TEN years since, we did not see the necessity of a complete organization of Churches, Conferences, and General Conferences, with Seventh-day Adventists. We have, however, plead for order in the church, as the several volumes of the Review for the past twelve years, testify. But as the cause advanced, the increase of numbers, the demand for efficient labor, and the varied forms of distracting error continually arising, proved to us that order, secured by thorough organization, was indispensable.
But every step in advance has been opposed by our people, which has kindled a continual flame of prejudice and opposition against those who have been fighting the battle in favor of organization. The fact that most of our preachers and leading brethren have, at some time, stood opposed to systematic benevolence, and organization of Churches and Conferences, has given great strength to the friends of disorder, and it is not to be wondered at that there are some who profess the Sabbath, who are arrayed in opposition to the body of Seventh-day Adventists. Is it not rather a wonder that there are so few such persons, when we consider the poor example that has been set before them by those who now enjoy all the blessings of order in the church, not excepting systematic benevolence? We have been happily disappointed in the success of the Eastern Mission, in bringing things into order.
The fact is, all sane and sensible men have become disgusted with the confusion among Eastern Adventists. And it was no use to try to do much in the East till time and events could convince all such. Now we are happy to see so many rally around the standard of order and common sense. There are some who still stand out, and brace themselves against all efforts put forth to unite them with the body. We would help them; but we fear that some of them won't be helped. Yet we should continue our labors and entreaties, and do all we can to save them from that certain ruin to which all such persons are sure to run unless rescued. While we take a firm stand for the right, we should do all in our power to encourage the erring to leave their errors and take the same stand with us. Reforms are not brought about in a moment. Be firm, patient, and kind, and all things will work out right in the end. Do your duty, and trust God for the rest.
Almost all sorts of men and women embrace the Sabbath. The work is then but just begun. Then comes the struggle to live out the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ. Some press on in rapid strides with the body, and grow stronger and still stronger, while others fall back, or fall under some scattering influence. Some love order, and embrace organization as a matter of course as they consider it in harmony with all Heaven, and everything sensible on earth; while others, some of them sons of confusion, unteachable, and possessing a spirit untamable, go in for disorder, and work themselves out from among us as a people, and finally depart from every distinguishing truth held by the body. These things are annoying; but poor souls, they have the hardest of it. Some come back with bitter repentance, while others pass on hardened and blinded to meet a final reckoning.
Organization among our people has proved a perfect success. Not only the good fruits of it, far exceeding our expectations, but the miserably confused condition of those who reject organization, attest its importance. God lives, and the cause is in his hands. He will purify his people. As the purifying work comes closer, as the saints near their reward, we expect to see petty factions multiply to the number of horns on the Pagan beast. But these little drains are all right. Stop them up? Never, lest the entire body become corrupted. Among the greatest blessings to the cause in the past was the raid which the friends of confusion and tobacco made against the Review, visions, &c., about the year 1855, which enabled about one in twelve of professed Sabbath-keepers to find their own place, which so relieved the cause, that it entered at once upon a new and glorious era in its progress.
Hope of the Resurrection.
The following article is taken from a work by Dr. Seiss, entitled The Last Times. It treats upon one of the sublimest themes that can occupy the mind of the Christian; and the reader will find it full of hope and consolation for the follower of Christ. Who can read it without feeling new determinations so to live as to attain to a resurrection from the dead?
There is nothing so repulsive to our natural instincts as death. There are few people who do not feel a cold shudder creeping through and through them whenever they realize the thought that they must die, and have the coffin-lid screwed down upon their foreheads, and be covered up with clods in the damp, dark ground. But the hope of the resurrection of the just throws a radiance around the death-bed and the grave, and helps to reconcile us to the mysterious change. To a good man the sepulchre is but the gateway to the better world,—the resting-place for the wasted and wearied body previous to going forth into the bliss and honors of a divine and eternal kingdom. Its shades are but a quiet night anterior to an everlasting day. Death is but a sleep, which presupposes a future awakening. "An eternal sleep" is a contradiction in terms,—a miserable solecism,—a mode of speech the very phraseology of which brands the atheistic invention with absurdity. Sleep is but the temporary suspension of animation for the purpose of refreshment and invigoration. It is always succeeded by a waking. And such is death to the Christian. Jesus has transmuted it into a refreshing sleep, from which we shall early arise, in renewed strength and glory, for the scenes and employments of a day which shall have no night. The New Testament nearly always speaks of the departure of the believing as a sleep. Jesus said, "Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go that I may awake him out of sleep." "The saints which slept," is familiar phraseology to the reader of the Scriptures. "David, after he had served his own generation, fell on sleep." As the first martyr died, Luke said he "fell asleep." Paul comforted the mourning Thessalonians, by assuring them that their pious dead "are asleep,"—only "asleep,"—to be waked to life again when Jesus comes. And so all the saints that have departed this life are said to "sleep in Jesus."
