THAT our Lord Jesus Christ who is now man's Mediator with the Father—that this person did actually create all things that exist, the worlds on high, the sun and the moon, and this earth of ours, and man upon it, and all the angels in glory,—that all these were made by his hands, is a sublime truth which is most clearly stated in the Bible. We do well to keep this fact before us in order that we may appreciate what a glorious Redeemer we have; and that he is truly able to save to the uttermost all who come unto him. He lacks no power. In a previous paragraph we have commented upon this fact so extensively that we only recur to it here again, and refer the reader to the plain scriptures bearing upon the point. We will only give a few quotations: "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds."
"And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands." Heb. 1:1, 2, 10. "In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: Who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of every creature. For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by him, and for him; and he is before all things, and by him all things consist." Col. 1:14-17. See also John 1:1-10; Eph. 3:9; 1 Cor. 8:6.
THE LORD JESUS CHRIST HUMBLED HIMSELF, AND TOOK MAN'S NATURE.
This fact is so plainly stated in the Bible that we need not dwell long upon it. "Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; and deliver them, who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage. For verily he took not on him the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed Abraham. Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted." Heb. 2:14-18.
Here the apostle argues that in order to reach man, it became necessary for Christ to assume man's nature to enter right into his condition, to suffer with man, to endure the same trials, temptations, and struggles with the adversary with which we have to contend. Hence he says that he took not on him the nature of angels, but he took on him the nature of Abraham. He took man's nature, became a man subject to temptation and death.
The apostle John sets forth this doctrine in the clearest manner. In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made." "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth." John 1:1-3, 14. What a wonderful truth we have here stated! This glorious Word of God, who was in the beginning with the Father, who made all things, God's own Son,—this Being "was made flesh, and dwelt among us. Notice it does not state that he simply came into flesh, and dwelt there, but the Word itself was made flesh, became flesh, was mingled with the seed of Abraham, and inseparably united with it, so that he really became a man, with all the conditions of man's nature.
The apostle says, "We behold his glory;" and again he says, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life;" 1 John 1:1. It will be noticed that this Word of life which was once in heaven but came down from heaven, after he became flesh, was seen with eyes, and handled with hands. They did not simply look upon the body in which the Word dwelt; but they looked upon the word itself, they saw with their eyes, and their hands felt of this divine Word of God which came down from heaven.
We must get out of our minds that anti-scriptural and heathen fable that the real Christ was invisible all the time, as he simply dwelt in the body; that he was simply the spirit or soul of that body, and nothing more, so that when the body died he forsook it, and still existed as a conscious being. No, the truth is that the Son of God became flesh, bones, and blood, and was seen, and handled, and did die. This marvelous truth is thus plainly stated by Paul. "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness109of men; and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Phil. 2:5-8.
This Being, then, who was in the form of God humbled himself, and took upon himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. He was born as other children are born; he walked upon this earth, he breathed its air, he drank its waters, he lived upon its food as all other men have to do. The following eloquent words upon this subject from Liddon, the trinitarian, beautifully and truthfully set forth the humanity of our Saviour :—
"The great subject of the gospel narratives has a true human body. He is conceived in the womb of a human mother. He is by her brought forth into the world; he is fed at her breast during infancy. As an infant he is made to undergo the painful rite of circumcision. He is a babe in swaddling clothes lying in a manger. He is nursed in the arms of the aged Simeon. His bodily growth is traced up to his attaining the age of twelve and from that point to manhood. His presence at the marriage feast in Cana, at the great entertainment at the house of Levi, and at the table of Simeon the Pharisee; the supper which he shared at Bethany with the friend whom he had raised from the grave, the Paschal festival which he desired so earnestly to eat before he suffered; the bread and fish of which he partook before the eyes of his disciples in the early dawn on the shore of the lake of Galilee, even after his resurrection, are witnesses that he came like one of ourselves 'eating and drinking.'"
