Bro. Monroe’s Article by Editor

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Jun 9, 1853

Bro. Monroe’s Article.

By Editor

This interesting and instructive article, on another page, was accompanied with the following note:

Dear Bro. White:—You see the fate of my communication on the "Sabbath and the Law," as found in the Harbinger for May 14th, 1853. It was rejected on the ground, as we think, that it would be no benefit to their side of the question, and possibly do it harm. Be that as it may, we shall not be likely again to trouble journals that can thus decline the publication of pieces, written with candor, and concern for the good of souls, and in favor of the Sabbath; more especially, after publishing so many hard and bitter things, both against the Sabbath, and Sabbath-keepers. No wonder such a paper is found panting for life.

I felt it a duty from the Lord, to write for the benefit of his dear children—two classes of them. First those laboring under a mistake in relation to the Sabbath question. Second, to confirm those already in the truth on this subject. I sent it to the Harbinger because I thought it most needed there. And though it is now rejected I am clear; and whether joined to idols or not, I must let them alone. If but one precious soul can be benefited by it, or established in the truth of the Sabbath, I shall not esteem it lost labor. Would that it might be blest to the benefit of many. This would be an over-payment, for my feeble labors of love.

C. M.

Waldo, Me., May 29th, 1853.

From the article referred to above in the Harbinger for May 14th, we quote the following as the principal reason why it was declined.

"Because you present not one direct Bible evidence: but like all others who have attempted to maintain the position you take, you have offered nothing as evidence, but inferences, assertions, &c. These weigh nothing in the scale of truth. Give us one plain direct passage from either the Old or New Testament, without note or comment, that reads, that either a Jew or Gentile Christian is required to keep the Seventh day, or Jewish Sabbath, and we will not only publish it, but keep the day; your reasonings, inferences, suppositions and affirmations we do not want, nor any other uninspired man's; nothing but the plain word of the Lord will do. This you will give or abandon your theory, or be a dishonest man; for you well know that 'faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of the Lord.' Amen."

We state these things that honest and candid minds may see the course pursued by the Harbinger in the investigation of Bible Truth, and determine for themselves whether or not it is characterized by that spirit of candid inquiry which should be a characteristic of a paper which publicly professes that its object is, "to obtain a correct understanding of the scriptures," and that "it is open for the free investigation of all Bible doctrines."

We see by this, what kind of articles the Harbinger refuses to publish, and also its reasons for so doing; and we ask our readers to candidly examine the article and compare it with the objections presented by the Harbinger, and they can all readily determine whether they are founded on equity and truth, or whether they constitute one of those miserable ways that men have of evading questions which they cannot answer. It is often easier for people, to pass off as "assertions," "affirmations" and "suppositions," what they are unwilling to admit, than it is to furnish against them plain, scriptural objections, and often infinitely more convenient, especially for those who are willing to sacrifice truth at the shrine of party.

"Remember the Sabbath-day to keep it holy," (Ex. xx, 8.) and "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God," (verse 10th.) and "The Sabbath was made for man," (Mark ii, 27.) are plain and direct passages from the Bible, which need no "note or comment." The divine mandate has gone forth and now stands against the world; it has never been revoked or changed; the record of such an event cannot be found; and those who can stifle conscience by calling these things, inferences, assumptions and assertions, do so at their own peril. Will the Harbinger, "give us one plain direct passage from either the Old or New Testament, without note or comment, that reads, that either a Jew or Gentile Christian," is required to keep the ("Jewish,") commandment, not to bow down to graven images? Surely your "reasonings" "inferences" and "suppositions" "we do not want," and indeed, "they weigh nothing in the scale of truth." "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of the Lord." "But this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their hearts, and should be converted, and I should heal them." Matt. xiii, 15.