Earlier text: What must I Do to be Saved?THE THIRD COMMANDMENT—A QUERY.
By Editor
BRO. SMITH: I have read your remarks on the Third Commandment with much interest. It is a subject on which I have thought considerable, and since I embraced the message I have looked upon it as unlawful to swear, in or out of court. If I apprehend your position, it is that the swearing prohibited by our Saviour in Matt. v, and by James, relates solely to vows or oaths of performance. On this I would inquire, 1. Do not the words of the Saviour in Matt. v, 37 show that he refers to all manner of oaths? "But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay; for WHATSOEVER is more than these, cometh of evil." 2. Are not all judicial oaths of the nature of vows of performance? As, oaths of office, to faithfully perform the duties of; or, oaths of testimony or witness. These you exclude from this class, but I think improperly, as in these the deponent solemnly swears that he will tell the truth, or truly answer, &c. It has been, and is, my desire that the light on this subject may yet be so clear that we shall all see "eye to eye," wherever the truth is. REMARKS.—We place the swearing mentioned by the Saviour, as will be seen by a reference to the articles on the Third Commandment, in a different vocabulary from that mentioned by James: the former referring to oaths of performance, the latter being brought to view in James iii, 10. To the question, Do not the words of the Saviour in Matt. v, 37, show that he refers to all manner of oaths? with our present view of the subject, we must reply in the negative. We aver then that the Saviour in the language of Matt. v, 37, does not refer to all manner of oaths; because, 1. He only introduces as the subject of his remarks a particular kind; namely, oaths of performance. It had been said, by them of old time, that a person should not forswear himself; that is, swear to perform certain things, and not do them; he might swear if he would perform. But says the Saviour, I say unto you, Swear not at all. In what way? Before a court of justice? We have no reason to infer this, since this is not the subject of his remarks; but, swear not at all, in the manner in which they of old time permitted people to swear; which was to swear to do. This appears to us to be the only legitimate and reasonable inference that can be drawn from the language. 2. There was, under the former dispensation, a plain distinction kept up between judicial oaths, and oaths of performance. The one was simply permitted; [Deut. xxiii, 21, 22;] the other was positively commanded. Deut. vi, 13. If the Saviour had added to what he did say, a declaration something like this: Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, thou shalt swear by God's name; but I say unto you, Swear not, &c., then would the prohibition have been complete. But the sin which he takes up is, forswearing one's self on oaths of performance. He would have his disciples free from this also; and to effectually accomplish this, he extends his prohibition to the swearing itself. Of course, then, if they did not swear at all in this manner, there would be no chance for them to thus forswear themselves. Thus he guards against the sin, by taking away its occasion. 3. The swearing referred to by the Saviour, is connected with our "communication :" doubtless meaning the common intercourse of life. In this connection the Jews were notoriously guilty of common swearing, and that, too, by the very objects specified in our Saviour's language, according to the quotation we gave on this subject in REVIEW, Vol. xii, No. 20. We confidently submit that this language can have no reference to the testimony (not communication) which a person gives in a court of justice. 4. Words apparently universal in their application, are sometimes limited by the scope of the declarations in which they are used. And we confidently believe, and as readily assert, that the word "whatsoever," in the passage under consideration, according to the connection in which it stands, can no more include judicial oath-taking than the words "every day" in Rom. xiv, 5, can include the Sabbath. Every Sabbath-keeper contends, and justly, too, for a limitation of this phrase, every day, so as to exclude the weekly Sabbath. Why? Because, say they, the weekly Sabbath is not connected with the subject of the Apostle's discourse. So we now contend for a limitation of the word, whatsoever, in Matt. v, 37, so as to exclude judicial oath-taking, for the very same reason; namely, that it is not included in the subject of the Saviour's remarks. The two instances are exactly parallel; whatever would break down the limitation in one case, would in the other; if it will stand in the one case, so will it in the other. This may seem to forestall an answer to the second of the queries above proposed; viz., "Are not all judicial oaths of the nature of vows of performance?" We are ready to admit that whatever can be shown to be of the nature of vows of performance, as in use among the Jews, comes within