"When he is recorded to have taken no food during the forty days of the temptation, this implies the contrast presented by his ordinary habit. Indeed, he seemed to the men of his day much more dependent on the physical supports of life than the great ascetic who had preceded him. He knew by experience, what the pangs of hunger, after the forty days fast in the wilderness, and in a lesser degree, as may be supposed, when walking into Jerusalem on the Monday before his passion. The profound spiritual sense of his redemption cry, 'I thirst,' uttered while he was hanging on the cross, is not obscured, when its primary literal meaning that while dying he actually endured that well nigh sharpest form of bodily suffering is explicitly recognized. His deep sleep on the sea of Galilee in a little bark which the waves threatened momentarily to engulf, and his sitting down at the well of Jacob, through great exhaustion produced by a long journey on foot from Judea, proved that he was subject at times to the depression of extreme fatigue. And not to dwell at length upon those particular references to the several parts of his bodily frame which occur in holy Scripture, it is obvious to note that the evangelical account of his physical sufferings, of his death, of his burial, and of the wounds in his hands and feet and side after his resurrection, are so many emphatic attestations to the fact of his true and full participation in the material side of our common nature." Liddon Bampton's Lectures, Lecture 1, pp 19, 20, 21.
Then the Son of God did actually and fully take our nature and has spent over thirty years of actual life upon this earth, feeling everything natural to humanity, tempted in all points like as we are, yet without sin. Hence Paul can truly say, "For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." While upon earth Jesus was neither king, nor priest. He was only God's prophet. Acts 3:22.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Unpopular Truth
By Ellen G. White
The truth of God has never been popular with the world. The natural heart has ever been averse to the truth. We must leave the love of the world, and pride of heart, and everything which tendeth to idolatry, in order to be followers of the Man of Calvary. Those who obey the truth will not be honored of the world. From the lips of the divine Teacher was heard, as he walked in humility among the children of men, “Whosoever will be my disciple, let him take up his cross, and follow me.” Yes, follow our Exampler. Was he seeking for praise and honor of men? Oh, no! Shall we then seek for honor or praise from worldlings?
Those who have no love for God, will not love the children of God. Listen to the words of heavenly instruction: “Woe unto you when all men shall speak well of you.” “Blessed are ye when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day and leap for joy, for, behold your reward is great in heaven.”
The great masses who possess influence, do not choose to sacrifice their worldly ambition and separate their affections from the world, and turn their footsteps into the narrow, humble path traveled by the suffering Man of Calvary. Their talents and influence they consider too precious to be devoted to the cause of God—too precious to be given back to glorify the Giver who lent them these talents to be improved upon and returned back to him—both principal and interest. For the temporal advantages they suppose they will gain, they will sacrifice the eternal. For the flattery of men, they will turn from the approval of the Lord, the maker of the heavens and the earth, and forfeit all right to the honor which cometh from above. How few know what is for their best interest! Jesus, through a life of unexampled suffering and an ignominious death, has opened a way that man may follow in his footsteps, and finally be exalted to his throne, and have awarded to him immortality and eternal life. For a life of obedience, an immortal inheritance—a treasure undefiled that fadeth not away.
E. G. W.
Majorities.
By R. F. Cottrell
In our free governments majorities rule; and it becomes all who would sustain law and order to submit to the will of the majority. A government of the people cannot be otherwise sustained. Therefore every good citizen will yield to the will of the people, unless it be something which contravenes the will of God. All men, and consequently, all human governments, are fallible; consequently no better human government can exist than that in which the majority rules.
But the government of God is an absolute monarchy. Perfect wisdom, justice, and goodness exist in our King; consequently his government is perfect; a thing which cannot be said of any other government.
But since popular governments have become popular, the right of the majority to rule being so generally admitted, there is a tendency to claim for the majority the right to rule in religious matters. Hence in our own republic men, propose to legislate for God, by establishing certain religious observances by law. And the idea seems to be entertained, that though the law of God be contravened, yet the rule of the majority shall stand, and be ratified in heaven. Therefore when Bible arguments cannot be found to sustain the traditions and customs of the people, an appeal is made to their prepossessions and prejudices.
In a late discussion of the Sabbath question, an attempt was made to sustain the claims of the first day of the week by a display of a large basketful of books of human composition, as though these could outweigh the Bible as testimony, as much as they would in avoirdupois or troy; and then to close the discussion, and exclude any further agitation of the subject so evidently settled, he cautioned his people against any further controversy after being dismissed, saying, "Remember that this (Sunday) is the holy Sabbath;" as though calling Sunday the Sabbath would make it so, especially if the majority would accept it as such.
