Earlier text: The Missionville Benevolent SocietyThe Lord's Work Peculiar.
By R. F. Cottrell
The Lord's work is not like the work of men, and his servants are not like the servants of men. Personal rivalry and sectional and party feelings are among men of the world; and by creating jealousies and rivalries individuals seek to advance their personal interests. But it is not so in the church of Christ. The Lord's cause is one; his ministers should be one; and his people have no right to be “puffed up for one against another.” The Lord's servants may seek to be great, if they seek it in the right way, that is, by being least of all and servant of all. He that shall humble himself, the Lord shall exalt in due time. But he that excites or encourages sectional jealousies and rivalries in the cause and work of God, does not serve our Master, Christ, but the enemy of the Lord and his cause. Those that have not yet learned this lesson, should learn it at once. Perhaps I may be pardoned, should I illustrate my meaning by my own personal experience. For want of heedful consideration I once placed myself in a position, the influence of which was against the unity of the present message; and I was slow to see what I ought to do to correct the error. Immediately I had sympathizers, dear, personal friends, who were ready to stand by me and take my part against those whom they said were abusing me. But I had learned to believe in the unity of the work of the Lord; and I could see to what their false sympathy would lead. I therefore told these particular friends that if they truly were ready to join my party, they were welcome to do so; and they would find me with the body, even with those against whom they were puffed up in my favor. The result was, my dear, dear friends were ready to call me a fool. They were my friends, if I would work with them against the work of the Lord. Some are necessarily called to act a conspicuous part in the cause—to take the oversight of the work in our conferences, and to bear burdens and responsibilities. While trying to faithfully discharge their responsibilities, laboring for the good of the cause, and trying to make an economical use of the means entrusted to their care, all should stand by them and uphold them in their work, and encourage their watchful care, lest means be squandered and wasted that has been dedicated to God. Our servants should be careful, cautious men. Such should be sustained. Ministers should learn economy, if they have not learned it. And another thing they should learn is, not to accept of, and encourage, a sympathy that is against those who are called to bear the responsibility of the work. The work is one; and there must be unity with those who labor to advance it. Beware of dividing sympathies. If they are encouraged, they will work the ruin of some; and most likely of the ones we would particularly favor. There is no favoritism or sectional feeling in the work of God. Beware of it; and endeavor to keep the unity of the Spirit and the bond of peace. This is the only safe course. Let all pursue it who love the cause of God, and would see it advanced, and souls saved. Man’s Destiny.
By Nahum Orcutt
In a late number of the Express and Standard, published at Newport, Vt., appeared the following local notice: “The lecture last Thursday evening by Rev. W. C. Somerville was a good one; the principal fault to be found with it being its brevity, hardly filling half an hour. The subject, ‘Man’s Destiny,’ naturally led the speaker to the consideration of the future state of the human race. By clear, sound, and strong arguments, he demolished the doctrine of annihilation, and from revelation, science, and especially the unsatisfied longing of man’s nature, demonstrated his immortality and his capacity for a higher and nobler life than the present.” On seeing this, Bro. N. Orcutt, of Jamaica, Vt., prepared the following article and sent it to that paper, whereupon the publishers suddenly became aware that newspaper controversy was unprofitable, and declined to publish it. MESSRS. EDITORS: Among the local items in your paper of Feb. 13, 1872, I notice a brief mention of a lecture delivered at Newport the Thursday evening previous, by Rev. W. C. Somerville, upon “Man’s Destiny.” Had it been my privilege to listen to the lecture, perhaps I might have seen and accepted the speaker’s conclusions as reported. As it is, perhaps a brief statement of my difficulties in the columns of the Express and Standard may call forth from the writer of the above-mentioned report, or some other person, a reasonable, scriptural solution of my difficulties. While I can see that the nature of his subject would naturally lead the speaker to consider somewhat, “the future state of the human race,” I am unable to see from what premises some of the inferences stated were drawn. But the arguments are said to have been clear, sound, and strong. If so, they must have carried conviction to those who listened. Two prominent points are mentioned by your reporter as the result of the lecturer’s effort: the demolition of the doctrine of annihilation, and demonstrating of man’s immortality and capacity for a higher and nobler life than the present. I see readily that the doctrine which was demolished (annihilation) is not only at variance with the principles of sound philosophy, but lacks the essential element of being in harmony with, and sustained by, the Scriptures of truth, upon which we are dependent for our knowledge of the future state of the human race. But I am at a loss to conceive who has been found advocating this doctrine. I am led to query whether the lecturer has not been demolishing a man of straw. If he would substitute the word destruction, a term which is found in the Scriptures, for the one he is reported as dealing with (annihilation), perhaps the subject would assume a more tangible form, a form not so easily demolished. See 2 Thess. 