The War by J. M. Aldrich

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Michigan · Dec 23, 1862

The War.

By J. M. Aldrich

PERHAPS a word is due from me on the war-question, since I was invited, with others, to write on the subject, and also from the fact that I was among the first to dissent from Bro. White's views, as expressed in the article entitled, "The Nation." I have to say that I have been very much interested, and I trust benefited, from the discussion of the question by the different brethren who have expressed themselves through the Review. And now, though I do not feel qualified to enter into a Bible argument on the subject, and much less produce a "well-written" article thereon, yet I will frankly say that with my limited understanding of the matter, I am still inclined to stand on the no-fight side of the question. But in taking such a position, I desire to say that I would wish to be divested of all fanaticism, and would not, in my relations with the world, exercise undue zeal in the matter. I would not from any inconsiderate word or act, recklessly expose myself to the contempt of my fellow-men, or thus render myself obnoxious to the laws of the land. I would desire to show, from my daily intercourse with the world, that though claiming in a religious sense to be but a sojourner here, seeking another country, yet I was not unmindful of the country that protected me during such sojourn, and that I was not without deep sympathy for the same, in view of the terrible struggle she is now passing through.

Let us avoid the "extremes" that Brn. White and Cornell have spoken of, and I doubt not our position as a people in relation to the use of carnal weapons will be such as God will approve. Notwithstanding all that has been said, pro and con, about resisting a draft, I am inclined to think that our discrepancy of views is more apparent than real. I think the discrepancy is more in the use of terms, than in the question itself. We speak of resisting a draft. What do we mean by resistance? I have made some use of the term of late, among some of our brethren, in advocating the no-fight doctrine; but I never thought of associating therewith the idea of a riotous proceeding, such as already has occurred in some localities. I am not that kind of non-resistant, or "fervent advocate of peace," mentioned by Bro. White, that would, at all hazards, "have peace if he had to fight for it."

Bro. Cornell, in speaking of Daniel and the three worthies, says, "They did not attempt to resist the authorities." It is true they made no ugly threats, flourished no weapons, and shed no blood; but, boldly they stood up before the king, contrary to his command, and said, "We will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." Doubtless they meant just what they said, yet had no intention of getting up a riot, or of making any forcible resistance. Now if it may be said of them that "they did not attempt to resist the authorities," I think I can join heartily with Bro. White and say that it would be "madness to resist a military draft;" for certainly I would not think of taking any stronger position than they took; and indeed, I am rather inclined to think that in case of a military draft, I should modify somewhat their language, and say cannot, instead of will not.

Much perplexity is frequently prevented by rightly understanding the definite use made of certain terms. I confess I was considerably startled at the position taken, or rather supposed to be taken, by Bro. White in his article on The Nation, and my faith, like Bro. Carver's, "was terribly shaken." But from subsequent articles written by Bro. White on the same subject, I became convinced that I did not rightly understand his position. I am now satisfied that there is not half, nor indeed the smallest fraction, of fight in Bro. White that I at first supposed he sanctioned.

O let us trust, that by and by, We shall see plainly, eye to eye.

To conclude my article, and for the purpose of rebutting an idea that has been frequently advanced, I will remark that in my opinion whatsoever reasons, if any, may have existed in years or centuries gone by, for God's people to fight, such reasons, in the light of present truth, and in view of our faith in the soon coming of our Saviour—the establishment of his kingdom, and the consequent downfall of all earthly kingdoms—do not now exist. Formerly the Sabbath was trodden under foot; and doubtless many of God's chosen ones that were in the continual violation of his holy day before the light of present truth dawned upon the world, were held guiltless for the same. But another period has arrived, and the case is quite different now. The Lord has reserved special light for his people, to be revealed in these last days. The law of God, or ten commandments, is the standard which the Spirit of the Lord has already lifted up preparatory to the coming of the Redeemer to Zion. Isa. lix, 19, 20.

And while we have been enabled by the aid and light of this standard to be placed right in regard to the Sabbath, or fourth commandment, it seems to me that if we still cling to the standard, and receive the light specially designed for these last days, we shall be able to take a right position in regard to that other commandment which says, "Thou shalt not kill." The Lord help us all so to do.