Earlier text: Sanctification: or Living HolinessThe war has closed so far as bullets and bayonets are concerned; but there is a period of political war and strife before this nation, such as it has not probably for a long time been witness of. The question of the reconstruction of the rebel States is now coming up. And in this question the status of the negro is involved. What rights shall be granted him? With what privileges shall he be clothed? Having helped to free the nation from a terrible rebellion, shall he now be accounted a citizen of that nation? Shall he have the right of suffrage? This question the President has already declared must be decided by the people, the whites, of the respective States concerned. Then to the negro-hating whites of the South, it is to be left to say what rights the negro shall have. That country to which the negroes have always been loyal, and which they have faithfully served, leaves it to its, and their, bitterest enemies, to say what their reward shall be! And will they grant them the right of suffrage, the right of citizenship, or any other privilege which is in their power to withhold from them? The answer is apparent. With their natural spirit of hate against the colored race, embittered by a defeat which that race have helped to bring upon them, a defeat which they would not have suffered had not the North been helped by those whom they thus despise, it is easy to see how many favors they will be ready to bestow upon them. As well might we expect that the Devil would all at once turn round and give immortality to a saint whom he has harassed and tormented all his life long, were it left to him to give, as to suppose that the white tormentors of the colored race at the South, filled with most diabolical hate against them, will show them any humanity or mercy of which it is in their power to deprive them. And then how does the question of slavery stand? Answer. Slavery will be dead only in name. It will still exist in fact. There will still be bondmen in this land, bound in fetters of disfranchisement, proscription and prejudice, more galling and oppressive than the iron manacles that have heretofore clanked upon their bleeding limbs. In a late speech at the New England Convention, Boston, Wendell Phillips said: "The condition of the black man at the South is at present in utter uncertainty. Can he hold a title to land? Nobody knows. Can he protect his wife? Nobody knows. Can he testify in a Court of justice? Nobody knows. None of his rights, natural or civil, are assured to him. The white men of each Southern State claim the right of settling all those matters. The Legislature of Tennessee has just passed a law concerning free colored people. Do they enact laws concerning free white people? All that concerns the colored people there, is to be regulated by the whites. What will those whites do when their States are reconstructed without the negro franchise? One of them has frankly told us, boasting to a Union man, that the slaveholders would yet have the substantial fruits of victory, though they had been defeated in the field. They would unite (he said) with the old Democratic party, when the last Congress of Johnson's Presidency should come, and then they would show the Union men who had really been whipped in this late hour of the war. The negro race would be kept, practically, in the condition of serfs, bound to the soil. The first admission of a seceded State without black suffrage would settle the whole question, and then Slavery would exist in reality, though not in name. If negro suffrage, (Mr. Phillips proceeded to say), shall be forbidden at the South, the North will have been practically conquered. Every drop of blood will have been spilled, and every dollar expended in vain. Threats have already been made that reconstruction will be put through next Winter on an anti-negro basis, in spite of all opposition. This will be the great question of the next Congressional session. This very Spring, Mr. Sumner said to Mr. Lincoln—'Louisiana must be reconstructed on the basis of the Declaration of Independence.' [Ap-plause.] Mr. Lincoln hesitated, and did not reply; and Mr. Sumner said—'Mr. President, if you reconstruct it on any other basis, count me as an opponent.' [Loud Applause.] That is the true position for every friend of a permanent Union and of permanent freedom to take, and to stand by firmly. Far better that Grant should surrender to Lee, than that the President should surrender to North Carolina or Louisiana, and nullify all the sacrifices, losses, and sufferings of this dreadful struggle." Western Tour.
