Earlier text: BOTH SIDES OF THE SABBATH QUESTIONThe following may help the Bible Class at La Porte, Iowa. It is from Litch's Prophetic Expositions, Vol. 1, pp. 46, 47. Jesus Christ has said, (John v, 28, 29,) "The hour is coming when all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good unto the resurrection of life, and they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation." There are in this text, two distinct resurrections recognized: "of life;" "of damnation." They that have done good will enjoy the former; they that have done evil, endure the latter. It is objected, the whole is said to take place in the same literal "hour." "The hour cometh." To this, it is replied, that the term "hour" merely signifies, the time will come when all will hear his voice, and live or come forth from the grave; but each in his own time. The word is manifestly used thus, in John v, 25, where it is said "The hour is coming and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they that hear shall live." Even while Christ was on earth, the time was coming, yea, had come, that the dead, Lazarus, the widow's son, &c., should, and did hear his voice, and those that heard, lived. Were all these instances in one literal hour, or at one time? Clearly not. But, says the objector, it does not mean the dead in a literal but spiritual sense. Very well, we will look at its meaning then. The hour is coming and now is when the dead in trespasses and sins shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and they that hear shall live. Was this true, I ask, only that very hour to which he spoke; or is it true of all subsequent time to the end of the world? The latter is true, most clearly. Then the hour signifies, in verse 25, the whole gospel dispensation; why, then, may it not, by the same rule, signify, in the 28th verse, a thousand years? It must be understood, in the 25th verse, in some other than its literal acceptation; then why not in the 28th verse? It is not necessary to go beyond the 5th chapter of John to settle the controversy, on the import of the term hour, as used in reference to the time of the resurrection. The Quarterly Meeting
By Ohio Conf. Com.
At Lovetts Grove on the 16th and 17th of April, was well attended by brethren and sisters living in the vicinity, and a good degree of freedom was felt by all. The state of the roads being excessively bad, few came in from a distance. Still the Brn. Kittle from Cass and Arcadia, and Bro. Emmons from Leipsic, and Bro. Ramsay, from Michigan were present. All expressed themselves much strengthened and encouraged. This was the last meeting of this kind for the conference year; and we rejoice to say that the first series of quarterly meetings in this State, although sustained by the lay members, has been signally blessed of God. Commenced in much weakness, and with fear and trembling, yet we realize that we have had the smile and approbation of God, in this (to us) new and untried path at every step. To him be all the glory. OHIO CONF. COM. This Week's Review
By Editor
THIS WEEK'S REVIEW.—"Both Sides" this week is brief, but deeply interesting. If a new law by Jesus Christ, to take the place of his Father's law, can be sustained from any portion of the New Testament, it can be from Matt. v, from which Eld. Preble has quoted. But the reader will see that he has utterly failed to show a new code of laws. We admire the style of Bro. Smith's reply, and the clear manner in which he gives the true import of our Lord's words in Matt. v. Let it be read, and re-read, and studied with care. Christ is our advocate, 1 John ii, 1, and the Father is our lawgiver, James iv, 12. Christ was to be a prophet, or teacher, like Moses. Deut. xviii, 15-18; Acts iii, 22. Moses was not a lawgiver. He only received words from the mouth of God, and spoke them to the people. Lev. xxiv, 11-14; Num. xv, 32-36; xxvii, 5-7. So Christ taught that which the Father gave him to speak to the people. Hear him! "My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me." John vii, 16. Then why talk of his giving a new code of laws to take the place of the Father's? Hear him again. "I do nothing of myself, but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things." Chap. viii, 28. And again hear him! "The word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me." Chap. xiv, 24. In consequence of the Conference, Both Sides, will not appear in next week's paper. Bro. Smith will, however, commence again with the new volume, and continue the matter to its close. The report from Northern Wisconsin, by Bro. M. Dennis, well illustrates the state of things as they have existed in many places in the wide field. Very much precious labor of the few worn messengers has been lost in consequence of the scattering influence of disorderly and self-willed persons who have embraced the Sabbath. These unteachable persons remain untaught in the first principles of a consistent faith and daily walk, and are ready the first opportunity to rebel against the teachings of those who would instruct them. The result is ruin on themselves, and the hearts of God's honest, teachable ones, are wounded as they see the result upon the precious cause. Such persons generally give up the Sabbath in one or two years. But there are exceptions. There are a few persons, who remain in a state of perfect rebellion against the discipline of the body, year after year, and still profess to keep the Sabbath. Some of these profess to be teachers of the Sabbath, yet they cannot point to one consistent Sabbath-keeper as the fruit of their labor. One might suppose, from their general conduct, that they regard confusion in things in general, and hatred toward the real laborers in the cause in particular, to be the highest order of piety. But, thank God, order is being established among us as a people, and a system of labor, by which every blow struck may tell for the advancement of the cause. Good news this week from the Eastern Mission will cheer the hearts of thousands. But the work has but just begun in the East. It will require labor, patient and vigorous, to accomplish the work. Books must be sent to Maine, and those young disciples should read up, and get their friends to reading. Bro. Loughborough will probably arrange for several repositories in New England. We give a rich slice this week from the Philosophy of Health, on tobacco, by L. B. Coles, M. D. The writer states facts in a masterly style. The subject will be continued in several papers. Let all who are troubled with the filthy weed, read with care, and profit. A HEAVENLY mind is the nearest and truest way to a life of comfort. The countries far north are cold and frozen, because they are distant from the sun. What makes such cold, uncomfortable Christians, but their living so far from Heaven?—Baxter. Bible vs. Infidelity.
