Earlier text: THE SABBATHTHE highest interest of thousands is the cause of present truth. All earthly treasures are small when compared with it. This deep interest has arisen in the minds of the devoted friends of the cause from the force of evidence that God is leading out from the churches and the world a people for himself, to whom he is unfolding truth, long covered by the traditions of men. The evidences that we have already reached the time for the proclamation of the last great message, with its soul-stirring, testing points of truth, newly opened to the mind, harmonizing with the great system of revealed truth, have moved to action. And as true believers have moved forward with a spirit of sacrifice and zeal in harmony with their profession of faith, the Holy Spirit has rested upon them, confirming their faith, and leading them to act as if what they believed had become actual knowledge. This is not fanaticism, but the result of true faith. Faith that will not move men to act, is not Bible faith. But with true faith our ministers have gone out into the world, trusting in God who called them to do his work. They cheerfully sacrificed the blessings of home that they might save men from the second death. They gave up worldly prospects, making no calculations for future life, and engaged in the work of the salvation of their fellow-men with zeal and love for souls in a degree like Christ's first ministers. Their efforts were blest wherever they labored. Scarcely a meeting was held anywhere, under any circumstances, where the truth was advocated, but what more or less embraced it. Our paper from week to week bore the glad tidings of numerous additions, cheering the hearts of all to toil on. Our people also, with some exceptions, acted well their part. They opened their hands wide to the wants of the cause, and men who loved this world, and made its treasures their god, on receiving the message in its purity, opened their hearts and their purses freely. Some have shown their devotion to the cause, and their firm faith in the positions taken, in that they have sold their homes and farms, used a share, and with the remainder bought smaller homes. This was the faith of those who first embraced and proclaimed the message. Their influence was felt, and dreaded by the churches who feared they would lose their most devoted members. The establishment of the steam press, the sending out of tents, and the general prompt action of our people in sustaining the cause, in connection with the harmony and clearness of the unpopular doctrine taught, attracted much attention, and with many commanded great respect. The ears of the people seemed to be open to our message, and their hearts ready to feel. Our ministers were generally well cared for, our periodicals had gathered friends and patrons sufficient to support them, and our book concern had become growing and prosperous. We needed only a convenient publishing building, and the book fund somewhat increased, to have all the facilities and means to publish the truth of God's word that could be of any advantage. And now, with all the discouragements that weigh down this cause, nearly $7000 is pledged to the Publishing Association, and the money is coming in without the expense of collecting agents. The prospect that the publishing department will be properly and fully sustained is good. When we compare our prosperous condition in this respect with others, we can better prize those stirring and practical truths we teach, which have brought so many to act well their part for God and his truth. The Sabbath Recorder for May 30, 1861, says: "Four numbers more will complete the seventeenth volume of the Recorder. One of those numbers will be issued on the first Fifth-day in July, and will contain the proceedings in full of the Central and Western Associations. The remaining three numbers will be issued on such days as the Board of the Publishing Society, at a meeting to be held on the 19th of June, shall determine. Probably they will be issued at intervals of four weeks, which will bring the last number of the volume on the 26th of September, and enable us to give in it an account of our anniversaries, and the conclusion of the Publishing Society, as to the best way of providing the denomination with a paper in the future.