1:5–10. It is said of the second point that he demonstrated man’s immortality from “revelation, science, and especially the unsatisfied longing of man’s nature”—a strong array of witnesses. But we wonder how the idea of man’s immortality could have been demonstrated from revelation, if by revelation is meant the Scriptures, the written word. If it is there plainly taught, then we may safely accept of inferences drawn from the same source, or from science, or the unsatisfied longings of man’s nature, as sustaining a great truth already established. If not there plainly, definitely taught, is it safe to conclude that the point is demonstrated by inferences professedly based upon the word, or testimony drawn from any other source? Is the immortality of man demonstrated by Romans 2:7: “To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life”? Would a rational man, acting understandingly, seek for that which he already possessed? Or do we find the proof in 1 Cor. 15:53, 54: “For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality; so when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory”? Does the intelligent man talk of putting on, or having put on, that which is an inherent attribute of his nature—that which he knows he cannot put off if he would? Or shall we look for the evidence to demonstrate this point, to the utterance of Paul in 2 Tim. 1:10: “By the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel”? Immortality brought to light by the Saviour, by his appearing, when it has been an essential, inherent property of the constitution of every son and daughter of Adam? Or, again, do we find it in the language of the same apostle, 1 Tim. 6:16: “Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light,” &c.? Who? “The blessed and only potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.” Verse 15. How is this great principle demonstrated to be true by the inspired declaration that God the Father “only hath immortality”? If not demonstrated by some one, or all, of these instances, where the inspired penmen have used the word to express this assumed attribute of man’s nature, where shall we look for the proof? The word immortality is not found in the written word, save in the five instances above mentioned. And immortal is found but once, in 1 Tim. 1:17: “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God,” &c. Neither of these words is, in the Scriptures, applied to man in a manner to convey the idea, or justify the inference, that he has any such attribute, or will have until he seeks for it by patient continuance in well-doing, as it is brought to light through the gospel, and has put it on at the time when this mortal shall have put on immortality. Even a casual examination of the six instances where these two words occur, must convince any one that the above statement is correct. For any definite declaration to demonstrate this proposition, we must look, then, to some other source than the Scriptures, perhaps to that revelation which is claimed by modern spiritualism to have come through the same source as the Scriptures, communications from the spirits of the dead through mediums, which mediums, in consequence of being better developed, are able to give us a revelation more reliable than the former(?). I confess myself unprepared to enter into an exploration of this field for evidence to demonstrate the point in question, and unwilling to base my faith upon testimony drawn therefrom. Passing to the other sources from whence it is reported that your lecturer drew his proof to demonstrate man’s immortality, we inquire: Has God left us to infer from science what he has failed to reveal plainly and definitely in his word? True science will be found always in harmony with all truth. Would it not be well, before accepting any conclusion drawn from this source not in harmony with the definite statements of the word, to re-examine the matter in the light of Paul’s admonition to Timothy (1 Tim. 6:20, 21)? Respecting the unsatisfied longings of man’s nature as demonstrating the doctrine of man’s inherent immortality, it seems to me but little need be said, when we remember that “the carnal mind is enmity against God,” &c. Rom. 8:7. But waiving this consideration, some queries suggest themselves, which, although it may betray ignorance, I cannot forbear to mention. Grant, for the time, that man’s unsatisfied longings for immortality prove that he has it, that it is an inherent property of his nature—and what follows? Man desires riches. Does that prove that he has the wealth of this world? He desires worldly honor. Does that demonstrate that he is highly esteemed of his fellows? The starving thousands of destitute Persia desire food above all things in this world. Shall we conclude from this that they have an abundance wherewith to satisfy this unsatisfied longing of their nature? The sufferers from the recent railroad disaster near Alton, Ill., would have told us, when, unable to extricate themselves from the debris of the wrecked and burning car, a horrible death stared them in the face, that they desired—longed for deliverance from the fearful, impending doom of being roasted alive. Did that unsatisfied longing return them safely to their homes? The unsatisfied longings of man’s nature would desire the possession of every conceivable good and exemption from every possible evil. But what does that demonstrate? That he has, or ever will have, all that he desires to enjoy? That he is exempt from every pain and sorrow? Ask the world where “the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.” Rom. 8:22. Jamaica, Vt., Feb., 1872. The Full Import of God's Promises and Threatenings
THE child of God will soon know the full import of all the precious promises; the wicked will soon know what is meant by the terrible threatenings of God. Man Compared to a Watch Needing Prayer
MAN is like a watch: if evening and morning he is not wound up with prayer and circumspection, he is unprofitable and false, or serves to mislead. Facts for the Times.
