The "Vision of a Poor Mortal."
By Editor
IN relation to the change of time in commencing the Sabbath, from six o'clock to sunset, which was adopted by S. D. Adventists nine years ago, we have expressly stated that the article which was published expressive of our change of views on that point, based on the authority of the word of God, was written before anything was shown in vision concerning it. Notwithstanding this, Eld. Himes informs his readers that the "difference was reconciled, not by the word of God, but a vision of a poor mortal like ourselves, and of no more authority than the visions of others." This strikes us as rather a singular way in which to speak of this subject, and hence we make a note of it. Should God choose to give a vision at the present day, for the benefit of his people, whom would he use, but a "poor mortal?" It is not usual we believe for angels to come down to have visions for our benefit; and indeed we can think of no vision that has been given to instruct the human family, except through some member of that family. Jeremiah, Daniel, and John, were all "poor mortals" like ourselves, and doubtless, the Jews could have retorted upon them with the same warmth, and in the same language that is used by Eld. H. The only question is, is the manifestation given by the Spirit of God? God has promised to give visions in the last days, and he has mentioned no other beings through whom to give them, except "poor mortals like ourselves." Therefore if we are to have visions at all, we must take them through these means. Does Eld. H. mean to be understood that every vision of a poor mortal now-a-days, originates from that mortal, or from some more knavish source? If so, the prophecy comes up for him to dispose of, that in the last days God's Spirit should be poured out, and as a consequence, visions be seen. But says he, the "vision of a poor mortal like ourselves," is "of no more authority than the visions of others." What may this mean? Who are the "others" referred to? We were not aware that visions were getting to be so plenty. And certainly it cannot be that reference is made so far back as to those poor mortals who were "abundant in revelations," at least between the years A. D. 31 and 96.(!) The only question is, as above stated, Is the manifestation given by the Spirit of God? If it is, it is puerile to quibble over the instrument. And if it is, moreover, it is of "authority." But how shall we test them? Answer. The word of God is the standard. "To the law and to the testimony." The Spirit and the word will in all ages agree. And when any gift appears, at the time specified in the word, and in the manner therein laid down, and agreeing in its matter with the word, on what ground shall we condemn it? We cheerfully invite an application of this test to the visions received among S. D. Adventists.