Scripture Misapplied by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 1, 1858

Scripture Misapplied.

By James White

A BROTHER writes to this Office as follows:

"I am glad of the opportunity that the brethren and sisters have of communicating with those of like faith through the Review. It is a privilege given us in the word of God. Paul says, 'Let him that is taught in the Word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.' Gal. vi, 6 'But to do good, and to communicate, forget not; for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.'" Heb. xiii, 16.

Such misapplications of scripture as the above, lead to wrong practice, a neglect of duty, is the reason why we feel it our duty to notice them. That it is the privilege of the brethren to communicate their thoughts to each other by letter or epistle, we doubt not: but to suppose that Paul refers to letter-writing in the above text, is most absurd. Gal. vi, 6 introduces two parties, first, those that are taught, second, those that teach the Word. Ministers and editors teach the Word. And it is the duty of those who are thus taught in the Word, to communicate unto those that teach, in all good things. How shall they do this? by writing letters to their ministers and editors? Letters are indeed good things, especially when they bring good news; but even then they come short of being "all good things." A minister's wife, children, or his horse would starve on such sacrifices.

Again, what good would it do the man called of God to teach the Word, to receive a package of empty letters on his return to his family? Not a dollar in one of them! But perhaps an urgent request in each to answer them, without delay. Not a postage-stamp in one of them! So the minister uses his paper, ink and pens, spends his time answering letters, pays the postage, and his family lacks the comforts of life. Is God well pleased with this sacrifice on the part of his servants? We tell you nay. Away with such applications of scripture as the above, which misapplies the sacred duty of those who are taught in the Word. What! the Holy Spirit call letter-writing a sacrifice in Heb. xiii, 16? What! a brother writes a letter to his editor, or his minister, and the Holy Spirit call it a sacrifice? Astonishing application of God's word! But let him enclose in his letter a five dollar bill; let him send a quarter of beef, a sack of flour, a bag of meal, a cheese, a quantity of butter, in short, a little of "all good things," and then he has made a sacrifice with which God is well pleased.

J. W.