p. 57 | A LEADING QUESTION by Dudley Marvin Canright

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 28, 1889

A LEADING QUESTION.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

THAT we are living in the last days of human probation, we need not stop to prove to our readers. All omens in the physical, social, political, and religious worlds, together with the "sure word of prophecy," proclaim that the great day of God "is near and hasteth greatly" (Zeph. 1:14), and that the King of righteousness will soon appear. Solemn messages of warning, reproof, and mercy have been given by him to call his professed people from superstition, error, and worldliness, and the sinner from his iniquity, in order that a people may be prepared to meet their Lord. Rev. 14:6-14, et al. The proclamation of these messages, accompanied with the Spirit of God, will rouse men to search anew the Bible, and examine the foundation on which their faith rests. This naturally opens for discussion and decision many questions of morals and faith.

Among these questions none has aroused more discussion and diversity of opinion than the Sabbath question. And this discussion and agitation are not confined to this country alone, but to all Christendom. It has been a growing question for years. Formerly it was discussed almost wholly in religious and church circles; but it has to a great extent left that field and entered the domain of politics.

One of the great causes of difference pertaining to this question is in regard to the day which should be kept as the Sabbath. Few, compared with the multitude, keep the seventh day. The great majority of Christians, nominally at least, hold the first day as sacred. Further than this, not being satisfied with the testamentary evidence for Sunday, its friends are seeking to obtain legislation in its behalf, or laws which will compel all to observe it. Efforts are now being put forth for this purpose in England, France, Germany, Switzerland, Russia, Austria, and, in fact, throughout all Europe. Greater efforts still are now being put forth in our own country. Men are ranging themselves on both sides of this great conflict. In the language of the Hebrew seer, there are "multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision; for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision." Joel 3:14.

All must decide these great moral questions one way or the other. To neglect them entirely is to reject them. To decide wisely and well, we must investigate them, and compare the evidence for either side with some correct standard. This standard must not be ever-changing public opinion, the ever-varying conclusions of so-called science, or the equally contradictory leadings of a misguided, perverted, wrongly educated, prejudiced conscience. The only true standard of morals and doctrine, the only true guide-book to the eternal home of the saints, is the Bible, the word of God.

In the light of that word, we invite our readers to examine the Sabbath question. Many of them belong to the different Protestant denominations. They profess to be guided by the word of God. The denominations with which they are connected profess to take the word of God as their rule of faith and practice; and this is all we ask. The Bible, and the Bible alone, is the only standard of faith. In that word we are told to "fear God, and keep his commandments," for this is our whole duty (Eccl. 12:13, 14); and we will be judged by those commandments. Rom. 2:12; Jas. 2:8-12. Jesus states the same thing when he says that the words which he spake should judge us at the last day (John 12:48); for he simply taught his Father's will. Says the prophet, in speaking of false teachers and false doctrines, "To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them." And Jesus says, in speaking of the last great day: "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity" (or transgress God's law). Matt. 7:22, 23. It is not profession that is the test of our relationship with God, it is obedience, willing, cheerful, loving obedience. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord," says our Saviour, "shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven." Matt. 7:21.

By the above scriptures we can see the importance of obedience to God's will. We cannot obey his will unless we know it. To know it we must study his word. Then let us, dear readers, seek earnestly and honestly to know what God's will is in reference to the Sabbath question, realizing that "to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams." 1 Sam. 15:22. If we thus seek God, we shall find him; and if we walk in the light that shines upon our pathway, as he is in the light, we shall have fellowship, not only one with another, but also with the Father and his Son, Jesus Christ, whose precious blood will cleanse us from all sin. God grant you, dear readers, such hearts as this. In our next we will consider the institution of the Sabbath. M. C. W.