Review and Herald, Vol. 5, No. 26.
THE AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY,Page 1
Earlier text: THE AMERICAN TRACT SOCIETY,BABYLON FALLEN!
By S. B. Warren
“AND he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.” Rev. xviii, 2. Where is there a person throughout the length and breadth of our land, who, with an honest heart and a reflecting mind, can read this scripture and not at once come to a candid conclusion that it has a perfect application to the various multiplied sects and creeds of professed Christians, and that we live in the very day when this scripture is having such a perfect fulfillment, and so plain to be seen that we cannot for a moment doubt it. If the word babylon signifies confusion, and is derived from Babel, does it not apply most correctly to the present, fallen, confused state of the nominal Churches in our land? If any one has any doubts as to the fallen state of the Church at the present day: I ask why are they so very different from what they were thirty, forty, fifty and sixty years ago? Can we not remember, my dear brethren and sisters, the times and seasons, even in our day, when we have been in some warm-hearted revivals, where the power of the Lord was manifested in the conversion of souls? Why do we not see the power of the Lord displayed in the awakening and conversion of sinners now as we did a few years ago? Ah! the truth is clear—they have drank in the spirit of the world—they have gone greedily after the world. Timothy says: [Chap. iv:] Now the Spirit speaketh expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron. I ask, why have they become so popular, so proud, so dressy, so fashionable and so gay? Most certainly it is true that they are fallen, and have become just what the Revelator predicted: the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. Take for instance the Methodist Episcopal Church, as a body, and what were they forty or fifty years since? A more humble, sincere, devout, holy, godly people could scarcely be found. A Methodist minister’s wife related to me not long since, the fact that in the city of Boston, when she lived there, some fifty-eight years ago, every member of the M. E. Church could distinctly be recognized as they passed up and down the streets in Boston, by their dress, their look and appearance. Is it so at the present day? Certainly not. Professors of religion at the present day walk hand in hand with the worldling. The most keen eye can discern no difference. Go to the bar-room and you will there see no difference between the professor and the non-professor. Go to the theatre, and will you there find members of the churches? Yes, scores and scores of them. Go to the caravan and the circus, where you will see one or two of Satan’s agents, dressed up in the shape of, and acting the part of, a clown, and will you not there find a Christian? No, no, you will not find a true Christian in such a place. But you may look for, and you will be sure to find, vast numbers of those who profess to be Christians, and belong to any and all the nominal churches in our land. Go to the ball-room, and who do you find there to join in the giddy dance? Why, you will most assuredly find there many who belong to the Church, and have vowed before God and the Church to forsake the world and to live a godly life. But ah! where are they? You will find them nowhere else but in fallen Babylon. My heart rejoices, and I am glad, and I will give God the glory that, unworthy as I am, I have been honestly influenced to join this company of come-outers so unpopular in these last days, and keep all the commandments of God. O that the Lord would lead us to see and feel more than ever the importance of holy living, and an entire consecration of all we are and have to the service of the Lord. It is now about ten months since I commenced keeping God’s holy Sabbath, and during this time I have many times felt to rejoice in God who has brought me to see the light. I am not sorry, neither have I seen a repenting moment for having embraced the seventh-day theory. It is full of truth, that pure Bible truth, that the seventh day is the only Sabbath of which we have any account. And I may safely say there are multiplied thousands who would be ready to embrace and keep the seventh-day Sabbath if it was only popular; if it only corresponded with creeds or sects; but thanks be to God, who, under the last message of mercy is drawing out the remnant who are prepared to stand on Bible truth, though professors of religion may laugh and deride and circulate all manner of false reports against those who keep the Bible Sabbath; yet God and truth are on our side. “If God be for us, who shall be against us?” The inquiry has gone forth from every portion of our country, and from every professedly orthodox, christian Church in the land, why are not sinners powerfully awakened and converted to God as in former days? Why are not our ears saluted with the cry of trembling penitents, “What shall I do to be saved?” Why is it that there is not to be found a revival spirit among all the nominal Churches of America? It certainly is true that there never was a time when there seemed to be such an eager grasp after riches, honor, the pleasures of the world and the praise of men, as at the present time, and that too by the professed followers of the Lord Jesus. It is the constant study of professed ministers of the gospel during the whole six days of the week, how and what they shall preach when Sunday comes, so as to please proud, haughty sinners. I will cite to only one instance which happened not long since under my own observation: I was seated one pleasant morning in a fine, costly meeting-house of the Baptist denomination. As soon as the congregation were collected and seated, their pastor arose and with a smile said, Let us sing to the praise of God the hymn recorded on page — of their hymn-book. Soon the choir composed of more than half sinners who made no profession of religion, and with a dancing master at