Is Tradition of more Authority than the Word of God?
By Wm. Penniman
PETER DENS, in his Moral Theology, prepared for the use of Romish Seminaries, defines tradition in a theological sense as follows: “Tradition is nothing else than unwritten doctrine; not as though it could never be found written; but because it has not been written by its author nor dictated by him, that it might be written.”
He divides tradition thus: “1. On account of its origin or author, into divine, apostolic, and ecclesiastical tradition. 2. On account of its matter, into dogmatic, ritual, and moral tradition. 3. On account of its duration, into perpetual, and temporal. 4. On account of its place, into universal and particular.”
He then defines the different kinds, among which he defines apostolic, as that which was instituted by the apostles as the pastors of the church: “Such is the observance of the Lord’s day, the forty days’ fast, and various rites of the mass and sacraments.”
Universal tradition he regards as that which is proposed for observation to the whole church, as the Lord’s day.
Among the rules for distinguishing tradition, he mentions the following as the first: “If the whole church embraces anything as a dogma of faith or customs, or if it has approved by practice something which no one but God alone could institute, and which is not found in Scripture, it must needs be a divine tradition; thus for instance, we know that the baptism of infants is valid,” &c.
After quoting Scripture to prove the necessity of tradition he adds: “Hence, observe there is more need of divine tradition than of sacred Scripture, as Scripture can not be known without tradition.” He concludes the subject in the following authoritative language: “Whatever the Catholic church holds or declares as such, is to be regarded as tradition.”
The above quotations are taken from Joseph F. Berg’s translation of Dens’ Theology, pp. 152, 153, 155-157. Why is all this ado concerning tradition, and why do Catholics lay so much stress upon it? Is it not because they are unable to prove or to substantiate their man-made institutions, and thus attempt by tradition to palm them off as of divine authority?
In regard to apostolic and universal tradition for the observance of Sunday, but little need be said, as the author in undertaking to prove too much, proves nothing. It is well known that the “Man of Sin” has attempted to change the Sabbath to the first-day of the week, and boasts that he has done it; but not altogether satisfied with the authority of which he boasts, he attempts to bring in the aid of tradition, and of that kind which has so little foundation, that it is like the “baseless fabric of a vision, [it] leaves not a wreck behind.”
This same “Man of Sin” admits that infant sprinkling is not found in Scripture, and yet he says it is valid because the church has approved of it by practice. It is then plain to be seen that both Sunday-keeping and infant baptism, as well as many other erroneous doctrines, have their origin in the Papacy. Those Protestant churches which adopt these customs, are closely allied to their mother in that they follow tradition instead of the “law and the testimony.”
How absurd the idea that “there is more need of divine tradition than of sacred scripture.” In fact, the assertion is blasphemous and indicative of apostasy.
Christ says, “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me.” John 5: 39. From this we learn that the Scriptures are to be searched, not tradition. We read of the noble Bereans who “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily” (not tradition). Acts 17: 11.
The Scriptures also are able to make us wise unto salvation. 2 Tim. 3: 15-17.
The papacy would adduce the language of Paul to prove the necessity of tradition: “Hold the traditions which you have learned, whether by word, or by our epistle.” 2 Thes. 2: 15.
In answer to this I will quote from Mr. Berg. “1. To this we answer, that these words do not import that the apostle delivered some things to them as tradition, and others as scripture, but that he taught them the same truths both orally and in writing.
“2. Even supposing that the things which he thus taught them were different, this proves only that there are some important and precious truths which are not contained in this epistle to the Thessalonians, though all that is necessary to salvation is supplied by other portions of Scripture.”
Has not the apostle forewarned us against “unwritten verities” in that he says, “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit after the tradition of men.” Col. 2: 8. The Scriptures when rightly understood, do not clash, but harmonize.
When God has given laws to his people, he has caused them to be written. “Go write it before them in a table, note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come.” Isa. 30: 8.
