AN APPEAL by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 20, 1856

AN APPEAL

By James White

To those who profess the Third Angel's Message.

DEAR BRETHREN:—We are fully convinced that the rebuking testimony to the Laodiceans is addressed to those who profess to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. There are existing causes among us for rebuke, which have called forth this testimony. We do well to search closely for these causes. And while searching, you will permit us to call your attention to a neglected subject embraced in the Faith of Jesus.

The Faith of Jesus, what is it? It is that which is to be kept, or obeyed, in common with the Commandments of God. We therefore conclude that the Faith of Jesus is the plan of salvation through Jesus Christ, with which is connected the requirements of Jesus in person, and those written by his inspired apostles. Then to keep the Faith of Jesus, is to obey all the requirements of the New Testament.

Repentance of past sins, faith, baptism, and the performance of the common round of religious duties are but a part of the Christian's duty; it is but a small portion of the requirements embraced by the Faith of Jesus. One may keep all these, but if he neglects others, he is occupying a similar position to those professors of Christianity who observe nine of the Commandments of God, and every week break the fourth. Hence it becomes those who profess to be keeping the Commandments of God, and the Faith of Jesus, to search and see if they are living up to the literal declarations of the New Testament.

As love for this present world, and the acquire-ment of riches, is the great sin that is drowning the present generation in perdition, and which is doubtless one of the greatest causes of grieving the Spirit of God away from the remnant, it may be proper to notice the New Testament testimony on this point, and the duty of God's people in regard to this world's goods as pointed out by Christ and the apostles. In presenting this subject, we design to notice,

The declarations of Christ.
The acts of the apostolic Church in regard to this world's goods.
The declarations of Christ and the apostles which apply to all ages of the Church.
Those which apply especially to the present time.

1. The declarations of Christ. We first call attention to a portion of Christ's sermon on the mount. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through and steal. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Notice with care the plain declaration, and the reason given. If men lay up treasures in this world their heart will be set upon them, to the neglect of preparing for the future life. If they seek to lay up treasure in heaven, their hearts will be there, and they will prepare for immortal life in the kingdom of God.

Christ said to the young man, "If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven; and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful; for he had great possessions."

"Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of God. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved? But Jesus beheld them, and said unto them, With men this is impossible; but with God all things are possible."

"Then answered Peter, and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore? And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundred fold, and shall inherit everlasting life." Matt. xix, 21-29.

We now inquire, How did the disciples and the apostolic church understand our Lord in these declarations? Did they understand him to mean literally just what he said? or did they understand him to mean something else, perhaps the reverse of what he said? Their acts must answer this question. This brings us to notice,

2. The acts of the apostolic Church in regard to this world's goods.

"And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all. Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles' feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need. And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, the son of consolation,) a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus, having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet." Acts iv, 32-37.

It is proper here to notice the order observed. The "prices of the things sold" were laid at the apostles' feet, "and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need." Possessions were not sold and the price distributed to indulge any in idleness; but to supply "need."

It may be said that trials would arise, if such a course should now be pursued, with the slothful and with impostors. To this we would reply, that the course taken by the apostles in such cases, and the rules laid down by them, would prove as good a remedy now as then. "Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men: for all men have not faith. But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ."

"Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which ye received from us. For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable unto any of you: not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. But ye, brethren, be not weary in well doing. And if any man obey not our word by this epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." 2 Thess. iii, 1-15.

The Apostle in Rom. xii, has said many excellent things, and among them may be read, "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." He also says, [1 Tim. v, 8,] "But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."

Now let all these principles be carried out, and the needy will be cared for, there will be an equality in bearing the burdens of the way, the bleeding cause of truth will not want for means to sustain it, and the church will not be burdened with drones and impostors.

We say that the acts of the apostolic church show that they understood our Lord to mean just what he said. The first apostles heard words from the lips of their divine Lord; they participated in the Spirit poured out on the day of Pentecost, which was to guide them into all truth, and it must be supposed that their views and acts in regard to this world's goods were correct. If incorrect here, why not on all points?

