Earlier text: THE SANCTUARY AND ITS CLEANSINGTO THE WAITING AND TRIED ONES.
By John H. Waggoner
SINCE writing the short address through the REVIEW, on my personal matters, in August last, I have been reading some of the Testimonies in a careful manner, given to me in past years; and I find, somewhat to my surprise, that, looking at them in the light of recent trials and sorrows, they appear quite different from what they did when viewed under the circumstances and discouragements which created the necessity for their being given. Then, I looked at them with difficulties and temptations all standing in my way; then, also, my sympathies were perverted and my judgment swayed in proportion to the perversion of my sympathies; now, I look at them with the full weight of trial resting upon me consequent on such a perversion of my sympathy and judgment and a corresponding partial disregard of the instructions of the Testimonies. Then, I fainted at the rebuke of the Lord (see Heb. xii, 5), and sank in discouragement at the difficulties before me; now, I stand humbled before God, not only by what was thus given to me, but by that which he, in his inscrutable wisdom, has permitted to come upon me. Years ago I was admonished and warned that Satan would make strong efforts to silence my testimony for the truth. These admonitions I certainly did not appreciate. I deeply regret it, but freely confess it as a warning to others. To those who have expressed their pity for me in my trials, I would say, I am not worthy of it. Had I been more faithful to God, I believe I might have been protected from many evils, and preserved from many sorrows. Deeply humbled, I make my confession before God and his people. And again I would utter a word of warning to those for whom God has kindly cared in admonishing them by the testimonies of his Spirit: Be careful how you treat them; if you slight them it is at your peril. You may not realize nor even see the necessity for them; and, alas! for poor, fallen human nature, where we need them most, we realize it least; where we are most at fault, we are most blinded to our faults. "The heart is deceitful above all things." It is my great desire to redeem the time. Oh! I do want to be saved. I wish to be so refined and purified that I may be fitted and prepared to enjoy the purity and holiness of Heaven. I thank God for the consolations of his grace, which only are able to sustain the heart sinking under a burden of woe. I trust the Lord is not indifferent to my desires, but will hear my cries uttered before him both day and night, for the salvation of my family. May the Lord in his great goodness convert them all, and bring us all together, through all our trials and afflictions, to the enjoyment of his glorious kingdom. And of the members of my scattered family I would here ask, Who will strive, earnestly strive, to enter with me into the joy of our Lord, at our Saviour's coming? THE press is a mighty engine for good or for evil. The cause of unpopular Bible truth must be blessed with good books. In regard to our publications, we would state as follows: 1. We have too many kinds, and yet the ground of important truth is not fully covered by our books, pamphlets, and tracts. Before printing more, labor should be expended in revising, condensing, and writing. We should have as few pages as possible, and yet have the ground fully covered. 2. We have but few efficient ministers, and a large share of the great work must be accomplished by our publications. And a large share of them must be circulated gratuitously. Here will ever be a chance for our people to cast into the treasury, of their abundance, sums large and small. 3. Agents are wanted all over the country, who shall take a lively interest in the sale of our publications, men who shall manage the matter with all that interest they would were it a matter of worldly gain. The Publishing Association has offered its publications to agents on easy terms. It pays transportation of books, and asks agents to be responsible for only those books they sell. And with these easy terms, some have taken the agency who have neither acted for the interest of the Association, nor for the good of the cause. Agents are wanted who will act for the best interest of the Publishing department, to advance the worthy enterprise of book distribution. They should be men of piety and benevolence, who will engage in this department of the work for Christ's sake. They should be prompt, active business men. Some have ordered books largely, sold but few, and have on hand large quantities of some kinds out of print at the Office. Orders for these books cannot be filled at the Office, because they have been sent off to distant States where they lie in the hands of inactive agents. Agents should order books carefully, and those who ship them should be allowed to vary as to the amount of kinds. They should fill orders with reference to the amount on hand, and the probable call for the different kinds of books in the locality to which they are to be sent. The Association will pay no express freights. At present low prices of books, it can do no more than to pay common freights. Those who choose to order by express will pay their own bills. Those who have on hand more or less of such works as Spiritual Gifts, How to Live, History of the Sabbath, Kingdom of God, Sabbath Tracts, Nos. 1-4, Truth Found, Appeal for the Restoration of the Sabbath, Facts for the Times, Signs of the Times, Testimonies to the Church, Nos. 11-14, will please report to the Office immediately the amount on hand. If they have a surplus of any of these or other kinds, it is their duty to send them to the Office free of charge as soon as convenient. Agents are wanted who will take a lively interest in these matters. They can have a good assortment, and yet not drain the Office of certain kinds, until there be none there to fill orders. Bro. Andrews is revising the History of the Sabbath, when a large edition will be printed. And untiring efforts will be made to make our books as select, and valuable as possible. We design that the entire ground shall be fully covered with as few pages as possible. PROGRESS AND RESOURCES OF THE UNITED STATES.