their head arose and sung the hymn. This man who led the choir and taught the singing-school in that place, also taught the dancing-school. I ask, Is all this amalgamation of the church and the world to the honor and the glory of God? And yet this is only one instance out of a thousand. Think of it, brethren and sisters, who belong to the different churches who profess to be true Sabbath-keepers, and are looking for the speedy coming of the Saviour. Think of the world and a world of professors. Think of their dress and gay ornaments. Do you wish to be like them? Will true, honest-hearted followers of the Lord Jesus under the third angel’s message imitate or pattern after the world or any of its fashions? I hope and pray not. Listen a moment to what a true servant of the Lord has said: 1 Tim. ii, 8-10. I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands without wrath and doubting. In like manner also that women adorn themselves in modest apparel with shamefacedness and sobriety, not with broidered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; but which becometh women professing godliness with good works. Where is the honest searcher after truth who does not at once see that Babylon means the different churches, creeds and sects and that they are in a fallen state and have truly become the hold of every foul spirit and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird? But God has raised up in these last days honest men who have gone forth to sound the last note of warning, and give the cry, “Come out of her my people.” O that God would clothe them with humility; for they need much grace to face an opposing world, a fallen and corrupt church, and to meet thousands who are laughing and scoffing at the doctrine respecting Christ’s second coming. O how truly are the Apostle’s words being fulfilled before our eyes every day. 2 Pet. iii, 3, 4. Knowing this first that there shall come in the last days scoffers walking after their own lusts, and saying, Where is the promise of his coming? &c. And very many of these scoffers have a regular standing in the so-called Christian churches. Brethren, I only testify to things which I know to be true. I meet with scoffers every day as I pass through the streets of Battle Creek. One of them said the other day, (when he saw a kite in the air,) Warren, there is the white cloud, when are you going up? But these things only tend to strengthen my faith in the speedy coming of Christ. Brethren and Sisters, be faithful; and by the grace of God I will try to meet you where the wicked cease from troubling and the weary are forever at rest. Oh! does not God who is said to be love, shed over this attribute of his, its finest illustration! when, while he sits in the highest205 heaven, and pours out his fullness on the whole subordinate domain of nature and providence, he bestows a pitying regard on the very humblest of his children, and sends his reviving Spirit into every heart, and cheers by his presence every home, and provides for the wants of every family, and watches every sick-bed, and listens to the complaints of every sufferer; and while, by his wondrous mind, the weight of universal government is borne, oh! is it not more wondrous and more excellent still, that he feels for every sorrow, and has an ear open to every prayer. Communication from Bro. Curry.
By Manning Curry
BRO. WHITE:—I have by a recent examination of the Sabbath question, arrived at the conclusion that the fourth commandment is as broad as the others, and with them must stand or fall. The same set of arguments, or mode of reasoning that would do away and abolish one, would do the same with the rest. I have become disgusted with my own arguments, and those also of others, against the fourth precept of the law of God. I think it becomes a professed christian to bow to, and tremble at, God’s word, rather than try to get rid of and despise it. When the wicked and ungodly world, and a proud and scornful church unite hand in hand to oppose the Sabbath, I think there is something wrong in the matter. This was one thing that led me to investigate. I have preached against the Sabbath for the last three years, often; and as often, I have had the applause of the world; and in some cases professors of religion have joined the world in sanctioning it. Thank God, I find it much more convenient to my feelings to obey God than to disobey. To talk of abolishing the ten commandments and re-enacting nine, is all folly, and shows to what folly men will go, who love not the truth and are determined to support a theory. I thank my heavenly Father that my eyes have been opened to see these errors, and that he has given me grace to reject them. One week ago I delivered my first discourse to a large and attentive audience, in review of a discourse I had preached two weeks previous against the Sabbath. I thought I would give notice of my change of views; for I am no longer willing to be identified as sailing under such colors. I consider that the review of O. R. L. Crozier is a triumphant argument, and a complete explosion of his position. I would like to say to those dear brethren who have followed me up from time to time to show me the truth, that I am with them heart and hand to keep God’s law, and to teach men so. May the Lord reward them for their labors of love; and I also would give them a hearty welcome to my humble abode; and if they will come to Delhi and preach, I will no longer try to hinder the truth, touching the Sabbath of the Lord. Brn. Loughborough and Cornell have recently held a tent-meeting at this place. They came in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel, and preached the truth with a commendable zeal, and in all candor. I received some wounds by the truth on the Sabbath question, at that meeting, which led me to examine still farther. I have been faithfully searching for truth, together with my companion, and we have found the rock: thank God. Affectionately yours, in hope of eternal life by doing the commandments of God.
