Earlier text: CONDITIONS OF SALVATION. No. 4.THE JUDGMENT! (CONTINUED.)
SYNOPSIS OF THE PRESENT TRUTH, No. 21.
THE JUDGMENT! (CONTINUED.)
PETER in his first epistle [chap. iv, 4-6] speaks of a certain class "who shall give account to Him that is ready to judge the quick (living) and dead. For for this cause," he continues, "was the gospel preached also to them that are dead, that they might be judged according to (Gr., kata, in the same manner as) men in the flesh, but live according to God in the Spirit." This testimony is important. It furnishes positive proof that some are judged while they are dead, and others while they are living; and that consequently a Judgment passes upon the human race, before the resurrection. And the next verse shows us the chronology of this work: it is when "the end of all things is at hand." It may be asked how those in their graves can be judged. We answer, It is from the books of record which are kept of all men's actions. We read in Dan. vii, 10, that the Judgment was set, and the books were opened. And again, [Rev. xx, 12.] the books were opened and the dead were judged out of those things written in the books. A variety of texts also inform us that every man shall be rewarded according to his works. See Matt. xvi, 17; Rom. ii, 6; 2 Cor. v, 10; Rev. ii, 23; xxii, 12. From this testimony we learn that a record is kept of the acts of all men, and from that record their reward is given them according to their desert. There is no judgment in this sense of the term, independent of these books of record. But "the time is come," says Peter, "that judgment must begin at the house of God; and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" We now inquire, What event must be pointed out by this testimony? The answer is, The closing ministration of the Sanctuary! The work of cleansing the earthly Sanctuary was a work of judgment. The high priest went into the most holy place, bearing the breast plate of judgment, on which were the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel, to make an atonement for the holy Sanctuary and for all the people of the congregation. Ex. xxviii, 15-30; Lev. xvi, 33. And whosoever did not afflict his soul upon that day of atonement, was to be cut off from among his people. Chap. xxiii, 29. This could only prefigure one solemn fact, namely, the great time of judgment and decision that should pass upon the human race in the closing work of the heavenly Sanctuary. In the type, the cleansing of the Sanctuary was atoning for, and removing, sins. In the antitype it is blotting them out. "Repent ye therefore," says Peter, "and be converted that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord." Acts iii, 19. When is this? Ans. When he is about to send Jesus Christ. Verse 20. In the type a round of service was repeated and completed every year. In the antitype it is accomplished once for all. When the last act of cleansing is accomplished, the plan of salvation is ended—the result is told! From that decision there is no appeal; for there is thenceforth no more offering for sin. Heb. x, 18. Then the decree goes forth, "He that is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he that is holy, let him be holy still." Rev. xxii, 11. All cases are then decided; judgment has passed upon the human race! And the chronology of this decision is also revealed to us in the verse following, where the Saviour continues after pronouncing the above sentence, "And behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me." In the type atonement was made for the people of Israel as a body. Now it has to do with individuals; for as individuals we must stand condemned or acquitted at the judgment-seat of Christ. It is but a just conclusion therefore that the lives of the children of God, not only those who are living, but all who have ever lived, whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life, will during the closing of the Sanctuary service, pass in final review before that great tribunal. It is thus that judgment begins at the house of God. It is thus that the patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and all the people of God, stand in their lot. The merits of that blood which was shed on Calvary looked back as well as forward, and reached transgressions under the first covenant, as well as those committed since that time. Heb. ix, 15. We now understand the import of that angel's message who proclaimed on land and sea, The hour of his Judgment is come. With his message it did come. The proclamation ceased, and our High Priest entered upon his last office for the salvation of men. That there is a Judgment after Christ comes is evident. The time allotted to it is one thousand years. But this can have no connection with the saints who enter upon their reward previous to that time, as we have already shown. Who then are the subjects of this Judgment? We answer. The wicked. Our Lord told Peter, and through him the twelve apostles, that in the regeneration, when he should sit upon the throne of his glory, they also should sit upon twelve thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Matt. xix, 28. This must refer to the wicked of the tribes of Israel; for the righteous are then entered upon the fruition of their hope. But the tribes of Israel are not alone concerned in this matter. Paul writes to his Corinthian brethren, "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? Know ye not that we shall judge angels?" 