By R. F. Cottrell
It is evident from the predictions of the word of God and their fulfillment at the present time, that the great question upon which religionists are to take sides, and by which it will be discerned who they are that serve God and who not, is, whether the Bible shall stand or fall. Religious controversies are about to reach this culminating point; and even now the question is fairly before the minds of the people, as it never has been before. As Bible arguments are found to fail to support a favorite theory, the willful, carnal mind is ready to turn against the Bible itself to end the controversy; and so-called Spiritualism, with its deceptive wonders, has prepared the scheme and marked out the programme, and is inviting all who have a quarrel with the Bible to enter its lists. Those who are unwilling to believe and obey the Bible as it reads, will soon take sides against it. Those who are breaking the commandments of God and are teaching men so, will soon resort to the knockdown argument of present revelations from the "spirit world." And it is quite a natural course that leads, step by step, to such a result. It is not common that men go over to utter apostasy at one grand leap; but it is accomplished a step at a time. To illustrate: A man finds himself keeping the wrong day for the Sabbath. His attention being called to it, he searches the Bible for the evidence of its change by divine authority, and finding none, he takes the position that the Sabbath commandment has passed away, and consequently that there is no Sabbath for this dispensation. But he cannot prove this unless he can abolish the whole code of ten commandments; and accordingly he takes this step. Now having rejected the only moral code given in the Bible, there is but one step more, and that a short one, and that is, wholly to reject the Bible. A short step, I say, for he that rejects its only perfect moral code, a code which is the very foundation of its authority and that of its divine Author, does virtually reject the whole. This is the point to which the question of the Sabbath and the law is tending. Those who oppose the Sabbath of the Bible are leading on and preparing their own minds and those of the people for this awfully deplorable result, with no less certainty than the magnetic needle will, when freed from disturbance, settle itself in the direction of the poles. But there is another question of religious controversy—the question of the natural immortality of the soul—that is as surely leading to the same result, namely, the rejection of the Bible and the going over to Spiritualism. Indeed the grand object in the mission of Spiritualism is to settle this point, and prove, by its universal inspirations and present revelations, a doctrine which has no support in the word of God. Men are beginning to find that their appeals to the Bible to prove the natural immortality of man are in vain, as it is not there announced, but the contrary is as clearly taught as words can speak. The mystical interpretation, by which alone the popular theory is at present upheld, is doomed to fail and die, in the light of the Bible, which is shining more and more clearly upon the mind of the student and lover of the sacred word; and nothing will be more natural than for minds inordinately in love with a theory, and hating and despising a truth which they deem degrading to themselves, to reject that Book which sets before "mortal man" the hope of life and immortality through Christ alone; to be sought and obtained only by patient continuance in well-doing, and consigns those who fail to avail themselves of the gift of God, which is "eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord," to "utterly perish in their own corruption." And how naturally appropriate it is that the great controversy of our fallen world—a controversy which was inaugurated by a declaration of man's immortality, namely, "Ye shall not surely die," uttered in bold contradiction of the word of our Creator—should reach its culminating point, and close upon the grand issue of man's natural immortality. The stubborn perseverance of the author of all rebellion is manifest in the fact that his last coup de main on earth—modern Spiritualism—is instituted for the express purpose of maintaining the first lie he uttered to our race, against the plain and pointed declarations of the word of God. But God's word will stand and the rebellion will be crushed. Now those who are propping up the falling fabric of man's natural immortality, whether they know it or not, are giving their influence on the side of Satan, and are preparing the public mind for the last great deception of our Enemy—the "last ditch" wherein he has entrenched himself, in order to sell his own life and that of his numerous host as dearly as possible. Would to God that honest men could realize the tendency of the course they are pursuing, while they are contending for such an interpretation of the sacred word as is calculated to subvert and utterly overthrow it, in the minds of men, and