By C. H. Bliss
TOBACCO, DEATH ON SNAKES AND CATS.
The simple amber from the mouth of a tobacco user has been known to take the life of animals, when swallowed by them. Bro. Jos. Baker informs me, he has tried the experiment on snakes, by opening their mouths and spitting in them while using tobacco, when they would fall into a stupor and expire in less than two minutes. He has also tried the same experiment on cats with similar results, except that the latter would, perhaps, linger along for several days before expiring. Now it is a fact that thousands who use tobacco swallow this very substance capable of killing an animal said to have nine lives, and even those who do not knowingly swallow it have it almost as effectually circulated through the system. SPIRITUALISM, PSYCHIC FORCE.
The following is from the Cincinnati Weekly Gazette. “E. W. Cox, a London lawyer, was one of a committee appointed by the London Dialectical Society to investigate the phenomena generally known as ‘spiritual manifestations.’ He has arrived at the opinion after careful experimenting, that the phenomena are not the work of real spirits, but of a certain atmosphere or influence, which may be identical with the vital principle, and is called, for want of a better name, Psychic force. Mr. Cox confesses that the material of the force is entirely unknown, though he conjectures it is antagonistic to gravitation; but the explanatory hypothesis of attributing phenomena to ‘force’ is very nearly another way of confessing ignorance in regard to their source.” Well may it be said to many of this generation “ye do err, not knowing the Scriptures,” nor the power of the devil. “Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish.” “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles.” “Whose coming (Christ’s) is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.” “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times, some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils.” “For there shall arise false Christ’s, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.” The following, taken from the Church Advocate shows the spirit of the times and perhaps expresses the views of the majority on this subject:— “Enemies to the Sabbath, are enemies to man. Our highest physical, mental, social, and moral development depends upon it. To violate it is sin against God and man. To attempt to destroy it is a crime against society. Why do we sustain schools by law? Because education is essential to the public welfare. For the same reason we are bound to protect the Sabbath [Sunday] from desecration. There is a powerful combination arrayed against it; and we are forced to meet this issue. The Sabbath [Sunday] must be sustained.” As we present the prophecies concerning the future work of our own nation, to be brought about by a union of church and State, preceded perhaps by a union of the different evangelical churches, many wonder that we can ever expect bodies, so different in their views, and so much at war with one another, to form any union. Now it might seem so at a first glance; but when we take into consideration the fact that like causes produce like effects, we may, perhaps, by remembering what has taken place in the past, conclude that it will be no wonderful thing should such a union take place. In Luke 23:12, we read “And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends.” Here were two men previously at war with each other, but now they unite in making war upon the Lamb of God, and become friends. We see the same principle carried out many times now. When presenting the truth, the ministers of the popular churches very often tremble for fear of the result, lest some of their members be led to embrace the views we present. Consequently a council is held among the different ministers of the place, in order to determine what is best to be done. Perhaps a debate is held, or one is chosen to present their views upon next Lord’s day. One thus leads on the attack and war is commenced in real earnest, and now the familiarity and friendship manifested by the ministers of the different sects toward each other is remarkable; and the same day they are made friends. May it not be thus that the barriers separating the different religious sects will be removed, and they unite on common ground for the purpose of crushing out that pestilential doctrine, called “Adventism,” which they say is “turning the world upside down.” “A Prosperous Condition.”