the prohibition of the Saviour's language; but we must still claim a wide distinction between the latter and oaths of a judicial nature. Oaths of evidence are appeals to God as witness to the truth of what we affirm. Such is the definition of an oath. All can see the difference between calling God to witness to the truth of what we say, and vowing to do some act in the future. But the above query, ingeniously, it must be confessed, puts the question in a different light. It says, "Deponent solemnly swears that he will tell the truth, &c., that is, do some act." Does this differ from oaths of performance? Materially. In the latter we pledge ourselves to do some future act which we are not certain of ever being able to perform. Circumstances over which we can have no control may prevent our accomplishing what we would do. It is this uncertainty, this hazard which we run, which, if we mistake not the import of the Saviour's words, makes these oaths unlawful in their nature. But can any circumstance transpire to prevent our telling the truth? By no means: no one will be willing to admit that any combination of circumstances can compel a man to lie. Concerning things which have come within our personal observation, we have absolute knowledge. The truth of the declarations we make concerning them, we know with unwavering certainty; and therefore when we appeal to God as witness of their truth, and imprecate his vengeance in case of their falsity, we incur no hazard. There is this difference then between oaths of testimony and performance: in the one case we have perfect knowledge of the truth of the declarations we utter; in the other we have no knowledge that we shall be able to perform the acts we vow to do: in the one case we run no risk; in the other we do. But the querist would probably be ready with the declaration here, that though a man may know the truth, he does not know that he will be able to tell it. We reply, He does not swear that he will tell it! This may seem like a strange and contradictory assertion; but let us analyze a judicial oath, and see if it will stand. When a person takes his oath that he will "tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth," how far does he involve himself? Does he bind himself to tell everything he knows concerning the matter on which he is called to testify? He might talk perhaps for six hours, and tell a thousand things, all true, but irrelevant to the evidence. It cannot mean this. All that is required of him is to give an impartial answer to the questions proposed. This only, then, is the latitude of the phrase "whole truth." Therefore the obligation which a person imposes upon himself by a judicial oath, is simply this: he binds himself, so far as he does testify, to speak in accordance with the truth. The oath relates to the truth in the abstract, and not to any particular saying or declaration which he is going to utter. He swears that whatever he speaks, shall be in accordance with truth. Now suppose it should so happen that the witness, after taking his oath, should not utter a single syllable; would he break his oath? Not at all. Should he be struck dumb, or the court be dispersed, without his giving in his testimony; would he break his oath? No: because he did not bind himself certainly to say something or that he would positively give in some testimony, but only that what he did say, (if he said anything,) should be in accordance with truth. This shows that he comes within the limits of his oath, when he begins to testify, and not before. Therefore it is not of the nature of oaths of performance, which relate to future actions. We wish all to hear in mind this plain distinction; and we are willing to expose ourself to the charge of redundancy, for the sake of repeating it. We say again, then, that if a judicial oath is of the nature of an oath of performance, an individual must bind himself by it to positively make such and such declarations, at a future time: this however he does not do; but only that his declarations so far as he makes any, shall be in accordance with truth. Therefore the two are essentially different in their nature. The same distinction applies, in a less degree perhaps, to oaths of office. Not considering it probable that the remnant would hold any civil offices under the jurisdiction of the Two-horned beast, we have not felt called upon to take into special consideration oaths relating thereto. We do not think, however, that they come under the head of oaths of performance mentioned by the Saviour. An oath of office, is an oath to perform the duties of the office, whatever they may be, according to the constitution of the United States. The oath relates rather to the agreement of the acts with the constitution, than to the acts themselves. In the desire expressed by the writer of the above queries, "that the light on this subject may yet be so clear, that we shall all see 'eye to eye,' wherever the truth is," we heartily join; we may also add the comforting belief that this desire will yet be realized. EASTERN TOUR.
