WAITING TO HEAR THE OTHER SIDE.
By A. S. Hutchins
Many persons on hearing the evidences presented for the Bible Sabbath, and seeing the force of argument so clearly as to remove every reasonable objection to the perpetuity and obligation of this ancient institution, excuse themselves from obedience on the plea of “waiting to hear the other side.” Well, if there is another side, if this subject presents a “yea and nay,” it is proper to find it. If, as a minister recently said in vindication of Sunday-keeping, “truth presents many phases, so to speak,” it is best to bring all sides to the light. But in the outset, it may be well to raise the question for the consideration of those who believe the Bible argument sustains the seventh day, Do you suppose Sunday-keeping can be proved also from the Bible? The apostle who exhorts to “prove all things;” also commands, “hold fast that which is good.” And again he says, “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” Men may listen to the overwhelming arguments for the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, their conscience may be aroused, conviction settle upon them, and their judgment be fully convinced as to duty: they may like Felix tremble, and like Agrippa be almost persuaded to be a Christian, and yet through neglecting to obey God, grieve his Spirit, “put light for darkness, and darkness for light,” and accept “for doctrines the commandments of men.” Here lies one of the great dangers of the present time. The world is being enlightened on the fourth commandment. The time has come to proclaim the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The time has come for the church of God to heed the injunction, “Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls.” While many will be obedient to this divine mandate, the great majority will disobey, and by actions emphatically say, “We will not walk therein.” It is easy to say, “Lord, Lord,” but to do the will of our Father in Heaven requires moral courage and decision of character. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own souls.” “Whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.” James 1: 22, 25. Here it seems to me we have both sides. One person is a doer of the word, he continues in the perfect law of liberty, and thus secures the blessing of obedience. Another hears the word, and perhaps trembles under it, but does not obey. He shuns the cross and is made to hope all is well. He confers with flesh and blood, waiting to see the cross removed. Cabot, Vt., July 22, 1878.