Yes, Christian parent, that child which so suddenly sickened, withered, and faded in your arms, and which with so much sadness you yielded to the cold, dark grave, is not lost and gone eternally. It only sleeps—sweetly sleeps—in the arms of its Maker. You buried it; but you buried it looking for the resurrection of the last day, when it shall awake to be yours forever. Weep not, O daughter, as if that sainted mother whom you last saw dressed for the tomb shall never look upon you again with her wonted love and tenderness. She is thy mother still. She is not dead, but sleepeth. She will awake again, and take you to her heart as fondly as ever. Sorrow not as they that have no hope, O stricken one, mourning over a husband's grave. He has only laid him down to rest in soft slumber. God's eye is on that prostrate, buried form. And when thy loved one's Saviour comes he will shake off his sepulchral covering, and be thy constant friend as in the days gone by.
"Soon shall you meet again,
Meet ne'er to sever;
Soon will peace wreath her chain
Round you forever."
And what a reunion of hearts and exchange of happy gratulations shall crown and crowd that day! What glorious meetings and triumphs will then be celebrated! What devout and anxious hopes shall then be consummated! Then shall Jesus say, "Awake and sing, ye that dwell in the dust;" and they shall obey his call, and rise to praise him forever. Then will the once afflicted saints of every age and clime "stand dressed in robes of everlasting wear." Then shall these who denied themselves and took up the cross receive their crowns. Then shall the wisdom of their "respect unto the recompense of the reward" be vindicated forever. Then shall God glorify his Son by transforming millions into his glorious image. And "then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory."
Earth, my brethren, has been the theatre of some splendid victories, the fame of which has filled the world and echoed along the corridors of ages. But never has earth beheld such a triumph as that which shall be realized at the resurrection of the just. Then shall be enacted another genesis, more glorious than the first. Then shall be performed another exodus, more illustrious than that which Moses led. Then shall truth triumph over error, and faith over unbelief; humility over pride, life over death, and immortality over the grave. Then shall the cross give way to the crown, and corruption to glory; and from the mold and ashes of every christian's tomb shall come forth an undying form, radiant with the transforming touch of Deity—a dear-bought but sublime and imperishable monument to the resurrection and the life. The graves of the patriarchs shall open. The scattered dust and ashes of prophets, apostles and martyrs shall be gathered. Unknown saints of God that have died in garrets, and cellars, and barns, and dungeons—and lowly and despised poor in Christ who sleep in potters'-fields—shall spring forth from their unnoticed graves in sublimer glory than ever adorned the illustrious Solomon. Precious innocents, whose names were never heard, and lamented children, that molder in their little tombs, and pious afflicted ones, who spent their days in pain secluded from the gay world—all, all shall then forsake their resting-places and shine as the stars for ever and ever. Then shall all the waiting saints, of all lands and ages, mysteriously transferred to the bridal halls of heaven, join in holy fellowship to celebrate with untold joy the sublime epiphany of their redeeming Lord, with all their varied tongues in heavenly concord singing the triumphs of that salvation for which they lived, and hoped, and suffered.
"O, scenes surpassing fable, and yet true!
Scenes of accomplished bliss! which, who can see,
Though but in distant prospect, and not feel
His soul refreshed with foretastes of the joy!"
And what adds to the peculiar joy of some, is that they will never die at all, but shall "be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed." "The dead in Christ shall rise first; then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them." And what a thought is this, that there perhaps are some listening to me now who shall never know by experience what death is! Those of Christ's people who are living when he comes, shall of a sudden feel the thrill of immortality careering through them, and find themselves transported to join the children of the resurrection. Not one of them who truly believe in Jesus shall be left behind. The humblest and obscurest, the lowest with the highest, all shall be taken together. For he shall send forth his angels, with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other. And they shall live and reign with Christ the thousand years. "And so shall we ever be with the Lord." And thenceforward forever shall this song be sung:
"Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men,
And he will dwell with them,
And they shall be his people,
And God himself shall be with them,
And he their God.
