"INFORMATION WANTED. Will some one give us the titles, publishers and prices of a few of the best works written against the doctrine of the sleep, or unconscious state of the dead, and the annihilation of the wicked?"
"Yes, I will. There is an old work called the BIBLE. It contains five general divisions, viz.: Pentateuch, Historical, Poetical, Prophetical, and the last Will, or New Testament. Its Author is the Holy Ghost. Moses and the judges of Israel, the Prophets, Jesus himself, and the inspired Apostles, were the publishers (or declarers) of the great truths of revelation, which plainly show that all such doctrines as are named in the above inquiry, are of their father, the Devil, and his works they are doing on the earth. The prices are all the way from fifty cents to ten dollars, and can be had at any of the bookstores." S. March 5th, 1857."
The above is taken from the Morning Star. As we read it we felt constrained to ask, "What is written in the prophets? how readest thou?" We too have sought after books against the sleep of the dead, and the death of the wicked. We have been to this same "old work called the Bible." We have searched it through all its divisions. And what has been the result? We will present a few specimens of what we have found there.
First, in that division called the Pentateuch, we read, "In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." Gen iii, 19. This language is addressed to the intelligent being. It is not Adam's body merely which is the subject of this threatening, as some have said and thereby tried to dodge the question; but it is Adam himself who is spoken to, the "living soul" which Adam "became," when God breathed into him the breath of life. It appears to us, and we cannot shake off the impression, that this text has direct bearing on the state of man in death.
Again; [Deut. xxxi, 16;] "And the Lord said unto Moses, Behold, thou shalt sleep with thy fathers." &c. Moses is addressed and his fathers spoken of: not Moses' body and the bodies of his fathers; but the whole organized being, all that constituted the man. They were sleeping, or had lain down, (margin,) and God told Moses that he should sleep with them.
This must suffice from this portion of "the book" on the sleep or unconscious state of the dead. We next inquire, What does it teach concerning the destiny of the wicked? Ans. God told Adam that if he ate of the forbidden tree, (or sinned) he should surely die. And Moses says to the children of Israel, [Deut. xxx, 19,] "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live."
This testimony is unequivocal; and it is from the Pentateuch too. It does not say, There is an inherent immortality entailed upon you whether you will or not, and there is therefore set before you unending happiness and eternal misery; no such thing; but, I have set before you life and death. Now we all understand these terms. At least upon any other subject than the final destiny of man, they are never allowed to have but one meaning; and that is well understood. Life, is living, and death is its opposite, cessation of existence; and why not let language perform its office and have its meaning in the case before us; especially since that latitude which would allow us to call life happiness, and death misery, would, shatter the whole Bible into ruins, and demolish any theory which might be built thereon?
Second, in that portion of the Bible called historical, concerning the dead we read, [2 Sam. vii, 12,] how the Lord said unto David by the mouth of Nathan, the prophet, "And when thy days be fulfilled and thou shalt sleep with thy fathers" &c. Now Paul tells us that in his time, David had not yet ascended to heaven; [Acts ii, 34;] and we certainly should not think of looking to hell for a person who like David was a man after God's own heart. Where then was he? We answer, in the language of the text he was sleeping with his fathers; and there he will sleep till the last trump; for Job says, that they shall not awake nor be raised out of their sleep till the heavens be no more. Job xiv, 12. But we are anticipating. One text on the destiny of the wicked and we pass. 2 Chron. xxv, 4. But every man shall die for his own sins.
Third. We come now to the Poetical division of the sacred book. How is man represented in death and after the final judgment, by the Poetry of the Bible? The testimony here is abundant, of which the following must serve as samples; "Consider and hear me, O Lord my God; lighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death. Ps. xiii, 3. See also Ps. lxxvi, 5. lxxxviii, 10-12. Job iii, 13; vii, 21; xiv, 12. Eccl. ix, 5, 6. And as we pursue our inquiry under this division, as to what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God, we are met by the Psalmist with this declaration: "For yet a little while and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs. They shall consume, into smoke shall they consume away." Ps. xxxvii.
