A CORRESPONDENT asks for information on this question. In reply we do not know that we can do better than to present again a few paragraphs from an editorial in REVIEW, No. 23, Vol. x, and from which we have never yet seen occasion to differ.
"What is meant by the gold of Rev. iii, 18, is a question which has often been asked. It is a proper one, too, since we are under the counsel of a Witness that is faithful and true, to buy it of him; for he has borne witness against us that we are destitute of it; and when we are to seek for anything, we wish to have the object definitely before our mind for which we are to seek. What is the gold tried in the fire? It may help us to arrive at the definition of this, to consider the other things which we are counseled to buy. These are white raiment and eye-salve.
"It must be evident to all that in the counsel of the true Witness are contained all the Christian graces which we are required to exercise; for he who heeds it will be found perfect; he will be enabled to see, he will be clothed, he will be rich towards God, he will overcome and be seated finally with Christ upon his throne.
"Concerning what is meant by the eye-salve and white raiment, we presume there is no question. The fine linen clean and white (or white raiment), says an inspired interpreter, is the righteousness of the saints. Rev. xix, 8. And we think the apostle enlightens us on the eye-salve when he says, 'But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. . . .
But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you; but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.' 1 John ii, 20, 27.
"In 2 Pet. i, we find an enumeration of graces which, if they abound in us, will make us that we shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, but if we do them an entrance shall be ministered unto us abundantly into his everlasting kingdom. They are, faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness and charity. How many of these are included in righteousness, or right doing, which is the fine linen, or white raiment of the saints? Those evidently which relate more particularly to our outward actions, which are virtue, temperance, patience and godliness. What is included in the eye-salve? Knowledge; for it is by the anointing from on high that we see, perceive or know the things that pertain unto our everlasting peace. What remains to be included in the term gold? Faith and charity; more fully expressed by another apostle as faith, hope and charity. 'And now abideth faith, hope and charity; and we think that the term gold may include these three.' 1 Cor. xiii."
To the above we may add a remark on the conditions of the purchase. We are counseled to buy. Can this term be applied to any transaction in which there is not an exchange? What do we then give in exchange, and how are we to obtain this gold? Not by faith; for faith is a part of the riches we are counseled to obtain. "Rich in faith," is the inspired description of those who are in possession of this heavenly endowment. What we are counseled to do is to be zealous and repent. Not to give up anything that is valuable, but only that which is the cause of our poverty and wretchedness: to give up our presumption, self-sufficiency, and our lukewarmness.
In the lvth of Isaiah we meet with the same figure. "Ho every one that thirsteth," says the Lord by the mouth of the prophet, "come ye to the waters; and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea, come buy wine and milk without money and without price." But the condition is faithfully added in verse 7, that the wicked is to forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts.
It is important that we know what we are counseled to buy, and how to obtain it; but more important still that we act upon that knowledge, and become rich towards God. How many of us are doing this? How many of us are ascending the ladder of gospel perfection? 2 Pet. i, 5-7. We know our duty, and wo unto us if we do it not.
MEETINGS IN NORTHERN VT. AND CANADA.
By A. S. Hutchins
BRO. SMITH: The first day of December Bro. Sperry and I commenced meetings in the town of Eden, Vt., where we remained till we had given eighteen lectures. A deep and increasing interest was manifested in these meetings from their commencement to their close. Bro. A. Stone was with us in every meeting and assisted in preaching the word. He said so deep and candid attention was never before paid to the presentation of our views in this place. Two ministers attended several of the meetings. One of them took every discourse he heard in shorthand-writing. One man and his wife decided to keep the Bible Sabbath, and are now rejoicing in the present truth. Others who had given up the Sabbath mourned deeply that they had done thus, and resolved to go again with the people of God. These meetings gave new courage and energy to the brethren and sisters in this section, to press forward in the way to life, till our warfare is ended and the Life-giver shall come. We hear very encouraging reports from the church there.
Sabbath and First-day, 15 and 16 ult., we spent with the church in Wolcott, where we preached five times with good freedom. The brethren and sisters here seem to manifest a desire to consecrate themselves anew to God, and to enjoy more of his Holy Spirit, and press onward for the price of immortality and eternal life. They have commenced the work of erecting a small house of worship.