And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes;
And there shall be no more death,
Neither sorrow nor crying,
Neither shall there be any more pain;
For the former things are passed away."
Verily, "blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection!" Was there ever conceived such a system of grace and glory as that which constitutes the gospel of Jesus? How precious are its promises! How transporting are its hopes! How it meets the vast desires of humanity, and pours consolation into the hearts of the children of sorrow! What is there to compare with it? Atheism, with its eternal sleep, may165stupefy the soul, and render it somewhat callous to the woes of life; but how sad and cheerless is the epitaph which it writes on the tomb! Heathen philosophy, with its transmigrations and feeble guesses, may excite some dull and low concern for futurity; but how gloomy is the destiny which it sets before man! It is only Christianity, with its resurrection and another life, that can at all rouse man into a proper consciousness of his dignity, or satisfy the lofty and mighty aspirations that well up from his heart. This is our glorious hope, the price of which cannot be equalled with gold.
And how devoutly thankful should we then be for what God has done for us and purposed concerning us! How should our hearts soften at the contemplations before us, and swell with emotions of love toward so great a Benefactor! How should we be concerned to find out the will of such a friend, and seek to approve ourselves unto him! How gladly should we set ourselves to do his gracious commands, and to keep his loving counsels! In him is our strength, our hope, and our joy. He is not ashamed to be our God, and surely we should not be ashamed to be his people, "looking for that blessed hope, even the glorious appearing of the great God, our Saviour Jesus Christ." Let us, then, give ourselves to him, body and soul, as a living sacrifice, which is our reasonable service. Let us fully identify ourselves with Jesus, knowing that "when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is." And especially, let us not forget that "every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as the Saviour is pure." He hath prepared for us a city; but "there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie." It is only "the holy" who shall have part in the first resurrection. "The fearful and unbelieving, and abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone, which is the second death." It is only "unto them that look for him" that "he shall appear the second time unto salvation."
“Festival and Donation.”
By R. F. Cottrell
“You are respectfully invited to attend a Festival and Donation at the — house in —, on Tuesday evening, Feb. 9, 1864, for the benefit of Rev. — and family. Committee of Arrangements, —. Receivers. —. Barron’s Band will be in Attendance. Tickets one dollar and fifty cents for a Gentleman and Lady.”
Such was the invitation; and the circumstances being favorable, it was a splendid affair. The Pastor of the Universalist Church, for whose benefit the festival was got up, had felt it his duty, nearly a year since, to accept of a captain’s commission in the army and go to the defense of his country, and leave his charge as lambs among wolves; but, according to their theory, there is no danger of their being devoured; but, on the contrary, all the wolves are finally to be converted into sheep.
This union of the military with the sacerdotal, in the character of the person, conspired, in two ways, to make the festival and donation a splendid one.
1. Because his liberal pay as captain in the army places him and his family above want; and the people are always more free to give to those who are not in want. Had it been for the benefit of some widowed mother and her fatherless children who were in real need, perhaps a few widow’s mites would have been bestowed.
2. Because it united patriotic enthusiasm with religious zeal, and made it full as much a military, as a religious affair.
Besides these considerations, the band and the assembly-room held out the strongest inducements to the lovers of pleasure. Thus not only religion and patriotism were appealed to, but the love of worldly pleasure was bribed to the support of the minister, and made to pay some respect, at least, to what are called holy things.
The largest hotel in the village was crowded. And under the influence of such an exciting occasion, not only the one dollar fifties, but the V’s and X’s rolled into the treasury.
One incident connected with this affair is worthy of note. It illustrates the tendency of the present age to lay aside sectarianism and party considerations, and to unite in their “labors of love” upon all popular occasions. I relate this incident, and then I am done. A good Methodist lady, who had labored all the livelong night at this festival, in preparing the sumptuous feast and in “clearing up” and “putting things to rights,” on being questioned concerning it, said she did it all cheerfully and freely, seeing it was for the support of the gospel! and she felt as much in the way of her duty, as she ever did in going to a prayer-meeting. Surely we are living in 2 Tim. iii, 1–5.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Report of Quarterly Meetings in Ohio.