Fourth, in the Prophetic portion of God's book to man, we are no less definitely informed on this subject. The Lord bids the prophet Ezekiel prophesy, and declare unto his people, [chap. xxxvii, 12, 13,] "Thus saith the Lord God, Behold, O my people I will open your graves, and cause you to come up out of your graves," &c. Then the Lord's people are in their graves. Are they conscious while there? If so, it must be a doleful existence. Daniel speaks of them as sleeping in the dust of the earth. Chap. xii, 2. And Hezekiah says that the living may praise God, but the dead cannot. Isa. xxxviii, 18, 19.
Touching the second point against which our friend above, wishes to find some testimony, viz., the destruction of the wicked, Ezekiel says plainly, or rather the Lord by Ezekiel; [chap. xviii, 4.] "The soul that sinneth it shall die." Jeremiah says, [chap. xxi, 8,] that the way of life and the way of death is set before them. The Lord says that he has no pleasure in the death of the wicked. "Turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?" Eze. xxxiii, 11. We cannot stop in this article to make even a bare reference to the texts which declare the doom of the ungodly. Suffice it to say that it is set forth in these words: that they shall be destroyed, shall perish, shall go to perdition, shall be consumed, shall come to an end, shall be rooted out and cut off, and shall be burned up. He must be an expert theological chemist who can find the smallest extract of eternal life in these declarations.
We have yet remaining before us for examination, one more division, the last Will, or New Testament. The testimony which we have already examined is not such as we should expect to find in a book which was declared to be against the sleep of the dead and destruction of the wicked. It remains to be seen what the New Testament writers and He who came to bring life and immortality to light, may say on the subject, and then we can draw our conclusions.
As we enter this department of the great temple of truth, almost upon the very threshold we hear John declaring of the Saviour, that he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into his garner and burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire. Matt, iii, 12. We hear the Saviour declaring that "no man hath ascended up to heaven;" [John iii, 13;] that the dead are in their graves, and the time is coming when they shall hear the voice of the Son of God. John v, 25, 28. Paul, speaking of David, says that after he had served his own generation he fell on sleep. Acts xiii, 36. He tells us that if there is no resurrection, (rising again) even those who are fallen asleep in Christ are perished; [1 Cor. xv, 18;] and that the wages of sin is death. Rom. vi, 23. Says the Saviour, "He that believeth not the Son, shall not see life, but the wrath of God abideth on him and he shall perish;" [John iii, 36;] and to perish, is to die, to be destroyed, to waste away, to come to nothing.
And such we find to be the whole tenor of the New Testament teaching on this subject. What then shall we conclude? What can we conclude? Is the word of God yea and nay? By no means.
But notwithstanding the Bible speaks out so plainly on the subjects of the unconscious state of the dead and the death of the wicked, our friend at the head of this article wishes to obtain some of the best works against these doctrines. Has he read the Bible? Does he know that these very views are the teachings of that book from beginning to end? Or does he wish to find something to disprove the plain testimony of the Bible? What does he mean? Information is wanted on this point.
And again, the person who took it upon himself to point out the book, which would answer the individual's inquiry, when he says that these views are from their father, the Devil, and his work they are doing on the earth, what does he mean? Does he mean that a great portion of the Bible is inspired by the Devil? We would advise him to bestow a thought or two more upon these things before launching forth in such assertions. But what an untimely reference did he give to his friend. Should we sincerely inquire for books against the sleep of the dead, and death of the wicked, and any one should refer us to the Bible, we must upon examination of that book consider ourselves decidedly sold. A more unfortunate reference for that object could hardly be made. We hope however the person will examine the Bible, see the light, and have no more occasion to inquire for books against the truth.
"THE FEELING SYSTEM."
By R. F. C.
