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Review and Herald, Vol. 32, No. 17.

LAW AND GOSPEL
Earlier text: LAW AND GOSPEL

SMALL AND GREAT

By JOHN MATTESON

Are amenable to God, and will be judged by their works. The idea has greatly prevailed that most children will be saved independent of character. That they are not accountable. This is a gross error, and an unscriptural idea. I do not now speak of babes who have no understanding. Some children can begin to comprehend truth and right principles at an earlier age than others. But the Bible teaches plainly that this life is the only time for probation. The grave cannot praise God. They that go down into the dust cannot hope for the truth. Isa. xxxviii, 18. “The dead praise not the Lord.” Ps. cxv. “There is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave.” Eccl. ix, 10. Therefore, if a naughty, disobedient child dies as such, it will be raised with the same disposition and character, and consequently can never enter the kingdom. Is not this proposition positively true? Can there be any exceptions to it? Parents and children, ponder well the truths of God, and consider what condition you are in, lest coming suddenly the Master find you sleeping, when probation is ended, and you perish at last.
Many comfort themselves about their children, thinking the Saviour has promised to them the kingdom, irrespective of character. This is a vain hope. “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven.” What, become as a little child, naughty, disobedient child, before we can enter the kingdom? Far from it. “Whosoever, therefore, shall humble himself as this little child,” &c. The little child which Jesus placed in the midst was a humble child. “And who shall receive one such little child.” This child was a peculiar one. It was a young disciple of Jesus. For in the next verse he calls it, “one of these little ones which believe in me.” Matt. xviii, 2–6. There were young children in those days who heard the Saviour, and believed in him, and became his true followers. Such children Jesus often presented as a pattern. And justly so; for where does religion appear to better advantage than in the unpolluted morning of life. It would also be more dangerous to present older persons, though pious, as a pattern, for it would serve to flatter their pride, whilst children are unconscious of their own moral worth. I think this can be applied to every instance where the Saviour speaks of little children. The little children spoken of in Matt. xix, 13–15 were so old that they could themselves come unto Jesus, for he says, “Forbid them not, to come unto me; for of such is the kingdom of Heaven.” What a spectacle, if our Saviour had called a number of children such as many Sabbath-keepers’ houses are now cursed with. Some would fret, others scold, some strike him, and others cut up worse tricks. Then the Saviour gravely pronouncing the blessing of Heaven upon them, giving them to us as a pattern. Away with such a scene. He would have said, Of such is the kingdom of Satan.
The little child spoken of in Mark x, 15, had received the kingdom of God, or believed the gospel of the kingdom. The expression in our English version in verse 16, “took them up,” savors strong of pedobaptism. The original (ἐναγκαλίζομαι) Greenfield renders: to take into, or embrace in one’s arms. Luther’s translation has: “herzte”—embraced. Likewise the Danish.
How emphatic, therefore, the expression, “One of such children.” “One of these little ones that believe in me.” Mark ix, 37, 42. Parents, here is the Bible standard, pure and dignified. Let us try, harder than we ever have, to bring our children and ourselves up to it. Let us agonize to enter in through the strait gate, and to keep on in the narrow way.
Small and great are in the grave. Job iii, 19. Small and great must fear God, and such only as fear him, he will bless. Ps. cxv, 13. Therefore, Paul preached the gospel to both small and great. Acts xxvi, 22. We must do likewise in our day, and the children that do not receive and obey this gospel cannot be saved. Christ brings a reward to them that fear him, whether small or great, but will destroy all others. Rev. xi, 18. Small and great will receive the mark of the beast, and consequently drink the wine of the wrath of God. Rev. xiii, 16; xiv, 10. Small and great, who have feared and served God upon earth, will surround the throne in Heaven, and praise the Lord God omnipotent, with a voice as mighty thunderings.
Finally, small and great will be summoned to Judgment in the resurrection of the unjust, and meet their lawful doom in the lake of fire, according to their works. This is the second death. Rev. xx, 12–14.
Spirit of the living God, give us light from the heavenly temple, that every reader may ponder well these awfully solemn truths, and comply with the conditions of eternal salvation.
JOHN MATTESON.

