Note and Comment

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 26, 1910

Stifling Conscience Unchristian

“Has it come to be a Christian thing to stifle conscience, and bid farewell to convictions?” This is the question which the Western Recorder (Baptist) asks in response to a proposition that in a certain New England town the Congregational and Baptist churches combine, making one organization. It then adds:—

Such conduct is in keeping with “a thing,” but please omit the designation Christian. . . . Convictions, deep religious convictions, well-grounded and abiding, are sadly needed to-day. Where these are found, there will be no disposition to barter away the truth for the sake of religious sentiment.

We honor the man, whether Baptist or Seventh-day Adventist, who will stand for his conception of truth and his conviction of duty. True, one may change his view-point of truth, he may become better enlightened regarding views held in the past, the advancing light of God may require the taking of additional steps; but for one to surrender his religious convictions at any stage of his Christian experience shows that, with him, religion is a matter of mere sentiment, and not one of abiding principle. Let us hold fast to the truth as we see it in Christ Jesus, ready to walk in every ray of advancing light, but firm to our convictions of duty, to enlightened conscience, and to the leadings of the Holy Spirit.