"SoME act because they believe—others because they feel. The former walk by faith, the latter by feeling. Faith was, and still is, both the principle of action and feeling with the intelligent children of God. It was by faith that Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain—Enoch was translated—Noah prepared an ark to the saving of his house—Abraham obeyed—Moses refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, forsook Egypt, kept the passover, and passed through the Red Sea—Rahab saved77her life—and Gideon, and Barak, and Sampson, and Jephthah, and David, and Samuel, and the prophets, subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, grew valiant in battle, and turned to flight the armies of the aliens. By faith females endured tortures not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. Others had trials of mockings and scourgings, of bonds and imprisonments. They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tried, were slain with the sword; they wandered about in the skins of sheep and goats, being destitute, afflicted, and tormented. They wandered in deserts, and mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. Such was the army of the faith in ancient times. Faith obtained for them a reputation which is as imperishable as the day of eternity, and will stand when gems and the proudest monuments of earthly greatness shall crumble into dust. The sunshine of their deathless glory will irradiate their tombs when the quickening voice of the archangel shall break the slumbers of death and proclaim an eternal victory for the saints. And when the power of death shall be broken, they will sing with joy extatic,
*O death, where now your sting?
O hades, where your victory!*
"Faith has in every age, led its possessor to keep the commandments of God. And it has in ten thousand instances, inspired human beings with a calm and rational fearlessness of death, whether it approached them in the form of the sword, the faggot, or the cross."
"But alas! how few walk by faith, in this bewildered age! How thick the fog, how deep the gloom that overspreads the people of this generation! They have to a great, a very great extent thrown away the word of God, and resolved to walk according to their own feelings, or vain imaginations. They have positively 'become vain in their imaginations, and their foolish hearts are darkened.' Professing to be wise they have become fools, and changed the glory of faith into feelings. How many hundreds are there who unhesitatingly believe Jesus to be the Christ, and yet they will not obey him! Ask them their reasons for continuing in disobedience, and they say they have no reason to give, only they do not feel inclined to obey, and they suppose it would be very wrong for them to obey unless they feel like it. This is the most unreasonable class in the community. They admit the Scriptures to contain a revelation from God and that a part of that revelation is preceptive, and yet they are not willing to do as required, because they do not feel interested in such matters."
"Now let us suppose that a reasonable father requires his son to do a certain piece of business, and the son acknowledges the justice, propriety, and even the importance of the father's requirements, and the only reason he can give for not having obeyed is that he did not feel like it! Or in other words, he did not want to do it, and therefore he thought it would be wrong for him to attend to it. Would not such an excuse be perfectly ridiculous? Again suppose a father of a family acknowledges his obligation to labor for the comfortable support, and the education of his family, but being a very lazy man, he apologizes for his neglect of his family, by saying, 'I know I am commanded by the Ruler of the universe to provide for my family, but I do not feel as if I want to labor, and I think it would be very wicked for me to go to work in obedience to his command when I do not feel like it.'"
"Let this principle be carried out and see where it will end. God requires us to speak the truth, but according to this notion, it would be very wrong for a man to tell the truth if he felt inclined to lie. Because, to obey God when he did not feel like it would be wicked! God requires us to be just. But the man who feels inclined to be unjust must be careful not to deal justly because it is wrong to obey God when he does not feel like it! God has said, 'You shall not kill!' Now if a man feels inclined to murder, he must not refrain from it; for it is wrong to obey contrary to his feelings. And so of all the other commands. Now there is not a more foolish, absurd, and contemptible doctrine in the world."
"We are to be governed by our faith, and not by our feelings. We should not be governed by our feelings, but we should govern them. We ought, in every case where our feelings are contrary to the commands of the Supreme Being, to go in direct opposition to them. This would be denying ourselves. And this is precisely what Jesus has required of us. This would be crucifying the old man with his deeds; and crucifying the flesh with the affections and lusts."
