Review and Herald, Vol. 52, No. 19.
The Two Hemispheres and the Sabbath, No. 2Page 1
Earlier text: NOTES OF NEWSKENTUCKY AND TENNESSEE CONFERENCE.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
This meeting was held Oct. 24-28, at Powder Mills, Ky., about seventy-five miles south of Louisville. The brethren, by a commendable effort, have erected a meeting-house here in which our meetings were held. About fifty of the leading brethren and sisters in the Conference were present. There are now one hundred and seventy Sabbath-keepers in these two States, though they are much scattered. One hundred and eight belong to the church; others are not yet organized. There has been a gain of thirty-four members the past year. There was $341 paid in on S. B. the last year, and $550 spent in the T. and M. work. There are now five preachers in the Conference, though all are young in the work except Eld. Osborn. Bro. G. K. Owen was ordained to the ministry at our meeting, and his wife was licensed to preach. They will have the entire oversight of the work in Tennessee. The friends of the cause in that State are requested to heartily second all their efforts and to correspond with them. Bro. Crocket, formerly a Presbyterian minister, a young man of some promise, will work in Kentucky as far as the means of the Conference will allow. Bro. Osborn has done nobly, and has the confidence and love of all the brethren. Our meeting was a very pleasant one. All seemed to be united in fellowship, and in confidence in the work. Several made a start to serve God, and nine were baptized. Over $300 was pledged to assist the cause in the State. A lack of means cripples the laborers much as yet; but we expect that this will be remedied soon, and that other laborers will be raised up to push on this work. We had an excellent outside interest. I am now enjoying a pleasant steamboat ride up the Ohio River to begin work in Ohio. Oh that God will go with us and bless our labors in that needy Conference. D. M. Canright. THE PERFECT SACRIFICE.
By Albert Stone
How grateful to the eye of faith is the sacrifice which Christ made of himself upon the cross in behalf of a world lying in wickedness. That God should reach forth his mighty arm to rescue a world so deeply involved in transgression, is an exhibition of love and mercy that has no parallel. It is a happy thought to the soul oppressed by sin, that the Father, in mutual counsel with Jesus, gave his Son, and that the Son, by the approval of the Father, gave himself to be a perfect sacrifice for the sins of the world. Angels wondered, Satan trembled, and saints rejoiced for four thousand years in the promise of a coming Messiah. In the fullness of time the promise is fulfilled, and on the plains of Bethlehem heavenly messengers celebrate the birth of the Lamb of God, the world's Redeemer. When obedient Abraham laid his son upon the sacrificial altar, and raised the knife to shed his blood, an angel prevented the fatal blow, and a substitute was provided. But when the antitypical Isaac was laid upon the altar, no kind angel could be sent from Heaven to countermand the order of execution. God could provide a substitute for Abraham's son, but for his own Son, in whom he was ever well pleased, no substitute could be found. He whom all Heaven adored must drink the cup of suffering, and be baptized with the baptism, that he might become the world's Redeemer. The Father accepted the offering, because it reached the utmost demand of righteousness, and harmonized the divine attributes in offering salvation to the penitent among men. It was a perfect sacrifice in every particular. From no specification of the covenant of redemption did Jesus draw back; he did not attempt to keep back part of the price. Jesus drank the cup, and the price paid is satisfactory to Heaven. When man sinned, angel harps ceased their music, Heaven was clothed in sackcloth, and the attributes of Deity seemed to present conflicting claims. Justice, sword in hand, demands the sinner's blood. Peace beckons to Wisdom to speak, while Mercy stands at the gate, weeping because she cannot enter. In this dilemma, the divine Son of God meekly offers his life in the sinner's stead: “Four thousand years hence, I will visit yonder world, and on Calvary's mountain pay the debt,—give my blood for the sinner's life!” Justice accepts the offer and cries, “I wait! I wait!” Heaven is harmonized in the gospel plan devised, and Mercy rejoices to bear the good news to man and pour the consolations of hope and salvation into every willing heart. There must be a willingness on the part of those who would be saved by the gospel. Sacrifices they must offer, which, if withheld, will place the perfect sacrifice of Christ for us beyond our reach. A meritorious sacrifice is not required of us; that is perfect in Christ's sacrifice. But a spirit of sacrifice, evincing that we are Christ's, is needful. It must and will follow as the effect of accepting Christ. As Christ endured the cross with joy, so must we covet the position of suffering with him, if we would reign with him. We are to study obedience, not convenience. Let us remember Christ died, not for himself, but for us. He knows the value of the soul, and is concerned that we form characters that he can accept. Nothing is more certain than that many for whom Christ died will be lost. What distinguishes you, my brother or sister, from that numerous class? It is to be feared that some of the professed followers of Christ would be willing that God should manufacture for them a good Christian character, and lay it up in Heaven against the day of Christ's coming, and leave them, in the meantime, to follow the leadings of their sinful natures. Our Lord informs us that a prominent feature of the day of Judgment will be the disappointment of deceived professors of Christianity. Many in that day will knock, saying, “Lord, open unto us,” to whom the Lord will answer, “Depart from me, I never knew you.” They have not been overcomers, and can never enter through the gates into the heavenly city. To be accepted of God, our religion must have the unremitting perfume of a broken heart and a contrite spirit. ALBERT STONE. KANSAS CAMP-MEETING.
