Testimonials | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 27, 1873

Testimonials.

I HAVE examined with much pleasure the allegorical picture by Dr. Kellogg, entitled, “The Way of Life.” A more comprehensive design I think I have never seen, nor one that deals with a more important subject; namely, the great features of the plan of salvation from Paradise lost to Paradise regained. Some engravings are valuable simply for their excellence as works of art; this has the advantage of being an important subject for study. The relation, not only of Christ but of the law, to each dispensation, is clearly shown, and the problem, so difficult to many minds, how the law and the gospel can exist together, is solved at a glance. Wherever this picture is exhibited, we believe it will be the means of helping to disseminate much needed information on this important point. U. SMITH.

I HAVE examined the allegorical picture designed by M. G. Kellogg, M. D., and lithographer in Philadelphia. It presents to the eye at a single glance a vast field of Bible truth. It sets forth the work of redemption from its earliest development, to its final triumph in the establishment of the everlasting kingdom of God under the whole heaven. It will interest the thoughtful Bible student, though these things were in the main already clear to his mental vision. It will, moreover, interest those who have never given these things any serious or continued thought. And here, perhaps, is the chief practical utility of this work. Careless persons who cannot be reached by the written word, nor by the living preacher, will, as it seems to me, certainly give attention to this admirable lesson of “The Way of Life.” Even without the key, the picture tells its story with such distinctness that few persons could fail to take in the most essential of the truths which it illustrates. Certainly, it is lawful to set forth divine truth in any manner by which it can be brought to bear in its purity upon the hearts of men. Dr. Kellogg has, in this picture, given us a very instructive design. It is not merely a history of redemption, it is more than this; it is the way of life for each individual sinner, and few can fail to understand the lesson. In a few things of minor importance it seems to me that the picture could have been improved; but as a whole, I highly commend the work as happy in its conception and its execution, and with the carefully prepared key which accompanies it, furnishing to the studious mind a great body of divinity. J. N. ANDREWS.

I HAVE examined the picture designed by Dr. M. G. Kellogg, which is for sale at the Review & Herald Office, Battle Creek, Mich. This is no ordinary picture, intended merely as an ornament, but one which contains a great lesson of instruction. A glance at it brings before the mind the whole plan of salvation, from Paradise lost to Paradise restored. A cherub, with flaming sword, is seen driving Adam and Eve from the beautiful garden. Cain is seen fleeing from the body of his murdered brother. The typical system of sacrifices, pointing forward to the cross, and the victim hanging upon it, under the old dispensation, shadows forth the same great offering for sin that the memorials of baptism and the Lord’s supper point back to in the new, while the ten commandments, containing the principles of God’s perfect and immutable law, his standard of righteousness for all dispensations and all time, stand in connection with the cross of Christ, the one showing the law which man has transgressed; the other, the only appointed remedy for such transgression. From the cross, the “Way of Life” leads onward to Eden restored, and the glorious city of God. Thus, at a glance, as it were, a person takes in the plan of salvation, and all that is taught in volumes of theology. This picture most clearly shows the relation of both dispensations to Christ, the central figure. We expect it will meet a very large sale, and will really be a means of instruction and profit to those who behold it. We can, therefore, consistently advise all, who can reasonably afford it, to purchase it. GEO. I. BUTLER.

I HAVE carefully examined “The Way of Life,” as illustrated by M. G. Kellogg, M. D., and I think it the most interesting and instructive picture I ever saw. The expulsion of our first parents from the garden of Eden, the utility of the religious services, embracing the sacrificial lamb in the former dispensation, and the ordinances of the Lord’s house in this, presenting Christ as the only source of hope and light, and the center of all religious faith, are so represented that the mind can take it in at a glance. Those essential truths that relate to man’s salvation from Paradise lost to Paradise restored, are here vividly brought before the mind. The neatness with which it is executed, and the practical truths it teaches, should commend it to every believer in the Christian religion, and no such family should wish to be without one. I can heartily recommend it to all, believing it will give more correct and distinct views of the Christian religion than are generally entertained by the masses of the people. S. N. HASKELL. S. Lancaster, Mass.

HAVING examined the picture designed by M. G. Kellogg, with the key of explanation, I would say that it cannot fail to interest every lover of the Bible. It presents Christ as the great central light of the world, and shows, in the clearest manner, that the people of every age and dispensation can only find salvation through Him, while at the same time, they are amenable to the moral law of God. The picture is well worthy of a place in every Christian family. Truly Yours, ELD. I. D. VAN HORN.

BRO. M. G. KELLOGG: The picture, “The Way of Life,” is just received, and examined with much delight. All pronounce it beautiful, and withal very instructive and impressive. I have never seen anything so appropriate to adorn the parlors of Seventh-day Adventists. Hope it may have a wide circulation. Yours in hope, D. M. CANRIGHT.