According to appointment we met with the brethren in Conference at Koskonong, Wis., May 26-28. A goodly number of brethren came in from the region round about; some thirty miles. The Meeting was one of interest, and we trust much profit. We were happy to meet Brn. Phelps and Waggoner at this place. They have labored extremely hard in the cause; have traveled many hundred miles on foot to get the truth before the people, and the Lord has blessed their labors, and raised up many friends of the cause. We hope these dear brethren will be fully sustained in their arduous toils, and be free to devote their whole time to the work of the Lord. We sold about $75.00 worth of publications at this place.
The subject of publications was taken up at this Meeting, and the importance of giving our publications a wide circulation was felt by the brethren. We stated that it was not possible for us to publish Tracts and send them out into different States, one hundred dollars in a place, and wait till they were sold for the pay, for this reason: we have not the capital to do it with. But if the brethren in Wisconsin would raise a small fund, and put it into the hands of an Agent, who could send the pay with the order for publications, we could furnish common Tracts and Pamphlets, neatly printed on good paper, at the rate of 2000 pages for $1.00, and would pay one half of the freight bill on the books from Rochester to Wisconsin.
It was thought necessary to raise about $150.00 in that part of the State. It was stated that several individuals could put into this fund $20.00 each, and that some small Churches who have but little of this world's goods, could put in the sum of $20.00 with ease, and in this way the fund could be raised at once. This fund is to be kept good by the sale of books. Bro. E. S. Sheffield of Koskonong, was then chosen Agent, and a becoming zeal was manifested by the brethren to have this small fund raised as soon as possible. Those in that part of the State who wish to place a portion of their Lord's money where it can benefit the cause of truth, will please inform Bro. Sheffield immediately how much they wish to put into the fund.
June 2-4, we met with the brethren in Conference at Rosendale, Wis. Here we formed a happy acquaintance with several brethren who have given themselves up to the work of preaching the present truth, and with many other brethren and sisters. This was a meeting of some labor, especially on the Sabbath, and we hope the plain truth spoken in regard to the life, dress, &c., corresponding with the profession, will be heeded by all who heard. First-day about 600 assembled in a beautiful grove, who listened with great attention. The word of the Lord had free course. We spoke two hours in the forenoon on the Sabbath question; then after an intermission of forty-five minutes, Bro. Stephenson spoke more than two hours on the subject of the Two-Horned Beast, of Rev. xiii; and no one seemed to think of their hard plank seats without backs: they would have listened one hour longer with pleasure.
In the evening the brethren met to take into consideration the subject of obtaining publications, and they were all agreed in the plan adopted at Koskonong; and Bro. T. R. Sheldon of Rosendale was chosen Agent for that part of the State. At this Conference also we sold about $75.00 worth of publications.
There is an ear to hear in the West, and a great call for publications. We are now publishing a Pamphlet on the law of God, written by Bro. J. H. Waggoner; and other brethren in Wisconsin design to prepare works for the press soon. The cause in Wisconsin is onward. May the Lord bless his dear servants in that part of the field with health, courage and grace to go forward with the message, and save many souls from ruin. They have had many discouragements to contend with; but now the way opens before them. H. S. Case, and some others who first visited the State, moved in a manner calculated to prejudice the people against the truth. But this is nearly overcome by the judicious labors of Brn. Waggoner, Phelps, Stephenson and Hall. We think the whole Church will co-operate with these brethren, that they may go out into the wide harvest, free from embarrassments.
It was indeed painful to part with those dear brethren; and we shall never forget the spot where we turned in from the highway, as we were about to part, and beneath the shady oak, bowed in prayer with Brn. Waggoner, Stephenson and Hall. There we wept together and took the parting hand. But all this was mingled with that joy which the blessed hope gives, that we should soon meet again, when our work should be finished, and in the saints' rest share together the reward of the faithful. O blessed hope!