By James White
We are happy to be in the field again, after the winter and spring of toil and anxiety at home. Our labors have been confined almost exclusively to the church at Battle Creek, and in the Review Office, for the past six months. The great events of our country, the last call for men, the preparation of proofs that Seventh-day Adventists were entitled to the benefits of the exemption clause of the enrollment law, as non-combatants, and the days of fasting and prayer observed by our people, all have added to our anxieties and labors. Then came our great yearly meeting with its preparations to make visitors comfortable and happy, its business session and religious services. A hundred ask counsel on this, that, and the other thing, and Committees meet early and late to consider the great work for the year, and make necessary arrangements. And business is done at the Office, requiring our attention more or less, to the amount of sixteen hundred dollars. We needed rest, or at least a change, with all the rest our present tour will give, so on Thursday the 8th, at 4 P. M., we took the cars for the West, and arrived in Chicago at midnight. In consequence of the rush at that city to the fair, we were obliged to stop at a second class house near the track of one of the western roads, where the heat in our seven by nine bedroom, and the constant rumbling of cars and screaming of whistles utterly forbade sleep the balance of the night. At 9 A. M. we took the cars for Janesville, Wis., not yet much rested. Here we met Bro. Landen who took us to his house a few hours, and then took the train with us to Monroe, the place of our first appointment. Here we were happy to meet Elders Loughborough, Ingraham, Sanborn and Steward, and Elder Andrews of Illinois, and at the hospitable home of Bro. Ingraham, we found rest. A refreshing rain had just cleared this country, suffering for it, and had cooled the air, and sleep, robbed of its opportunity to restore our wearied energies, under such circumstances was doubly sweet. Sabbath morning the modest bell upon the house of worship, which our brethren in Monroe purchased of the Christians, called us to the place of worship, and we were happy to find every seat filled with believers waiting to hear the word. We spoke in the morning, Elder Loughborough in the afternoon, and Mrs. White in the evening. It was a good Sabbath to us all. There was freedom in speaking, and a deep interest to hear. The cause has been gradually rising in Monroe and vicinity for a few years past, under the labors of Bro. Ingraham. Sunday morning the brethren pitched the tent upon the beautiful rolling common, which was well filled at three services. We spoke twice, and Bro. Loughborough once, Mrs. White followed us twice in exhortation, with freedom. This was a good day for the brethren, and for the cause. The preaching brethren were encouraged to go forth with stronger union to the work of saving precious souls, and a spirit of good cheer seemed to pervade the minds of all the friends of the cause. Our traveling expenses up to this time have been $20.60. Receipts by donations from those who have chosen to bear a part, $25.56. We now design to attend general gatherings from State to State, and choose to have traveling and home expenses met by donations outside of S. B. funds, where the brethren feel able so to do, so as to draw nothing from Publishing Association, State or General Conference funds. At the close of the year, a strict account will be given of labor, expenses and receipts. It seems most like equality for those who have the benefits of these general gatherings to pay for them, and let the public21 funds go for the extension, and general upbuilding of the cause. Let those who desire our labors let their wants be known in season to make proper arrangements. We accompany Bro. Loughborough to the Hundred Mile Grove meeting, and he goes with us to Princeville, Ill., and the Iowa Conference. Our address till July 10th, will be Richmond, Iowa, and Battle Creek, Michigan. J. W. Questions Asked and Answered.
By E. GOODRICH
In reading the New Testament, especially the Gospels, one is very forcibly impressed with the fact, that every question propounded to the Saviour received a ready and most appropriate answer, whether asked for instruction, or for the purpose of political or religious gain. And not only is this true of questions in the aggregate, but it is also true of particular questions, several of which may apparently be embodied in one. And not only is every several question answered in a particular manner, but every such occasion was used by the Saviour for the purpose of teaching other important practical truths, some of which did, and others of which did not, stand immediately related to the questions asked. As an illustration of the truth of the foregoing, we may refer to the one who came to Jesus and inquired what he should do to inherit eternal life. We read, "And, behold, one came and said unto him, good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life?" Matt. xix, 16. Here is a distinct question, not of an individual but of a general character, the answer to which is applicable, not only to the one that asked it, but to every one. The answer forcibly corresponds