“LOVERS OF PLEASURE MORE THAN LOVERS OF GOD.”

By John McMillan

It is no pleasing duty to publish the failings of God’s professing people, and it is only with reluctance that we publish their apostasy as the sign of the nearness of the end.
Those who know anything about Presbyterianism, need not be told that a sacramental occasion used to be a solemn one. From Thursday morning till the following Monday evening worldly business, as far as possible, was laid aside, Thursday being a fast day to prepare the mind for self-examination, Friday a day spent to see whether they were worthy to receive a token of admission on Saturday, and thus have their hearts filled with the love of Christ, and be prepared to sit down at his table on the holy Sabbath (I speak from a Presbyterian stand-point), and on Monday to meet again to thank the Lord for his love in preparing and spreading a feast in the wilderness.
Such stated, semi-annual occasions were looked forward to with something of the desire that the children of Israel looked forward to those yearly gatherings at Jerusalem. Each one of these days had its appropriate subject and business, but Saturday had a double share. On this day the session was convened which decided upon the fitness of its members; and on this day the infants of believing parents received the rite of rantiseism, falsely called baptism. But apart from these errors, a sacramental occasion was a solemn season.
Presbyterian brethren, what would you think of your minister who had appointed the day, Saturday, (having previously dispensed with any service on Thursday or Friday for convenience’ sake,) after you had all the required preparations made, and had met at your house of worship, who should find out that the fourth of July came on that day, and without sending you word, would take his family and go to “a fourth-of-July celebration,” where dancing and horse-racing was the order of the day? Then for said minister on next day, Sunday, to come and coolly tell you that he forgot about the “4th” when he gave out the appointment for sacrament, and then postpone the sacrament till next season, when it would be more convenient!
Would you not think that your minister thought more of the pleasures of the world than the ordinances of God’s house? From the united statements of those who heard and saw, this is true of the champion of Presbyterianism in Pierce Co., Wisconsin. Yet this same professing minister of the gospel of Christ, if he should find a copy of the REVIEW, or a tract on present truth, urging the sinner to prepare for the Judgment, in the hands or houses of his members, or stated hearers, would denounce them as “heresy” and “delusion,” and order them to be burned. Friends (or enemies, if you wish to be enemies because I tell you the truth), be honest. Who is the most likely to “delude” you? Those who ask you to spend your spare moments in reading your Bibles, about the things that pertain to your eternal welfare, or those who by word and example teach you to spend whole days and money too on sights and sounds which are disgusting to good sense, to say nothing of their violation of Christian principles?
I hoped that the church would show some zeal for the Lord in censuring this minister for such a course; but it seems to be, “as with the priest so with the people,” “Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.”
“Righteous art thou, O Lord, when I plead with thee; yet let me talk with thee of thy judgments. Wherefore doth the way of the wicked prosper? Wherefore are all they happy that deal very treacherously? Thou hast planted them, yea, they have taken root; they grow, yea, they bring forth fruit; thou art near in their mouth, but far from their reins.” “And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.”
But thus saith the Lord, “Man hath despised mine holy things, and hath profaned my Sabbaths. Shall I not visit for these things, saith the Lord? Shall not my soul be avenged on such a nation as this?”
JOHN McMILLAN.

VERMONT CONFERENCE.

By A. C. Bourdeau

Our Conference has just closed, and I am happy to say, that all the meetings were manifestly attended by the special blessing of God. Union and harmony prevailed in all the deliberations of the Conference. The labors of Bro. D. M. Canright in the religious meetings, which commenced Friday, the 2nd inst., at 9 o’clock, A. M., and continued till yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, were greatly appreciated by all present.
There were held, in all, eighteen meetings during this Conference; four business sessions; four prayer and social meetings. At the one held Sabbath morning eighty-six spoke in one hour. We held one special meeting, at which nearly one hundred and fifty attended to the ordinances of the Lord’s house; and nine preaching meetings, during which the preachers enjoyed good liberty in speaking the word, and the people feasted upon the clear and pointed truths that were presented from the sacred word.
At the close of the last meeting, $95.00 were raised for the California Mission, and the Benevolent Association.
A. C. BOURDEAU.
Bordoville, Vt., Oct. 5, 1868.