By Stephen N. Haskell
WE arrived on the camp-ground Thursday, and found the Richland meeting commenced. The number upon the ground was not large. The weather was unfavorable, it being quite cold. Sabbath morning we found ourselves in the midst of a snowstorm, which made our camp-meeting seem a little novel. Nevertheless we saw no wry faces, heard no complaints; all seemed to make the best of it. Two stoves were kept constantly heated in the large tent, and were fully appreciated. Notwithstanding the unfavorable outward circumstances, the angels of God seemed to draw near, and his Spirit melted hearts under the solemn testimony of Sr. White. One hundred and twenty copies of the SIGNS were taken in clubs by the brethren present. When these brethren, representing the various churches, return home, this number should be increased to two hundred by those who did not attend the meeting. These papers used in the missionary work during the coming year, will enter not less than ten thousand families. They already have about seventeen hundred dollars pledged to their tract society, and this sum will doubtless be increased to two thousand. This looks like making a business of the missionary work. The thousands of families that are yearly locating in this country have broken up all their former associations, and afford as good a missionary field as there is in the country. If our brethren and sisters are faithful in their missionary labor, we know no reason why Kansas may not be in a short time second to no Conference in point of numbers. After the flurry of snow Sabbath, we had fine weather. Monday was a splendid day. Quite a number embraced the truth, and six were baptized in the Wakarusa River Monday morning. S. N. HASKELL. PROTESTANT AND PAPAL.
By L. D. Santee
The following I clip from an Episcopalian catechism. Sunday heads the “Popish Precepts,” while the commands of God is the Protestant rule. L. D. Santee. “Sundays and holidays mass thou shalt hear,
And holidays sanctify through all the year.
Lent, Ember days, and Vigils thou shalt fast,
And on all Fridays flesh thou shalt not taste.
In Lent and Advent nuptial feasts forbear.
Confess your sins at least once every year.
Receive your God about great Easter-day,
And to his Church neglect not dues to pay.” “THE COMMANDMENTS OF THE CHURCH,” from a Popish Catechism, by the Rev. Dr. Reilly.—Dublin, 1844. “Keep God’s command, no graven image use;
Before no wafer-idol bow the knee;
No fancied Queen of Heaven for Saviour choose;
No priestly absolution make your plea;
Think not mere outward forms can grace impart;
All doctrines by the Holy Bible prove;
Ask, through the promised Spirit, a new heart;
And seek by Christ alone the Father’s love.” The Judgment Before the Coming of the Lord
The coming of the Lord to deliver his people is near; but the decisions of the Judgment come between us and that event. ACKNOWLEDGMENT
By A. S. Hutchins
Though at a late date, I wish to acknowledge the reception of an address from Eld. James White, at the time of our recent camp-meeting, which, agreeably with his request, was read at the close of the Sabbath. This address, coming to our encampment from our dear brother’s mountain retreat in Colorado, contained many words of good cheer, sound and matured counsel, and an assurance of his continued interest in the prosperity of the cause of truth in this State, and a desire that we should believe him on the ground battling for “old-fashioned religion.” With the spirit of fatherly care and tender love, he referred to visits and labors in Vermont when the cause was in its infancy, of signal victories gained over wild and fanatical spirits who opposed the truth, and of heavenly blessings that fell upon him and true hearts that stood firmly for consistency and right. Amidst the large audience assembled, a few old pilgrims, witnesses to the early and faithful labors of Bro. and Sr. White in their midst, were present, from the depths of whose hearts the grateful language was, Amen and Amen. Many more with gratitude call to mind subsequent and more recent labors of our dear brother and sister with us, and sincerely wish we could share