It was not consistent with other duties to attend the Conference at Battle Creek, so we spent the next Sabbath at Rosendale, and at the close of the afternoon meeting several young persons manifested their desire for salvation. We hope they will follow on to know the Lord by happy experience.
We had a great desire to be at the Battle Creek meeting, and to speak to the people in the Tent at least once before our return home. And when we arrived at Battle Creek we were happy to learn that the brethren had a cheering meeting, and that the Tent was on the way to Grand Rapids to our last appointment. On Sixth-day the brethren pitched it on a vacant lot in the city. We were much pleased with its appearance from without, and when we entered it to engage in the solemn worship of God, we felt that the Lord was indeed with us. We are perfectly satisfied that the brethren have moved none too fast in obtaining the Tent for this season. On First-day, probably about 500 came out to hear, and if the brethren could have remained another week the congregation doubtless would have increased to thousands. The people listened with great interest, and when publications were offered, crowded forward to obtain them. The way seems to be fully open to spread the truth, and it is evident that the brethren have been too fearful, and have not kept pace with opening Providence. The cause in Michigan never was as prosperous as at the present. There is union of sentiment, feeling and action, among the brethren; and preaching brethren now enter the field with hope of success, such as they could not have before the subject of Church Order was introduced among us, and while some rash, fanatical spirits were connected with the cause, who now have no connection with it. The brethren labored faithfully to reform them, but as they would not receive reproof and instruction, the Church now feels greatly relieved that they have left, and shown to all by their malicious course that they are not of the body.
We reached home the 23d, in good health and spirits, and were happy to meet again the faithful ones connected with the Office and family the church in the city, and many dear brethren who had come to attend the Conference.
THE ADVENT HARBINGER
By Editor
STILL continues its unrighteous course of publishing misrepresentations of those who teach and observe the fourth commandment. It not only publishes the faults of erring ones among us, greatly exaggerated, but it contains statements unfavorable to Sabbath-keepers which are utterly false. We have frequently corrected these misstatements found in the Harbinger; yet Eld. Marsh, the Editor, continues the same unchristian course. We cannot longer hope that he will do us justice, judging from the past.
"The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ." Rev. xii, 17. Here are two classes: one is imbued with the spirit of the dragon, making war on those who keep the commandments of God; the other class are the commandment-keepers. To which of these classes the Editor of the Harbinger, and several of his Correspondents belong we leave the reader to judge.
As we have often referred to the injustice of the Harbinger, we shall not at this time burden our readers with lengthy remarks upon this unpleasant subject, but will notice several recent thrusts at the commandment-keepers by several of its Correspondents.
In the Harbinger for June 3d, A. N. Seymour makes several false statements and misrepresentations under the head, "The Shut Door Sabbatarians." We will first remark that Mr. Seymour and the Editor of the Harbinger, both know that they do injustice to that body of Advent believers who observe the fourth commandment, in applying to them the name of "Shut Door Sabbatarians." This is one means of representing Sabbath-keepers in a wrong light. From this, the uninformed would receive the173idea that we believed that what is called the "Door of mercy" is closed, when we believe no such thing. It is true that in 1850 we published statements of Wm. Miller, J. B. Cook, Joseph Marsh and others in which they gave it as their opinion that the door was shut, and that the harvest of the earth was ripe; but nothing of the kind can be found in any of our publications for the last two years. And more, we have repeatedly corrected and reproved the Harbinger for misrepresenting us in this manner.
But Mr. Seymour goes on to prove that Sabbath-keepers make a test of Mrs. White's visions. It appears that he has had an interview with C. P. Russel of Jackson, who has been set aside by the Sabbath-keeping church there as unworthy of their fellowship, and has taken his statements to enrich the columns of the Harbinger! We would here state that through the influence of H. S. Case C. P. Russel and some others, the church at Jackson have in time past made some fanatical moves, and continued in a state of trial up to the time of our visit with them one year since. These two men had succeeded in dividing the church so that they then held no public meetings. It is true that Mrs. White had a vision in Jackson one year since, and bore testimony to what she saw of the unchristian course of Case and Russel. But the vision was not made a test of fellowship. These men were disfellowshipped on account of their unchristian conduct. And when Russel's case was brought before the church some weeks after, and the vote was taken to withdraw fellowship from him, he then stated like the following: "Then I shall understand that I am cut off from the church because I do not believe the visions."