Lastly, and most authoritatively, the “Man of Sin” says: “Whatever the Catholic church holds or declares as such, is to be regarded as tradition.” This is the power behind the throne which gives the church power to change the law of God, or “to change times and laws”; making Sunday keeping, and infant baptism valid. The same principle settles the apostolic character of the mass, extreme unction, invocation of saints, merit of works, the supremacy of the pope, holy water, holy bones, holy stones, and other holy relics, prayers for the dead, auricular confessions, penance, indulgences, image worship, celibacy of the priests, &c., &c.
It is no wonder that Paul, seeing the “mystery of iniquity” already working in his day, cried out: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy or vain deceit, after the tradition of men.”
Wm. Penniman.
Lessons from a Church Dedication
By R. F. Phippeny
Sr. R. F. Phippeny writes from Gratiot Co., Mich.: I can but mourn over my past experience, in being so lukewarm in the cause of present truth. Well do I know the fate of the lukewarm professor in the day of the Lord's vengeance. And shall I escape being spued out of the mouth of the Lord? I can if I am only diligent and persevering in the work of overcoming.
The dedication of our house of worship has just closed, and with it, the labors of Brn. Waggoner and Littlejohn here. We have had heart-searching testimonies from them, and I hope we may be profited. How much we give heed to what we have heard, the judgment will determine.
F. W. MORSE
By F. W. Morse
From Bro. Morse.
Thinking that our brethren might be interested to know how the cause of truth is prospering here at Tenhassen, Minn., I would state that our late Quarterly Meeting was a season of encouragement and interest. The Jo Daviess church came out and met with us, and all were encouraged to press forward in the heavenly race with new diligence.
Cannot our Western churches unite in these Quarterly Meetings?
The church here have voted to sustain a Monthly Meeting, and would invite the co-operation of the churches and brethren adjacent to us.
F. W. MORSE
A Word in Favor of Present Truth
By M. J. Minton
From Bro. Minton.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have a desire to speak a word in favor of present truth. Though very weak and unworthy, yet, by the grace of God, I want to live it out in my every-day life. Pray for me, that I may so live as to gain a home in the earth made new. M. J. MINTON.
A Lonely Believer’s Testimony
SR. M. A. WHITE writes from Portage Co., Ohio: I would not live without my paper for twice its cost. It is all the preaching that I have. I am a lonely one here. I ask an interest in the prayers of those of like faith, that I may prove faithful to the end.
Progress in Pierce County, Wisconsin
By Sister M. Brewer
SISTER M. BREWER writes from Pierce Co., Wis.: I thank God for his goodness in sending Bro. Ingraham to us to encourage the dear friends of truth, and to stir up the people on the all-important truths of the third message. He gave fifteen discourses in this place and vicinity, which we trust will be of lasting benefit to us who are trying to keep pace with God's people. We believe also that his labors were not in vain with many others whom we regard as honest seekers after truth. May the Lord reward him richly for coming to our place.
There are eighteen adults keeping the Sabbath, and a few children, who we hope will grow up into Christ, and be an ornament to his cause. We trust it may be the will of God to send Bro. Ingraham or Bro. Steward this way again ere long, that we may have organization effected, systematic benevolence arranged, baptism attended to, and then, if thought best, we can come into the Conference, and have a name with the people we so much love.
Interest in Green Valley
Bro. D. T. Bourdeau writes from California, Feb. 1, 1870: We are now in the midst of the interest in Green Valley, near Sebastopol. Ten have commenced keeping the Sabbath. Several will be baptized next Sabbath. We hope that more will come out.
Obituary Notices.
By M. B. Pierce
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
Died, in Andover, Vt., Jan. 9, 1870, my dear mother, Sarah Butterfield, in the 88th year of her age. She dearly loved the present truth, although its light shone upon her mind after she was between seventy and eighty years old. She read and studied her Bible and the publications, until she saw the beauty of the truth, and left the Baptist church where she had been a member over forty years. She tried to faithfully live out the truth, and was ever ready and willing to deny herself and bear her cross. She was taken alarmingly ill Nov. 8, but had her senses and judgment clear and bright for several weeks. Although she was naturally fearful as to herself, with but little hope, which at times caused her to suffer from feelings of despair, yet when she needed dying grace, it was graciously granted to her. She lost all her fear, examined well her own heart and hope, and submitted meekly to the will of Heaven. She was a great sufferer for about nine weeks, her disease being of the stomach and lungs. I feel that I have lost one of the best of mothers, and the little group here feel that they have lost a mother in Israel. Them also that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. M. B. PIERCE.