Added to the mass of testimony already presented, relative to the rapid rise, and present power and position of the United States among the nations of the earth, the following facts may be worthy of notice: “Sixty years ago there was hardly a craft larger than an Indian canoe on the great western lakes. In 1841, the lake trade amounted to $65,000,000; in 1851, to $300,000,000; and in 1864, to $550,000,000; and it bids fair in 1871 to reach the enormous sum of one thousand million dollars.” Should time and peace continue till 1871, this estimate will doubtless be verified. Trade from nothing to one thousand millions of dollars in a little over sixty years, shows a development unequalled in any other portion, or in any other age of the world. Our resources in the single item of coal shows that nature has not in this respect dealt sparingly with this favored land. “The coal fields of America cover over 225,000, square miles; an area equal to twenty-eight such States as Massachusetts. One cubic mile will furnish seven millions of tons annually for a thousand years. At this rate our coal will last sixty thousand years.” The view taken by a popular divine, and expressed before a popular audience, is found in the following extract from a sermon by Bishop Thomson, preached less than a year since in New York. How can we suppose that a nation equal to the universal empires of Greece and Rome, a nation which was to have the last and brightest light of the gospel in its course around the world, should be passed over in utter silence by the book of prophecy? The facts herewith given do not prove that this nation is noted in prophecy; but the fact that it is so noticed, clothes these facts with startling interest, and gives them a striking significance. “The progress of our own country must be especially grand. With what strides has it advanced!” A little more than a hundred years ago, Wolfe fought Montcalm on the heights of Abraham, and Canada and the West were then French and Papal, and there was no civilization north of the lakes nor west of the Father of Waters, save a few French settlements and Catholic mission stations. The United States contained only a million and a half of colonists under the British Crown, and northwest of the Ohio, where now is the very heart of the Republic, was set down in maps as lands unknown. Even Kentucky had not been penetrated by the pale-faced hunter. Now behold the grand inheritance, with fifty-one hundred and twenty miles of sea-coast, having harbors unexcelled, and rivers longer than the Volga, and more beautiful than the Rhine; in territorial extent scarcely less than all the Empires, States, and Republics, of Europe, and fully equal to the Macedonian empire under Alexander, or the Roman under Cæsar; in population already exceeding that of Great Britain, and nearly equal to that of France; in agricultural wealth unsurpassed, having a single valley that could victual the whole world; in climate comprising every variety, from the region of perpetual snow to the fiery heats of the tropics; and in mineral treasure rich beyond all description, from the lakes to the Gulf, and from ocean to ocean!” The Mining Telegraph estimates that in the Sierra Nevada range and adjacent territory alone one thousand quartz mills of a capacity for crushing fifty tons each day could be employed, and, taking the yield at $250 per ton, this would add to the wealth of the nation $12,500,000 a day, or $4,000,000,000 per annum. Coal, more important than gold, abounds. I was thought extravagant when I said to my British cousins that in one of our coal fields we could, if it were excavated, drop all England. But our coal fields cover an area of 225,000 square miles, sufficient to receive England, Wales, Scotland, and all the other islands in the British seas, and have 102,450 square miles left. If each cubic mile would furnish 700,000,000 of tons annually for a thousand years, as is supposed, our machinery will not soon be stopped.” Who knows how much the majesty of a reprover may tame the insolence of an offender? RESPECT FOR THE HOLY SABBATH.
