Earlier text: THE WARNING VOICEConflicting Arguments Against the Sabbath
Opponents in Confusion on the Sabbath Question.
TRUTH is harmonious, while error leads to confusion. And perhaps there is no subject on which there is greater confusion of opinions than on the Sabbath question. Our opponents being in trouble as they see the Sabbath cause advancing, seek to check its progress; but unfortunately for themselves, they take positions which are directly opposed to each other.—And some of those most active, frequently take two or more positions, just as will best suit the occasion, which are perfectly destructive of each other. It is a fact that they have no settled position, no system on which they may harmoniously unite. But they have a mass of objections to the bible Sabbath, which when compared are seen to devour each other. The Bible mentions but one weekly Sabbath. The commandment which guards and enforces it, is placed in the midst of God’s moral law. The Son of God declared that the Sabbath was made for man, and that he had not come to destroy the law, but to fulfill it. And that one jot or one tittle would not pass from the law while heaven and earth remained. Not one text can be found in the New Testament that declares the abrogation of the weekly Sabbath; neither is there the least intimation that it was ever to be changed. Then, as bible Christians, we can do no less than to observe the Sabbath of both Testaments. This is a safe position, and one that we shall never yield up, unless our opponents will show that it is erroneous, and present to us a scriptural system of truth on this subject. But as this view of the subject has been, and is being received by many of the Advent people, the movement has called out opposition from advent papers and advent ministers. And as they war against the Sabbath, they present a front of complete confusion [Babylon] of sentiments. We will here name some of the many positions of our opponents. 1. The Editor of the Advent Herald has taken the position with Mr. Jennings, in his Jewish Antiquities, that the Sabbath was instituted at creation, and that it was changed from the seventh day back to the sixth when the children of Israel came out of Egypt, and that the first day of the week, on which Christ arose, is the original seventh day. But the fact that the Jews were required by the fourth commandment [Ex. xx, 7–11] to observe the very day on which God rested at the close of creation, completely upsets the whole matter, and shows the position false. The Jews were required to observe God’s Rest-day, and not the sixth day of the week, the last in which he created all things, as taught by Mr. Jennings. 2. Brother Bliss, assistant editor of the Advent Herald, is “not prepared to say that the argument of Mr. Jennings is perfectly conclusive.” He therefore differs with his Bro. Himes, and thinks the Sabbath has been changed. That another day should now be observed for another reason. That the first day of the week is the Christian Sabbath. He refers to the testimony of the “Fathers” as authority. We would here say, that it ever has been the boast of Protestants, (and especially of the teachers of the Advent faith,) that “the Bible and the Bible alone” is the basis of their religion. While on the other hand, Papists add to the holy scriptures what they call “the traditions of the Apostles, and the interpretation of the church.” See note in the Douay [Catholic] Bible on 2 Tim. iii, 16, 17. Hear Martin Luther—“I do not cease my cry of ‘The Gospel! The Gospel!’—Christ! Christ!—and my enemies are as ready with their answer—Custom! Custom! Ordinance! Ordinance! Fathers! Fathers!” With a consistent Christian, the testimony and practice of the “Fathers” have not authority sufficient to direct him in devotion or duty, when their testimony is not supported by the Scriptures. Unfortunately for the advocates of the first day of the week, they cannot give us the inspired testimony of Paul, Peter, John, James or Jude for the change of the Sabbath, from the seventh to the first day. And as they cannot, they leave the Book of God, and give the uninspired testimony of those who wrote after the death of the Apostles, in the time that Paul refers to when he says—“For I know this that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” Acts xx, 29, 30. We leave this point, only adding that the Bible shall decide this question with us. 3. Some zealous advocates of First-day object to our views of the Sabbath, on the ground that we cannot tell when the true seventh day comes. But do they know when the first day comes? Most certainly they do. They do not have the least difficulty in ascertaining the day of the resurrection of Christ.