Drawing Near to God Lightens Affliction
It lightens the stroke to draw near to Him who handles the rod.
LOOK TO JESUS.
By Jane R. Trembley
WEARY pilgrim, look to Jesus,
When with grief and care oppressed;
In the blessed Lord, our Saviour,
You will find the sweetest rest,
If you'll trust him,
He will lead you
To the mansions of the blest,
Weary pilgrim, are you fainting?
Christ will never let you fall;
He has said, “I'll never leave thee”—
“’Twill not be in vain to call
For his mercy
And salvation;
He has said they're free for all.
Weary pilgrim, look to Jesus;
Cast on him your every care;
All your trials and afflictions
Will the blest Redeemer share.
Only trust him,
Fellow-pilgrim,
He will all thy burdens bear.
JANE R. TREMBLEY.
Battle Creek, Mich.
Gratitude for the Review and Herald
By A. B. Brant
From A. B. Brant.
EDITOR OF REVIEW & HERALD: Your excellent paper has been light in a dark place, and meat in due season to me. I feel grateful to God that he has raised up some who have searched the word as for hid treasures, and their researches have proved treasures to me. Light shines on the sacred pages, which I never should have discovered unaided by the researches of others. I hope to walk in the light given, and be ready to meet the Master at his coming.
Yours in hope,
Faribault Co., Minn. A. B. BRANT.
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
NOTICE is given to the scattered brethren of the Alaiedon church, and all interested, that monthly meetings will commence on the last Sabbath of February, and continue, until proper notice of change shall be given, on the last Sabbath of each month, successively, at the meeting-house in Alaiedon. Brethren from adjoining churches are invited to attend. M. D. MATTHEWS, Elder.
PROVIDENCE permitting, I will attend the Monthly Meeting at Potterville, Sabbath, Feb. 26. Will speak in the Hawkins School House, Friday eve, Feb. 25, if Bro. Lamson shall see fit to appoint. W. C. GAGE.
THE next Monthly Meeting for the church in Allegany Co., N. Y., will be held at Miles Settlement, the first Sabbath and first-day in March; and every member of the church is requested to be present without fail, as important business will be transacted; and we earnestly request that Bro. Waggoner meet with us if possible. If not, will the Conference Committee send us such help as they think best. JOSIAH WITTER, Clerk. Wellsville, Feb. 9, 1870.
We request Bro. J. M. Lindsay and E. B. Gaskill, to meet with the church in Allegany Co., at their Monthly Meeting, as appointed above. GEN. CONF. COMMITTEE.
European Mission.
By James White
We have sent $2000 to relieve the cause in Europe from embarrassment, and to forward the work there, in confident expectation that the friends of the cause would immediately respond to our call, and help bear this burden. Up to this time we have received only the following sums. We are in pressing need of the money to help on in other branches of the cause.
Previously received and acknowledged,........$1548.00
Cyrus Colby,.................................. 15.00
M. J. Cornell,................................ 25.00
Total,........$1588.00
Leaving still due,.........................$412.00
JAMES WHITE.
W. C. G
By W. C. G.
By a letter just received from Bro. Butler, we learn that B. F. Snook, of Iowa, has become a Universalist. The road to ruin lies very near the door of apostasy from the present truth; so near, that nearly all who dissolve their connection with the people of God finally come out in opposition to the fundamental truths of the Christian religion. God save us from apostasy, and keep us from the power of the devil.
W. C. G
To the Churches in Michigan.
