The American Sentinel 9
November 22, 1894
“Editorial” American Sentinel 9, 46, p. 361.
WHEN Robert R. Whaley, the Seventh-day Adventist now serving a term of ninety days in the county jail at Centreville, Md., for hoeing in his garden on Sunday, was asked at his trial by Judge Robinson whether he would plead “guilty” or “not guilty,” he replied that he would plead “not guilty” to that part of the warrant charging “Sabbath breaking,” as he had not worked on the Sabbath. AMS November 22, 1894, page 361.1
THE judge then asked him if he had worked on Sunday, the first day of the week. AMS November 22, 1894, page 361.2
Mr. Whaley answered that he had. The judge then replied: “In this State they are the same. The Sabbath and Sunday are the same.” AMS November 22, 1894, page 361.3
In the State of Maryland there is a contention between sects that profess the Christian faith as to which day, the first or the seventh, is commanded of God to be observed as the Sabbath. Judge Robinson has adjudged the right of the State of Maryland to manifest a preference for those holding that Sunday, the first day of the week, is the Sabbath, and to attempt to force those who believe that “the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord” to submit to laws “made in deference” to the Sunday-Sabbath sentiment, and observe the first-day. AMS November 22, 1894, page 361.4
In 1776, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison indorsed and presented petitions to the Virginia legislature, signed by Presbyterians, Baptists, and Quakers, calling for separation of Church and State in the colony. AMS November 22, 1894, page 361.5
THE following is a quotation from the petition:— AMS November 22, 1894, page 361.6
It is ... impossible for the magistrate to adjudge the right of preference among various sects that profess the Christian faith, without erecting a claim to infallibility, which would lead us back to Rome.—Baird’s “Religion in America,” Book 5, chap. 3, par. 11. AMS November 22, 1894, page 361.7
And now according to the invincible logic of James Madison and Thomas Jefferson, the Virginia Presbyterians, Baptists, and Quakers of 1776, Judge Robinson and the State of Maryland in deciding that Sunday is the Sabbath, have erected a claim to infallibility which is leading back to Rome. AMS November 22, 1894, page 361.8
“Roman Catholicism and Spiritualism” American Sentinel 9, 46, pp. 361-363.
IN the last issue of the SENTINEL we concluded an article on saints and miracles, in which it was clearly shown that the Roman Catholic Church is honeycombed with the fundamental doctrines of Spiritualism, and that in practice she is daily seeking unto a multitude of dead men and dead women for temporal help and eternal salvation, instead of seeking unto Jesus who ever liveth to make intercession for men. But notwithstanding, the Roman Catholic Church is, in fact, the largest organization of Spiritualists outside of the great pagan systems of the East; she has professed opposition to the Spiritualism outside the limits of her jurisdiction, and has actually hurled condemnatory edicts against it. She has not, however, condemned the practice of seeking to men and women who are dead, but only the seeking unto the dead men and women whom the church has not canonized. In other words, the church has attempted to “corner” this whole business of seeking unto dead men and women, by prohibiting the seeking unto any save her own dead. The obvious reason for this is that there are “millions in it.” Those who are encouraged to seek unto these dead men and women, are encouraged to begin that seeking by making a liberal offering to the dead “saint,” and the church very generously offers to accept such offerings as the agent of all her dead “saints.” AMS November 22, 1894, page 361.1
This is one reason why the Roman Catholic Church has opposed what is termed modern Spiritualism. But it is becoming more evident to members of these two spiritualistic organizations that they have so much in common that the step from modern Spiritualism to Roman Catholic Spiritualism is short and easy to take. AMS November 22, 1894, page 361.2
Margaret Fox, one of the “Fox sisters,” through whom modern Spiritualism was first manifested in 1848, in what was later known as the “Rochester knockings,” realized this fact, and before her death, took this short step and united with the Roman Catholic Church. And now, 1894, a Roman Catholic publishing house 1 in London publishes a pamphlet entitled, “A Convert Through Spiritualism.” The work is prefaced by Richard F. Clarke, a Jesuit priest. The writer purchased the pamphlet of Benziger Brothers, “Printers to the Holy Apostolic See,” who advertised it on their special advertising bulletin, at the entrance to their New York office. AMS November 22, 1894, page 361.3
The pamphlet narrates, in the language of the convert, her conversion to Roman Catholicism as a result of seeking unto the dead through the channel of modern Spiritualism. AMS November 22, 1894, page 361.4
The Jesuit priest, in his preface, enumerates several “rules that ought to guide us in forming our opinions as to what is lawful and what is unlawful in the method of intercourse with those who belong to the invisible world,” and that “even with regard to Spiritualism, we must beware of indiscriminate condemnation of all who practice it.” In justification of this position he says:— AMS November 22, 1894, page 361.5
