Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Mar 8, 1906
A Message of Reconciliation
By Uriah Smith
URIAH SMITH
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us; we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. 2 Cor. 5:20.
Friend, if the Lord should come to you to-day, In His own person, from His throne in heaven, And at your door some earnest plea should lay, Would any heed to His request be given?
Should He the places show where spear and nail Pierced His dear form when on the cross for thee, The crown of thorns, the bruised face, wan and pale, The bloody terror of Gethsemane,
And say, “For thee I bore this heavy load; To cleanse thy sin came down to bleed and die; And will you now be reconciled to God?”— Could you that tender, pitying voice deny?
Couldst thou from that blest offer turn away, To be from sin made free, now so defiled? O wouldst thou not in deep contrition say, “Yea, Lord, I will to God be reconciled”?
But Christ is here—not seen by mortal eyes— In His ambassadors who bear His word; To you they bring a message from the skies, And plead with you in place of Christ the Lord.
As though Himself, God did beseech you now, To be no longer by your sin beguiled, As if Christ asked you to Himself to bow— Friend, will you not to God be reconciled?
Our Publishing Work
By Editor
The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it. Psalm 68:11.
See last paragraph on this page for instructions where to order.
Keep a supply of Signs, Religious Liberty, and Words of Truth leaflets on hand to pass out to neighbors, friends, or chance inquirers. Full lists of the various leaflets in each of these series, together with prices, will be found in our catalogue. Send for a copy, if you haven't one.
A vigorous campaign on “Christ’s Object Lessons” is soon to be entered upon by some of the conferences in the Atlantic Union. It is hoped that in every conference this special work for our educational institutions may be completed this year. A good work has already been done, but a strong, hearty pull is necessary to finish the various conference quotas.
The report of our Battle Creek Office for the year 1905 shows that the retail value of books sold in the Lake Union Conference was $30,911.84. Of this amount, $23,052.24 was subscription books, $1,975.75 trade books, $3,883.08 tracts, and the remainder was for relief books and miscellaneous sales. The retail value of all the publications shipped out from Battle Creek during the year was $103,830.81.
The new magazine, Liberty, will be appreciated by all readers of the Review. In some respects, it will assume the mission of the American Sentinel, modified to meet the demands of the present time, in the promulgation of the principles of religious liberty, and defense of the rights of conscience. It will be within the reach of all, as is revealed by the following very low rates: Single copy, per annum, including extras, 25 cents; single copy of regular issues, 5 cents; single copy of any extra, according to size; 5 or more copies per annum, different addresses, one order, 15 cents a copy; 10 or more copies a year, one address, one order, 15 cents a copy; 25 or more copies of one issue, one order, one address, 2½ cents a copy.
The following recipe for good manners we copy from “Talks with My Students,” by Frederick Griggs: “Oil of Common Sense, three drams; Essence of Good-will, two drams; Extract of the Rose of Sharon, four ounces; Tact, two drams; Heart’s Ease, three drams, and no scruples. All these put together, well mixed, and often used, will cure any case of ill manners.” For a number of years it has been the custom in the South Lancaster Academy for Prof. Frederick Griggs to use a portion of time at the morning chapel exercises in talking to the students upon some practical subject. In these talks the professor has endeavored to place before the young people principles essential to success in life. These talks have been reported and printed in a little volume entitled “Talks with My Students.” Every young person will find them very practical and beneficial. The book will be sent, post-paid, in cloth covers, for 40 cents; pamphlet, 25 cents.
The “Year-Book” for 1906, with official directories, and a brief historical summary for 1905, is now ready. Price, 25 cents.
Of our larger books, “Great Controversy” and “Desire of Ages” will undoubtedly be the ones which will be sold most extensively this season. Their importance certainly merits the attention of our best canvassing evangelists, and “Great Controversy” has, perhaps, exerted a greater influence in bringing people into the truth than any other one book.
A neat pamphlet of 152 pages is the “Proceedings of the Medical Missionary Convention,” just off the press. It contains a full report of the convention, together with some of the papers and Testimonies read. A nominal charge of 10 cents a copy is made for this pamphlet, and orders should be addressed to General Conference, Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C.