"The General Agent of the Publishing Society expects to attend the meetings of the Central and Western Associations, for the purpose of reporting their proceedings, and making collections. It should be distinctly understood for the fate of the Society is in the hands of those who owe it. If they, by promptly paying what is due, enable the Society to meet its indebtedness to the late treasurer, Mr. Lyon, satisfactory arrangements for the future can no doubt be made." The Seventh-day Baptists are an old and well-organized body. They have their institutions of learning, and educated ministers, yet they seem to be dwindling. With all their wealth, they do not own a press, therefore, instead of their office being located at some central point, where printing can be done at less expense, it is located in New York city, dependent on the press of another, where the high prices of rent, fuel, board and labor are bleeding their Publishing Society to death. The Advent Herald for June 15, 1861 says: "Shall this paper be continued? Shall it be continued weekly? Shall it be continued in its present size? These are questions which the standing committee will need to consider at their next meeting, unless there be a renewed and united effort, east, west and north in its support. We have lost, for the present at least, all our circulation in the seceded States; and the present general stagnation of business, cuts off to some extent the means of its friends to continue it above embarrassment. We are a good deal perplexed as to what is duty; which must be measurably determined by the disposition manifested by its friends to continue, or to dispense with this agency. We wish to observe the indications of providence, and to do that which may be God's will to his glory. We trust all who deem the continuance of this instrumentality important, will duly consider what is duty, and act accordingly—showing that brick cannot be made without the requisite material, and that when the crib remains without fodder the cattle must perish." This paper is published by the American Millennial Association, Boston, Mass. It is conducted with ability, and has for its backers wealthy patrons and able ministers. Yet with all these advantages it from time to time talks of dying with all the apparent sincerity of a confirmed consumptive. The Herald ably advocates the personal, pre-millennial advent of Christ, the two resurrections from the dead, and the earth renewed the inheritance of the saints. It has also stood free from the bewildering fancies of the future age. But as it does not acknowledge the fulfillment of the first and second messages of Rev. xiv in the great advent movement, and does not regard the time movement as being in the special providence of God, the faith of its patrons in the soon coming of Christ falters and wanes away, and they starve for want of spiritual food. We think the figure used in the last clause of the above quotation from the Herald is most applicable—"When the crib remains without fodder the cattle must perish." The Seventh-day Baptists and the Adventists are both small denominations, because of the unpopularity of their leading doctrines. There is a cross in the Advent, also in the Sabbath. And unless they stand in a position to receive the special favor of heaven, they must dwindle. But the Seventh-day Adventists have the double cross of the Sabbath and the Second Advent, besides other views equally objectionable. But with all this tide against us as a people, we have, by the grace of God, been able to press our way through, and gain some victories. Our ministers are generally unlearned men, many of them but striplings. Our brethren are, with few exceptions, the poor of the flock. It is because God has been on our side that we have an existence. But the present is a time of discouragement with those whose only hope of success is that the God of Israel will go forth with us to battle. Additions to our numbers are few and feeble. They lack that consecration and strength to stand the trials of the way which characterized those who embraced the truth a few years since. The Lord does not go out with those who labor with tents, as formerly. Our publications are not being scattered, as bread cast upon the waters, as they have been. There are but few accounts of persons receiving the Sabbath from reading a tract, or a copy of the Review, compared with former accounts. Why is all this? God has not changed. His truth is the same, only as the present truth unfolds and prophecy is fulfilling, it becomes clearer and more powerful. The harvest of the earth is not ripe for the sharp sickle of the Son of man. As yet the ripening influence of the truth has extended to only a very small portion of the field. And the people are more and more ready to hear the truth. Why, then, is this state of things with us? This question is worthy of the most careful attention and prayerful investigation of every brother and sister, especially of our ministers. Our present weak state is not because God has forsaken his truth and his people; but as a people we have, step by step, departed from him, and are, in a great measure, left to our own feebleness. There are several causes for this alarming declension; but in our opinion the chief cause has been the influence of some among us to crush the plain, pointed and pure testimony. The third message is pointed and cutting. And when its forceful testimony seemed to be losing its influence on many minds, in mercy the counsel to the seventh church of Rev. ii and iii, was opened with great power, and as it was received, new life was given to the cause everywhere, and many joined the ranks. Here is one fact worthy of notice, that whenever the most pointed, and, to the natural mind, the most objectionable testimony has been given, there have been the greatest additions to our numbers, and these have generally been persons of moral worth and decision of character, to stand best, and be a blessing to the cause. But some did not stand free in the testimony to the Laodiceans, which