Our next meeting of two days was at Irasburgh. On the Sabbath the meeting was held at Bro. J. Barrow's93house, and on First-day in a school house. This was decidedly a good meeting. While listening to an impressive discourse from Bro. A. Stone, on suffering with Christ, it seemed that at best we had learned but little in the school of suffering. With too much reluctance have we trod the cross-bearing, self-denying path which leads to the land of rest. In vain we talk of heaven or hope for it unless we cheerfully and obediently walk the narrow humble road that leads us there. We must awake and arm ourselves for the great conflict just before us, or we shall fail of being numbered with them that "follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth." One man has commenced to keep the Sabbath here since the Conference, whose influence we hope will tell much in favor of the truth.
Sabbath the 29th, we spent in Enosburgh, with the brethren and sisters from Richford, Montgomery, Berkshire, Enosburgh, and other towns. The schoolhouse in which we met (near Bro. Bourdeaux's), was crowded full. The word of the Lord, which was spoken with freedom, seemed to sink into the hearts of those who heard it, quickening and encouraging them to pursue their heavenly journey. Many warm, spirited, and stirring testimonies were borne by God's dear children, which not only strengthened themselves but fed others.
The next day we moved the meeting about two miles, for the purpose of a larger house. This, too, was well filled. A candid attention was paid by the friends present to the evidences of our position. The Lord helped and blessed us as we tried to show the truth of the Holy Scriptures. We preached four times in this section. The brethren were very anxious we should tarry longer, but we felt there was a demand for our labors in Canada in new fields. So Bro. D. T. Bourdeau and myself left for this town, praying the Lord to direct us to the right field of labor, while Bro. Sperry remained to spend the next Sabbath and First-day in company with Bro. A. C. Bourdeau. Brn. A. C. and D. T. Bourdeau, and Sperry and myself have given twenty-three lectures in one new field, and seven in another. A report of these interesting meetings as soon as I can write it.
In great haste,
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Sutton, C. E., Jan. 30, 1861.
REPORT FROM BRO. INGRAHAM.
By William S. Ingraham
Bro. Smith: According to previous notice my appointments were filled at Round Grove and Princeville.
Our meeting at Round Grove, on the Sabbath, was very encouraging. I enjoyed good liberty in presenting the truth. On first day I was called upon to preach a discourse in reference to the death of Bro. Alonzo Rice, who fell asleep the 2nd day of December. Bro. Rice was a fine young man, a fond husband, and a consistent Christian. The church is deprived of an ornament to society, a child of a father, and a wife of a kind husband. But the prospect of the soon coming of the Life-restorer is a solid foundation of comfort to the many hearts that were caused to bleed by this stroke of divine providence.
I left Round Grove on Tuesday, Jan. 1st, and by railroad traveled one hundred and ten miles to Galva, Henry Co., and found Bro. Church at the depot ready to take me to his house. After a pleasant interview and a good night's rest, I started, in company with Brn. Church and Allen, for Princeville, Peoria Co. On our arrival our hearts were made glad to meet so many that had embraced the truth, as the fruit of our labor last spring. In this place last spring, I proclaimed the precious truths connected with our present position in the midst of opposition, but the truth fell into good ground and has been doing its work. Soon after my first visit to this place Eld. Blanchard commenced a careful investigation of the Sabbath question. He read the Old Testament nearly through, and the New Testament he read through twice. The result of his investigation is what we should naturally expect. He is now a firm believer in the commandments of God, and faith of Jesus. Bro. B. and wife and four children are now with us. Eld. Bliss and family are also with us. Bro. Bliss has occupied the no-Sabbath position for years. But his last prop has been removed, and like an honest man he has yielded to the truth. Our meetings on Sabbath and first-day were excellent. The presence of the Lord was with us.
I lectured here a few evenings and then left for a new place, near Mt. Hawley, where Bro. Allen had been lecturing, and awakened quite an interest. I tarried here about one week. A number decided to obey God and keep his commandments.
Last Sabbath I spent in Princeville. Here I had the privilege of meeting between thirty and forty Sabbath-keepers. After I had given a discourse on the inheritance, twenty-seven warm testimonies were given in favor of the truth. It was exceedingly encouraging to hear the voices of Elds. Blanchard and Bliss in favor of the Sabbath of the Lord and kingdom. These old pilgrims have stood the blasts and snows of about seventy winters. They have been preaching about forty years in the Christian Church. Their days of usefulness in proclaiming the truth are mostly in the past.