By James White
THE friends of the cause everywhere must feel a deep interest in the prosperity of the cause East, as that is the oldest field, where brethren have longest borne the cross of present truth, and have endured trials, and have sacrificed of their means to send light and truth throughout the wide field. And it will be expected that we should report something of the state of the cause East, so far as we can judge from our recent visit. In the State of New York we had six meetings. At Rochester we met with a few friends of the cause, and enjoyed much freedom with them. Here, (where Satan's seat is,) the head-quarters of Spiritualism, No-Law, No-Sabbath, Age-to-come, and their consequent evils, are a few who are striving for eternal life. Here we were blessed far beyond our expectations. What a contrast between our feelings, and the scenes of trial there in past years, while suffering under toil, care, embarrassment, ill health, and great depression of spirits. Praise God for deliverance from the cruel burdens under which we then suffered. At Roosevelt we had great freedom in endeavoring to feed the sheep and the lambs. Bro. Loughborough spoke on the Saints' Inheritance, which greatly cheered and encouraged the church, and deeply interested the entire congregation. It reminded us of what the Prophet hath said. "If thou turn away thy foot from the Sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honorable; and shalt honor him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words; then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." Isa. lviii, 13, 14. In times past the church in this vicinity has suffered45 much in consequence of those having large beams in their eyes, endeavouring to remove motes from the eyes of their brethren. This has been carried on till some have well-nigh had their eyes put out. But they are learning better. They now think the very best way for the whole church to get right, is for every one to be sure to get right himself. Then they will all be able to see clearly. Amen. At Brookfield, Madison Co., our conference was held in the Christian chapel, a few rods from the house of Bro. Ira Abbey. On Sabbath the house was quite well filled. We did not expect to find half so many Sabbath-keepers in this vicinity, holding to the Third Message. We trust this meeting will prove a lasting blessing to the dear brethren in that vicinity. We had the pleasure of planting in the water, in the likeness of Christ's death, Bro. and Sr. Wheeler, Bro. and Sr. Cook, and another. E. W. Waters was present at this meeting, one who joined the Messenger spirits, and acted a part in that campaign of accusing, slandering and misrepresenting the true friends of the cause. The subject of the unity and gifts of the church seemed to break his spirit of opposition, and as far as we could judge, he began to feel his sins, and give evidence of a desire to retrace his steps. We hope the work is genuine. If God can let his Spirit strive with him, and bring him fully back to the fold, to again hold sweet communion with the saints, and be fitted for the association of Christ, angels, and the redeemed those who are acquainted with his aggravating case will have great reason to praise and extol the grace of God. We speak plainly of his wrong course, while we feel deeply his condition, and would do all in our power to help such an one. Brethren, see his confession in this paper. Pray for him, and help him if you can. His only hope is in making thorough work. Lord help. At Mannsville we had a precious season. Here are a few living souls. Here we were impressed with the words, "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." John x. 27. Jesus leads the way and calls. He does not go behind and drive the sheep. The under-shepherds who speak instead of the Chief Shepherd, should lead the way and call the sheep. Some of our best, most sacrificing, and zealous brethren have erred here. They should keep in the love of God, full of the Spirit of their Master, then call. Blessed be God, the sheep will hear and understand. They should be very careful not to get behind the sheep to drive them, lest the flock be scattered, and some dear lambs be lost. The Lord bless them; they are learning better. At Buck's Bridge the saints assembled in the House of Prayer, where a goodly number