By W. H. Blaisdell
The Lewiston Weekly Journal of March 21, gives a description of the annual festival of the Congregational church of Winthrop, Me., which was held on the evening of the 14th. Among the remarks made by the correspondent who informs the Journal in regard to this church festival are the following:— “This church was established in 1795, and has now an enrolled membership of one hundred and seventy-five names. There were present on this occasion a large and goodly number of its active members, including the young, the middle-aged, and those of threescore years and ten. There were several persons present who have been members for fifty years, and a still larger number of thirty and forty years’ standing. “This church is in a prosperous condition under the labors of its efficient and faithful pastor. . . . . A most bountiful antiquarian supper was served at eight of the clock, at which about one hundred plates were laid. The tables were tastefully arranged, and were literally loaded down with the most tempting food. After the most ample justice had been done to this supper, several gentlemen were called upon for toasts. The festival was enlivened by most excellent music, led by the veteran and accomplished music teacher. “The most amusing scene of the evening was the selection of partners for supper. This being leap year, the ladies were accorded the greatest privilege—not of choosing their partners by ballot, but of drawing a ballot from a hat, upon which was the name of a partner. This made curious work, and created some sport. Old gray-headed men, pillars in the church for half a century, were led to the table by young misses in their teens, the lambs of the flock—while young men in the prime of life were seated beside, and helped by, elderly ladies old enough to be their grandmothers. “Taken as a whole, this festival was one long to be remembered for its social enjoyment and the general good feeling manifested by the company.” I wonder if the founders of this church, in 1795, would have considered such a festival an evidence of its prosperous condition; and still later, if these gray-haired men and women, who fifty years ago were the lambs of the flock, were then taught that the fold of Christ could be justified in allowing such transactions within its sacred precincts. Jesus says, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” John 10:27. Did ever Jesus engage in such festivals? We are informed of his tears and prayers, of his anxiety and burden for perishing humanity, but not of his leaving his Father’s business, at any time, to engage in such scenes of pleasure and amusement. Did ever his apostles take part in church festivals? Peter says, “Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps.” 1 Peter 2:21. Do we find worldly pleasure and honor while walking in the footsteps of Jesus? “In thy footsteps traced before us,
There we see earth’s scorn and frown;
There is suffering ere the glory,
There’s a cross before the crown.” Who that reads 2 Tim. 3:1–6, can but believe that we live in the days mentioned by Paul, when those who have the form of godliness, but deny the power thereof, are “lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.” Get out of Debt.
By R. F. Cottrell
From an excellent article in the Sabbath Recorder, of Apr. 4, I extract these words: “Do not say, ‘Next year I will do more for God. Next year will find no place for this year’s duties. Do not say, ‘Next year I will pray in my family, and make special efforts to lead my children in the way of truth.’ You ought to do that now. Do not say, ‘I will cease my questionable forms of business after a few years,’ like one whom we knew who proposed to raise hops and tobacco ‘until he got out of debt.’ If a course is questionable, decide in favor of that which is known to be right. You have no time to waste or lose.” Debts should certainly be paid. “Render to all their dues.” If men have claims against us, discharge them. “Owe no man anything.” And certainly God has claims upon us. “Pay your vows to the Most High.” No debt is more sacred than that which we owe to God. “Will a man rob God?” To postpone our duty till we can pay our debts to our fellow-men is neither right, nor is it likely to be successful. It is God that gives us power to get gain. To be faithful to God, to do that which is right in his sight, is the surest and safest way to discharge our obligations to men. How should we regard the man that would resort to robbery to get money to pay his debts? Would that evince a regard for the rights of men? and that he felt the sacredness of his obligations? You answer, No. Then that man is not one who feels the sacredness of his duty to God and man, who pursues a wrong course to gain means to fulfill his obligations. And if his business is even questionable in his own mind, he is under condemnation before God till he abandons it, and engages in that which he is sure will be approved of God. Let all labor to be out of debt; and let not God be forgotten in our efforts, and his dues neglected, under a pretense of our sacred obligations to men. Our Growth and Prosperity.
