p. 87 | Review and Herald, Vol. 3, No. 11. (9/30/1852)

Answer to a Letter containing Objections to the Sabbath

By Lois J. Richmond

From Sister Richmond.

Answer to a Letter containing Objections to the Sabbath.

DEAR SISTER:—You first state in your letter that you cannot see as the ten commandments are binding upon us as they were upon the children of Israel as a nation.

I answer, the commandments of God have been given in three different forms. First, in their verbal form. Second, they were written on tables of stone. And third, on the fleshly tables of the heart. Jer. xxxi, 31—33; Heb. viii, 10. But you may be ready to answer, that the law of God did not exist until it was given at Mount Sinai, and written on tables of stone. But if the law of God did not exist till then, then sin did not exist; for "sin is the transgression of the law," and "where no law is, there is no transgression." Rom. iv, 15; iii, 20. "For until the law sin was in the world; but sin is not imputed when there is no law." Rom. v, 13. Now if the work of the law had not been written in the heart before the giving of the written word, how could God have counted men sinners, when they had no law to transgress. If the transgression of the law has existed from the beginning, it follows that its requirements have, also, existed.

Again, what are the conditions on which Abraham was to have the inheritance? It was because Abraham "obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes and my laws." Then, in order that we may be heirs with Abraham to the same inheritance, we must comply with the same conditions on which Abraham was to have the inheritance, for if we would be the children of Abraham we must do the works of Abraham.

The old covenant had moral and ceremonial conditions. The moral conditions are the ten commandments. The ceremonial conditions were the law of ceremonies which was added to the ten commandments, because the children of Israel had broken them, that they might have a way of escape. Had they never broken the ten commandments, the law of ceremonies never would have been added. But it was added because of transgression, till the seed should come to whom the promises were made.

If you say it was the law of God that was added, I ask, to what was it added?

If you say to the promise, then I ask, why was it added? If you give a scriptural answer, you must say, because of transgression. Then, as where no law is, there is no transgression, I must necessarily come to the conclusion that the law of God existed before the giving of it on Mount Sinai, and because of its transgression the law of ceremonies was added; that literal Israel might have a way of escape after they had broken the commandments of God; that they might make atonement, and find forgiveness for their sins; that Christ, the promised heir, might come through the lineage of David, and the covenant made with Abraham still be good. But when Christ came, the law of commandments contained in ordinances was done away, and the law of God was written on the fleshly tables of the heart. It is called the new covenant, not because it did not before exist, but because its conditions are different, and the ceremonial law is done away. Now, instead of offering burnt-offerings and sacrifices, when we transgress the law of God, we have only to come to Jesus, and through faith in him find forgiveness for our sins.

Again, you say that Christ came to fulfill the law, and when it was fulfilled the inference is, that it passed away. But let us hear what the word of God says on this point: "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." Matt. v, 17. But if the Sabbath has passed, then more than a jot or tittle has passed.

Does not the apostle Paul say, in Rom. viii, 4, "that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit." Then, if we are to fulfill the righteousness of the law it has not yet passed away. We may, by keeping the commandments, fulfill the righteousness of the law; but by so doing we shall not destroy it.—Paul says, in the 7th verse of the same chapter, "that the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither, indeed, can be."

Again, you say, in regard to the ten commandments, that you now see that they did not have to be abolished and re-enacted by the Lord, but were in force until fulfilled by Christ, and thus had their desired end, and Christ came in as lawgiver.

In regard to Christ coming in as lawgiver it is sufficient to say that there is but one lawgiver, and that one is God. And if he has abolished his law, a part of his own constitution, he alone can bring it back.—If God abolished his law because man did not need it, and then Christ comes in as lawgiver and gives it because man does need it, then they are divided against themselves. As its re-enactment cannot be shown, I must believe that it is not abolished, but stands the same as when given on Mount Sinai, only now it is written on the fleshly tables of the heart.

If the law of God is abolished and none of its precepts re-enacted, then we are at liberty to have other gods before us, or make graven images, or kill, or break any of the commandments and still be without sin; for sin is the transgression of the law, and where no law is there is no transgression.