seemed to be greatly benefitted by the preaching of the Word, and exhortations. A number have joined the ranks in that part of the State. And while some have been leaving for the West, the Lord has been making others strong to hold up the standard. At Rouse's Point we met with a few friends at Bro. C. O. Taylor's. There we were happy to meet with Bro. D. T. Taylor and wife, and Bro. C. F. Hudson, for the first time. Bro. Hudson had just closed his lectures on the immortality theme in that place, and Bro. Taylor in consequence of ill health had left his charge at Worcester, Mass., and was staying with his brother. These brethren heard four discourses, which we trust will induce them to fully investigate the subjects of the Law of God and Sanctuary. Bro. M. B. Czechowski and family were present, with several French brethren who have embraced the Sabbath under his labors. Bro. C. is well, and very active. He has a hard field of labor, but rejoices greatly in the truth, and has some success. At Wolcott, Vt., we met a large assembly from different parts of the State. This was an excellent meeting. There was freedom in preaching the Word, also in social meetings. We were happy to meet with the Bros. Bourdeaux, their parents, and several others of the French brethren. The Lord is moving quite a number of this people out into the present truth. We shall long remember the Wolcott meeting, the meeting and parting with the old and tried friends of the precious cause of truth. Bro. Loughborough's testimony was fully appreciated by them. A change of gifts is evidently beneficial to the cause everywhere. At Washington, N. H., we were greatly disappointed. A scattering influence had been among them, and we feared a dark season of labor. The weather was bad, and we feared a lack of interest would detain the brethren at home. But no; at the time appointed the Christian chapel was quite well filled with Sabbath-keepers. The Word preached seemed to search every heart, and the meeting closed with the best prospects of unity and harmony for time to come. Our meeting at Clinton, Mass., resulted much like the one at Washington, only here we met with greater darkness; but the Lord worked mightily for his people. The erring were reproved, and the distracted and fainting ones were greatly encouraged. This meeting had a cheering influence on the friends of the cause. At Portland, Me., our meetings were held in the City Hall. Quite a number of brethren came in from abroad. Several in the city have recently embraced the Sabbath. After our meeting closed in the hall, the Adventists opened their hall, where Bro. Loughborough gave two lectures, and led a Bible class on the Sanctuary question. Bro. Lunt writes that the interest continues. We look back upon this tour with the greatest pleasure. As the burden of labor is evidently West, we feared that this long tour on old ground would be tedious and discouraging. But we were greatly disappointed. The Lord has great care for the old, faithful friends of the cause, and met with us at every appointment. We were astonished to find them all firm in the present truth. Not a man of any moral worth has left the ranks. Preachers had left them to labor in the West, and discouragements had pressed in on every hand, yet there they were, standing upon the rock of truth. And O, how sweet was communion with such steadfast souls. These little differences which have existed between brethren East and West in relation to the added law, &c., seem to be nearly lost sight of, and we are happy to say that there exists great respect for each other's honest views. In this position and spirit, the God of truth can lead us all by the Spirit of truth into all truth, on this point as well as all others. Some of our eastern brethren have lacked interest for the cause West, and a spirit of opposition has arisen against brethren moving West to labor. This has looked too much like sitting down and having a good time eating up the loaf while many poor children in the West were really starving. But we are happy to report a good missionary spirit in the East. They feel that the good cause is one, and are ready to come up to the help of the Lord. This is as it should be; while we trust that the churches West greatly respect the old friends and supporters of the cause East. REPORT FROM BRO. COTTRELL.