Bro. S. T. Cranston then arose and corrected him, and stated that fellowship was withdrawn from him because of his unchristian walk. That some of the brethren in Mich. have moved rather fast in some cases in their zeal to establish Church Order, is evident, but not with Case and Russel. Their injudicious movements and fanaticism was a cause of reproach, and although the brethren mourn that they could not reform them, yet they thank God that the cause is free from their baneful influence.
To show in what light Mrs. White's views are held by those who are acquainted with them, we give the following from "Experience and Views," page 64:—
"I recommend to you, dear reader, the word of God as the rule of your faith and practice. By that Word we are to be judged. God has, in that Word, promised to give visions in the 'LAST DAYS;' not for a new rule of faith, but for the comfort of his people, and to correct those who err from Bible truth."
Mr. S. then speaks of a great re-action, and states, "such an explosion is beyond my ability to describe." It is true that brethren have labored faithfully to establish Church Order in Michigan the past Winter, and have suffered some severe trials from a few disorderly spirits; but being free from them, the Church in Michigan are enjoying union and prosperity such as they have never before witnessed.
What an "explosion!" Why, "some ten stand aloof watching the movements!" Numbers are continually added to the church. Our congregations were generally twice as large as they were one year since, and the cause is going ahead in Michigan. These facts encouraged the brethren to obtain their Tent.
Mr S. further states, "It is no great wonder to me that Mr. White calls for $3,000 at the present crisis." We have not called for $3,000. We did say in Vol. V., No. 11:—"We are publishing a series of Tracts, standard works, which will cost about $2,000. In order to go forward with the work, and to meet all our other expenses, we should receive about $1,000 on the REVIEW the present month." So it is $1,000 instead of $3,000, and the reason given why the friends of the cause should pay in advance for the REVIEW, was that we might have means to publish the series of Tracts. Would not Peter call this man "a busy-body in other men's matters?" It seems hard work for him to tell the truth any way. In his present feverish state we would cite him to the good advice of the Apostle:—
"And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business." 1 Thess. iv, 11. Others of Mr. S.'s false statements and slanders are too mean to be noticed. We leave him and the Editor to enjoy all the honor they may receive from pursuing such a contemptible course.
The Harbinger for June 10th, contains an article from Mrs. Seymour on the "Cleansing of the Sanctuary," and in that article she professes to quote from the 24th page of Mrs. White's Tract, "Experience and Views." But she changed, to suit her unrighteous purposes, most of the sentences she quoted from the Tract!!! We would recommend the Supplement to Experience and Views to all who have read the first work, as it contains some important explanations. Please compare them with Mrs. S.'s quotations!!!
She then states, speaking of Sabbath-keepers, "They have ceased preaching repentance, saying it is too late! They have stifled their sympathies for the impenitent, and have virtually said, Sinner, you cannot turn to God and live," &c. Now all this is entirely false. Those who have read our publications, especially for the past two years, and have known any thing of the labors of the brethren in the Sabbath cause, know that Mrs. S. has penned untruths, and that the Harbinger has published the same. Mrs. S. and the Editor of the Harbinger profess to know much concerning Sabbath-keepers, and if they know as much about them as they profess to, they know that the above statements from Mrs. S.'s pen are downright falsehoods.
It is true that Case, Russel and some others took exclusive views relative to the shut door, and for a while manifested a rash spirit; but such errors have been fully corrected, and Brn. Cornell, Cranston, Frisbie, Fitch and others have been preaching to the sinner repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, in Michigan, from the time they commenced to speak in vindication of the Sabbath, and many sinners have been converted to God as the result.