MANNING CURRY. Delhi Center, Ing. Co., Mich., July 23d, 1854. COMMUNICATIONS.
By R. G. Whitcomb
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—The Lord is assuredly gathering the scattered jewels that have been hidden so long beneath the rubbish of this world. There does seem to be some spirit of inquiry awakened here, and several have lately acknowledged to me, that the seventh day was the Sabbath, and that the churches have no Bible authority for the first day. The leading members of the church here, who are set for the defense of their doctrines, do not attempt to vindicate their Sabbath, but dispose of the subject by saying, "We don't know but we are keeping the true seventh day." As if their ignorance would insure to them the blessing of God, whether they were keeping his commandments or not. If they are so willing to have it, that they are keeping the seventh day, why are they so venomous towards those who are openly professing to keep it? Ah, we see their dilemma! They have exhausted every argument in favor of the first day, and now, as their last resort, are obliged to take the position that the first day is the seventh. But will this avail them? Has it not been the labor of their writers and teachers for ages, to show that the Sabbath was changed from the seventh to the first day of the week, and that they were not keeping it in commemoration of Jehovah's rest at creation, but of the resurrection of Christ? I would cite them to the "Westminster Assembly's Catechism." "From the creation of the world to the resurrection of Christ, God appointed the seventh day of the week to be the weekly Sabbath, and the first day ever since to continue to the end of the world, which is the Christian Sabbath." Does not their little Sabbath Manual, that they all probably have in their houses, testify to the same thing? Now if they have ascertained that they have been keeping the seventh day instead of the first as some of them assert, they should as honest men, humble themselves, make a confession, and commence keeping Monday, which is the first day, if Sunday is the seventh. But as no one thinks of doing this, we consider their assertions a mere subterfuge; and is in reality an acknowledgment that our position is the true one. But say they, we do not keep any of the commandments, we break them all daily. Alas! how many of them will ere long prove this assertion to be true. "Babylon is fallen, is fallen! Come out of her my people that ye be not partakers of her sins; and that ye receive not of her plagues." The signs of the times proclaim that the days of vengeance are at hand. The angry nations are held in check for a few days, until the servants of God are sealed, then they will be let loose. I would say to all the true people of God who are yet in fallen Babylon, (the churches) "Come out of her, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues; for her sins have reached unto heaven, and God hath remembered her iniquities." And to them, and all others who have not yielded to the truth, I would say, make haste and delay not to keep the commandments of God, that your peace may be like a river, and that you may be prepared to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord! "For the great day of the Lord is near, it is near and hasteth greatly!" The mighty man shall cry there bitterly! "That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of wastiness and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness." Reader, this is the word of the Lord. Will you contradict it? Dare you say that the great day of the Lord is not near, when he declares that it is? O beware! Let the potsherd strive with the potsherd of the earth, but wo to him that striveth with his Maker! God says, "The seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work." Who dares contradict or gainsay it? "Fear God and keep his commandments for this is the whole duty of man." "Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and enter in through the gates into the city." R. G. WHITCOMB.