them more frequently. We regret that the resolution adopted, expressing gratitude for these kind words and the wholesome counsel of our beloved brother, pledging ourselves to try to heed the same, did not appear in the report of our Conference business. Eld. W. B. Hill, president of the Minnesota S. S. Association, met the friends of Dist. No. 4, at Pleasant Grove, Oct. 26, 27. Sabbath morning, Bro. Hill spoke on the importance of teaching the young the truth. At this meeting, four, all children of S. D. Adventists, signified their determination to live a Christian life. Sunday, at 9 a. m., a Sabbath-school was organized, after which Bro. Hill spoke to a large and attentive congregation of those not of our faith. Sunday afternoon the power of God seemed to rest down upon the people. Tears flowed freely, and when the call was made for those who were willing to renew their covenant to arise, nearly every one in the house responded. Dear brethren and sisters, let us all strive to keep our good resolutions, and to assist our young friends to make sure work for eternal life. A LETTER FROM CALIFORNIA.
By E. F. Terril
- (Translated from LES SIGNES DES TEMPS.)*
THE following letter is from a California subscriber to LES SIGNES DES TEMPS, who is not an Adventist:— DEAR SIRS: I see from your journal that you are doing the same evangelical work in Europe in which your brethren in America are engaged. Wherever your denomination has founded a mission, the same subjects are preached with a harmony that we do not meet among other Christians. You have in California a house of publication which is an ornament to Oakland, not only on account of the beauty of its architecture, but also because of the literary productions that go out from it. This building, Office of the Pacific Press, has two stories, and is constructed in the form of a Greek cross. Its proportions are graceful; it rests on a brick foundation sufficiently strong to support the immense weight of the material and the machinery necessary for an establishment of this kind. Simple ornaments in the Tuscan style give a modest relief to the upper part of the windows. At the center arises a square tower, which, with its Gothic roof, harmonizes with the other parts of the edifice. Another building has just been added to the first, and it is not less beautiful or elegant than its neighboring edifices. Having thus taken a glance at the exterior, let us pass to the interior. At the first glance, one is surprised to see with what interest the men and women perform their work. No one has the appearance of a hireling; all seem to apply themselves voluntarily and joyfully to their work. One is reminded of a beehive. Discipline, order, good-will, economy, and politeness are manifested by the workers. And, if you consider the machinery, the work they execute, the type foundry, the engines for stereotyping and electrotyping—finally, all the material necessary for an establishment of this kind—you will easily believe that no similar establishment can be found on the Pacific coast. We there meet strength combined with elegance, beauty, wisdom, and art. You have persons attached to your mission of whom it can be said, Their light shines before men. All who have the privilege of associating with these persons speak of their Christian influence. Their literature and their discourses draw their inspiration from the great truths of the Bible, which are the source of wisdom and of moral philosophy. The science of the Bible is intimately connected with Christian philosophy; and these ministers show in an able manner that the word of God is the science per excellence, and that it respects all true science, and is in harmony with it. While profane researches mislead in a multitude of negative propositions, and in a labyrinth from which it is difficult to escape, in placing the creation at an epoch anterior to that given in Genesis, many are listening with deep interest to a course of lectures which is being given on this subject by Mr. W. M. Healey, a young minister of merit, who is rather promising. All your ministers have in their discourses a common center—the prophecies—to