Our meeting was one of solemnity and deep interest. There is still an interest among some in the place to hear still more relative to our position. Our brethren are anxious to have the tent pitched in Princeville the coming season. This will probably be the best point to commence tent meetings.
Yours in love of the truth.
WM. S. INGRAHAM.
Round Grove, Jan. 25, 1861.
FAITH AND FEELING.
By B. F. Robbins
By feeling, I mean those joyous emotions of the mind, or moving of the affections, not unfrequently enjoyed by the faithful Christian in his pilgrimage in this world of trial and conflict. Such frames of mind are eagerly desired and often too much depended upon by many as the evidence of hope, to the exclusion of a living faith in God and his precious word. Many while in disobedience to the plain commands of God will plead, in justification, an inward feeling, and claim that God blesses them, and hence, think they must be right.
But joyous emotions of mind are not confined to a religious experience. The successful worldly man has them while surveying his broad acres, rich with the golden harvests ready for the reapers, or while counting over his piles of glittering gold. The successful candidate for popular distinction has joyous emotions, when after a contested struggle he comes out of it bearing the palm over a disappointed rival. The youthful lovers of pleasure have them while reveling in worldly pleasure.
But I do not mean to disparage genuine religious emotions or the moving of the affections toward God in joy and peace. But faith is transcendently important. Many of us are prone to make religious enjoyment the test of our discipleship; and when trials and temptations come upon us we sometimes think all is lost, and very many become discouraged, and give way to unbelief, and lose their confidence. Our feelings are not subject to our will or control, but are changeable. But faith or confidence in God and his word may, and in fact must, become the continual habit of the mind in all conditions and circumstances of life, in afflictions and trials, in temptations and conflicts, come life or death. Let me contrast faith and feeling.
Take the case of Abraham, the father of the faithful. Paul says of him [Rom iv, 18-20], "Who against hope believed in hope that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be." "And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, neither yet the deadness of Sarah's womb." "He staggered not at the promise, through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God." It was against hope that he believed in hope. Why? Because he was a hundred years old and Sarah ninety. So the fulfillment of the promise of the birth of Isaac had become a natural impossibility, and yet the truth and faithfulness of God was involved in its fulfillment. Now in order to appreciate the triumph of Abraham's faith over feeling consider what was involved in the promise of the birth of Isaac. His birth was the pledge of the fulfillment of all the promises which God had given: the failure of this promise was the failure of all. For Isaac's birth was the pledge of the fulfillment of the promise: "In thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed." It was the pledge of the coming of Jesus, and the proclamation of the gospel to gather numerous people which were to be of the faith of Abraham, the father of them all.
Isaac's birth was the pledge of a future life in the resurrection from the dead for himself and the expected myriads of the faithful to be gathered out of all nations, until time should end, through the death and resurrection of Jesus the promised seed. Isaac's birth was the pledge of a future everlasting inheritance; "the heavenly country;" "the city which hath foundations;" "the world made new." For these, by faith "he was a pilgrim and stranger." Here were mighty interests at stake involving his very existence; and though the fulfillment of the promise had become a natural impossibility, yet his faith triumphed over every feeling of discouragement, and he believed God.
But again, Paul says of him [Heb. xi, 17-19], "By faith Abraham when he was tried offered up Isaac, and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son." "Of whom it was said that in Isaac shall thy seed be called." Now what kind of feeling, think we, he experienced then? In addition to his miraculous birth as the pledge of the truth and faithfulness of God, and involving his every future hope, he had the tender affections of a parent for his beloved, only son. Here again faith triumphed over feeling; "for he believed that God was able to raise him from the dead, from whence also he received him in a figure."
Again, in Heb. xi, 24-26, of Moses it is said, "By faith Moses when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter," "choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season." "Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than all the treasures of Egypt; for he had respect to the recompence of reward." Consider the refusal of Moses. This was the consecration of every worldly prospect. How would the pampered heir of wealth and worldly honor regard such a refusal? His every feeling would revolt; yet by faith Moses sacrificed wealth, honor and all. Consider also his choice: "Choosing rather to suffer affliction," &c. Feeling never prompted to this choice. It was a mighty controlling principle that prompted him; that principle was faith in the promise of God concerning his people. Hence, Moses chose affliction, trial, scorn, contempt and poverty, by an identity with the slaves of Egypt, trusting the truth and faithfulness of him who had promised.
