QUESTIONS ANSWERED by J. H. W.

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 9, 1868

QUESTIONS ANSWERED.

By J. H. W.

To J. R. B.: We marvel that any should raise an objection against our views of the death of the wicked, on Mark ix, 42. What would the objector say to Matt. x, 39, where we are recommended to lose our life in order to find it? If there were but one death mentioned in the New Testament both these texts would be inexplicable. The penalty truly is death; but through the “better resurrection” we may secure eternal life, though we lose our life here; while those who reject the gospel suffer for that rejection the second death. The objector knows that we do not hold that men die now on account of their own transgression, but Adam’s; also, that a righteous man would perish as soon as a wicked one if “a millstone were hanged about his neck and he were cast into the sea.” Such objections are mere cavils, not arguments.

To G. A. T.: We see no difficulty in Cor. vii, 29–31, if we keep in view the two expressions contained therein: “The time is short,” and, “The fashion of the world passeth away.” The things that we now enjoy will be enjoyed but a little while; we shall soon turn away from that which now engages our heart. These texts contain a solemn admonition to those who believe a time of trouble is near.

To N. B.: Some brief remarks on our views of election once published in the Review, will be found in the appendix to the pamphlet lately published on the Atonement.

To S. B.: It is our belief that Moses and Elias were really with Christ.

To I. N.: You ask if five toes of the image of Dan. ii, were not on each foot. Very likely. But we presume your question reaches beyond that to a conclusion not stated, viz.: Did not the two feet or legs of iron represent Eastern and Western Rome? This has often been suggested, but we see no reason for it, since no such division is recognized in the prophecy. The only division spoken of in Dan. ii, is in ten parts, or kingdoms, and the “legs of iron” represent the Roman Empire in its unit state.

To N. R.: Wm. Miller said he believed the Lord would come between March 21, 1843, and March 21, 1844. A few may have looked for the Lord at the first date, but a particular date in 1843 was not received by many. J. H. W.