It is quite possible that God may permit some soul from purgatory to answer the summons of one who is an honest seeker after truth, just as he permits the holy souls to go unsought on messages of mercy to those on earth. There are well authenticated stories without number of the appearance to the living of those in purgatory. Why should we regard it as impossible that they should be sent to warn, instruct, or advise one, who, amid the mists of ignorance, was longing and praying for more light, and who in all good faith sought to obtain it through their instrumentality? Such exceptional cases do not in any way derogate from the general law respecting the character of Spiritualism. AMS November 22, 1894, page 361.6
The following quotations are taken from the story of the “convert,” who now speaks from the standpoint of a Roman Catholic, in a publication prefaced by a Jesuit priest, and published and sold by Roman Catholic publishing houses, and is a practical proof of the conclusion already reached by many infallible proofs that Roman Catholicism and modern Spiritualism are closely affiliated in doctrine and practice:— AMS November 22, 1894, page 361.7
“Not very long after my husband died, when I was hungering and thirsting for some sign of his presence, for some evidence that he still lived and loved me, I began to hear Spiritualism discussed, and I read eagerly and listened earnestly, so as to obtain all the information I could glean.... I became most anxious to find some medium, but had no idea how to accomplish it, when an unexpected way was opened to me under very pleasant and desirable circumstances. A lady I knew told me she would like to introduce me to an old friend of hers, who, together with her daughter, was investigating Spiritualism in a very serious and religious manner. Accordingly, the introduction was effected, and the old lady kindly begged me to go and pay them a visit. AMS November 22, 1894, page 361.8
“Mrs. R. (as I will call her) and her daughter Margaret, had been originally Unitarians, but at the time I made their acquaintance they were Christian dissenters, the spirits having declared to them the divinity of our Lord. AMS November 22, 1894, page 362.1
“I may here add that Margaret eventually became a Catholic under the same influences which helped me to become one, although some time after my reception, and she has remained a thoroughly good and faithful child of the church for now more than twelve years, having baptized her mother on her death-bed, and instructed many in the faith. I make a point of mentioning this, because I have seen it stated, not only that Spiritualists seldom become Catholics (which is probably true, though I think many would do so if they could be brought under Catholic influences), but, that in the rare instances of apparent conversion, they have always gone back. I can only say that this is distinctly contradicted by facts within my knowledge. AMS November 22, 1894, page 362.2
“The séances held at Mrs. R.——’s house were entirely private, and were attended by no professional medium, but several of the habitats possessed considerable magnetic force, which had been developed and increased by these frequent meetings. There was, in particular, a certain Mr. B——, a member of the congregation to which my friends belonged, who had very extraordinary powers. He used to fall into a sort of trance, appearing like one dead, pale and livid, and then would suddenly start up, gazing straight before him into space, with eyes that had in them no speculation, and would begin to speak in voices quite other than and distinct from his own, voices of men, of women, and of children, voices refined and cultured, and voices coarse and rough, he being all the time entirely unconscious of what was being spoken through him. Occasionally a voice would be recognized by friends of the departed individual from whom it professed to emanate, but often the voices were those of strangers, coming, for the most part, to implore prayers. I afterwards saw this “trance-mediumship,” as it is called, in several other instances, especially in that of a German lady, now dead—an interesting person, of sensitive temperament and religious aspiration, who had come out of Calvinism through the teachings of her disembodied friends, and who was gradually learning Catholic doctrines.... AMS November 22, 1894, page 362.3
“We were bidden always to make the sign of the cross before entering into these communications, and to request any spirit, wielding to spell a message, to move the indicator in the form of a cross, as they said that evil spirits were unable to make the holy sign. We found this a great protection, but still I think we were sometimes deluded, unless it might have been, that we perhaps did not always accurately obtain a message as it was intended.... AMS November 22, 1894, page 362.4
“All the séances at Mrs. R.——’s were begun by prayer and the singing of hymns, by the special desire of the spirits present. They invariably begged to be prayed for, as did nearly always all the spirits with whom I was brought into contact during my investigations, in other places, and through other mediums. This fact struck me very much, and was, indeed, the first ray of light which flashed across my path. ‘Is not this the Roman Catholic doctrine of purgatory and of prayer for the dead?’ I asked of a spirit. ‘Yes, and it is true,’ was the reply. The spirits literally beset us with entreaties for prayers. Some of them appeared very unhappy, greatly lamenting the selfish and useless or sinful lives they had led upon earth, and which they were not expiating. ‘Are you in heaven?’ we would sometimes inquire of one who se words were more hopeful, and whose ‘influence’ was sweet and peaceful. ‘Oh, no, not yet—but I soon shall be, if you will pray,’ was once the answer. AMS November 22, 1894, page 362.5