There is now a movement in progress in our beloved country to procure an amendment of our national Constitution so that it shall acknowledge the first day of the week, or Sunday, as the Christian Sabbath. In other words, it is proposed to make Sunday the Sabbath by a majority of votes, in contradiction to the revealed will of God. Holding the prophecies of the Bible to be reliable, we believe they will succeed. Rev. 13 : 11-18. We believe it duty to yield to the will of the majority, as far as we can, and still maintain a conscience void of offense toward God. But when the laws of men contradict and subvert the law of God, by the help of divine grace we shall claim that God is an overwhelming majority. Our King shall rule and his law shall stand, though all the majorities in the world may oppose.
R. F. Cottrell.
Reports from the Field.
By D. T. Bourdeau
(Condensed from Review and Herald.)
Massachusetts.
EAST SALISBURY AND NEWBURYPORT.—Elder C. W. Stone writes that their meetings at E. Salisbury were to close March 24. Four, all heads of families kept their first Sabbath, March 16. The Sabbath question has been receiving considerable attention of late at Newburyport. A Christian Baptist, a minister of considerable ability, preached on two Sundays against the Sabbath. He does away the law, takes a no-sabbath stand, calls all days alike, and then sets up Sunday as the Lord's day. After his second sermon, there appeared in the daily a breviary of nineteen points, said to have been made in his argument, and well sustained by Scripture. Elder Stone wrote a reply to each point, filling a column and a half of the same paper. It is worthy of remark that the secular papers are free to publish our views, and readily open their columns to our strongest arguments.
Missouri.
ROLLA.—Elder G. I. Butler writes: "I found the little company of Sabbath-keepers here still firm in the truth, though they have had but little labor these two years past. It is little less than marvelous, considering the circumstances through which they have passed, and the bitter opposition they have had to meet, how this little company could be able to keep up regular Sabbath meetings and weekly prayer-meetings, isolated as they have been, without any former experience in the message, and with no help from abroad. Surely there is a power in the third angel's message. Their hearts still glow with a love for this truth. The Spirit of God was in our meetings. I found many of my old friends, not our members, anxious to hear, and I think more meetings must be held at this place. Had some very pleasant visits with prominent citizens. Adventism has gained a standing in Rolla, and we rejoice at it. On the whole, I felt much encouraged by my visit here. I obtained eight subscribers for the SIGNS OF THE TIMES."
In a later report from Elder Butler he speaks of holding meetings with the churches of Utica, Hamilton, and Half Rock. He says: "The meeting at Half Rock closed my trip of over three months in Missouri. I never saw a worse time to get around and hold meetings than the past winter. Rain and mud have been the order of the day; but I have filled all my appointments, and good has been done. The T. and M. work has been started. Between three and four hundred copies of the SIGNS are now taken for distribution where probably there was not twenty before. Openings for labor in many place promise good results. We are much encouraged for Missouri."
Iowa.
OSCEOLA.—Elder D. M. Canright reports: "Our meeting here, which has just closed, has been a good one. The weather was fine; and we had a very large gathering of our people from adjoining churches. It was a great privilege for me to meet with these old friends, as I had not been here since we built and dedicated the meeting-house six years ago. Unexpectedly, the outside interest was very great. Our house was crowded at every sermon. Sometimes all could not get in. A deep impression has been made. We held meetings from Thursday evening to Tuesday evening. We spent most of the time with the brethren, in laying before them the history of the cause, and its present condition and wants. Tuesday we had a business meeting of the church. It was an excellent season. Nine united with the church."
STATE CENTER.—Brother Farnsworth writes that the recent meeting at this place has been one of great profit. Elder Canright's instructions in reference to the best method of presenting the truth was listened to with interest. The brethren were strengthened and encouraged.
LAPORTE CITY.—Brother McCoy has closed his series of meetings here. He gave twenty-two discourses. A good work has been accomplished, and he leaves a company in good condition to labor for God and his truth. Three souls have lately embraced the truth.