FROM an article on this subject in the N. Y. Independent of April 11, we take the following paragraph:— “The rapid growth and prosperity of this country has no parallel in the world’s history, and yet very many of our resources have not yet been developed. To enable this tide of development and prosperity to be pushed forward, expanding as it moves, until it covers the vast area of our wide domain, and unlocks its hidden resources, we need, most of all things, more railway facilities. One of the many indications of our advancing prosperity is recognized in the vastly increased amount of railway freights in every direction. Notwithstanding the wonderful increase of railways all through the North and West, it is said that not a single leading line is enabled to do the business offering, not one but what is literally gorged with freight, and that not a single one of the great East and West lines have the facilities to do the business offering. Car and locomotive builders everywhere are surfeited with orders to construct equipment for roads which are unable to do the business offering, and which it will require months to fill. Single-track roads are compelled, in many instances, to build a double track, to provide for the great increase of freights, the growth of which is simply wonderful.” Beware of Leakage.
By M. Wood
As I picked up the daily paper this morning, my eye rested upon the announcement, “Loss of the ship, Great Republic.” Faithfully the officers and men stood at their post of duty, in order to keep their ship from sinking. They succeeded for hours and days, but as the hurricane increased, her seams opened to such an extent that it was utterly impossible to keep her above water, and accordingly the ship was abandoned. Thus, thought I, is it with the true Christian living in the world. It is not the ship being in the water that will sink it, but the water getting into the ship. In like manner, the Christian is not ruined by living in the world, which he must needs do while he remains in this mortal state, but by the world living in him. The world living in the heart, has ruined millions of precious souls. How careful are mariners in guarding against leakage, lest the water entering into the vessel, should, by imperceptible degrees, cause it to sink. Ought not the Christian to watch and pray more carefully lest Satan and the world should find some unguarded inlet to his heart, and thus by entering in, bring him to destruction, both soul and body? We are too apt, even after we have learned better things, to be carried away by foolish objects. Any little trifle can divert the attention, and will do it without great watchfulness and self-government on our part. And these holy habits are only to be attained by frequent and fervent efforts. The world, and the things of the world press upon us at all points. Let us set a double watch upon ourselves, lest Satan and the world, in an unguarded moment, steal in upon our affections and draw away our hearts from God. M. Wood. The truth makes free, while error demands a cringing obedience. The one enfranchises and elevates, while the other disfranchises and degrades. This idea was forcibly illustrated in the experience of the Holland Christians in the dark period of the ninth century. At that time, when popes were making extravagant demands, it was no uncommon thing for the Holland Christians to shout a “veto” at their despotic usurpations. An incident quite illustrative of this, is found in Martin’s “Dutch Reformation,” pp. 79, 80. It was occasioned by the scandalous treatment which some of the Holland bishops received at the hands of Pope Nicholas I., about 860, while at Rome, where they had been cited by that pontiff to answer for daring to differ from his notions of duty. On their return, these brave ecclesiastics addressed a letter to Nicholas, which closes thus:— “God has made his queen and spouse, the church, a noble and everlasting provision for her family, with a dowry that is neither fading nor corruptible, and given her an eternal crown and scepter; all which benefits, you, like a thief, intercept. You set up yourself in the temple of God; instead of a shepherd, you have become as a wolf to the sheep. You would have us believe you supreme bishop; you are rather a tyrant; under the mask of a pastor you hide your horns. Whereas you ought to be a servant of servants—as you call yourself, you intrigue to become lord of lords. Whatever you desire, you think lawful; thus you have become a deceiver of Christians. For all these reasons, neither we, nor our brethren and friends, regard or submit to your commands—know not your voice, and fear not your bulls. You condemn all as irreligious and impious that do not obey your despotic precepts, forbidding them the use of the sacraments. We smite you with your own sword, because you bring the commands of God into contempt, dissolving the unity of spiritual assemblies, and violating peace, the badge of the Prince of Heaven.” “The Holy Ghost is the builder of all churches as far as the earth extends. The city of our God, of which we are citizens, reaches to all parts of the heavens; and it is greater than the city by the holy prophets named Babylon, which pretends to be divine, equals herself to Heaven, and brags that her wisdom is immortal, and finally, though without reason, that she never did err, nor ever can.” Such was the courageous impeachment of a pontiff in the ninth century, and in it is discerned the rudiments of the Great Reformation some eight hundred years later, brought about by Luther and his coadjutors. But with the commencement of the twelfth century these brave speakers, there reproving Nathans among the clergy, began to die off, and the pope and the devil for a time ruled in everything that carried the name of religion. G. W. A. Narrow-minded men, who have not a thought beyond the sphere of their own outlook, remind one of the Hindu maxim: “The snail sees nothing but its own shell, and thinks it the grandest palace in the universe.” Forgiveness: A Deaf Man's Written Reply
A DEAF and dumb person being asked to give his idea of forgiveness, took a pencil and wrote, “It is the sweetness which flowers yield when trampled upon.” Thoughts in the Silence of Reflection
As in the silence of the night the ear catches the least sound; so, in the solitude of reflection, the mind detects soft and delicate strains of thought unheard in the bustle of a crowd. Incidents in the Life of Wm. Miller.