By R. F. Cottrell
BRO. SMITH: Since my last report I have visited the brethren at Westfield, Pa., and Wileyville, and Nile, N. Y. The little church at Westfield are striving to hold on and endure, notwithstanding discouragements and opposition. May the Lord bless them, build them up in their most holy faith, and add to their number such as shall be saved. Preached eight times while with them, and found more interest to hear than formerly there has been. Some are convicted of the truth, but are not ready to obey. This is the case almost everywhere the truth is preached. Alas! to how many will the preaching of the truth prove a savor of death unto death! At West Union I spent thirteen days, with the brethren at Wileyville and in an adjoining neighborhood. It happened here, as it frequently does in other places, that the professed christians generally did not manifest an interest to hear the Bible evidences of the near coming of Him they profess to love. Some of them however, and some "sinners of the Gentiles" came in, and gave a most attentive and respectable hearing, and some of the latter class were ready to confess the truth as far as they had learned. The Lord help them to obey, that their hearts may be converted as well as their heads. The church at Wileyville are growing strong in the truth, and I hope, not without reason I think, that their number will soon be increased. Yet some members are backward to realize that God requires their undivided affections. I hope they will see that a secondary interest in the cause of the Lord, which serves him after their own interest and convenience is served, will not be accepted. If this is the cause of the Lord, we can afford to put all on board; if it is not, we should have nothing to do with it. At Nile the leaven of truth is at work. Prejudice has been removed, and a humble, teachable spirit, which, in the sight of God, is of great price, has taken its place. We had a refreshing season with the brethren that met. I regretted that Eld. Robbins of Friendship was not able to meet with us, on account of an injury received by a fall. On First-day we had a precious season at the water, where two were buried in the likeness of Christ's death. The one was an aged sister, who had long rested on a spurious ceremony, which has no likeness to a burial and resurrection; the other, a youthful daughter of Bro. and sister Lamphier, who thus put on Christ in his own appointed way. The Lord help her to walk in newness of life by keeping the commandments of God. From Nile I returned to Mill Grove. Found my family and the church in health. Two had been added to the church in my absence. Bro. Ingraham baptized them, as he passed that way on his return to the West. The Lord is still at work, reclaiming the wanderers, and we hope others of the young among us will give themselves to the Lord. The beloved disciple said, "I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth." And what can be greater joy to the remnant, than to see their children doing the same? I remained at home only four days, when I came to this place by request of Bro. Lebbeus Drew. Sister Drew was taken with bleeding at the lungs, and her life was despaired of, but the Lord has been merciful, and she is fast recovering, we hope. May the Lord bless this affliction to the family; and may the unconverted children be admonished to seek the Lord while he may be found. S. Putney, Steuben Co., N. Y., Dec. 17th, 1858. GOOD MANNERS.
By J. Clarke
Many suppose that it is of no consequence whether one is agreeable or not. Now this is in fact a great mistake, for ill manners are a disadvantage to any cause, or to any individual, while good manners are a help, an auxiliary; and men of the world understand this, and employ every art to win and please, in order to carry out their designs. Should not those whom God employs, act as consistently in this as men of the world? Should not they be wise to win souls? How very refined and polished was Paul, Isaiah, David, and John; in fact the Bible is a book of refinement, and good manners. Do you think that Jesus Christ ever gaped or yawned while brethren were praying or exhorting? Do you suppose that Paul was turning over the leaves of some book listlessly, while Barnabas was preaching? Do you think that John the beloved, was tainted in his clothes, and body, and breath, with tobacco, as he rested upon Jesus' bosom? Do you think that the prophet Isaiah, or Daniel, or Moses, neglected to wash their bodies for months, until their person smelt as strong as a Russian soldier, or a cossack? My opinion is, that these good men were true gentlemen at heart, and sought to be acceptable to all. I do not think that any of these good men filled their stomachs with grease, and then smoked to keep it down. No! they were gentlemen as well as saints.
