Doing Evil that Good May Come.
By S. B. Whitney
The above principle is most uncompromisingly condemned by the apostle in Rom. 3:8, where he declares that the condemnation of those adopting it is just; and the inconsistency of those professing godliness in adopting it is shown, in that he considers the report that he and others so taught, as slanderous in its character. The reason for this condemnation must be obvious to every reflecting mind, and lies in the fact that the tendency of wrong-doing is only evil, and the supposed good arising from doing evil is only apparent; while in itself it may be an evil, in that it hinders the development of real good. This point is well illustrated by the excuses sometimes offered for not keeping the Sabbath. Some excuse themselves on the ground that the confusion thus caused will have a tendency to destroy the sanctity of the institution in the minds of some, and thus much harm arise to them. Others, that it will tend to destroy their influence for good over others, and thereby a loss be sustained; while others still, because they and their families may be deprived of religious privileges, and they sustain a loss. And for these reasons respectively, they conclude they had better not change, admitting, at the same time, that the seventh day is the Sabbath, and should be observed. And so the command of God is deliberately broken, because of the supposed good that is to arise from the disobedience. But what is the real state of the case? Those who would not embrace the Sabbath under any circumstances are not really benefited, but only prevented, for the time being, from developing what is in the heart; while some who would embrace it under right influences, are hindered from so doing, and confirmed in their error; and in the Judgment, not only will they all be lost, but those who have done evil that good may come will be held responsible, in a measure, for the loss of others. As to being deprived of religious privileges, if this be to some extent true, yet, keeping the Sabbath as God requires, with the Bible, Testimonies, REVIEW, and the face of nature, for teachers, will afford us much more real profit and pleasure than to mingle with those who have the form, but deny the power of godliness. Again, on the same principle, some who have embraced the present truth object to adopting some part, or parts, of the reforms introduced among us, because of the supposed injury that may result from hindering others from embracing the truth. There may be times when it is proper to vary somewhat from established principles, where a breach of God's moral law is not involved; but, as a general rule, the apparent good resulting from deviating from the strict rule of right is overbalanced by the harm arising from our inconsistencies. It is therefore safe, with due regard to the “serpent's wisdom,” and the “dove's harmlessness,” to adhere strictly to the right and leave the responsibility and consequences of obedience with Him whose right it is to command and govern. S. B. WHITNEY.