By Ohio Conf. Committee
Bro. Van Gorder met according to appointment with the church at Green Spring, January 16 and 17, 1864. Churches in the vicinity were well represented, and all felt interested to assist in the good work, and with their testimonies and prayers, each helped in making the meeting interesting and profitable; and God, true to the promise, gave us of his good Spirit, and all were strengthened and encouraged to persevere. Fourteen dollars' worth of books and charts were sold.
On the following Sabbath and first-day January 23 and 24, Bro. Van Gorder met with the brethren at Townsend in Quarterly Meeting which increased in interest until the close. There was a good attendance from churches in the neighboring towns. Much interest was manifested, and cheering spirited testimonies warm from the heart, and the powerful influence of God's Spirit gave us good evidence that we had not met in vain; and tears of joy and holy devotion freely flowed.
Jan. 30 and 31 Bro. Van Gorder attended a meeting at Columbia. The roads were very muddy making it difficult for those at a distance to attend. Thus some were much disappointed in being deprived of the privilege of this meeting. Brn. Byington and Ginley of Michigan made us glad with their presence, and encouraging words; and the testimonies of all testified to their devotion to the truth, and their willingness to assist by every means in their power in building up the cause.
On the next Sabbath Bro. Van Gorder met with the brethren and sisters in Jackson, Sandusky Co. Roads muddy. None were present from a distance except Bro. Jos. Clarke, who brought news of sickness in Bro. Van Gorder's family, and the meeting was closed on Sabbath evening. Few were present, as the church is few in numbers there, and the brethren judged it expedient not to hold meeting first-day, as it was necessary for Brn. Van Gorder and Clarke to return home immediately.
The church in Jackson are still holding on to the third message, and love the truth, and are still pressing on. We love them much. Bro. Hodgson has had constant sickness in his family for months, and he and his family were still feeble at the time of the meeting. Brethren will remember this little band in their petitions to the throne of grace. Although our meetings there closed so abruptly on Sabbath evening, yet we feel that it was good for us to be there, and our hearts were cheered to see that that little company are bound for the kingdom.
Feb. 13 and 14 (Bro. Van Gorder being unwell and Bro. O. Mears detained) Bro. Jos. Clarke met with the church in Cass, Hancock Co. The churches in the neighboring towns were well represented. From the first the influence of God's Spirit was manifest, and freedom was felt by all. Special interest was expressed by most present in the future and present prospects of the youth and children, and this was manifestly unpremeditated and spontaneous and heartfelt. We hope the words there uttered will be pondered upon. Quite a number of unbelievers mostly youth were present, whose tears bore witness to the interest they felt.
Feb. 20 and 21 Bro. Van Gorder met with the church at Gilboa, churches in the vicinity being represented. This church has passed through many severe trials, once numbering some 80 or 90 now less than a score: still they press on and amid discouragements, clouds and opposition, they discern the light of present truth. Some of their number have died in the triumphs of faith; some have removed to other parts of the country, whose prayers still ascend for the little company at Gilboa; and others have become fatigued and faint at the straightness of the way and have laid down their armor. Others have openly joined the forces of the enemy and apostatizing have denied the faith. Thus little by little this company have become lessened in numbers.
Still they are not discouraged, for under such a leader as Jesus, they realize that one can chase a thousand and two put ten thousand to flight, and we feel that this meeting has not been in vain.
On the following Sabbath, and first-day Feb. 27 and 28, Brn. I. N. Van Gorder and O. Mears met with the166church at Ayersville, in Quarterly Meeting, some being present from Leipsic.
The bad roads prevented some from a distance coming to this meeting. Here was existing some considerable degree of indifference and coldness, manifested in neglect of prayer-meetings &c. However, thanks to our merciful Heavenly Father, the clouds finally gave way, and blessings descended, and the young moved by a heavenly influence, led the way, and with weeping avowed their determinations to enter upon the path to glory, and now freedom was felt as we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house, and we felt an assurance of the presence of the Lord. Brethren at Ayersville, gird on the armor anew. Keep free from the entangling influences of the world around. And to those youth whose words so feelingly signified their intentions, we say, As you read these lines, think of your promises, which you voluntarily and freely made at this meeting, which are recorded in Heaven, and be true to them. So shall you finally have cause to rejoice in the presence of God, and forever remember with pleasure those early vows. Thus will you give joy to all who labor and pray for you.
Report from Bro. Snook.
By B. F. Snook
BRO. WHITE: I write again to inform you of my labors in this good cause, knowing that you are always glad to hear of our success.
