p. 63 | The Law and Faith by S. A. Taft

Publishing Committee · Rochester, N. Y. · Oct 16, 1855

The Law and Faith

By S. A. Taft

From Bro. Taft.

BRO. WHITE:—I was very much gratified, not to say deeply interested, in the remarks of Bro. J. H. W. on the article written by myself, and published in the Review, No. 4, Aug. 21st. I hope to benefit by all he said. Still, Bro. W. has failed to convince me of any error in the view that I entertain of the law of God as it stands revealed in the Bible. I may be in error however, but I don't see it. The point at issue I regard as one of some importance, and if I shall not be intruding, I will, at some future time, give a full reason of the hope that is within me. I will assure Bro. W. I hope, equally with himself, to be found living in obedience to all the commandments of God. Faith on our Lord Jesus Christ has not released me from the commandments of God as a rule of duty. I regard myself as "delivered" from them only as prescribing the conditions of my acceptance with God, or a rule of justification. The commandments of God are a positive rule of duty; and faith on our Lord Jesus Christ a positive rule of justification. "By the deeds of the law no flesh shall be justified." "A man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law." "Do we then make void the law" (as the rule of duty, and the great source whence originates a knowledge of sin) through faith? (as the great rule of justification?) God forbid; yea, we establish the law," and aver in the most unequivocal manner, "that the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just and good." In so far then I anticipate that Bro. W. and myself would be at one. At least this is "the sense" in which I understand that we are released from the law of God. It is thus I understand the great Apostle, when he says, "Ye are not under the law, but under grace." God has not, in releasing the race from his law as a rule of justification, given the unqualified license to run wild in all manner of dreadful iniquity. Nay, verily, "THE LAW IS HOLY, AND THE COMMANDMENT HOLY, AND JUST AND GOOD." The law of God is now as ever the bridle of the human conduct. It is our "school-master;" and one of the first great lessons it teaches us is, that we are sinners. "By it is the knowledge of sin."

I have no desire to provoke a controversy with any of my brethren. There is but one contest in which I will allow myself to engage; and into that, if Bro. W. chooses, I will enter with all my heart; and that is a contest for a glorious IMMORTALITY and ETERNAL LIFE, through Jesus Christ our Lord. I do not mean to insinuate by the above that Bro. W. or any other brother has expressed, or even so much as intimated a desire to draw me into any controversy. Nay, brethren, Bro. W. has spoken kindly, and I magnify the spirit. I speak in general terms, religious controversy is ever to be deprecated; but where a free and friendly interchange of religious views can be had under the influence of the proper spirit, it is always profitable to all concerned. But in the one contest alluded to we shall all be conquerors if we but strive lawfully; that is, according to law—both the law of grace and the law of commandments.

In relation to "the Sabbath," I say now, as I said before, if there is any Sabbath at all in this age, it is beyond controversy, the seventh day. "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God." May the Lord guide us into all truth, is the prayer of one who loves the Lord Jesus, and the doctrine of his second, actual, personal appearing in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly. Amen. S. A. TAFT. Macomb Co., Mich., Sept. 25th, 1855.