encouraged at least a feeling of indifference in regard to the plain testimony which is in harmony with the counsel to the Laodiceans. This influence has greatly affected the Review. There has been a gradual letting down from that high tone of spirituality and faith, until its contents possess but little more interest than common reading matter of the numerous religious newspapers of the day. This has a discouraging and unfeeling influence upon our ministers, and upon our people, especially upon those scattered ones whose only preacher is the Review, and who have no other social meetings than the communications published in its columns. We do not speak rashly in regard to our low state. We would not unnecessarily discourage any; but unless we see our condition, we shall never arise from it. If the causes of our backsliding be seen, they can be put away and avoided hereafter. O God, let thy people see and feel deeply, and arise in thy strength. In order to arise there must be a general effort. We must not be too liberal and assign all the cause to others. All should humbly confess their backslidings, and come up together. The Review is backslidden. May God have mercy upon the editor, and all its contributors, and may they be imbued with the spirit and power of the present truth, that the Review may go forth like a torch-light in this dark world to be received with eagerness and joy by its thousands of devoted readers. We feel the deepest solicitude for those dear ministers of Christ who are toiling on under present discouragements. You, dear brethren, bear heavy burdens. But gird the armor on a little closer. Unsheath the glittering Sword of the Spirit, and let that good blade cut its way through, whether men listen and weep, or scoff and turn away from the truth. Be Christ's free men. Cast your burdens on him. Do your duty faithfully, leaving with him the result. While your work calls for prudence, humility and watchfulness, it also requires boldness and decision. We beseech you, brethren, not to let the undue caution of any man have a crippling influence upon your testimony. The impetuosity of some like S. W. R. has greatly disgusted the overcautious among us. This has had a strong tendency to cripple the testimony of those who should speak the truth pointedly in love. In this, Satan helps on one extreme, that he may more easily produce another, more fatal, if possible, to the cause.45 Our brethren generally are ready to sustain the cause. We have been surprised at their faithfulness in this respect under the circumstances. But unless we have a living paper, and our ministers show more evidence of walking with God, they will not hold out. We view the cause standing in a most critical position, and recommend a day of fasting and prayer. Could all our brethren join in such a season of humiliation, self-examination and prayer, would not the Lord turn his face toward us, and restore to us the spirit and power of the third message? Brethren, let us hear from you. PHENOMENA IN 1860.
By Uriah Smith
THE following graphic description of the characteristics of the year 1860, are from a writer in the Chicago Journal. He thinks the phenomena have been such as to be especially gratifying to a Millerite. While we admit this, it is also gratifying to notice the acknowledgment he hereby gives that these things are associated in the minds of the people with the belief and the preaching of those who are looking for the end of all things. It is thus that we, too, as the prophet has said, become signs and wonders to the people. We can also add that no Millerite would have any desire to describe the events of the past year in a more vivid and impressive manner than he has done. We accept the labors of our friend in compiling these facts, and thank him for the consolation. "Regarding the year that has just closed, with an eye to its celestial as well as its planetary phenomena, it has been a remarkable one, and might well create in the mind of a Millerite an irrefragible conviction that he had at last the date for a final prophecy. Thunder and lightning storms have been more violent and disastrous than usual. Tornadoes, unprecedented in fury, have ravaged every part of the country. Our western frontiers have been parched and blighted by burning simoons. While one section reaped a bountiful harvest, another had its crops cut off by the lack of vivifying showers. Terrible storms and gales have swept our inland waters and seaboard. Freshets and inundations have ravaged the country in different quarters. Meteors of unusual splendor and size have burst in upper air. Comets have brandished their fiery tresses. The Aurora has flaunted its banners of crimson and pearl in the northern heavens with unusual brilliancy. We have had rain-storms and lightning, hail-storms, and gales of wind, sunshine, and a variation of 20° by the thermometer in a single day. The predictions of the weather-wise have been falsified, the astronomer dumfounded and the Almanac at fault. Is there not here a magnificent field for the man of science? Who shall explain these things? trace out secret agencies at work, and show the cause of the phenomena of 1860?" The few closing sentences are worthy of attention. "Is not here a magnificent field for the man of science? Who shall explain these things?" Yes, Who? Let science come on, as undoubtedly she will, and engage in fruitless efforts to explain by natural laws those things which the great Ruler brings about by a suspension of natural laws. Let her bring on her infamous, but withal useless and absurd, speculations. Many, no doubt, will be comforted thereby and propped up in unbelief; but God's word will be fulfilled nevertheless. Pollok anticipated, and, in his "Course of Time," has well described, this state of things: "Meanwhile the earth gave symptoms of her end;
And all the scenery above proclaimed,
That the great last catastrophe was near.The race of men, perplexed, but not reformed,
Flocking together, stood in earnest crowds,
Conversing of the awful state of things.