1 Cor. vi, 2, 3. The reference here must of course be to the wicked of the world and to the fallen angels who are reserved to judgment. Jude 6. And this judgment of the wicked passes upon them while they are yet in their graves; for we read in Rev. xx, that those who have part in the first resurrection live and reign with Christ a thousand years; and it is during this thousand years, while they are reigning with Christ that they are judging the wicked, as we learn from Matt. xix, 28. Rev. xx, 4, also says that judgment was given (committed) unto them. After the thousand years are ended, the wicked are raised, come up around the camp of the saints, and the judgment which during that time had been allotted to them is executed upon them. In the Judgment that is now passing in the heavenly Sanctuary, since it has to do with transgressions under the first testament, the natural order would be that the cases of the dead should first come up, and the living last. Thirteen years and over have now elapsed since the work commenced. In the very nature of the case it must soon be finished. The interests of a perishing world now center there. All have an interest there; for the cases of each personally and singly must come up and be forever decided. Brethren, we are satisfied that this is the great subject for this time. The Judgment! The Judgment! Would that a voice might continually remind us that its solemn council is now in session, and its unalterable decisions passing upon our race. Reader, how does your case stand? Have you an interest in the Advocate who is pleading the cases of his children before his Father? Are you aware of a charge that yet stands against you unrepented of and unforgiven? Pass not over this subject lightly. Eternity is bound up in it. An endless and glorious life, or an eternal death, hang upon the issue. May the Lord help us to feel over it, and feeling to act—so act that our sins may be blotted from the book of his remembrance, and our names, though unworthy, still stand in the golden characters of the book of life. A SUGGESTION
By James White
In regard to Tent Meetings. We suggest that the brethren in different parts of the field take the subject into close examination and see if we have not had too many Tents in the field, so that some of them, at least, have not been well manned. When people are invited to a Tent-meeting their expectations are raised and if the effort be a feeble one, there is a disappointment, and generally in such cases more harm than good is accomplished. We therefore suggest that no more Tents be in the field than can be well manned, and well sustained. Tents thus moving out in this western field are sure of accomplishing a great work. Is it not too late to talk about working on the farm part of the time, and going as a preacher with a tent the rest of the time? Should not every Tent company be free from worldly care and embarrassment? Brethren, think of these things, and may the Lord direct his people. CAUSE IN THE WEST.
By James White
We still feel deeply interested for the cause in the West, partly because of its misfortunes in consequence of the treacherous part acted by some who have turned its enemies, and the unfaithfulness of some who have moved West, and partly, because it is a field of successful labor. The Lord is evidently moving on the hearts of the people in the West, and if his people hope for success they should move in concert with their Lord. We have no less interest in the salvation of souls in the East and should we yield to our own feelings, would prefer to labor in good old New England. But having labored all the way from Maine to Iowa, we are prepared to decide in our own mind where labor will accomplish most at present. We feel anxious that much labor at present should be bestowed upon Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota, only because we believe this to be the will of God, and will prove the salvation of most precious souls.165 Says Bro. M. Hull, of Iowa, "Brethren, cannot we have a Tent in Iowa? I do think this State is the best field in the West. I am certain that two good humble men with a Tent in this State can do much good for the cause of truth. Will the brethren act upon it immediately?" Could one of our brethren who has had experience in holding Tent-meetings join Bro. Hull in Iowa with one of our Tents, we might hope for great success. But it would require from three to five hundred dollars to sustain such an enterprise in a manner to