A German brother who has been selling books among the Germans in Pennsylvania has found large numbers of Poles, Hungarians, and Rumanians, and feeling a great burden for these people, is making special preparation to work among them. He expects to introduce “Steps to Christ” in these various languages, and hopes to use more than a thousand copies.
Our factory in Battle Creek has been busily filling orders for “Christ in Song,” and before this paper reaches its readers, all orders ought to have been filled. All our publishing houses and branches will again have a supply of this most excellent book. Its large sale in the past, and the continuous demand for it when for a time it was out of stock, testify to its popularity. It is undoubtedly the largest and best collection of good songs now on the market, and the prices are very low: Flexible cloth, 35 cents; board, 40 cents; cloth, 50 cents; half morocco, $1.
The secretary of the California Conference has been collecting statistics concerning the means which were chiefly instrumental in bringing individuals into the truth. Out of 1,080 replies received, it seems that 320, or nearly one third of this number, were largely influenced by some publication, while about two thirds of the number were directly or indirectly influenced by some publication. We doubt not that this average will hold good in many other conferences. If one out of every three persons who accepts the truth is directly influenced to do so by reading, what a mighty army of believers might be added if we had one hundred engaged in the circulation of our literature where now there is one.
Orders for any publication mentioned on this page may be sent to any conference tract society or to Review and Herald Publishing Association, Washington, D. C., or Battle Creek, Mich.Also Pacific Press Publishing Company, Mountain View, Cal.; Portland, Ore.; Kansas City, Mo.; Southern Publishing Association, Nashville, Tenn., and Fort Worth, Tex.
A Loud Voice
By Editor
Editorial
A Loud Voice
THE current history of the world is speaking with a loud voice. It testifies to the fulfilment of the prophecies concerning the very last days. It declares that the coming of the Lord is near, just as the appearance of leaves on the trees is the sure sign that summer is near. When we compare the general condition of things in the world now with the situation twenty-five years ago, we are impressed with the greatness of the change. What would have been repudiated then by all evangelical believers as rank infidelity is now commended as a most valuable result of scientific investigation. Business methods which then would have been rightly regarded as dishonest and unworthy of honorable men are now openly adopted as the principles of high finance. Corruption and bossism have become so general in politics that the papers and magazines are burdened with their exposure, and yet the muddy stream still flows on because the source is defiled. Social scandals have become so common that only the very worst cases, or those among “the best people,” attract any considerable attention. And with all the rest there is an intensity of evil, a satanic inspiration to repudiate all moral restraint and to multiply atrocious crimes, which seizes and overcomes those who have not made God their strength. These are the perilous times of which we have been warned, and they have a loud voice. And at this very time there should be another loud voice heard, the voice of the third angel, making clear the meaning of these troublous times, and sounding the message of warning throughout the whole world: “Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come. . . . Here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” The present situation calls for loyalty to God and his truth, and faithfulness in his service. Soon these loud voices will be hushed, and a hymn of praise will fill a new earth. He who raises his voice for God now may have the privilege of raising his voice to God then.
“Higher Criticism” Run Mad
THOSE scholars whose writings directly tend to lower the people’s regard for the Bible, and yet who are, strangely enough, called the “Higher Critics,” have seemed to vie with one another of late in their haste to repudiate those revealed truths which distinguish Christianity from a merely human philosophy. Each writer appears to crave the distinction of being considered more “liberal” in his views than any of his predecessors. The open expression of infidel sentiments by one who professes to accept Christianity is an easy way to gain a brief notoriety.
In view of the character of the teaching found in some recently published books, we wonder what doctrine of any importance the next sensation-seeker will find still left for him to reject. About the only remaining step to be taken is to denounce the whole Bible as a forgery, and all the leading persons of historical Christianity, including Jesus himself, as mythical beings — probably astral myths.
And yet there are so-called leaders of religious thought and publications of a wide influence ready to indorse the latest, and to us blasphemous, vagaries of these destroyers of the Christian faith. For example: in a recent issue of the Independent (New York) there is printed a review of a book entitled “The Prophet of Nazareth,” of which it is said that “the book will certainly find international recognition as an important contribution to the criticism of the Gospels, and indeed of the entire New Testament.”