The Sabbath.
By Editor
ALMOST every man throughout Christendom will argue the necessity of the weekly Sabbath; that man's physical, mental and spiritual wants require it. But as strange as it may appear, among them may be found many who take the position that the Sabbath is abolished, and that in the dispensation of the gospel there is none.
But if man so much needs the Sabbath, why should he be left without it in the gospel dispensation? There are no good reasons why he should not have all the blessings of the Sabbath. Christ declared that "The Sabbath was made for man." How absurd, the doctrine that the blessed gospel of the Son of God has taken away from man some of his greatest benefits! Man's physical, and spiritual wants require the weekly Sabbath; but no Sabbath men contend that the gospel takes it away from him, and makes all seven days of the week alike!!
It is well known that the Advent Harbinger (now Prophetic Expositor) has for years taken the infidel ground that there is no Sabbath, also, that its columns have been open to false and slanderous reports relative to those who teach the Sabbath. But in the number of that paper for June 24, 1854, we find the following:—
REST OF THE SABBATH.—The North British Review illustrates the importance of sufficient sleep on a parallel with the natural history of the Sabbath. "The Creator has given us a natural restorative, sleep; and a moral restorative, Sabbath keeping; and it is ruin to dispense with either. Under the pressure of high excitement, individuals have passed weeks together with little sleep or none; but when the process is long continued, the over-driven powers rebel, and fever, delirium, and death come on. Nor can the natural amount be systematically curtailed without corresponding mischief. The Sabbath does not arrive like sleep. The day of rest does not steel over us like the hour of slumber. It does not entrance us almost whether we will or not; but, addressing us as intelligent beings, our Creator assures us that we need it, and bids us notice in return, and court its renovation. And if, going in the face of the Creator's kindness, we force ourselves to work all days alike, it is not long till we pay the forfeit. The mental worker—the man of business, or the man of letters—finds his ideas coming turbid and slow; the equipoise of his faculties is upset, he grows moody, fretful and capricious, and with his mental elasticity broken, should any disaster occur, he subsides into habitual melancholy, or in self-destruction speeds his guilty exit from a gloomy world. And the manual worker—the artisan, the engineer, by toiling on from day to day, and week to week, the bright intuition of his eyes gets blunted; and, forgetful of their cunning, his fingers no longer perform their feats of twinkling agility, nor by a plastic touch, mould dead matter, or wield mechanic power; but mingling his life's blood in his daily drudgery, his locks are prematurely gray, his genial humor sours, and slaving it till he has become a morose or reckless man, for an extra effort, or any blink of balmy feelings, he must stand indebted to opium or alcohol."
Rochester Conference.
By John Nevins Andrews; Uriah Smith
THIS meeting was held as appointed, the 23d—26th ult. A good number of brethren from different parts were present; and zeal and courage in the cause of truth was manifested by all. Sixth-day afternoon and evening was occupied in social meetings. The reports brought in from various portions of the field were interesting and encouraging. Especially cheering was the account of the prosperity of the cause in the West; of the power and spread of the message; of the interest manifested by the people to hear the evidences of our faith, and the openings in all directions, which are calling urgently for more laborers to go forth into the field, and labor for the spread of truth. The same is the case in Northern Pennsylvania. Discourses on subjects of present truth were delivered on Sabbath and First-day, by several of the brethren. The word was spoken with freedom.
On Second-day, several matters of business came before the meeting. The subject of the ADVENT REVIEW was taken into consideration. The disadvantages of the course pursued at present in its publication, were brought up; namely, the large number who now receive it without aiding in its publication, and the consequent burden which falls on the liberal friends of the cause who make up its wants by donations. It was therefore proposed that the REVIEW be put at one dollar a year in advance, and that all except the worthy poor, pay that sum. It was thought that at this reduced price, the subscription list might be immediately enlarged and the wants of the paper thereby made up, and thus the burden which now falls on a few devoted friends of truth be materially lessened. After due consideration on this subject, it was the unanimous voice of the conference that this course be pursued in future.
