The Lutheran Observer prints the following interesting extract from a letter on family government, written by the mother of Rev. John Wesley, at his urgent solicitation. It contains food for thought:
DEAR SON:—According to your request, I have collected the principal rules I observed in educating my family. The children were always put into a regular method of living, in such things as they were capable of, from their birth. When turned a year old, they were taught to fear the rod, and to cry softly, by which means they escaped much correction, which they otherwise might have had, and that most odious noise of the crying of children was rarely heard in the house. As soon as they grew pretty strong, they were confined to three meals a day. They were suffered to eat and drink as much as they would, but not to call for any thing. If they wanted aught, they used to whisper to the maid. As soon as they could handle a knife, and fork, they were set to our table. They were never suffered to choose their meat. Eating and drinking between meals was never allowed, unless in cases of sickness, which seldom happened; nor were they suffered to go into the kitchen to ask any thing of the servants when they were at meat. If it was known they did so, they were certainly beaten. At six, as soon as family prayer was over, they had their supper. At seven, the maid washed them, and beginning at the youngest, she undressed and got them all to bed by eight, at which time she left them all in their several rooms awake, for there was no such thing allowed in our house as sitting by a child until it fell asleep. They were so constantly used to eat and drink what was given them, that when any of them were ill, there was no difficulty in making them take the most unpleasant medicine, for they durst not refuse it.
In order to form the minds of children, the first thing to be done is to conquer their will. To inform the understanding is a work of time, and must with children proceed by slow degrees, but the subjecting of the will is a thing that must be done at once, and the sooner the better; for, by neglecting timely correction they will contract a stubbornness and obstinacy which are hardly ever conquered. In the esteem of the world they pass for kind and indulgent, whom I call cruel parents, who permit their children to get habits which they know must be afterwards broken. When the will of a child is subdued, and it is brought to revere and stand in awe of its parents, then a great many childish follies and inadvertencies may be passed by. But no willful transgression ought ever to be forgiven children without chastisement, less or more. I insist upon conquering the will of children betimes, because this is the only strong and rational foundation of a religious education, without which both precept and example will be ineffectual. But when this is done, the child is capable of being governed by the reason and piety of its parents, till its own understanding comes to maturity, and the principles of religion have taken root in the mind.
I cannot yet dismiss this subject. As self-will is the root of all sin and misery, so whatever cherishes this in children, insures their wretchedness and irreligion. Whatever checks and mortifies it, promotes their future happiness and piety. This is still more evident, if we further consider that religion is nothing else than doing the will of God, and not our own; that the one grand impediment to our temporal and eternal happiness being this self-will, no indulgence of it can be trivial, no denial unprofitable. Heaven or hell depends on this alone, so that the parent who studies to subdue it in his child, works together with God in the renewing and saving of a soul! The parent who indulges it, does the Devil's work, makes religion impracticable, salvation unattainable, and does all that in him lies to damn his child, soul and body, for ever.
Our children were taught the Lord's prayer as soon as they could speak. They were early taught to distinguish the Sabbath from other days. They were taught to be still at family prayers, and to ask a blessing immediately after meals, which they used to do by signs, before they could kneel or speak. They were quickly made to understand that they should have nothing they cried for.
Earthly and Heavenly Beauties
ALL earthly charms, however dear,
Howe'er they please the eye or ear,
Will quickly fade and fly:
Of earthly glory faint the blaze,
And soon the transitory rays
In endless darkness die.
The nobler beauties of the just
Shall never moulder in the dust,
Or know a sad decay;
Their honors time and death defy,
And round the throne of heaven on high
Beam everlasting day.
Our Influence in Life.
THE great mass of professing Christians in our day, seem to disregard their individual influence upon the church and the world. They talk of the religion and duty of the church, and perhaps complain of the low standard of piety, the want of true devotion and spirituality, while they never turn their thoughts to their own hearts and the influence of their lives. Every one has, nor can he avoid exerting, an influence for good or evil. It springs from his very being, and from all his relations in society; and is seen and felt by the church and the world. Every expression of the countenance, idle word and thoughtless act, makes an impression which may affect character and destiny; and it is because of the influence of these things on ourselves and others, that they are to be brought into judgment. We cannot escape the record which we are making on the character and efforts of others—we must give an account of ourselves to God! We must read before an assembled universe the influence of our life on the church and the world. Our various opportunities, efforts, and relations here, will be reviewed, and to us will be placed the exact amount of our influence upon character and destiny. We cannot grasp or measure that which it will take an eternity to reveal. It is beyond the estimate of human computation. Compared with it, the temporal interests of society, and even of nations, are nothing. These interests, and all earthly relations, will soon pass away; but that influence which is forming character for endless ages, will be seen in its results amid the solemn realities of another world.