In giving the conclusions of the author, Nathaniel Schmidt, concerning some commonly accepted teachings of the Gospels, the Independent says:— He rejects the miracles imputed to Jesus, except cases of exorcism, as legendary and unhistorical. He thinks that Jesus was the son of Joseph and Mary, born in ordinary wedlock. He holds that the Nazarene instituted no sacraments, claimed no special authority over the Sabbath or over the beliefs of his brother men, and no privilege beyond that of any man, even in the forgiveness of sin. He rejects the account of the triumphal entry, argues that Jesus was crucified by the Jews, not by the Romans, and treats the resurrection as an appendix.
In closing the review of this book, the Independent says:—
For those thoughtful men who have been led by a process they could not prevent to put aside the value of miracles as evidence to faith, there is now Professor Schmidt’s strong assertion of the fitness of Jesus unto spiritual leadership, and for this we can not be too grateful.
Thus after we have been asked to reject the combined testimony of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John concerning the life and work of Jesus, the Independent thinks that “we can not be too grateful” to Professor Schmidt for permitting us to believe on his authority that Jesus was a good spiritual leader. We prefer to reserve our gratitude for more worthy uses.
Another book which aims to destroy belief in the old-fashioned truths of Christianity has been written by a professor in the Chicago University. It is entitled “The Finality of the Christian Religion.” If the statements in the press concerning the teaching of this book can be relied upon, we must be near the finality of Christianity. “It denies the inspiration of the Bible; it shatters the belief in miracles; it ridicules the prophetic and revealed books; it says proof of the resurrection is lacking; it denies the truth of its historical basis.” If there is any other important doctrine which this critic does not deny, it must be because he overlooked it. When questioned by an interviewer concerning his belief in the personality of God, he said that “it seems advisable for most people to think of God in terms of personality.”
We refer to these two books that our readers may know to what lengths “Higher Criticism” has gone in its attempt to undermine faith in the Word of God. It is a good example of the foolishness of human reason when it assumes the judgment-seat, and decides upon the credibility of revealed truth.
How much more satisfying, both for time and for eternity, is the inspired assurance: “All scripture is given by inspiration4of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” We choose the Word of God rather than the opinions of men.
Reserve Forces for the Crisis
By William Ambrose Spicer
THE stir of the new life and animation that is rousing the believers in other parts is to be seen in Great Britain also. Especially in the last three years, since the field was organized and the two conferences and three missions set upon their way, the progress has been marked.
Last year the tithe of the northern conference increased by over a thousand dollars, while the South England Conference shows an increase of over two thousand.
In the London training college are over sixty young people studying hard, and most of them working like beavers to pay their way. The school is now represented in the field by sturdy and well-trained young people who are successful in their work, and are building up conference membership and resources. I find in this school the same earnest missionary interest that stirs the hearts of the youth in America.
Napoleon was a master of legions. He said that the secret of victory was to bring on the reserves at the crisis of the battle. The crisis in our holy conflict is just before us, and in our schools throughout the world, and in the ever-increasing numbers stepping into the ranks for service, we see the recruits, the reserve forces, that are to press in at the crisis for the winning of the final victory.
At the Caterham Sanitarium I met a fine company of workers, aiming at this same thing, the hastening on of the message of the Lord’s soon coming.
All the British enterprises are prospering, paying their way in operating, and more. For fifteen years there has been talk of a permanent headquarters for this great field. The General Conference in session has voted more than once encouraging the workers in Britain to go ahead and find the right place. Once it was thought it should be in London, and General Conference money was appropriated for it, thirty thousand dollars. But it was decided that the time was not ripe for the move, and it was feared that the midst of a great city would not be the best place for the headquarters. That was years ago. Now the instruction from the spirit of prophecy, and the experience of all departments of the work are, of course, against the city location.