By Wm. C. Gage
AS THE Conference convenes two months earlier than usual, it will be necessary to close the financial year with the third quarter. Hence church clerks and ministers will please square their accounts with the Conference to the first of February, and make report to the secretary accordingly. Please have the business all attended to in good season, that the accounts may be promptly squared.
Wm. C. Gage, Conf. Sec.
“Ascension Robes.”
By W. C. G.
We are glad to find in the columns of the New York Independent of Feb. 17, a candid and honorable admission concerning the “ascension-robe” slander which the clergy and press every where have found so much delight in repeating. Mr. J. T. Dixon, of Rocky Hill, R. I., writes to the editor, as follows:
“In the notice of a new work on the ‘Coming of Christ in his Kingdom,’ in The Independent of last week, I read the statement that ‘gaping believers have prepared their ascension robes, ready to be donned at a moment’s warning on the appearance of the august and descending Personage.’ Will you be so kind as to announce in The Independent that the sum of one hundred dollars will be paid if proof positive can be produced that an ascension robe was ever ‘donned’ by any of the Second Adventists at any time. I, like others, have been misled by that slander.”
To this the editor makes the following reply:
“Mr. Dixon will observe that the writer of the notice in The Independent did not say that ascension robes had been ‘donned,’ but only that they had been ‘prepared ready to be donned.’ But we suspect that even this cannot be proved. The writer probably erred in assuming the truth of idle stories set afloat in a time of excitement to satirize the Second Adventists.”
The editors of the “American Cyclopedia” doubtless erred in the same manner, in placing a falsehood upon the record as a fact. And the enemy of truth has been delighted to see the wicked prejudice which this slander has created. If those who take such pains to circulate the lie would only prove equally anxious to contradict it when its falsity is demonstrated, we might give them credit for honesty, at least. W. C. G.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD to which the money receipted pays,—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Papers. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
$1.00 each. Betsey Winney 37-1, David Clay 36-17, H B Coffee 36-17, Martha A Sherman 37-1, Jackson Marshall 37-1, C G Daniels 37-1, Hiram Brown 37-1, Abel Bugbee 37-1, F Maynard 37-1, Elizabeth Ryder 37-1, Wm Greenleaf 37-1, Thomas Swallow 37-1, A J Barney 36-21, Mrs A P Tripp 37-1, A D Walter 37-1, E S Shorey 36-21, J H Thomas 36-21, Robert Jones 36-21, D Robinson 36-21, A Scratch 36-21, Esther Stillman 37-1, Edward Bliss 36-1, L C Slawson 32-1, S Harris 37-1, R Marshall 36-1, Geo Marshall 36-1, D W Mitchell 36-1, T C Allwood 37-1, J Burroughs 37-1, J B Webster 36-1, L A Stories 37-1, G W Nestell 37-1, E J Nannorth 37-1, W S Ashley 35-15, Mary E Terry 35-1, S W Harris 36-1, John Cole 36-1, E L Lanphear 36-1, A Abby 34-1, A W Smith 37-1, J Whipple 36-1, J E Rust 37-1, C Corlett 37-1, Mrs A Wilson 37-1, Jas Kay 37-1, Miss S Wilson 36-1, H Patch 34-1, Geo Shyock 37-1, A Rust 36-16, D Holmes 37-1, R Ashbury 37-1, J F Bisplain 37-1, G W Wood 36-1, Ed T Reim 36-21, A Maillard 36-21, Mrs S Simmermon 37-1, J F Harriman 37-1, Saml Smith 37-1, Wm Burgess 37-1, D Deacon 37-1, A Holly 37-1, J Fulmer 37-10, A York 36-1, L P Adams 37-1, E Hall 37-1, A French 37-1, T F Deming 37-1, M E Bartlett 35-21, J Lawson 36-1, J Sawyer 37-1, G Garvin 36-1, J C Loomis 37-1.
