Law and Prophets by Jesse Dorcas

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 11, 1858

Law and Prophets.

By Jesse Dorcas

In the course of our labors, we often meet with those, and some, even, that we have reason to believe are striving to be serious Christians, who, when the Sabbath of the law of God is presented, immediately introduce the conversation that took

place between Christ and the Jews, respecting the disciple's conduct while passing through the cornfield, &c. &c., as though this was an argument against the observance of the Bible Sabbath. To aid such, in relieving their minds of this error and to establish a correct view, I will here give a quotation from a book entitled Leila Ada, who was a converted Jewess, and the subject of the book we refer to. The writer, O. W. T. Heyway, in speaking of the Mishna, says: "If those who penned the Mishna set about their work to shock common sense, and load the Jewish religion with contempt, they could scarcely have acquitted themselves better." The reader will here perceive, that the Mishna, and Bible are two different books, and that while those caviling Jews were governed by the former, or their own corruptions of the Scriptures, Christ and his followers were guided by quite another rule.

So at the present time, compare Bible and creeds, confessions, disciplines, &c., and we shall find in some points at least, that they differ as widely from the Bible as those books called Mishna, Talmud, &c.

We meet also with those, who, notwithstanding they profess to be converted to God and truth, denounce us vehemently because we have a disposition to understand and teach the prophetic portion of the Scriptures.

Here I will introduce a passage from the writings of Leila Ada herself, which, it is humbly hoped may have an influence in this direction. She says,

"I have read the Talmud, and have dipped into the learning of the east, and while my heart has been intent on the prosecution of these studies, I have comparatively neglected the blessed word of God—the majestic Scriptures. The result of my reading is a strong opinion that the advent of the Messiah is probably near; yet while I have been consulting the writings of men, I have greatly neglected the prophecies which relate to him. Why then do I profess to my heart that I have formed an opinion, when I have neglected the great test, the predictions of the Scriptures. O Lord forgive my thus dishonoring thee."

May the Lord grant that the example of this excellent woman may be salutary in the minds of many, in affecting a speedy cure of their virtual infidelity. In conclusion, let me say dear reader, that the result of my reading and daily observations, is a "strong opinion" that the coming of the Messiah is near at hand without even the shadow of a doubt.

JESSE DORCAS.

Fremont, Ohio.