A Shallow Argument by James White

Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 10, 1859

A Shallow Argument.

By James White

We wish to notice a silly position taken principally by some who were in the 1854 movement. It is simply as follows:

As Christians are to be partakers of Christ's sufferings, and he was homeless,—the foxes had holes and the birds of the air nests, but the Son of man had not where to lay his head—they must sell their homes in order to partake of his sufferings. And the question is asked, How can those who have homes, and all these good things, partake of Christ's sufferings? But this wonderful argument is a total failure upon the start, being dependent upon the groundless assumption that Christ's sufferings were in consequence of his homeless life. His sufferings mentioned by the apostle were in connection with his death. A fiery trial awaits the people of God, in which they will taste of the cup of suffering drunk by the Son of God. See 1 Pet. iv, 13.

We suggest that this argument for selling all out at once be met by a request for those who use it to set an example. If living in a good house, sleeping in a good bed, and sitting at a good table is failing to partake of the sufferings of Christ, then let these men lay out a few nights, with a stone for a pillow, and try out-doors fare; let them set a good example, before making further use of this argument. But you will not find them setting any such example. They like as good a house, as good a table, and as good a bed as other people, and perhaps, while you are toiling to earn a living for them, or are cooking and washing for them, they are in the rocking-chair, or on the lounge. They know nothing of suffering, or the fatigue and pain of hard labor suffered by those who support them, and have to hear their rabid theology.

You will hear these men speak of Luke xii, as though no one really believed in the inspiration of that chapter only those who take their views of it. But those who have a sound faith in the sacred Scriptures will wish to take a position on Luke xii, in harmony with the Spirit of truth and common sense.

There can be no doubt but that the following words of our soon-expected Lord apply to the church who are waiting for his coming.

"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." Luke xii, 32-36.

Now we say, let the injunction to sell be obeyed as good sense sanctified by the Spirit of truth dictates. The great object which calls for means is the spread of Bible truth. Most vigorous, and very extensive efforts must be made to advance the cause of truth, and much means must be raised to accomplish the work to which God is calling his commandment-keeping people. But shall the poor man rashly sell his little home, and place himself in want? There is no need of this, while there are hundreds among us who have more property than they need. First let these dispose of a portion, and free themselves of a burden, and lighten the cares of this world. Let all bear a part, if it be no more than the widow's two mites; but to sustain those missionary enterprises which the cause of truth demands, those who have a surplus will see cause to sell, according to the words of Christ in Luke xii. But away with these religious loafers who please Satan in crying sell, that they may be sustained in idleness. J. W.