Suppose for instance, that I should break the first, second or any of the commandments except the fourth, would you fellowship me as a Christian? I answer, No, you would tell me, at once, that I was a sinner in the sight of God. But were I to enquire, why I was a sinner, you could not show me, without referring to, or quoting from the ten commandments, which you cannot do, as you believe they are abolished, destroyed and not re-enacted. O, my soul mourns over those who, for the sake of getting rid of the fourth commandment, are willing to abolish all the commandments, which Paul delighted in, and called holy, just and good.

Again, you say that were you to embrace the view that the ten commandments were binding, you could not see it to be true that the keeping of the First-day sabbath was the mark of the beast; for if it is so, then most of the martyrs died with this mark, and most of the good pilgrims in the latter days, must come up branded in this manner.

I answer, in Dan. vii, 25, the Papal power is brought to view, "and he shall speak great words against the Most High, and shall wear out the saints of the Most High, and think to change times and laws; and they shall be given into his hand until a time times and the dividing of time," or 1260 years. During this period of time the Papal power has been trying to change the law of God, and instead of keeping the seventh day as commanded, have gradually brought into use the first day of the week, upon their own authority. This could not have reference to human times and laws, for those he has the power to change. But he was to think to change the times and laws of God, by treading down his immutable precept, the holy Sabbath.

Sunday-keeping is an institution of the beast, and all who obey this institution, emphatically worship the beast. This is the very thing wherein the two-horned beast will cause the earth and them that dwell therein to worship the first beast, and to receive his mark. The truth of God declares it, and history shows its fulfillment. All must admit there is no point of religious faith so prominent in the Roman world as that of Sunday-keeping, and that there is no other principle in the religious church upon which such unity of faith exists. It is a prominent characteristic mark, and it is of the first beast.

The third angel is now raising his loud and warning voice against worshiping the beast, or receiving his mark. And has he no mark to administer? Yes, he has the seal or mark of the living God. And what is it? It is the Sabbath of the Lord our God. Why is it said, "here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus?" Because one of them has been trodden down more than 1260 years, and although nine have been kept, it could not be said that they were keeping the commandments; because it is written, "whosoever shall keep the whole law, and shall fail with respect to one precept, has become guilty of all." Therefore, the trodden-down commandment must be restored and kept. And it is now being restored, and the breach is being made up in the law of God. God's people are turning away their feet from the Sabbath, ceasing to tread it down, and are calling it a delight and by so doing, they are called the repairers of the breach, and restorers of paths to dwell in. Isa. lviii, 12, 13.

In regard to the Martyrs and Christians in days gone by having the mark of the beast, I should say that the church has been in a wilderness state 1260 years. And the two witnesses prophesied in sackcloth during the same period. Since that time, light upon the Scriptures has been increasing, and great light is now shining upon the commandments of God. Therefore, more is required of us, for where much is given much will be required. And as they did not

have the true light upon the commandments, but conscientiously kept the first day of the week as a Sabbath, and lived according to the best light they had, therefore, they were guiltless; for Jesus stood ready to blot out the errors of his people.

But now, in these last moments of time, God is preparing a people to stand when Jesus shall leave the Heavenly Sanctuary, and shall take his seat upon the great white cloud, clothed with the garments of vengeance, to execute judgment upon the ungodly. Then we shall have no mediator to plead our cause before the Father. Then the sentence will for ever be passed, he that is unjust and filthy let him be so still.—He that is holy, and righteous let him be so still.

If we are found with error then it will sink us down to death. But thanks be to God that we have a Great High Priest in the Heavenly Sanctuary, who is now standing before the mercy-seat, pleading his blood in our behalf; and now is the time to confess our errors before him, that our sins may be blotted out when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.

Again, you say, that if this be true you would be glad to know it, but while you have such evidences to the contrary you can but reject it as error. Then you say you have no objection to our keeping the seventh day, and would be glad if all Christendom were keeping that day, because if we keep it as a Sabbath to the Lord it seems more proper to keep the day he honored, and commanded his ancient people to keep. But the moment you make keeping the Seventh-day a test of Christianity, it brings us under the law, and methinks the Apostle would tell us that we were fallen from grace.