In the meantime the work has been growing into strength, and all departments of the cause are represented. Just now the school has notice that it must give up the premises occupied. The food factory in Birmingham must also move. The printing-office could greatly profit itself in operating if in quarters where it could do more of its own work. It does no commercial work whatever, but can not begin to do even our own work. The Present Truth, with over twenty thousand weekly, the British Good Health, with over forty thousand monthly, and a steady output of smaller literature, crowds the capacity to the utmost, while profitable lines of book printing are put outside, and other houses make the profits.
Taking it all round, the time seems fairly ripe for settling upon some common headquarters in the country. The issue is forced to the front by the progress of the work and the conditions. And as if definitely to meet the situation, it seems that the British workers have found the very place. If they develop the proposition, which surely presents many features of distinct providence, this field itself will get sturdily under the main end of the burden, in fact, will shoulder nearly all of it. But they will need some help from the large body of believers in America.
In the evangelical work the British field could go on with no help from across the Atlantic, and their work would continue to grow and prosper. But we must remember that here we are years behind in getting into the territory. The United Kingdom has nearly half the population of the United States, crowded into these tight little islands. To meet the situation they have fewer believers and less resources than many single American conferences. It is on this account that American conferences must stand by with men and means.
One may go over it dozens of times—the route from North England through the midlands to London—and he must each time be stirred by the sense of the great populations in the industrial centers of England. Vast and busy towns are seen, separated from one another by only thirty minutes or so by rail. It is a beehive of life and activity.
The country site the brethren have been looking at is near Birmingham, just in the edge of the populous industrial region that stretches from Birmingham right up to the northern border. While London is the commercial center, and the heart of the great empire, the industrial regions of northern England are really the center of the United Kingdom. The truth seems to make more rapid progress in these manufacturing districts. It will not be against the work, it is well believed, to place our country institutional center to the northward. It is a saying in England that what Lancashire thinks to-day, all England thinks to-morrow. This cause in Great Britain has grown so that placing the headquarters a few miles north or south will not put it out of close touch with the workers and believers.
Yes, the work is moving on in the United Kingdom, as never before. They are planning now to raise a special fund for opening a mission in British East Africa, following the lead of the German Union Conference, which is opening German East Africa. Great Britain, in a little from now, will be a strong factor in supplying workers and means for the outlying parts of the British empire.
The reserves are gathering in Europe for the crisis in this closing conflict. We met Elder Conradi in the London councils, and still he brings most encouraging words from the Continent. The storm-clouds are gathering over the nations. History is being rapidly made, and every tendency bears witness to fulfilling prophecy, and proclaims to us that the world is rapidly gathering its forces for the final crisis. At the same time the Lord is stirring the hearts of the believers, the ranks are being sifted, and all things are preparing for the last crisis in our work. We have talked about it for years. It is now breaking upon us, and, thank God, his word never fails, and his providences lead straight on toward victory. It seems as if every experience that comes to the work in these fields, however it may seem for the moment to tend to delay or discourage, turns only to the advancement of the message.
I hope Elder Conradi will soon write out some of their experiences with legal restrictions in the matter of anti-Catholic literature in Germany. Now is the time to help our brethren in Europe in every way possible to work the great Catholic fields. Well may we be of good courage, for this third angel’s message is winning everywhere. Let us invest ourselves and our all in it just now.
W. A. S.
London.
Study a Personality
By L. A. S.
The Christian is exhorted to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 3:18. The expression is sometimes quoted, “Grow in grace and in the knowledge of the truth,” but truth, apart from Jesus Christ, is of no value in the Christian life. It is not saving truth. Jesus says: “I am the way, the truth.”
We should get the point clearly fixed in our minds that divine truth is to be learned through the study of a personality. We do not study truth to learn about the personality, but we study the personality to comprehend the truth. We5do not study nature to find out about God, but we study the revelation of God to understand the real significance of what we see in nature. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.” But studying the heavens to learn about God, apart from the revelation God has given of himself in his Word, led men to become worshipers of the sun and moon, and to liken God to objects seen in nature. Our study is God himself, through the revelation given in the person of Jesus Christ. To know the truth, we must see it “as it is in Jesus.”
