SABBATH OBSERVANCE.

Southland Times, Issue 20526, 30 June 1928, Page 3

SABBATH OBSERVANCE.

To the Editor. Sir, —If any justification were needed for my endeavour to keep Mr Sampson to the point, it is provided in his latest letter, which gives a sample of how far he would stray. He wants to know if I visit any homes and explain Luke 23 :43. As though that had anything to do with the proof that the seventh day is the sabbath; but remembering that patience is a virtue, I would say, it has been my privilege not only in private but in public to demonstrate that the comma is misplaced. Mr. Sampson charges me with deliberately contradicting Paul by claiming that the gospel was at least partiably unfolded to the O.T. saints (prophets included). We will leave it to your readers to judge who contradicts the word. We will ask Paul to occupy the witness box. Referring to ancient Israel as recorded in Heb. iii, he points out the cause of failure on the part of those who lost their inheritance, viz., unbelief. Then after warning us against this common sin, says: “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them, but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.” If these words mean what they say I fail to recognize any conflict with my statement. Let Paul speak again of the same O.T. people: “And did all eat the same spiritual meat; and did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ.” I know of no other spiritual source from which the church of God in our day may safely partake. Yet Mr Sampson would have us believe we have a different source of supply from that which O.T. saints possessed. If Eph. iii; v; vi, ix are compared carefully with the foregoing scriptures and those formerly quoted, it will be understood better what was hidden. I repeat O.T. writers do not contradict the N.T.— I am, etc., • J. PASCOE.