By A. S. Hutchins
Says Christ, “The Sabbath was made for man.” The Creator of the heavens and the earth, is its Author. He rested upon the Sabbath, and was refreshed. He blessed and sanctified it. To Adam it was made known prior to his fall. And to him it could have been an institution of no important signification, if its object, and the use he should make of it, was not fully revealed. Some six thousand years have rolled away since that period, and we have the holy Sabbath, God’s sacred rest-day, yet. It is a fit memorial of his creative power and works, and he has not suffered it to be lost, though kingdoms have arisen and come to their height, in pride, and gigantic power, and with mighty nations of earth, have passed away like the broad swellings of the ocean. Infuriated agents of Satan, inspired by evil angels, have sought the destruction of God’s people and of his blessed word; but praise his holy name, a remnant yet lives to obey and honor him by keeping his commandments. And to-day, we can say, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts.” 2 Pet. i, 19. The Sabbath of the Lord is designed to be a great blessing to those who use it aright. “Holy day, that most we prize,
Day of solemn praise and prayer;
Day to make the simple wise,
Oh, how great thy blessings are!” “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy” is still the requisition of the Most High. Dear brethren and sisters, do we keep the Sabbath according to the commandment? Do we delight in it, and spend its sacred hours as they swiftly pass, as we should? I do not speak reprovingly, but in love, when I express a fear that some suffer the labors of the week to crowd upon the hours of the Sabbath as they should not. You say, This is necessary work, necessary chores, &c. True, it may be necessary that all this should be attended to; but should it not be done on sixth-day, or remain over till first-day? Could it not often be so? Think of it. Some are not as punctual in attending worship as they should be on this day. And sometimes children are suffered to remain at home when they might be benefited by attending religious meetings. Now you want your dear children saved; but Satan works hard for their destruction. Oh! gather them with you to the house of worship, and seek here, and at home, on the Sabbath, and each day of the week, to lead them to God and to secure their final salvation in his kingdom with all the blood-washed throng. Oh! how blessed for parents and children there to meet to part no more. Says the apostle, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Heb. x, 25. If we heed the exhortation of Paul, here, we shall have something to do when we come together. Exhorting one another; and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. That day hasteth greatly. And as we stir the mind of each other up on this point we shall naturally feel the importance of a preparation of heart to meet the Lord. And what constitutes this preparation? Says the same apostle, “And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Thess. v, 23. We need then to be wholly sanctified in order to be preserved blameless unto the coming of the Lord. In this great work God will help us. His Son will aid. Holy angels will watch over and strengthen the persevering. The truth, if received into the heart and reduced to practice, will purify and prepare us for Heaven, our home. And the Holy Spirit will help our infirmities. Paul further says, for our comfort, “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.” Oh! that you and I, dear reader, may be of that company. Oh! that we may be prepared to meet the Lord when he cometh. Oh! that we may receive the crown of life that fadeth not away. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he is tried he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him.” James i, 12. EASTERN TOUR.
By James White
We had fine weather and good sleighing for our second meeting at Norridgewock, Me. There was a general gathering from different parts of the State. Those who preached enjoyed freedom, and the social meetings were profitable. The brethren in Maine are now more than willing to be helped. They are ready to co-operate with those who come to them to labor for the advancement of the cause. And they are saying to their preachers, “Go out and labor in new fields.” The little church in Maine can receive but little benefit from the preachers among them. And both ministers and people are beginning to feel this. Maine is a good field of labor. One year since it was a hard field for us, simply because Maine Sabbath-keepers were unready to receive our testimony. A complete revolution has taken place, and now we are as free in Maine as in any other State. On our way to our appointment in Portland, we called on old friends at Richmond, and spoke to the people at the Reed meeting-house, mentioned in Life Incidents, pages 85-88. More than twenty-five years since, in the direct providence of God, I visited this place, and witnessed the work of God. Old friends had not forgotten me, and were ready to hear me again. Our meeting at Portland was one of interest and profit. Mrs. W. met two natural sisters at this meeting, and here learned of the death of her sister Belden she had so recently parted with in Connecticut, very low with consumption. Here I was happy to meet the widow of Eld. Andrew Rollins, mentioned in Life Incidents, page 84. She is still looking for the coming of the Just One. May she, after looking and waiting so long, be ready to meet her Lord with joy. The Adventists of Portland opened their hall to Mrs. W., Sunday afternoon, where she addressed a large congregation who crowded in to hear. She never had a more candid hearing. The interest at Richmond was such that we decided to return, and speak at the Reed meeting-house Monday evening, and at the village Tuesday evening. The congregations in both places were large, and the attention and interest to hear was good. Many were moved to tears by Mrs. W.'s appeals. These meetings at Richmond were of thrilling interest to us, it being my first field of successful labor in the Advent cause. At Bro Umberhind's especially we felt as much at home as at the homes of Seventh-day Adventists. God bless that dear family in all its numerous branches. We left Eld. J. H. Waggoner with this people to labor with them for the present, and we hope a good work will be accomplished upon my old battle ground at Richmond, Me. Nominal Adventism has cursed this field with its errors, fancies, and divisions, so that the labor at present will be hard. God bless Bro. Waggoner, and make him strong to labor in Maine. South Lancaster, Mass., Dec. 7, 1868. Wednesday night, Dec. 2, we spent at our old resting-place with the family of Bro. Howland, Topsham, Me. Thursday night, the 3d, we were kindly cared for by Sr. Temple, Boston. Friday, the 4th, we came with her to the Lancaster meeting. Here we find more than one hundred of believers from different parts. We have liberty in speaking, but the work moves slowly. There is a great work to be done in New England, and the brethren seem poorly prepared to engage in it. But we hope there will be a coming up to the help of the Lord. MEETINGS IN WISCONSIN.