thus forward the cause of Satan and retard the cause of truth. How little do they realize that they are joining hands with the Enemy to overthrow the truth and "drown men in destruction and perdition." But the word of the Most High will triumph; and those who have not willfully blinded themselves for selfish and worldly considerations, will escape the snare and array themselves on the side of the Bible. Dear reader, you are called upon to make a decision for or against. Will you have the Bible? Then you must have it entire, with no jot or tittle abated from its holy commandments. And you must interpret it too in its most obvious sense; for in this sense it is a complete shield against the favorite doctrine of the Devil. And when you find from the Bible that you are a mortal, dying creature, humbly acknowledge it, and be willing to accept of immortality at the hand of Him who died that we might live? Who will be on the Lord's side? Who will cling to the revelation which he has given us, as those who "think they have" in it and in it alone, "eternal life." Be entreated to take your stand unhesitatingly and unflinchingly on the side of the Bible. ITS PHYSICAL DEFORMITIES.
UNDER this general head, using the terms with a little license, it is proposed to speak of the use of tobacco for unnatural purposes; its perverted uses; uses contrary to Nature's arrangements; uses for which the God of nature never intended it; uses which defrange Nature's processes, and deform the beautiful work of the Creator in the functions of organic life. The question is often proposed, "For what was tobacco made?" and it is asked evidently for the purpose of proving that, because it is a natural production, it is proper to use it for chewing, smoking and snuffing. But is everything that is made, or, in other words, everything that is a natural product, everything that grows on the soil, to be used as a luxury? If so, Opium grows, and therefore should be chewed, or otherwise habitually used. Deadly-Nightshade and Henbane are productions of nature; and should these, therefore, become habitual luxuries? Tobacco, doubtless, with other kindred poisons, was intended for medicinal purposes. It is one of the most powerful agents which grows on the earth. It is one of the very strongest of poisons. It possesses about three times the power of opium in the same form. A single drop of the concentrated oil, put upon the tongue of the stoutest dog, will destroy life. It is said, by one writer, that if a man were to dip both of his hands into that oil, with a skillful surgeon by his side, his hands could not be amputated in season to save his life. Dr. Mussey, of Cincinnati, Ohio, in an essay on tobacco, has given several experiments made by himself with the distilled oil. The experiments were chiefly on cats. Two of those experiments must suffice. "A small drop of the oil was rubbed upon the tongue of a large cat. Immediately the animal uttered piteous cries, and began to froth at the mouth." After narrating various symptoms which occurred within the space of seven minutes, he adds: "At this time a large drop was rubbed upon the tongue. In an instant the eyes were closed, the cries were stopped, and the breathing was suffocative and convulsed. In one minute, the ears were in rapid convulsive motion; and, presently after, tremours and violent convulsions extended over the body and limbs. In three and a half minutes, the animal fell upon its side, senseless and breathless, and the heart had ceased to beat." Half an hour after death the body was opened, and startling changes were found to have taken place. Narrating another experiment, the doctor says: "Three drops of the oil of tobacco were rubbed upon the tongue of a full-sized, but young cat. In an instant the pupils were dilated and the breathing convulsed; the animal leaped about as if distracted, and presently took two or three rapid turns in a small circle, then dropped upon the floor in frightful convulsions, and was dead in two minutes and forty-five seconds from the moment that the oil was put upon the tongue." Dr. Brodie applied a single drop of the empyreumatic oil to the tongue of a cat; upon which, bodily prostration and convulsions ensued. Another drop was applied, and the animal died in two minutes. Dr. Franklin applied the oily material which floats on the surface of water, when a current of tobacco-smoke is passed into it, to the tongue of a cat and found it to destroy life in a few minutes. These experiments upon cats are strong testimony of its power; for there are few animals that possess so great tenacity for life. It is a very difficult matter to kill them, even by the severest concussions of the brain. They have great power and resistance of nerve. Such is the tenacity of the vital principle to the brain and nerves, that they have often been supposed to be dead by blows applied to the head and afterward found alive and apparently well. Probably blows upon the head sufficient to kill a full-grown cat, would be found sufficient, when applied in the same way, to