accomplish the most good. Where are the brethren who are ready with their hundreds, their fifties, their twenty-fives, or their tens? Where? Satan seems to have the control of the purses of the church, with very few exceptions. Repeated disappointments are saddening and discouraging our preachers. They have generally moved out expecting to be sustained by their brethren in their arduous work; but their brethren have often failed to do their duty. They have looked on apparently unmoved, and have seen one after another of our preachers break down in health through over labor, and deprivation for want of means, while they have continued to hug their earthly treasures to their hearts. Disappointment has been the sad lot of our preachers, and now several of them are much sunken down under poverty, broken down health and discouragement. We suggest to our preaching brethren that it might be best to avoid taking responsibilities which the church should bear. Let the brethren feel the responsibilities which justly rest upon them. Spare your strength and health. When the church furnishes Tents, Tent-masters, and help enough and means to sustain the enterprise, then you "Preach the word." God does not require you to enfeeble your constitution in over labor in that which is not your calling. Should the Church freely hand out to sustain the cause the amount of the annual taxes on their property, there would be in the Lord's treasury double the amount wanted to sustain the cause in all its departments. Were Jesus on earth, would he not say to this people as a body, Ye hypocrites! for ye profess to believe in my soon coming, that ye are having the last message, and that all is on the altar, while your covetous works deny your profession? Let those who have any knowledge of the state of the cause answer this question, and reflect seriously upon it. The Lord is preparing the hearts of the people to hear and receive the truth; yet our books remain in the Office, because the Church does not purchase them and circulate them, and some of our preachers remain at home, because they are not sustained in the work. Will not the people of God arise, and sacrifice a little of this world's goods to carry forward the work of God? Will they do it now? or must the cause suffer on? Says Bro. M. Hull, March 22d, "I have just closed a meeting at Decatur City, (Iowa,) and notwithstanding the dragon spirit was manifested, thirty-five bold soldiers enlisted in the army of Commandment keepers, who are rejoicing in the belief of the Third Message, and are striving to obtain the tried gold. May God help them to stand. I could have sold more than $200 worth of publications in the past three months if I had had them." Bro. John Walker of Victoria, Daviess Co., Missouri, writes, "Bro. Hull of Iowa was over here and delivered five discourses. It has created great excitement and reading to see if these things are so." This brother sends for books, which we send, also the Review. Language will not express the anguish of spirit we feel as we pen these lines. We look over the vast harvest-field in the West, where in almost every school district may be found two or three, or perhaps a score or two who are ready to receive the truth; and the body of those to whom God has committed the last message, and who are responsible for its spread, is stupid, worldly, covetous, and almost inactive. Dear brethren, we warn you to arouse, and act for God and the truth while you may. Jesus will soon spue the lukewarm out of his mouth. Your only hope is to awake and act now. You who have repeatedly and in the most solemn manner been warned of your danger, how much longer will Jesus bear with you? Do you not see in yourselves evidence that Jesus is leaving you? spuing you out of his mouth? Be not deceived. You have no reason to suppose that this act of our Lord will be marked by any outward sign, or judgment from him. No, he will leave those who do not heed his counsel. They will fall into a careless, unfeeling state, and imagine their condition quite good. This is the condition of most of those who profess the last message. We solemnly fear that but few will escape the snare of the enemy. What more can God do for this people? The threatenings of his word have been plainly set before them by his servants. The last message has been sounded in their ears. The rebuking testimony from Jesus to the Laodiceans has come home to their hearts, condemning their love of this world, and their distance from God. He has, as it were, talked to them face to face. O what can he do to draw this people in from the world, near the bleeding side of Jesus? Despair this moment rushes over us! Our only hope is that the Lord will call out from this people those who have a mind to work, who will in truth and honesty consecrate themselves and all they have to his cause, and will leave the body to their idols. Solemn thought! In this way the lukewarm will be spued out of his mouth. Meetings at Stony Creek, Mich.