Munsonville, N. H., July 26th, 1852. Encouragement in the Third Angel’s Message
By Louisa M. Morton
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—It is a great consolation, and I trust blessing to me to take the Review; for I think it is giving meat in due season which feeds my hungry soul. It encourages me to press on and see the end of the race. It is cheering indeed to hear from those of like precious faith scattered throughout this dreary world. When the Sabbath returns I feel very lonely and wish I was with the twos and threes who have met together for prayer and conference. O brethren and sisters, what a precious truth is the third angel's message: how well calculated to draw our affections away from this vain world, to Jesus and heaven, where the Christian's treasures are. I cannot express my gratitude to my heavenly Father for all his rich blessings to me; but this I can say, "That whereas I was blind I now see." For a long time I was doubting and perplexed, partly from the opposition I had to meet with, and partly for the want of further knowledge of the truth. But now I praise God for the increasing light of divine truth that is continually shining upon my pathway. I am surprised that there are not more who are willing to receive the truth when presented to them, with a "thus saith the Lord" for it. But the time is short; we have only a little while longer to plead, pray, and prepare to meet our coming Lord. I am glad to hear that Brn. Loughborough and Cornell have purchased a tent to labor in: undoubtedly much more good can be accomplished in this way. My prayer is, that the Lord may speed the work until it shall sound with a loud voice. It was at a tent-meeting in 1849 that I publicly professed my faith in the speedy coming of the Saviour. Since that time I have been cheered with the blessed hope of soon seeing him whom my soul loveth. I little thought I was breaking one of the greatest commandments in God's holy law, but I did it ignorantly and I trust my heavenly Father has forgiven me. It has been over a year since I learned to love the holy Sabbath together with all the precious truths of the third angel's message. Now I can say, "O how love I thy law, it is my meditation all the day." The Review is the only means I have of hearing from those who believe in the present truth. I have been teaching in a district where they are all Universalists; but I am now spending a few days with the friends (seventh-day Baptists) in Nile, to regain my health. I anticipate entering my school again next week. Brethren, pray for me that my strength fail not. I have circulated some books on the non-immortality of the wicked, state of the dead, &c. One firmly believes the truth, on the subject, others are favorably inclined. I think much good might be done if some one could come and give a few lectures here. Yours waiting for the consummation of the Christian's hope.
Louisa M. Morton.
Nile, N. Y., July 26th, 1854. A. S. HUTCHINS
By A. S. Hutchins
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—On the 1st and 2d inst. I met with the brethren and friends at Lorain. Our meetings at this place were deeply interesting and encouraging. On First-day a goodly number of attentive hearers were present, who listened with interest to the word spoken. I think the way is opening in that vicinity for others to embrace the last message of mercy to this world. Sabbath and First-day, 8th and 9th, held meetings at Norfolk, which we think resulted in the furtherance of the gospel. Some appear anxious still in that vicinity to know the truth. The Sabbath and First-day following, met with the church and friends at Bangor. The brethren and sisters there appeared to feel the necessity of taking the shield of faith that they may stand in the coming day. The brethren in this County contemplate holding some general meetings in a few weeks, for the purpose of getting the truth before the public generally. They desire, providence permitting, that Bro. W. S. Ingraham should be present at the time of these meetings, and labor a while in this vicinity if he can. I design laboring here as long as it may appear to be duty. Buck's Bridge, St. Law. Co., N. Y. July 27th 1854. SOLOMON charges us to "buy the truth, and sell it not." Purchase it at any price, and part with it at none. Many have refused to give its price, and others have parted with it, infinitely below its worth. Paul, who had made great sacrifices to obtain this precious pearl, when writing to the Christian Hebrews, who had also given their all for it, said, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised." Not a few have done this. A poor girl, who resided on the seacoast of England, was asked, when dying, by a clergyman, what she thought of Jesus; her reply was beautiful and sublime—"Jesus," said she, "I cleave to him as the limpets to the rocks." Excellent girl, who does not almost envy her? . Yes, the Christian will cling to Jesus in spite of everything. The stormy ocean, hurling its destructive fury around, only causes the limpets to cleave to the rocks more firmly. So was it with Job; the more heavily his sorrows fell upon him, the more fully did he determine, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." When tempted to desert the truth, or to renounce the cause of Christ, "we may," says Andrew Fuller, "imagine the martyrs calling to us. One may say, 'Hold it fast; I died in a dungeon, rather than forego it.' Hold it fast, says another, 'I bled for it.' 'Hold it fast,' says a third, 'I burned for it.'" Let this duty be considered as practically developing on every one who has named the name of Christ. Let us boldly confess Christ, and cleave to him constantly, that so we may humbly expect that he will own us in the presence of his Father and an assembled universe. Keeping All the Commandments of God
By H. S. Wells
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—As I am spending the Summer with a sister residing in this place, and as we are deprived of the privilege of assembling ourselves together to worship, and to exhort one another as formerly, and to do so (as we are commanded) so much the more as we see the day approaching, the Review comes to us indeed a welcome messenger; and I realize its worth, and how highly those prize it who are separated and alone, far more than when I had a weekly sitting among brethren and sisters at their meetings. I am striving to keep all the commandments of God, not in letter only but in spirit, that I may finally have right to the tree of life and have an admittance through the gates into the city. When I see how few there are who are keeping the whole law of God, (there are no Sabbath-keepers here but Bro. and Sr. Palmiter with whom I reside,) I feel to pray the Lord to speed the message. O send out thy light and thy truth that the message may go with mighty power, that honest people may believe and come to a saving knowledge of the truth, that they may be shielded in the day of the Lord. Your sister, striving to overcome and to be prepared for the coming of Jesus.