kill two ordinary men. Tobacco destroys life by its direct attack on the vital forces: in other words, the nervous circulation, or electrical currents of the body. It strikes a deadly blow upon the very foundation of animal vitality.198 Its first attack is on the nervous system, the citadel of life; and then, through the medium of the nerves, it sends, by degrees, its destroying power into all the fluids and solids of the whole body. Look at its exhibitions in those who for the first time use it. See what awful prostration of the nerves follows. See how the powers of Nature rouse themselves to repel the attack. Not only extreme prostration of the nerves of the stomach ensues, but we find that organ rousing all its crippled energies to oppose the attack, by vomiting up the deadly foe. There are very few tobacco-users who did not find it a difficult matter to break themselves into the habit of taking it. Its use as a luxury is a direct violation of all the instincts of animal life. It is revolting to all the natural and undepraved senses. The taste of the clean mouth is disgusted with its touch; the sight of the unaccustomed eye turns away with abhorrence from its loathsome spectacle; the uncorrupted nasal susceptibilities are offended with its insulting approaches. It is only when these senses are corrupted and depraved by its gradual seductions, that they are able to tolerate its presence. It is only when, by a violation of their instincts, they have become diseased in their functions, have lost their healthy susceptibilities, and taken on a morbid functional character. It is offensive also to the unsnared mind. No man who is free from its enslaving potency can witness its physical aspects, or contemplate its personal or popular bearings, without pain. Take those who now use it, cleanse them from all its corrupting influences and associations, and send them to some place where the inhabitants, like the great mass of the American people, especially in the South and West, are presenting all the disgraceful features of this most offensive of all vices, and every single man would turn away with disgust from such society. He would not be able to bear, without pain, the various disgusting and loathsome aspects in which the habit presents itself. He would regard it as outraging all decency, and insulting every attribute of human nature. It is one of the most unnatural and poisonous things that can be taken into the mouth. Its principal chemical ingredient is Nicotine. It belongs to the same order of poisonous plants with Henbane, Thorn-apple and Deadly-Nightshade. The learned and celebrated naturalist Linnæus classifies it with Foxglove, Lobelia, Henbane, and other powerful poisons, under the name ATROPA, one of the FATES. An appetite for it is entirely unnatural—artificial—created by habit. God never made in man the appetite for tobacco. A very few instances have occurred where a love for it is found to exist from birth. Those cases are doubtless to be accounted for by tracing their origin back to some mental freak of the mother prior to their birth, or by its inveterate use by the father; and not to be reckoned as coming from any direct law of Deity in the formation of man. God never purposed for man an appetite for this poisonous weed, nor made it to be used as a luxury. He made man for more elevated enjoyments; for more dignified practices; for more reasonable devotions. Northern Wisconsin.
By M. Dennis
Bro. White : About five years ago, when Bro. Waggoner was in Wisconsin, he came to FishLake, and gave some five lectures. A little company was raised to keep the “commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” They ran well for a season, but soon scattering influences were brought to bear—opposition to organization, Spiritual gifts and order in the church. But in their stead was taught, future age and other darkness, said to be of more importance than the third angel's message. The result of all this is that out of a company of some twenty-five, some ten only remain, who keep the Sabbath. The rest have back-sidden, a few have removed to other places, and several of our teachers have gone to keeping first-day. But the Lord in his great mercy has not cast off those who have trusted in him. A meeting was called, the plan of systematic benevolence was adopted, amounting to some twenty-three dollars yearly. The duty of organization was considered and approved. A deacon was chosen. Cannot some messenger come here and finish the work of organization. The Lord has greatly blessed us. The counsel of the true Witness to the Laodiceans is doing its work. The church now feel to confess and forsake their sins, and open the door and welcome the dear, blessed Saviour in. I do feel that he is very precious to me. I do indeed sup with him, and he with me. O, what a glorious privilege! What condescending love! who would not give all, and forsake every evil habit, and sin, for the love of such a Saviour? Salvation is full and free. All may partake of a Saviour's love. Your brother in Christ, M. DENNIS.
