"The Letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth Life."
By John Byington
Bro. Smith:—It seems necessary at this time to urge the people of God to the work of keeping all the commandments of the Lord. I see it stated in the Review that our Brn. are rising in spirituality. It may be of some importance not only to look at the letter, but also the spirituality of all the commandments. I have no doubt but we might so observe the letter as in the sight of men to appear to keep them, and in the sight of God at the same time be transgressors. I once heard an individual in telling his experience say, while under conviction, he heard a sermon in which the preacher attempted to prove from the word of God that all men had been guilty of breaking all the ten commandments. The man thought he would fail in the attempt, but after hearing him through he had to admit he had proved his point and he found himself a guilty sinner before God. This will appear when we see that God's law is designed to reach the thoughts, motives and intents of the heart. A few passages of scripture will make this clear. 1 John iii, 15. Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer. Matt. v, 28. But I say unto you, that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, hath committed adultery with her already in his heart. Col. iii, 5. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth: fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry. These passages show that while these things are in the heart, though at the time they may not be acted out in life, the individual is guilty before God. Though we may not be at work with our hands on the Sabbath, yet we may be talking of worldly matters, laying plans in our minds for worldly business, and thus in the sight of men be Sabbath-keepers, but in the sight of God be Sabbath-breakers. There is a remedy that will make the heart right. While we reject the Spiritualism of the day, or Satan's work, still we believe man is susceptible of the direct influence of the Holy Spirit; and unless the Spirit of God dwell in us we cannot keep our minds from evil. We then should pray much that God may cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. Buck's Bridge, Jan. 25th, 1856.