SIXTH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE VERMONT STATE CONFERENCE.

By A. C. Bourdeau; W. J. Cross

Pursuant to appointment in the Review, the sixth annual session of the Vermont Conference was held in Enosburgh, Vt., Thursday, Oct. 1, 1868, at 9 o’clock, A. M. Meeting opened by singing, and prayer by Eld. D. M. Canright. The ministers present belonging to this Conference were Elds. A. Stone, A. S. Hutchins, and A. C. Bourdeau. The credentials being called for, fifteen delegates responded, representing ten churches. One church was represented by letter only.
Voted, That Eld. D. M. Canright be invited to participate with us in the deliberations of this Conference.
Voted, That we invite all brethren present in good standing to take part in the deliberations of this Conference.
The minutes of the last Conference were read and approved.
Voted, That a committee of three, on nominations, be appointed by the chair. Brn. A. Stone, S. H. Peck, and H. Bingham, were chosen as said committee.
Voted, That an Auditing Committee of six be appointed by the chair. Brn. H. Bingham, S. H. Peck, R. Loveland, M. Gould, J. Claxton, and D. Wilcox, were appointed said committee.
The reports of the several churches were called for and read.
The reports of ministers and licentiates being called for, the following brethren responded: A. C. Bourdeau, A. S. Hutchins, A. Stone, N. Orcutt, and D. T. Evans. Bro. A. C. Bourdeau presented a report from Eld. D. T. Bourdeau.
Adjourned until half past 2, P. M.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

Met according to adjournment. Prayer by Bro. A. S. Hutchins.
On motion, it was
Voted, That the band of Sabbath-keepers in Bristol and vicinity be received into this Conference.
Moved, That the church in Jamaica may retain one half of their S. B. funds, and more if the Executive Committee so direct, to aid in finishing their house of worship.
The Committee on Nominations presented their report as follows: For President, A. C. Bourdeau; Secretary, N. Orcutt; Treasurer, W. J. Cross. Executive Committee, A. C. Bourdeau, L. Bean, and N. Orcutt. This nomination was ratified by the Conference.
The Treasurer presented his report showing the following results: Received from churches during the Conference year, besides what they paid to ministers, . . . . . $725 75 Paid out during the year, . . . . . . . . . . 353 00 Balance on hand, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 372 75 Total, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 725 75
The Secretary’s report being called for was read and accepted, showing the following results: Number of ministers belonging to this Conference, 4. Number of licentiates, 2. Number of churches, 12. Whole number of members in the churches of this Conference, Sept. 13, 1867, 220. Whole number of members Oct. 1, 1868, 256. Whole amount of S. B. pledges to churches Sept. 13, 1867, $1417.70. Whole amount of S. B. pledges, Oct. 1, 1868, $1659.20. Whole amount pledged to the State Conference, $1416.55.
The following resolutions were then unanimously adopted by the Conference:
Resolved, That we are in sympathy with the effort to establish a mission in California; and that we pledge to Brn. Loughborough and Bourdeau our fervent prayers for their abundant success, and our co-operation in bearing the expenses of this important enterprise.
By request this resolution was endorsed by a rising vote of the entire congregation.
Resolved, That we enter heartily into the purposes of the Benevolent Association, and that we will cheerfully and promptly unite with our brethren, according to our several abilities, in the accomplishment of the good work proposed.
Resolved, That the proposed change in the manner of conducting the Health Institute, so that it shall be strictly a benevolent enterprise, and not a matter of gain to the stockholders, meets our warmest approval.
Resolved, That we pledge ourselves to continue our efforts in the behalf of the Book and Tract Fund, that we may circulate our publications generally, according to the wants of the people, and especially that we may place the Spiritual Gifts in every family where they will be candidly read.
Resolved, That we heartily endorse the sentiment set forth in the Gen. Conf. Address in Review of June 2.
Resolved, That we hereby express our gratitude to God for the faithful labors of Bro. and Sr. White in the past, and that we extend an urgent invitation to them to visit us again at their earliest convenience.
Resolved, That the resolution which this Conference adopted at its annual session of Sept. 13, 1867, relative to members moving, be rescinded.
Adjourned to the call of the Committee.
Friday, at 4 o’clock, P. M., the Conference was called in session by the Committee. Prayer by Bro. A. Stone.
The report of the Auditing Committee being presented was approved by the Conference.
On motion, the credentials of the following ministers were renewed: A. C. Bourdeau, A. S. Hutchins, A. Stone, and D. T. Bourdeau.
On motion, ministerial licences were granted to Brn. N. Orcutt, and D. T. Evans.
Voted, That those churches who can, be requested to transfer the full amount of their S. B. to the Conference fund.
Voted, That this Conference donate $50.00 of its funds to the Publishing Association.
Voted, That this Conference donate $50.00 of its funds to the Gen. Conf. Missionary fund.
Voted, That this Conference donate $50.00 of its funds to the California Mission.
Resolved, That we express our hearty thanks to the church of Enosburgh for the burden they have borne during this Conference, and for their care of those who have attended.
Voted, That the doings of this Conference be published in the Review.
Adjourned to the call of the Committee.
A. C. BOURDEAU, President, W. J. CROSS, Secretary.