By M. E. Cornell
We arrived in this place the very day that Bro. Bates left, and continued our meetings for five successive days, much to our own encouragement, and we believe to the good of souls. A deep solemnity pervaded the meetings, and freedom was given to talk out the "great things of God's law" which seemed to fall upon good ground. Several decided to walk in the truth. One, Eld. Fisher, Baptist minister, who had heard the reasons of our faith for the first time from Bro. Bates, seemed to take a decided stand upon all the truth as far as he had heard. Bro. Lawrence was made glad by seeing his wife and daughter come to a final decision, to cast in their lot with the remnant. Some in the church in that vicinity are evidently rising and beginning to hunger and thirst after righteousness; but Oh, how painful it was to see others who had professed the Sabbath for years, and had enjoyed great privileges in the truth, pass through all our interesting social meetings without once bearing testimony in favor of the truth. While others wept or rejoiced they seemed but little affected, and we could not resist the conviction that they were being spued out of the mouth of the faithful and true Witness. Oh, what a solemn moment! Some are heeding the counsel of Jesus, and making that "extra effort" to overcome, and others are drawing back to perdition. O, ye professed children of God, do take warning! Do any of you feel more and more indifferent and stupid? then be alarmed. Jesus has been a long time shut out. Beware lest your case be as described in Cant. v, 6. "I opened to my beloved: but my beloved had withdrawn himself, and was gone: my soul failed when he spake: I sought him, but I could not find him; I called him, but he gave me no answer." The fatal moment has arrived, and it is now life or death. The decision that we now make is for eternity. We are sailors on the Ship Zion; and shall we stop to rest and take our ease in the midst of these perils? We are soldiers in the army of the remnant; and shall we sleep at our post in the heat of battle, before the victory is won? If we do we shall be reported and discharged; and when the victory is won we shall not be there. A separation is taking place; the line is being drawn between those who really serve God, and those who serve him not; and this distinction becomes more and more apparent every day. O, how it does encourage me to meet with those who are engaged in the cause; who seem to be in earnest about obtaining salvation. I would say to such, Go on, persevere and cease not to wrestle and pray till you sup with Jesus. And O, I would say as did Ruth of old, "Entreat me not to leave thee, or to turn from following after thee; for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge; thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God." M. E. CORNELL.
Battle Creek, April 1st, 1858 WILL SERVE THE LORD.
By J. Clarke
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose ye this day whom ye will serve; . . . but as for me and my house we will serve the Lord." Joshua xxiv, 15. Joshua had formed a character to himself remarkable for intrepidity and firmness, independence and truth. He had breasted the fury of popular tumult, had stood almost alone when threatened with death, was firm in his fidelity to God when the multitude bade stone him and his companion (Caleb) with stones, because they persisted in giving a truthful report of the land. Num. xiv, 10. Joshua and Caleb alone of that generation lived to enter Canaan. All the congregation from twenty years old and upwards, were left in the wilderness, [Num. xiv, 26-39,] while these two faithful ones still survived, because that they were firm in the cause of God and truth, when all the people were opposed. When truth was unpopular and odd, then Joshua dared to be singular, dared to be odd. Fearless of man he stood forth the champion of down-trodden truth, the advocate of right. That was the very time to act with decision; the very time to win from God the approving smile, the time to stand up and prove his devotion to God and his cause, the golden opportunity, and he was disposed to improve it, and in so doing he won a place in the record of truth, side by side with prophets and apostles, and will be embalmed in the memory of the saints when time shall have passed away. But had Joshua waited for others to serve the Lord, even though disposed to do his will, how different would have been his destiny; had he waited for the church to rise, had he said to himself, I can do nothing alone, only Caleb and myself, what can we do against three million of people? I will wait and see how Moses comes out, and if he wins I shall stand by him, or if he falls I will keep on the popular side with the winning party. Or he might have minced the matter a little, and might have taken a middle course, or by his silence have avoided the execrations of the multitude, and thus have drawn down the curse of God. But no! The occasion called for decisive testimony, and he gave it. The people needed a rebuke and he administered it. The truth was trodden under foot, he rescued it. He stood the advocate of God, whose goodness and liberality were undervalued, whose grace was abused, whose love was slighted. But the trait most prominent in the character of Joshua, is his adherence to truth in times when he stood almost alone; when all combined to draw him away from God; when his friends and associates were opposed. Now if any one in this day of darkness is disposed to wait for the church to rise; if any have the idea that all must rise or no one can; if any are waiting for a tide to bear them up, to waft them onward; if any are laboring under the impression that by and by all will rise, and I will wait my time; let such an one contemplate the history and character of Joshua, reflect upon the manner in which his character was developed, and the means by which his eminence was reached, until he can say, Let others do as they may, I will serve the Lord. J. Clarke. FAITH AND FEELING
