Cornell to the church in this vicinity was read by Bro. Andrews, after which the following resolutions were passed.
Resolved, That we receive with thankfulness the kind reproof and admonition of Bro. Cornell, and with regret acknowledge our delinquency as stated in said letter, in not encouraging tent labors in this State as we should the past season; likewise in not carrying out the work of organization as we should, and also that we have not as a body heeded as we ought the admonitions and teachings of God, given through the gift of prophecy placed among us, to which we attribute much of our present state of lukewarmness and want of union and effort in the cause of present truth,
Resolved, That we are in favor of immediate action in the formation of a State Conference, and that we will co-operate with other churches in this State in said organization, and that we hereby invite Bro. and sister White to attend a State Conference at Roosevelt as soon as practicable, and that Bro. White appoint the time through the Review, and superintend said Conference; and we pledge ourselves to act promptly with him in the prosecution of said work.
Resolved, That we invite all the churches in this State to represent themselves at this Conference by delegation or letter, that they may co-operate in this work. We also invite our brethren in Northern Pennsylvania to unite with us in said Conference if they choose.
J. N. Andrews, Chairman.
David Arnold, Secretary.
Examine Your Motives
Look well to your motives.
Non-resistance.
By R. F. Cottrell
THERE is no necessity for brethren to go to war with each other on peace principles. We desire light, however, upon our duty—the true light—and we may reasonably expect to have it. I shall not attempt to pilot this vessel into port; but I believe she will go safely in, and if I "abide in the ship," I shall go in with her. We have a sure Pilot; and whenever I can hear his voice, saying, "Larboard!" or "Port!" I would not be backward to tug at the wheel accordingly. And I am glad he is within speaking distance, and would, if I know my own heart, welcome him on board with joy.
I am not talking about Bro White. He does not claim infallibility of judgment, as his invitations to the brethren to a scriptural investigation of the subject fully evince. But I trust I have learned not rashly to oppose my judgment to his. Such a spirit tends to anarchy, not to unity. I wrote to him, not because I wished to dictate in the matter, but because I wished to have the true light on the subject—because I wanted help. The only question was whether it was duty to decline serving in the army at all hazards, even of life itself. It is by no means certain that a man's life would be taken because he declined fighting for conscience' sake. But if every remonstrance failed, and it was evidently coming to this, I would recommend following the advice given, until further light is elicited from the word, or given from above.
But I told Bro. White (and I did not claim to speak by the gift of prophecy, for I had already heard it) that his words would be wrestled to justify volunteering. And one individual that I heard thus pleading, has since, as I have been informed, enlisted, though exempt by age, as well as infirmity, and was, upon surgical examination, rejected. Such, I understand, sin against light.
It is not to enter upon the scriptural investigation of the question of non-resistance that I write. Others, I hope, will write upon it. My rule has ever been to obey civil magistrates so far as their requirements do not contravene the law of God. I can see a wide difference too between a requirement to fall down and worship other gods, or to cease the worship of the true God, and the incidental and not intentional demands of the government, which do, in fact, without distinction of religious sentiments, contravene the law of God, out of the necessity of the case, and not with any design to religious persecution.
But perhaps I have said enough. I want the true light upon the question, and I believe we shall have it. Those who patiently wait for it, will have it when they need it. And I will conclude by saying that I have no idea that, in the final gathering of the armies of the nations, any of the saints of God will be gathered with them. If we earnestly pray, "Gather not my soul with sinners, nor my life with bloody men," I believe we shall be heard and answered. R. F. Cottrell.