3. The declarations of Christ and the apostles, which apply to all ages of the Church.

We have before cited the words of Christ in his sermon on the mount. "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth," &c. That sermon has a general application to all time since it was spoken, and this portion must be understood literally as well as other portions of the same discourse. Our Lord would not have his followers become idlers; but has presented laying up an incorruptible treasure in heaven, in contrast with laying up treasure on earth. Christians should be the most active people living. They should cheerfully wear out in doing others good. Such will ever find enough to do.

The parable of the unjust steward [Luke xvi] is designed to teach men how they may lay up treasure in heaven. We give it at length, and our Lord's application.

"And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods. And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? Give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward. Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do, for my Lord taketh away from me the stewardship? I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed. I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses. So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord? And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty. Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write four-score. And the lord commended the unjust steward because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light."

"And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. If that is faithful in that which is least, is faithful also in much; and he that is unjust in the least, is unjust also in much. If therefore ye have not been

faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? And if ye have not been faithful in that which is another man's, who shall give you that which is your own? No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him." Verses 8-14.

We wish to remark upon this important portion of Scripture as follows:

1. Those who have this world's goods are here represented by a steward, managing the goods of another. God, not man, is the real owner, and he requires faithfulness.

2. The close of this mortal life by death, or the Second Advent, is illustrated by the steward being deprived of his stewardship.

3. Securing the friendship of those who can receive the saints into "everlasting habitations" in the kingdom of God, is illustrated by the unjust steward making friends of his lord's debtors, that he might be received into their houses, when turned out of his stewardship.

4. The "mammon of unrighteousness" is this world's goods, or riches. So our Lord was understood by the covetous. See verse 14.

5. The "friends" to be made, who will receive the faithful into "everlasting habitations," cannot be mortals. God, Christ, and angels alone will participate in that work.

It is therefore evident that this parable was designed to teach that those who have this world's goods are the Lord's stewards, and that he requires of them faithfulness in using his goods to promote his glory in the earth. By doing this they secure "friends" in heaven who can receive them into "everlasting habitations." Those who take an opposite course, and lay up treasures here, do it in violation of the words of the Son of God who said, "Lay not up for yourselves treasure upon earth," &c., and are left without a promise of being received into "everlasting habitations." Christ says, "In my Father's house are many mansions;" "I go to prepare a place for you." These are the "everlasting habitations" which the covetous and rich will lose. But, thank Heaven, there is a chance for those who have this world's goods, to act the part of faithful stewards, and with the "unrighteous mammon" spread the truth before dying men, glorify God in the earth, and make friends in heaven. This, dear reader, this, is one way by which you may lay up a "treasure in heaven."

But it may be said by some that they can love and serve God, while their minds and hands are engaged in laying up treasures on earth. To this view let the Master reply. "No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." Luke xvi, 13.

We have not space for many testimonies from the epistles, touching this subject. One to the point must suffice at this time. A more solemn charge cannot be found in the Book of God, than the following from Paul to Timothy touching this subject. Read it with care, and may God help you, dear reader, to feel its weight. In it are words of vast importance to the poor, as well as the rich.

"But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

"But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; that thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: which in his times he shall shew who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen."

"Charge them that are rich in this world that they be not high-minded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." 1 Tim. vi, 6-19.

5. Those declarations which apply especially to the present time.

"Fear not little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning; and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for their Lord, when he will return from the wedding; that when he cometh and knocketh, they may open unto him immediately. Blessed are those servants, whom the Lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them." Luke xii, 32-37.

Notice with care that this is addressed to the little flock who are waiting for their Lord's return from the wedding. It is addressed to the remnant of this time who profess to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. The words, "Fear not little flock," imply danger, that some, at least, will be found with the "fearful and unbelieving," whose fate read in Rev. xxi, 8.

