Offended Society by Sarah A. Hallock

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 15, 1858

Offended Society.

By Sarah A. Hallock

SAID a Presbyterian minister not long since, "There was not a single Christian assembly gathered upon the Jewish Sabbath after the resurrection." Among other unkind and wicked assertions was this sentiment, "This Sabbatarian movement has done more to disturb society than any thing ever before introduced; however, offences must come, but woe unto him through whom they come." How far the "woe" pronounced upon us extends, the word of prophecy determines. "And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: and that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name."

That the enemies of truth have ever been at war with its advocates is too true; but it seems to me that the dragon's ire is now rising to an unusual height. Indeed, if the truth were a person endowed with sensibility, I have no doubt the universal cry would be, Away with him, away with him; crucify him, crucify him!

This was the cry of the Jews against him who declared himself to be the way, the truth and the life. Said he, "Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, nay; but rather division." In those days the truth, in the person of Jesus the Son of God, was a disturber of society, and "he that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also to walk even as he walked." By this I mean that Christians should arm themselves with the "sword of the Spirit," and contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered to the saints; then like their Leader they will not give peace on earth, but rather division.

Offences do indeed come, not through commandment-keepers, but through the children of disobedience upon whom the seven last plagues will soon be poured. This I infer from two reasons: first, "Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe unto that man by whom the offence cometh;" second, "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city."

Is this a just conclusion? Then let us not fear the popular pulpit woes that are so abundantly showered upon us, but boldly stand with our faces Zionward, while we bind up the testimony and seal the law.

SARAH A. HALLOCK.

Ulysses, Penn., June 24th, 1858.