Doctrinal by Jessie E. Hocker

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Oakland, California · Jan 16, 1893

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 19, No. 11.

Doctrinal.

By Jessie E. Hocker

“If any man will do His will he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God.”—John 7:17.

AS GOD COMMANDS.

BY JESSIE E. HOCKER.

We talked to Deacon Smith about The Sunday law on foot, The closing of the wondrous Fair, Which mighty men have put Into the hands of those whose right It is to rule us well, But who should never have the power Our consciences to quell.

It was not so in bygone days,— Such was not the desire Of those who laid the kindling wood Of “Independence fire.” No law to govern conscience made Men act what they were not, But now it seems that law has come To be a nation’s blot.

But Deacon Smith from times afar Had ever heard it said That now on Sunday we should meet Since Christ rose from the dead. “Ah, yes, good friend, we’re well aware ’Tis thus the fables go, But, Deacon Smith, be very sure The Bible tells you so.”

There is a day by God designed For men to rest and pray, But this was changed by Constantine, Who fixed another day. For many years ‘twas almost lost (The one which God designed), But now the seekers after truth Its holy precepts find.

So, trust not to tradition’s tale— No truth from God they claim. The law once spoke from Sinai’s top Will ever be the same. Believe not them who say ‘twas nailed With Christ upon the tree, For blood of awful sacrifice Was shed for you and me.

Because that law was immutable, Could not retrieve its claim, The Son of God himself in love And wondrous pity came. “Will he forgive if knowingly We set his law at naught?” God help you to receive it, friend, For ‘tis with love inwrought.

College Place, Wash.