By I. Sanborn
Since my last report I have held another series of meetings at Waterloo, Grant Co., Wis. I spent two weeks in visiting from house to house, and held seven meetings. On Sabbath and first-day eight were baptized and seventeen added to the church, while others were deeply convicted, and we hope will soon submit themselves to the Lord. The brethren and sisters of this church are growing and increasing in the good work and in the knowledge of the Lord, and I trust they will always continue to do so. Yesterday, I commenced a protracted meeting in the town of Fayette, Fayette Co., Wis., four miles north-east of Darlington. Have preached twice to large and278 attentive congregations. I am hoping for much good here, as there are no ministers to oppose the work in an underhanded way, as they often do. Bold, open attacks we do not dread; but this underhanded, stay-away doctrine, is hard to meet, because the people will not hear. But I trust the Lord will give me wisdom to exercise patience in this great work, that his holy will may be done by me always, and precious souls be converted to God as the result of my labor here. Brethren, pray for me. I. SANBORN. Darlington, Nov. 30, 1868. TO THE CHURCHES IN OHIO.
By J. H. Waggoner
A few words of explanation of my coming East may not be amiss. 1. I expected to go to Ohio to attend a meeting about the middle of October, to remain there, perhaps, through the winter. 2. When the Ohio meeting was deferred, Bro. and Sr. White did not expect to come to Maine, but soon to return from New York by way of Ohio. 3. When I first contemplated going to the New York Conference, I also expected to return to Ohio. It was on the suggestion of the General Conference Committee that I first thought of coming to New England. 4. Though I had many misgivings on account of my inability to do justice to a field previously occupied by abler and stronger ones, I have felt clear in my duty to come here; and since my arrival in this State, I have not had a doubt that, in this step, I was in the line of duty. This I know will be gratifying to my many friends in Ohio, who realize that “the field is the world,” and whose devotion to truth is not bounded by State lines. And I have confidence to believe that, though far away, and laboring in another State, I am in their hearts for the sake of our Saviour, and am still remembered in their prayers. 5. I rejoice to know that Bro. and Sr. White now have an appointment for Ohio, and I earnestly entreat all, as far as possible, to attend the meeting at Bowling Green. Go, praying and expecting to be benefited, and you will not be disappointed. They will bring you help. The recent views presented to Sr. White, of our position and duties as a people, are of the greatest interest and importance. “The end of all things is at hand.” Let us neglect no means of being prepared for “those things which are coming on the earth.” And, finally, I wish to assure you that my interest in the work in Ohio is unabated; and if I am permitted to attend the next General Conference, it is my purpose to urge the claims of Ohio to their consideration. In the meantime let your steadfastness in the faith and labors of love show to all that you have a consecration to the cause of God which can preserve you even in the most adverse circumstances. And ever pray that the Lord of the harvest may raise up, and send forth, laborers into the harvest. ISAIAH LVI.