According to what you say, you believe us to be in error, yet would be glad to see all Christians keeping the seventh day. In reference to our making the seventh-day Sabbath a test, I would say we do not make it a test. But God's word says, "he that shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, shall be of no esteem in the reign of heaven." And again, "he that shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all." And again, "he that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments; is a liar and the truth is not in him." 1 John ii, 4.

I am willing to abide by His Word, to walk out upon his truth, and keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. And I feel that my feet are planted upon a sure foundation. Though the storm and tempest may rage, the seven last plagues be poured out upon this ungodly world, yet if I stand firm upon the commandments of God, and the testimony of Jesus, I shall be covered with the covering of Almighty God, so that I shall pass through the time of trouble, see the King in his beauty, and at last stand upon Mount Zion with the 144,000, that are redeemed from the earth. LOIS J. RICHMOND.

Ashfield, Mass., Sept. 1852.

Testimony to the Present Truth

By S. R. C. Denison

From Bro. Denison.

Dear Bro. White:—Since I came here I have tried to do what I could to spread the glorious truths of the third angel's message, in circulating books and papers and talking where I could find ears to hear.—I have been blessed of God in so doing, but what the result of my labor will be, I cannot tell. At present we are entirely alone in keeping the Sabbath, but the Lord is with us, and we can truly say that it is a blessed thing to obey God.

The paper to us is a great blessing. It contains meat in due season for our hungry souls, and the letters from the dear brethren are so inexpressibly sweet that we cannot restrain the tears of joy that flow as we peruse them. Bro. Andrews' Letters to C. are just what we needed. He has wielded the mighty weapons, furnished in the word of God, in a bold and fearless manner, and in my mind has made a clean sweep of the refuge of lies to which those resort who oppose God's holy law, which the great Apostle pronounced, just, and good.

Although brought up to keep the Sabbath from my youth, I never saw the necessity of it as I now do, and never was so firmly rooted and grounded in the truth as at present. I do not feel like giving back, but by the grace of God am determined to press forward, keeping the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, until I pass through the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem, where I shall have right to the Tree of Life and drink of the pure fountain of living waters.

If any of the brethren come to Canada we hope they will not forget us.

Your brother in the patience of the saints, waiting for redemption at the appearing of Jesus. S. R. C. Denison. Colborne, C. W., Aug. 28th, 1852.

Receiving the Third Angel’s Message

By Sophia Shoudy

From Sister Shoudy.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—Although a stranger personally, I feel it a privilege to write. I have had the Review and Herald a short time, for which I am truly thankful.

In taking a retrospective view of my past life up to the present time, I have abundant reason to praise God with all my soul; for while I was traveling the downward road to death, God called after me to seek the preparation requisite to an admittance into his kingdom; while tempted and severely tried by the adversary of my soul, and almost ready to sink beneath the load, the presence and Spirit of Jesus has sustained me thus far. I can truly say, I know the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin, and a witness, short of this, can never satisfy me.

I have started for Canaan, and on I must go. I praise the Lord that I ever heard the first and second messages, and was enabled to rejoice in the glorious prospect of the speedy coming of Jesus. Notwithstanding all this mercy bestowed upon me, I had, in a measure, wandered from God, and become cold and indifferent. Then he sent our beloved Bro. Rhodes with the third angel's message. This seemed to sum up the whole, and show the right track. I was led to acknowledge the truth, and rejoice in the same. With regard to it, I can say, with the Prophet of old, "O, how love I thy law!" I feel unworthy of a name with you, but I am willing to endure the whole truth, and be identified as one who keeps the "commandments of God, and faith of Jesus." I can now see a vast difference between the law of Moses and the law of God. I can now understand the Apostle's argument. The Word truly is a light to my feet and a lamp to my path. It shines more and more unto the perfect day. I am fully determined to go through, at the expense of every thing else.

Unwavering faith in the present truth cuts us loose from every tie that binds us to earth, and makes us pilgrims and strangers here. A view of the glorious inheritance, the rich reward is enough to stimulate us to action. In view of all this, And can I yet delay My little all to give? To tear my soul away, For Jesus to receive? Your unworthy sister, SOPHIA SHOUDY. Syracuse, N. Y., Sept. 22d, 1852.