with the question in every particular. The Saviour before answering it however, as if to disabuse the mind of all undue regard for personalities and properly impress them with the authority of God, said, "Why callest thou me good? There is none good but one, that is God." He then said, "But if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments." Verse 17. Here is one plain question asked and answered. But the young man was not satisfied, and asked another question in the verse, "Which?" evidently referring to the commandments spoken of by the Saviour. There can be no reasonable doubt but what this question, as the former, has received a prompt and complete answer; for we read, "Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother; and, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself." Here is another question asked and answered; yet there is a dispute as to whether Christ in his quotations referred to a particular class of commandments, or whether he particularized every commandment necessary to be observed in order to secure eternal life. If the former be the correct rule of interpretation, and Christ referred to the entire class of moral precepts, then those are necessarily included that enjoin our duties to God as well as to our fellow-men; but if the latter is true, not only the first four commandments of the decalogue, but every other commandment even the great commandment itself is purposely omitted. This cannot be. Such a conclusion is too absurd to be indulged in for a moment. Again the young man after listening to the answer given to his second question said, "All these things have I kept from my youth up; what lack I yet?" Verse 20. Here is a third question, "What lack I yet?" not general, but personal, applying only to the young man that asked it; and the answer corresponds precisely, by telling him what he should do in order to be perfect. And this is the manner in which every question whether of a personal or general character is treated by the Saviour. There is, however, one instance which at first sight seems to form a kind of exception to this rule. It is found by reading "And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. The baptism of John, whence was it? from Heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From Heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye then not believe him? But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things." Matt. xxi, 23-27. From every point of observation at which we may look at him, Christ is every way worthy of being called the great master Teacher. None so low or so humble but what he is ready to instruct, and none so high but what he is able and willing to teach; and the question oftimes occurs, why did he not answer the chief priest and elders of the people and tell them by what authority he did these things? Was it because he feared them? Was it for this reason that he did not wish them to know? or was it because of their manifest unwillingness to understand and obey the truth? or lastly, was it because he could not consistently with the dignity of his high and holy mission? But before attempting to answer the latter question, we should remember that there are two kinds of dignity, the one of person and the other of principle; and while the former is never a reliable rule, yet is often mistaken for the latter, the latter is always an infallible guide and should never be sacrificed to satisfy the idle curiosity or caprice of any one. Principles never lie. Principles never change. Principles are always true, not only to themselves but to all things else; so that no action regulated by principle can swerve in the least from a given course. And it is a fact that we should particularly note that every act of the Saviour's life was in strict harmony with, and governed by, the highest principles of morality, honor and truth. The case, then, is a very plain one. Those who asked the question, neither possessed aptitude nor willingness of mind to receive the truth. This is manifested by the question of the Saviour. The baptism of John, whence was it? from Heaven, or of men? At first sight it might seem that the Saviour wished to avoid answering the one asked him, by asking another; but this is not the case; for the question he asked was every way pertinent, because the mission of John was a part and parcel, and an embodiment of the primary lessons of the then present truth. The testimony of John and the entire burden of his preaching was Christ the Messiah. And as no one can comprehend advanced truths before understanding elementary ones, the Saviour began at the very point where every wise teacher necessarily begins. He began with the first plain and simple lesson of practical truth that particularly belonged to that age, and that properly led to the solution of the question asked him. But finding them from personal and selfish motives, unwilling to answer so simple and plain a question either way, he said unto them, "Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things." Neither did he in answering in this manner, show any unwillingness to receive and answer questions; but he manifested his own God-like greatness and the dignity of his high and holy calling—the dignity of principle. Moralities.