By E. B. Saunders
This chapter is one of the most familiar of the Bible to S. D. Adventists; but there are many just beginning to investigate the prophecies with a reference to the Sabbath question, and to benefit such, these few lines are written. Most men have such a vague idea of the meaning of the Old Testament scriptures, that they fail to perceive that prophecy has a far greater scope than the few years in which the prophet lived, or the country where he dwelt. Hence many expositors give all the terrible threatenings, curses, &c., to those who lived contemporaneously with the prophet; but if they find blessings promised, they find no difficulty in applying them to men in our own times. But the fifty-sixth of Isaiah is an exception to this almost-general rule. Professing Christians are not so eager to appropriate the blessing spoken of in the second verse. That this prophecy has its application near the close of probationary time is evident from the first verse, “Thus saith the Lord, Keep ye judgment, and do justice; for my salvation is near to come, and my righteousness to be revealed.” In one sense Jesus is called the salvation of God, because it depends upon him; but it does not actually take place till this mortal shall put on immortality. Hence Peter speaks of it as the “salvation ready to be revealed in the last time,” 1 Pet. i, 5; and Paul refers to the time when Jesus shall “appear the second time without sin unto salvation.” Heb. ix, 28. Therefore we apply this prophecy to the time when Jesus’ coming is nigh at hand. Thousands and millions of the meek of the earth have been tortured to death at the stake, the rack, and by the sword. Everything that flesh could suffer, they suffered till their wails of agony ceased in death, and the world soon forgot that they had lived and suffered for the truth of God. Generations pass, and the wicked act as though God approved their hellish deeds; but God is not unrighteous, to forget his trusting saints or their labor of love. He will yet convince the wicked that he is a righteous God. His righteousness will be revealed in the terrible judgments to be visited upon Babylon. Rev. xviii, 5–8, 20, 24; and xix, 2. Now while salvation for the righteous and righteous judgments upon the wicked are near, a blessing is pronounced upon the “man that doeth this, and the son of man that layeth hold on it; that keepeth the Sabbath from polluting it, and keepeth his hand from doing any evil.” Verse 2. The Sabbath has been laid down as an antiquated Jewish institution; now, the blessing is on the son of man who takes it up again. “Also the sons of the stranger” (an expression in other places denoting the Gentiles, who seek the Lord are included in the promise. See verse 6. Not only are they to observe the Sabbath, but to take hold of the Lord’s covenant. We may learn what the covenant is, which is here referred to, by reading Deut. iv, 13, where Moses says, “He declared unto you his covenant, which he commanded you to perform, even ten commandments.” The law of God, long trampled down and regarded as Jewish, is to be taken hold of by the people of God when salvation is near to come. This accords with the last work of the church, as brought to view in Rev. xiv. The second coming of our Lord is brought to notice in verse 14, while verse 12 speaks of the waiting saints, thus: “Here is the patience of the saints; here are they that keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.” Also, in chap. xii, last verse, we read that the remnant people of God are to be persecuted while they “keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” But the Dragon is not suffered to triumph over the waiting, commandment-keeping saints. John next sees them safe on the Mount Zion, singing a new song of deliverance. Rev. xiv, 1. This is what God has promised in the chapter under consideration; for of those who take hold of his covenant he says, verse 7, “Even them will I bring to my holy mountain [Mount Zion, or the New Jerusalem, Heb. xii, 22], and make them joyful in my house of prayer.” In verse 9, a call is made to the supper of the great God, “All ye beasts of the field, come to devour, yea all ye beasts of the forest.” This call to the supper of the great God is to be in connection with the coming of the King of kings. “And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; that ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.” Rev. xix, 17, 18; also Eze. xxxix, 17–21. The cases of the blind watchmen who do not discern the signs of the day of God, are brought to notice in the remaining portion of the chapter. Their condition is so vividly set forth that it needs no comment. “His watchmen are blind; they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs; they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand; they all look to their own way, every one for his gain from his quarter. Come ye, say they, I will fetch wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink; and to-morrow shall be as this day, and much more abundant.” We leave the reader to judge whether this is not eating and drinking with the drunken, and crying, Peace and safety. E. B. SAUNDERS. LOVE TOWARD THE ERRING.