“And so we prayed for the dead for the first time in our lives! Gradually many other Catholic truths were taught to Margaret and to me, spelled out by the “Indicator,’ but we were so ignorant of the doctrines that we did not always understand them, or recognize their full import at the time, though we began to wonder whether, as the church of Rome was apparently considerably right, it might not be actually possible that she should be right in a good deal more. And what if she should be altogether right, and be the one true teacher! AMS November 22, 1894, page 362.6
“I have heard that Mr. B——also became a Catholic eventually, but my friends, the R——’s, lost sight of him when he left their neighborhood, I am not sure of the fact. AMS November 22, 1894, page 362.7
“Another old friend, at present a professed nun, who has been a Catholic more than twenty years, often joined me in my inquiries into Spiritualism at the period of which I am writing, chiefly by putting her hand with mine on the ‘Indicator,’ to obtain the spelling of messages. Quite recently I paid her a visit at her convent, and, as we were talking over the ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ before the conversion of either of us, and wondering at our dreads and difficulties in those now dim and distant days, she replied to my mind an incident that had escaped my memory (though I now remember it perfectly), as to a communication we had received, in reply to a question of hers, as to whether the Church of England was preferable to other forms of religion, as she believed it then to be, meaning, of course, to Protestant sects, the Catholic Church being entirely outside her region of thought. ‘All these churches fall short of the ideal,’ was the reply; ‘the Roman Catholic Church is the true religion.’ Upon this, my friend immediately exclaimed: ‘Now, I know that this is not a reliable message!’ Yet she says she never forgot this testimony, and considers that it indirectly helped in her conversion. AMS November 22, 1894, page 362.8
“On leaving the R——’s, I went to London on a visit, and saw a great deal of Spiritualism, of all kinds, some of which was decidedly undesirable, and dangerous even from the point of view of a non-Catholic; but I was now determined to go fully and thoroughly into the subject. I also met and became intimately acquainted with some of the most enlightened and intellectual leaders of the movement, who were in reality rather mystics of the school of Böhmen, Jung Schilling, Oberlin, and others, than ordinary Spiritualists. By one of these earnest and thoughtful persons, I was lent an old Italian ‘Life of St. Catherine of Siena,’ which took a great hold upon me, so much so, that I began to invoke her, asking of her, instruction as well as intercession. And from this time I came gradually to see more clearly, and to accept Catholic doctrine in a way very wonderful, considering that I had never seen a priest, or read nay dogmatic Catholic book, or spoken to any Catholic in the flesh. AMS November 22, 1894, page 362.9
“One day I went to a séance with some friends, two of whom were High Church clergymen, at the house of a well-known medium. Answers to inquiries were spelled out by raps on the table, floor, and indeed, all over the room. Questions having been asked on theological matters by the two clergymen, especially concerning the real presence, and some confusion in the answers having arise, I said, ‘May I tell you what has been told to me?’ As I repeated what had been given me by ‘impression,’ I was accompanied by a perfect chorus of raps. ‘Is she right?’ asked one of the clergymen. ‘Yes, yes, yes,’ from all parts of the room. ‘How does she know this?’ ‘Because a very high spirit, called Cathering, is teaching her.’ ‘Who is this Catherine?’ said one of my friends to me. I replied, ‘I have been reading the ‘Life of St. Catherine of Siena.’ ‘Yes, yes, yes,’ came again from the invisible chorus. The impressional message received by me concerning transubstantiation, was, as I afterwards found when more fully instructed, entirely in accordance with Catholic doctrine.... AMS November 22, 1894, page 362.10
“From this time I began to go to mass, and left off attending Anglican services, but I knew no Catholics, and had not the remotest idea of how to put myself in communication with a priest.... I was, however, received into the church, about six months after this episode, by a very experienced and remarkable priest, now dead, to whom I was made known by an American lady, herself a convert to Catholicism through the teachings of the spirits, a friend of the person who lent me the ‘Life of St. Catherine.’ Her occult experiences far transcend mine in interest, and she came into the church in a much more marvelous manner. She died a few years ago, after receiving the sacraments, an undoubted instance of the perseverance of a former Spiritualist. I should like to relate many of the wonderful things she told me about her conversion, but space fails, so I will only say in passing that it would seem to have been chiefly the work of Jesuit and Franciscan martyrs, who appeared to her and taught her, she being utterly ignorant not only of the Catholic religion, but of any form of Christianity, though very desirous of truth at any price, and from whatever quarter. Her husband and some friends, impressed by these extraordinary manifestations, followed in her footsteps, and were also received in America—I believe by a Jesuit father. AMS November 22, 1894, page 362.11
“I have only been able, in this sketch, to furnish a few broad outlines of strange facts, which to some may seem startling, but which I hold to be less unusual than is ordinarily supposed, for God is very good to souls who seek him. A. E. W.” AMS November 22, 1894, page 362.12