Some curious explanations gave, unlearned;
Some tried affectedly to laugh; and some
Gazed stupidly; but all were sad and pale,
And wished the comment of the wise. Nor less
These prodigies occurring night and day,
Perplexed philosophy; the magi tried—
Magi, a name not seldom given to fools
In the vocabulary of earthly speech—
They tried to trace them still in second cause;
But scarcely satisfied themselves; tho' round
Their deep deliberations crowding came,
And, wondering at their wisdom, went away,
Much quieted, and very much deceived,
The people, always glad to be deceived." But if science is bound to explain all these things on natural principles, why wait till the events come to pass before commencing? The word of God tells us what shall take place; and the man of science may hence know what he will be called upon by the unbelieving world, to account for on natural principles. Let him therefore invent his theories and prepare his inventions beforehand, and be all ready to hand them out when occasion shall require! The "magnificent field" which will soon open before him, and for which he might as well now prepare, is this: To explain from what cause, a strange and wonderful affection, in the form of a "noisome and grievous sore," siezes upon a certain class of men [see Rev. xvi]; to tell why the sea suddenly becomes stagnant and putrid like the blood of a dead man; to tell why the rivers and fountains of waters all turn to blood; to explain from what cause unwonted power is given to the sun by which to scorch men as with fire; to account for the more than Egyptian darkness that shall settle down upon the seat and kingdom of the beast, and cause his subjects to gnaw their tongues for pain; to set forth the motives which will influence those European powers through whose sufferance the Ottoman empire now exists, to suddenly withdraw their support, and let that symbolical Euphrates dry up, that the last avenue may be cleared that leads to the great battle ground of Armageddon; to give the philosophy of an all-pervading, disturbing, and infectious influence that shall seize upon the whole atmosphere, dealing out disease, commotion, and death all over the earth; to give a scientific account of the formation of hail-stones of nearly sixty pounds weight each; to tell why they are formed at the particular time they are, and from what secret laboratory of nature they are hurled forth upon the earth; to account, finally, for an unusual disturbance among the heavenly bodies; to explain from what cause the sun and moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining. See Joel iii, 9-15. Over these signs, visitations and judgments, science will no doubt make many "magnificent" displays of its imbecility and folly. Patent medicines for the healing of the sores, and the staying of infection, will no doubt flood the land. But let the honest take warning in time. Let them know that these are visitations of judgment, often provoked, but long stayed, and that they fall upon those only who have become obnoxious to God's displeasure. And let the saints remember that righteousness and meekness [Zoph. ii, 3] are the only shields that will protect us in the day of his fierce anger.
U. SMITH. DEAR BRO. WHITE: Being in a measure sensible of the difficulties which surround you in your responsible position, I feel it my duty, though a humble individual, and so situated as to exercise but little influence, to extend you my heart and hand in sustaining the cause of God, so far as it may go to encourage and assist you; and though it may be but the two mites, yet I opine that not even that is to be despised. If we look back to what I believe to be the great type of this very work, we can readily see how very foolish any man, or company of men, would have been to leave the hosts and go some other way, or attempt to work their own way through. It was only by going with the hosts of Israel, though rough the way and long the journey, that the pillar of fire by night and cloud by day could be their beacon, to guide through the perils of the wilderness. Well may we learn a lesson from the fate of Korah and his company if we make any attempt to gainsay what the Lord himself has ordered. This, if I understand the matter, is the spirit that has discouraged and distressed you. Not that any one has had the assurance to stand boldly out as did Korah; for that could be easily and summarily dealt with; but it is done as effectually, and even more distressingly, by those individuals who go about with ruffled feathers and dissatisfied countenances, scattering disaffection all around them, when you do what God has pointed out to be your duty, and crossed their path; or when you follow where God leads and thwart their pre-judged opinions of the proper course. I attended the conference at Battle Creek last fall, and voted once against taking a name, but repented my folly and changed it; and although I could not see clearly, I did it for unity and harmony; but I can now say, as did the blind man whom Jesus healed, when he was arraigned before the council, "Whereas I was blind, I now see." I see the beauty, the necessity, and the consistency of the very name by which we agreed to call ourselves; and so far from entertaining a murmur, I feel to rejoice in his goodness, and humbly to say, Lead me, O Lord. You then suggested the necessity of more thorough organization as a church; and the last Review has developed it more fully; and I think the address makes itself clearly understood, and should receive the approbation of every honest heart. If I can read the Scriptures aright (and I make them my study every day), Paul represents the church as a body, Christ being the head. Rom. xii, 4, 5; Col. i, 18; Eph. v, 23; iv, 15, &c. Now we all know that the human body is most perfect and beautiful in its organization; and one can only exclaim in view of it, How wonderful! He who studies it, sees the perfect adaptability of every part to the office assigned it; and each joint, bone, muscle, sinew, vessel and organ, must be in its place, performing