Hancock, Wis., April 21, 1864. NEVER affect to be other than what you are. Learn to say, "I do not know," and I "cannot afford it," with most sonorous distinctness and emphasis. Men will then believe you, when you say, "I do know," and "I can afford it." Never be ashamed to pass for what you truly are, and who you are, and you are on solid ground. A man is already of consequence in the world, when it is known that we can implicitly rely on him—that when he says he knows a thing, it is so. SPEAK for your Lord and Master. You tell me you are nervous. Never mind your nervousness. Try once. If you break down half a dozen times, try again; you shall find your talents increase. It is wonderful how these break-downs do more good than our keeping on. Just deliver your soul of what is in it. Get your heart red hot, and then, like some volcano that is heaving in its inner bowels, let the hot lava of your speech run streaming down. You need not care for the graces of oratory, nor for the refinements of eloquence, but speak what you do know; show them your Saviour's wounds; bid His sorrow speak to them; and it shall be marvelous how your stammering tongue shall be all the better an instrument because it does stammer, for that God "hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; and base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are." LET one who no longer resides under the parental roof, hear in a distant land the simple word "home," and it at once awakens a thousand tender recollections; it tells of a loved circle far away; it pictures the father and mother, the brothers and sisters, each in their respective places; it tells of the time when the absent one with them gathered around the table, to partake of the bounties of Heaven; it lingers around the few words spoken in grateful acknowledgment to the Giver of all good, while asking a continuance of his favors; it calls to mind the quiet hour of prayer, the reading of God's word, the petitions of loved ones, the hymn of praise, and the rich blessing of God which often came as a refreshing shower to cheer and comfort the home circle. And if there is music in the sweet word "home," when it has reference to our earthly habitation, how doubly dear does it become when we turn from this world, where there is a sorrow connected with all our sweetest joys, and look up to the home of the righteous prepared in Heaven. There sin will never throw distraction or discord into our abode; there our loved ones will not droop, fade and pine away, while we behold the suffering which we cannot alleviate. No, sin with its evil can never enter our "Home in Heaven." Oh, in contrast with that blest home, our home here, be it ever so pleasant, is dark and lonely. And though friends, true and dear, gather around the fireside, our hearts will often wander from our present joys, to our eternal home, when our joys, too, will be everlasting. And we are nearing that home. The signs of the times warn us, that our Saviour soon will come; then shall the redeemed be gathered home. Let me be among that happy throng, and in peace behold "him whom my soul loveth." Let me share his smiles in my home here, and feast upon his love in Heaven forever.
SARAH J. THAYER.
Buckland, Mass. One is Nigh.
By E. W. Darling
Oh, thou weary, tempest tossed,
Sport of adverse wind and wave,
Struggling for a leeward coast,
One is nigh thee that can save. 'Tis thy Saviour passing by,
O'er the rude and troubled sea ;
Should he hear thy feeble cry,
He would turn and rescue thee. Hast thou toiled with might and main,
Long to bring the ship to land?
Have thy efforts proved but vain?
Christ will send a helping hand. He can make the storm a calm,
Bid the billows rage no more,
Shield thy trembling soul from harm,
Bring thee quickly to the shore. "MAMMA," asked a little girl, "when a mother and a little child die about the same time, are they planted together in one grave?" The question may cause a smile, yet the child, all unconsciously, used the very words of St. Paul (see Rom. vi. 5), and this proves how very natural and beautiful the figure is, as are all the similitudes of the Bible. This little one was evidently thinking of the time when that which is "sown in corruption," shall be raised again, and her feeling seemed to be, that it would be pleasant for a mother and her little child to rest and rise together. "Planted together!"—yes, we should all wish it: as a good old man, of whom we read in the Bible, once said, "Let me die in mine own city, and be buried by the grave of my father and my mother!" And how many a mother is thus laid to rest, throughout this green earth—perhaps with a little form upon her arm, and other little ones "planted" around her, ready, as we trust, to rise when the trumpet shall sound, saying, Here am I, "and the children whom God hath given me!" But this cannot always be. It often happens that but one or two of a dear family rest under the green sod, near home, while others perhaps lie far away, it may be deep beneath the wave, or upon the deserted battle ground. But what of this? St. Paul uses the expression we have quoted, not with reference to friends resting side by side, but to our being "planted together" with Christ. "So many of us," he says, "as were baptized into Christ, buried with Him in baptism, shall be also in the likeness of His resurrection." It matters little, then, whether our poor bodies are "planted together" in the dust; so that "we be dead with Christ, we shall also live with Him." All those "that sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him." "He shall send His angels, and they shall gather together His elect"—and together they "shall ever be with the Lord."—Children's Guest. CARDINAL WISEMAN has been giving to the public an elaborate statement of the progress of Romanism in Great Britain. He says there are three epochs in its history: 1. That of the Catholic Emancipation in 1829; 2. That of the extension, of the Roman Catholic Episcopate in England in 1840; 3. That of the complete establishment, in 1850, of the present English Roman Catholic Hierarchy, as consisting of twelve bishops and one archbishop. From 1831 to 1841 the increase of the population of Great Britain was fourteen per cent.; in the same time the number of priests increased twenty-five per cent. During the ten following years the population increased thirteen per cent.; the number of priests, forty-five per cent. From 1851 to 1861 the population increased twelve per cent.; the number of priests increased sixty-seven per cent. The establishment of convents and houses of religious men has been equal in proportion. Trust God.—I could write down twenty cases, says a pious man, when I wished God had done otherwise than he did; but which I now see, had I had my own will, would have led to extensive mischief. Take Care of Your Thoughts.