—Well, then, we observe the day that comes next before theirs, which must be the seventh. And if they are sure that they have the true First-day, they should give themselves no further trouble upon the point, whether we observe the true seventh. 4. But some of these advocates for First-day tell us that in sailing around the globe one way, a day is lost, and by sailing around it the other way, a day is gained. Very well. But do they not see that their first-day Sabbath is affected by such a circumstance, as much as the seventh day? They ought to see this, and be silent. This objection is not only against Christians observing the seventh day; but if it is of any force at all, it goes against the Jews ever keeping the Sabbath. It is against the Sabbath institution itself. 5. Says another, “A day has been lost,” and he refers us to the time when it is said that the sun stood still. Josh. x. But let it be here understood that this was in that dispensation when, as all will agree, the observance of the seventh day was enforced with the temporal penalty of death. And if this is a valid objection, it strikes at the very root of the Sabbath institution. But look here, my doubting brother, your case reminds us of unbelieving “Thomas.”—Our Lord Jesus Christ at his first Advent, styled himself, Lord of the Sabbath. If it were possible that a day had been lost, certainly the Lord of the Sabbath set the matter right. His followers “rested on the Sabbath-day, according to the commandment.”—Luke xxiii, 56. Here is a nail driven in a sure place by the Master. 6. The Advent Harbinger teaches that there is no Sabbath. That it was abolished at the cross. But will the Editor of the Harbinger be so kind as to give us one text from the New Testament, that reads, “without note or comment,” that the Sabbath was then abolished? We reject his inferences on certain texts in the epistles of St. Paul, and call on him to give us the “plain word of the Lord.” Will he do it? These no-Sabbath men generally teach that the ten commandments were abolished at the cross, and that Christ, during his public ministry, re-enacted nine of them for the gospel, leaving the Sabbath out. We would here call on them to give us the plain word of the Lord that Christ re-enacted one of the ten commandments. We ask for only one text. Again, will they do us the favor to show how nine of the commandments could be re-enacted by Christ during his ministry, before the ten were abolished at his death? 7. The Editor of the Advent Watchman has two positions in opposition to the Sabbath, which he uses as may best suit the occasion. First, that he “must keep that day of the week that can be proved to be the 7th,” which he labored to prove, came on the first day of the week. See Bible Advocate Sept. 23d, 1847. His other position is, that there is no Sabbath, and those who observe the seventh day are “fallen from grace,” under the “bondage of the law,” and are certainly mesmerized!! See his article in the Advocate of May 4th, 1848, and his more recent articles in the Watchman. He first teaches that there is a Sabbath, that it is the seventh day, that he “must keep” it, but it comes on the first day of the week.—He next asserts, with equal positiveness that there is no Sabbath, and labors to prove that those who keep it will be lost, and that they now have a wicked spirit. Certainly, Mr. Turner is aware that he turns square about in changing from one of these positions to the other. That he now holds both of these positions may be seen by his latest remarks on the Sabbath in the Watchman, and his notice of, and remarks upon the Tract published by Z. Campbell. See our article on this, in No. 4, headed, The Watchman and Z. Campbell. 8. Mr. Z. Campbell’s late effort against the Sabbath is considered by some very wonderful. He has issued a Tract of two leaves, with only two pages and a half of print. He asserts that the first day of the week is the Jewish seventh day, and Mr. Turner thinks the work excellent. Speaking of the error of Sabbath-keepers, Mr. Campbell says, “The error is not in the day, but in the number assigned to it by the beast.” Then we shall understand from this that Mr. Campbell thinks it is right to observe the seventh day Sabbath, and not the first day of the week in honor of Christ’s resurrection. Then we would inquire of the Watchman, if Mr. Campbell is not under the bondage of the law? Is he not falling from