A Tour Through Michigan and Indiana

By M. E. Cornell

From Bro. Cornell.

DEAR BRO. WHITE :—I have just returned from the West, on a tour through Michigan and Indiana, in company with Bro. Case. Our tour was very fatiguing, being constantly engaged, while not traveling, in trying to persuade and urge ("compel") the honest in the "high ways and hedges" to come in and receive the heavenly food, embrace the present truth, by which we are to live, and "not by bread alone."—Fourteen or fifteen were convinced, and joyfully confessed the truth, and vowed to keep the commandments. And as many more are "almost persuaded," but wish to investigate more thoroughly before deciding. The saints, in the different places we visited, were not a little comforted, encouraged and strengthened by the abundance of clear evidence presented by Bro. Case, from the word of the Lord. The field of labor seems very large, and the laborers are very few. O, that the Lord would send forth more laborers, and qualify them to give the message in a clear, persuasive, and yet in a powerful manner, that many, even all of the honest, may see and obey the truth.

Your unworthy brother, in hope, Plymouth, Mich., Sept. 1852. M. E. CORNELL.

The Closing Scenes of Earth

By William S. Ingraham

From Bro. Ingraham.

DEAR BRO. WHITE:—From the consideration of the fulfillment of prophecy in our Advent history, I see we are living in a time unparalleled by any that ever preceded it. The church never occupied such a position as now, since the creation of the world. We are hastening with the velocity of an angel to the unseen, untried realities of the eternal world.—The days of Noah, when compared with this day, is but a shadow to the substance. The days of Lot, in which God rained fire and brimstone upon the inhabitants of Sodom, and, also, the destruction of Jerusalem, when contrasted with the scenes which are soon to be ushered in upon us, are but rays that point to a greater time of trouble. The morning will soon dawn upon the chosen and blest. The morning cometh, but is this all? If so, all might rejoice. The day of glory is not only soon to come, but a long, dark, dreary night to commandment-breakers, and beast-worshipers, in which no lone star is seen to direct the guilty to the Lamb of God. The scenes of earth are closing. The last message of mercy is now being proclaimed. The life-boat is out, the standard raised, the flag unfurled, on which is written the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.

The dividing line is now being drawn. Take sides we must. No intermediate or neutral ground. All shall worship the beast whose names are not written in the book of life.

I often find in my travels, some that are convinced of the truthfulness of our position, but for fear of losing this world's goods, or a good name, they choose to keep silent. Such must expect the wages due them for pursuing such a course. God's Word says, they shall be beaten with many stripes. If heaven is not worth sacrificing all things of an earthly nature, then it cannot be so glorious as described in God's Word.—Many sell their birthright for the trifling things of this world, and Jesus for less than thirty pieces of silver.

When I take into consideration the preparation necessary to stand in the time of trouble, and the bright shining glory that is to be revealed when Christ shall appear, I can rightly appreciate the exhortation of Christ, "to strive to enter in at the strait gate." If we come to the conclusion, because we have the theory of truth, the work is accomplished, we surely mistake the work to be done for the remnant.—Permit me to urge forward the saints in the glorious work of the third angel's message. We have no time to idle away. A great work is to be wrought in us. The old man is to be crucified, and put off, with his deeds. Our minds are to be brought in subjection to the mind of Christ. The tongue is to be bridled, foolish talking to be put away, a victory to be gained over our doubts and fears, and we are to walk with God as Enoch did, having the same testimony, that our ways please God, if we expect to be translated. The thought of exchanging this world for another, is one that brings great solemnity to my mind.—And this change will soon take place. Notwithstanding the solemnity that enshrouds my mind, my heart leaps forward to that time when God's people shall return to Zion, with songs and everlasting joy upon their heads, and shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.—Bright scenes of paradise are just before us. Can we bear the thought of losing that world of glory. It is too much to indulge in such a thought for one moment. What though the billows of life darkly roll, and the combined elements of earth throw up a breastwork, mighty and strong, against the truth. The time will soon come when the 144,000 will rise, and wing their way upward to the sea of glass, and shout victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name. They will pass lightly over the sea of glass, and enter the Holy City, the peaceful home of the righteous.