March 4–6, I held meetings with the church in Fairview. Our audiences were good considering the circumstances. The brethren were much comforted and edified by the preaching of the blessed word. We had a good meeting. These brethren realize to some extent that we are not to go to the kingdom without trials; but the Lord has been with them so far, and I trust will be unto the end.
The 25th–27th inst. I spent with the brethren at Palestine. We were truly happy to see each other. I was rejoiced to learn that they are holding on to the faith. We had very good meetings, but not large congregations, as the going was very bad. There are many in this community who desire yet to hear, and we still hope that good may be done, and others embrace the truth.
April 1–4, I spent with the brethren composing the Pilot Grove quarterly meeting. There was not so general a turn-out as before, but very good considering the bad going. This was truly a joyful meeting to us all. The many tearful eyes did but testify to the out-gushing of the love of God shed abroad in the heart.
On Monday we baptized four. The cause is still onward to victory here, and the Lord is helping his people to live out the truth and the result is, souls are gathering and preparing for the coming of Christ.
Iowa is now a good field for labor. Our churches are trying to arise with the message. A visit from Bro. and sister White to our churches would do vast good, and such a visit is universally desired by us all.
I am now at home, awaiting better going, as it is not practicable to travel with one horse now. I feel very anxious to be engaged in this good work, and feel that
“Whether many or few,
All my days are his due.
They shall all be devoted to him.”
My prayer is that God may bless us all and save us when Jesus comes.
B. F. SNOOK.
Report from Bro. Cornell.
By M. E. Cornell
BRO. WHITE: Since coming to Maine I have given thirty lectures in two new places. But the going has been bad most of the time, and strong prejudice existing, so that my audiences have been small. Some $15,00 worth of books have been taken, thirteen have subscribed for the Review and two for the Instructor. Meetings are now established in a new place, and some twelve or fifteen have decided to obey the truth. There is a brisk investigation going on which I trust will decide several more. Many are reading their Bibles. Over 50 copies of the Assistant have been taken. One man said he had not read the Bible so much in four years, as he had during these lectures.
I find enough to do here. I cannot fill half the calls for labor in new fields. The harvest is great, and time is short. May the Lord send more laborers.
M. E. CORNELL.
Palmyra, Maine, April 11th.
Good Works and Salvation
Good works will never save you, but you can never be saved without them.
Peace Under Christ’s Protection
By Hooker
It is nature that teacheth a wise man in fear to hide himself, but grace and faith doth teach him where. Fools care not where they hide their heads. But where shall a wise man hide himself when he feareth a plague coming? Where should a frightened child hide its head but in the bosom of his loving father? Where a Christian, but under the shadow of the wings of Christ, his Saviour? 'Come, my people,' saith God in the prophet, 'enter into thy chamber, hide thyself.' But because we are in danger, liked chased birds, therefore our Saviour giveth His disciples these encouragements beforehand, that fear might never so amaze them, but that always they might remember that whatsoever evils at any time did beset them, to Him they might still repair for comfort, counsel, and succor. For their assurance whereof His 'peace He gave them, His peace He left unto them; not such peace as the world offereth, but peace that passeth all understanding!' Peace that bringeth with it all happiness; peace that continueth forever and ever with them that have it.—Hooker.
Our Ransom.
"FOR ye have sold yourselves for naught, and ye shall be redeemed without money."—BIBLE.
How direct, simple, and beautiful, is this passage from the Bible. Where, out of the Scriptures, shall we look for one of equal truth and beauty? It contains one of the saddest truths that ever forced itself upon the heart, and a promise more precious than gold to poor, sin-burdened humanity. Truly we have sold ourselves for naught. We have forfeited our future interests, fraught with the weight of an eternal duration, for the trifling good of earth-born life. We have sold them for earthly possessions. Houses and lands, costly apparel and gay equipage, have looked brighter to our blinded vision than the "incorruptible inheritance."
The crown of honor, too, has attracted our gaze. For the sake of gaining this how have we employed our energies, and pushed our way on, dreaming that there was no brightness or joy, out of the charmed circle of the world's favor. Perhaps, for this we have turned aside the principles of truth, and narrowed down our minds to suit the customs and practices of men, forgetting that it was written in the Book of eternal truth, "Man looketh upon the outward appearance, but God looketh upon the heart."