But again, Heb. xi, 36, 37. "And others had trials of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover, of bonds and imprisonments." "They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins, and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented." "Of whom the world was not worthy; they wandered in deserts and in mountains, in dens and caves of the earth." What gave these suffering, persecuted ones acceptance with God, and the certainty of a better resurrection? Was it joyous emotions? No: it was faith in God.
Here, my brethren, is as an example worthy of our imitation. Better indeed is the opposition and scorn, the contempt and reproach from friends and brethren once so kind, and even from our dearest, most beloved ones. Under such trials our joys are turned into sadness and weeping and mourning. It is in such circumstances we prove the value of faith in God. Trusting in his promise with anguished hearts, we submit ourselves to his holy blessed will.
But let us take another view of this subject. See the woman in the pharisee's house bowing down to the feet of Jesus, washing them with her tears and wiping them with her hair, kissing them, and anointing them with precious ointment; for which did Jesus pronounce her saved? her feeling, or her faith? "And he said to the woman, Thy faith hath saved thee; go in peace." Luke vii, 38.94
Look at the poor diseased woman, who had spent all her living upon physicians, and who came to Jesus, and touched the border of his garment. Why was she made whole? "And he said unto her, Daughter be of good comfort, thy faith hath saved thee. Go in peace."
The same with the two blind men who came to Jesus, "Jesus saith unto them, Believe ye I am able to do this? They said unto him, yea, Lord." "Then touched he their eyes, saying, According to your faith, be it unto you." "And their eyes were opened."
Again, the Syrophenician woman. O woman great is thy (feeling? no; great is thy) faith. Be it unto thee even as thou wilt." In these instances it was faith that triumphed.
In conclusion, let me inquire, What is faith? In it is trust and confidence in the word of God, revealed in the Scriptures as the word of God. God's word constitutes reliable ground for confidence, and evidence sufficient to rest faith upon. Let me illustrate. Here is a man who with great satisfaction displays a roll of small papers with figures and engravings upon them. He says—and fully believes what he says—that they are each 1000 dollars; and yet they are only promises upon paper. Why are they each to him really 1000 dollars? His faith makes them so. It is his faith in these promises that gives that feeling of satisfaction and importance he exhibits.
Feeling, then, is the result of faith. Now suppose I merely cultivate feeling as evidence of my acceptance; the first trial or temptation may change my feelings into doubt and fear; and not having my feeling under my control I am in danger of sinking down into discouragement and unbelief.
Here is the difficulty with the unstable trusting to feeling alone. Here is the reason why there are so many stony-ground and thorny-ground professors. How can they endure with no better foundation than mere feeling? Faith in God's word is a living, abiding principle, not contingent upon circumstances, conditions or feelings; a well-spring of life forever flowing a sure foundation that never fails.
Do we wish happy, joyous emotions? Cultivate an implicit unwavering confidence in God and his word; and feeling will follow faith as surely as effect follows cause.
B. F. ROBBINS.
Friendship, N. Y.
THOUGHTS SUGGESTED BY THE DEATH OF A SISTER.
By E. Goodrich
Yes, she is gone. Alice, our loved sister, once so sprightly and gay, so buoyant with life and hope, is now dead and sleeping in yonder silent tomb. O, how we miss her! how little did we think the place she filled so large! How much we loved her, and how poorly prepared to give her up and see her no more! But she has passed from us. Those sparkling eyes and that smiling face will be seen no more. That merry ringing laugh and gleeful voice will never again be heard by us. All that was lovely is now passed into silence and screened from our view. And Oh, how our hearts ache when we think of the loneliness, the emptiness and silence that everywhere reigns in the place once filled by our dear sister! Why was she taken from us in youth, just as she began to realize life? Just as hope began to bud and blossom, expanding her young mind to behold many a verdant field of pleasure and scenes of happy, joyous life?
But why should we mourn, or repine, or charge folly to our Maker? He loveth all his creatures. He doeth all things well; and not even a sparrow can fall to the ground unnoticed by him. And although we feel afflicted and pained, yet this is but a forcible confirmation of the revealed will of God, which declares, "Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return."
Again, "All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field." And again, how solemn and impressive the scripture: "Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble. He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down. He fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not."