WHEN Wm. Miller was preaching at Troy, N. Y., to a large congregation, on the second advent of Christ, a collection was taken for him. There were about $200 collected. The amount was handed to him, when he counted out $2.50—that being the amount for stage fare to the next place—of his destination, and returned the rest of the money. He was once preaching in New York city to a very large assembly. His audience gave good attention, but there was assembled outside a large crowd, determined to seize him as soon as he came from the house of worship. He, however, retained his self-possession, and walked deliberately from the pulpit through the bloodthirsty mob, who were threatening to destroy him; but just as he passed the door, two men, one before, and the other behind, accompanied him through the crowd, kept with him till past danger, and then left him. Who the two men were he could never learn, although particular inquiry the next day was made to find them out. His self-denying life showed faith in his work of proclaiming the evidences of the coming Saviour, and under his portrait, as it hangs in his son’s room in Batavia, Ill., is subscribed the dying sentiment of this faithful disciple of Christ, in the following words:— “I remain as ever looking for the Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. JAMES SAWYER
By James Sawyer
He died in hope of a soon-coming Lord; yet saw not the tarrying time as many are permitted to see. That bitter disappointment caused many to discard Adventism entirely, and the name of Wm. Miller became a reproach because of its relation to this rejected message. “Millerism and ascension robes,” are allied epithets used often by ignorant persons when his name is announced. But the more we learn of his character, the more we are convinced that he was a man of God. We can not help admiring the devotion, energy, power, and spirit, which God gave him. As we meditate upon his life we feel like consecrating all to God. Jesus will come. Soon our probation will end, and Wm. Miller, with other faithful ones, will be called forth at the sound of the trumpet that wakes the sleeping dead to meet their expected Lord. How glad the meeting! made twice glad because of the bitter trial. As we think of the disappointment, our mind reverts to the garden scene in Gethsemane. O my Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me! That bitter cup was not taken from him. Jesus drank it. And what joy was there in Heaven because he did his Father's will. He endured the cross, despised the shame, obtained the victory, and angels rejoiced, saying, Now is come salvation, and strength and the power of his Christ. Wm. Miller also despised the shame, obtained the victory, and died in triumphant faith of his soon-coming Lord. Henceforth there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness which the Lord shall give to him at that day and not to him only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. I gathered the foregoing facts from his son, at Batavia, Ill. Geneva, Ill., April 7, 1872. “Be Kindly Affectioned One to Another with Brotherly Love.” Rom. 12: 10.
By A. W. Gould
THIS injunction of the apostle should, at the present time, engage our earnest attention. It is of deep interest to all who wish to prove themselves loyal to God’s government. It is in harmony with his words, “Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself.” Mat. 22: 39. It does not outlaw; for we read in Ps. 111: 7, 8, “All his commandments are sure. They stand fast forever and ever.” If others were always governed by right motives, never made a mistake, it would be comparatively easy to give heed to this precept. We are made aware of the fact that “to err is human,” and it is so innate to exalt self, that it is only by relying upon the strength we derive from God, and constant watchfulness, that the Christian can keep balanced. Position, wealth, or fame, will not excuse us for passing lightly over this command. The apostle probably saw a lack in those whom he addressed at Rome which occasioned his words in 1 Pet. 3: 8–10, “Be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing; but contrariwise, blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing. For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile.” None can but admire in others the characteristics here summed up. How ennobling the holy love here brought to view! He says, Be courteous, refined, polite; well-bred; civil; respectful. Now, as this straight testimony is left on record for us to follow, how important that we compare ourselves by it, and inquire whether these qualities are exhibited in our case. It won’t answer to be oscillating here. We are exhorted to “grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ,” and to “be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation among whom ye shine as lights in the world.” We see clearly that “the Bible standard is a close one.” “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.” James 2: 10. Jesus says, “I do always those things that please Him.” John 8: 29. No wavering here. His aim was high, with a determination to succeed in carrying out the great plan of salvation, irrespective of strong