"There are some religious teachers who not only go contrary to the commands of God, but they even teach others to do so. And they regard it as a kind of liberality for which they think they are praise-worthy. They say to people whom they are desirous to have unite with their churches, 'You may be immersed, or sprinkled, or poured, just according to your own feelings.' The Scriptures command them to be immersed, (for this is what the original word signifies,) but these teachers take it upon themselves to dispense with a positive command, and substitute a contemptible tradition in its place, which will better suit the whims or feelings of a careless and ignorant multitude. But the day is fast approaching when men will be judged for 'teaching for doctrines the commandments of men;' and directing people to follow their feelings, regardless of what the Oracles require. Their spurious religions never were, and never will be acceptable to God."
The above is from the Primitive Christian of June, 1837. It is not quoted for the purpose of taking exceptions to it; for I approve the sentiment contained in it. How many neglect a plainly revealed commandment, because they do not feel it their duty. Some neglect the Sabbath or baptism because they do not feel the blessing connected with obedience before they obey. It would seem more consistent that our faith should lead us to action, and having done what God requires, by faith claim his promise and feel the blessing of obedience.
But though our author wrote well concerning the commands of God, yet he himself openly violated the fourth commandment, and taught others that it was abolished, and substituted "a contemptible tradition in its place." This only shows the weakness and depravity of human nature, which is more easily led by tradition than by truth.
TENT MEETINGS IN MICH.
By Joseph Bates; J. H. Waggoner
BRO. SMITH: We pitched our Tent in Burlington Village June 5th, and continued holding meetings therein every evening until the 23d inst. except two very stormy ones. We have had good and attentive congregations excepting a few stormy evenings. Many were solicitous that the Tent might remain among them longer. The major part of our hearers admitted that our position was in accordance with the Bible, especially the Sabbath of the Lord.
At our last meeting quite a number declared their intention to "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." Our parting scene with these dear friends which have become so deeply interested in the present truth since the Tent was pitched in their vicinity, was at the water-side yesterday morning, where thirteen of them were baptized in obedience to the command of the great head of the church. It was a solemn and interesting season.
Many that were much prejudiced against the presentation of our views when we commenced this series of meetings became believers, and rejoiced that they had heard for themselves. One of their principal men, who had been one of our constant hearers, said after our meetings were closed, this has been a good meeting; things have gone on so orderly and quietly, without that excitement which is so often produced by protracted meetings, that a good impression is left on the minds of the people that will tell for the truth.
During the eighteen days of our series of meetings we had much rainy weather with strong gusts of wind which required us to lower our Tent very often. Once it blew down by a sudden gust occasioning some damage which was however repaired, and the Tent pitched again, before the next evening meeting. During divine service in the evening, our Tent buggy was stolen from before the door of the Tent, and we have not been able as yet to learn its whereabouts.
We came on to this place with the Tent yesterday, and some of us arrived late in the evening. We are arranging to pitch it in this village and commence a series of meetings to-morrow evening.
JOSEPH BATES.
J. H. WAGGONER.
Letter from Brn. Waggoner and Bates.
By John Harvey Waggoner; Joseph Bates
BRO. SMITH: Since entering upon the labors of this season we have felt more than ever before, the greatness of the work. Truly, the harvest is plenteous, and the laborers are few. Seeing these things are so, our hearts are cheered by the announcement made by Bro. White, in the Review, that the brethren intend to bring the Vermont Tent to this state for a season. We feel to thank God, assured that our prayers for help in this wide field are about to be answered.
For the encouragement of the brethren in Vermont we would say, that the field is open in every direction, and the people are willing and anxious to hear. We cannot supply the calls, or meet the expectations of the people even in this part of the state, and there are extensive fields, east and west of us, where a tent could do much good. Our minds have been strongly directed to several places, both east and west, but we can move only in one direction, and now rejoice to know that some of these places may be visited by another tent. These fields, as well as this in which we are now laboring, are entirely new, and our success so far is beyond our expectations.
We would say, that if any plan of operations has been devised, or any arrangement been made between Bro. White and the brethren east, we would like to be informed of it as soon as possible, that our arrangements may be made accordingly.