But then it was so sudden, so unexpected, that it gave us but little time for reflection, or to ask ourselves whether we had done all our duty to her or not; whether we had always been as kind, as courteous, as patient, as loving and forgiving as we wish we had been to her.
It is no pleasure now to remember those idle or angry words spoken to her or in her presence. How we wish that we had been more thoughtful, more watchful and prayerful before her, and for her. But it is all passed now. All those golden moments and opportunities once enjoyed, yet so lightly esteemed, are all fled from our embrace. They are gone, yea, forever gone, so that they may not be recalled. How solemn the thought! Yet this we may do: We may begin anew to serve God. We may from this moment double our diligence, and henceforth be more devoted and watchful than we have ever been. And although we have not power to call our sister back to earth again, yet this we may do, we may heartily repent of our past follies and neglect, and hereafter be to those living, what we wish we had been to her that is now dead. And thus the affliction may be sanctified to our good and the good of others, and we be made wise to redeem the time.
How important the lesson that we may here learn! As the Psalmist said, "Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now have I kept thy word. . . . It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn thy statutes." Ps. cxix, 67, 71. We little realize the worth of the blessings that we enjoy. Until they are taken from us they seem to us as a matter of course. But when they are gone, how we value them, and how ready we are to upbraid ourselves for being so careless as to let them pass unimproved and unemployed. We are ready to exclaim, O, could we but live our lives over again, how differently would we live! Surely we would be more thoughtful, more wise. But it is folly to indulge in such idle fancies. They do us no good. They make us no better. They do not improve the present moment; and any reformation that neglects the present moment is deceptive. The good that it promises is never reached. Yea, it matters but little whether we look back or forward with good wishes or desires, unless we have sufficient strength, sufficient moral courage to brave opposition, to take up our cross and obey the truth now, to-day. We surely are no better; we are yet unconverted; our hearts are yet unsubdued by divine grace and wisdom. Now is the accepted time, and behold now is the day of salvation. Yea, all hangs upon the present moment, to improve which is (so far as we can) to atone for the past and fully prepare us for all there is for us hereafter to do, to suffer or enjoy. Indeed, it is not a change of circumstances, or a restoration of misspent time that we need so much as a change of heart, a change of disposition and life. We need the Spirit, the power and wisdom of God to reign within us to the subduing of all sin. And if indeed we are sorry for our past follies or sins, we shall be in earnest trying to right the wrongs that have existed. We shall be more watchful and wise for the future. We shall be careful not to offend in word or in deed. We shall cease to do evil and learn to do well.
This is the kind of reformation everywhere recommended and urged in the Bible. A repentance that is genuine enables a man to break off his sins by righteousness, and his iniquities by turning to God.
O, may God grant me that repentance, and that all my afflictions and losses may be sanctified to my good, in enabling me the more wisely and faithfully to improve upon the many remaining blessings that I enjoy.
E. GOODRICH.
Edinboro, Pa.
SHALL I BE AN OVERCOMER?
By A. M. A. Cornell
ADDRESSED TO THE YOUNG.
MY DEAR YOUNG FRIENDS: This is an important question, and eternal consequences hang upon your decision. I have often heard those words spoken from full hearts; and the speakers seemed to realize the greatness of the work, and their inability to perform it in their own strength. But there is One fully able to help you, One that is strong to save and mighty to deliver. Trusting in him you have nothing to fear but it is truly a great work, surrounded by so many influences directly opposed to your progress; fearful and doubting you are sometimes almost ready to give the struggle o'er; but while you fear the Lord, you may take courage from this precious assurance, that "Like as a father pitieth his children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame, and remembereth that we are dust." Ps. ciii, 14, 15. How kind and tender these words. Earthly parents may not fully understand how much their children can endure, and lay upon them tasks too heavy for them; but not so your heavenly Father. He knows how weak and frail you are, and though the work of overcoming is a daily and hourly task, yet he will lay upon you no burden that you may not overcome by the help of Him who was tempted in all points as you are, and who knows how to deliver the godly out of temptation. If you are fully submitted to God, you may successfully resist the Devil and his wiles. Present yourselves a living sacrifice to God; lay all upon his altar; remember that he will not accept a lame sacrifice, but give him the whole heart, and you will find the Lord faithful and true. He will give you grace to overcome and strength to stand in the midst of all the evils in these perilous times. But my heart has been pained to hear that some of my young friends are conforming to the world, following its fashions, loving its pleasures, and consequently losing the spirit of the message, losing their interest in the truth, losing their spirituality, not anxiously seeking the society of those who are interested in their spiritual welfare, and who could encourage and advise them, but delighting in the company of those who will lead them still farther away from truth and duty.