J. CLARKE. A Confession.
By E. W. Waters
I CONFESS that I am in a very dark state of mind, and have so little sense of my true condition that I hardly dare undertake so important a work. O the lack I feel of that brokenness of heart and deep contrition of spirit that I so much need. I do confess that when the cause of God was suffering, and its true friends were few, I turned my back upon it, and exercised what little influence I had against the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, and on the side of the enemies of truth; and in this way I partook of their spirit, and became an enemy to the truths I once hoped to be sanctified through, and saved. When the so-called "Messenger of Truth" was published, I vainly thought it might be right; but I confess, in lending my influence to that slanderous sheet, the Messenger, I have done incalculable mischief. I realize but very faintly the deep anguish of soul I have caused all the lovers of the cause of truth, especially the sorrow of heart of those entrusted with the advancement of this cause, as Bro. and sister White, and the publishers, and preachers and defenders of the law of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ. I dare not pretend that I have any just sense of what the above named class have suffered from my unholy influence; but I am truly sorry that my influence was exercised against this cause and against those that were trying to hold it up. I know the cause has been wounded, and I know every one that loves it has been wounded also by my course, as far as it has been known to them, and my desire is that all these wounds may be healed at my expense. The price cannot be too great required at my hand. Whether I am able to cancel the debt or not, my desire is that the honor and advancement of this injured cause may take the lead of every mind in regard to myself. While under this unholy influence I was active, and thought I could see great things, and became possessed with an exalted spirit. I thought I could see many errors among the leaders, and vainly thought I could stand alone; but my shame and nakedness was discovered to me when at the Brookfield conference, Oct. 16th, 17th. Then the subject of present truth by Brn. Loughborough and White was made so plain that I could not but rejoice to see such consistency, and such harmony; and the testimony of Jesus was so clearly presented, that I could see that by my opposition to the visions, I was rejecting the Spirit. I now see that the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, (which testimony embraces all the gifts of the Holy Spirit ever given to man,) are a sure and immovable foundation, and will triumph in spite of all the unbelief of men or rage of Devils. And to all the wounded ones by me, from the slanderous sheet or otherwise, I do not feel that I have even approached the merits of my just deserts. All that I can ask at your hands is, that you will ask for me a spirit of heart-felt repentance, and then it may be I shall be prepared to seek your pardon. I am dark and lonely, sad and tried.
E. W. WATERS.
Norwich, N. Y., Nov. 1858. MY BRETHREN AND SISTERS: We have reached an important point of time, wherein we must overcome or be overcome, and that shortly. It is now more than two years since the faithful and true Witness warned us of our lukewarmness, and great danger of being spued out of his mouth, unless we zealously repented. The promise is, if we do repent we shall have the gold tried in the fire, the white raiment and the eye-salve, and the rich supper with Jesus, and finally sit down with him on his throne, as he has overcome and set down with his Father on his throne. Some may be led to think that their lot is harder than the hardest, therefore they cannot overcome. We find in testimony No. 3, these words: “We can overcome, yes, entirely. Jesus died to make a way of escape for us, that we may overcome every evil temper, every sin, every temptation, and sit down at last with him.” Brethren and sisters, do we believe this? that if we are faithful to confess and forsake our sins, we can completely and entirely overcome everything that is wrong, and finally the wicked one himself, and be as free and happy as though we had never sinned? Do we all believe this? O may the Lord help us to believe, and take hold anew, and never give over until we overcome, and be of the 144,000, and with the Lamb stand on the Mount Zion, and have the Father's name written in our foreheads. Rev. xiv. 1. Read the account given by the Evangelists, of the dreadful sufferings of Jesus to overcome; how he was mocked, derided, spit upon, and scourged, and then compelled to carry his own cross until he fainted. Then they laid hold on one Simon, one of his followers, and compelled him to bear the cross to the fatal spot. Now read chapter ix, of the Great Controversy, and I am very sure that we shall be careful how we murmur and complain of the trials and roughness of the way that leads to eternal life. We ought to be exceeding thankful that our Lord does not require us to pass through as much as he himself did; but if we should be called like the martyrs, to suffer, his grace would be sufficient for every emergency. In Rev. xxi, 7, we find a glorious promise: “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” This is an extensive promise made to the overcomer; not only to sit with Jesus on his throne, but to inherit all things. Yes brethren, the glorious city will be ours, and the earth made new with all its primeval beauty and glory, and we permitted to be for ever there, “wherein dwelleth righteousness.” Battle Creek, Mich., Dec., 13th, 1858. Letters.
By HICKMAN MILLER
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."