By John Matteson
“BRETHREN, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness.” Gal. vi, 1. Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. We were all in error when he, like a good shepherd, went in search of the wandering, perishing sheep. Now, if he has tried to save us, and has manifested such longsuffering and tender compassion, how cruel in us to be indifferent and unfeeling, or even harsh to our failing brethren. I believe that many souls have been lost from our churches, and are now without hope, who might have been saved had we manifested that tender love and zeal for them which we ought to have done. Oh! let us cleanse our garments from those cruel stains of the blood of souls, and try to reach out after the erring brother or sister in the spirit of much meekness and humility, that they may be restored. Each church may be compared to a family. If one of the children in a family is taken sick, the parents care more for that child than all the rest. How they will watch over it, and pray for it, and spend labor and time and means freely, if the child may possibly be restored. And when their labors are crowned with success how happy they are, and rejoice more over this child that is brought back to health than over those who were never sick. And if, as often happens, the child dies in spite of all they can do, they are not sorry because they cared so much for it, but have a good conscience. So, likewise, in the church, we should direct the greatest care and exercise the tenderest love to the erring ones; for they are sick—sin-sick members of the family. If after much labor and prayer and toil that soul is converted, then we can rejoice in the promise, “He which converteth the sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” James v, 20. But if we should fail after having done all that we could to gain the erring one, then, my brethren, we are left with a conscience void of offense before God and men. How cruel, on the other hand, it does look, when the ignorant Hindoo carries his sick child out in the jungle, and cares nothing for it, but leaves it for wild beasts and ravenous birds to devour, which often begin their cruel work before life is extinct. But we act more cruel when we leave a poor soul to be destroyed by evil angels and men; for in this work eternal interests are at stake. And it is far worse to be exposed to the second death than to the first. May the Lord help us all to obtain more love toward the erring, and exercise the same. May we learn not so much to tear and devour, but the true art of healing. May we ourselves obtain the balm of Gilead, and love others, even as Christ loved us. WITHOUT FAULT.
By H. M. Wilkerson
“And in their mouth was found no guile; for they are without fault before the throne of God.” Rev. xiv, 5. But who are the company here spoken of? None other than “the 144 thousand which were redeemed from the earth.” And are we expecting soon to stand with that faultless company, and with them sing that “new song?” We are expecting that soon the people of God will be redeemed. We are satisfied that time is short, and what we do we must do quickly. How important, then, that we search our own hearts and understand wherein we are faulty, that we may overcome all our wrongs. Who among us are not now faulty? But we must be without fault. Then in order to be right we must know ourselves. It is more natural for people to see wrongs in others than to see their own. Says the Psalmist, Ps. xix, 12, “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults.” We need to pray earnestly to God that he will help us to see ourselves as we are in his sight; and when we see wrongs strive earnestly to overcome them. “And in their mouth was found no guile.” Much instruction is given us in the word of God in regard to our conversation. Jesus says, Matt. xii, 36, 37, “But I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of Judgment; for by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by279 thy words thou shalt be condemned.” How important that we realize these words at all times, and understand just when we ought to speak, and what we ought to say, and have our words seasoned with the grace of God. Says Peter, “But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” 1 Pet. i, 15. Paul says, “Let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ.” And again, “For our conversation is in Heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ.” We need to pray much, and be very watchful, and try continually to have the meditation of our hearts right, then it will be easy to have our conversation right. If the fountain is cleansed the stream will be pure. We are living in the investigative Judgment; and the light we now have shows us that we are near the close of probation. That our cases will soon be called up in the court of Heaven, and our destiny sealed for life or death. What a solemn thought. Do we realize it? Do we desire a home with the saints? Then let us get ready to receive it, or we shall fail of an entrance there. There is now no time to lose. Let us watch and be sober. If we are not found watching, how sad will be our doom, after having associated with the people of God, and with them mingled our voices in prayer and praise to God who has given us such great light as now shines upon our pathway. What more could our kind Heavenly Father have done for us than he has done? If we will only do all on our part that is required, the Lord will give us all the help we need to enable us to overcome every besetment, and come off victorious, and finally stand without fault before the throne of God. LABOR IN MICHIGAN.
By R. J. Lawrence
I have spent nine weeks of the last Conference quarter with churches as follows: Duplain, Greenbush, Ithica, Alma, Seville, and the last two weeks in the town of Fulton, Gratiot Co. The churches seemed encouraged, and determined to go through. I commenced a course of lectures in Fulton, Nov. 17. The going was very bad, but a few out at first, but the congregation increased, and the interest was good. Two commenced to keep the Sabbath. Tuesday, Dec. 1, I received news that my wife was very sick. I started for home, and when I arrived yesterday I found her commencing to recover. As soon as I can leave I shall return to finish a course of lectures there. I feel an increasing interest in the truth, and want to work in concert with this people, and mean to by the help of the Lord, and of my brethren. Pray for me. R. J. LAWRENCE. WHO ARE THE BLESSED?