QUARTERLY MEETING AT MARQUETTE.

By C. M. SHEPARD

By request I write a brief report of this meeting. We met, according to the appointment, in the new meeting-house, which, although not finished, was comfortable, the weather being warm. Having no preacher present we had a prayer and conference meeting in the forenoon, and another of the same character in the afternoon. Sr. Manley had just returned from the camp-meeting at Clyde and was present, and seemed to have brought the spirit of that meeting with her. She gave us a report of that meeting, and the testimony from the Lord for the Illinois and Wisconsin Conference was most cutting. It took a deep effect on the hearts of some, while others were not much moved. We felt there must be a breaking down, a rending of heart, a thorough conversion, such as we had not had; and it was decided that if our meeting broke up that day we should go home without being much benefited. So nearly all concluded to stay and continue the meeting another day.
We were to have little prayer meetings at the several places where we stayed; but a goodly number of us, enough to fill one room pretty well, met together at Bro. Halleck’s.
At the commencement of the meeting we felt the influence of the Spirit of the Lord, and about one hour was spent in prayer, striving to draw near to him by repentance and many tears, and we felt that he heard our cries, and was waiting to bless us when we got into a position where we could glorify him. It was now time for the meeting to close, but opportunity was given, if any one had a word to say. One arose and began to confess, and then another, and another, continually, and the same ones over again, and again, for nearly two hours. Such heartfelt repentance, and bitter weeping, by so many, I never saw before. There was perfect freedom in the meeting, and yet it was very quiet. I think it was the most solemn meeting that I ever attended. Those who held the most responsible positions were as free to confess as any other. The confessions which were made were of neglect, partially, some almost wholly, of secret prayer, love of the world, neglect of the Bible, want of love to one another, &c., &c.
Parents confessed to children, and children to parents, brothers and sisters to each other, and we all felt that we were nearing the Judgment and wanted to be ready. It was an awakening time and yet we felt we were only partially awakened. Oh! that the truth which we felt in that meeting might be ever present in our minds until we got into a position where we can honor and glorify God in all we do.
How good the Lord is in sending us so much light; and if we only walk in the light, it will shine more and more unto the perfect day.
On first-day we had two more prayer and conference meetings; and in the last there was more union than at first, though the good Spirit did not work like heaven in every heart as we wished it might. I cannot bear to think that any of my brethren and sisters will be found asleep when the Master of the house cometh.
We returned to our homes the following day, feeling abundantly repaid for the pains we had taken to attend the meeting, and thankful to Him who doeth all things well. C. M. SHEPARD. Beaver Dam, Wis., Oct. 8, 1868.

MEETING IN HILLSDALE.