We would also invite the brethren to correspond with us freely; if they wish to avail themselves of the benefits of our knowledge of this field, we shall be very glad to render them any assistance in our power, to aid them in their undertaking.
Operations with the tent may be conducted to much better advantage in this country than in the east. We hold meetings every evening in the week, and “seed-time and harvest” do not interfere with our work. But the season is short, and if no present engagement interferes we should think best for them to come with as little delay as possible.
J. H. WAGGONER.
JOSEPH BATES.
Colon, St. Joseph Co. Mich July 6th 1857.
Tent Meeting at Cameron, N. Y.
By R. F. Cottrell; W. S. Ingraham
Several circumstances were unfavorable to a large gathering here, one of which was a freshet which had carried off a bridge on the main road leading to the place. However, some three or four hundred were convened, who listened attentively to the word. One man publicly confessed the Sabbath, and we have reason to hope that others will ere long yield to the claims of God's law, as the fruit of this meeting. The Lord wrought for his faithful children who are striving to obtain the gold tried in the fire that they may be rich. The Lord grant them true riches, as they become poor enough in spirit to bear it.
R. F. COTTRELL.
W. S. INGRAHAM.
Following the Lord
If you follow the Lord, and keep his company, he will always bear your expenses; if you run before him, or go alone, he may leave you to bear your own.
L E T T E R S
By R. N. Chaffee
'Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.'
From Bro. Chaffee.
Bro. Smith: I feel that the Lord has done a great work for me in a few months that have passed, for which I would praise his holy name. I have indeed been in the lukewarm state, but by the help of God I am determined to arise and put on the armor of the Lord that I may be able to withstand the wiles of the enemy. The work of the Lord is still progressing in this place, and my prayer is that it may go on until God's people are made sure of the kingdom.
The Review is a welcome visitor, for in its pages we can read the determinations of those of like precious faith. I feel that we are living in a solemn time, when we need to have on the whole armor, that in the hour of temptation we may be able to stand. I try to overcome all that is displeasing to the Lord and strive to enter in at the strait gate. May the Lord help us all to prepare that when Jesus comes we may be accepted in his kingdom.
I would say to the scattered ones of God's people that do not have the blessed privilege of meeting together on the Lord's Sabbath, Be faithful a little while longer, and we shall meet where parting will be no more. We shall soon be released from this vain life and this miserable world wherein we are so easily drawn away from God. We are living in the eve of time; probation will cease soon, and he that is filthy will be filthy still. Then the wrath of God will be poured out on an ungodly world. Solemn thought! Dreadful day to all who have no refuge in Christ.
Dear brethren and sisters, let us be awake and be zealous to repent of all our sins, that they may be blotted out of God's book of remembrance, and our name retained in the book of life.
In hope. R. N. Chaffee.
Bowne, Mich., June 12th, 1857.
Awakening from Lukewarmness
By Maria C. Trembly
From Sister Trembly.
Dear Brethren and Sisters: I have long neglected this duty on the account of my inability, but knowing as I do, that all that love the Lord have a work to do, I thought I would cast in my mite with the people of God. I have been cheered and comforted whilst perusing the columns of the Review. When I saw Bro. White's first article on the message to the Laodiceans, it went like an arrow to my heart. I felt that I was one that was in a lukewarm state, and that I must have a great work done for me before I should be ready to meet my Saviour. I felt that I must start anew and in earnest, but hardly knew where to begin, till Brn. Holt and Cornell came here, who faithfully pointed out our wretched condition, and set it home to my heart more powerfully. I began to arouse from my lethargy, and to examine my heart more diligently, and found it very corrupt. Pride and a worldly-minded spirit had almost taken possession of my heart. I then saw that I was indeed wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind and naked.
I resolved to heed the counsel of the faithful and true Witness, to be zealous and repent. I felt like confessing to my friends and neighbors that I had come far short of living out my profession by my daily examples. The Lord blessed me in so-doing, and I gained some strength. Although keen and cutting trials I have to pass through, yet the grace of God is sufficient for me; and I feel to praise his name for what he has done for me, and if I am faithful to the end, he will be my shield in the time of trouble.