which their teachings and writings converge. Among those persons who compose your body, your co-religionists grant the first rank to Mr. and Mrs. White, and in this they are right; for they are persons of noble character; they possess a deep sense of their duty; they represent the interests of the society by the most elevated thoughts; they express themselves with adaptation, with grace, and with clearness. Mrs. White is an orator of rare merit. Her gestures are graceful, her expression is spirited, and her voice, though clear and soft, is sufficiently strong to be heard by twenty thousand persons at one time. Thirty years’ practice has enabled her to so discipline her voice that she can speak with force and eloquence without suffering herself to be carried away with the pomp of great orators. We have recently heard a discourse on the subject of the Judgment, which has deeply impressed us. This subject was treated by a young minister of talent; and those who have heard him have been surprised that a young man should have so perfect a knowledge of a Bible subject which is so little understood. Many exclaimed: “These persons have the influence of the Holy Spirit; and are they not the very ones who are spoken of in Acts 2:18: ‘And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit; and they shall prophesy’?” This place is four miles from North Lansing. We are giving a brief course of lectures. The interest is deepening and extending in all this region. The Genoa church have taken a club of twenty-six SIGNS to use in the tract work. Three more have accepted the truth at Ludlowville, and two at this place, since our last report. Bro. Robinson has gone home. My address is Locke, Cayuga county, N. Y. Gerry Hill, Chautauqua Co. We hold regular Sabbath meetings and Bible-class, from fourteen to eighteen attending; also Thursday evening prayer-meetings. Eld. Benjamin Holmes, of Glenwood, N. Y., has been with us two Sabbaths, and has preached a few evenings. Sunday, Oct. 27, Mr. Ackley, of the P. M. church, preached on the intermediate state between death and the resurrection. He used the usual threadbare arguments. Bro. Holmes reviewed him in the evening before a good audience. The Lord gave liberty, and the truth, as usual, gained the victory. Brethren, pray for the cause in Chautauqua county. Dost thou wish thy life to be a blessing,
Not a useless bauble on the earth?
Be thou, then, in all thy ways a giver,
Ne'er withholding aught thou hast of worth. Give with liberal hand thy gold and silver,
Give of all thy gathered household store;
In this world, where flesh must have its asking,
These are needful, if they're nothing more. But when done, think not thy duty ended.
Wouldst thou see a perfect charity?
Go, behold our Saviour's lifelong labor,
Stand beneath his cross at Calvary. Hast thou nothing dearer than thy vineyards,
Naught more precious than thy garnered gold?
Poor indeed thou art, most poor and wretched,
If thy life no higher good infold. Search thy treasures, and unto the needy,
Moral, intellectual good impart;
Give those things that fail not with the using,
Give the treasures of a loving heart. Is thy neighbor little skilled in letters,
Turn not from his poverty away;
Open, as thou canst, thy funds of knowledge,
Lead him kindly to thy broader day. Knows he nothing of those purer pleasures
Which alone from heavenly fountains rise,
Guide him to the wells of living waters,
Point his hopes to joys beyond the skies. And when thou, by weary toil and labor,
Hast for others wrought some real good,
Then, if all thy doing pass unheeded,
And thou find no growth of gratitude, Not for this e'er let thy purpose falter;
Dost thou live or act for man's applause?
God will suffer no good deed to perish;
His thou art, to him commit thy cause. Still be thou e'en as the sun in giving,
Shedding kindness freely upon all;
Be thou as He who on both good and evil
Bids his sunlight and his rain to fall. And, at last, when life with thee is ended,
And thou summest up its long account,
Thou shalt find that thine are heavenly treasures,
Here thou canst not know their full amount. RELIGIOUS EXCITEMENT AT PLANO, TEXAS.