By W. B. CASTLE

For some time past we have felt a desire to speak, through the REVIEW, in regard to our meetings. When Bro. and Sr. Byington were with us, some time since, a good work was done for the church. We had some very solemn meetings. Efforts were made in behalf of the lost sheep, which, we believe, were not in vain. While laboring to this end, Bro. and Sr. Byington, with the church, received a rich blessing. We then felt that some report should be made, but refrained, expecting to see one from Bro. Byington.
At our Monthly Meeting, Oct. 3 and 4, Bro. Bates was with us. Six discourses were delivered, on subjects applicable to the times. We also had two conference meetings, characterized by increasing interest. We were happy to see a number from other churches present. May they come often.
Evening after the Sabbath, after having delivered a short discourse, Bro. Bates made a request for those who wanted to go forward in the ordinance of baptism, to come forward to vacated seats; when, to our great joy, eleven responded, all children and youth of our Sabbath school, excepting one, the son of Bro. Wm. Carpenter, of Hanover. We united with Heaven in rejoicing. We saw our prayers being answered. With tears and weeping, some tried, for the first time, to confess the truth, and their Saviour.
But some were thought to be too young, so did not go forward. One concluded to further consider the step, and her ways, and try to be better prepared when a future opportunity shall present itself.
After the forenoon discourse, on first-day, we repaired to the source of the St. Joseph, where six of the above number were buried with their Lord in baptism, to rise, and walk, we trust, in newness of life. Also, one was re-baptized. The Lord met with us there, and thus accepted of the work. We delight more and more, while beholding the believers going forward in this beautiful ordinance. How appropriate!
Shortly after this we returned to our house of prayer, where five of those who had been baptized were received into the church, and one, who had been separated from us for a number of years, was again restored to fellowship.
The ordinances of the Lord’s house were then celebrated, and, while washing feet, we were made happy according to our Saviour’s promise.
In the evening Bro. Bates spoke on that soul-inspiring theme, the second advent of our Lord and Saviour. Thus closed one of the best series of meetings we have ever enjoyed in this place. And while Bro. Bates goes on to his appointments, and work, we feel that we are living in the “morning watch” of our advent experience. May we all be able to have oil in our vessels, our lamps trimmed and burning, and advance with the rising work of the third angel’s message.
W. B. CASTLE.

REPORT FROM BRO. VAN HORN.

By I. D. Van Horn

My last report gave the close of my labors for the present in the town of Casanovia, Muskegon Co. Two weeks ago I left there, and came to the good home of Bro. Covey, in Wright. I had expected to go near Lansing to commence a course of lectures, but I had written there twice, and received no reply, and the way seemed all dark before me. I plead with the Lord to direct me in the way of duty. My mind was unexpectedly led to think of the little company at Blendon Landing, about nine miles south of Wright. I went over the river to the place above mentioned, and found Bro. Adolphus Smith, and in conversation with him, I learned that the few Sabbath-keepers here had been praying for help for a long time. I concluded to spend the Sabbath and first-day with them, and gave out appointments accordingly. This was the last Sabbath and Sunday in September. During these meetings, which were joyful seasons to all of us, I found the way was open for me to give a course of lectures in the vicinity of this place. Still not hearing from Lansing, I concluded to remain here.
On Monday evening of last week the little band of Sabbath-keepers in this place, eight in number, came together, and were organized into a church. Bro. Adolphus Smith was chosen and ordained their elder. They are a happy little company. This church will be known as the Church at Blendon Landing, Mich.
Last Thursday evening, Oct. 1, I commenced a course of lectures in the township of Blendon, Ottawa Co., Mich., near the Blendon P. O. I have given five discourses, and there is a deep interest already manifest. The congregation the first evening was about fifty in number. This has increased so that last evening (Sunday) there were over one hundred present,—more than could be comfortably seated in the house.
A good work has begun here, and my deep and earnest prayer is, that it may be carried on to the glory of God. I think I never commenced a course of lectures when such a deep sense of my own unworthiness, and of my inability to present the solemn truths of the third angel's message in a proper manner before the people rested upon me, as does at this present time. I will, by the grace of God, throw my whole soul into the work. I. D. VAN HORN.
Blendon Landing, Mich., Oct. 5, 1868.