BRO. SMITH : There are a few of us here striving to heed the Third Angel's Message; and although we are surrounded by those that are opposed to the truth, we feel like putting our trust in the Lord, for we believe if we are faithful he will bring us off conquerors at last, and crown us with eternal life. Jesus says, Fear not little flock: it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. And again the Psalmist says, Great peace have they that love thy law, and (margin) they shall have no stumbling-block. Dear brethren and sisters, let us strive to live so that we may have peace with God while we are sojourners and pilgrims here in this mortal life, that when Christ comes to make up his jewels we may have fullness of joy, even to the satisfaction of our souls. Brn. Holt and Rhodes came here a year ago this fall, and preached a number of times on the Third Angel's Message, and the result was, two embraced the truth. We would rejoice to have some one come this way again and preach the truths of the Bible; for wickedness abounds, and the truths of God word go unheeded by the sects, but still we have hope that some might embrace the truth. In hope of eternal life. HICKMAN MILLER. "THE BOND OF PEACE."
By Mrs. R. Smith
When love unites the saints,
There'll be no sad complaints,
Against each other;
No bitter root will spring,
A wrong report to bring,
Against a brother; Each will delight to see
Sweet peace and harmony,
And long for more;
God's love the heart will fill,
And selfish motives kill,
As ne'er before. In union there'll be strength,
Through all the breadth and length,
Of this grand host;
Armed for the battle field,
No point of truth they'll yield,
Firm at their post. And when the battle's o'er,
They're safe forevermore,
With Christ their King;
Through him they gain their crown,
And lay their weapons down,
And victory sing.
West Wilton, N. H. Mrs. R. SMITH. Seeking Purity of Heart
By M. Bean
Bro. Smith: I would write a little on past experience, hoping it will do no harm. I am now seeking to get just right before the Lord, feeling that to delay is dangerous. I long to be made pure in heart. I once enjoyed what I call the blessing of loving God with all the heart; every root of evil entirely eradicated; and having no self-will or way. This blessing was as much greater than my previous enjoyment, as the light of the sun is greater than the light of the moon. But through ignorance, young in years and in experience, I lost the witness of the Spirit, and went through deep trials for months. The waves of temptation often ran mountain high over me, and like Jonah, I went to the bottom; though often God brought me up and I saw his smiling face. Since that time I have often been permitted to enjoy much of the presence of God, and many times felt that my heart was pure, at least I felt nothing to the contrary. Years past on, and just before I heard the first message, my soul was longing to be fed. When I heard that Jesus was soon coming, I loved it, and strove as others did to get ready; and as the time past and our hope was deferred, I still believed the work was of God. I left the church, and received a great blessing in so doing. In 1849, the Lord showed me in spirit, before being enlightened by hearing from any one, a great blessing for those who would embrace the truth, and keep God's holy Sabbath. My letter in the Review in 1857 tells a small part of my trials and deliverance, after six years bondage. Suffice it to say, after my deliverance I was so blessed of the Lord I had not much else to do but to praise him night and day for his great mercy to me, and for the blessed truth which I had seen. Now I had embraced and did enjoy it in my soul. I was all wonder, love and praise, for a number of months. At length I began to feel a lack in my soul; felt I was called upon to open the door of my heart and let the Saviour in. I have looked, and longed, and prayed, and at times been much encouraged but not satisfied. I know that I am not yet a Bible christian, though I love God, and feel that I am his child. I know he hears me pray and often blesses my poor soul; and I feel in a great measure to put my trust in God, yet after all I am lacking, and am quite dissatisfied with my state. I do feel that I must have victory over self, be crucified to the world and the world to me. I ardently long to have every power and faculty of my soul given to God. Without holiness no man shall see God. He has said, "Be ye holy for I am holy." And for our encouragement he has said if we confess and forsake our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive, and cleanse from all unrighteousness. He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. I do feel in my soul that we are being brought to a point where it is life or death with us; and my heart has been melted down of late and I felt humble before the Lord, when I thought he had waited so long for me to get ready, and was still waiting to be gracious to me. I feel now there is no drawing back; we must come up to our high privilege, take God at his word, grieve him no more with our unbelief. When the saints get on the whole armor, stand side to side and shoulder to shoulder, they will be fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners. It is then we can stand in the evil day, and having done all, we shall stand. Brethren pray, that I with you may overcome. Yours hoping to go through. Brookfield, Vt., Dec. 5th, 1858. Encouragement for Lovett's Grove Church
By A. A. Gregory
Bro. Smith: I feel thankful that I ever heard the Third Angel's Message, and have in some degree had my eyes opened to see the beauty and harmony there is in the Bible. It seems plainer than it ever did before. We are living in a solemn time. I desire the prayers of God's children for myself and the church at Lovett's Grove, that we may come up higher and enjoy what is the privilege of the church. I feel very thankful for the privilege of hearing from those who are in the Commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus. Though a stranger to the most of them, I trust we are made nigh by the blood of Christ. May his precious blood cleanse us from all sin. Striving to overcome,