By J. Clarke
ARE two distinct and separate things. Faith is an exercise of the mind, while feeling is a state or condition of the mind. A person may feel well and very happy who has no faith, while the possessor of faith is often called to pass through many dark hours, many trials, and inward sorrow and anguish. Good and happy feelings may result from outward circumstances, as success in life, the smile of love and friendship, pleasant scenery, the cheerful home circle, congenial pursuits, the smile of fortune, or advancement in fame or learning, or apparent usefulness, and all without a grain of faith. Faith is an exercise of the renewed mind, and it is called forth by reason of doubt or uncertainty, and appears most beautiful and lovely when exhibited during times of trial. Thus when Job had lost all earthly treasures at a blow, when in addition to these trials, his body was writhing in agony, and to crown all, God withdrew himself from him, then was the very time for Job to manifest his faith, and so he did: his wife advises him to curse God and die. He answers, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speakest. What! shall we receive good at the hand of the Lord, and shall we not receive evil? Here is the difference: Job exercised faith and acted accordingly, even in time of darkness and trial, while his wife was governed by her feelings. She might have been exemplary in prosperity, happy in times of plenty, but not possessing faith, and being under the control of feelings, the trial was too heavy, and she rebelled against God, and counselled her husband to curse God. But Job was controlled by a higher principle. Faith unlocked to him a future reward. By faith he viewed the heavenly inheritance, and grasped for enduring riches; with such a faith what was pain or poverty to him. As a reward for his faith so tried and tested, Job's prosperity returned. God was pleased with his faith because it stood the test of adversity. God honored Job because he was not under the influence of mere feeling, was not driven about by the winds of adversity and trial, but was governed by the law of God. Having faith he exercised it. When tossed upon the sea of trouble, when in darkness and doubt and uncertainty, God was his rock, his fortress and his tower of strength. J. CLARKE. To Our Enemies.
By W. S. Foote
Do you not believe in the necessity of repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, in order that ye may be saved from sin and its awful consequences? We do; and do you hate us for this? Do you believe that without holiness no man can see the Lord? We do; and do you hate us for this? Do you believe it to be right to obey the Lord in all things, and to keep all his commandments? We do; is this one cause of your hatred? If with the assisting grace of God, we try to love him with all our hearts, and love our neighbor as ourselves, knowing that Jesus tells us the truth when he says, (with regard to these principles,) "on these two hang all the law and the prophets," do we act right? and do you hate us for it? The apostle James has told us, that with regard to the law, "if we offend in one point we are guilty of all." Because we dislike to offend our God in this matter, do you hate us? We are confident "that yet a little while, and he that shall come, will come and will not tarry," and we wish to get ready to meet our God in peace; we believe, too, that when he does come, we should be able to say with joy, "Lo this is our God, we have waited for him." Do you hate us on this account? Do you hate us because we believe we are wholly dependant upon him who has said, "I am the resurrection and the life," for immortality beyond the grave? We have been in the world long enough to be heartily sick of its sins and follies, and now we desire a better country, that is, an heavenly; wherefore God is not ashamed to be called our God, for he has prepared for us a city. We believe that before we enter the heavenly city, we must as a church, possess more of the pure and undefiled religion of the gospel than is found in the popular churches. Don't hate us for this! If for these things you hate us, and feel disposed to point at us the finger of scorn, and delight in your position, which is the seat of the scoffer, then scoff on, shut up your churches against those who have the last message of mercy to a dying world—reject and despise God's holy law, trample upon his Sabbaths, in a word, gird on your armor, get ready all your weapons of war, and with the dragon for your leader, with all your might, fight against those who keep the Commandments of God and the Testimony of Jesus, but remember, that if we love the Lord, no weapon formed against us shall prosper. The battle is not against us, but with the Lord of hosts. Can you measure arms with him? On whose side think you, will turn the victory? W. S. Foote.