OSKALOOSA.—Brother Starr has been giving lectures ten miles south-east of this place, with good attendance. Sunday night, March 24, a vote was taken, sixty persons voting on the side of the seventh day. Seven kept last Sabbath.
Kentucky.
BULLITT COUNTY.—Elder S. Osborn writes: "I commenced meetings near Shepherdsville, March 14. Came to help the few Sabbath-keepers, not expecting to get up any outside interest; but to my surprise and joy, the prejudice, that raged for some time after I held meetings here a year ago, was nearly all gone. The school-house, that holds about a hundred, is now crammed every evening. I have now given a discourse on the subject of the Sabbath with the best of attention. My prayer is that God may bless the word spoken. Pray for the cause in this Conference."
Tennessee.
NASHVILLE.—Brother Soule writes: "By invitation I preached a few times at the Baptist church. The pastor, who is an editor, is favorable to our views, and promises to publish some on our faith. Other ministers and many of the members are interested. I am now lecturing about four miles out in the country. Nashville has nearly 50,000 inhabitants. There is a city library, free to all, where they offer to take Adventist books for the benefit of the many readers. Who will send our works to this city? My address is Nashville, Tenn."
Texas.
PEORIA.—Elder R. M. Kilgore writes:-
"Since our last report, we have organized at Peoria a tract society consisting of eighteen members, quite a number of others will yet unite with us in this work. Our little room is crowded every Sabbath, and will soon be too small to accommodate even the believers. It is very manifest that there is a growth of grace and an increase in the knowledge of the truth on the part of the brethren here. Encouraging reports come from Cleburne. The foundation for a meeting-house there has just been completed. This with the one completed here, built of cut stone, makes two foundations for meeting-houses which my father has constructed since he came to Texas. We now expect to be out with the tent the first of April."110
Spirit of Prophecy Vol. 3, and the Fate of Pilate.
I AM reading Spirit of Prophecy Vol. 3, with deep interest. As this work is devoted largely to the most important events in the plan of human redemption—to the scenes connected with the trial, death and resurrection of the Saviour—I regard it as the most valuable work of the kind that has yet appeared. The result of reading what I have of this volume, has been an increased desire to be more assimilated in the likeness of Christ.
The readers of this volume, and of Vol. 2, will not fail to notice the exactness with which the writer gives a description of the surroundings of Jerusalem, of the routes followed by the Saviour and his disciples in their labors, and of certain cities, as Capernaum, Antioch etc. This coming from one who never was in Palestine, and who never made ancient history and the geography of Palestine a special study, looks like anything but imposition. It looks like the straightforward story of one who tells the truth.
In reading this work, I have among other things, been forcibly struck with the sad results of Pilate's pusillanimity in delivering up Jesus to the Jews to be cruelly scourged, and then to be crucified, to not displease the Jews, and lest he should lose his office for appearing to work against the interests of Cæsar.
The following are some of the facts I have collected, which are corroborative of what the writer of the book in question says about the fate of Pilate.
In the city of Vienne, France, which is situated on the river Rhone, near Lyons, and through which I have often passed, is a monument bearing the marks of age, and which, according to a tradition that is quite generally accredited in southern France, and that is recorded in a popular French dictionary of biography, history and geography to which I have access, is the tomb of the Roman governor who through fear delivered Jesus to the Jews to be crucified, and who shortly after lost his office, and then under the tortures of a guilty conscience, put an end to his own life.
Now while I am strongly opposed to tradition when it conflicts with Bible truth, I see no reason why this tradition may not be true. My reasons in favor of its veracity are briefly as follows:—
1. It is certainly in consonance with the justice of God that so base a crime as that of judicially authorizing the Jews to crucify the Son of God, should be visited with humiliation and a disgraceful death.
2. No body of Christians, not even the Roman Catholic church, would invent such a story to support an error, or an anti-scriptural practice, there being nothing in such an account that would uphold any doctrine or any practice that is opposed to the Bible.
3. The gospel was preached in Vienne by Irenæus, a little after the middle of the second century and a trifle more than one century after the time of Pilate. It was therefore an easy matter for those who were then converted to Christianity in Vienne to authenticate the fact in question.