Reader, are you conscious of the influence that you are exerting upon those with whom you mingle in life? And are you preparing to meet that influence at the Judgment Bar? Pause and inquire. Pray answer these deeply solemn questions!—True Witness.
Home and Friends
THERE is a power to make each hour
As sweet as Heaven designed it;
Nor need we roam to bring it home,
Though few there be that find it!
We seek too high for things close by,
And lose what nature found us;
For life hath here no charm so dear
As home, and friends around us.
Christian Liberality
There are certain great principles laid down in Scripture in relation to giving, and the use of property generally, respecting which there is much practical skepticism. They are as follows: 1. That which we have, we hold as stewards who must give an account. 2. The way to increase is to distribute. Some are rich because liberal. 3. That which is given to the poor is loaned to the Lord. 4. That which is done to Christ's little ones is done to himself.
Equality at the Cross and Grave
Kings and their subjects, masters and slaves, find a common level in two places,—at the foot of the cross and in the grave.
Letter from Bro. Gurney.
By H. S. Gurney
Bro. Smith:—Permit me to add my testimony with those of like precious faith. I hail with joy the weekly visits of the Review, which bears such a bold testimony for those portions of truth which ripen the earth for its final harvest. Rev. xiv, 15. It is like cold water to the thirsty soul, to read the spirited epistles from those who are interested in the last solemn message; in which is a warning to flee from the wrath to come!
Dear brethren, I find myself sympathizing with those who are searching for the whole truth, and not only to know the letter, or theory of truth, but to feel its sanctifying power upon the heart; the affections being drawn out to lay hold on that hope which Jesus has so dearly and freely set before us. While you are searching to know the position which God would have us to occupy in these last days, my heart is with you. I feel after your joys, your trials, your hope; I feel after your views of truth; I feel after your errors; thus entering into a common feeling. I rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep, and mourn with those who mourn. I had rather suffer afflictions with the people of God for the truth's sake, than to enjoy the pleasures of a fashionable world.
Dear brethren, the union I feel with you is to grow up together into Christ our living Head, and be found in him not having spot or wrinkle, clothed with the righteousness of Christ, to be finally rewarded with an inheritance undefiled, incorruptible and that fadeth not away, "reserved in heaven,"—all safe, no wicked power can touch it. As certainly as Christ is our Saviour it will be given to the pure in heart.
Either the Review has been growing in interest since its establishment at Battle Creek, or my interest has been growing in the Review; perhaps both. I feel well satisfied with its appearance and position, and hope and pray that it may continue to thrive in all the Christian graces while it gives "meat in due season" to the little flock.
The managers of the Review need our sympathies; while they proclaim the Lord's coming, and are faithful in proclaiming those truths intimately connected with it, they will feel the oppressive hand of the "evil servants" who are saying, "My Lord delayeth his coming." Matt. xxiv, 48, 49. But we trust the Lord will give them discriminating powers that they may continue to give meat in due season, while we administer encouragement by assuring them of our confidence in rendering them that aid which the cause demands. I have been connected with the Advent cause and deeply interested in its connecting truths since 1838. I have often wept over my wrongs and deviations from a consistent faith in those great truths which have been a light to our path to the present time; yet I rejoice that I continue in the love of truth to the present time.
But how have the mighty fallen, even those who have been valiant for the truth and while they occupied exalted positions and received the flattery of the many, we have seen and yet see that God manifests himself to the lowly. Here is wisdom. To look above a lowly position is folly and the end is death. God has chosen the weak things of this world to confound the mighty. In this we shall never fail; viz., exalting the name of Jesus, feeling our own weakness and dependence, humbly seeking wisdom from heaven, and magnifying that grace which saves us from sin.
I love Jesus: I love his words. How sure and steadfast! not one jot or tittle shall fail. He has said, If I go away I will come again. He went away; his disciples saw the manner in which he disappeared; the angels declared he would come in like manner. We read his words which teach us when we may know that he is at the door. We can point out the very signs spoken of. In him and his second coming our hopes depend. Suppose ye he will disappoint your hopes? Are his words unintelligible? No, verily. He will surely come. The appointed hour makes haste.
Your brother waiting in hope. H. S. Gurney.
North Fairhaven, Mass., Sept. 21st, 1856.
Question.