Pendleton, Ohio. "Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another." BRO. SMITH : The Review to me is a welcome visitor, as I am alone in my weakness, having to contend with spiritual wickedness in high places. I am surrounded with so-called revivals, and thought foolish and wicked for not joining with them to get my family and friends converted; but by the grace of God none of these move me from the Third Angel's Message. My sympathy is with the remnant. I do hope to share an interest in their prayers, for the times are perilous, and we are beset on every side to leave the narrow way and walk in the ways of sinners that are breaking God's holy law. They sit in Moses' seat. "Whatsoever they bid you observe that observe and do, but do not ye after their works for they say and do not." All of them, even the Catholics, teach that sin is the transgression of the law; but they break the Sabbath and teach others to do so. I heard one preach last week that told his hearers if they broke God's law ignorantly they were nevertheless guilty, and must suffer its penalty. I rose up to speak in vindication of the law, but he closed his meeting, not giving me the privilege. The Lord pity the blind leaders of the blind, is my prayer. When I think what God has done for me I tremble in view of the responsibility resting upon me. Pray for me. J. WHITENACK,
Painted Post, N. Y., March 22d, 1853. E. G. HARDESTY
By E. G. Hardesty
BRO. SMITH; For the first time I would drop a few lines for the Review, and for the encouragement of the saints of God. We are getting along here pretty well, about as strong (numerically) as when you last heard from us by other brethren, and I think making some growth in the grace and the knowledge of the present truth. We have very strong opposition from our enemies, especially among the sects, but the Lord is more than a match for any or all of them, and we, in his strength, may and will overcome, and finally stand on mount Zion with the 144,000, and sing the song of Moses and the Lamb for ever and ever. It is some five months since I cast in my lot among the Sabbath-keepers of this place, and I have no reason as yet to regret it, but find the present truth like pure gold, the more you rub it, the brighter it shines. I preached among the Methodists some eighteen years, but am very glad my eyes were opened in time to see that I was in Babylon, and hear the cry, "Come out of her my people." In Ohio, the field is opening for the harvest, but the laborers are few. Let us pray dear brethren, that the Lord may send more laborers into his field. There is much to be done, and perhaps but little time to do it in. We are living in very solemn times, and it behooves us to be up and doing with our might. P. S. I would just say that I have quit the use of tobacco, after having used it about twenty-five years. Gilboa, Ohio, March 19th, 1858. A New Believer’s Desire for Truth
By P. H. Cady
Bro. Smith: In the month of June last, I had the privilege of hearing on the subject of the Third Angel's Message, in connection with the Sabbath, at the tent-meeting held in Mackford, by Brn. Hart, Everts, and Loughborough. When the truth was first presented to my mind, I was enabled to see its force in a measure; but it was not until about three weeks after the meeting closed that the beauty of the present truth shone in upon my mind. I bless the Lord for his mercy in inclining my feet unto his testimonies. I can truly say, "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The judgments of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. Moreover by them is thy servant warned; and in keeping of them there is great reward." I feel like heeding the testimony of the faithful and true Witness, and opening my heart to the blessed Jesus. I want to be clothed with the righteousness of Christ that I may be prepared to enter the glorious kingdom which is soon to come. There are but three Sabbath-keepers in this place. We do not have any meetings at present, but hope for better times to come. We feel very anxious that some of the lecturing brethren may come to this place and hold meetings with us. There are some who seem to be interested in the truth. May the great Head of the church give us his Spirit to direct us all in the way of duty, and through grace enable us to overcome at last, is my fervent prayer. Poysippi, Wis., March 19th, 1858. Finding a Heavenly Home Through the Sabbath
By S. E. Edwards
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Being at Gilboa on business when Brn. Holt and Cornell were there with the tent, I stopped to hear them a little while. When I had heard one discourse I wanted to hear another, and so I stopped and heard two discourses. Then I had to leave for home, but I took the Bible Student's Assistant with me, and went to the Bible alone for the truth. There I found the ten commandments which I had been taught were done away. When I found that the word of God could not be altered or changed, then I saw where I stood. I had, as I thought, been traveling the road to heaven for eighteen years in the Disciples church, with as good a conscience as Paul when he was going to Damascus to persecute the Lord's brethren. I thank God that I have seen the light as well as Paul. After I was convinced that it was my duty to keep the Sabbath, I made it known to my church, and they told me that they could not fellowship me if I would violate the first day of the