Compromise by A. P. Lawton

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 5, 1873

Compromise.

By A. P. Lawton

Much is couched in the term compromise. It has decided the destiny of many individuals and nations. When righteously used, it has resulted in untold peace, happiness, and prosperity. It is a mighty lever in adjusting differences that no legislation could affect. “Yielding pacifies great offenses.” We should find a pleasure in yielding to others when it can be done without compromising principle or justice; but my friend asks too much when he would have me compromise the word of God.

We may be called bigoted, conservative, and fanatical; be it so. These epithets we can bear, but we cannot endure the frowns of Him, one jot or tittle of whose word will not fall to the ground till all be fulfilled. Take it as we would another book, just as it reads, and all is plain.

Men have changed the law, broken the everlasting covenant, and their children and children's children have done what Ezekiel said they would do. “One built up a wall, and lo, others daubed it with untempered mortar.” Read Ezekiel, 13th chapter, and learn what became of the wall and those who daubed it. Many boast of their large charity and Christian tolerance, while they abate not a jot of their sectarian prejudices. Excuse me if my cloak of charity will not cover so much. A permanent, solid structure cannot be expected from such incohesive particles. While one says, “I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; I of Cephas; and I of Christ,” are we not carnal, and walk as men? We are exhorted to be of one mind and of one judgment, and all to speak the same thing. When we heed this counsel, the building will go up without the sound of a hammer; and all the parts, fitly joined together, will grow up into a perfect building in Christ.

Jesus said he came not to destroy the law or the prophets, but to fulfill. He kept his Father's commandments, and said that he said and did what his Father told him.

But, says my friend, do you suppose none will be saved only those who keep the seventh day? Paul says, “I was alive once without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.” Where there is no law, there is no transgression; but when its claims are brought home, we have no excuse; we know our duty. “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

It is a good thing to be established, but always in the truth. There should always be room to pray,

“If I am right, thy grace impart, Still in the right to stay; If I am wrong, O, teach my heart To find that better way.”

God will bless the honest seeker after truth.

A. P. LAWTON.

West Winfield, N. Y.