Dear Young Friends, are you blind to these things? Are you deceived with regard to your real condition? Do you imagine yourselves in the favor of God and the enjoyment of his blessing, when in fact he frowns upon you, and holy angels are made to weep over your wayward and inconsistent course? O, let me entreat you to examine your hearts and see whether the love of God dwells there. Is not your heart divided, and does not the world engage the larger share of your thoughts, more than you bestow upon the work of overcoming, the exceeding great reward, and those things calculated to inspire the Christian with zeal and energy, and quicken their pace in the narrow way? You say you desire to overcome. If so, you will be making some effort in that direction. The Lord wants to save you, Jesus still intercedes, angels are waiting to minister, friends are pleading fervently at a throne of grace, the Spirit is wooing and beseeching you. O do not harden your hearts and grieve it away forever; but now while you feel its sweet drawing influence, hasten to secure the approbation of God by turning away from the unholy influences that are binding you down to this poor dark world. These things that now so please the eye and delight the sense, are soon to wither and blacken under the plagues of God's wrath. Will you continue to love them and cling to them and at last perish with them, miserably perish for the sake of a few fleeting hours of worldly enjoyment? Wisdom points out a way by which an eternal life of glory may be secured, and though there may be difficulties and obstacles to be overcome, yet this way is not without its enjoyments, for she declares that her ways are ways of pleasantness and all her paths are peace. When you taste the sweets of obedience, and get a view of the glorious things in reserve for the faithful, the seeming pleasures of earth will no longer charm you. O95improve the precious moments. Now is the time to break away from opposing influences and engage with all your hearts in the work of preparation to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord.
Will you do it? Will you overcome and have the reward, the glory, eternal life?
A. M. A. CORNELL
Rochester, Mich.
POISONED ARROWS.
By M. Hull
The No-law, Age-to-Come people had a general conference in Ind. last August, one object of which seemed to be to kill the law of God, and the influence of those who advocate it.
The name given us at that conference was "Northern Factionalists." Among other things, A. N. Seymour stated several times that M. E. Cornell embraced the Sabbath some nine years since, but upon more mature reflection discovered that he had been mistaken, and renounced the Sabbath. But his former brethren did not think him worthy of a support, and the "Factionalists" would not support him unless he would preach the Sabbath. So Bro. Cornell went to preaching what he did not believe, and has been at it ever since.
When the story was told to me I declared that it was not true. Other things coming from the same source I also denied.
I would here ask whether there is a shade of truth in the whole story? or will some men follow a theory which can only live by denouncing its adversaries?
M. HULL.
We have been personally acquainted with Bro. M. E. Cornell for more than six years, and do not hesitate to say that we believe the above charge against Bro. C. to be a willful, malicious falsehood.
JAMES WHITE.
URIAH SMITH.
LETTERS.
"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
From Bro. Wilson.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I have just received Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 2, and in perusing it I have experienced a great blessing. It was to me truly a spiritual feast, at which my soul was refreshed. Thanks to our kind heavenly Parent for causing such light to be dispensed among his believing children, and thanks to our beloved brother and sister White for their instrumentality in placing the same within our means of obtaining it. Who cau but sympathize with them in the toils and privations which they have endured for the sake of the needy cause of Christ? May heaven be their great reward, and the reward of all who have forsaken everything to go forth and proclaim the good news of salvation, and of the coming kingdom to a perishing world.
I would be remembered in the prayers of God's people as they kneel at the family altar, or retire separately to plead with the Lord in secret. I stand all alone with reference to human companions in the truth, but I can say with thankfulness toward God that I have not been at any time without the means of consolation and support, or without one whom I find to be "a very present help in time of trouble." The more I realize of the peace of God which passeth understanding, the more I desire and miss the society of fellow-pilgrims and sufferers for Christ; but "the Lord God is a sun and a shield, the Lord will give grace and glory. No good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."
Yours in the Christian's hope.
G. P. WILSON.
Wilson's Mills, Me.