By Jos. Clarke
It is of little benefit to us, if men compliment us, while God frowns upon us. Little harm can man do to us, if God befriend us. The gift bestowed by a friend, as a reward of industry, should prompt the receiver to greater effort to diligence. We may with propriety forget what we have bestowed, but what we have received, never. An ungrateful heart must be sad and lonely; a grateful one is like a beautiful palace, full of life and splendor. He who sings in a railroad car invites the criticism of all who happen to be present; and it might be open enemies, who would ridicule, or cultivated ears which would be offended. A wise man is as clear of ostentation, as from timidity. He who continues in a neglect of duty, is like a man who allows his debts to accumulate. If we would avoid sin, we must not rush into temptation. The experience of a Christian is better and better, that of the sinner, is worse and worse. Adversity purifies the good, but hardens the bad heart. Better that others should misjudge our acts, than that we should flatter ourselves. The mood a man's mind may be in, should not be allowed to bias his judgment. Good advice sinks deeply into the heart of the wise man and he becomes wiser, while the conceited man resists advice and becomes more self-conceited and foolish. He who assumes responsibility, wanting the ability to perform, rushes into the fires of temptation. He who through fear, timidity, or false modesty would shun the path of duty, is like an idle man in time of harvest. Those who prefer other men's business to their own, are like children, who think the food they get while abroad, is nicer than the food provided by their parents. To have the favor of our friends, neighbors, relatives and brethren, is indeed a blessing:22 but it would be still better to deserve it. As stars soften the darkness of night, so do kind words cheer the heart darkened by sorrow and gloom. As it was formerly, so it is now: the words of wisdom are life and light to some, but darkness and death to others. It is sometimes necessary for a good man to boast of his gifts, but it is the selfishness and blindness of others, which causes this necessity. None are so unwilling to be called ungrateful, as those who are guilty of the sin of ingratitude. A wise man listens to the speech of his neighbor, while the fool takes pride in his own. Some continually apply to themselves those things which are not applicable to them, while others ward off the words of wisdom, which might help them, and apply them to others. The Review and Herald.
By James White
BROTHER L. has just returned from the post office (Janesville, Wis.,) bringing the sad news—"The Review has not come." What a disappointment! We have been from the Review Office one week, and feel exceedingly anxious to see a new paper, edited, and some of the matter received, and some written, and all printed since we left home. We would gladly give one dollar for a copy to take on the cars this afternoon on our way to Madison. The Review is an excellent paper; but still we think it can be, and should be, improved. And we would suggest that one of the best improvements that can be made in the Review, is to have all our preachers furnish something for it each week. If they cannot find time to write a column each week, they can furnish half a column, or a quarter, or an eighth of a column, or at least a half-dozen lines. What a paper we could have if all would take hold of the work in earnest. Some could furnish a doctrinal article, some experimental and practical, and sketches of Christian experience, while others could give reports of meetings, facts of the progress of the cause, and items and incidents of interest. Brethren in the ministry, you should not say that you have neither time nor matter to write. You can take time; and certainly, if you walk with God, a meek laborer in his service, its toils and joys, and incidents of blessedness will furnish matter for a short article for the Review. We say, Take time to speak each week to the thousands of readers of the Review. These very lines we are penciling on the train, hastening its lightning speed from Janesville to Milton Junction. Time to write! Yes, indeed, and enough to say. But this important duty does not devolve on ministers alone. J. Clarke of the Review, is not a minister, and he seems always full of something good to write for the Review and Instructor. There are hundreds of school teachers, Sabbath-school teachers, mechanics and farmers, who love the present truth, and can talk and write well on other subjects, who do not, but should, write for the Review. We are not now calling for common, prosy, dry articles, made up of common-place expressions which have been repeated for the hundredth time, written so carelessly as to puzzle both editor and printer. We design to fill a column or more each week, with the permission of the editor. Come, brethren, let us do what we can for the Review, and give Bro. Smith time to revise "Thoughts on the Revelation" for a noble volume, soon to appear, we hope. J. W. To the Young.