$2.00 each. J H Scott 37-1, G B Goff 37-1, Eld J Gillespie 37-1, J R Carson 37-5, G Miner 37-9, B B Frances 37-1, C Drew 37-8, Ann Blount 37-1, R Buckley 37-1, C Carman 37-1, Mrs J Eckert 35-9, H E Gardner 37-1, E P Butler 36-14, E Tucker 36-17, Mrs L M Heller 37-13, John T Terrill 37-1, M B Phillips 37-19, O Coryell 37-1, Wm Evans 37-9, F B Miller 37-1, A A Bradford 37-9, S S Grinnell 36-14, J Saxby 37-5, A Helden 36-9, R A Worden 36-14, A Ross 37-20, D K Mitchell 36-1, J Hicks 37-13, M A Dayton 37-17, J W Driver 36-8, C Flora 37-1, J Buckles 37-1, J S Wick 37-7, M S Stone 37-1, J Claxton 37-2, E Magee 35-1, M P Shaw 37-1, M W Kearns 37-15, Ann Jenson 37-13, S Sorrenson 35-17, C P Buckland 37-7.
Miscellaneous. M Edson $2.36 35-10, Wm Nichols 1.25 36-11, Saml Tower 3.00 38-1, M A Hiestand 2.50 35-22, B Darling 2.25 37-2, Rebecca Curtis 1.50 37-1, Abigail James 3.00 38-1, John Raedels 1.60 36-15, I Van Gorder 50c 35-8, M H Feller 3.00 37-18, Mary Palmiter 3.00 37-1, S T Chase 50c 34-7, W H Worcester 50c 36-1, Mary Glascock 50c 35-23, Mrs S E Mead 50c 36-1, W P Simpson 50c 36-1, Mrs D B Staples 50c 35-3.
Received on Book and Tract Fund.
Jason Brundage $4.44, M J Chapman 2.00, A Friend in Vt 50.00, E B Town 1.50, Mrs I Bliven 4.50, John Kellogg 5.00, L C Patten 5.00.
General Conference Missionary Fund.
Church at Orleans, Mich., $30.00, Church at Amherst, N. H., 30.50.
Michigan Conference Fund.
Church at Orleans $10.00, Church at Gaines 25.00, Church at Vergennes 20.00, Church at Orange 15.00.
Cash Received on Account.
Jesse Hiestand $2.50, Eld I Sanborn 7.26, John Matteson 1.00.
Foreign Missionary Fund.
Mrs C Lindsay $3.83, Lucretia Day 5.00, Mrs A W Maynard 5.00, M M Nelson 5.00, M Kittle 1.60, Ann 5.00, Chas Reed 1.00, John Claxton 5.00, Rachel Hool 1.15.
Books Sent by Express.
Phillip Strong, care of Peter Pambla, Laporte, Ind., $14.55, (as freight) M E Cornell, Boston, Mass., $3.42.
Books Sent by Mail.
D N Fay 60c, J Brundage 56c, Wm Boynton $2.58, R Cochran 1.42, Mrs G W Pierce 3.00, Hiram Edson 44c, J Messersmith 75c, Jas Dalton 2.00, L B Hoyt 68c, H W Musser 25c, W W Jilz 3.00, T A Kilgore 1.70, E Calkins 1.00, T B Ellis 1.00, A Coryell 1.00, C B Preston 50c, S T Belden 1.50, J P Miller 50c, Wm Lawton 50c, Marshall Edson 39c, M A Sherman 50c, H Booker 25c, George Smith 30c, Wm Greenleaf 30c, Elizabeth Ryder 30c, N Maynard 30c, A Bugbee 30c, Hiram Brown 30c, Samuel Paine 50c, E H Kynett 1.12, Mary Futhill 15c, M Burlingame 15c, J R Raedels 15c, S Thorpe 20c, Jane Shafer 75c, N S Brigham 58c, J M Adams 25c, J L Clarke 60c, H Clarke 70c, John Moore 50c, M A Chamberlain 1.12, H G Buxton 4.28, S W Nichols 50c, Sarah Green 30c, O F Brockway 1.00, Lucretia Day 30c, C Lindsay 1.12, A Heaton 36c, Mrs P Alvord 25c, L Bush 50c, T K Henry 1.00, J C Hoblet 25c, J S Bispham 54c, Asa Lockwood 58c, J W Nicholson 10c, C B Reynolds 1.75, M S Flint 1.25, Reuben Lawlers 63c, M W Kearns 27c, H Bingham 1.75, Eugenia Piper 1.00, A Smith 10c, A S Gillet 25c, W P Andrews 50c, E B Town 50c, Abigail James 1.50, J W Whipple 1.12, John T Terrill 30c, Mrs L Snyder 2.00, T Thurston 25c, Mrs A Wilson 50c, J R Ingalls 1.00, M S Burnham 75c, L Huenewell 25c, T Smith 25c.