Do not the arrangements at the Office, admit of Agents' sending in new subscribers for the Review on trial for three months, at half pay, whether done by friends or the subscribers themselves, while the prospect is that all names so sent will become permanent subscribers?
H. W. LAWRENCE.
Answer. Yes.
The Decline of Clerical Influence
"It is no wonder that clergymen are losing all their influence, when the public see the most selfish and abandoned men sailing under the name of Reverend. It is no wonder that the churches of all denominations in this city, except the Catholic, have decreased in membership during the past ten years, although the population has increased over 250,000, when the clergymen are forsaking the gospel for politics, and when it is considered much more important to pass laws for the suppression of vice than to convince men to be pure and honest. It is a strange spectacle to see a professed Christian minister trying to convert the world with his pockets filled with infidel Tributes, yet it is quite a common occurrence now-a-days. We trust, however, there will be some sifting of titles before long and we suggest that every man who has left the ministry to engage in editing, lecturing, politics, Maine Law enterprises, &c., be reduced to plain Mr., for even that is more respect than some of them deserve."—N. Y. Weekly Day Book.
Business.
By Editor
C. Pangurn:—The money by the hand of Mr. Granger has been received. He had been detained by sickness.
O. Nichols:—We have been sending the paper ever since ordered to 12½ Carver St.
H. W. Lawrence:—Your letter of March 11th, has just arrived, having made at least one trip to Washington, since it set out for Battle Creek. We credit the money in this No., and send books as ordered.
Bro Isaac C. Vaughn, of Hillsdale, Mich., will please act as agent for the REVIEW.
Receipts for Book Fund.
Wm. Dawson, John Francisco, J. Autthouse, each $5. C. C. Bodley $4. C. Pangburn $7. A. Barton $2. S. E. Baker, S. C. Perry, N. A. Scripture, C. H. Barrows, each $1.
Books for Sale at this Office.
By Editor
The price set to each publication includes both the price of the book, and the postage, when sent by Mail.
Hymns for those who keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. This Hymn Book is designed to promote not only public worship, but also social and family devotion. It is a selection of Hymns expressing the faith and hope of the Church as set forth in the Scriptures of truth, free from the popular errors of the age. The Book contains 352 Pages, 430 Hymns and 76 pieces of Music. Price, 60 cents.---In Morocco, 65 cents.
Bible Tracts Bound in Two Volumes. These Volumes are of about 400 pages each, and embrace nearly all of our published Tracts. We are happy to offer to our friends the main grounds of our faith in a style so acceptable.---Price, 50 cents each.
Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 4. This work presents a condensed view of the entire Sabbath question.---184 pages. Price 15 cents.
The Sanctuary and Twenty-three Hundred Days, by "J. N. A." This work presents a clear exposition of Daniel viii and ix, shows what the Sanctuary is, and the nature of its cleansing. Price 12½ cents.
The Three Angels of Rev. xiv, 6-12, particularly the Third Angel's Message, and the Two-horned Beast. This work maintains the fulfillment of Prophecy in the past Advent movement, and is of great importance in these times of apostasy and peril.---148 pages.---Price 12½ cents.
Review of Crozier. This work is a faithful review of the No-Sabbath doctrine as set forth in the Advent Harbinger by O. R. L. Crozier. It should be placed in the hands of those who are exposed to that heresy.---Price 6 cents.
The Bible Class. This work contains 52 Lessons on the Law of God and the Faith of Jesus, with questions. It is peculiarly adapted to the wants of those of every age who are unacquainted with our views of these subjects, especially the young.---Bound 25 cents. Paper covers, 18 cents.
The Four Universal Monarchies of the Prophecy of Daniel, and the Kingdom of God, to which is added a condensed view of the 2300 days and the Sanctuary.---Price 8 cents.
The Sabbath. Containing valuable articles on 2 Cor. iii; Col. ii, 14-17, Who is our Lawgiver? The two tills of Matt. v, 18, Consistency, &c.---Price 5 cents.
The Law of God. In this excellent work the testimony of both Testaments relative to the law of God---its knowledge from Creation, its nature and perpetuity---is presented.---Price 12½ cents.
The Truth Found. A Short Argument for the Sabbath, by J. H. W. This is the best condensed work on the Sabbath extant. Price 6 cents.
Sabbath and Advent Miscellany. This work is composed of seven small tracts on the Sabbath, Second Advent, &c., and presents a choice variety for those who commence to seek for Bible truth. Price 10 cents.
The Bible Sabbath, or a careful selection from the publications of the American Sabbath Tract Society, including their History of the Sabbath. Price 10 cts.