SIn begins in the heart. If you keep your thoughts pure, your life will be blameless. The indulgence of sinful thoughts and desires, produces sinful actions. When lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin. The pleasurable contemplation of a sinful deed is usually followed by its commission. Never allow yourself to pause and consider the pleasures or profit you might derive from this sin. Close your mind against the suggestion at once, as you would lock and bolt your doors against a robber. If Eve had not stood parleying with the Devil, and admiring the beautiful fruit, the earth might have yet been a paradise. No one becomes a thief, a fornicator, or a murderer, at once. The mind must be corrupted. The wicked suggestion must be indulged and revolved in the thoughts until it loses its hideous deformity, and the anticipated gain or pleasure comes to outweigh the evils of the transgression. Your imagination is apt to paint forbidden pleasures with gay and dazzling colors. It is the serpent's charm. Gaze not upon the picture. Suffer not the intruder to get a lodgment. Meet the enemy at the threshold, and drive it from your heart. As a rule, the more familiar you become with sin, the less hateful it appears; so that the more completely you preserve your mind from unholy and wicked thoughts, the better. Avoid the society where obscenity or blasphemy is heard. Cultivate the society of the virtuous. Read nothing which is unchaste or immoral. Make a covenant with your eyes. Familiarize not your mind with the loathsome details of crime. Never harbor malicious or envious thoughts. Direct your thoughts toward pure and holy subjects. Contemplate the character of the spotless and perfect Son of God. Keep your spirit untainted, your thoughts uncontaminated, so shall your life be virtuous. As a man thinketh so is he. Take care of your thoughts— the actions will take care of themselves. DELIA A. EDDY
By Delia A. Eddy
BRO. WHITE: It would be food to my hungry soul, to have the privilege of meeting with God's people to worship on the Sabbath. There are but four Sabbath-keepers in this place. But we do not feel discouraged. The Lord has promised where two or three are met in his name, there to be with them. But how many times do my unwary feet wander from the narrow way, and how many heart wanderings I have to mourn over. Were it not that Jesus' righteousness and not my own, is to avail in my behalf, I should have no hope of entering in through Heaven's pearly gates. But in him I trust, for the Lord Jehovah is my strength, and my song. I am very thankful that I have the Review to read, for often when my heart is weary, and almost discouraged, has some cheering word from its pages come just in the right time to help me. I believe it is one of God's most effectual messengers. I am thankful that I have seen the truth, while many are left in darkness. I have not the least desire to turn back, and thus cast a reproach upon the cause of truth. But I have an earnest desire to arise from my cold formality and lukewarmness, and seek a closer walk with God. We are truly living in perilous times, when Satan is working with great power to deceive mankind, and to entice the unwary traveler into his snares. We can do nothing of ourselves alone, therefore it is necessary that we first submit to God, and then we shall be able to overcome, and come off conquerors in the end. I feel more determined than ever to try to be an overcomer, and meet God's chosen ones on Mount Zion. I do not want to bury my talent. I want to work for the Lord. We are commanded to let our light shine, and I believe if we are Christians we shall. The religion of Jesus Christ will be our theme. I think it but a little while before our sorrows here shall have an end, a little while before we shall behold the glories of Heaven, and have no more sadness. Dear brethren and sisters, let us arise to action and to duty, that we may come up to our high privilege in the Lord. What will a mere profession amount to? It will not save us, and when it is tried by fire, it will be nothing but dross. Let us get the heart into the work, for where our treasure is, there will our hearts 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, and then our affections will flow out in supreme love to God, and to our neighbor as ourselves. Then we shall long for the appearing of Jesus, and hail him with joy when he comes. "Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith. MARTHA SOUTHWORTH
By Martha Southworth