grace? And is he not becoming mesmerized? But we see that Mr. Campbell’s Tract finds a place in the Harbinger, though, probably, the editor of that paper does not believe in one position taken in the Tract. He has within a few years published his article against the Sabbath four times, in which he gave his reasons for keeping the first day of the week. Cook and Crosier also think the first day is the proper day of worship. They style it the “day of apostolic preference.” Well, then, if Mr. Campbell is right as to the number of the days of the week, they should hold our second day, [Mr. Campbell’s first,] what is called Monday, as their day of worship. Will they do this, or will they join Mr. Campbell in keeping the seventh day on what is called Sunday? Or will the Editor of the Harbinger inform his readers that Mr. Campbell is in error? The Tract, as published in the Harbinger, is prefaced by remarks peculiar to the author, which closes with this sentence. “The following is an extract from the Tract.” But he has given the whole Tract, with the exception of four lines and one third!! Mr. Campbell says—“The writer has spent considerable time in comparing the dates of different nations; ascertaining the true time of eclipses, and other noted events, and is confident that he has arrived at the true difference between our time and that of the Jews.” And we have the result of his long and studious researches on two and a half pages! which, by the way, is mostly composed of groundless assertions and reproaches! He continues:—“He has given his attention to the Sabbatarian fanaticism, and entered the field against it, as well as mesmerism, electro-table tipping, no-devilism, circle disclosures, and all such latter day45 delusions as militate against the gospel of Christ.—And having mounted the car of sacred truth, is running 'The Opposition Line' to every thing opposed to the religion of Jesus of Nazareth.' We have given this noisy strain of fanaticism, that our readers may see with what insanity some of these men who oppose the Sabbath are being seized. His remarks not only bear against advent Sabbath-keepers, but also fifty thousand Seventh-day Baptists, who have been long investigating the Sabbath question, and have not found the least difficulty in defending their position by the word of God. But this mighty reformer has "mounted the car of truth." What an elevated position! He has already a Tract of two leaves which he advertises with his own pen. "For sale by Bro. Marsh, Rochester, and by Bro. R. T. Young, 140, Fulton street, New York; and by the author at South Adams, Mass. Price three dollars per hundred." He adds—"Let the brethren send in their orders immediately, as a means of assisting the writer to get out a larger Tract of eight or twelve pages on Ellen White's visions, third angel's message, &c." We cannot say what will become of the fourth commandment, or Sabbath-keepers, or the third angel's message by the time that Mr. Campbell runs his car a second time. But what a pity that he did not run his car as far as Rochester, against "no-devilism" at the time of Dr. Thomas' lectures before the no-Sabbath people in this city. The Doctor told his audience that all the devil there was, was "sin in the flesh," and that they could "see no more of the devil than when they looked in the glass." But our object in this article has been to point out the confusion of our opponents, and not to dwell at length upon the errors, inconsistencies, and fanaticism of individuals. We only wish their real position to be seen, that it may be shunned. Now, those holding to these different views are all agreed that our view of the Sabbath is incorrect. But none of them are able to give us a harmonious view of the Sabbath question. Each class is ready to throw out their objections against us; and put them all together, they are a mass which contradict each other, and set each other up. Truth is a unit. It is strait and harmonious, while error in its varied forms is fated to run crooked and devour itself. As a people, we are united in observing the Sabbath of the Bible. We are a united, happy people.—And our opponents ought to know that they need help more than we; for while they are in confusion, and in trouble on the Sabbath question, we are united, and have a harmonious system of truth to present.—We would call their attention to their own sad condition, and suggest the propriety of their helping each other out of the fog, to some one position on which they may unite, before they any farther oppose us. THE REVIEW AND HERALD.
