Harmonizing Present Views with Scripture
By E. R. Seaman
BRO. SMITH: As I have been requested of late to harmonize some of my views which I presented in "Messenger," No. 10 with my present position, I would embrace this opportunity, and seek to follow the injunction to give a reason to all that may ask of my faith with meekness and fear; and I do not expect to be held responsible for any previous views, farther than they can be harmonized with the Bible. The first point that claims attention I hardly need refer to; that is, the silence in heaven of half an hour, as supposed to conflict with the views of many on the cleansing of the Sanctuary. I consider that you have answered this, showing conclusively that the chronology of the event, can in no wise conflict with the common views entertained on that subject, which places it (the half hour silence) beyond the period of cleansing. The objection to my present position of faith has been urged on the ground of the supposed disharmony of the visions with the Bible. The subject of the immortal saints' having wings, is supposed by many to conflict with the divine testimony. We are informed by the Saviour that in the resurrection the saints are as the angels of God, which are in heaven. Mark xii, 25. And St. Paul in discoursing on the resurrection, says, [1 Cor. xv, 49.] As we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. It then only remains to be shown that heavenly beings have wings. We have the testimony in Isaiah vi, 2. Angels are every where represented as flying. This being the case, I think it would be as absurd to suppose that they fly without wings through the midst of heaven, as it would to think of men's walking on the earth without legs. The subject of grapes on silver wires referred to may have been the best language that could have been employed to express the appearance of things referred to. The phrase is not altogether unscriptural; for the Scriptures speak of apples of gold, &c., and the above expression doubtless may be considered illustrative of the purity and highly refined quality of some of the fruits of Paradise; for there will exist no poisonous substance in the new earth. Poison produces death; but there shall be no more death. Another objection made by myself, and held by many, is the assumption that the power or delusion that is to deceive the remnant, is a false prophet in the church to be developed before the end of probation. The fact that there are to be developed false christs and false prophets just before the end, is a clearly revealed truth; and by an examination of the Scripture testimony on the point, we shall be better able to determine who they are, and from whence they emanate. The great fact is first briefly stated in Matt. xxiv, 24. Men have arisen this side of the tribulation of the saints, who have professed to be Christ, and those also that have professed to be his prophets. It is not necessary to prove this. But mark the distinguishing characteristics: they are to show great signs and wonders, so that if it were possible they will deceive the very elect; and as we are not informed in this chapter from whence they emanate, or who they are, we must seek other testimony from the Scriptures of truth. If we cannot get all the truth on any given point in one place, we must seek it in another; and I thank the Lord that this subject is as easy to be understood as any other. If we call up Paul's testimony here, I think the point of inquiry is settled in every mind. First, his evidence in 2 Thess. ii. In this familiar chapter the coming of the Lord is discoursed upon; and commencing with the 8th verse, we have a history of a class of persons who are unquestionably the very mediums of Satan, and are to show the workings of Satan with all power, and signs, and lying wonders. Now mark! the Saviour says, Will show great signs and wonders. This then in 2 Thess., without doubt, is the very class referred to by the Saviour. Who are they? Answer. Wicked men and women that have rejected the truth, and are given over to believe a lie that they all may be damned who believe not the truth, (the gospel in connection with the Lord's coming) or, be punished with everlasting destruction, as in another chapter. From whence then does this deception emanate? Every one can see clearly that it comes from Satan through his active agents or mediums. Read the chapter, my erring brother, again. I think there is great light here on this point, that is not easily controverted. The church of God have nothing to fear from false christs or prophets being manifold; for by their fruits they are easily known. Again in 2 Tim. iii, we have a description of a class of professed Christians, who are to resist the truth, even as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses. Here we are carried back to the type, and shown the analogy and exact similarity of the condition of the true Israel of God just before their final deliverance. How was it then? Why, the magicians were already in the land, and could apparently perform miracles (Ex. vii, 11) before Moses and Aaron were sent to Pharaoh. So it is now: the modern magicians are to work in the land with great signs and lying wonders; and as they are deceiving the world thereby, will not God restore the gifts at this time? Yea, verily, he will. And as God set the bounds anciently in which the folly of these magicians was made manifest, so the time is coming when the remnant shall be terrible as an army with banners, and these modern magicians must likewise confess that this is the finger of God when the plagues shall be poured out. The seven last plagues are as sure to come as the facts which now exist are before us. How necessary that we seek a closer union with the saints of God, and seek meekness that we may be covered in the coming storm. We need also to understand before it is too late, the dealings of God among us. To the law and the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. The church of God is now under the solemn counsel of the Judgment, while the Saviour is closing up his work in the Most Holy Place of the heavenly Sanctuary; and every soul that is not afflicted shall be cut off from Israel. How solemn the moments as they pass! The sweet Spirit of Jesus is striving with all that have an ear to hear. O come, my brother, my sister, wake up! the Judgment is passing! open the door of your heart and let Jesus in! He says he will come in and sup with us. I have proved and know him true. The spirit of our meeting at Boston has shown the same to every one present. The same spirit that we had in 1843-4, was with us, and the last work is commenced that will end in glory if we are faithful. But it will cost all we have and are. May the Lord guide us safely through, is my prayer, and help us to get eye-salve to see our true condition. Unworthily I remain yours. E. R. SEAMAN.
Lancaster, Mass.