Ease, too, allures many to her inglorious bowers, and casts upon her victims such a fatal charm that the realities of the future are insufficient to awaken their dull perceptions. "O, let me sleep," says the ensnared one,—"yonder path, that you say is the way of duty, is rugged and unpleasing. Let me dream on, for my dreams are very beautiful; this bower is pleasant and sunny, and the music of this place is far more agreeable than the scenes of strife and toil to which you would call one." Thus the victim slumbers, dreading to meet the responsibilities apportioned to him, and thus he dies, with the problem of life unsolved, the good that he might have done undone, and the crown of life unwon.
Society, with its present associations, allures many from the right way, and leads them to forfeit their soul's best interests. It ruins the physical health, by its foolish customs and exactions, develops envy, vanity, and superfluousness, in the heart, and fails to give the soul that preparation it needs to fit it for its appearance before the tribunal of God. "And ye shall be redeemed without money." The Bible says not ye shall be redeemed without cost, but without money. Something far more precious than gold was given for the ransom of men, even the life of the Son of God. Not only did He die for us, but He lived for us. He came as a mortal, partook of our nature, our hopes, sorrows, fears, temptations, privations, and sufferings. He had sorrows over and beyond what man suffered, and one source of his sorrows arose from his knowledge of the hearts of men. Did grief pierce the heart of any, even though they were the most unworthy and unnoticed, His sympathy was moved in their behalf. He knew the malice and hatred that actuated the scribes and pharisees as they surrounded Him, apparently interested in His teaching. He knew better than any could tell the prejudice and unbelief with which He had to contend. Our Father often hides from us that knowledge which would give us pain, and leads us in a path unknown to ourselves; but everything was known to the eye of Jesus, and though this knowledge added to His sufferings, it prepared Him to make a more perfect sacrifice for us. All through his life He was preparing the way for our salvation by his words and acts; and when He closed His eyes in death, it was as a victim, upon whom rested the wrath of an offended God. This was the price that was paid for us. We cannot comprehend it. Ever since that sacrifice was made on Calvary, men have repeated the story of his life and death, yet the theme is new. Faith in the merits of that death is the one bright star that leads the Christian on through this vale of tears, and finally brings him conqueror up to the Throne of God. High and low, old and young, rich and poor, must exercise faith in that one name, in order to gain entrance to the pure and glorious inheritance of the eternal world.
Jesus Our Example.
RELIGION is constantly suffering from the conduct of its professors. They do not put off the old man with his deeds, neither do they put on the new man, which, after God, is created in righteousness and true holiness. They profess to look to Christ as a Saviour, but they do not take Christ for their example. But these things must not be divided. He who died for our sins, set us also an example that we should follow in His steps. Christ alone should be our standard, and likeness to Him should be our aim. We are only so far Christianized as we are like Christ. He says,
"Learn of me." Not only learn by my teaching, but learn by my life. Do as ye see me do; act as ye see me act. The life of Jesus is the model after which the Holy Spirit works. As the Spirit of Christ, His work is to conform us to Christ. And under His teaching and assistance, it should be our daily aim to resemble Christ in our temper, disposition, and general deportment. Am I called to suffer? Let me ask, "How did Christ suffer?" and then seek grace to suffer just as He did. Am I called to work for God? Let me ask, "How did Christ work?" and then pray for grace, that I may work just as Jesus did. And so of all the rest, that my life may be a reflection of the life of Christ, and that in my conduct I may in some degree reproduce the conduct of the Lord Jesus. No one can tell how nearly he may be conformed to the life of Jesus, if he makes this his constant prayer and habitual aim. Grace can do wonders, and God giveth more grace. We are not now what we were once, and we may become very much more like to Jesus than we are now. Holy Spirit make us just like our beloved Lord.
VOLTAIRE'S LAST WORDS.
By William Seward
Voltaire was fertile and elegant, his observations are very acute, yet he often betrays great ignorance when he treats on subjects of ancient learning. Madame de Talmond once said to him, "I think, sir that a philosopher should never write but with the endeavor to render mankind less wicked and unhappy than they are. Now you do quite the contrary; you are always writing against that religion which alone is able to restrain wickedness, and to afford us consolation under misfortunes." Voltaire was much struck, and excused himself by saying that he only wrote for those who were of the same opinion as himself. Tronchin assured his friends that Voltaire died in great agonies of mind. "I die forsaken by gods and men," exclaimed he, in those awful moments, when truth will force its way. "I wish," added Tronchin, "that those who had been perverted by his writings had been present at his death; it was a sight too horrid to support."—William Seward.