According to the wishes of Brn. Bates and Baker, also that the Publishing Committee might be near the Office, their names were dropped from that Committee, and others appointed in their stead.
The wants of the cause in Western and Central New York next claimed the attention of the Meeting. The various causes which have hindered its progress throughout this portion of the field were freely considered, and we trust some of them removed. It was thought that a change of laborers would be beneficial; and that preachers from abroad be invited to labor for the present in this section.
The case of Ira Wyman came before the conference for consideration. Such has been the baneful effect of his past course the particulars of which were familiar to many members of the conference, that it was deemed necessary that some action should be taken in relation thereto. He has been labored with, advised and admonished; has been requested to meet with the brethren to consider his case, and take measures to make amends for the influence which he has been exerting, and failed to comply with the request; has often made confessions, and as often destroyed them by subsequently pursuing the same course; therefore, it was the unanimous voice of the conference that we can no longer fellowship him as a minister of the gospel.
Great harmony and peace pervaded the entire Meeting. The brethren were unanimous in all their proceedings, and separated, strong in confidence that God will work for his people and prosper his cause.
Being designated by the conference to make a statement of their proceedings, we have given the above.
J. N. ANDREWS.
URIAH SMITH.
THE REVIEW.
By Editor
By the advice of the friends of the cause in Wisconsin and Michigan, and agreeably to the action of the Conference recently assembled in this city, we state the terms of the REVIEW Weekly, at One Dollar a year in advance, to commence with Vol. VI. This low price will not, however, meet our expenses, unless our list of paying subscribers be immediately raised to 4000. This can be easily accomplished. Let every traveling preacher seek to obtain subscribers at every place he labors, and let each brother and sister resolve to obtain one or more. If you wish to introduce the present truth to your neighbors, take the REVIEW with you, and invite them to subscribe for it. This will assist you to introduce the subject to them. Let the friends of the REVIEW all become active agents and our list may soon be increased to 4000.
Many of our readers have given from five to twenty dollars a year to sustain the REVIEW. This we have used in sending out the REVIEW without charge to hundreds who have given nothing, and no one can expect to receive the REVIEW on account of what they have heretofore given.
Those who have subscribed for the REVIEW within one year and have paid $1,50 for a year, with the design to pay only the cost of the paper, will of course have it one year for the price already paid, unless they choose to commence with the next volume and pay in advance. And we hope that those who have given nothing for the support of the REVIEW, will pay in advance for Vol. VI, and something for the past also. This will be necessary, as some have paid for next volume, which has been placed with the receipts, and for the expenses of this volume.
We hope our readers will all desire to still receive the REVIEW, and will promptly send us the year's subscription according to the terms stated. But if there are those who do not wish to receive it, let them inform their Post Master, that he may inform us.
The worthy poor can have the REVIEW without charge. Let each church look after their poor, and pay for their papers.
Tent Meeting at Battle Creek.
By John Norton Loughborough; Merritt E. Cornell
THIS meeting was one of interest, and we trust will result in the advancement of the cause of present truth in that place. Our meetings were well attended. The meetings, evenings and First-day, called out a large assembly. It was estimated by several that on Sunday evening there were not less than 1,000 people on the ground. Quite a number of brethren174and sisters were in attendance at this meeting. They were much disappointed in not seeing Bro. and Sr. White, who were unexpectedly detained in Wisconsin. We had freedom in presenting before the people the glorious and solemn truths of the message of the third angel. An interest is awakened in the minds of some, and much prejudice removed from the minds of others. Some have already decided on the truth of the testimony presented before them.