temptations. “He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” What love and pity manifested for us! He says, “This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.” John 15: 12, 14. No exceptions given to this rule. He means what he says. What a nice point, that our wills be brought into subjection to divine authority! Paul says, “They that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh, with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” Gal. 5: 24, 25. He says, “Christ pleased not himself.” Jesus says, “If any man serve me, let him follow me.” His was a life of trial and self-sacrifice. “He is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.” He would have us imitate him. Although His own received him not, he won the confidence of unbelievers by healing the sick, by kind acts, and friendly counsel. He was sought by the poor and blind as well as by the learned and great. In his reproofs, he spake directly to the erring. When his followers shall have learned151 to give heed to his testimony in Matt. 18: 15–17, a great victory will be gained. As the Christian follows in the footsteps marked out, how elevated he becomes! Theoretical expressions are discarded. He follows after charity, and seeks to help the erring and those whose circumstances have been less favorable for advancement than his own. Hardness alone, indulged in against others, is enough to shut one away from Heaven. No discordant note there, but all is perfect harmony. Our Lord was no respecter of persons. How careful we should be of our influence over others, for whom Jesus laid down his life. Our race is nearly run. Judgment will soon be passed on our case. What need of humility and self-abasement before the Lord, that he may work through us for the good of others. May we live near to him, and receive that assistance from him that it is our privilege, and be in readiness for his coming, and the reward for those that love, serve, and obey him. Mitchell Co., Iowa.
By I. Sanborn
Since my last report from this place, I have continued labor two weeks, in which time the ire of the dragon has been stirred. The Disciple minister preached one sermon against the law and Sabbath, in which he tried to show that the ten commandments are done away, and that Jesus Christ has given a better rule to live by, and that the first day of the week is the Lord’s day, but admitted that there is no Bible command to keep it. As I reviewed his sermon and showed the people the inconsistency and contradictions of his position, he, with some others, became greatly excited, and separated themselves from our meetings. About this time, the roads began to get bad, so that we removed our meetings to a more central point for those interested. There were eight keeping the Sabbath when I came here. Since I came, Bro. Wilson and wife, formerly of Wisconsin, moved here from Minnesota; and there is also a young lady here from Wisconsin, teaching school, who keeps the Sabbath, besides fourteen others who have commenced keeping it since I commenced preaching here; making twenty-five in this place who are now preparing for the day of the Lord. April 6, 7, ten were baptized, and others undoubtedly will be as soon as they can have another opportunity. There were also a number of others who think that they will forsake their sins and transgressions of God’s holy law, and join themselves to the Lord before it is forever too late. We earnestly pray that they may. We know, too, that much depends on the faithfulness of those already in the work; for if they faithfully let their light shine before their neighbors, so that they can see their good works, many may yet turn to the Lord. They have started a prayer and social meeting, and arranged Systematic Benevolence amounting to about $75.00 a year. They are very anxious that Bro. Canright should hold a few meetings with them on his way to Minnesota. Bro. Sutherland will meet him, or Bro. Butler, at Lyle Station, on the Iowa Central R. R., any time they may appoint to come here. Bro. Joseph Sutherland’s address is Otranto, Mitchell Co., Iowa. If, in the providence of God, Bro. Canright or Butler cannot visit this place soon, the brethren wish me to say, in their behalf, that they would like to be taken under the watchcare of the Iowa State Conference at its next session, if the Conference deem it proper so to do. I should have been glad to stay here longer, but the busy season for farmers here has come, and the pressing calls in Wisconsin, which demand my immediate attention, make it impossible. And although I find myself within forty miles of where my eldest sister lives, whom I have not seen for twelve years, yet, notwithstanding my natural desire to see her, and having received a letter from her since I came here, saying that herself and others were anxious to have me come and hold some meetings, I feel that I cannot leave the work in Wisconsin to do so. The brethren here have paid all my traveling expenses to and from this place. I have formed very strong attachments to the brethren here, and I sincerely pray that the Lord may help us all to be faithful to the end, so that if we never meet again in this world, we may meet on the immortal shores of the world to come. Otranto, Iowa, April 8, 1872.