To Correspondents by Uriah Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 29, 1874

To Correspondents.

By Uriah Smith

F. A. BARLOW: We see no objection to the connection between Rev. 11:4, and Zech. 4:3-6, 11-14, in the fact that Zechariah wrote so long beforehand. It is customary in the sacred writings for future events to be referred to in the present tense, and even in the past tense. See Isa. 9:6, 7; Jer. 31:15-17, &c.

Will you please explain through the REVIEW 1 Tim. 4:1-5? I ask for information. W. B. K.

We consider this scripture partially fulfilled in modern spiritualism. Seducing spirits and doctrines of devils describes them and their teaching; and some have departed from the faith, the correct teaching of the Bible, and given heed to them. They speak lies in hypocrisy. Their consciences are seared with a hot iron. They seem to have neither conscience nor a moral nature. They forbid to marry. This means opposition to marriage as an institution. And never was there such an onslaught made upon that divine ordinance as is made by the ultra free love spiritualists of to-day. This feature is sufficient to identify spiritualists as the ones to whom this language refers. And we look for the next specification, abstinence from certain kinds of food, not necessarily flesh, to be fulfilled by some diabolical freak into which the devil will lead them; for he is leading them captive at his will.

A friend of mine would like to know your reasons for interpreting the seven trumpets of Rev. 8 and 9, fulfilled in the past, figuratively, and the seven last plagues of chap. 16, to be fulfilled in the future, literally. T. F. K.

We believe the rule which lies at the foundation of correct interpretation, to be, to take all language in its literal sense when no good reason can be shown for taking it figuratively. There is much in the trumpets that is literal, and some things in the plagues which are figurative. For instance, it is not to be supposed that the angels have literal vials, and pour out some kind of fluid upon the earth. But these are symbols of judgments to be inflicted, which are literal. The trumpets as is apparent are mostly in the past; and as they denote political events they are to be interpreted in accordance with the historical records of such events. The plagues can clearly be shown to be future, and there seems to be no reason for supposing that they are not literal, as similar judgments have been inflicted literally in ages past. These cannot be placed in the past, as they contain the unmingled wrath of God, which cannot be inflicted while there is a Mediator between God and man.

H. G. B.: We think it probable that the cloud, as a sign of the Son of man, will be seen before he can be discerned upon it. Paul says that the first covenant had ordinances of divine service and a worldly sanctuary. And the ark at first contained, besides the tables of stone, the pot of manna and Aaron’s rod that budded. At least we so understand Paul’s language in Heb. 9:4. It does not appear that all are slain by the plagues; for there is a remnant to be slain by the sword of Him that sat on the horse. Rev. 19:21. We do not think it would be in order for an unordained deacon to assist in the ordinances.

The view taken by Baptists of Matt. 3:11, last clause, is that two baptisms are there brought to view; the first with the Holy Ghost, the second with fire; the former being the work of the Holy Spirit in conversion, which we must experience, or have the second, which is destruction in the lake of fire at last.—The birth of John 3:3, we hold to be the resurrection to immortal life. The new birth commencing in conversion, is completed in the resurrection.—We know of no evidence that the Saviour could appear and disappear before his resurrection, as he could afterward.—In reference to your question whether a local elder has the right to baptize outside of the church with which he is connected, we would say that the “Address on Organization,” adopted as defining the duties of officers, shows that elder, bishop, pastor and overseer, denote the same office, and that this office is confined to a particular church: from which it would follow that a local elder of one church could not, by virtue of that position, exercise his office in any other church. U. S.