p. 213 | Untitled article by Adolphus Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Third-day, March 17, 1868

FromReview and Herald, Vol. XXXI, No. 14

BATTLE CREEK BIBLE CLASS.

By Adolphus Smith

This class in discussing questions relative to the faith and practice of God's people, is no doubt doing a good work; but that their decisions are final, and that from such decisions there is no appeal, is not admissible. Nor does it claim infallibility. And yet, occupying the position it does, its decisions have great weight with believers in present truth in all parts of the field. How important then that its deliberations should be conducted with the utmost discretion and solemnity, lest, in deciding upon questions that do not immediately affect the interest of its members, it should discourage weak brethren, or lay a stumbling block in the way of honest inquirers after truth.

In the matter of raising hops, its decision is adverse to such practice; yet there are brethren who own hop yards upon the produce of which they depend, principally, for the support of their families. They have been at considerable expense in getting up their yards, erecting buildings, &c. Now what shall they do? If they continue in the business, and the decision against hop-raising be not revoked, they will be likely to be regarded by some as not being in harmony with the truth, and as classed with those who raise tobacco for the market, or barley and rye for the distillery; or worse than all, the church will be reproached for endorsing practically what it theoretically condemns.

The same rule on a smaller scale might apply to those who manufacture “hair jewelry;” as also to those of various other occupations, in which “present truth” finds individuals engaged, and from which it seeks to cleanse them by grace.

It is easier to point out a wrong than it is to remedy it. No man who is unwilling to sacrifice his hop yard, or his hogs, or any business which should prove to be not consonant with the spirit of the third angel's message, is worthy of the kingdom of Heaven. But the heart of such an one may be less set upon his particular vocation, than is that of his brother upon the broad acres or fine buildings which he owns. Now if he first sacrifice his vocation for Christ's sake, he may receive an hundred fold more, even in this life, and at the appearing of the Son of man, a crown surpassing in glory that given to his more fortunate but less-sanctified brother.

But is it necessary to sacrifice a hop-yard, or any business in which capital has been invested, without any remuneration? It may be. But I think it would be proper to sell such a yard if possible, even at a sacrifice of part of its value; but if such a sale can not be effected, let the owner grow out of the business as soon as possible, and let not the church reproach him; but if they would hasten his sacrifice, let them bear a share of the burden or expense, “and so fulfill the law of Christ.”

SWINE raising is no doubt more objectionable than hop raising, and yet present truth may find a man in possession of a number of hogs, of the value of which if his family were deprived, they would suffer. Now it would manifestly be right for him to dispose of his hogs at a price; but if he purchase, or raise others afterward, I could but consider it as doing wrong. If he make other uses of them than to feed the human stomach, and that at a pecuniary loss, he would no doubt be blessed in his deed; and if his brethren insist upon such a sacrifice, let them bear a share of the burden. In all cases we must put away evil from our ranks, if we would have the blessing of God upon the church.

The Bible Class should never discuss unimportant questions with the intention of having them printed in the Review. On questions of great importance, one week of prayerful thought and study would not be too much before giving a final decision. If its discussions are marked with solemnity, and its decisions rendered with deliberation, in all parts of the field will be felt the influence of the Battle Creek Bible Class for good.

ADOLPHUS SMITH.

Ottawa Co., Mich.

NOTE. We think we can say in behalf of the Bible Class, that the foregoing remarks very accurately express the feelings of all its members. We do not wish to be conscience for any one; and the decisions of the class are given simply as their views upon the various subjects brought before it, with the hope that it may be a gratification to the brethren to learn what our views are, and that in some instances, at least, light may be imparted, and the minds of the brethren be helped. We endeavor to consider the various questions with all the caution, solemnity and deliberation, above recommended; and in order that there may be ample time for this, the questions are given to the class a week before they are called up for discussion and decision. ED.