Both Sides

LETTER

Friend White:-Being casually thrown in contact with your paper, for June 23rd, I noticed an article from R. F. Cottrell, under the caption of “The Harbinger’s rule of Duty.” He quotes the Harbinger, “Give us one plain direct passage from either the Old or New Testament that reads that either Jew or Gentile christian is required to keep the seventh day” etc., and says, “this is the rule by which the Harbinger decides that it is not duty to keep the Sabbath;” and to show the invalidity of the rule, says: “Give us one plain direct passage that reads that either Jew or Gentile christian should not kill, or steal, or bear false witness. One such passage cannot be found.” I wish to test this assertion, and the validity of the “rule” spoken of. In order to do this, let we state two important facts, viz: BOS 5.3

1. The law from Mt. Sinai-or the rule of life for the people of God, as given in the law, and in the prophets and in the Psalms, is given to Israel, and forms the rule of moral obligation for that dispensation. BOS 5.4

2. The rule of life as given by the apostles is the rule of christian life. BOS 5.5

The past dispensation is familiarly called the Jewish or law dispensation; and the present, the christian or gospel dispensation. If in the past dispensation, one not of the twelve tribes would secure the favor of God, he must become a Jew by being circumcised, and submit to obey the then rule of life. If one, whether Jew or Gentile, will now secure the favor of God, he must become a Christian, and submit to the rule of life given by the apostles. BOS 5.6

Now let us see whether we have any direct prohibition of killing, stealing, etc. 1 Peter 4:15. “But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief.” 1 John 3:15. “And ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him” Revelation 21:8. “And murderers ... shall have their part in the lake that burneth with fire and brimstone.” Galatians 5:21. “Murderers’ are reckoned among the “works of the flesh,” and such shall not inherit the kingdom of God. BOS 6.1

Ephesians 4:28. “Let him that stole steal no more.” Ver, 25. “Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor.” Colossians 3:9. “Lie not one to another.” Here is the prohibition of the things specified in varies language; more examples of which might be brought, besides, some instances where the apostles have quoted the ancient commands touching these things, in form, as in Romans 13:9. Let not your correspondent try (as appears from his short article he will) to maintain his assertion by saying the word christian is not found in one of these passages. The apostles were each writing to christians, hence the passages do without note or comment, prohibit christians doing the things specified. If your correspondent thought that the Harbinger demanded that the passage enjoining the Sabbath should contain the word christian, his argument is excusable otherwise, it is an unworthy cavil. I will say, when you will produce the passage, addressed to the people of God since the establishment of the order of this dispensation, either enjoining the Sabbath in direct language, or reproving its violation, I will keep it. Doubtless this was the intention of the Harbinger. BOS 6.2

Yourself, Friend Editor, quote in reply to the same passage from the Harbinger, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy,” and “the Seventh day is the Sabbath,” and refer us to the law for the passages. No one disputes that the people of God in that dispensation were required to keep the Sabbath; but it devolves upon you to show that it is required of them in this. Bring the requirement as addressed to christians. BOS 6.3

Both you and Friend Cottrell, quote, “The Sabbath was made for man,” and infer that it was made for all men’s observance: but to give any force to this inference you have to assume that man cannot be profited by the Sabbath except by his individual observance of it. This you should prove. I conceive that man as a race can be abundantly profited by it, while its observance was only enjoined upon one dispensation. BOS 6.4

Please receive this as a friendly note from one who has not a shadow of a doubt but you are in error in your views of the Sabbath. Give it a place in your Review if you please, and if it is reviewed fairly, the writer will be happy to read and profit thereby. BOS 7.1

Yours in hope of the Kingdom of God,
E. Miller, Jr.
Middlebury, Elkhart Co., Ind., July 29th, 1853. BOS 7.2