The following is from The Commercial, published in Dallas, Texas. The readers of the Review who have followed the movements of Bro. Kilgore in that State, will understand it. Plano Texas Oct. 2, 1878. To the Editor of the Commercial: The excitement in religious matters is increasing. The stir caused by the Adventists’ tabernacle has aroused opposition, and some of the clergy are enlisted in a holy war against the new evangelist, who is having a good hearing from our best citizens. At the tent there was a pointed discourse given on the two covenants, in which Eld. Kilgore took the position that the ten commandments were not in the old covenant; that they antedated the first covenant, and were the law that Abraham kept, Gen. 26:5; that that which Cain transgressed in killing his brother was a part of this law; that the commandment respecting the observance of the seventh day for the Sabbath sustained the same relation to the decalogue at the close of creation week that it did at Mt. Sinai, Gen. 2:2, 3; and that the first covenant was the contract or agreement which God made with Israel concerning the keeping of his law. This he proved by reading Ex. 19:5–8, and he showed by reading Ex. 24:7, 8, that it was ratified, dedicated, and sealed by blood; and that Paul, in Heb. 9:18–20, distinctly states that this was the first testament (covenant). The new covenant was made by Christ with his apostles, in his teaching and instructions, before his death; and, when sealed by the blood of the testator, it was then in force, and could not be disannulled or added to after the death of Christ on the cross; from which he concluded, that if Sunday is found to exist as a new-covenant institution, it was a usurper, and must be branded as an intruder. Even if its birth took place the day of the resurrection, it was just three days too late, since Christ had never said a word about it previous to his death. Yesterday Eld. Caskey, the Christian minister from Sherman, arrived with a “sharp stick” and on the war path to meet the tabernacle devotees. After the discourse, Eld. Caskey arose and stated that he had been invited by citizens of Plano to come and enter into a debate with Mr. Kilgore, that he had come for that purpose, that the people of Plano wanted a debate, and now he wanted to know whether Mr. Kilgore was ready for it. Mr. Kilgore responded that when he had had an opportunity of presenting his views to the people unmolested and in a quiet manner, then, if the people of Plano desired a debate, and Eld. Caskey was the man indorsed by them, he would not run. Eld. Caskey, being persistent in urging the debate, immediately called for an expression of the congregation (about 300) assembled; and by a rising vote it was decided against him by a vote of 75 to 22. It was plainly seen that some of the members of his own church did not indorse his actions in the matter, as they voted against him for being so wild in his remarks, and it is now plainly seen that most of the people now-a-days cannot be driven to Christ with a sharp stick. The man who seeks Christ will find him in a mild and gentle manner, and thus sayeth the Christians. I have been trying to find the spirit of the Bible for years, and have had thus to sit, finding no one who could explain the points so well as has been done here the last week by the new evangelist; and his past conduct has caused many to come out to hear the word of the Bible who had never entered a church for years; but if the sinners have to be driven to church with a sharp stick, I fear Eld. C. never will find them, as most sinners are on the contrary order, and need a great deal of sugar to lead them along. A Sinner. Empty Houses, Empty Heads and Hearts
It is a row of empty houses that gets all its windows broken, and empty heads, and empty hearts, and empty hands are sure to come to grief. SINCE the General Conference, I have visited four places, and at each I have been encouraged with regard to the work in our State. Our T. and M. quarterly meeting at Watseka was not large; but all present manifested a will to work. Bro. W. Pottinger, vice-president, desires to spend all his time for the society. Our friends know how to work; and now if all will work, much may be done. At Gibson City I stopped but one night; yet we organized a church of seven. Others will likely soon unite with them. A Sabbath-school was organized, and S. S. was pledged. At Mackinaw we stopped one night; had a profitable season. We are taking pledges for the large tent, which we expect Eld. Carright to use next summer in Chicago. Our friends at M. keep their records in a workmanlike manner. They have a mind to work. “Go thou and do likewise.” Bro. Bliss brought us with team to this place. We were glad to meet Eld. B. F. Merritt; and rejoiced to hear that he expects soon to be out in the field, proclaiming the message. He has been hindered for a time by publishing the Normal Offering, but now he intends to devote himself to the ministry. No clerk in our Conference keeps records in a neater style than the one at this place. Good meetings are in progress here. G. W. COLCORD. [Abridged from the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.] Eld. B. A. Stephens attended the church quarterly meeting at Sacramento, and held eight meetings. The church at Rocklin is prospering. A sister who had been a ’44 Adventist recently embraced the Sabbath here. Three were baptized. Both these churches have good Sabbath-schools. At each place the ordinances were celebrated. Eld. Stephens is on his way to Reno, Nevada. Oct. 21, Elds. Healey and Rice report large audiences and a good interest in their tent-meeting at this place. Several have commenced the observance of the Sabbath, and many more are deciding. The quarterly meeting at Johnson, Sabbath and first-day, Oct. 19, 20, was very good. Bro. H. Peebles was with us. As president of our S. S. Association, he feels a deep interest, and contemplates steps to give life and activity to this important branch of the work. May all of the churches and brethren and sisters be prepared to act in harmony with him. GREEN RIDGE, MO.
