Why Do not our Opponents Unite on Common Ground in Opposing us on the Sabbath?
By D. T. Bourdeau
Our answer is, because they are on the wrong side of the question. Truth is a unit; and those who hold to it can present a united front to the world; while error is divided against itself, and those who defend it and oppose the truth must follow a zigzag course, and contradict each other. This has recently been made apparent in opposition to our views on the Sabbath, by the Disciples and Baptists in this place. They were agreed to put down the truth, but used very different arguments in their efforts. The Disciples believe that the ten commandments were abolished at the cross; while the Baptists maintain that they are unrepealed, but that the ceremonial law was then abolished. Last Sunday night, Eld. Hicks, a Baptist, made the following forcible remarks on the moral law: “The moral law is as binding on devils as on the angel Gabriel. We do not believe in a new, easier law under the gospel. The moral law remains in force, but the ceremonial was abolished.” From these remarks, we would naturally infer that the Elder must indorse the Sabbath. But no; he evaded its force by stating, 1. That “Christ met the demands of the law. We should receive the remedy. There is virtue in his blood.” 2. That he “believed in the doctrine of final perseverance of the saints, which does not depend upon works.” 3. That he “did not believe in changing, unless it was for others to change from other churches to the Baptist church, which was the only church of Christ; and that the best way to have new doctrines die out, was to let them alone; that Kentuckians were easily imposed upon.” Answer, 1. True; Christ met the demands of the law; but did his doing this release us from obeying it? Nay, verily. Christ met the demands of the law by keeping it perfectly as our example, and by dying to meet its penalty for us, and heal us of our sins, provided that we cease from transgressing it, and believe on him for pardon. 2. If the doctrine of final perseverance lays aside good works, it may safely be branded as spurious. For, 1. Christians are created unto good works, Eph. 2:10. 2. Even faith without works is dead, and a dead faith cannot save us. James 2:26. 3. To the seven churches covering the entire period of the Christian church, Christ says, “I know thy works.” Rev. 2:3; 4. And finally, all are to be judged and rewarded according to their works. Rev. 20:12; 22:12. But angels in glory, and our first parents in paradise fell; and many good men and women have fallen since; and we are commanded to take heed lest we fall; and there is even danger of falling away, when we have been “once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the powers of the world to come.” Heb. 6:4. 3. It is better to change ten times a day from error to truth than to retain error. Our motto is: Advance in the light. Let us bring forth from the treasury of God's word things “new” as well as old, and conform to them in our lives. Truth courts investigation, and will not die if let alone. It will be found our accuser in the day of Judgment, if we neglect it here. Kentuckians can understand the truth, and many would receive it, if the preachers would let them. And woe to those preachers who knowingly oppose the truth, and retard the work of reform as the priests did in the days of Christ, and in the days of the prophets. God does not change. If a well-meaning Peter could advise the Saviour to avoid the way of the cross—not to go to Jerusalem to suffer and die, Matt. 16:22–26—is it a strange thing that preachers now-a-days should imbibe the same spirit and pursue a similar course. But the word of God is unchangeable and consistent, and it is ever safe to follow it, whether few or many go with us. Locust Grove, Ky., March 21, 1872.