Thus it is seen that the transfer from intercourse with the dead of the Spiritualistic séance to intercourse with the dead of the Roman Catholic calendar of saints, and vice versa, is short and easy. And that the Roman Catholic Church, in leaving the “Prince of Life whom God raised from the dead,” to invoke a multitude of dead “saints,” who have not been raised from the dead, has departed from the faith and become the victim of “seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” 1 Timothy 4:1. AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.1
“What Is Modern Spiritualism?” American Sentinel 9, 46, pp. 363, 364.
MODERN SPIRITUALISM claims to be intercourse, or communion, with the spirits of the dead. In this it is identical with ancient witchcraft, which was likewise intercourse, or communion, with the dead. AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.1
That witchcraft was a real thing, and not simply a superstition, is evident from the fact that it was prohibited by the Lord under penalty of death. In Exodus 22:19, we find the express command: “Thou shalt not suffer a witch to live;” and again in Leviticus 20:27, we have these words: “A man also or a woman that hath a familiar spirit, or that is a wizard, shall surely be put to death.” AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.2
The latter text records, not only the sentence of death against those who had familiar spirits, but identifies witchcraft with spiritism, or with spirit possession; that is, one not merely pretending to have intercourse with familiar spirits, but one actually having a familiar spirit was a wizard or a witch, according to sex. AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.3
The Scriptures not only forbid, under penalty of death, intercourse with pretended spirits of the dead, but they declare that the dead take no interest in human affairs (Job 14:21), that they have no power to help those who invoke them (Psalm 146:3, 4), and that they “know not anything.” Ecclesiastes 9:5. This at once brands the whole system of witchcraft, ancestral worship, and Spiritualism as deceptive and soul-destroying. AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.4
That this intercourse with pretended spirits of the dead was for the purpose of obtaining revelations from them is evident; thus we find Saul seeking to a witch for information as to the future after the Lord had forsaken him (1 Samuel 23); and in Isaiah 8:19 (R.V.), we read these words: “And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits and unto the wizards, that chirp and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? on behalf of the living should they seek unto the dead?” AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.5
This spirit intercourse was universal among heathen peoples. The “Encyclopedia Britannica,” Art. “Manes,” says: “All nations have reverenced the spirits of their ancestors;” and again, “In all nations of antiquity, and in many existing savage tribes, these spirits [supposed spirits of the dead] were held in great awe and veneration, as being powerful for good or for harm.” “Offerings of all kinds were placed in the tomb or burnt on the pyre, and the rites of burial were, with the lamentations of surviving friends, thought necessary for the repose of the ghost.” AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.6
That the spirits referred to in Isaiah 8:19, were evil spirits will scarcely be disputed; else why the prohibition of communion with them? Besides it cannot be supposed that spirits in harmony with “the Father of spirits” would hold intercourse with men contrary to the will of God. But we are not left in doubt as to the character of these spirits. The apostle says, plainly: “The things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils.” 1 Corinthians 10:20. This, then, is the reason why witchcraft, or intercourse with evil spirits, is so hateful in the sight of God; it is devil worship. AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.7
It was into this debasing idolatry that the Israelites fell when “they joined themselves unto Baal-peor, and ate the sacrifices of the dead.” Psalm 106:28. “It was not,” says Faber, “that they ever absolutely renounced the adoration of Jehovah; but, apparently deeming him far above out of their sight, while they distantly viewed him with a decent, ineffective reverence, they addicted themselves to the more palpable funeral orgies of Thammuz, or Adonis, or Baal, or Osiris.” 1 AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.8
The same writer continues: “Such also is the worship, into which, according to the sure word of prophetic revelation, certain members of the church catholic [general] would lapse in the latter times. ‘The Spirit,’ says St. Paul, ‘speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall apostatize from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines concerning demon gods.’” 2 AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.9
This interpretation of the prophecy was received by the early church “probably more than twelve centuries before the Reformation.” 3 AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.10
But, it may be asked, has not devil worship, or witchcraft, ceased?—By no means. Has human nature changed? have demons become less wicked than formerly? are human beings any less prone to seek to know the future independently of God? A single negative will suffice to answer all these questions. Then how could demonology cease so long as the conditions necessary to its existence are unchanged? AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.11