H. S. WELLS.
Verona, N. Y., July 27th, 1854. Lord, what wilt thou have us to do?
IN these last fearful moments of trial, many are inquiring for oil. The wise also are seeking carefully to know the will of God respecting individual duty. At this crisis how life giving is a "thus saith the Lord." Our compassionate Saviour, in Luke xii, remembers our case, and gives us specific directions. He says that, at this time we should consider the ravens and the lillies, and take no thought what we shall eat or what we shall put on, for our life is more than meat, and the body is more than raiment. Also, that we should not seek these things, neither be of doubtful mind, but rather seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added unto us. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good will to give you the kingdom. Sell that ye have, and give alms, &c., for where your treasure is, your heart will be also. Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning, and ye yourselves like unto men that wait for the Lord when he will return from the wedding. Here we see plainly that he is speaking to those who shall be waiting when he comes the second time without sin unto salvation. It is the same class as that to which he refers in the parable of the virgins, who shall come out from the world and the nominal church on their faith in a coming Bridegroom. These directions could not have applied to any other generation; for ever since the curse it has been the lot of mankind to earn their bread by the sweat of their brow; and the Scriptures declare, that he that sleeps in seed time, shall beg in harvest. But we are now brought to a test like that of Noah. Those who continue planting and building, buying and selling, through unbelief in this last warning, like those who were thus engaged in the time of the flood, will be swept away, and have their portion with unbelievers. The chronology of this chapter is indisputable, for the Saviour in answer to Peter, who inquires, "Lord, speakest thou this parable unto us, or even to all," replies, blessed is that servant whom his Lord when he cometh, shall find so doing. In Luke xvii, while speaking of the state of the world at the time of his second coming, he exhorts those who shall then be living, thus: "In that day, he which shall be upon the house-top, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away, and he that is in the field let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot's wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life, shall lose it, and whosoever shall lose his life for my sake shall preserve it. We understand then, that the Lord would make an example of us before this ungodly generation, and that he calls upon us, in an imperative and definite sense, to forsake ALL for his truth. We have long professed to believe in his near approach, and now he is trying that profession. We may not aspire to the glory of translation with any less faith than had Enoch and Elijah. If we are children of Abraham we must act his faith, and if we are saved like Noah, it must be through a faith that condemns the world. Yet a few days, and all is over. The Lord help us to know the time of our visitation, that when he comes we may not cry in despair, "Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name, and in thy name cast out devils, and done many wonderful works, when he shall profess unto us, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity." But let us be among the humble and contrite ones, who trust in Jesus, and love and wait for his appearing. What is the Glorious Liberty of the Children of God?
AFTER we become fully satisfied from the Word of God that the doctrine of Christ's second coming is truth; and feel assured that whether we realize it or not, the Son of man will shortly be revealed in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory; we immediately begin to search and prove ourselves, whether we shall be able to stand acquitted in that day. It is a thing of small moment, to have an intellectual conviction, that the advent of Christ is near, unless having this hope we purify ourselves even as he is pure. The prophetic warning is given that we may trim our lamps and be ready. What then concerns us most, is, to understand and secure the needful preparation. This we may not learn from the creeds and traditions of men, for they are alike varied, changing and unstable. It is not wise to compare ourselves among ourselves, or rely on former prejudices or borrowed impressions. But it is wise and safe, to inquire of God, by searching the Scriptures without note or comment, to know what is his will concerning us. We first learn that without faith it is impossible to please God, and we must therefore with child-like simplicity, believe every word which he hath spoken. In the old testament, He says, "walk before me and be thou perfect," and in the new, "be ye holy for I am holy," and "without holiness no man shall see the Lord." We also read that "this is his will even our sanctification," and that if we have not the Spirit of Christ we are none of his," and "if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him;" also, "we know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not," and "he that is begotten of God keepeth himself and that wicked one toucheth him not," and "the blood of Jesus Christ his Son, cleanseth us from all sin." When speaking of the "inheritance, incorruptible and undefiled, and that fadeth not away," it is added, "reserved in heaven for you, who are kept, by the power of God through faith unto salvation." Then we assuredly understand that we may be cleansed from all sin by the blood of Christ, and have his Spirit abiding in us, and be thus kept by the power of God. John says, "Ye have an unction from the Holy One," and "the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you," &c., and again, "herein