its office, or all feels the disaffection. Let disease seize a part, and how readily does the whole sympathize with it, and by preserving their integrity, greatly assist in restoring the affected part to its wonted health. Could this be the case unless all were organized together? There may be a foot, a leg, a body, a hand, arm, heart, lungs, blood-vessels, and all the necessary organs; but what can it amount to unless all are organized together? Just so with the church. It must be thoroughly organized, not be dead like too many of the professed churches of Christ, but have the Spirit of the Lord breathed into it. Then Christ, who is the head, can work through it the mighty purposes which are given him to do. And when his body is perfectly organized so that every part works in its place, performing its proper office, then, and not till then, will he employ it in giving the loud cry of the third angel, and enlightening the earth with its glory. The idea of church-books, records, and conferences composed of members elected with delegated powers, may be a lion in the way of some; but let such remember that there is a church-book in heaven. Rev. xx, 15. Records are also kept, as is indicated in verse 12 of the same chapter, and we know that every messenger sent from46 there comes with delegated powers. Now if these things be necessary for the perfect order which heaven possesses, how much more when short-sighted, forgetful, erring man has to manage the things pertaining to the body of Christ. "United, we stand; divided, we fall." Let the church become a unit (and I do not know how this can be accomplished without thorough organization), and O, what a mighty lever to pry over the strongholds of iniquity, and make the world feel its influence. But enough. I am satisfied the Lord will sift his people over these things, and sift them again and again, until he has a church without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing. And giving all diligence to make my calling and election sure, I feel the necessity of following where the people of God go. And so long as I will do his will, I have the promise that I shall never be at a loss to know who they are. May the Lord be your strength, your right arm, your high tower, and the rock of your salvation, is the prayer of your unworthy brother. A BROTHER, young in the cause, once inquired, as we were offering books for sale, "Does this gospel cost money?" We simply replied that the paper-maker and the printer had to be paid with money, and being poor we were obliged to sell the books to get money to pay them. But this case is only one among many. Just such thoughts and feelings trouble thousands, which they sometimes show out in words when we offer books for sale, or call for just dues on our periodicals, or invite those to whom it is a pleasure to contribute to the benevolent objects of the cause—"Does this gospel cost money?" We think that this arises in most cases from a wrong impression being given when our preachers enter a new place. It is always right to labor to allay prejudice, as well as to prevent it from arising; but it is equally important to guard against giving a strong impression in a wrong direction, which will not only injure those who embrace the truth under the wrong impression, but stand in the way of our own testimony afterwards. Some oppose preaching for stated salaries. This may be well, if it be done without giving the impression that those who preach the third message can live upon the wind. It is a fact that our preachers who travel much, some of them with tents, require more, and receive more, than some of the small salaried ministers. And all men, who have sense sufficient to become intelligent Christians, know that our preachers must have a living as well as other men. Therefore, if the subject of preaching for hire, &c., be touched at all, let the Bible doctrine, in connection with the example of the apostles on this subject, be clearly presented, that a right impression be made on the minds of the people. “Then they that feared the Lord, spoke often one to another.” BrETHREN AND SISTERS : I hail with joy the weekly visits of the Review, bringing so many cheering testimonies and stirring exhortations. My heart beats in unison with the remnant people, and I long for the time to come when we shall be perfectly established in the unity of the faith. I thank God that we are not left without some special manifestations of his Spirit in this evil time, but he has deigned to give us messages of correction and encouragement through the gift of prophecy. One thing in Testimony No. 6 particularly hit my case. It was in regard to novel-reading. The pages of fiction have always had a very strong fascination for me, and though I have tried to break off from this evil habit, I have been now and then overcome by the seductions of some bewildering story-book. O, how many times in past years have I hushed the "still, small voice" in the pages of romance. I can now see that this pernicious habit has weakened my judgment in spiritual things, enfeebled my energies, and poisoned my imagination. But in the strength of God I am determined to overcome, and if any of my dear young friends who have embraced the present truth are in the habit of reading the light literature of the day, break off from it, I pray you; for it is one of Satan's strongest, though one of his most flowery chains. "Let us lay aside every weight, . . . and run with patience the race set before us." The past winter has been one of gloom and darkness to me. The storm of fanaticism that burst upon our inexperienced heads, left us blinded and stunned, uncertain what to do, and fearful to take a step lest we should go wrong. I was afraid to claim God's promises, and seek the Spirit's influence, for fear I might be invoking some wrong spirit unawares. I was at times almost in despair. But I cried unto God out of the depths, and he hearkened unto me and heard my cry. I renewed my vows to God, and the language of my heart was, "I can but perish if I go,
I am resolved to try."
