The Things Written Aforetime.
By Francis Gould
For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. Rom. xv, 4. This text doubtless has reference to the Old Testament Scriptures; and the declaration is a broad one; it covers every item therein contained. But notwithstanding the apostle has made a positive declaration to that effect, men at the present day who profess to take the Bible for the rule of faith and duty will deny it. They tell us that a certain portion of the Old Testament is of no benefit to us. But let us hear Paul's charge to Timothy on this point. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of knowing of whom thou hast learned them, and that from a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy xiv. 17. A few texts will show how highly the Scriptures were esteemed by Christ and his Apostles. "Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life and they are they which testify of me. John v, 39. And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. Luke xxiv, 27. And Paul as his manner was went in unto them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the Scriptures. Acts xvii, 2. Verse 11, These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily whether these things were so. Hence we understand that the Scriptures are brought into the present dispensation, and are profitable, as a rule of right, as a powerful agency to mold the moral character of man and fit him up to share in the great work of human redemption. The New Testament scriptures are in perfect harmony with the Old, and are another connecting link in the great chain of Eternal Truth. Most men are ready to admit that a great part of the sayings of the Old Testament are binding upon us; but that a certain portion cannot refer to or have any bearing upon us. They cannot adopt the broad declaration of Paul that they were written for our learning. I will mention one item which comes under the head of divers laws, such as the law of uncleanness which, say they, is of no benefit to us, being a Jewish ceremony. But we are to learn from this, 1st. That God in no way countenances uncleanness, but considers it a moral evil. 2nd. That the Israel of God must put it away from among them, or be cut off. Physical uncleanness was to be put away from among the people. The same principle holds good now; for instance, he who makes use of the filthy weed Tobacco can emphatically be said to be unclean. And when I see some professing the Third Angel's Message, indulging in its use, I tremble for them. If they do not relinquish it I fear they will not stand when the Son of Man appears. I am willing the Apostle should settle the question. He says that no unclean person shall inherit the kingdom of God. See 1 Cor. iii, 17. Gal. xix, 21. Eph. v, 5. 1 Thess. iv, 7. 2 Cor. vii, 1. But says the Apostle, "Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning." The history of the overthrow of the Antediluvian race, and the salvation of Noah and his family stands out in bold relief for our learning, as an example for the present generation. "But as the days of Noah were so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away." Matt. xxiv, 37, 39. See also 2 Pet. iii, 5, 6, 7. Again we are to learn something from the history of the children of Israel while in the wilderness. By their disobedience many were overthrown. Now all these things happened unto them for examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. 1 Cor. x, 11. The sayings of the prophets are not without their relation to the present generation. The prophetic pencil has pointed out the condition of the world as it now is, the fallen state of the professed churches, the various forms of abomination that are done in the land, the final deliverance of God's people, and their future and glorious reward. It is also urged that the law of ten commandments which is the basis and foundation of our holy religion has become null and void and is of no consequence to us. But I understand that the law is magnified and made honorable and is the condition on which eternal life is suspended. Thus "through patience and comfort of the scriptures we may have hope." May the Lord help us with all the remnant to strive to live not "by bread alone but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God."
FRANCIS GOULD.
East Brookfield, Vt.