THE reader will note that I have omitted sometimes, in all probability, at the expense of the matter considered, the usual “authorities” generally expected in a work of this kind. Books nowadays have grown to be a sort of compendium of what great preachers, great statesmen, great editors, and great professors think on the subjects treated. I have chosen to give a true statement of the views of Adventists, to apply the Bible teachings thereto, and then to draw the conclusions, after the necessary generalizations. What great men have to say on the subjects treated has mattered little with me. Great men have said all sorts of things.
My rule has been: What does the Bible say?
The book has been written on what might be called the “popular” basis. If at times, therefore, the matter may seem to be presented in an absurdly simple form, the reader will be calling in question, if he complains, the one point at which the author aimed from the very beginning.
Seventh-Day Adventism is a mixture of Christianity and Judaism-abnormally in favor of the latter. It is the counterpart of that movement against which the apostle Paul addressed the Galatian letter. While professing to be Christian, it aims constantly to thrust back on to the necks of Christians “the yoke of bondage” from which Christ has set us free. (Gal. 5: 1; Acts 15: 10.)
There is not a book on the market at the present time that discusses Adventism from a systematic standpoint and in an unbiased manner. I, therefore, in placing this volume before the reading public, trust that its reception will be as cordial and beneficial as has been the sincerity of spirit that prompted its production.
JAY HENRY MONK
Washington, D. C., October 1, 1919