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS. As I dearly love to read the testimonies in the Review, of those striving to be overcomers, I thought my humble testimony might be read with interest by some of the readers of the Review. Some three months ago I commenced keeping the seventh-day Sabbath, and felt that I was doing what God had commanded me to do. About four weeks after, a Methodist minister held a series of meetings in our neighborhood, and my companion was converted under his preaching. And I thought I must keep Sunday with him, and help him along in his Christian warfare. What a thought! as if God could not take care of him and help him through all difficulties! But I have since learned that it was a trick of the enemy. I kept four Sundays, but was most of the time enshrouded in darkness; and now I have concluded that I will forsake all, if need be, and I will follow my Saviour. I meet with very little opposition from my husband. He says he never has enjoyed himself as well as since I was a Sabbatarian. Is it not encouraging to have our friends think we are growing better? Oh, I do thank God that through the instrumentality of brethren Taylor and Lawrence, and the aid of a loved sister in the Lord, I have been enabled to look around and see where I was standing. I feel like one awakened out of a deep slumber. Language is inadequate to express the feelings of my heart. By the grace of God, and the prayer of the saints, I will try to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. And may I always be striving to overcome my besetting sins, and at last stand with the remnant people upon Mount Zion. Fort Covington, N. Y., April 27, 1864. A Sister’s Appeal for Prayer
By M. W. Stockwell
BRO. WHITE: As I am not permitted often to meet with the brethren and sisters, I desire to say a few words to them through the Review. I have nothing of special interest to say in regard to trials or victories, but I wish to say that my whole heart is with them, and in this glorious cause. I desire to share their trials and heartily sympathize with them in all they are called to endure. Their losses, trials, or gain, are also mine, as we should be of one mind and perfectly united. We have no church here, and as our numbers are small, we have no meetings except when some minister sees it duty to come this way. I meet with trials daily, but none so strong to baffle with as my own sinful heart. I am willing to confess it, for I do feel at times as though it were an impossibility for me to ever overcome my sinful ways, words, and thoughts, sufficiently to insure an inheritance in the glorious kingdom; but I am striving for it, and have not the least desire to give up or go back to the world. I do not doubt God's precious promises, nor his power to fulfill them. No, I doubt myself. I am the faulty one. I sincerely desire the prayers of all, that I may overcome. I fully realize my unworthiness and need of spiritual help. But I have for the past two years had my trust in One who is mighty to save, and it is there still. I am willing to submit to his holy will, and abide by whatever seemeth good in his sight. I know that he will direct all things aright to those that love him, therefore I leave all things in his hands, trusting that he will through the blood of Christ, forgive all my sins, and save me at last with all the dear saints on mount Zion. I earnestly long for the day to come
> “That speaks our trials ended,
> When Christ shall come to take us home,
> Oh! hail happy day.” Yours earnestly striving to overcome.
M. W. STOCKWELL.
Yates, N. Y. JAMES WILSON
By James Wilson
BRO. WHITE: I still feel to praise the Lord for the hope of soon seeing Jesus come in glory to redeem his people, and give them their crowns of righteousness. I therefore take courage and press onward, knowing the promise is to them that overcome. Glory to the Lord! pilgrims, we shall soon walk the streets of the New Jerusalem. Though we may have some trials here to pass through, yet the Lord will bring us through safe if we keep his commandments and the faith of his Son. I am glad I ever heard the third angel's message. I want all the honest in heart to hear it. Brethren, let us let our light shine, that others shall see our good works, and glorify our Father which is in Heaven. Let us improve upon the talent given us, that we may have it said unto us, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." Yours in hope of eternal life. Christian Contention
By Lord Bacon
Christian Contention.—God grant that we may contend with other churches, as the vine with the olive, which of us shall bear the best fruit; but not as the brier with the thistle, which of us shall be most unprofitable.