By Editor
Reply on the Sabbath Question
BRO. RICHMOND made the following request of the editor of the Harbinger relative to his article: "If this is rejected, please return." And the article was returned to Bro. Richmond with the following remarks by the editor of the Harbinger. I append my reply to a similar perversion of the word of the Lord, and request if you publish your quotations, that you give my reply with it. "Here then we have presented the best proof that an experienced and zealous Sabbatarian can find in the Bible to prove that Christians are required to keep the Seventh day or Jewish Sabbath! And what does this proof amount to? Nothing, but a perversion of the truth in a manner calculated to deceive the ignorant. Not a word is said or intimated about Christians in the texts quoted, though the editor of the Review evidently designed to make his readers believe that Christians were meant! If we do not misjudge, he intended to make these texts read in the beclouded minds of his brethren, thus: Christians, 'remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.' 'The Seventh day is the Sabbath,' for Christians! and 'the Sabbath was made for' Christians! This is the way these texts must read, and this is the way they have been perverted by the 'Advent Review,' to sustain its theory of the Sabbath! Surely, it is hard pressed for Bible evidence, and to supply the deficiency, its editor has handled the word of God deceitfully! May the humble Christian detect this lack of evidence in the Sabbatarian theory, and the deception that sustains it!" J. MARSH. By the above, attention is again called to the course pursued by the Harbinger, in the investigation of Bible Truth. We had contented ourselves with what has already been written on this subject, had not the sophistry and deception used by the editor of that paper, been too gross and glaring to be passed over in silence; we had heeded the admonition, "Ephraim is joined to idols; let him alone," and said no more. But the cause of truth demands that a course so contrary to its own profession of "free investigation," so inconsistent with reason and the Word of God, should be fully exposed, that honest souls be not deceived thereby. With truth and fairness on our side, we have only to regret that every reader of the Harbinger may not have the privilege of seeing the REVIEW to learn for themselves our position and mark the injustice with which we are met. The words of J. Marsh, (editor of the Harbinger,) given above, are a part of his reply to some remarks which I made on Bro. Monroe's article, found in No. 2 of the present Vol. of the REVIEW. These quotations are there given: "Remember the Sabbath-day, to keep it holy," [Ex. xx, 8,] "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God," [Verse 10th,] and, "The Sabbath was made for man," [Mark ii, 27,] which the Harbinger at once denounces as a "perversion of the truth." Now we ask—How? Have we not stated them, directly as given in the Word of God, and furthermore stated that they needed neither "note nor comment?" How then are they perverted? But, a few lines below, in the remarks of the Harbinger, the mystery is solved. The three sentences, commencing, "Christians, 'remember the Sabbath-day'" &c., explain the whole matter. There we see that the editor has reduced them down to his own adulterated notions of truth, made unwarrantable additions, and then told his readers, that that was the way we intended they should read; thus, himself perverting the scriptures, and then charging it upon us. We are satisfied to take it as it reads: "The Sabbath was made for man," and so long as any one claims to be a man, so long he is amenable to the Sabbath law. But let us take another view. How must the passages referred to, read, to sustain the Harbinger's notion, that the Sabbath was intended for the Jews exclusively? must they not read thus: Jews, "remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy." "The seventh day is the Sabbath" for Jews, and, "The Sabbath was made for" Jews? Therefore, with as much propriety it might be said that the Sabbath was not intended for the Jews at all, because the word, Jews, is not mentioned, as to say that it was not intended for Christians, because the word, Christians, is not given. The folly of the Harbinger's remarks on this point, will be readily seen. Again, he says, "Here then we have presented the best proof that an experienced and zealous Sabbatarian can find in the Bible to prove that Christians are required to keep the seventh day, or Jewish Sabbath." Now when he talks of proof, why dont he give the proof I presented? Why take only a portion of the testimony, and pervert that, and then throw it out as the best proof that can be offered? The request was emphatically made, that the Harbinger would give us one plain direct passage from either the Old or New Testament, without note or comment, that reads that either a Jew or Gentile Christian, is required to keep the [Jewish] commandment, not to bow down to graven images. This point is very artfully and studiously avoided. Why? Because it could not answer it; yet its readers were told that they had the best proof presented, that could be given for keeping the Sabbath. If, as the Harbinger would have us believe, we are required to observe only those precepts which are directly commanded to the Christian, then we may bow down and worship graven images, without sin, and the Harbinger cannot deny it. So with the other commandments. But however much he may amuse46 himself and his readers by his absurd quibblings on the word, Christian, he has first to prove that the Sabbath is abolished. We want no inferences, assumptions or assertions; if God has annulled his law or any portion of his law, surely the record of such an event can be found. God would never do an act of such importance, and then, in regard to it, leave the world entirely ignorant. Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets. Amos iii, 7. Show us, then, the place where God has given intimation, by any of the prophets, that he ever intended to abolish his law; or show us plain, direct testimony from the New Testament that it has been done. Mark the importance attached to the giving of that law on Mount Sinai, and the awful grandeur with which it was accompanied; shall it then be abolished and mankind know nothing of it? But we would not have people, to prove its abolition, waste time in bringing up such passages as the following: "One man esteemeth one day above another," &c. [Rom. xiv, 6,] and, "Let no man therefore judge you in meat or in drink, or in respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath-days; [Col. ii, 16;] for, in the first place, every candid mind will see that these have no reference to the "royal law," and, secondly, even if they had, what would they prove in favor of that position? Nor would we have people throw away words in referring to this text: "But if the ministration of death, written and engraven in stone, was glorious," &c.; [2 Cor. iii, 7;] for every one ought to know that there is a distinction between a law and the ministration of that law, and that a particular ministration can be done away without abolishing the law with it. Then we would say, and once for all, let the Harbinger give us plain, direct, unequivocal proof that the Sabbath of the Lord is abolished, or from henceforth, forever, hold his peace on this subject. For the Harbinger.
