It was Christ’s prayer for his disciples as he was about to depart to the work of his ministry above, and leave them in the world as sheep among wolves, that they might all be one, as he and the Father were one. If this point was of sufficient moment to be mentioned thrice in the Prayer of our Saviour as recorded in John xvii, we need not dwell upon its importance. The reason is also assigned: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.
Who can tell the power which christianity would have had, had its professors ever stood shoulder to shoulder in the unity of the faith? No form of error or unbelief could have stood before it. In unity is strength. This the enemy well knew, and, ever busy to sow tares among the wheat, he has not ceased through long centuries to poison the truth with baneful error, to sow discord in the ranks of the brethren, to introduce confusion into their creed, and lead them to turn the weapons of their warfare against each other.
We have now passed the middle of the nineteenth century, and behold the mass of those who profess to follow the man of Calvary divided into hundreds of fragments, and harboring against each other the bitterest animosities. Well may we exclaim as we contemplate the melancholy prospect, “An enemy hath done this!”
But it was not so designed. Had men adhered to the truth, the truth would have made them adhere to each other. Had they not given place to the mystery of iniquity, and suffered its poisonous leaven to work in their midst, the disciples of Jesus might still have been one, and thus have answered the prayer of their Master, and given power to the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. When we consider the spirit of the gospel, and the plain teachings of Christ and his apostles, we wonder that it is not so; and that wonder is by no means abated, but is rather turned into a blush for mankind, as we look at the centuries that have succeeded the days of the apostles, and behold the frivolous and foolish pretexts upon which faction after faction has arisen to trouble and distract the church, and thus bring christianity into disrepute. But plain as is the truth, and foolish as are the questions from which divisions have sprung, the enemy has accomplished his purpose, discord reigns over the religious world, confusion is branded upon its teachings, the inquirer after truth is bewildered, a stumbling block is laid in the way of the wicked, and the scoffer and the infidel point in triumph at the existing anarchy, whenever a Christian would present to them the claims of the gospel. A fearful responsibility rests somewhere for all this.
Ask the unbeliever to become a Christian, to leave the broad and downward road, and walk in the way to heaven; he will ask you which way. He will tell you that one denomination points out to him one way, another another, and another tells him that a different way only is the right way, and as there is but one right way, all others lead to perdition; that they all profess to be founded on the Bible; that he does not know which to believe; that one appears to have as good claims as another, but they cannot all be true, and therefore he will receive none. This confusion among the churches, is one of the greatest causes of infidelity in the land.
Ask the Catholic to renounce the corruptions and traditions of the Papal church, and become a Protestant; he will at once point you to the sects and divisions of the Protestant body, and tell you that the church of Christ is one church; you therefore cannot move him. He says his church is a unit; and upon that evidence alone, he is content to trust it as the true church.
To the Jew also this is no less a stumbling-block. The vail that is upon their hearts is rendered heavier and darker by the inconsistencies of Christians. We have direct testimony upon this point. There is published in The Israelite of the 11th inst., a letter from a Jew who has embraced christianity to a Mr. Weschler, and his reply to the same. In that reply, which contains his objections to christianity, we find the following words:
“The poor fellow forgot in his letter to tell me what particular church he has joined,—if a Methodist, a Baptist, a Catholic or something else, among the various Christian churches. In this respect he has gained, because the Christian church has so many denominations that every taste can be suited. Go and hear a Methodist preacher, and compare what he has to say with the instructions of a Baptist minister: here at once you will find a great difference. As it is not absolutely necessary for the first one to use water for the saving of the soul, it is a matter of great importance for the latter to make use of the ‘good water,’ that the soul may be saved. And every Christian minister, while speaking in his own congregation, expresses his opinion, that the doctrines of his particular church only lead to heaven. The Catholic thinks no Protestant can be saved, and similarly thinks the Protestant about the Catholic. Now, my friend and believer in Christ, if the teachings of Christ are true, how does it come that Christians differ so much about his teachings. The doctrines of a church can be conveyed only in a plain and certain understanding—in one way and in no other.”