week. Then I thought I had thrown myself out of a home. I wept and mourned, but at last the Lord made me to feel that I had a home in heaven. O brethren, what a comfort I found in God's word. I now found that there was a work for me to do. I called all my family together one Sabbath morning, and told them that Christ was the head of the church, and man was the head of the family, and I wanted them to obey me. I told them that it was the Sabbath, and they must not do any work in it. They all looked sad, and my wife wept, and thought it strange that I had changed my faith. I then commenced to preach to the people, and now through the blessing of God, eight heads of families have received the light, and are now meeting with me on the Sabbath. We are persecuted, but thank the Lord we are willing to bear persecution for Christ's sake. Since then, in answer to prayer, my wife has been brought to see and obey the truth. Before I received the truth I was taught that the gifts, and even the Holy Ghost ceased with the apostles; but since I have examined the Bible for myself, I find the promise yet remains in the church, and I thank God that I have felt its power and effect. Sometimes I think I will not try to talk the truth to others any more, but the harvest is ripe and laborers few, and I must do what I can. When God's Spirit strives with me, I feel like obeying its directions. May God help me so to do. Yours in Christ. S. E. EDWARDS. Shunk, Ohio March 22nd, 1858. Bro. A. Preston writes from Ceresco, Mich., March 22nd, 1858: "We are thankful that Brn. Frisbie and Waggoner ever came to this place. The work is still onward. The little church are trying to keep all the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. Last Sabbath we had a blessed meeting. The Spirit of the Lord was present with us, and we had a melting time. There was not a dry eye in the house. The Lord brought in a neighbor and converted her from the error of her ways. She has been made to rejoice in the love of God, and we were made to rejoice with her. The work is still moving. I think that this place is getting ripe for the truth of God." FELL asleep in Jesus in Lancaster, Mass., March 9th, 1858, of consumption, sister Jane Beaty, aged 22 years. Our beloved sister embraced the present truth about six years since, and for a time lived a consistent christian; but after a while she became lukewarm, and finally so discouraged that she gave up her hope, feeling it was a reproach to the cause to profess what she did not possess, but never losing her regard for the Sabbath of the Lord. She continued thus until last Fall, when she came167 to this place about the time of the conference held here, when she formed the resolution that she would once more strive to live a christian life. The work of repentance was commenced anew. We heard her confessions, saw her tears, and felt the witness of the Spirit that she was owned and blest of God, while we heard her praise him for his long-suffering and tender compassion towards her. Since that time she has been striving to overcome. She has been a sufferer for years, and had a great dread of death; but as her prospect of eternal life brightened, this was all taken away, so that she entered the valley and shadow of death fearing no evil. The blessed hope sustained her, and she assured us all was well, hoped to sleep but a little while, and then come forth clothed in immortality. "Sleep, dear sister, kind and tender,
To friendship true;
While with feeling hearts we render
This tribute due."
M. L. P. "SPEAK GENTLY TO THE ERRING."
By Fredrick George Lee
Speak gently to the erring—
Ye know not all the power
With which the dark temptation came
In some unguarded hour:
Ye may not know how earnestly
They struggled, or how well,
Until the hour of weakness came
And sadly thus they fell! Speak gently to the erring—
Oh! do not thou forget,
However darkly stained by sin,
He is thy brother yet.
Heir of the self-same heritage,
Child of the self-same God,
He hath but stumbled in the path
Thou hast in weakness trod. Speak kindly to the erring—
For is it not enough
That innocence and peace are gone,
Without thy censure rough?
It surely is a weary lot
That sin-crushed heart to bear;
And they who share a happier fate
Their chidings well may spare. Speak kindly to the erring—
Thou yet may'st lead them back,
With holy words, and tones of love,
From misery's thorny track:
Forget not thou hast often sinned,
And sinful yet must be;
Deal kindly with the erring one,
As God hath dealt with thee.
[Fredrick George Lee. Reports from Hoosier Grove and Spring Grove
Bro. I Sanborn writes from Jefferson Wis., March 16th. 1858: "I have been absent from home twelve days, in which time I spoke eight times to large and attentive congregations at Hoosier Grove. At the last meeting but one, two came out decided to keep the commandments of God. A number of others seem to be convinced of the truth. O that this last message may be made the power of God unto their salvation. From there I went to Spring Grove, and spoke three times to the same congregation that I had three weeks ago. At the last meeting, six arose, one after another and told the people that they had made up their minds to obey the truth if the Lord would help them. A number of others like Felix of old said, 'Go thy way for this time, and when I have a convenient season I will call for thee.' O Lord help them to see that to-day is the day of salvation."