Though sorely buffeted by Satan, and pressed by various cares and trials, the terrible darkness was gradually dispelled, and light and hope sprang up in my heart. I felt to thank God and take courage. God in mercy sent Bro. Sanborn and Loughborough this way to reprove, instruct and encourage us. God bless the faithful messengers. I feel persuaded that this is the time of which the apostle speaks, when men shall have a form of godliness, denying the power thereof." Fearful evidences of the fall of Babylon are multiplying on every hand. For instance, there has been a revival in the M. E. church, and some fifteen or twenty added to their numbers. Two of the members were particularly loud and zealous in their exhortations and prayers. But mark the sequel! Only a few weeks ago, while a Methodist minister was denouncing the sin of slavery, one of these men got up and ordered him to stop. But the congregation bid him go on. It seems the preacher dined at the man's house that day, and left his horse there. Finding he could not silence the preacher, he turned to leave, saying as he went, in tones of rage, "Take your horse out of my barn, or he'll be in the road in less than five minutes." And so he went home making sundry threats of mobbing and shooting abolitionists, &c. The other man has recently lost a suit in court, the law awarding to his opponent the house and property where he lives; but he swears to shoot the first man that comes to dispossess him. Truly we are in perilous times. God speed on the work of the third angel, till the earth shall be lightened with his glory. I feel a great lack of spirituality and faith, but am determined to persevere in well-doing, hoping at last to gain immortality with you in the kingdom. Kingston, Green Lake Co., Wis. MILES C. HOLIDAY
By Miles C. Holiday
DEAR BRO. WHITE: I desire to say a few words through the Review, for the first time, in honor of the cause of God. It has been about four months since I listened to a course of lectures delivered in this village by Bro. Cornell, and I bless God that the subjects of prophecy, the Sabbath, and the near coming of Christ looked plain to me, and that I had a heart willing to receive it. For the space of two years I have been searching for the truth, and I have not found a sure resting-place for my faith and hope until I heard the third angel's message. Dear brethren, the third angel's message does seem good to me. Who can help loving it? I am determined through the grace of God to press my way onward, to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. O there is a glorious hope before us which is like an anchor to the soul, both sure and steadfast. There is a goodly number of Sabbath-keepers in this village. We are laboring under opposition from other denominations and non-professors, but their efforts only strengthen us; for we know that the true people of God shall suffer persecution. At the commencement of every Sabbath we meet together for prayer and exhortation, for which we receive a blessing. Sabbath morning is occupied in social meeting, Sabbath School and Bible class. We are all of us young in this work, but our earnest prayer is for strength and grace from on high, and we are continually receiving it. We see that prophecy in the past has been fulfilled to the very letter, and we now are seeing it fulfilling also. We were happy to receive a visit from Bro. Bates, for we needed strength and advice. We would also feel happy to receive a call from any of the messengers as often as convenient. Dear brethren and sisters, we want to be a portion of those who will come off victorious over the beast47 and image, and that will stand on mount Zion and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Your brother striving for heaven. WHAT people say is of not much consequence. God's approbation is better than the favor of kings. Public opinion is changeable; at one time it crucifies Christ, and honors law; at another, it honors (ostensibly) Christ, and crucifies law. Alternately it supports error and truth, as best suits its caprice. At one time it banishes Cicero, next takes him to favor again, borne on the shoulders of the people. Public opinion is fickle as the wind. He who relies upon it leans upon a staff which will break and pierce his hand. A nation may endorse error, it will fall; truth will stand without supporters, and a peasant who loves and retains and practices the truth, is more in the sight of God than nations who hate the light. Humbly