By J. G. Wood; J. McReynolds
Our tent-meeting at this place closed last night, with a good audience. Five weeks ago there were four in this vicinity keeping the Sabbath; they acknowledge themselves much benefited. Seven took a decided stand on the truth, so we leave a company of eleven. If they are faithful, we believe God will lead others to unite with them soon. A more persistent effort, in an underhanded way, to keep people from obeying all the commandments of God, we never saw; but God gives the victory. J. G. WOOD.
J. McREYNOLDS. Noblesville, Hamilton Co., Nov. 1. CLOSED our tent-meeting here Oct. 1. The interest was good during our seven weeks’ stay, and the turnout large. Many became deeply interested. Thirty-six signed the covenant, thirty-two of whom embraced the truth during the meetings. Some are keeping the Sabbath who have not signed the covenant. Forty, in all, commenced to live out the truth. Sold some over $40 worth of books, and obtained several subscribers for our papers. To the Lord be all the praise for success in his cause. Oct. 26, commenced meetings here again. Have secured the court room, and held several meetings. The turnout has been good. Think we shall soon be able to organize a church. We ask an interest in the prayers of God’s people. SHALL THE ENEMIES OF THE LORD TRIUMPH?
By W. D. McLaughlin
I was led to ask myself the above question after listening to a conversation that occurred recently between an infidel and one who is a believer in the divine authenticity of the Scriptures, in which our Christian brother proved to be poorly prepared to refute the objections urged by the wily skeptic. And yet the evidences that prove the Bible to be true are abundant and easily obtained. Now I would ask, 1. Are we justifiable in the sight of God in remaining thus ignorant in reference to the reasons of our faith? 2. Would it not be wise to devote some time in our Sabbath-schools to teaching our children how to dispose of some, at least, of the most important objections that are so frequently urged against the truth of the Scriptures, and to calling their attention to the irresistible array of evidence that may be adduced in their favor? The truth is, “men love darkness rather than light, because their deeds are evil.” And when we are attacked upon these points, and are unable to explain them, many are ready and willing to believe that they cannot be answered, and are thus confirmed in their unbelief. Then Satan triumphs, and all the hosts of darkness shout for joy. Come, brethren, let us heed the admonition of the apostle Paul to his son Timothy: “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” Also the following language of the apostle Peter: “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear.” There are eight aspects of prayer. In prayer there ought to be, first of all, adoration. A man cannot rush into the presence of the eternal, the great and holy God. When we go into his presence we ought to go with adoration. In that prayer which Christ taught his disciples, he commences, “Hallowed be thy name.” Isaiah, when he saw God in vision, heard the words, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God.” In the seventeenth chapter of John, we find Christ, amid that wonderful prayer when he prayed for all men, even down here in this century, saying, “Holy Father.” So that is one of the elements of prayer, that when we pray, we should be careful that we hallow God’s name, and then he will bless us. The next thought that I want to call your attention to is the confession of sins. Some people seem to think that when they were first converted their sins were all put away, and that they will never have to wipe out further sins by confession. The Bible makes provision for the remission of believers’ sins, and if I cover my sins, God will not hear and answer my prayer, and I am not going to prosper in any way. Just this, I believe, is the reason why so many cannot receive and do not receive answers to prayer: they have some sin covered up somewhere. If I hide my sin, God says he will not hear my prayer. In the first epistle of John, first chapter, ninth verse, are these words: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness;” and again, “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” You will find through Isaiah, Jeremiah, and indeed the whole of the Old Testament, that it was when the people came near to God and confessed their sins that God put away their sin. When David came in repentance to the confession, “I have sinned,” then God forgave him. When the prodigal came to the contrite confession, “I have sinned against Heaven,” God blessed him from Heaven; he did not get the blessing until the confession came. We must then confess our sins. I think we are living in the days of sham; we may make pretense, but we do not confess all our sins. If my boy had done wrong, I would do him injustice to forgive him till he had made a clean breast of it. My friends, let us make clean work of it with our God. Let us not cover up anything, and then God will hear and answer. Following confession, we must make restitution. Make restitution, if you want power in prayer, and God to bless you. There is no use confessing your sin if you do not make restitution. A question came up when talking about confession of sins. Can it be that I am going back to the Confessional, to priestly absolution, and all that? There are some sins that need to be confessed to the church. If I have sinned publicly