I can say to my brethren and sisters that I prize the visions very highly. I feel that they were given to us in these last days for our benefit and encouragement. I can truly say that they have been a source of consolation and encouragement to me. I feel to praise the Lord. O praise the Lord for what he is doing for his people! Let us be more thankful for what we have received, if we would see the gifts bestowed upon the church. Come let us gird ourselves anew, and put on the whole armor and fight manfully the battles of the Lord. The time for doing will soon be past; when those that are holy will be holy still, and those that are filthy will be filthy still.
May the Lord bless the brethren with the Michigan tent, and crown their labors with success wherever they go. We hope the way will open for them to come this way. We feel anxious for the people in this vicinity, and think there might be good done here.
May the Lord help us to buy the gold tried in the fire, and white raiment that we may be clothed with the garment of righteousness, and be prepared to stand on mount Zion, is the prayer of your unworthy sister striving for the kingdom.
Maria C. Trembly.
Bath, Mich., June 27th, 1857.
MARGARET SHEPARD
By Margaret Shepard
From Sister Shepard.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am still striving to keep all the Commandments of God and live out the truth of the Third Angel's Message. I can say, I love the Lord, I love his truth, and I love his people. Yes, I am glad, though unworthy, that I can be numbered with the company that are traveling in the strait and narrow way.
If I know what I most desire, it is to have all my sins blotted out while Jesus is in the Sanctuary. It is my prayer that my sins and not my name may be blotted out. I am determined to live for God, and to open wide the door of my heart that the dear Saviour can come in and dwell with me; for I do know if I have Jesus in my heart there will be no room left for Satan and sin.
The Lord is good, and has done great things for me and my family. My daughter that a few months ago was living in pride and sin is now I trust striving to go with the people of God to mount Zion. I feel thankful for what the Lord has done, and for the privileges that I now enjoy. When I commenced keeping the Sabbath I could seldom meet with any of like precious faith, save one dear sister; but now I can meet with the little church in Otsego, and unite with them in praising God. But while I enjoy these blessings I often think of the lonely ones, and know how to feel for them. Dear brethren and sisters, let us remember the lonely pilgrims, and pray for them that their faith fail not. It will not always be so; no, no; the dear children of God will not always be separated from each other, but the time is soon coming when the joyful news will come, Child, your Father calls, come home. Praise the Lord, this will be good news to all the faithful ones. O it will be joyful when we meet to part no more. I am bound for the kingdom, and to go to glory with you. Let us pray for one another, and so much the more as we see the day of the Lord approaching.
Your sister in the truth.
MARGARET SHEPARD
Otsego, Mich., June 28th, 1857.
A Growing Band of Sabbath Keepers
By E. W. Phelps
From Sister Phelps.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I would say that we are still trying to keep all of God's Commandments, and to have the Faith of Jesus. But we have to confess our lukewarmness, and great need of the tried gold, white raiment and eye-salve. Since we have embraced the Advent doctrine it has been our lot to live far from those of like precious faith. Sometimes we could meet with three or four for worship, and sometimes we did not have that privilege. When we came to this place I thought, surely we shall never meet with a band of Sabbath-keepers again; but the Lord thought otherwise. Truly "his ways are not our ways, nor his thoughts our thoughts."
Last Winter Bro. Steward came this way in search of the lost sheep, and found, by inquiry, three families of Sabbath-keepers within about three miles of us. He went there and commenced a course of lectures. The weather was very unfavorable, the snow deep, and it stormed the most of the time; yet thank the Lord, there were many there that had ears to hear. The result is that there is now a band of between thirty and forty that meet on the seventh day to worship the God that made the heavens and the earth. To him be all the glory.
