But with the adventist it was different. This would-be Abraham
in making his offering, was proclaiming to the world his theological
opinions, and the earnestness with which he entertained them. His
offering was no proof of his faith in God, but of his faith in himself
as an interpreter of God' s purposes and plans. His sacrificial act was



Appendix. 455

performed, not as an act' of obedience prompted bj the integrity of bis
heart, but to prove before the world his own earnestness and sincerity
in promulgating his particular dogmas. His purpose was to try God,
not to be tried by Him ; to prove God, not to obey Him. The motive
producing the act originated in himself, not, in God, and the char-
acter of the act was fanatical murder, not self-sacrifice.
