Answer Him Not by A. SMITH

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 29, 1909

“Answer Him Not”

By A. SMITH

A. SMITH

The writer in common, no doubt, with many of his brethren, has been in receipt, from time to time, of publications opposing our faith and work as a people, while at the same time advocating some of the doctrines and customs that distinguish us from the popular Christianity. While all profess a more or less distorted view of holiness and sanctification, they do not agree among themselves, one sustaining, with commendable strength of argument, the perpetuity of the law of God and the Sabbath it embodies, and another urging with equal emphasis the voluminous and threadbare argument in support of first-day sanctity. All agree, however, in opposing what they term “sectism,” the most disturbing element of which they discern in the organization and distinguishing name of our people, claiming that we are in Babylon and classing us incidentally with the popular churches, and particularly with Dowieism, Mormonism, etc.

It would be impossible for Seventh-day Adventists to carry forward without thorough organization the stupendous work in which they are engaged; and such organization would be incomplete without a general name. Seventh-day Adventists have no time to come down from their Heaven-appointed work to meet the specious arguments of those whose principal business appears to be opposition to, and hatred of, the special message which we as a people have been raised up to proclaim. As a rule, when the enemy rages against us, it is the wisest plan to “answer him not.” This attitude is in harmony with the spirit of Christ, who, “when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously.” 1 Peter 2:23. See 1 Cor. 4:12, 13.

Satan is the great accuser of God’s people (Rev. 12:10), and the most vehement agents that he can employ are those who were once associated with us in Christian fellowship and honored labor, but who have become stranded amid the wreckage of unbelief. “Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by me; whosoever shall gather together against thee shall fall for thy sake. . . . No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue that shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is of me, saith the Lord.” Isa. 54:15, 17.

Grandville, Mich.