The Atonement. This work opens a wide field of Bible truth, and will be found a valuable assistant in the study of the great theme on which it treats.---196 pp.---18 cents.
Man not Immortal: the only Shield against the Seductions of Modern Spiritualism. Without the great truth that man is not immortal, and that the dead know not anything, none are prepared to stand against wicked spirits in high places. We commend this work on the immortality question, as an able discussion of the subject.---148 pp.---12½ cents.
An Examination of the Scripture Testimony concerning Man's present condition, and his future Reward or Punishment. By this work is shown the unconscious state of the dead, and the final destiny of the wicked. In this work we consider all objections to the mortality of man and the death of the wicked fairly and fully met. Price 18 cents.
Why Don't you Keep the Sabbath? Extracts from Catholic works.---Price 5 cents.
Signs of the Times. This work presents the historical facts concerning the signs in the Sun, Moon and Stars, points out other signs of the soon coming of Christ, and contains an exposure of Spirit Manifestations.---Price 12½ cents.
A condensed edition of 32 pp., 5 cents.
Last Work of the True Church.---Price 7 cents.
Perpetuity of the Royal Law.---Price 5 cents.
History of the Sabbath.---Price 5 cents.
The 2300 Days and Sanctuary by "U. S."---Price 5 cents.
The Celestial Railroad.---Price 5 cents.
Christian Experience and Views.---Price 6 cents.
Supplement to Experience and Views.---Price 6 cents.
POEMS.
Home Here and Home in Heaven, with other poems. This work embraces all those sweet and Scriptural poems written by Annie R. Smith, from the time she embraced the third message till she fell asleep in Jesus.---Price 25 cents. In paper covers, 20 cents.
Time and Prophecy. This work is a poetic comparison of the events of time with the sure word of Prophecy.---Price 20 cents. In paper covers, 12½ cents.
A Word for the Sabbath. This work is an exposure of the false theories in regard to the Sabbath.---Price 5 cents.
Liberal discount on these works where $5 worth is taken.
The money should accompany all orders, except for the accommodation of those preachers who can better pay for Books after they have sold them.
Address URIAH SMITH, Battle Creek Mich.
Practical Christian Instruction
By Editor
As every Christian needs practical as well as doctrinal instruction; as it is important that we be instructed how to attain that holiness of heart without which no man shall see the Lord, as well as to have a correct theory of the truth; we shall endeavor from week to week to present something on the subject. We commence in this number a series of extracts from a work entitled, "A Treatise on Keeping the Heart," by John Flavel, which we trust will be found well adapted to our present wants. The article, "Progress in Piety," is also of the same nature. We trust that the interest all feel in "growing in grace," and keeping their hearts "with all diligence," in view of the scenes before us, will render it unnecessary for us to call attention to these articles to secure for them a careful perusal.
Receipts.
Manly S. Willis, C. C. Bodley, F. Strong, M. Saunders, D. H. Simonds, S. B. Craig, C. H. Barrows, S. Markillie, H. W. Brown, each $1.
S. Benson, M. Phillips, S. C. Perry, ($1 for B. French) each $1.
N. Baldwin $1.75. H. Gardner ($0.50 for S. Gardner) $1.50. S. S. Miller, S. Strother, each $0.50.
J. M. Bathan $0.64. Z. Carpenter, T. Carpenter, M. Burbank, each $0.25.
REVIEW TO THE POOR — S. C. Perry, H. W. Brown, each $2. S. W. Rhodes $1.
Monthly Meetings in Princeton
By Stephen N. Haskell
At the recent tent-meeting held in this place, it was decided that a meeting should be holden at my house the first Sabbath and First-day of every month.
I reside three fourths of a mile from the center of the town, on the stage road from Oakdale to Princeton, which place is connected with Worcester by the Worcester and Nashua Rail Road.
STEPHEN N. HASKELL.
Princeton, Mass., Sept 21st, 1856.
APPOINTMENTS.
By John Byington
There will be a Conference at Buck's Bridge, N. Y., on the second Sabbath and First-day of October, commencing Sixth-day evening at 6 o'clock. It may be duty to say a word why I give notice of this appointment. Brn. Sperry and Buck who are traveling with the Vermont tent, in writing home a short time since manifested a desire for a general meeting in this place this Fall, the object to be a friendly interchange of views as to the best means to advance the present truth, and also to present the truth to all that have an ear to hear.
The Church in this place voted in favor of such a meeting. We should be glad to see some of our traveling brethren from Central N. Y., or any other section, who feel it duty to attend.