Encouragement to Press On in Faith
By Isaac D. Van Horn
From Bro. Van Horn.
BRO. SMITH: I would say to the lovers of present truth, and to all others, who have a desire to serve the Lord; that I am still holding on to the hope set before us, with firmness and decision. I can say with all my heart that I begin to love to serve the Lord; yea, I can say with Paul, "I delight in the law of God after the inward man." The truth shines brighter, and is becoming more glorious to me. The great plan of salvation is opening to my view, and when I see the precious promises that God has given to cheer the lone pilgrim on, in his journey here; it inspires my heart with new zeal, and gives me fresh courage to strive on a little longer that I may gain the promised inheritance. I am glad it requires the whole heart, and all we possess, to serve the Lord; for then we know that we love him, and that he loveth us.
The few of like precious faith, that dwell in this vicinity, have been greatly blessed and encouraged, through the labors of Brn. Allen and Ingraham, to press on to mount Zion. Some have come out decided in the truth while others are investigating. May the Lord bless, that the seed be not sown in vain, but that they with us may get the wisdom that is from above, that our minds may be enlightened on the blessed truths of the word of God.
Dear brethren and sisters, let us arise to action and to duty, that we may come up to our high privilege in the Lord. For what will a mere profession amount to? It will not save us, and when it is revealed by fire, it will be nothing but dross. O, let us get the heart into the work; for where our treasure is the heart will be also. And when we have purified our hearts in obeying the truth, then we shall have the gold that is tried in the fire; then our affections will flow out in supreme love to God, and to our neighbor as ourselves; then shall we long for the appearing of Jesus, and hail him with joy when he comes.
If the third angel's message is now being sounded, and is the truth (and there is no doubt), it requires of us immediate action, in order to prepare for the solemn scenes that are about to transpire upon the earth. To those that are becoming discouraged, I would say take up the Bible and take another view of the kingdom as there revealed and then seek earnestly for the guidance of the Holy Spirit, and the Lord will not forsake you.
May the Lord help us all to overcome is my prayer.
Yours striving for the kingdom,
ISAAC D. VAN HORN.
Mt. Hawley, Ills.
LANGUAGE OF THE CHRISTIAN.
By A. L. Guilford
The cross the world is bearing,
Is not the cross for me;
To turn from sin not caring
To gain true liberty;
But there's a cross which Jesus bore,
The powers of hell he triumphed o'er,
The way for me preparing,
O that's the cross for me.
The praise the world is seeking,
Is not the praise for me;
Which wicked hearts are speaking
In pride and vanity.
But there is praise which can be won
Of Jesus, when he says “Well done”—
To those who truth are seeking,
O that's the praise for me.
The books the world is reading,
Are not the books for me;
For worldly wisdom heeding
Will lead to misery;
But there's a Book I dearly prize,
Which tells me how from sin to rise,
The way to heaven leading—
O that's the Book for me.
The song the world is singing,
Is not the song for me;
The truth away they're flinging,
They would not Jesus see.
But there's a song the saints will sing,
The song of Moses and their King,
Through heaven 'twill be ringing,
O that's the song for me.
The crown the world is gaining,
Is not the crown for me,
Its beauty soon is waning,
'Mid strife and villainy.
But there's a matchless crown in heaven,
To all the faithful 'twill be given,
When we shall all be reigning,
O that's the crown for me.
The home the world possesses,
Is not the home for me;
Its sorrows and distresses
Oft make our comforts flee;
But there's a home no sorrow knows,
And Christ will bring to that repose
Him who his name confesses,
O that's the home for me.
A. L. GUILFORD.
Monroe, Wis.
Lectures on Christ’s Soon Coming
By Bro. Barrows
From Bro. Barrows.
BRO. SMITH: I have just returned from Texas, Pa., where I have been delivering a course of lectures on the faith relative to the soon coming of Christ, the Sabbath, &c. The Spirit of the Lord was present to accompany the word to the hearts of the honest, The meeting was one of interest from the commencement to the close. Eight have come out on the law of God, and state their determination henceforward to keep the Sabbath of the Lord; and quite a number more are almost persuaded to be Christians. The Lord lead them out into the liberty of the Sons of God, is my prayer. There seems to be quite a field opening for labor in that part of the vineyard. May the Lord cause the trumpet to be blown there. Yours, looking for life at the appearing of Jesus.