and brought a scandal on the cause of Christ, I ought to confess publicly. If the offense is against my neighbor, I ought to confess to him, and other sins I ought to confess to God in private. Some may say, “If I have taken money from my employer, must I go personally, openly disgrace my wife, my family, and myself?” I do not say so; you might do it through a third party; only make confession and restitution, and see if the Lord does not hear and answer prayer. God has never failed to answer prayer when made aright; the reason why prayers are not answered is, there is something wrong in our hearts. The next condition is, to be thankful. What would you think of the child that was never thankful for anything done for it? We know there is nothing like ingratitude. How we turn from ungrateful people who have abused our kindness, and betrayed our confidence and friendship. That is a hateful sin. Paul says in Phil. 4:6: “Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.” It does us good to thank God for the blessings we have. Some people always look on the dark side instead of on the bright. Nearly all Paul’s epistles open with a note of thanksgiving. In Philippians he says: “I thank my God on every remembrance of you.” He forgot all about the stripes he received down there. Then there is unity. As I look over the field, I see differences enough among Christians to make one weep—little differences and bickerings and wranglings—oh, so pitiable! and just like dust in the balance. Do not let us stop to bicker about little differences, let’s be united, and go up to the help of the Lord against the mighty enemy. Where there is unity, there is power—must always be. The next thing we want is the spirit of forgiveness. It is folly for a man to preach who has a rankling in his heart against any one. The spirit of the gospel is forgiveness, and we shall have power, every one of us, when that spirit is in our hearts. In the sermon on the mount Christ says, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” That is pretty plain. How can I ask God to forgive ten thousand sins if I won’t forgive my neighbor one? I beseech you, if you have any bad feelings, do not let the sun go down till the matter is straightened. Then we have petition. When we have met all these conditions, we come and make our petitions. The modern philosopher says the laws of God are fixed, and it’s no use to pray. I told one of these men lately that I had received answers to prayer. “Well,” said he, “you have a glorious imagination.” I said, “I won’t admit that it is not something beside imagination. I know it is.” “Oh, yes,” he replied, “prayer is a very healthful exercise; it tones you down and makes you more submissive to God’s will; but God doesn’t answer prayer.” And yet God says, “Ask and ye shall receive,” but he doesn’t mean it, according to these modern scientists. It’s just a healthy exercise to keep on asking. When darkness comes in like a flood on our souls, and God seems afar off, and seems to shut his ear, let us not doubt that we have failed to comply with his conditions, that we have not approached him in adoration, in confession, in all the ways of his appointment. Lastly, there is submission. When Christ found that the cup could not be taken away from him, he cried, “Not my will but thine be done.” After making our wants known unto God, we have just to leave the matter with him. In his own good time, perhaps not as we hoped or thought, he will answer; for he is a covenant-keeping God, and his words shall not return unto him void. Let us only approach him in his appointed way,—through adoration, confession, restitution, thanksgiving, unity, forgiveness, petition, submission. Young man, pay attention! Don’t be a loafer; don’t call yourself a loafer; don’t keep loafer’s company; don’t hang about loafing places. Better work than sit around day after day, or stand about corners with your hands in your pockets. Better for your own health—better for your own prospects. Bustle about, if you mean to have anything to bustle about for. Many a poor physician has obtained a real patient by riding after an imaginary one. A quire of blank paper, tied with red tape, carried under a lawyer’s arm, may procure him his first case and make his fortune. Such is the world; to him that hath shall be given. Quit dreaming and complaining; keep busy and mind your chances. Seize every moment for improving your mind. Be careful in choosing your companions. To whatever occupation you may be called as a means of obtaining a livelihood, determine to understand it well and work heartily at it. Accustom yourself to act kindly and courteously to every one. Carefully avoid all extravagant habits. Determine to possess a character for honesty. Cultivate a strict regard for truth. If your parents are living, do your utmost to promote their happiness. Recollect your progress in life must depend upon your own exertions. Respect religion, and do unto others as you would that they should do unto you. Shun the tippling shop, and other vile cesspools of vice and misery. Be temperate in all things. Avoid all obscene conversation. Be especially regardful of the Sabbath, and on no account desecrate it. Respect your parents’ advice, but aside from this rely upon your own judgment. First be sure you are right, then go ahead. Above all things, preserve a clear conscience; unless already hardened by crime, its gentle promptings will guide you aright in the paths of wisdom and honor.—Selected.