4. Vienne was a chief city in Gaul, if not the capital of that country, under the first Cæsar, and in the days of Pilate. There is to-day in that city a temple of Augustus Cæsar and Livie his wife. This temple was consecrated to Christian worship at an early age and is now used as a museum of antiquities. There is no dispute about this matter, and why should there be about the tomb or monument in question?
5. This fact is taught in Protestant as well as in Roman Catholic schools where I resided when in France.
The monument in question had a bar of iron put through it to hang the French flag on under the first republic, and will be another solemn witness against French infidelity in the day of judgment.
If it be objected that some claim that Pilate put an end to his life while roaming in Helvetia, we reply: If even this were true it would not invalidate the fact that a monument was built in his memory at Vienne by order of the Roman authorities, who, doubtless, remembering his acts of valor and commendable traits in the early part of his career, and touched by the manner in which he died, would show him some token of respect, on the principle that led David to mourn over Saul when the latter had come to a bad end.
D. T. Bourdeau.
France and Switzerland.
By Daniel T. Bourdeau
God has given witnesses to the truth at Morges. One is converted from Catholicism, another from the world, and others from different Protestant churches. One of our converts lived several years in Warsaw, Poland, where she knew an Englishman of good Christian character, who kept the Sabbath. Soon after we had presented the Sabbath question at Morges, we were refused the further use of the hall, though we had paid for it two months ahead. I have made a three-days' trip to St. Didier, France, between Lyons and Paris, to help Brother Gabert. There are in that place a few Baptists who have recently embraced the Sabbath. In Morges I have obtained twelve subscribers for Les Signes des Temps, and in France, fourteen.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Oakland and San Francisco.
By John Norton Loughborough
The meetings of the past two Sabbaths and first-days in Oakland and San Francisco have been seasons of interest and profit. Sister White has spoken four times and I have spoken twice in these meetings. We have been glad to have Brother and Sister White with us and have their counsel in our important yearly meetings.
The Association meeting, of which a business report is given this week, passed off pleasantly. Although it was not largely attended the stock was quite fully represented.
In our Oakland church quarterly meeting, last Sabbath, most of our members were either present to respond to their names or sent written testimonies to be read in the meeting.
Our meeting for the ordinances Sabbath afternoon was a refreshing season. Many taking part with us for the first time. Two members were received into the church, and three received as candidates for baptism and admission into the church. Brother W. N. Glenn was ordained as the second deacon of the Oakland church.
I learn that in San Francisco two more signed the covenant last Sabbath. Thus the work moves steadily onward.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Beaverton, Oregon.
By Alonzo T. Jones
ON February 25, I went to Beaverton, and stayed until March 25, during which time I gave twenty-one discourses and on March 24, the friends from Butte school-house met those of Beaverton at Ames Chapel which is about half way between, and we organized the church of Seventh-day Adventists of Beaverton, consisting of eighteen members, fourteen of whom were baptized.
With that singular unanimity which has become characteristic of S. D. Adventists Brother R. D. Benham was chosen, (by ballot,) as their leader, Brother E. Squires, treasurer and Sister S. J. Benham, clerk.
Their s. b. pledges amount to $58.13 and, there are some who have not made their pledges, but who will do so soon, which will increase this amount.
There are others who we hope will soon join with these. They are now in good condition spiritually, and we pray that they may increase more and more.
May our heavenly Father bless the young church at Beaverton. Brethren pray for us.
ALONZO T. JONES.
Pleasant Valley.
By J. L. Wood
TWENTY-FOUR discourses have been given in this place. Six have signed the covenant, others are keeping the Sabbath, and still others are investigating. The meetings closed March 31, for one week. J. L. Wood.
Tylstrup, Denmark.