In an article in the Arena for November, that well-known Spiritualist, J. M. Peebles, A.M., M.D., gives explicit testimony as to the continuance of spiritual phenomena and its identity in all ages; he says:— AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.12
Evolution is everywhere manifest. The telegraph, the telephone, the phonograph, surrognomy, mesmerism, clairvoyance, psychometry, in connection with other scientific discoveries and religious aspirations, seemingly constituted the befitting time for the rediscovery and propagation of Spiritualism. We say rediscovery, for to agnostic materialists and sectarian Christians, Spiritualism, demonstrating connections communications between mortals and the overarching, invisible world of immortals, was literally a discovery, a new revelation. And yet from remotest antiquity all races and tribes had addressed and echoed these phenomena in some form. They were considered as different periods miracles, magic, possessions, apparitions, oracles, special providence, witchcraft, demons, and angels. Their persistence, surviving the decay of deities and empires, is, according to Herbert Spencer, a proof of their reality and their value. AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.13
When in Canton, China, the guest of Dr. Kerr, physician and missionary, we chanced to speak of the spirit manifestations in America, when he coolly exclaimed: “Why, sir, these manifestations are very old in this country. China is an empire of spiritists.” And to prove it he took me out to temples, shrines, and booths, where I witnessed spirit-writing and other forms of mediumistic phenomena. AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.14
Thus, it is evident that intercourse with spirits has not ceased; and that these spirits are evil is also confessed by Spiritualists themselves. Said Judge Edmonds, in his Broadway Tabernacle lecture, in this city, Feb. 15, 1855:— AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.15
I assure you from my own experience and observation, that the fascination of this intercourse is so great that its tendency is to lead men away from their proper judgment, and instill a spirit of fanaticism most revolting to the calm and restored mind. AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.16
And in the Banner of Light, of Oct. 26, 1864, Dr. Child said:— AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.17
Nor can we doubt, I think, that there are a diverse host of badly misdirected spirits. The lower spirits seek to undo the good work of the higher, and to harass and to annoy and subject to suffering, medium and sitter. They will deceive us for their amusement. Where is the medium but what has either seen or felt this? I have both, but wise spirits, who are to be the revelators and executors of the divine will, designedly deceive us for our good. AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.18
The same paper, in its issue of March 26, 1869, quotes Swedenborg as follows:— AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.19
When spirits begin to speak with men, he must beware that he believe nothing that they say; for nearly everything they say is fabricated by them and they are; for if they are permitted to narrate anything, as what heaven is and how things in the heavens are to be understood, they will TELL SO MANY LIES that a man would be astonished. AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.20
According to these testimonies all these are lying spirits for all deceive; one class “for our good,” the other, “for their own amusement”! Judged by the Saviour’s rule, all are then of the devil, for his lusts they do. AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.21
That the spirits, from whom the communications come and by whom supernatural things are performed, are not the spirits of the dead is evident from the testimony of the apostle already quoted: “The things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to devils;” and also from the inspired declaration that “the dead know not anything.” 4 Moreover, the manifestations of Spiritualism are by a host of spirits, whereas revelations and manifestations from God are by one Spirit. Says the apostle: “Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; to another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues; but all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.” 5 AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.22
As already shown in the quotation from Mr. Faber, special warning is given in the Bible against satanic delusions in the last days. In addition to the texts which he cites, our Lord himself says: “There shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” 6 AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.23
Again, we are told by the apostle, that “Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light,” 7 and St. John, in describing the closing scenes of this earth’s history, says: “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. Behold, I come as a thief.” 8 AMS November 22, 1894, page 363.24
Thus it is seen that the great and overpowering delusions of the last days, that shall deceive and sweep down to everlasting destruction all who are not rooted and grounded in the truth of God,—all who do not stand firmly on the divine declaration, “The dead know not anything,“—will come through what is known as modern Spiritualism, which is nothing more and nothing less than ancient witchcraft or devil worship in a new garb, the better to deceive the people to their eternal ruin. AMS November 22, 1894, page 364.1
“‘The Hebrew Republic’” American Sentinel 9, 46, p. 364.