L. A. S.
A Statement of Facts Concerning Our Present Situation—No. 5
By Arthur G. Daniells
The basic principles of true temperance reform, healthful living, and the use of natural remedies and rational methods in treating disease, are a part of the great threefold message of Revelation 14. “Obedience to the commandments of God” includes obedience to the laws of life and health. A preparation for translation at the coming of Christ relates to the body as well as to the soul.
As it was this threefold message of Revelation 14 that brought Seventh-day Adventists into existence, it is but natural that the true principles relating to life and health should hold a prominent place in the views and work of the denomination. It is but natural, too, that these principles should have been discerned and emphasized by the pioneers at an early date in the history of our cause.
It is gratifying, therefore, to know that the first Seventh-day Adventist, Joseph Bates, was an ardent and prominent temperance and health reformer. And it is assuring to know that at a very early period in the development of this work, the principles relating to health and the treatment of disease were revealed by the spirit of prophecy to the Lord’s messenger. This revelation removes, to a large extent, ground for doubts and differences regarding these important principles which call for self-denial and self-control. The essential features of all that we have to-day in what we call medical missionary work, were understood and accepted by the leaders of this cause in the first few years of its history. As there were then no doctors, ministers took the burden of this work. They advocated the principles by voice and pen. They prepared and circulated health literature. As soon as a physician could be secured, they started a sanitarium, and began to encourage and assist young men to secure a medical education. Thus our medical work was begun. The physicians, developed from among our own young people, gave this work a wonderful impetus.
With the development of the health and medical missionary work there arose also the unfortunate trouble between the evangelical and medical workers that has so sadly marred our cause. In the first article of this series three primary causes of this trouble were given, one of which was this: a failure on the part of ministers and people to appreciate, put in practise, and make known to others as they should, the truth God has given us regarding health reform and the treatment of disease. This, however, is not true of all; but it has been true of some from the first, and of many at times. Very early in our history reproofs on this point began coming to the church through the spirit of prophecy. The following quotation is from a Testimony written in 1865:—
In the vision given me in Rochester, N. Y., Dec. 25, 1865, I was shown that our Sabbath-keeping people have been negligent in acting upon the light which God has given in regard to the health reform; that there is yet a great work before us; and that, as a people, we have been too backward to follow in God’s opening providence, as he has chosen to lead us.
I was shown that the work of health reform has scarcely been entered upon yet. While some feel deeply, and act out their faith in the work, others remain indifferent, and have scarcely taken the first step in reform. . . . The health reform, I was shown, is a part of the third angel’s message, and is just as closely connected with it as are the arm and hand with the human body. I saw that we as a people must make an advance move in this great work.—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. I, page 485.
That clear, pointed message of warning has been repeated many times, giving the reasons why this phase of the message has been neglected, the results of that neglect, and what might have been if all had made the use of that part of the truth they should. Note the following:—
Why do some of our ministering brethren manifest so little interest in health reform?—It is because instruction on temperance in all things is opposed to their practise of self-indulgence. In some places this has been the great stumbling-block in the way of our bringing the people to investigate and practise and teach health reform. No man should be set apart as a teacher of the people while his own teaching or example contradicts the testimony God has given his servants to bear in regard to diet, for this will bring confusion. His disregard of health reform unfits him to stand as the Lord’s messenger.—Ibid., Vol. VI, page 378.
The following is full of meaning, and should appeal to every believer:
The Lord has given his people a message in regard to health reform. This light has been shining upon their pathway for thirty years. . . . Can he be pleased, when half the workers laboring in a place teach that the principles of health reform are as closely allied to the6third angel’s message as the arm is to the body, to have their coworkers, by their practise, teach principles that are entirely opposite? Testimony after Testimony has been given which should have brought about great reforms. . . . The light which God has given upon health reform can not be trifled with without injury to those who attempt it; and no man can hope to succeed in the work of God while, by precept and example, he acts in opposition to the light which God has sent.—“Healthful Living,” page 32.
One of the results of either indifference or opposition to health reform is given as follows:—
The work of educating in medical missionary lines is an advance step of great importance in awakening man to his moral responsibilities. Had the ministers taken hold of this work in its various departments in accordance with the light which God has given, there would have been a most decided reformation in eating, drinking, and dressing. But some have stood directly in the way of the advance of health reform. They have held the people back by their indifferent or condemnatory remarks, or by pleasantries and jokes. They themselves and a large number of others have been sufferers unto death, but all have not yet learned wisdom.—“Testimonies for the Church,” Vol. VI, page 377.
