Walk in the Light by W. G. Buckland

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 5, 1866

Walk in the Light.

By W. G. Buckland

"Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day; we are not of the night, nor of darkness." 1 Thess. v, 5.

The present truth, especially that portion which contains the evidences of the near coming of the Son of man, is often met with this objection, that we are searching into the secrets, and hidden things of the Almighty. We are told that we have no business to be searching the prophecies; that in doing so, we are sinning against God. Surely, this is a grave charge. To be found fighting against the will of God, walking contrary to his counsel and obeying not his law, is a grievous sin; and if we have done so, it is time we should repent. But how shall we settle this point? I know of no other way than that given by the prophet: "To the law and to the testimony, if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." Our Saviour, John v, 39, says, "Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me." The apostle Peter, who was favored with a miniature exhibition of the kingdom of God, and of the time of its being set up; seeing the importance of our being acquainted with the facts, says in his second epistle, chap. i, 19, "We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts." Here he would set forth the importance of giving heed to the teachings of the prophets. He compares the light received from them, by us, to a great light that shineth in a dark place. They are given to lighten our pathway, down the stream of time. Suppose you were carried into a dark place or a cave of the earth, and there was placed in your hand a lamp; would you grope your way along in darkness giving no heed to the rays of light reflected from the lamp? or would you closely follow the light, and go no faster than it led you?

In Deut. xxix, 29, is found a very important testimony. We are accused of prying into the secret things of God; but this scripture fully exonerates us from this charge, and then what care we what men say about it? "The secret things belong unto the Lord our God; but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children forever." Yes, say they, there you have it; I knew the Bible would condemn you; secret things belong unto God only, and yet you are trying to know them. But hold! Two things are set forth: 1. Secret things. 2. Those things which are revealed. What are secret things? Webster defines it thus: "Concealed from the notice of others; secluded; known only to God." Then the secret things of God, are those which he has not made known or discovered unto man. Those things he has purposely withheld. But what are revealed things? Those things which he has made known in his word, through the agency of his servants the prophets.

We read in another portion of the Scriptures, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." And again, "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." We are told in the word of the Lord that certain things are set forth as examples for us; some to admonish, some for reproof, and all of them are given for our learning, that we may be established in righteousness and godliness.

There are many texts of scripture bearing on this point which need not be noticed. With the light that we have shining from the word of God, we firmly believe that the scriptures, prophecies and all, are given for our learning, and instruction.

W. G. Buckland.

Battle Creek, Mich.