News and Miscellany.

Can ye not discern the Signs of the Times? Matt. xvi, 3.

The Southern Situation.

OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS.

As a matter of record, and to refresh the memory, and arouse the attention of our readers to the portentous indications in the South, we re-produce some of the leading facts on this subject, as given in official reports.
The Congregationalist of the 6th inst. presents a succinct sketch of a report on the terrible state of affairs in

TEXAS.

The Committee appointed by the State Convention of Texas to investigate the lawlessness and violence which have existed in that State since the close of the war, report that up to the first of June, 1868, there had been 939 murders. Many of them were committed for plunder, and the testimony shows that some of the highways are infested by bandits who would take life for a horse or a purse. During these three years, 379 freedmen have been killed by whites, while but ten whites have been killed by freedmen. Hundreds of loyal men are forced by rebel intolerance to forsake their homes in Texas. The testimony shows also, that the freedmen, in many parts of the State, are unrestrainedly injured, and frequently killed, because they claim the rights of freemen. During the first month of Gen. Hancock's administration, 30 murders were reported by the Freedmen's Bureau, and, on an average, there have been fifty-five per month since he has been in command. Hon. A. O. Cooley, the only loyal Senator in 1866, was shot July 10th, by a rebel assassin, and Wheelock H. Upton, one of the strongest Union men in Western Texas, was hung by a mob in the early part of July.

LOUISIANA.

That nearly the same state of things exists in Louisiana, is manifest from the dignified and truthful letter of Gov. Warmouth to the President of the United States. After naming some of the documents transmitted, he adds:
“I send other letters and papers showing clearly that in many of the parishes there exists no protection for the citizens in the courts, and that men are shot down in the roads, in their homes, and elsewhere, without a question being asked, or any steps taken to bring the offenders to justice. The Judge of the Twelfth Judicial District refuses to go to the Parish of Franklin, unless a force is sent with him to protect him from violence; and he is not obnoxious on personal or political grounds, for in politics he was opposed to the new Constitution, and is a life-long citizen of the State. The Sheriff of the Parish of Franklin, a democrat, has resigned, confessing his inability to make any arrests, or discharge the duties of his office, on account of the condition of affairs there. Prominent Union men, in the Parish of Caddo, write me that their homes are beset by desperadoes, and that their lives and property have thus far been saved from destruction only by armed men who volunteer to guard them. As you will see by the letter of Mr. Hudspeth, District Attorney for the Eighth District, men, women, and children, have recently been murdered in the Parish of St. Landry, by bands of armed men, who remain thus far unpunished and unmolested. From the very best information, Mr. President, I have no doubt that one hundred and fifty men have been murdered in Louisiana in the last month and a half. Startling as this statement is, letters of the most reliable character fully confirm it. There seems to be a settled determination on the part of those men who adhered to the rebellion, to either kill or drive away the Union white men, and leading colored men, so as to be able to terrify the masses of the colored people into voting as they shall dictate. There is a secret organization throughout the State known as the K. W. C. It is founded for the purpose of placing and keeping the colored people in a condition of inferiority, and with a view to this end contemplates and designs the precipitation of a conflict between the two races. Many prominent citizens of the State are leaders in it; its members are sworn under oaths of the most binding character, to carry out the purposes of the organization at all costs, hazards, and sacrifices, and by measures, however desperate, that their leaders may adopt. There are military organizations on foot in this city under the auspices of this secret organization. They drill openly in our streets at night, or in halls, and may be seen. In short, I fully believe that there is meditated a bloody revolution, the certain fruit of which would be long continued, if not hopeless confusion, disaster, and ruin to the State.”—Am. Missionary.

DOES IT MEAN ME?