Such are the objections that are every where thrown in the face of the sects of the present day. How will they meet them? How will they account for the confusion that holds wild revel in their theological halls? How will they answer in the day of accounts for its effects upon their fellow-men? The Saviour prayed that they might be one; and will God accept such a service at their hands? The apostles have everywhere exhorted them to unity, to be kindly affectioned one to another, and to mind and speak the same thing; and is it all the same to fall into discord, divisions and heresies? Is there anything lovely, is there anything pleasing to God, is there anything that calls for our sympathy or charity in all this? And yet they are ready to gnash upon us when we apply the term Babylon to all this mixture, notwithstanding its features are without controversy so unlovely, and its effects so pernicious. But they may be assured that God will not regard such a work with complacency, and that great Babylon, the city of confusion, will yet be thrown down, as a millstone is cast into the mighty deep.
Had that Spirit of truth which Christ promised his followers, ever been cherished in the bosom of the church, and no departure made from the plain, literal teachings of Christ and the inspired writers no divisions nor heresies would ever have entered the church. This is a sufficient answer to those who would make the schisms of the professed church an argument against the merits of the gospel. Its whole genius and spirit and teaching, when followed, is to unite. Would the churches take it now, and laying aside their creeds, follow it, there would be a union speedily. Whatever church will do this will be the true church. Such a church we believe is coming forth—a church free from every denominational creed, planting itself upon the broad basis of the Bible, keeping the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. Then let us, brethren, strive to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace, endeavoring to progress in all knowledge of the truth, through the means which the Lord has appointed, [Eph. iv, 11-13.] till we all come into the unity of the faith.
But is not your church, says one, included among the sects of the day? We answer, If we are the true church, the people of God indeed, we are not to be reckoned among the supporters of a corrupt or degenerate religion, included in the general name of Babylon. Israel are not to be reckoned among the nations. Num. xxiii, 9. In all the denunciations of God’s wrath against such, his people are, of course, excepted. Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Holy Doctrine and Unholy Men
Holy doctrines lose much of their beauty when preached or defended by unholy men.
The Resurrection Promise
The promise of the resurrection is the pillow of every sleeping saint.
When a Man Forsakes the Truth, which is the Loser?
By James White
A LATE number of the Prophetic Expositor, under the head of “renunciation of sabbatarianism,” has the following:
“Some of our readers will recollect that Eld. M. Curry, of Mich., a few years since embraced the seventh-day Sabbath theory. He has since become fully convinced of its untenableness, and has heartily renounced it, as he informs us in a letter bearing date, June 29th, 1857, and is now endeavoring to amend the mistake into which he had fallen, by showing its fallacy by preaching the gospel of Christ. Others may be expected ere long to follow the example of Bro. Curry, in abandoning this modern error. May he and others, in the future, ever be guided by the unerring word of truth.”
Eld. Curry’s course is another illustration of the futility of endeavoring to amalgamate the Third Angel’s Message and the Age to Come. “What communion has light with darkness?”
Some time since while discussing the doctrine of the Age to Come with him I stated the testimony of the Scriptures relative to the moral condition of the whole human family, and the events connected with the close of the present dispensation, clearly showing that the Age to Come had no foundation in the word of God. The same argument, substantially, may be found in Nos. 5 and 6, Vol. VIII, of the Review. I was led to believe, from the profession he had made, that he would readily submit to such plain scriptural facts, and throw aside his groundless theory. But to my great surprise he evaded them, and took positions subversive of the plainest doctrines of the Bible and inconsistent with what he professed firmly to believe. I then told him publicly that he had laid the foundation for antinomianism, and that to be consistent with himself he must give up his Sabbath views, or retrace his steps and renounce the positions he then took. But he affirmed his faith in the Sabbath, and also his ability to harmonize his positions. Time has shown what I looked for. “The last state of that man is worse than the first.”
Others have run the same course: but there is something connected with the case of Mr. Curry that may not be with the others. Those who heard A. N. Seymour’s reply at a Conference held in Jackson over two years since, to some observations made by Mr. Curry, will understand the cause of this “renunciation” as well as those who are personally acquainted with him and his course. If there are any others now professing the faith of the Third Angel’s Message whose interest is of the same nature, it is to be hoped that the “sieve of vanity,” alias the Prophetic Expositor will soon catch them. Isa. xxx, 28.