It is not difficult to see that differences of a serious nature might arise between a body of physicians and nurses who were enthusiastic in behalf of health principles, and a body of ministers who were either indifferent or opposed to them. A lack of confidence would be created, then criticism would be made, counter charges would follow, and finally a pulling apart and a gradual separating of forces.
There has certainly been little if any excuse for either the ministers or the people of this denomination to give occasion for serious differences to come between them and the medical workers. The principles themselves have been plain, and the instruction pointed enough to guide all aright. In one of the earliest Testimonies, the following statement is made:—
One important part of the work of the ministry is to faithfully present to the people the health reform, as it stands connected with the third angel’s message, as a part and parcel of the same work. They should not fail to adopt it themselves, and should urge it upon all who profess to believe the truth.—Ibid., Vol. I, page 469.
In later years much good instruction has been given as to the part the church should take in this phase of our message. This should be looked up and read with care. Here are a few statements:—
In order to be carried forward aright, the medical missionary work needs talent. It requires strong, willing hands, and wise, discriminating management. But can this be while those in responsible places—presidents of conferences and ministers—bar the way? The Lord says to the presidents of conferences and to other influential brethren, “Remove the stumbling-blocks that have been placed before the people.”—Ibid., Vol. VIII, page 71.
Not only should ministers walk in the light of health reform and teach it to others, but the churches should do the same:—
The medical missionary work should be a part of the work of every church in our land.—Ibid., Vol. VI, page 289.
We have come to a time when every member of the church should take hold of medical missionary work. . . . Let our people show that they have a living interest in medical missionary work. Let them prepare themselves for usefulness by studying the books that have been written for our instruction in these lines.
. . . Those who study and practise these principles will be greatly blessed, both physically and spiritually. An understanding of the philosophy of health will be a safeguard against many of the evils that are continually increasing.—Ibid., Vol. VII, pages 62, 63.
Thus it is plain that the neglect of ministers and people has been one of the leading causes of the trouble we are now in. However this conflict may terminate, the only course for this denomination to pursue is to heed the light and instruction it has received. This we must do, and, by the grace of God, this we will do. A. G. DANIELLS.
Some Important Evidence Examined
We continue the consideration of the perpetuity of the law of God by quoting further from an article by Elder J. N. Andrews upon this subject. The extract here presented deals chiefly with the third chapter of Second Corinthians, a portion of scripture which is persistently used as proof that the ten commandments are “done away.” Elder Andrews treated this question as follows:—
2 Corinthians 3. The testimony of this chapter has an important bearing on the subject. As those who teach the abrogation of God’s law regard it as their most important evidence, we will briefly state and examine their position. It is as follows: “1. The law of God written on tables of stone constituted the first covenant. 2. This covenant is here called ‘the ministration of death’ or ‘ministration of condemnation,’ and is abolished or done away in Christ. Verses 7, 13, 14. 3. The abrogation of this covenant annulled the law of God.”
To the first point we answer that a covenant is a mutual agreement between two parties; or, according to its second definition, it is writing containing the terms of agreement. (Noah Webster.) The first covenant, according to the first definition of the word, may be read in Exodus 19. The proposition on the part of God stands thus: “If ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people.” Verses 3-7. The answer of the people is as follows: “And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken. we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord.” Verse 8. This completed the mutual agreement. Its stipulation was obedience on the part of the people. Then follows what may, according to the second definition of the word, be called the covenant, namely, the ten commandments as the terms of the mutual agreement already entered into. The covenant, or mutual agreement is one thing, the terms of that agreement, though closely connected with it, are quite another. We say, then, that the first covenant was, strictly speaking, the mutual agreement entered into by God and his people, the ten commandments being its terms of agreement. Mark this.
