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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 12, 1863

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 21, No. 24.

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Explanation.

By Edwin Burnham

ONCE, in conversation with a brother, I used some language in regard to the law of God, in the heat of discussion, for which I afterward had to repent. The language was too strong, though my view was, I think, correct. I have learned that my words were afterward made public. Now I desire to set the matter right. I therefore remark, I regard the law, and ever have regarded it, as "holy, just, and good," in itself. As a law, it is perfect. But it seems to me when we seek to be justified by it, then it becomes a curse to us, and "weak." Am I not correct? I used to think our Sabbath-keeping brethren did seek to be justified by the law. I see now they disavow this. Very well. I submit to their confession. I think they honestly mean what they say. I have ever, for several years, concluded that the whole law was abolished, and the whole New Testament is our guide. This is the best light I can get. If this is not so, I would see the truth. I would delight to honor God in any and all ways that he proposes to us. I wait for him; but I must not follow my own will. What is the truth? says every true heart.
EDWIN BURNHAM.
REMARKS.—It may be that some persons, at the time referred to, taught the moral law in connection with the sealing in a manner to give the idea that they sought justification by it. But the Review, and our publications for the past fourteen years, must decide where Sabbath-keepers have looked for justification. We have ever held this one position, that by the moral law is the knowledge of sin, and by the gospel of Jesus Christ we learn the remedy. Hence we may "keep the commandments of God AND the faith of Jesus," and have not only the whole New Testament as our guide, but the moral law and prophets of the Old, also. Adventists cannot spare the prophets, neither should they the moral law. We are happy to send Bro. B. a package of publications in which our positions on the law, gospel, two laws, &c., are defined.—ED.