J. H. W.
Tent Meetings in Burr Oak, Mich.
By J. H. Waggoner; Joseph Bates
We pitched the Tent in the village of Burr Oak, St. Joseph Co., and commenced meetings on the evening of Aug. 14th. Soon after the meeting opened a very heavy rain-storm commenced, rendering it impossible for the speaker to be heard across the Tent. The weather was wet and cold much of the time for nearly two weeks, so that but very few had an opportunity to hear during that time. On this account it became necessary to remain there longer than we otherwise should. We continued there till Sept. 6th.
The hearing was generally good, and quite a number embraced the faith, a majority of whom were not professors of religion. One who had never professed religion, arose in the Tent, on the last night, before a large audience, and professed his faith in the truth, and his determination to live accordingly. A place for Sabbath meetings was appointed.
We think our meetings had a good influence in checking for a season the progress of Spiritualism and infidelity, which were fast overspreading the community. Mrs. Coan, the "celebrated test-medium," exhibited one evening, but the result was not as satisfactory to the friends of that cause as her "seances" have proved in other places. We were told that several ministers were present. A committee was appointed, but not a question was answered. Another committee was appointed, and one of them, a citizen of Colon, reported that there was no evidence presented of the presence of spirits. Great dissatisfaction was manifested by the majority of those who paid 15 cents for the sight.
An interesting index is afforded in the course of those ministers who pay 15 cents to go to such a meeting, and then report to the community that our meetings are a money speculation; while they know that we neither ask anything for admittance, nor take up collections. The reason of such a course is obvious. Did we take collections, or preach for a salary, we should not condemn their selfish worldly-mindedness.
On the last day of our meeting an Eld. Reed, Presbyterian, from Colon, spoke on the subject of the Sabbath in the usual place of meeting in Burr Oak, by the request, as he said, of two ministers of the place. His sermon was reviewed in the Tent in the evening.
It is curious to see the stir amongst some of the ministers to counteract the influence of Bible truth. If the ministers of Burr Oak really needed such aid as Mr. Reed afforded them, their case must be truly desperate. We should suppose that the weakest of them could do as well. His discourse presented the usual inconsistencies, with less than the usual ingenuity of such efforts. On the other hand, Eld. Reed extends an invitation to Eld. Farley, of Burr Oak, to preach in Colon on the immortality of the soul. Eld. F. has long been a preacher of the Christian connection, but is now quite confirmed in Spiritualism, and receives as much of the Bible as his intuition teaches him is right, and no more. But all this does not disqualify him in the sight of orthodox ministers, for aiding them in sustaining their theories against the truth which so much troubles them.
We commenced meetings here on the evening of the 11th, and shall continue as duty seems to be indicated.
J. H. WAGGONER.
JOSEPH BATES.
Tecumseh, Lenawee Co., Mich., Sept. 15th, 1857.
Meeting at West Wilton, N. H.
By E. L. Barr
Our meeting commenced Aug. 29th, according to previous appointment, without the use of the Tent, as the rain prevented its erection on Sixth-day, and the wind on First-day. The hall of the large tavern house, when fitted out with Tent seats, was used as a meeting room, and was large enough to accommodate most all that attended. There was quite a gathering of the scattered saints from N. H., and Mass., also Brn. Pierce and Evans from Vt. Our meeting was not what it would have been had the counsel of the faithful and true Witness been heeded by all that profess the solemn truths of the Third Angel's Message.
A goodly number came with a mind to work, and were well in the work. Our meetings were much bound at first, but became more free towards the close. The word spoken was listened to attentively by many present, yet the real interest to know the truth was apparently small.
Monday A. M., we enjoyed a sweet, heavenly, profitable season in prayer and conference with those that were about to start for their homes. In the afternoon Brn. Pierce and Evans and a few others tarried166with us. Three individuals from another district called, supposing that our meeting was continued. We gave them one short lecture from the chart, and then by request gave an appointment at the school-house in that district at 2 P. M. the next day. Monday evening we gave a lecture on the Two-horned Beast at the school-house in West Wilton, which was listened to candidly. Tuesday the appointment was met at the south district; had a small but candid congregation, after which we returned to West Wilton, and gave another lecture at the school-house in the evening.
