The Hope of Israel by Editor

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 27, 1864

"The Hope of Israel."

By Editor

SUCH is the title of a paper issued very irregularly once in two weeks in Van Buren Co., Mich. This sheet has now reached its 18th number; and as quite an effort is being made to circulate it, east and west, and it may be brought to the attention of some who would be taken unawares by this movement, it becomes necessary that we say a word concerning it, to save the honest from deception. To be forewarned is to be forearmed; and we should be recreant to duty did we not put the honest on their guard against every movement which we perceive to be based in hypocrisy, and calculated to mislead and deceive. But we do not propose to enter into any war with this sheet, nor to indulge in any spirit of railery against it, but only to state a few facts which will serve to show to those who wish to walk in the light, the character and object of this movement.

When any new enterprise is started, like the issuing of a new paper, it always has in view some definite object; and more generally it is claimed that some new advancement in truth, or some new development of light, which others have not got, and will not receive, demands its publication. We have therefore been watching somewhat closely, to see what reason would be assigned by the publishers of the Hope for their movement. These persons profess to be Sabbath-keepers and Adventists. What, then, do they have which they could not have with the regular body of S. D. Adventists? and what is accomplished by their paper that is not by the Review?

Only two peculiarities have we been able to perceive in their paper. The first is, a wonderful jargon in the sentiments of the writers; and second, a wonderful harmony and bitterness in opposing the visions of sister White. And this is their bond of union; for it seems to be the only point on which there is union among them. It is negative, not positive. S. D. Adventists already have too much for them, or more than they can endure; hence their movement is not an advance to some new truth which we have not reached, but a receding from something that we already possess.

But these persons, some of them, profess to believe in the gifts of the Spirit. A portion of the writers strenuously exhort their readers to "come behind in NO gift" (the emphasis is theirs); while others as strenuously denounce all gifts of these days as emanating from the Devil. A question here arises as follows: With those of them who believe that the gifts of the Spirit are to be manifested in the church in these days, what is the trouble with sister White's visions? Oh, they are not the right kind of manifestations! They condemn some of their cherished notions or habits, to which, with them, everything must yield.

To illustrate: The prime mover in this work was formerly in sympathy with the body of S. D. Adventists. He professed faith in the visions, so far as we knew. He wanted to preach the message. Through vision it was shown, in substance, that until he could overcome his appetite for tobacco, and rule his own house, he had no duty to go forth as an example of purity to lead people to the truth, and to take a ruling position in the church of Christ. His subsequent course has shown that two determinations were paramount with him; the first was that he would use tobacco, and the second was, that he would preach. There was therefore no alternative left him but to bolt against the visions, which he accordingly did. Under the promptings of that spirit he inaugurated the movement which has resulted in the publication of "The Hope (?) of Israel," as above stated. Other tobacco spirits, we speak from information, not being personally acquainted with them, have joined in, and disaffected Sabbath-keepers are being picked up, east and west, and so the work moves on. Among the appointments of their last issue, we notice a conference to be held by them in Portland, Me., Nov. 3, next.

What is especially to be deplored in this matter is, that a person unacquainted with the two classes of Sabbath-keepers, would not be able to distinguish between them; inasmuch as this faction keep the Sabbath, practise the washing of feet, and profess the Advent faith; hence, whatever follies and fanaticism they may possess or exhibit, will fall, in the eyes of those who might otherwise perhaps be favorably impressed with the truth, as a stigma upon the whole body. They give themselves the imposing title of "God's free commandment keepers!" Free to do what? Free to reject the visions and use tobacco, is all the freedom we are aware of, that is peculiar to them. No gift can be developed among them which does not accord with their own feelings and views; for whatever does not do this, will be as speedily and fiercely rejected as the visions of sister White. But a gift to be of any benefit to us, should be something which would correct us, not something which we are to correct by our own already established habits and pre-conceived notions.

Many of our readers will be reminded by this statement of the so-called "Messenger party," which ran its brief and ignominious race about nine years ago. That movement like this, was based in, and supported by, opposition to the visions of sister White. That work was speedily brought to naught, under God's signal disapprobation. Those who were engaged in it, with the exception of a few who have returned either partially or fully to their first love, have given up the Sabbath and made utter shipwreck of their faith. We are astonished, therefore, to see the names of any who had in any degree recovered from the errors of the former movement, associated as leaders, elders, or abettors, in this. All we can say is, If they have learned nothing by their past experience, let them go on till they do.

Meanwhile, brethren and sisters, let us be awake to the increasing perils of the last days that are upon us. The elements of opposition in all departments are at work. Let us earnestly seek a deeper work of consecration to God, and cleave fast to the great principles of present truth, which are to bring out a peculiar people, sanctify them, as they render obedience to it, and prepare them for translation at the coming of the Saviour.