inquire of God concerning duty. Time cannot be too highly valued. Employ it all in performing the will of God. What is done in Sodom will be done quickly. Then ere the angels urge their departure, clear thyself from the blood of souls. It is safe to pray God to draw the line between the two armies; to lead out all impostors and foes in disguise, to bar the doors against the insincere and the dishonest, and to exhort the wise to trim their lamps. From past experience it appears that the discipline of the church is ineffective and loose, until Ananias and Sapphira fall; and the best discipline is in crying to God to interfere, then it will stand. When you sigh, be sure there is a cause for it. Sometimes people sigh over trifles, while real dangers are unnoticed. No matter how great your hurry is, do not act nor speak while in a pet. Wait till you are calm. There never lived a person whose judgment was sound while in an angry or pettish mood. All sin perverts the judgment: none more so than anger. Be careful not to encourage fanaticism; and let us ask for wisdom from above that we may be able always to decide justly. It would be lamentable indeed to fall into the snare many have fallen into, viz., denying the work of the Spirit. Let us move forward in the deep work of internal and external reform, in unison with the Spirit that dictated and fulfills prophecy. It is a cheap way of stifling the voice of reproof, by crying out fanaticism. So did the Jews; so did the popes and cardinals of the dark ages, when a sturdy reformer stood forth to reproove. All radical reformers have been branded as fanatics. Would Paul have directed the converted Ephesians to go back into the temple of Diana, to please their friends? Did Christ direct his followers to continue their offerings, after the vail of the temple was rent? And shall we, having come out of Babylon, return again for fear of reproach? Do right, and God will take care of the consequences. "You and we." There is a great deal of importance attached to the right use of these pronouns, in exhortation; and when the pronoun we, or us, is appropriate and fitting, let us be sure to use it; to use the pronoun you in such cases is not as acceptable. Offer the best. It was a law among the ancient people of God to sacrifice the best of the flock and herd, those which were without blemish. Now if I appropriate the earliest hour of morning (the best of the day) to arranging my worldly affairs, who gets the best? "They that seek me early shall find me." "My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up." It would be discreditable to a professed statesman not to understand the constitution of the United States; yet it is no disgrace to a preacher now-a-days, to be ignorant of the decalogue. A pilot who would ignore the science of navigation, would soon be forced to seek some more appropriate calling; yet a spiritual guide may ignore the prophecies, which span the arch of time, and yet retain popularity, and command the richest benefice. A sleepy candidate would command no votes; so a lukewarm christian should expect no blessings. The blind carnality of the world would be simply ludicrous were it not for its far-reaching effects, and its guilt and disasters. This world has always hated and destroyed its best friends, and loved its foes. In its hatred to prophets and good men, and in its dread of reforms, it is matchless. Barabbas is to them better than Christ; tradition is superior to the word of Jehovah; a monk is better than Copernicus; and a lying Jesuit is a peer, but Galileo is a criminal; the sun must go round the earth, and truth must hang on the gibbet, while error banquets in lordly halls. A golden calf does very well for a god while Moses is in the mount conversing with God; but when he comes down, how is their merriment turned to lamentation. Many men will think nothing of buying a library of romance, and light reading; and while they expend large sums in equipage and showy adornments, would think some time before they would buy a coat or a school-book for an orphan. Sometimes we are so ambitious to do great things, we neglect to perform minor duties; and perhaps at times we are so anxious to obtain greater blessings, we neglect to praise God for what he has done for us already. It is claimed that certain circumstances might make it right to harvest on the Sabbath. The same argument would prove that under a certain pressure, it would be justifiable to kill, steal, perjure and covet.