A Rational Skeptic.
MR. H.—, an eminent lawyer of Western New York, who died a few years since in the triumphs of Christian faith, when a student in the office of Judge H.—, was inclined to skeptical views. His moral character was unsullied, but in his ambitious aspirations he cherished that dislike to the gospel which is the hidden source of nearly all infidelity. The eloquent ministrations of the sanctuary failed to remove the deepening gloom of unbelief.
One day, while absorbed in the study of law, his eye rested upon a copy of the Bible lying on the table before him. He paused, and the thought came like the voice of an invisible spectator to his soul—"What if that book is the Word of God?" Then his conscience inquired if he had, with the earnestness and honesty becoming the momentous question, examined its claims to his faith. He was condemned at the bar of that inward judge and monitor, and he resolved to begin a careful perusal of the sacred volume. The duty and propriety of prayer to the "Father of Lights," for illumination, were impressed upon his mind, and for the first time in his life he solemnly entered on the reading of the Scriptures and on closet communication with God. In a few days he became an anxious sinner, and he very soon rejoiced in the love of Christ.
He made a full consecration of himself to the Redeemer, in a written covenant copied from Doddridge, and found among his papers after his death, and for more than twenty years was an active, growing Christian. In the court-room and social circle his consistent piety revealed itself, calm and clear, beneath the excitements and pleasures of life.
Truly, "atheism is a crime, rather than a mere intellectual error," and so is all fatal unbelief. The heart is wrong, and the head refuses to receive or seek the light of the Cross. This view of the skeptical and scornful gives fearful import to the prophet's question, "What wilt thou say when he shall punish thee?"
Following Where God Leads
THE Christian is bound to follow where God leads; but if God lead, he makes a way; and it is generally a flesh-crossing way, a creature-humbling way; just the opposite of what the carnal mind expected.
The Splendid Preacher.
By Dr. Jenks
RICHARD BAXTER preached as feeling that the truths of God were too great and glorious in themselves to be covered up with the little trappings of human adornments. He would as soon have thought of hanging the rainbow with tinsel. His eloquence was not in rounded sentences. He never preached a sermon to display his scholastic learning or his power of logic; but his aim was ever to win souls to Christ. If fine and elegant sermons are tolerated at all, it is in the press only, when they are to be read as discussion of a subject, and read either as an intellectual exercise or as a discipline of conscience. In the pulpit splendid sermons are splendid sins. They dazzle, and amuse, and astonish, like brilliant fire-works, but they throw daylight on no subject. They draw attention to the preacher instead of the subject. The splendid preacher, like the pyrotechnist, calculates on a dark night among his attendants; and amid the coruscations of the pulpit, his skill and his art are admired and applauded, but Christ is not glorified. If angels weep and devils mock, it is at the pulpit-door of a splendid preacher.—Dr. Jenks.
Obituary Notices.
DIED, in Tompkins, Mich., March 20, 1864, of inflammation of the lungs, sister Eliza M. Weed, wife of Bro. Calvin Weed, aged 58 years, 3 months, and 6 days.
Her disease was such that she was unable to lie down without being suffocated. Her suffering were intense, but she bore them patiently, leaning upon the arm of the Lord for strength. She, with her companion, embraced the present truth about ten years ago. She lived to see the most of her family living in obedience to the commandments of God; and now that she is taken away by the hand of death, they deeply feel her loss. But they mourn not as those without hope; for if faithful, in a little while they will meet her again in the home of the saints. A few remarks were made on the funeral occasion by the writer, to a large company of sympathizing friends, from 1 Thess. iv, 13, 14.
I. D. VAN HORN.
Died, in Warren, Vt., of canker rash, March 24, 1864, Alice Cardell, daughter of John and Sarah Cardell, aged about two and a half years.
S. PIERCE.
DIED, Feb. 29, 1864, with disease of the heart, Bro. Moses Aldrich aged 42 years.
Bro. Aldrich was led to embrace the third angel's message through the labors of Bro. Robert F. Andrews in this place, in the autumn of 1862, since which time he has been a bright and shining light in the church.
On the 2d of March we listened to an appropriate discourse delivered by Eld. Isaac Sanborn from 1 Cor. xv, 22, 23, after which we laid him away in the grave to wait for his part in the first resurrection.