Wednesday at 2 P. M. we assembled at the school-house where a discourse was given on the ordinance of baptism, after which it was attended to. In the evening the few scattered saints in this vicinity, and those that tarried with us, assembled at sister Smith's, where we enjoyed a soul-refreshing season while attending to our Lord's ordinances. Thursday evening we attended meeting at the south school-house, and left no other appointment.
Friday morn, previous to the departure of Brn. Pierce and Evans, our season of prayer for the afflicted was graced with the rich effusions of the Spirit of the living God, for which we do desire to get still lower at the feet of our heavenly Master, where we can in an acceptable manner give God all the glory.
Sabbath, meeting at sister Smith's. In the P. M. there were three individuals present from the south district, with a request for more meetings in that place. We sent an appointment for a meeting on Monday at 2 P. M., and also the same evening, both of which were well attended, and considerable interest manifested by some to understand the truth. Our meeting last First-day at the tavern hall was thinly attended. We now leave this effort to give the last note of warning and to save souls with the Lord, earnestly praying that his blessings may attend the feeble effort, and dear souls be saved from error's dark, destructive way, and the awful pains of the second death.
Yours in hope. E. L. BARR.
THE LORD'S COMING.
We speak of the fury with which the Lord will render his anger to his enemies, when he comes with fire, and with chariots as a whirlwind, to plead with fire and sword with all flesh; [Isa. lxvi. 15. 16;] of the mourning of all the tribes of the earth when they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory; [Matt. xxiv. 30;] of the prayer of the kings of the earth and great men, for rocks and mountains to fall on them and hide them from the wrath of the Lamb; [Rev. vi. 16;] of the destruction of the Man of Sin by the Spirit of the Lord's mouth and the brightness of his coming; [2 Thess. ii. 8;] of the desolation and emptying of the earth that shall accompany this event; [Isa. xxiv;] and we are met with the positive assurance on the part of some, that the Lord cannot come to cause all this misery and desolation and ruin.
But this is not the only light in which to look upon this event. It is not with purposes of wrath only, that the Lord shall appear the second time, but with those of mercy also. This is by no means to be left out of the account. What is the earth? A poor planet, blighted and groaning beneath the heavy curse, its beauty blasted, its fertility stunted, its strength exhausted. What shall it be in that dispensation which shall be ushered in by the coming of the Son of man? Restored to its youthful vigor, redecked in Eden's living beauty, the unclouded abode of the redeemed hosts. Man also is groaning within himself for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of the body. Mortality here weighs heavily upon him; but he shall be changed at the coming of his Lord. Spirit and not blood shall henceforth be his life, and endow him with immortal vigor. Here pain and anguish rack our mortal bodies; but no pain shall ever be felt under the Redeemer's reign. Here death triumphs; but death shall then be destroyed. The untold misery of this world shall then be at an end, the soul-polluting torrent of sin and iniquity which now deluges the earth, shall be forever arrested, the blasphemer's lips shall be sealed up, and the ruin that sin has wrought shall be repaired forever.
Not to augment, but to end the woes of man will the Saviour come; as it is not to destroy, but to save the life of the individual that a diseased and incurable member is sometimes removed from the human body. And when we view the subject aright, rather than lamenting over the sufferings that shall attend the gathering out of the Redeemer's kingdom all them which offend and do iniquity, we shall rather lose ourselves in the gladness and glory that shall follow, and join with the Apostle in raising the cry to heaven, "Come Lord Jesus, come quickly!"
Tent Meetings in Gilboa, Ohio.
By M. E. Cornell; G. W. Holt
Our meetings here closed to-day. They have continued twenty days. Thirty-two discourses have been given, which have been listened to by a large concourse of people most of the time. The interest seemed to increase every day from the beginning, and the Lord has blessed his word to the salvation of many precious souls.
There have been three seasons of baptizing. At the first, twenty-five were baptized, at the second, twenty-one, and at the last, seven, making in all, fifty-three baptized in this place. These were heavenly seasons. Several went into the water weeping, and the solemn silence was occasionally broken by a shout of praise to God.