WE publish in this issue under “Significant Paragraphs” a quotation from a New Jersey editor who professes to speak for the People’s Party. His views of the mission of the People’s Party will delight National Reformers, who are working so earnestly and successfully for the establishment of a theocracy in America, modeled after the theocracy of Israel. He regards the People’s Party as the agent in the creation of the government represented by the stone cut out of the mountain without hands, of Daniel 2:47. The “Ancient of Days,” referred to in Daniel 7:13, is also interpreted to referred to a representative form of government such as the People’s Party are to make out of the American Republic. Here is his argument:— AMS November 22, 1894, page 364.1
The name [Ancient of Days] alludes to the fact that it is to be a government modeled after the Hebrew republic in which the masses chose their rulers, and Moses instructed them to “choose men who fear God and hate covetousness.” AMS November 22, 1894, page 364.2
Now there are about as many errors in the above statement as are to be found in the average National Reform Association utterance of the same length. The following are some of the mistakes: AMS November 22, 1894, page 364.3
1. The “Ancient of Days” does not refer to a form of government, but to God, the Father, who delivers to the “Son of man” a kingdom. Daniel 7:9, 10, 13, 14. Revelation 11:15. Luke 1:31-35. AMS November 22, 1894, page 364.4
2. There never was such a thing as a “Hebrew republic.” The government of Israel was a theocracy. 1 Samuel 8:6, 7, also 10:12. Moses was chosen of God. Exodus 3:15. AMS November 22, 1894, page 364.5
3. The “masses” did not choose their rulers in the theocracy of Israel. Exodus 18:25, 26. AMS November 22, 1894, page 364.6
4. Moses did not instruct them to choose rulers. Exodus 18:17, 21, 22. AMS November 22, 1894, page 364.7
5. Moses himself chose the seventy rulers. Exodus 18:25, 26. AMS November 22, 1894, page 364.8
6. The editor has misquoted the scripture he here misapplies. AMS November 22, 1894, page 364.9
7. The scripture is quoted as the words of Moses to the masses, when in fact the are (when properly quoted) the words of Jethro addressed to Moses. Exodus 18:17-23. AMS November 22, 1894, page 364.10
There are enough errors in this paragraph, and of a suitable kind, to recommend their author to a place among the vice-presidents of the National Reform Association. AMS November 22, 1894, page 364.11
Our excuse for noticing this matter is that the utterances of this professed spokesman of the People’s Party are exactly in harmony with the views of that combination of churches, masking under the title of Sabbath Associations, and National Reform Association, which is attempting to force upon men a day not the Sabbath, and which has worked, and is working to deform the nation, and establish a man-made theocracy in the image of the papacy. AMS November 22, 1894, page 364.12
“Disciples Depart From Protestant Principles,” 1 American Sentinel 9, 46, pp. 365, 366.