By H. L. Doty

“Also, thou son of man, the children of thy people still are talking (of thee, margin) by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak one to another every one to his brother, saying, Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that cometh forth from the Lord. And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness. And lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument; for they hear thy words, but they do them not. And when this cometh to pass (lo, it will come), then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.” Eze. xxxiii, 30-33.
This prophecy is sometimes quoted by our preachers when giving lectures, as describing the interest awakened by the preaching of the message, and the manner in which it is listened to, and finally rejected, by the masses. With all respect for the opinions of others, I will say that I think it has a different application, and will give the following reasons: First, instead of being addressed to the world at large, it is spoken of “the children of thy people,” verse 30, an expression used to point out the people of God. Again, in verse 31, it is said of them, “They sit before thee as my people,” not as worldlings that have come out of curiosity to hear some new thing, but “as my people.” Again, speaking of the children of God, in verse 33, it is said, “When this cometh to pass, then shall they know that a prophet hath been among them.” In order to apply as above, this must be changed so as to read, A teacher of the prophecies, something that is not there.
God, in his word, has taught that the gifts of the Spirit will be revived in the last days. Now while the sure word of prophecy has pointed out some of the characteristics of the remnant church, might we not expect that the manner in which the testimonies of the Spirit would be received, would also be pointed out? That this prophecy does so apply, we believe. With this view let us carefully examine it.
In verse 30, there are two facts plainly set forth: First, the “work of the Lord” brought to view in this prophecy is the subject of more than usual conversation among those interested; and second, that each one is anxious to hear what is the word that cometh forth from the Lord.
Whenever it has been announced through the REVIEW, that another Testimony was forthcoming, how hundreds of hearts have rejoiced at the news. If we chanced to meet a brother, something was sure to be said about the Testimony. Perhaps there is no point of present truth that has been so much a subject of conversation among those who are in union with the body as the testimonies and spiritual gifts. And when word came that the promised feast was ready, how many there have been to make haste and send for it, that they might “hear what is the word that cometh forth from the Lord.”
In verse 31 we are told that they come, and sit and listen as the people of God, but do not give heed to the teachings and duties set forth. With their lips they assent to them, but fail to give them a deep and wide place in their hearts. Much that has been communicated by the Spirit has been spoken in the public congregation; but whether they have been heard in this way, or received from the Office of publication, the result has been the same. They have been received with apparent due consideration, in many cases with thankfulness, while the church have, generally, expressed their belief that they were from the Lord; but they have almost as generally failed to receive them fully and live out their teachings. The prophet’s words have been verified, “Their heart goeth after their covetousness.”
Verse 32 is but a repetition in other words of a part of the preceding verse. Verse 33, “And when this cometh to pass (lo, it will come), then shall they know that a prophet has been among them.” The application of this verse is so apparent that comment is unnecessary. We have seen the rest fulfilled in the past history of the remnant, and seeing it, may know that the spirit of prophecy is revived among us.
Dear brethren and sisters, full long enough have we been filling up this dark picture. Let us arouse from our lethargy, and no longer be indifferent with reference to the solemn times in which we are living; no longer listen carelessly to the teachings of the Spirit. Let us still be anxious to “hear what is the word that cometh forth from the Lord,” and equally anxious to be found doers of that word. H. L. DOTY.

A MOURNER.

By E. E. S.

Jesus was a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief. He knew what it was to be a mourner. He once stood by the grave of a departed friend. That friend had died in his absence, and been buried four days before he reached the afflicted family. With the deepest tenderness and love, he inquires, “Where have ye laid him?” The weeping company bade him come and see; and as they led him along, “Jesus groaned in spirit and was troubled.” They drew near and “Jesus wept.” In the bitterness of his soul he wept over the work of the destroyer.
Oh! is there not here consolation for the bereaved mourner, as all that remains of some cherished loved one is consigned to the tomb? Weep, sorrow-stricken one; you will find relief in tears. It is not unchristian to weep.
Be comforted with the assurance that God is refining thee, but not with silver. He has chosen thee in the furnace of affliction. Look forward to the glorious resurrection of the just, and rejoice that the departed rest in hope. They are safe from the perils of the last days. Henceforth there is laid up for them a crown of life. God's people have but a short pilgrimage remaining. Trouble, sorrow, anguish, and weeping, are almost over. That same blessed Jesus that bedewed Lazarus' grave with tears, will come again, and if he finds us overcomers, our heart shall rejoice, and that joy no man can take from us. E. E. S.
Fairfield, Conn.