It was said at the commencement of our meetings here, that our lectures would affect none but "silly women;" but these found they were much mistaken when they saw so many baptized, and many of them the very best citizens, persons of stability of character, aged, middle-aged, and youth.
Fifty-seven dollars' worth of books have been sold here, and some given away. Twenty-nine have become regular subscribers for the Review, and six have taken it for three months on trial. Twenty take the Youth's Instructor.
It is calculated that about one hundred have decided to keep the Sabbath, and of these we have no doubt the majority will remain firm in the truth. We have been much encouraged by the testimonies given in the social meetings. All seemed to receive the strait testimony about self-denial, humility and prayer. And we trust they will be willing to learn still more of the straitness of the way.
We might relate many interesting incidents in connection with this meeting, but the want of time forbids.
M. E. CORNELL.
G. W. HOLT.
Tobacco.
By J. F. Case
It is very natural for those who have just embraced the Third Angel's Message to enquire if they can be justified in indulging their carnal appetites as they have in past life. Paul says, 'If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away, behold all things are become new.' The christian when he is converted to God feels willing to put off the old man, consequently it is his chief aim to glorify God by purifying himself even as his Master is pure. But there are some things so commonly practiced by professed christians of the present day, that the enquiry seldom arises in the mind whether these things are right or not, unless attention is called to them by some one. Among these is the use of tobacco. This sin, (for such I consider it to be) is too frequent among the people of God; but the time is coming, I trust, when this with all other sins will be put away from among Israel. That tobacco using is a filthy habit is too well known to need any words here. Those who use it most are willing to admit it. Every one knows that tobacco is offensive to the majority of those who do not use it, and that nine tenths of those who do use it are obliged to break down the barrier of nature before they can relish its taste. That it is poisonous too, in its nature is so well known that I need not stop to adduce any proof; but notwithstanding these facts there are those who still persist in the use of this filthy weed. The excuses for this practice are various, among which are the following. First. It is used to cure disease. Second. The use of it has become habitual with me, therefore I cannot leave off the habit. Third. The use of tobacco is nowhere forbidden in the Scripture, therefore it cannot be sin to use it. These excuses I believe are fallacious. First, that tobacco has medicinal qualities, and may be used successfully on certain occasions for the healing of certain diseases, I do not doubt; but it is well known that by the habitual use of most medicines, they cease to act as restoratives; consequently, how can any one expect to be benefitted by tobacco after they have used it daily for several years? If people use it as medicine, why do they not lay it aside after the cure is effected. The truth is it does not as a general thing effect any cure at all. If it did, it would do it in a short time like other restoratives. What would you think of a person who would sell you a medicine that was of itself poison to cure you of some disease with which you were afflicted, and tell you that you must take it daily all your life? You would think that your money was his object, and that his medicine was of but little account; yet thousands there are that suffer themselves to be thus deceived by Satan, and spend their money for that which is worse than useless, which will but defile the body which God has declared to be the temple of the Holy Ghost.
Not many years ago a ship touched on the coast of New England, where a chief came on board and told the captain that he and his companions had slain a company of whites not long before and eaten them. What! asked the astonished captain, did you eat all of them? Yes, replied the cannibal, all but one; good too. Why did you not eat that one? asked the captain. Because he taste of tobacco so much, he was not good. Thus this poor barbarian, though unacquainted with science gave a practical demonstration of the effects of tobacco. And yet notwithstanding the effects of this noxious weed, modern refinement calls it manly to use it.
But it is urged by some that it is beneficial for them to use tobacco after partaking of a hearty meal. This argument is so inconsistent that it hardly deserves a passing notice, and if it was not so frequently made use of I should not notice it. Those who eat too much are guilty of as great an error as those who violate the laws of nature in any other way; and he that violates the law of nature by eating and then uses tobacco to counteract the effect is guilty of two errors. But let us now notice the second excuse, that because the use of tobacco has become habitual, it cannot be broken off. As well might the thief or murderer plead the privilege of committing his crimes because they have become habitual, and his nature become so imbued with the love of committing crime that it is impossible for him to leave off. The gospel nowhere makes any provision for any such excuses, but commands men everywhere to repent, i. e. reform, for "godly sorrow worketh reformation unto salvation that needeth not to be regretted." All know that the thief could not be justified while he continued to sin; so then let me say if any brother uses this weed let him give heed unto the words of Paul. "What shall we say then, shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?" Rom. vi. 1, 2. Remember that the same method that will enable the habitual thief to leave off stealing, will also enable the habitual tobacco user to leave off this filthy habit. That is, he can reform if he sets about it with a fixed purpose, and a desire to glorify God rather than gratify self, and seeks strength from him, the same as the penitent thief would, who desired to leave his unlawful deeds.