"Forward, then, with courage go, Long we cannot dwell below; Soon the joyful news will come, Child, your Father calls—Come home." WM. S. INGRAHAM. Bath, N. Y., Sept. 24th, 1852.

CINCINNATI, O., CONFERENCE.

By Joseph Bates

THIS Meeting was one of deep interest to the little company there, that are striving to keep all of God's commandments.—They feasted on the precious truths now shining so clearly to illuminate the pathway of the just.

In 1844, multitudes in C. were rejoicing in the termination of the 2,300 days of Daniel's vision, and shouting, "Behold the Bridegroom cometh, go ye out to meet him!" that are now moving the very opposite way.

The large brick Tabernacle where they had so frequently met to offer prayer, and praise to God for the true light that was then shining from the first angel's message, is now a wholesale cider and vinegar store. Another house was also built to advocate the Advent truth; this, also, is now in other hands. A few still meet at a private house in the city, on the first day of the week to worship, but their views of scripture testimony are so discordant (so I am told) that no two of them can patiently listen to the argument of the third. Thus the great truths that once delighted them, are abandoned, and it seems to afford them no pleasure to listen to any one that labors to prove that they were then walking in the path of the just, and if they would admit the 2,300 days ended where they were clearly proved to be, and embrace the third angel's message, peace and harmony would prevail with every honest soul.

Some that attended this meeting, admitted the scripture truths as they were set before them. Some that had not heard before, listened with attention. One fully embraced the message. Brn. Moran, Gould, and others, were with us from Lawrenceburg, Ind. The Lord blessed and strengthened his law-loving, Sabbath-keeping children.

Sullivan, Sullivan Co., Ind. We were in this place and vicinity, from Sept. 9th to the 14th, holding a series of meetings on the present truth. We gave eight lectures in the Christian meeting-house. The people seemed much interested to hear. This was the first time the subject of the Advent had ever been given in the place. During the progress of the meeting, and especially at the close, many questions were asked. I send you the names of sixteen heads of families here who wish the Review and Herald sent to their address, that they may more fully investigate the subject. Seven of them (heads of families) are connected with the C. church, and professedly keeping the Sabbath. These eagerly grasped the truth in the message, and wish to know all about it.

These seven families with their children, which they have trained to keep the Sabbath, number about sixty. They wish to be remembered by those who love God and keep his commandments.

JOSEPH BATES.

Jeffersonville, Ind., Sept. 16th, 1852.

Appointments.

By G. W. Holt

THERE will be a Conference at Mill Grove, N. Y., to commence Friday, Oct. 8th, at 2 o'clock P. M., and hold several days. Bro. Rhodes and others may be expected. Brethren in the vicinity are invited to attend.

In behalf of the brethren, G. W. HOLT.

Letters received since Sept. 16th.

E. Dow, M. Leadbeater, H. B. Steadman, M. E. Cornell, M. L. Bauder, S. R. C. Denison, Wm. S. Ingraham, Z. Marsh, J. Kemp, G. Huse, J. Bates, A. A. Dodge, J. Hebner, Wm. A. Raymond, S. F. Pike.

Receipts.

By Editor

P. Gibson, C. A. Curtis, L. Kellogg, S. Shoudy, E. F. Clark, M. B. Cobb, R. Cochrin, L. Harrington, A. H. Huntley, L. Knight, each $1.

L. Marsh, J. G. Smith, each $2. P. Dickerson, C. Stevens, C. Smith, each $3.

D. R. Palmer, I. D. Cramer, each $5.

I. F. Day, $2.75; B. G. Jones, $1.75; Bro. Kelsey, E. Bugbee, each $1.50; A. Thayer, 85 cents; N. R. Rigby, J. Locke, each 75 cents; C. L. Winship, L. Bolton, each 50 cents.

For Printing Materials.

Otis Nichols, $10; Josiah Hart, $2; J. G. Smith, $1.