By A. J. Richmond
Brother Marsh:—In your paper for May 14, you say, "give us one plain direct passage from either the Old or New Testament, without note or comment, that reads that either a Jew or Gentile Christian is required to keep the seventh day or Jewish Sabbath, and we will not only publish it, but keep the day." Ex. xx, 8-10. Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work; but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God," &c. Gen. ii, 3. And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it; because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. Ps. cxi, 7, 8. All his commandments are sure. They stand fast, or, are established, (margin,) for ever and ever. Isa. xl, 8. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand forever. (Query. How could Christ abolish one of the commandments, or the word of God, that stands fast forever and ever?) Ps. cxix, 6. Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. Verse 10. With my whole heart have I sought thee. O let me not wander from thy commandments. Verse 21. Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. Verse 35. Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight.— Verse 51. The proud had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law. Verse 53.— Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law. Verse 115. Depart from me, ye evil doers: for I will keep the commandments of God. Isa. lvi, 1, 2, 6, 7. Thus saith the LORD, Keep ye judgment, and do justice: for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed. Blessed is the man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil. Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the Lord, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; Even them will I bring to my holy mountain, &c., &c. Jer. vi, 16, 19. Thus saith the Lord, stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.— Hear, O earth: behold, I will bring evil upon this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, because they have not hearkened unto my words, nor to my law but rejected it. Matt. v, 17, 19. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, &c. Eccl. xii, 13. Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Yours willing to know and obey the truth.
A. J. RICHMOND.
South Haven, Mich., May 22d, 1853. Bro. Richmond and the Harbinger.
By A. J. Richmond
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Accompanying this, is a communication that has been rejected by the Editor of the Harbinger as a "perversion of the word of the Lord." If you think it would be for the good of the cause of truth to publish it, do so. If not, lay it aside. The Harbinger professes to be open for "free investigation of all Bible doctrines," the literal meaning of which, is, any thing that is in accordance with what the editor believes. All else is rejected as not containing "one direct Bible evidence," or, as a "perversion of the Word of the Lord." Consistency is a jewel. May the Lord have mercy on those who are breaking his commandments and teaching men so, is the prayer of one who is anxious and willing to know the whole truth. South Haven, Vanburen Co., Mich., July 10th, 1853. Babylon might have been healed
By R. F. Cottrell
We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her, and let us go every one into his own country: for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies. Jer. li, 9. It is evident that the ancient prophets, in speaking of Babylon, allude to something more than ancient, literal Babylon. The overthrow of that power, which held Israel in bondage for a long time, is, doubtless, used as a type to shadow forth the destruction of the mystical Babylon mentioned in the book of Revelation, from whose spiritual bondage God's people are delivered, just before "her plagues come in a day." The great similarity of expression which is found in Revelation and the more ancient prophecies, shows that they refer to the same thing. And, certainly, the Christian Seer, in being shown the "things which must be hereafter," could not have been taken back to describe the fate of that ancient city, which had ceased to be so many hundred years before. No; among the events which immediately precede the coming of the Son of man in the clouds of heaven, the fallen state of Babylon is announced. The character and condition of this Babylon as given by the revelator, together with her connection with the people of God, have an evident application to the state of the professed churches of the "last days," described by Paul, as "having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof." From such, says the Apostle, turn away. "Come out of her my people. I shall not, at this time, stop to prove the correctness of this application, but only say, it has been repeatedly shown, that the entire representation of Babylon, given by inspiration, can apply to nothing in existence but the churches in their present confused, divided and fallen state. Babylon has need of healing, but she is not healed. And why? Because she rejected the only medicine that could effect a cure. God, in his providence and in fulfillment of his prophetic word, provided a remedy. It was the gospel of the kingdom—the everlasting gospel which has been proclaimed, to this generation, according to the scriptures. Matt. xxiv, 