Making Reparation for Fraud
What shall those do who have wronged others in their deal? Particularly those who have not given good weight or measure in that which they have furnished? Of course reparation should be made to the parties who have been wronged. Zaccheus had the proper idea. Perhaps many could not go so far as he determined to go in bringing forth fruits for repentance. Luke 19:1–10. The excellent article in the REVIEW about two years since, taken from the Christian, entitled, “Capt. Ball’s Experience,” is exceedingly instructive and valuable on this subject.
But what shall those do who cannot find the parties wronged by them? If they have no means of knowing who they are, and cannot by proper effort find them out, then let them, 1. Make confession of their sin before the people of God, and before any of the world who have seen the wrong act. We shall find it a terrible thing in the judgment to have been the means of stumbling others by our example. 2. Make a trespass offering to God. Add at least one-fourth part to the full value of all that was fraudulently withholden from the buyer, and give this to the Benevolent Association for the relief of the unfortunate and distressed. 3. Then ask God, for Christ’s sake to forgive your sin, and solemnly covenant with him never to do the like again.
A Gentleman Embraces the Sabbath
The report from Bro. Cornell is very cheering. The case of the gentleman who embraced the Sabbath of the Lord, without ever having heard or read any thing upon the subject, except the Scriptures, is particularly interesting. If those who profess to be devoted to the Saviour were as ready to keep God's commandments when they see them, as this gentleman and his wife, though non-professors, have shown themselves to be, how different would be the result of our preaching! We hope these dear friends will find Christ, the Lord of the Sabbath, and make him their Lord also.
Our Annual Meetings.
By Editor
THESE, as will be seen by the appointment, first inserted last week, begin with March 15. The change is made from May to March to accommodate our people more generally as to their business. We expect to have meetings of more than usual importance. We ask our friends to make them a special subject of prayer that God may add his blessing in an abundant degree.
At this meeting we shall welcome the delegate of the Seventh-day Baptist denomination. And we hope, as far as consistent with the difference of our views of truth, to establish fraternal relations with the only people beside ourselves who hallow the day of the Creator’s rest.
The Christian Era.
By Uriah Smith
A CORRESPONDENT says: “Please explain that statement in the pamphlet entitled, Prophecy of Daniel, which says that Christ was anointed A. D. 27, being about 30 years old. I always understood that he was 30 years old A. D. 30.”
The difficulty of our correspondent lies in the fact of his supposing that the year A. D. 1 coincides with the birth of Christ. This, however, is not the case. The Christian era was the invention of Dionysius Exiguus, A. D. 532. The era did not begin to be used much till A. D. 730, and did not come into general use till A. D. 1141. Dionysius, from the best evidence he could obtain, placed our Lord’s nativity in the year 753 of the Roman era, at that time in use. It has since been ascertained that Christ was born about four years previous to this date. But as it makes no material difference in the reckoning of time, the point fixed by Dionysius has never been disturbed. Thus in taking a certain number of years B. C., and a certain number A. D., adding them together, we get the exact number of years between the two points, although the birth of Christ is not within about four years of the line which separates the two divisions. It will thus be seen that this does not in the least affect the accuracy of the chronological reckoning. U. S.
Statement on the Field’s Wants and Prospects
J. MATTESON: It will be well for you to make a full statement of the wants and prospects of the field you are now laboring in, to the General Conference, to assemble in Battle Creek, March 15.