ONE of the most striking examples of the fall of American Protestantism from the principles of complete separation of Church and State is to be found in the Christian or Disciple Church. Alexander Campbell, the founder of that church, as early as 1820, combated certain “moral societies” of Western Pennsylvania,—the ancestors of the National Reform Association,—whose principal object was the enforcement of Sunday laws, in the following forcible style:— AMS November 22, 1894, page 365.1
There is no precept or command in the New Testament to pay any regard to the Lord’s day, any more than any other day. AMS November 22, 1894, page 365.2
Therefore to compel a man who is not a Christian to pay any regard to the Lord’s day, more than any other day, is without authority of the Christian religion. AMS November 22, 1894, page 365.3
The gospel commands as duty which can be performed without faith in the Son of God. “Whatsoever is not of faith is sin.” AMS November 22, 1894, page 365.4
But to compel men destitute of faith to observe any Christian institution, such as the Lord’s day, is commanding duty to be performed without faith in God. AMS November 22, 1894, page 365.5
Therefore, to command unbelievers, or natural men, to observe in any sense the Lord’s day, is anti-evangelical or contrary to the gospel. 2 AMS November 22, 1894, page 365.6
Speaking of his motive in opposing these compulsory Sunday observance societies, he said:— AMS November 22, 1894, page 365.7
I wrote from principle; I had no object in view but one; viz., the suppression of an anti-rational, anti-scriptural, anti-constitutional confederation, that I conscientiously believe to be dangerous to the community and inimical to civil and religious liberty. And while I am able to wield a pen, I will oppose everything of the kind, from the same principles, that comes within the immediate sphere of my observation. 3 AMS November 22, 1894, page 365.8
When the movement was inaugurated, by which the churches compelled Congress to enacted a law closing the World’s Fair on Sunday, the denomination of Alexander Campbell repudiated the principles of its founder, and joined in the movement. A small minority vigorously protested, calling attention to the principles so persistently advocated by Mr. Campbell. These arguments were declared by Dr. D. R. Dungan, a leading light of the denomination, to be “streaked with insanity,” and one of the organs of the denomination characterised those who maintained these views as “evangelical preachers out of color.” AMS November 22, 1894, page 365.9
The following from the pen of one of the dissenting minority, Dr. J. I. Parsons, pastor of the First Christian Church of St. Louis, published in the Christian Oracle of Chicago, July 13, 1893, is worthy a place by the side of the noble utterances of Mr. Campbell:— AMS November 22, 1894, page 365.10
I am opposed to Sunday legislation. It is contrary to our Constitution and to the New Testament. On the same principles I am opposed to the American Sabbath Association (Union). It is itself anti-American and anti-evangelical. It is the same thing in principle that Mr. Campbell opposed in the moral societies of Washington County, Pennsylvania, seventy-five years ago. I stand by the principles of this great man on this question. In respect to seeking the aid of the State in maintaining its pet notions and institutions, Protestants are scarcely a whit better than Catholics. In seeking the aid of the national legislature to prevent worldly men from “desecrating the Sabbath,” Protestants are doing the same thing they condemn in Catholics. Both Protestants and Catholics are wrong in this regard, and if either party succeeds, it will bring ruin to both our civil and religious liberties. May God defeat them both. Let us fight out the question of religion and of observing holy days, and especially the Sunday question, with the “sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God,” and not with the sword of Cesar. AMS November 22, 1894, page 366.1
Another Christian minister, Dr. James A. De Moss, writing in the Christian Standard, of Aug. 12, 1893, offers the following courageous protest against the part his denomination took in securing the law closing the World’s Fair on Sunday: AMS November 22, 1894, page 366.2
What have we done? AMS November 22, 1894, page 366.3
Our plea for apostolic Christianity, our plea for Christian union, our work and labors throughout the whole ... for Christianity pure and unalloyed, our fights upon all things that bear the marks of Romanism, are marred by our notion in the Sunday question that has been under agitation, and will be agitated for a few years yet to be. AMS November 22, 1894, page 366.4
It seems now that we list to the misapplied Sabbath-day,—misapplied by the “infallible pope,” and received as righteousness by the sectarian world. We excuse this action by differential statement, designating it the “civil Sabbath.” AMS November 22, 1894, page 366.5
What has constructed or made a “civil Sabbath”?—Law. What makes law?—Man. Who made the Sabbath?—God. For whom did he make it?—For man. Can man make it for himself?—No. Then we bow before the force which takes the affairs of God into its own hands. Who is “above all that is called God?—The papacy. To whom and to what do we bow in this question of the “civil Sabbath”?—To the pope and to Romanism. AMS November 22, 1894, page 366.6
There can be no doubt that this legislation upon the Sunday (Sabbath) question is a “mark of the beast.” As a people who have vied in the creation and enforcement of this “Sabbath law,” we have received upon our foreheads and upon our hands the “mark of the beast.” We have not too much evidence that the first day of the week is the Lord’s day: while we have conclusive evidence that the first day of the week is not the Sabbath day. AMS November 22, 1894, page 366.7