By M. F. Maxson
We are living "in a grand and awful time." Satan is working with mighty power, knowing that his time is short; and we who are young, are especially exposed to his fierce temptations. He will try in every possible manner to draw us away from God, to divert our minds from heavenly things, and fill them with earthly thoughts. And are we trying with all our powers to resist him? Oh are we, in the strength of God pressing forward? or are we gradually yielding to Satan and being overcome by him? We firmly believe we have reached the time when the people of God are going to arise and clothe themselves with the beauteous garments of righteousness and salvation; and if we would be prepared to rise with them, we must strive earnestly to get our hearts right in the sight of God. We must put from us all pride, vanity, love of ease and worldly pleasures, and seek to be conformed wholly to the will of God. Now is the time to work. Do not let us fold our hands in idleness, and fondly dream that at some future time we will "make our peace, calling and election sure." Time is short. We have not one moment to spare. Already we can almost hear in the distance, the rolling of the chariot which brings to earth our absent Lord; and occasionally we almost seem to catch a glimpse of the light and glory that encircle the heavenly cortege. And oh, let us as in the presence of God, ask ourselves the solemn question, Shall I be prepared to meet with joy the coming King? We know that none but the pure and holy, those who have humbly walked with God, will be accounted worthy to stand before the Son of man when he shall appear. Shall we be found among that holy, happy band? Thank God we may be. Mercy still lingers. Jesus invites us and all Heaven says, Come. Oh let us hasten to the fountain that is opened "for sin and uncleanness," and bathe there until every stain is washed from our sinful souls. Let us from this moment resolve that in the strength of God, we will overcome. We must be in earnest, determined and persevering, or Satan will overcome us. His efforts are unwearied and constant, and if we try to draw nearer to the Lord, and consecrate ourselves entirely to him, he will press his darkness around us to discourage us, and we shall be tempted to give up the struggle. But when these fierce storms of temptation arise, let us seek shelter in the bower of prayer. His fiery darts can never penetrate through that inclosure. There, at Jesus' feet we shall be safe. He will surely listen to our earnest cries for help. If we seek him with all the heart, he will be found of us. He will not leave us to the buffetings of Satan, but will strengthen us to resist the powers of darkness, and to press on in the narrow way, until the last battle is fought, and a complete and final victory gained. Dear young friends, you "who are at ease in Zion," will you not awake and give yourselves wholly to God? Will you not listen to the dear voice that pleads, "Awake, awake thou that sleepest; arise from the dead and Christ shall give thee light?" Oh heed that solemn admonition ere it be everlastingly too late. Oh think of the joys of Heaven. Think of the rapture that will fill your soul, if at last, you may be permitted to enter through the golden gates into the city of God, there to receive from the Saviour's own hand—that precious hand that was once nailed to the cross for you—a crown of bright glory, and to hear from his dear lips the sweet words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Oh is not Heaven worth striving for? Is it not worth giving up all for? And will you through carelessness and indifference fail of everlasting life? Oh think of the dreadful anguish that will be yours if at last you have to exclaim, "The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and I am not saved." Eternal life was offered to me, but I would not make the necessary efforts to secure it. Heaven with all its blessedness might have been mine, but now it is too late, and I am lost. May this sad lamentation never be yours or mine. In the strength of Israel's God, let us go forward. Be faithful in secret prayer. Have stated seasons for holding communion with God, and as you value eternal life, let nothing tempt you to neglect the solemn exercise. And as you try to draw near to God, believe that he draws near to you. And though at times the blessing may be withheld, and you can get no sensible answer to your prayers, yet wait at his footstool, cling to his promise, and when you most need it, showers of grace will descend upon your waiting soul, "like dew upon the mown grass." Pray much. By prayer you will conquer. Meditate constantly upon the glories of Heaven, and the goodness of God. Often ask yourselves the question, Am I now pleasing God? and do I aim to please him in all that I do and say? Make religion your chief business, and it will be your delight. The blessing of the Lord will be with you, and you will know no greater joy than to please him. Be in earnest. Be faithful, patient, persevering, and "Soon the joyful news will come,
Child, your Father calls, Come home."
M. F. MAXSON.
Battle Creek, Mich. As in the Days of Noah.
By H. A. St. John
NoaH lived and preached when the judgments of a righteous God upon a guilty world were immediately impending. The life or death of all souls depended upon their acceptance or non-acceptance of that last message of heavenly mercy. The vast majority rejected the gracious warning. The love of sensuality and pleasure so blinded their understandings, that they knew not the time of their visitation. The appointed day arrived, Noah and his family were the only ones found sanctified through the truth, God shut them into the ark, "the windows of heaven were opened, the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the world that then was, being overflowed with water, perished." But the earth which is now, is "reserved unto fire, against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men." It groans under its load of sin. Its dreadful doom is at the door. Justice will not always slumber. Vengeance belongeth to God, and he will speedily repay. But in accordance with his gracious manner of dealing with the human family, he sends message after message, to arouse and prepare those that heed them, for a shelter in the "secret of his pavilion, until his wrath be overpast." But of all the messages the Lord sends, there must be a last; and this last, most solemn message is now being given. But few heed it, the many as in the days of Noah, are slaves to gross sensualism, eating and drinking to excess, nullifying the force of truth upon the mind, and neutralizing true godliness and spirituality. But the few are striving to become "temperate in all things," thus getting ready to be found without fault before Christ at his coming. Be of One Mind.