That the use of tobacco is not directly forbidden by name in Scripture I do not deny; but that does not prove that tobacco using is not contrary to the spirit of the Bible. Peter exhorts or rather beseeches his brethren to abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul. 1 Pet. ii, 11. As we understand that the soul is the whole man, or sometimes the life, we understand that Peter beseeches his brethren to abstain from lusts that corrupt the man, and sap as it were the vital principle of life. As we have shown that tobacco using does this, we necessarily conclude Peter's testimony is to the tobacco user as well as those that lust after other evil things. Paul gives us a beautiful idea in Eph. v, 25, that presents the subject to us in its true light. It is this. Christ so loved the church that he gave himself for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, that he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish. If tobacco-using is contrary to the Word, christians must lay it aside before they can be without blemish. But this testimony comprehends physical as well as moral impurity. The ancient Israelites were required to be very cleanly in their persons, and habits as we learn by reading the Old Testament, and it is not reasonable to suppose that God's people in this dispensation are to be less cleanly than in the former. Paul did not think they were to be, for he prayed that the God of peace might sanctify us wholly, and preserve our whole spirit, soul, and body blameless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 1 Thess. v, 23. He also exhorts us to abstain from all appearance of evil. Again we are told, if any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1 Cor. iii. 17.
Christ's church should occupy a dignified position, and should have a higher standard of morals and manners than the world have; yet many that bear the name of christians, lower the standard by conforming to those customs of the world in which the most degraded of mankind indulge to the greatest extent. To such the testimony of Paul to the Corinthians is peculiarly applicable. What concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God, as God hath said, "I will dwell in them, and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters saith the Lord Almighty. 2 Cor. vi. 15-18.
What I have written is in love with a desire of pointing out what I consider to be a great evil; therefore I hope that no brother or sister will be tried with me. I have appealed to facts, and Scripture, and now I would appeal to the conscience of every one. Let conscience answer. Is there anything about the use of tobacco that is lovely, that is pure, that is of good report, or that is virtuous? If there is not, why continue its use. By using it, do you glorify God? Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever you do, do all to the glory of God. 1 Cor. x, 31. Remember that you are not your own, you have been bought with a price, even with the precious blood of Jesus; and know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Rom. vi. 16. Jesus was given as our pattern, and could any one suppose for a moment that he would have used tobacco in any of its forms, even if it had been as customary to use it as it is at the present time? Why then will christians do that, which they would not suppose that Jesus would have done? If ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. Rom. viii. 13. Strive to mortify the deeds of the body, deny self, ask God for help. You cannot do it in your own strength, because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom. viii. 7. You must first have your carnal mind renewed, then you can get rid of this habit with perfect ease. You have a right to think for yourself, but remember we are all amenable to God for our opinions and practices. The question is between you and God, and you will do well to ponder the subject and see where the danger lies. There is no danger that you will do wrong if you deny yourself this indulgence, but you may do wrong if you continue it. Let conscience perform its duty, and if after reflection you see that the use of tobacco is not consistent with the Spirit of the gospel167for your own sake, and for the sake of the influence you are casting upon the society in which you move, abandon it at once. May the Lord guide his people into all truth is my prayer. J. F. Case. Burr Oak, Mich.
LETTERS.
By T. H. Moffat
“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.”
From Bro. Moffat.