To the second point we answer that the word “ministration” signifies “the act of performing service,” or “service” itself; consequently it is not the words “written and engraven in stones” to which the apostle refers, but to “the ministration” or service of those words. (Please note the use of the word where it occurs, as in Luke 1:23; Acts 6:1; 2 Cor. 9:13.) The careful reading of this chapter shows that its subject is a comparison of the ministrations of the two covenants. A full account of the ministrations of the first and second covenants may be read in Hebrews 7, 8, 9, 10. The Levitical priesthood with its ordinances of divine service, performed the ministration of the first covenant. The “more excellent ministry” of Christ, including all its branches, fulfils the ministration of the second. And it is a fact of much importance that the ark of God’s testament is found in the heavenly tabernacle, where Christ is ministering (Rev. 11:19), as well as in the earthly tabernacle; that it is clear that the tables of the testament are still the foundation of the divine government. Then the law of God given to Israel as the basis of the first covenant, is clearly shown to be distinct from its “ministration” as given in “the handwriting of ordinances.” As the services of the first covenant meet that antitype in Christ’s ministration, how natural the language that the ministration of condemnation had no glory by reason of the glory that excelleth, the glory of the shadow being swallowed up in that of the substance. Then it is clear that the veil which is on the children of Israel, denotes the typical service or ministration of condemnation, which was abolished or done away in Christ. If you say that it is God’s law which was abolished or done away in Christ, then you teach that Christ destroyed the law. See Matt. 5:17-19. Deny this, who can.
To the third part, we answer that the first covenant ceased because its conditions were not kept. We have already shown that the law of God was given to Israel, as the conditions of the covenant between God and his people. The terms of agreement having been broken, the covenant based on them must of necessity cease. But to teach that the abrogation of the covenant annulled the law of God also, would in reality be saying that God abolished his law because men would transgress it! Our opponents teach that the law of God is abolished, and that those precepts which are not re-enacted in the New Testament are not binding on us. The force of this blow is aimed at the Sabbath, but if carried out, its effect would be to overturn the whole law of God. “The law,” say they, “was abolished at Christ’s death.” . . . Now if God abolished his law at Christ’s death, how could he afterward write it in the hearts and minds of his people according to the promise, as given in Heb. 8:10? How could this be done unless he first re-enacted it? And we challenge you to show that God has ever abolished a law, and then re-enacted it. The word of God is not yea and nay after this manner. . . . Do you say that it is the law of the New Testament, or law of grace, which God writes on the hearts of his people? We answer that you can not show the existence of such a law, distinct from the precepts of the decalogue. Besides,7if the precepts of the decalogue are abolished, even its principles can not now exist without a re-enactment. If you could carry out this sentiment, you would show that the ten commandments are all abolished; hence the law of God is destroyed; hence, also, the moral government is destroyed, and men are left without prohibition against any species of wickedness. Do you say that God abolished this law, and then re-enacted all its precepts save the Sabbath commandment? We answer that such an unwillingness on your part to submit to the law of God, shows that you possess “the carnal mind,” which is “enmity against God,” WHICH “IS NOT SUBJECT TO THE LAW OF GOD, neither indeed can be.” Jesus has said that NOT ONE JOT OR TITTLE SHALL PASS FROM THE LAW till all be fulfilled; but you, to avoid the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, teach us that that commandment has been struck out of the law. Such, then, is your absurd and dangerous position. Will you still cling to it?
We invite the attention of the candid reader to “a more excellent way.” We have shown the existence of God’s law from the beginning, and that its observance constituted the conditions, or terms of agreement, on which the first covenant was based. The first covenant ceased because its conditions were not kept. Heb. 8:9. But the dissolution of this covenant could not abolish “the royal law” which had existed from the beginning; hence we believe that the law of God did not cease with the first covenant, but that it continued in full force, ready to be written by the Spirit in the hearts of God’s people. See the promise in Jer. 31:33; Heb. 8:10. There is therefore no such absurdity in our faith, as in that of our opponents, who would have us believe that God abolished his law, and at the same moment re-enacted a part of its precepts. Our faith may be expressed in a single sentence: GOD’S LAW COVERS ALL TIME, and under all dispensations it stands out, before men as the rule of their lives and the sum of their duty to God.