14; Rev. xiv, 6, 7. Based upon prophetic time, given in the sure word of prophecy, the message went forth with a loud voice, saying, Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come. Had this message been heeded, it would have effected a cure. This is evident from the healing effect which it had on those who did receive it. Christians of every creed were brought into unity of faith. They ceased disputing about the doctrines of men, and came directly to the doctrines of the Bible. Those who had been taught that sprinkling would do just as well, were now buried with Christ in baptism; and the desire of each heart was to do their whole duty, and so get ready for their coming King. If men had no desires but to obey God and seek for salvation, how soon might they discover the sanctifying, saving truth!—But, Alas! Babylon is not healed, because she rejected this healing balm; as a necessary consequence the second message must follow, Babylon is fallen, is fallen. She is not healed, forsake her. She has rejected the only medicine that could work her cure, Come out of her my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. That the announcement of her fall, in 1844, was a message from heaven, is evident from the fact, that it has been followed by the "working of Satan, with all power and signs and lying wonders, and all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved." And God is now sending them strong delusion,—permitting Satan to make them believe a lie. 2 Thess. ii, 9. The angel of Rev. xviii, repeats the cry that Babylon is fallen, and further declares, she is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, &c. The "rapping spirits" have commenced their work since 1844, and are filling the professed churches with their delusions; and very soon it may be said, "her sins have reached unto heaven." While men reject the truths revealed in the Bible, they are prepared to be led captive by Satan at his will. Babylon is not healed, and soon her plagues will come. How can we escape? God in his mercy and long-suffering answers in the third angel's message: "If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation. . . . Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. R. F. COTTRELL.
Mill Grove, N. Y., July 5th, 1853. OUR WORDS.
By Lois J. Richmond
"But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned." Matt. xii, 36, 37. Then if our justification or condemnation depends upon our words, how careful ought we to be to "let no corrupt communication proceed out of our mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Eph. iv, 29. We may think it a little sin to speak an idle or wrong word; but in the eyes of him who sees not as man sees, it is enough, if unrepented of, to sink a soul in death. "For it is written, be ye holy, for I am holy." God is holy and none but holy beings can ever live in his sight. If we are found at the appearing of Christ, with one spot upon our garments, it will for ever debar us from the presence of God.—"Death and life are in the power of the tongue; and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." Prov. xviii, 21. "Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth; therefore let thy words be few." Eccl. v, 2. When Moses was leading the children of Israel through the wilderness, they murmured against him, because there was no water. "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying: take the rod, and gather the assembly together, thou and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water And Moses took the rod and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock?" Num. xx, 8-10. For one wrong word which Moses there spoke, he was not permitted to enter the land of Canaan.—And is it any less sin for us who are living in these last days to speak a wrong word? I tell you nay; God is unchangeable, and were it not for our merciful High Priest, Jesus the Son of God, who is now pleading his blood in the Most Holy Place of the Heavenly Sanctuary, in our behalf, we should now be where hope and mercy could never reach us. O, let us see to it that "whatsoever we do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him." Col. iii, 17. "If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man and also able to bridle the whole body. And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body." James iii, 2, 6. "Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy: for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." 1 Cor. iii, 16, 17. Then if our bodies are the temple of God, let us be careful that we do not defile them with our words, lest we be destroyed; but let us pray in earnest the prayer of David: "Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." Ps. cxli, 3. Remembering that "Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue, keepeth his soul from troubles." Prov. xxi, 23. "Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man. But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man." Matt. xv, 11, 18. "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh." Matt. xii, 34. If our hearts are pure, our words will, also, be pure, or if they are corrupt our words will be.—"Ye shall know them by their fruits. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit." Matt. vii, 16, 18. "A good man, out of the good treasure of the heart, bringeth forth good things: and an evil man, out of the evil treasure, bringeth forth evil things." Matt. xii, 35. "Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Whosoever, therefore, will be a friend to the world, is the enemy of God. Let us look for a moment at the example of our Blessed Saviour. Never did an idle or wrong word escape his lips. He was despised and rejected of men—a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. Himself took our infirmities and bare our sicknesses, and on him was laid the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth.—He did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. We may think it no harm to converse with our friends about the things of this world, but methinks if we realized as we should the shortness of time, and that soon the last message of mercy will be closed, and the last servant of God sealed, we should not find much time to converse about the things of this world, which are so soon to be destroyed. No, our whole hearts and conversation would be in heaven, from whence we look for the Saviour. We must not expect to please the world, and our friends, and at the same time have the smiles of Jesus. But we must faithfully warn them of their danger, and tell them of the dreadful storm that is fast gathering, soon to burst upon this guilty world, and then if they will not hear, we must leave them, and press onward, crying, eternal life! eternal life! Yes, my dear brethren and sisters, it is eternal life that we are seeking for; and if we are faithful and hold out to the end it will soon be ours. Do we realize it? I fear that I do not realize it as I should. My prayer to God is, that he will deepen the work of grace in my heart, and in the hearts of all his dear, waiting children. "So let our lips and lives express,
The holy gospel we profess;
So let our works and virtues shine
To prove the doctrine all-divine."
LOIS J. RICHMOND. COMMUNICATIONS.
By Albert Stone
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—I feel somewhat as did the woman, represented by our Lord in the parable, who having ten pieces of silver, and losing one, did light a candle, and sweep the house, and search diligently till she had found it; and when she had found it, she called her friends and neighbors together, saying, rejoice with me; for I have found that which was lost. After a most laborious effort, in searching for truth, I think that, by the grace of God I have been able to discover the last link in the golden chain of truth, that reaches from Paradise lost, to Paradise restored. I am at last convinced that it lies in the message of the third angel of Rev. xiv. I have for thirteen years past, felt deeply interested in the subject of the Advent, and have, by the grace of God, borne a humble part in disseminating the glorious truths on that subject, till about one year ago, when a partial failure of health, obliged me to desist almost entirely from public labor. Never have I prayed more fervently, or searched more diligently for light, than I have for eight months past; and "I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord," I think, I have at last found it.—I believe, without a doubt that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord our God, and that there is not to be found in the Bible, any intimation of a change from the seventh to any other day of the week; I believe the heavenly Sanctuary to be the one that Daniel was instructed would be cleansed at the end of the 2300 days, and that that period ended in the Fall of 1844; that Jesus then entered the "Holiest;" that he will speedily finish the work assigned him in that apartment; that he will come out in grandeur and in glory; that he will return to earth in like manner as he was seen to go up into heaven; that he will receive the kingdom and give it to his people. It may be thought strange by some, that I have been so long in the investigation of so plain a subject; perhaps I have been too tardy; but I would rather stand still, than go the wrong way, and I have been resolved that I would not step till I could see by the light of the Lamp that my feet were directed by wisdom; and I think the Lord has directed my steps. My prayer is, that God would restore my health, and by the leadings of his providence, so open the way before me, that I may again enter the field of public labor; that I might again bear some humble part in searching out the scattered sheep of the house of Israel, and pointing them to the true Shepherd as he ministers in the Most Holy Place. I desire, if it be the will of God, to finish my course on the battle field; but be this as it may, I know if I endure to the end, I shall not be denied the privilege of joining the shout of victory, when the battle is won. Permit me through this medium to present my most hearty thanks to those dear brethren who have labored so faithfully to call my attention to the investigation of these truths, who have endured the cold storms of Winter and the dusty heat of Summer, to persuade me to examine the subject. I have the pleasure to inform you that my companion is with me in the reception of these blessed truths, and we are trying to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Yours in hope, ALBERT STONE. Eden, Vt., July 17th, 1853.