is our love made perfect that we may have boldness in the day of Judgment, because as He is, so are we in this world." "There is no fear in love, but perfect love casteth out fear, because fear hath torment." "He that feareth is not made perfect in love." And in another place we read, "every one that is perfect, shall be as his master," and again, "this also we wish, even your perfection," and "are ye so foolish having begun in the Spirit, are ye now made perfect by the flesh," and above all things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness." It is then the glorious privilege of all believers, [Rom. vi,] to be made free from sin, and become servants to God, having their fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life, and to "know and believe the love that God hath to them," and thus believing to be filled with his abiding presence, and that joy and peace and love which casteth out all fear. Again, "As many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God, for ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear," and "the Spirit also beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God." David says, "He shall redeem Israel from all his sins." And the angel said to Joseph, "call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins." In Ezekiel, we read, "Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness and from all your idols will I cleanse you, I will also save you from all your uncleannesses." Surely this must be accomplished in us during our probation, for there is a time when he that is filthy will be filthy still, and he that is holy will be holy still. Seeing we look for such things, it becomes us to be careful that we attain the Bible standard of holiness, not being easily discouraged by any, who, looking at other standards, may call it presumption to speak of walking with God, without spot and blameless, as though a necessity of sin were laid upon us. We read that Zacharias and Elizabeth "were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless," and that "Elijah was a man subject to like passions as we are," let us then take heed that we run not into the error of the wicked and follow the modern traditions of men. Jesus said, "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul and with all thy mind," and "thy neighbor as thyself," but some of our teachers say, this is impossible, and can never be fulfilled until after-death; when all admit, that as a tree falleth so it lieth. Many insist that it is the duty of every one to aim at holiness of heart, and yet deny that it is practically attainable. In these last momentous hours of trial, when men's hearts are failing for fear, and the foundation of the world's theology is shaken, it becomes all those who wait for the coming Bridegroom to search his revealed will to know certainly what is the wedding garment, and how the spirit may be purified and made white; for nothing impure or unholy shall enter there. PRAYER is the mightiest engine God has placed in our hands. It is the best weapon to use in every difficulty, and the surest remedy in every trouble. It is the key that unlocks the treasury of promises, and the hand that draws forth grace and help in time of need. It is the silver trumpet God commands us to sound in all our necessity, and it is the cry He has promised always to attend to, even as a loving mother to the voice of her child. Prayer is the simplest means that man can use in coming to God. It is within reach of all—the sick, the aged, the infirm, the paralytic, the blind, the poor, the unlearned—all can pray. It avails you nothing to plead want of memory, and want of learning, and want of books,207 and scholarship in this matter. So long as you have a tongue to tell your soul's state, you may and ought to pray. Those words, "Ye have not because you ask not," will be a fearful condemnation to many in the day of judgment. EVIL SPEAKING.
By A. R. S.
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned. Matt. xii, 37. Of things which we so careless name,
How little kindles to a flame;
The unruly tongue no man can tame. "They say" (and so it must be true)
What would, did we but rightly view,
Prove false and vanish as the dew. Abroad from evil lips it flies,
And reaches, soon, a wondrous size,
As mountains, oft, from mole-hills rise. Or as the torrent in its flow,
Or as the Winter's rolling snow,
Lose nothing as they onward go. Far better rob one of his gold;
For this could be restored four-fold;
But never what is wrongly told. As in the lightning's path we find
Its scathing tracks are left behind;
So is this influence on the mind. Then deem it not a little thing;
A whisper borne on silent wing,
May reach a heart that feels its sting. Nor think ye lightly of the deed,
Broadcast to fling the poisonous seed,
That springs to many a deathly weed. Thou Hypocrite! why vainly try,
From motes to free thy brother's eye;
First, in thine own, the beam descry. As if a fabric thou couldst rear,
Of others' faults, thyself to clear;
More guilty thus dost thou appear. If temples for God's Spirit meet—
No fountain with pure streams replete,
Sends forth both bitter and the sweet. O that we could this lesson learn;
From every thing, away to turn,
But what does only us concern. Then should we know and see and hear,
The more of joy, the less of fear,
And half our trials disappear. A richer harvest we should reap,
A better record angels keep;
And many smile, where now they weep. By this we quench Love's holy light,
And scatter when we should unite,
And darken all that else were bright. But they in Charity abound,
Who, faultless, will the throne surround,
And in their mouth no guile be found. How much we've spoken ill or well,
Whether to wound or soothe it fell,
Eternity alone can tell! O then how wilt thou be o'erwhelmed,
Though well the current thou hast stemmed,
If by thy words thou art condemned! A. R. S.