Our object in procuring the tent, as already stated, is to get our position more fully before the public. Our expectations thus far have been realized in witnessing the large attendance at Battle Creek. We feel satisfied that the tent will prove efficacious in bringing the people where their ears will hear the truth. We will still move forward in the strength of Israel's God, trusting our brethren will bear our case before God for without him our efforts will be in vain.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
M. E. CORNELL.
Jackson, Mich., June 21st, 1854.
THE LAW OF GOD AND OTHER LAWS NOT ABOLISHED.
By S. Everett
The ten commandments, as spoken by the voice of God and engraven on tables of stone by his hand, may be regarded as his primary law for all men in every age, and under each dispensation from the beginning to the end of the world. The faith of Jesus has been associated with them ever since man sinned. The law, or its first principle, was written on man's heart in the beginning. Even the heathen are accountable at the judgment of God on this ground, and "must perish without" [the written] "law." Rom. ii, 12-15. This law then is the basis of man's obligation to obey God, and he is a sinner by transgressing its commandments. 1 John iii, 4. We find the Sabbath and marriage institutions in the account of the creation. And there are many facts in the brief history of the antediluvian and patriarchal ages, which prove that men knew right and wrong according to God's law. Abraham must have well known the laws of God, and carefully obeyed them, and faithfully taught them to his children. See Gen. xxvi, 5; xviii, 19. In the first text God assures Isaac that he will fulfill the oath and promises to his father, "Because Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws." And the other text is given as a reason why God will fulfill the promises to him; "For I know him, that he will command his children and his household, after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment, that the Lord may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him."
Gen. xv, 6, shows that Abraham was righteous by faith. Faith in the promised seed included the Messiah. The faith of Jesus and keeping the commandments of God constituted him a righteous man, and these are the two great principles by which all "the righteous" have formed their characters fitting them for the kingdom of God. Rom. iv, 11, 12; v, 1; Gal. iii, 26, 29; James i, 22-25; ii, 8-12, 14-26. The law of God comprises, the ten and all the moral precepts of both Testaments which naturally grow out of them. It implies love to God and man in the mind, as the great principle of right actions. On the other hand, "the faith of Jesus," comprehends his testimony and all those precepts which grow out of the Gospel. Christ is therefore the center and substance of all the promises of God; and the antitype of all the types and shadows of good things to come in the old covenant. See 1 Cor. i, 20; iii; Col. ii, 14-17; Eph. ii, 14, 15; Heb. vii; viii; ix; x. The ceremonial law then was abolished at the cross. The moral law is holy, just and good, and is quoted and established by the Saviour and his apostles as the unalterable law of God, standing fast forever. The judicial or national laws of the Old Testament are all those precepts by which God governed the Jews as a nation in their conduct toward each other, and toward other nations. These were partly moral and good for the government of any nation; and partly ceremonial or peculiarly Jewish, designed only for that nation. The penal law for the punishment of open transgressors of the moral law and some of the most important Jewish laws, was necessary to preserve the nation from great crimes. It will be seen by a careful reader of "the law and the prophets," that God often expressed his pleasure or his displeasure as offenders were faithfully punished, or not, according to his law. Now it seems to me scriptural and reasonable, that the penalty of the moral law is not abolished, as it applies to nations now in the treatment of notorious criminals. I see no evidence in the New Testament that Christ abolished death as a temporal penalty. It is true he abolished death in his own person by the resurrection, and he will, at his coming, destroy death as the enemy of his people; yea, he will execute the second death on the wicked at the last judgment. 2 Tim. i, 10; Matt. xxv, 31, 32; Rev. xx, 12. But the question is, did he abolish death as a temporal penalty inflicted on criminals by the rulers of nations? Let us notice the following facts in the New Testament.
1. Christ did not interfere with the rulers in his ministry, neither by doing the duties which belonged to them, nor by giving a new code of laws for them, nor did he declare death as a punishment abolished, nor did his inspired apostles.