By Julia A. Dayton
MANY passages of scripture might be adduced, forming a beautiful and harmonious testimony illustrative of the apostle's meaning upon this important subject; a subject which has hitherto, by the great mass of mankind, been deemed one of but little importance, and unworthy of scarce a passing notice. And so prevalent has this error become, that it does not startle the seeker after truth, to hear upon the right and left, from the learned professor, or illiterate lounger, that it makes but little difference what one's belief is, so long as he is sincere; until, too willing to take for doctrine the commandments of men, neglecting to search the Scriptures which are able to make them wise unto salvation, and to bring about an end so desirable, and one so expressly enjoined by the apostle, we see as the result, what might be expected, discord and confusion. And if, perchance, some honest soul would make his way from out this modern Babel, he has, indeed, abundant need to pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit to aid him in his search for truth. Not surprised, perhaps, to find so many differences of opinion among the "friends of the world," he turns in ardent hope to the few who profess to be "the friends of God," and how does his heart ache and his purpose waver, while his mind is torn with conflicting views as he finds even these, pointing, one this way, another that, leaving him like Noah's weary dove, without a place to rest; his ardent longings giving way to despair at sight of the confusion all around him. Alas for him if he lean upon the arm of flesh. How many have fallen over this stone of stumbling, and gone down to perdition, the day that bringeth every work into judgment alone may reveal. Surely it cannot be a subject of small moment which gives occasion for the earnest language of the apostle, "Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." 1 Cor. i, 10. Fitting it is, that his tender importunities should touch our hearts,23 and inspire within us a careful zeal to approve ourselves clear in this matter. But there is another view to be taken of this subject, in order to prevent the unwary from running into the other extreme. We cannot suppose from the above text, that the apostle meant to convey the idea that we ought literally to make use of the same words to express our thoughts and feelings one to another, like a good sister of whom I once heard, who, desiring to write a letter to send for publication in a religious paper, copied almost word for word the expressions of another, from a previous number which fell under her notice. But while it is our privilege and duty to be of the same judgment, and that judgment matured and sanctified through the truth, it is also ours to freely use, or, as the apostle has it, “to stir up the gift that is in us, improving upon the talents he has given us, who hath divided to every man severally as he will.” And is it not better thus? Every one knows how refreshing it is to meet now and then, one who dares clothe his ideas in his own words, all the more refreshing for the charm of originality. We may be of the same mind though we may robe our thoughts in a different garb; and we would lay aside as dull and monotonous, a series of letters composed after some prescribed rule, though written by different individuals. To illustrate: Two brethren write for the paper. Bro. A. writes in a manner characteristic of himself, with much humility, while Bro. B. writes with freedom, and “as one having authority,” yet both of the same judgment, and for one object—the glory of God. Thus it becomes evident that “there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit,” “and there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.” “For to one is given by the Spirit, the word of wisdom,” “to another, faith by the same Spirit,” and the ear may not say, because I am not the eye I am not of the body. “But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body as it hath pleased him.” “Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church, yet withal being of the same mind.” For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. TRUTH.—Says a Swiss proverb, "It takes a great many shovelfuls of dirt to cover the truth. For bury it as deep as you may, it will have a resurrection notwithstanding. They may roll a great stone, and seal the sepulcher in which laid, and set a watch upon it, yet still, like its Lord, it comes forth at its appointed hour. It can not die, being of an immortal race; for as the Spanish proverb nobly declares, "The truth is the daughter of God." Time Is Fleeting.
By A. M. A. Cornell
How fast the time is fleeting,
How swift it speeds away,
As we are surely nearing
The long-expected day.
The day of Christ's appearing
Is even at the doors,
And we are almost counting
The swiftly passing hours. Events of solemn import,
Are daily taking place,
Without apparent effort,
We meet them face to face.