BRO. SMITH: It is now towards two years since I started for the kingdom of God by keeping the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. As yet I am not sorry that I thought to try to obey God, though I walk very crookedly, and go in by and forbidden paths many times. Yet the Lord is full of long suffering and tender mercy, forbearing with his erring children. I have had some outward trials and many inward temptations, but the Lord has seen fit to bring me through them all, and I praise the Lord for it. I am glad and feel to praise God that the Third Angel's Message was proclaimed in my hearing, and that I had a mind to obey. I mean to try to be faithful in doing my Master's will that I may be counted worthy, when the Lord makes up his jewels that I may be spared, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
The little band here in Bowne seem to be determined to press their way on to eternal life, putting their trust in the arm of the Lord, casting their care upon him who careth for them.
Yours in hope of immortality, and eternal life.
T. H. MOFFAT.
Bowne, Mich.
JOEL L. LOCKE
By Joel L. Locke
From Bro. Locke.
Bro. Smith: I can say for one, that I feel thankful to the Lord for the many blessings he is daily conferring upon us. It has been four years since myself and companion embraced the present truth under the preaching of Brn. Loughborough and Cornell; and my heart rejoices when I look back to that happy time. But since that time, the little remnant here, that are striving to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus, have had many light afflictions and trials to encounter, but the grace of God is always sufficient for those that have their trust and confidence in him. We have not heard any of the preaching brethren since Bro. Frisbie came here three years ago last Summer; but we feel thankful that we have privilege of reading the Review and Youth's Instructor. We rejoice as we read the cheering letters from the dear saints scattered abroad. The message to the Laodiceans was indeed meat in due season, for we felt that we were poor, and blind, and naked; but we feel determined through the grace of God to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. I desire to have my affections weaned from the earth, and consecrate my all to the service of the Lord.
I would say to the dear brethren and sisters, be faithful and speak often to each other through the Review, and exhort one another, for the day of the Lord hasteth greatly. And may we all watch and pray always, that we may be accounted worthy to escape all those things that are coming on the earth, and stand before the Son of man.
Yours striving for eternal life,
JOEL L. LOCKE
Salem, Ind., Sept. 11th, 1857.
THERE ARE NO TEARS IN HEAVEN.
By SARAH M. SWAN.
O who would not desire to dwell, where tears are never shed,
Where broken hearts are never known, nor weary aching head;
Where loved ones ne'er are snatched away, by death's relentless hand,
But all is peaceful and serene, in that bright happy land.
Where verdant fields, and blooming flowers, in loveliness are spread.
Where life's fair tree its branches waves, in triumph o'er our head,
Where sweetest songsters fill the groves, their Maker's praise to sing,
And never-fading flowers abide, in one perennial Spring.
Where life's pure river gently glides, with soft and murmuring lay,
Where darkness never more shall cloud, the bright eternal day;
Where saints and angels sweetly join, their Saviour to adore,
O who would not desire to dwell, where tears are shed no more,
There he who shed on Calvary, his own most precious blood,
And to redeem us from the curse, has drunk the wrath of God;
There he shall reign triumphantly, o'er sin, and death, and hell,
And those who're purchased by his blood, with him shall ever dwell.
SARAH M. SWAN.
Orwell, Ohio Aug. 8th, 1857.
“Therefore they Sacrifice unto their Net, and burn Incense unto their Drag.”
The allusion conveyed in this passage is doubtless to a practice common among the ancient Pagan nations, those adjacent to the sea coast, of paying devout worship to the nets which they used in fishing. Occasionally, when the nets were spread upon the shore to be dried, they would sacrifice to them, and pay them divine worship, thus hoping to secure to themselves success in their labors, and thus to propitiate the favor of the gods as they believed. People now would look with contempt upon such a wicked farce; nevertheless, perhaps there is something in the practice of modern, and enlightened and even devout people, almost if not quite as ridiculous and wicked.
Every division (almost) of the professed church, has its net and drag (that is its institutions, periodicals, &c.) Now it is right for a fisherman to have a net and drag; of course he must have them, but he need not worship them. It is God alone can give success. But it is so natural to stop short of the Great First Cause. We are too prone to take pride in our colleges, our ministers, our churches, or our paper, or something else, and thus rob God of the glory due to him alone. Oh let us beware of the snare of Satan, and while we value, and pray for the success of our Sabbath and Advent paper, let us look beyond the means used to the Great First Cause for final and sure success. J. CLARKE. Portage, Wood Co. Ohio.