In the days of Noah and Lot the people were forgetful of God, and were occupied in the pursuit of wealth and this world's pleasure. "Even thus," says Christ, "shall it be in the day when the Son of man is revealed." By this the men of this generation are most solemnly warned. Noah occupied one position, the world another. Reader, which are you imitating?

The epistle of James seems to be especially applicable to the present time. In fact, from many expressions in this epistle, it seems very evident that it applies just prior to the coming of the Son of man. "Be patient, therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord." "Be ye also patient: stablish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." "The Judge standeth before the door." Chap. v, 7-9. Such expressions can apply to no other generation than that to whom they are facts.

The accumulation of wealth is presented in this epistle as a sign of the last days. The following language can apply to no others than the men of the present generation. "Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days." Chap. v, 1-3.

We have now briefly called attention to a portion of the declarations of Christ and the apostles touching the dangers and duties of God's people in regard to this world's goods. We have also seen that the apostolic church understood these declarations to mean literally just what they said. With this view the earliest, and purest church acted, and God was with her in great power. And if the early church who had more than eighteen centuries before them, during which time a portion of this world's goods would be needed to sustain life, and to advance the glory of God in earth, were required to act thus, and cheerfully obeyed the literal declarations of the Master on this subject, what must be required of Bible Christians at the very close of the gospel dispensation, in the period of the awfully solemn proclamation of the last angel of mercy? Just before the seven last plagues, shall sweep away all earthly treasures? Let the people of God answer.

"Here are they that keep the Commandments of God, and the Faith of Jesus." How do we keep the Commandments of God? Ans. By obeying the ten Commandments as they were spoken by their Author, and engraved in the tables of stone. How shall we keep the Faith of Jesus? Ans. As we keep the Commandments of God. Every precept from the mouth of Jesus, or written by the inspired apostles, must be obeyed to the letter. We must seek with the whole heart to obey every requirement of the New Testament, on all points, before it can be properly said that we keep the Faith of Jesus.

It is a fact that many who claim to be of the "remnant," and also claim to be keeping the Commandments of God, and the Faith of Jesus, not only hold good their property, but are adding to it, and some are accumulating considerable wealth; getting rich. In the profession, and the course of such, we see a perfect contradiction. If any think they can harmonize the two, we invite them to labor with us on the point. We are open to conviction. But at present it seems as contradictory, to us, to claim to be keeping the Faith of Jesus, while neglecting plain injunctions of the New Testament, as to claim to be keeping the Commandments of God, while every week breaking the holy Sabbath.

We hope these plain remarks will offend none, but lead to a careful investigation of duty on this subject, and to obedience. It is one of those subjects which should be presented with care, yet the servants of God must be plain. If they keep back a portion of gospel truth, or the Faith of Jesus, for fear of offending, the blood of souls will be found in their garments.

We close by turning back to a thought previously expressed in this article. Order was observed in the apostolic church in the distribution of means. The prices of the things sold were laid at the apostles' feet, and distribution was made in cases of need, and not to indulge idleness. Activity and proper industry is the Christian's greatest blessing, while idleness is his greatest curse. We appeal to the Lord's stewards in behalf of the bleeding cause of Bible truth. It has need now of a portion of those goods entrusted to your care. Will you not immediately obey the plain declarations of the New Testament on this point, and relieve those servants of the Lord, who are called to preach his word, from embarrassment, and help them out into the white harvest-field, to preach the word of life to dying men, and spread our publications throughout the land? If you hold on to your Lord's goods, and still "heap up treasures for the last days," what account will you give of your stewardship? and what will be your feelings when it is said, "Go to now ye rich men, weep and howl," &c. With the deepest emotions of love for you, and for perishing fellow-men on whom the light of present truth has never shone, we entreat of you to carefully seek for duty on this subject, and in the fear of God obey his holy word. J. W.