2. Paul and Peter recognize Rulers (as Kings, Governors, &c.,) as God's servants in discharging their office. They enjoin obedience by the motive of fear as well as conscience. They describe the ruler as a "terror to evil-doers," and a "praise" to them that do well, and that he does not bear "the sword in vain." Further, Christians are required to pray for the rulers, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." 1 Tim. ii, 1-6; Rom. xiii, 1-7; 1 Pet. ii, 13-17.
3. The penal law is mentioned by Paul as a standing law against criminals. "But we know that the law is good if a man use it lawfully; knowing this that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, for whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for men-stealers, for liars for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine; according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust." The glorious gospel then did not make void the penal law. 1 Tim. i, 8-11.
The New Testament was not given to destroy the use of the Old as it contains a moral code for mankind. Hence we are referred to the scriptures of the Old Testament by Christ and his apostles continually, not only as instructive, but also as binding us to obedience, and in force against sinners. The New Testament contains the good news of Christ as the Son of God, the fulfillment of the prophecies in him, his history, his sufferings, and the coming glory, it explains and enforces the law and the prophets in their spirituality and purity, as the Christian's rule of life, so that he may let his light shine before the wicked. It teaches ministers and Christians the order of God's church under this dispensation. It makes known the plan of salvation by Jesus Christ. In a word, it manifests the love of God, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. It brings "life and immortality to light."
But excellent as the New Testament is for the Christian, and for all who would learn or teach a pure religion, it does not make void any single precept of the moral law, whether that precept be one of the ten, or some minor point growing out of any one of them. Christ and his apostles freely quote the precepts of the Old Testament not only as containing good instruction, but as binding precepts. The New and Old Testaments are in perfect harmony in reference to God's holy law and commandments. What was enacted in the Old, is not re-enacted (why should it be?) in the New. All the spiritual precepts of the New are of the same nature of those in the Old. To meet and confute the errors of this age in relation to God's law as well as the Sabbath, we must hold fast all the moral precepts of both Testaments, while we concede the abolition of all that is ceremonial and Jewish. The preface to the ten commandments is of itself a decisive proof to me that those moral precepts were the basis of the Sinai covenant. Indeed, this seems obvious, from other texts. Deut. v, 1-21; ix, 9-11; x, 1-5. The Sinai covenant is evidently based on the oath and promises of God to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob concerning their seed. The Abrahamic covenant is, in its everlasting promises, the basis of the New Covenant. The old covenant was a school-master unto Christ. The new then took its place. Now though the Jews are rejected, and the Sinai covenant null and void, yet in the new, God is the God of his true people in Christ, both Jews and Gentiles, and this accords with the promise in the Abrahamic covenant. But when we come to the law of God itself, I see not as we can justly concede one jot or tittle as merely ceremonial or Jewish, though the position has been assumed by an esteemed brother, (see Baker on the covenant,) I must think it wants proof. The texts quoted, see Ezekiel 18th &c., prove that God's ways are equal, that he inflicts the penalty of his law, death, only on the impenitent sinner, and that he gives life to the penitent though his father was a wicked man. The other texts prove that God is now equally the God of both Jews and Gentiles who believe. But still God is "a jealous God visiting the iniquities of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generation of them that hate him," and still he shows "mercy to thousands of them that love him and keep his commandments."
Paul quotes the fifth commandment as God's law, and still in force to encourage children to obey their parents in the Lord. He encourages obedient children with the prospect of good days and long life according to that commandment with a promise. See Eph. vi, 1-3. This corresponds with what he says of godliness. See 1 Tim. iv, 3-10. Read also 1 Pet. iii, 10-12. Ps. xxxiv, 11-15. I think these scriptures have proved true under the gospel dispensation. Obedient and pious children have generally lived long and happy lives even in this world, besides having the promise of eternal life in the next. To seek for happiness even in this life, here is a motive to seek the Lord young; and the second commandment presents a double motive to parents to avoid idolatry and to love God and keep his commandments for the sake of their children after them. S. EVERETT.
Iowa City, Iowa.