By John G. Matteson
The meetings in Tylstrup are progressing. We have not had as large audiences as in Alstrup. Our place of meeting can seat sixty or seventy persons. At the first meeting, when I spoke on the prophecies, there were twice as many in attendance, but since that occasion there have been just enough to fill the room. I shall soon be through with the prophecies, and will after that speak on the law and the Sabbath. The word spoken has been blessed to the good of some. Many have a desire to search the holy Scriptures. Some are concerned for the salvation of their souls, and turn away from their idols to serve the true and the living God and to await the coming of Christ from heaven. Strong drink and tobacco have been dismissed in several places. The blessing of the Lord has followed our efforts thus far. Sabbath and Sunday, February 23, 24, I was at Alstrup. Our prayer-meetings on the Sabbath are generally attended by twenty or thirty persons, but there are yet only a few who have courage to take part in them. Sabbath afternoon there were about one hundred and thirty, and Sunday evening about two hundred attentive hearers present in the meeting-house.
The following is a later report:—
Those who are the most interested in the truth live in the vicinity of Tylstrup heath, where our place of meeting is. I have held a few meetings near Sulsted and in the city of Tylstrup; but there are very few who have a desire to hear. The truth meets great opposition on all sides. There are, however, a few who open their hearts to the Lord.
Last Sabbath was the first that I have spent with the friends here. In the afternoon about twenty persons promised to serve the Lord and keep the Sabbath. JOHN G. MATTESON. March 4, 1878.
Victory.
By Alonzo T. Jones
On Sabbath eve, March 1, we enjoyed one of those happy experiences, which the Lord will give to those who put their trust in him. The circumstances were as follows: Among those at Beaverton, Oregon, who embraced the truth, is a brother who since early youth has been using tobacco; and being of not a very vigorous constitution, he found when he attempted to "purify himself even as He is pure;" that there would have to be a struggle, to see who should have the mastery. For three months he struggled bravely with what manhood he had left (for tobacco is destructive of manhood) but he found that it had such a terrible hold on his system that he could not break it.
On the evening already mentioned we came together in their regular prayer-meeting. The Lord met with us, and there was great freedom on the part of all both in speaking and in prayer. This brother in his testimony related some of his experience in his struggle with his great enemy. It was truly touching.
And when he said he was so racked and torn by its effects, that he could stand it no longer, and requested that prayer be offered in his behalf, that the Lord might extend a helping hand and uphold him, we felt our duty to take his case before the Lord. We stated to those assembled that we did not propose that our brother should go from that meeting without full and complete victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Accordingly we all bowed before the Lord and with weeping and supplications we sought the Lord in Jesus' dear name to give our brother the victory, and by the rich blessing of the Spirit of God we knew that our prayers were heard, and when our brother arose and thanked and praised the Lord for the victory which his glorious arm had brought, how could we do anything else than "praise the Lord for he is good for his mercy endureth forever."
We relate this for the benefit of others whom we know are bound to this filthy habit of tobacco using, in fetters which they cannot of themselves break. The objection is sometimes made that the Scriptures say nothing about tobacco. True the Scriptures do not speak of it by that name, but they do speak of it by a name more appropriate, that is filthiness. And this, they themselves also allow, for I have observed often, when they offer me a chew or smoke, it is declined with the remark that I never used it. Then they say: "Well it is a filthy habit and I wish I could quit it." Now most assuredly the Scriptures say, "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh." 2 Cor. 7: 1.
But if for no other reason they ought to put it away out of respect for the Lord Jesus, the "Captain of our Salvation." I have been in the army and I have seen men punished for going into the presence of their commander with tobacco in their mouths. "Shall mortal man be more just than God? Shall a man be more pure than his maker?"
There are men professing to be soldiers of the Lord Jesus Christ, telling how good he is, and how much they love him, and have no more respect for him than to go into his presence, to speak to him, and, Oh mirabile dictu, they will ask him to dwell in them! with their mouths full of tobacco and their body reeking with the fumes of it. It is shameful. "Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ?" Shall we then take the members of Christ and fill them with tobacco? God forbid. My brethren these things ought not so to be. Rather do as did the one of whom we have written, "present your bodies a living sacrifice," and repeat with him these glad words: "Blessed be God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
Also I have observed in my short experience in this cause, when this duty is presented and refused, they soon give up the Sabbath. And what wonder, when they choose to serve a perverted and filthy appetite rather than to serve the Holy One in holiness? What wonder if he should let these have their own way? for he has said: "I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people will I be glorified." Lev. 10: 3. Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh, and come off more than conquerors through him that loves us.