By L. E. MILLNE
We read in the precious word of God that there is a company unto whom the Lord will say, “Come ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.” Oh! to hear the lovely Jesus pronounce us blessed, will it not fill our hearts with joy unspeakable and full of glory? I think I hear you inquire, Who are the blessed? Hear ye the word of the Lord, Blessed are they that do his commandments that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. They are blessed now in the present tense, and blessed all the way along, yea, and blessed forevermore; and when Jesus comes with power and great glory to gather his jewels ye shall hear him say, Come ye blessed of my Father inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. Oh! who can describe the glory that shall fill our hearts when Jesus, our adorable Redeemer, shall come to take us home to that blissful abode in Heaven. “When all unite in unison, and sing,
One grateful song to Heaven’s eternal King.” Raised from Sickness to Service
By S. S. Bartlett
BRO. SMITH: Gratefully would I acknowledge the goodness of my Heavenly Father in sparing my unprofitable life, raising me from a bed of sickness, where for many weeks I had been prostrated, and putting a new song into my mouth, even praise to his holy name. “What shall I render unto the Lord for all his benefits toward me?” Shall I not devote to his service the health and strength which now are mine? God help me thus to do. God give me the earnest resolve, the willing heart and hands, to spend and be spent in the service of my blessed Master who has done so much for me. I realize that for this additional token of his loving kindness my Heavenly Father will require of me a better service than I have hitherto rendered, a deeper consecration of self, a more sacrificing, cross-bearing spirit. Oh! that I may walk worthy of the vocation wherewith I am called; that I may be a humble laborer in the vineyard of the Lord, that when the harvest is ended, and the laborers sit down to the marriage supper of the Lamb, I, too, all unworthy as I am, may receive the welcome applause, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” S. S. BARTLETT.
Holly, Mich., Dec. 3, 1868. BRO. L. S. WETHERWAX writes from Waterloo, Iowa: I would wish you to send me Bro. Andrews' revised History of the Sabbath as soon as ready. I left my copy of the first edition of that History of the Sabbath with my friends in hopes it may do some good among them. I am very lonely here at Waterloo, and would be glad to hear from some of our seventh-day friends, and learn their whereabouts and nearest place of meeting. What poor, dry feed for an S. D. Adventist to attend one of the popular churches. I pray the Lord to send a messenger to this place, a man of God, to arouse his children, if he have any in this place. Oh! that their eyes might be opened and their ears unstopped, that they might see and hear and obey the truth as it is in Jesus. How important that we are living Christians, exemplary in all our deportment, so that sinners may be abashed, or stand reproved by our holy walk and godly conversation. Although I am here alone, as it were, yet I am trying to overcome through the blood of the Lamb. The REVIEW is a comforter, companion, and friend. The blessing of the Sabbath outweighs all worldly considerations. Put all the gold of earth in one scale, and the commandments and approbation of God in the other, and these will outweigh all. BRO. SMITH: I would gratefully acknowledge the weekly visits of the REVIEW, which is read with interest and, I trust, with some profit. As I am one of the lone ones, I feel it to be an indispensable means of instruction. The sermons, the testimonies, the soul-stirring warnings, are as meat in due season. I feel to praise God for the light of present truth. I am almost 69 years old, and my advanced age and infirm health forbid my going any considerable distance, to meet with Christians of like faith, yet I feel that my obligations to God are personal, and it is my duty to obey him in keeping all his holy requirements. His law is holy, just, and good, a transcript of his divine perfections, our infallible rule of life. Inasmuch as we are not redeemed with corruptible things, but with the precious blood of Christ, I desire to be wholly consecrated to his service feeling that in keeping the commands of God there is great reward. I want to be sanctified through the truth, and be prepared to meet Jesus with joy at his appearing. It is heart-cheering to be remembered and visited by our dear Christian friends. Bro. R. F. Andrews and wife with several others visited us and spent the last Sabbath of October and first day of November with us; preached and celebrated the ordinances. It was the first time that I ever had the privilege since embracing the Sabbath of the Lord. It was a precious season. I feel my spiritual strength renewed. I feel to praise God for so many blessings conferred on one so unworthy. We would ask dear friends to remember the lonely and tried ones. Pray for us.