Bro. Hart has also been with us, and preached several times to the edification of the people. May the Lord sustain and reward him for his labors of love. We have meetings every Sabbath and Fourth-day. The Lord is pleased to meet with us, and blesses us. I for one feel much encouraged. I believe the Third Angel's Message is on the rise, and will soon go with a loud cry. The saints will all be sealed, and then the vials of God's wrath will be poured out upon the heads of the wicked. Where shall we be found in that day? Shall we be found among that happy company that shall come up out of great tribulation, having their robes washed and made white in the blood of the Lamb, and be permitted to follow him whithersoever he goeth? or shall we be with those that shall call for rocks and mountains to fall on them? Lord grant that we may be among the former.
When I look within I find an evil heart to contend with. Truly,
— "of all the foes we meet,
None so apt to turn our feet,
None betray us into sin,
Like the foes we have within."
I find in myself no good thing. When I would do good, evil is present with me; but I can look to Jesus, he is able, he is willing, and he has said, My grace is sufficient. Bless the Lord, O my soul, that he permits such unworthy creatures to hope. By the grace of God I mean to be zealous and repent,90try to overcome that I may meet all the dear saints where parting shall be no more.
To you who do not have the privilege of meeting those of like faith I would say, I can sympathize with you. Remember that where little is given, but little is required; be faithful in the little, improve the one talent, and soon if faithful you will hear the welcome applaudit, "Well done, faithful servant, thou hast been faithful in a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." And I can also rejoice with those that have the opportunity of meeting with the children of God from week to week. Let us remember that we have got to give an account how we improve these privileges, and may we spend them in such a manner that at last we can render up an account with joy and not with grief, and be permitted to sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of God.
Yours striving to overcome.
E. W. PHELPS.
Lisbon, Wis., June 18th, 1857.
MY BIBLE.
By L. B.
Though I am young, I've learned to love
My precious Bible more
Than all vain pleasures of this earth,
Or hoarded, golden store.
Though oft I read its pages o'er,
Its counsels good and true,
And still peruse its history,
I find it always new.
When heavy sorrow weighs me down,
Or in temptation's hour,
I seek its gentle precepts then,
And feel their soothing power.
In joy or sorrow, health or pain,
The Bible's always nigh;
It teaches mortals how to live,
It shows them how to die.
L. B.
Portland, Me.
A Testimony of Faith
By Sarah J. Voorus
From Sister Voorus.
Bro. Smith: I feel for one to unite my feeble testimony with others. As it has been the source of so much encouragement to me, why should I not cast in my mite? I feel to praise the Lord that while surrounded with noise and confusion on the Sabbath I can retire to my room alone, and yet not alone, and have a meeting; and as the ministers of the day divide their discourse into three parts, so I will commence, first, with prayer, second, reading the Bible, and thirdly, reading the communications from the dear brethren and sisters of like faith; and why should I not look forward with anxious heart to the time when Christ shall come to take his weary pilgrims home? There the friends of Jesus will meet, and what a meeting that will be! Yes, meet to part no more, and shall I be there? shall I be the instrument in the hand of God of bringing some souls to him, or even one? Sometimes I am almost ready to faint and say, Who is sufficient for these things? but the Lord is able and willing to help his children; for he has promised his grace shall be sufficient for us. I now realize more fully than ever that it will cost all to enter the kingdom; but what a paltry sum compared with the true riches of the heavenly kingdom! I have a strong desire for the tried gold that I may be rich, the white raiment that I may be clothed, and the eye-salve that I may discern between good and evil, truth and falsity.
Yours seeking for immortality.
SARAH J. VOORUS.
New Buffalo, Mich., June 18th, 1857.
Giving Up All for Christ
By A. J. & F. L. Richmond
From Bro. & Sr. Richmond.
