The Broad Gauge by M. Wood

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 15, 1874

The Broad Gauge.

By M. Wood

“ENTER ye in at the strait gate, for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction and many there be which go in thereat; because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matt. 7: 13, 14.

These words of our divine Lord have indeed a very significant meaning; and a person would naturally conclude from passing events that they are applicable to the present generation.

Our Saviour has left a record that the way to the celestial city, wherein every heart beats in unison with God’s holy law, is a strait and narrow one, and “not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my father which is in Heaven.” Matt. 7: 21.

Notwithstanding all the admonitions and teachings of Jesus, as to the narrowness of the way to eternal life, our friends in and about Boston would have us understand that Jesus made a mistake in his assertions as to the straitness of the way. Having arrived at this conclusion, they make out a new timetable and run an independent train.

For instance, Mr. Inskipp, a noted revivalist, while holding a series of meetings in Boston, said, “We are no longer in the strait and narrow way, for the gospel-car is switched off upon the broad gauge, and a free pass issued to all who will get on board: So, Come on, come on, come up here,” said he, with a tone which shook the very building and started the congregation from their seats toward the altar, there to obtain sanctification and present salvation through their prayers.

Amidst their shouting, praying, and singing, all at the same time (which was a scene of perfect confusion), hundreds were pressing forward for prayers, many of them laughing and tittering as they were urged onward. It seemed to me hardly less than a blasphemous affair for a religious gathering. And many people have since stated that it was equal to any theatrical performance they ever attended. Said a boy of twelve years, while witnessing this scene of excitement, Why not turn the meeting-house into a theater? I failed to notice the least manifestation of the Spirit of God. The still, small voice was excluded; and I thought more than once of the words of Paul to Timothy. 2 Tim. 3: 1-9.

M. Wood.

Boston, Mass., Nov. 20, 1874.