Is Truth Arbitrary? by H. A. St. John

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 28, 1865

Is Truth Arbitrary?

By H. A. St. John

We answer, yes. Nor do we think it necessary to offer any proof of the same, from the fact that it is universally admitted by all candid, thinking men. Whether it be the truths of God's word, or any other truths, their unyielding nature is at once conceded by all Christians. Yet how many professed Christians there are at the present time, who, by their words and actions, give us plainly to infer that truth is not very arbitrary after all, but is susceptible of being bent or moulded after their own liking. Who has not witnessed the excuses, evasions, and subterfuges, to which they will have recourse, for no other purpose than to evade the claims of God's law, and more particularly the fourth commandment?

They will admit that this precept is very plain and positive, that it certainly enjoins the observance of the seventh-day, as the day in which God rested, and afterward blessed and hallowed, and that in all the Book of God no repeal can be found. They will also concede, that there is no evidence that God has ever unsanctified the seventh-day, or placed His sanctity upon another day. Yet after admitting all this, the sheerest excuse, the most unwarrantable inferences, are accepted as sufficient grounds to justify them in disregarding God's holy law, which he spake in thunder tones, and wrote with his own finger. Can such belong to that class who take "The Bible and the Bible alone," as their rule of faith and practice? Do they in truth regard the Scriptures as able to thoroughly "furnish the man of God unto all good works?" Nay, verily! Their rule differs from that of the Papist, only in name. In substance, and in its workings, 'tis all the same. What will such answer, when the great Judge shall inquire, "Who hath required this at your hands?"

But the truth of God is arbitrary. No man may put off the Law of God, but at the peril of his soul. God's government cannot be overthrown. His law will be vindicated, those that make haste to do His commandments will be justified, transgressors will be destroyed, and in the kingdom of eternal glory, none but the righteous shall dwell. The duties that God enjoins upon us are kindly suited to our natures, for obedience to his precepts is the greatest happiness to ourselves. Oh, that God would inspire us with more love for his testimonies here, and ultimately bring us to the mansions of eternal felicity, in the paradise of God!

H. A. ST. JOHN.

Ransom Center, Mich.