Encouragement for Christian Perseverance

By James Adams

From Bro. Adams.

Bro. Smith: How cheering it is to read the testimonies week after week in the paper. When weak, by them I have been strengthened; when strong, I have been refreshed, and encouraged to make greater efforts for eternal life.
I thank God that I have learned a little of the way of life, and that by his grace I am trying to walk in it. But oh! how hard it seems sometimes to make any progress; foes within and without to contend against. But I praise God that it is not in my own strength, nor yet by my own weapons, that I am to conquer, but all through Jesus. “My strength is sufficient for thee.” Often I have wished that I understood better how to use the weapons of my warfare, then I would be more successful in overcoming “the world, the flesh, and the Devil.” But I use them the best I know how, and, like the soldier in the tented field, the more I use them, the better I get acquainted with them. May I ever be enabled to use them aright. By the grace of God it is my intention to go the whole way to the end of the Christian life.
Cheer up, brethren and sisters, don't give way to the temptations of Satan. Be faithful to-day, it may be all that God will ask of us. To-morrow is not ours. To-morrow's sun may shine on our lifeless bodies, and we be sleeping in Jesus. Then let us be faithful to-day, yea, this moment. Sometimes I think that temptations press uncommonly hard, afflictions and bereavement in my family, to weigh me down. But my trust is in my Father. My cup, although bitter, is not unmingled with heavenly joy. Praise his name. Last week our babe was called away; it suffered the consequence of original sin. But Jesus is the “Resurrection and the Life.” When he comes it will be raised with immortality; for “of such is the kingdom of Heaven.”
About four years ago, our oldest died in Norwalk, O. Two links in the chain of God's providence to bind our hearts nearer to himself. With humility I say with Job, “The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Myself and companion have been striving to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, for about eight months. Neither of us have been baptized, but wish it very much, should a properly qualified person pass through this way. I have never heard more than two sermons preached. But we receive the REVIEW, and it always comes like a friend richly laden with precious blessings.
Yours in hope of eternal life. JAMES ADAMS. Chicago, Ill.

Growing Love for Present Truth

By H. F. Phelps

Bro. H. F. PHELPS writes from Pine Island, Minn.: It has been a long time since I wrote for the REVIEW. This is not because my love for present truth has in any measure abated. But a press of other duties, and excessive labor have almost unfitted me for any such duty. But yet I can say, that in the midst of my labors my love for the cause of God, and his people, has been increasing and my desire to do all to the glory of God, and be in a position where I can do more for the cause of God, has been growing stronger and stronger. I love the blessed truths of God's word. I love present truth. I think I can say, it is my meat and drink day by day. I have been made to rejoice in the moves that have been made of late for the cause of God, the California Mission, the Benevolent Association, the change in the Health Reformer, I am in favor of them all, and I only grieve that I cannot do more than I do. But yet I rejoice that life is made up of littles. It is the odds and ends that make up life. So I press on, trying to do well what little I do. The REVIEW comes laden with precious food, and after reading them I scatter them on every road I travel, willing to await the decisive day to know the result.
As to the health reform, I think we are making some advancement in this direction, and as we advance we find a wonderful change in our tastes, so that those things that were once very pleasant to the taste, and afforded delight, are now quite the opposite. Thus in our warfare with our appetites, we are gaining the victory.

Interest in Huron County, Ohio

Sr. T. Arthur writes from Huron Co., Ohio: I have been somewhat persecuted for keeping the law of God. In return I hand them books and papers. They read and return them, and take more. Our neighbors have been more interested since they have read Life Incidents, by Bro. White, and say they want to see and hear him. There is a meeting-house one mile from here, at Hartland Center, owned by the United Brethren. Some of them have read the books and papers, and attend meetings at our house, and ask when Elder White and his wife are coming. They want to hear them. We believe there are honest souls here, and that good can be done to the honor and glory of God.
Continue reading: A Disabled Soldier Keeps the Sabbath