If, as we infer, the first day be the Lord’s day, then what authority have we to enforce the Lord’s day upon the world, or expect its recognition by legal force? Or by what authority do we assume to exact from other brethren by legal force the rights of honest, conscientious worship on the only day embodied in the divine law? Church and State should not be combined. Our glorious brotherhood must not assist in combining them. AMS November 22, 1894, page 366.8
If we engraft (it has been engrafted) in law the first day “Sabbath,” then, indeed, as all law, it must be enforced. Besides injustice to very good and honorable people, we should know we have no right to enforce God’s law upon the people that dwell in the earth, presuming it to be the Sabbath day, which we all know quite well it is not. As well might we exact a law to compel all men to be baptized, or fix in law what may constitute a Christian, or by law create Christians. AMS November 22, 1894, page 366.9
A person out of Christ is no better by respecting, or being compelled to respect, a day of worship; for he is not spiritually or otherwise in the realm of worship, and therefore beyond the reach (jurisdiction) of God and the Church; still this carnal law, when enforced (and enforced it will be sooner or later), has gotten higher than God. AMS November 22, 1894, page 366.10
What now is “higher than all that is called God”?—Why, it is papal authority, unmistakable and certain. And the “saddest of all sad things” is that the Church of Christ has stultified itself in its actions in this matter, and taken one step backward toward Romanism. AMS November 22, 1894, page 366.11
We have brethren who thoroughly understand this question, and this line of prophecy now under fulfillment, and know well these are facts we must confront. AMS November 22, 1894, page 366.12
For shame! May not the general convention further compromise our position upon these questions, by indorsing our national legislation upon the subject, or giving support by resolution or otherwise to a “national Sabbath”—the beginning of the union of Church and State in America. AMS November 22, 1894, page 366.13
“Back Page” American Sentinel 9, 46, p. 368.
“THE Catholic Church has been made to appear in a false light to those not of her communion,” says Cardinal Gibbons. Nothing could be more true; and nobody has contributed more to this result than has the cardinal himself. The mask should be once more torn aside, even as it was in Luther’s days, and Rome be made to stand forth in her true character. “Rome never changes.” AMS November 22, 1894, page 368.1
ANOTHER evidence that religious persecution is “without natural affection” is to be found in the treatment of Mrs. Whaley, the wife of Robert R. Whaley who is now serving a sentence of ninety days in jail for doing common labor on Sunday. Mrs. Whaley is a dressmaker, and devotes the time not occupied in the care of her large family, to this occupation by which she was able to materially aid her husband in supporting the family. But when she began the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath, she became the victim of what is in effect a church boycott. Not only has an influence been brought to bear to prevent her from obtaining work, but a lady member of the Methodist Church, for whom Mrs. Whaley had made a dress, perceiving an opportunity of escaping payment and at the same time punishing a hated heretic, tendered the amount of the debt ($5) on the seventh day. Mrs. Whaley explained to the woman, what she well knew, that she did not transact business on that day, and asked her to hand it to her later. And now this professed follower of Jesus refuses to pay the debt, alleging that her duty has been performed in tendering the money. AMS November 22, 1894, page 368.2
THE gospel of National Reform, the gospel of force, is being carried into the newly-opened portions of Africa by the missionaries that have followed closely upon the heels of the troops of the British South African Company, to which was committed the conquest of Matabeleland and Mashonaland. First, the so-called company, which is in fact the colonial government of that part of Africa, despoiled the natives of their territory by force and fraud, and then doled out grants of land to the missionaries as a speculative investment, the returns to be made in “inflooence” in civilizing the natives. How the missionaries who have thus sold themselves for a mess of African pottage will succeed in serving two masters, remains to be seen; though, in view of our Lord’s declaration that it cannot be done, the issue can scarcely be considered doubtful. AMS November 22, 1894, page 368.3
THE two articles in this paper, “Roman Catholicism and Spiritualism,” and “What Is Modern Spiritualism?” will be found to be of more than usual interest. It has long been understood by many that prophecy teaches that in the last great conflict between truth and error, Spiritualism and Roman Catholicism, like Herod and Pilate, would be “made friends” in fighting against the truth of God; but how these two systems were ever to be united in a common cause has not been clearly seen. Now, however, light is breaking in, and it is apparent that the gulf that separates them is neither as wide or as deep as many have supposed; and that Rome, while opposing certain forms of Spiritualism all these years, is, and has been, a gigantic organization of Spiritualists. And it is now becoming apparent to both bodies that they hold enough in common to make the transfer from “séance” to saint worship, and vice versa, short and easy. By her saintology Rome inculcates Spiritualism, though under another name, and it is not strange that in turn the spirits testify that Rome is “the true religion.” Satan is not divided against himself. AMS November 22, 1894, page 368.4