A. A. GREGORY.
Lovett's Grove, Ohio, Dec. 20th, 1858. DEAR BRETHREN: While traveling through this vale of affliction we need encouragement, and we can be helps to each other by relating our hopes and fears, our joys and sorrows, and administering once in a while a word of consolation to the remnant. I rejoice to know that notwithstanding our trials and sorrows, God will give us grace to overcome, and finally crown us with glory, honor, and immortality in the kingdom of God. I have fightings without and trials within; yet I am determined (God being my helper) to see the inside of the city. We all have trials and temptations. My prayer is not that God may keep temptations from crossing my path, but that I may be able to overcome them all. I am willing to suffer, knowing that "If we suffer we shall also reign with him;" "but if we deny him he also will deny us." When we realize that "tribulation worketh patience, and patience experience, and experience hope, and hope maketh not ashamed," we are ready to say, "let patience have her perfect work," and to count it all joy when we fall into divers temptations. We can take joyfully the spoiling of our goods, as we realize that we are appointed to these things, and believe that these light afflictions which are but for a moment, shall work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Notwithstanding our deprivations and trials are severe, we reckon that our sufferings here are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. And though we are sometimes in heaviness through manifold temptations, yet we rejoice, knowing that the trial of our faith being much more precious than gold that perisheth, might be found unto praise, and honor, and glory at the appearing of Jesus. We do not think our fiery trials strange, as though some strange thing had happened unto us; but we rejoice, inasmuch as we are partakers of Christ's sufferings, that when his glory shall be revealed, we may be glad also with exceeding joy. "If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye; for the Spirit of glory and of God resteth upon you. On their part he is evil spoken of, but on your part he is glorified." Then let us rejoice that we are worthy to bear reproach, and suffer shame for the sake of Jesus. I often fear that after I have warned others, I myself shall become a cast away. Yet I shall ever bless God that there are great and eternal blessings for those who overcome; that God is not a respecter of persons, but will impart grace to those who walk worthy of it. In all of our temptations and trials here, let us look to that One who has said "My grace is sufficient for you." Let us keep our eyes upon the ark of God's covenant, and pray for him to send the angels which excel in strength, to our rescue. Russiaville, Ind., Nov. 21st, 1858. Embracing Present Truth
By A. E. Buckland
Bro. Smith: I have looked for the last two years upon what is termed "present truth," as one of the delusions of the last days, of which we are warned in John ii, 18, 19; iv, 3, and opposed it as such. Last August, the Lord in his kind providence sent brother Wheeler here to labor with the people. He set the light of the Sabbath, man not immortal, &c., before us in such a clear light, that it carried conviction to my heart, and showed me what a sandy foundation my former hopes were built upon. After a struggle with the enemy, I set about keeping all of God's commandments in earnest. I do thank the Lord that he ever had thoughts of mercy towards me, and gave me strength to obey his will. Praise his holy name for what he has done and is still doing for us in Western New York. I fully believe this to be the last message of mercy to fallen man, and soon mercy will cease to invite us to come to Jesus. I am determined by the grace of God to overcome all sin and temptation, that I may at last stand with you on the Mount Zion. Your unworthy sister, A. E. Buckland.
Carlton, Dec. 18th, 1858.