DEAR BRETHREN : We are often cheered and encouraged by the testimonies that we receive from week to week through the Review. They are like cold water to a thirsty soul. Thanks be to the Giver of every good and perfect gift for a means of communicating one with another that we may freely speak of our joys and sorrows, our hopes and fears; that we may encourage each other to persevere and tread the strait and thorny path that leads to life. "Strait is the gate and narrow is the way that leads to life, and few there be that find it." As we are endeavoring to get into the way we find it so narrow that we are obliged to leave all our stuff behind. We have come to a place where we cannot move forward without giving up friends and home, and all that we hold dear of a worldly nature. We find much within, too, to overcome; selfishness, covetousness, impatience, self-will, the lusts of the flesh, the pride of life, and the love of the world.
Dear brethren, how many of us are willing to give up everything for a home in glory? Houses and lands, brothers, sisters, &c., &c. Are we willing and anxious to dispose of all that we have to help give the last note of warning to this perishing world? Or are we consoling ourselves with the belief that the Lord wants us to enjoy the good things of this world; that Jesus did not come in 1844 and may not come now; that we may be deceived after all? Brethren, how many of us are in this condition? This is the case with some. They not only say it by their works, but by their words. "By their fruits ye shall know them." May the Lord help us to anoint our eyes that we may see whether we are in the faith. Jesus says, "Fear not, little flock: it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have and give alms." Luke xii, 22, 23.
How can we keep the Faith of Jesus without obeying all its requirements? "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter heaven." Should not this teach us a lesson? Are we placing ourselves in such a position as this? Think of it; a camel, and the eye of a needle; what a vast difference! How utterly impossible for so great an object to go through so small a gate. And do we stand so small a chance of getting through the gate into the city? O Lord, help us to make to ourselves "friends of the mammon of unrighteousness," to "lay up our treasure in heaven," to "be faithful over a few things," that we may be prepared for the coming of the Saviour, is our prayer.
We have been passing through severe trials here of late. The truth is manifesting those who are determined to buy gold tried in the fire, though it may cost all they have in this world; while others appear as though they thought they were rich and increased with goods, and had need of nothing. Saith the Apostle, "Faith without works is dead, being alone." "Do men gather grapes of thorns or figs of thistles?" "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Lord have mercy upon thy people and give not thy heritage to reproach.
Brethren pray for us that we faint not by the way. Yours striving to overcome,
A. J. & F. L. RICHMOND.
Green Bush, Mich., June 22d, 1857.
SELECTIONS.
Private Meditation.
Suitableness of the Lord Jesus to the believer.
I FIND myself a poor, guilty sinner: in the Lord Jesus Christ I find a righteousness which can be made over to me, for my justification. He has righteousness to give: to obtain an interest in his righteousness, I have only to receive it. They that "receive the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ." I feel that I am all polluted within: "The blood of Christ cleanses from all sin." I want one to stand by me, and inspire my heart with courage when I come to approach into the presence of a holy God: "Through him we have access (introduction, taking by the hand and introducing one) unto the Father." I want to know how to order my speech before God: he gives me "boldness," freedom of speech, in the presence of God. I want a powerful friend: Jesus has "all power in heaven and earth." I want a sympathizing friend: "In all their afflictions, (the afflictions of his people,) he himself is afflicted." I want to give permanence to my friendship: Jesus is "the same yesterday, to-day and forever." I wish for a friend whom the discovery of my defects of character will not turn away from me: Jesus is one who loved me when an enemy to him, when I was all pollution; who has loved me and saved me "for his own name's sake;" therefore the discovery of my infirmities will not turn away his love. I want to find one whom there is no danger of loving too much; ardent love to whom will bring no disappointment to my soul: Jesus is worthy of all love; in him there is every excellence of which I can form a conception, and excellences surpassing, infinitely surpassing my conceptions. I want a friend, by loving whom, I shall be introduced into interesting associations: by loving Christ, there is a principle in my breast which is in holy sympathy with all the noble of earth, the redeemed around the throne, the holy angels; yes! and a principle which is in sympathy with a love in the bosom of the Father, "for the Father himself loveth me," saith Christ. I wish to find a friend, by the love of whom I shall become every way better: such a friend is Jesus, by for loving him I shall be transformed into his image, and fitted for reigning with him in heaven.—Chris. Intelligencer.