All these events are speaking,
And bidding us prepare
To be all ready—waiting,
When Jesus shall appear. No time have we for trifling,
With earth's vain, fleeting toys,
If we would be securing,
Heaven's bright, enduring joys.
Our High Priest pleads in Heaven,
And offers his own blood,
That we may be forgiven,
And stand before our God. But soon his work completed,
Stern justice rules again,
And Egypt's plagues repeated,
Shall fall on living men.
Oh, heed the warning given!
And flee the wrath to come,
Ere it is said in Heaven,
Amen—the work is done. Redemption's plan completed,
The saints are saved at last.
Their artful foe defeated,
His long dark reign is past.
Freed from his wiles forever,
They shall in glory reign,
And peace and joy shall ever
Fill all that bright domain. Bro. White: Past and present movements in the nominal churches, would seem to indicate that the attempted enforcement of the Sunday law, by the two-horned beast, is not very far distant in the future. Our great enemy knows very well, that those who "teach for doctrine, the commandments of men" are to be well drilled, in order to induce them to act with energy in the endeavor to carry out his plans. We think that, if those who "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus" would act with as much energy as those who reject the truth, the 144,000 would soon be made up. Inclosed, find a clip from the "Christian Advocate and Journal," of May 10, which induced me to make the above remarks. Five hundred copies of that instructive and useful work, "The Sabbath Viewed in the Light of Reason, Revelation, and History," by Rev. James Gillilan, have been placed in the hands of the Western Book Agents, to be had gratuitously on application, by Methodist clergymen who are in active service and anxious to inform the people on the Sabbath question, with a view to promote the proper observance of this sacred day of rest. This volume reaches its clerical readers through a succession of beneficent acts suited to enchace its value. The costly stereotype plates from which it is printed, are the gift of John Henderson, Esq., of Glasgow, Scotland, to the New York Sabbath Committee. They were transmitted by the Cunard Steamship Company without charge, and came from the custom-house free of duty. Copies are manufactured by the American Tract Society for the mere cost of production. Aided by liberal donations of a few benevolent gentlemen, the Committee have already distributed gratuitously over five thousand copies of the work among the pastors of various evangelical Churches, and the leading express companies have nobly seconded all these concurrent acts of benevolence by carrying those copies, free of cost, to their places of destination. The Committee are still continuing the distribution of the book as fast as practicable among the accessible pastors of evangelical denominations. The New York Sabbath Committee desire in this way, to express their respect for the Christian ministry, and to aid them in advocating, in the pulpit and otherwise, the authority and better observance of the Lord's day, which in inseparable connection with the Bible and the Church, constitutes the only sure foundation of evangelical religion, private and public virtue, constitutional freedom, and national prosperity. MEN's hearts now failing them for fear,
Proclaims the second advent near;
Saints, lift your heads, the land descry,
Lo! your redemption draweth nigh. Watch, watch and pray; the day is near,
The King of kings will soon appear;
Earth's stormy night will soon be o'er,
Then we shall sigh and weep no more. Be thou O God our help and shield,
That we may ne'er to Satan yield,
O guide us by thine own right hand,
That we may safely reach that land. In fierce temptation's trying hour,
Keep thine elect from Satan's power.
Tear every idol from its throne,
And reign, dear Saviour, reign alone. Through this dark world of sin and strife,
We'll cling to thee, our hope and life.
O Saviour, thou our solace be,
And we will ever trust in thee. Lord, haste the day when we shall be,
From sin and pain and sorrow free.
Come rescue from death's dark domain,
That we may rise with thee to reign. Then with that holy, happy band,
That shall inherit Caanan's land,
Where tears shall all be wiped away,
We'll sing thy praise through endless day. 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! SOME young men talk about luck. Good luck is to get up at six o'clock in the morning; good luck, if you have only a shilling a week, is to live upon eleven pence and save a penny; good luck, is to trouble your head with your own business, and let your neighbors' alone; good luck is to fulfill the commandments, and to do unto other people as we wish them to do unto us. They must not only work, but wait. They must plod and persevere. Pence must be taken care of, because they are the seeds of guineas. To get on in the world, they must take care of home, sweep their own doorways clean, try to help other people, avoid temptation, and have faith in truth and God.