It is a noticeable fact that the professed church who rejects the commandments of God, and the soon coming of his Son from Heaven, is fast becoming more and more united with, and conformed to, the world. Scenes of mirth, frivolity, and festivity, is a chief feature in the present course of these popular churches. My attention was recently called to this subject by the following notice in a County Journal, from an adjoining State, which speaks for itself:
“FAIR AND FESTIVAL.
“The ladies of the —— church and society, will hold a Fair and Festival at —— hotel, on Wednesday evening, Oct. 28. Fancy articles, ice cream, confectionery, oysters, a most luxurious supper, fortune-telling, music, and tableaux, will be the order of the evening. All are invited to come and enjoy the good time.”
And so a good time is promised by the ladies of the church, and all are invited to come. The proceeds, as we shall see in the sequel, were for the benefit of the church. This must be kept before the mind in order to quell the conscientious scruples any might have in attending such places. Indeed, the pastor, yes, and all of his flock that can possibly go, must be there to enjoy the luxurious supper, and get their fortunes told, as the proceeds are for the benefit of the church. The village editor of course must be especially invited to attend, so as to give a puff in his journal. In the next issue he pronounces the festival a “grand success.” “The net proceeds, for the benefit of the church, were a hundred and thirty-five dollars—a much larger sum than the society expected.” He complimented the ladies for “the manner in which everything was arranged, the excellence of the supper, the taste displayed in the fancy articles, the richness and profusion of the dainties;” for having seen so many “pretty faces,” met so many “pleasant friends,” and chatted with so many “agreeable associates,” &c., and closes his eulogy by saying, “There is one thing certain, that if the congregation at the festival was a fair sample of the —— church, that’s the one we want to join.”
Only a few years ago, I was a member of this church; but oh! how fallen! At the time of its organization, I trust that most of her members were God-fearing Christians, and would have shrunk from the idea of such instrumentalities for the benefit of the church. Our prayer-meetings then were spiritual, and were well attended, and I trust sinners were truly converted.
Soon a railroad town was built up, and a church building erected, and fashionably furnished. Many of the church members gradually became more and more worldly and pleasure-seeking, patronizing horse-racing, circuses, and the ball-room. How true it is said,
“Her private members walk no more
As Jesus Christ has taught them;
Riches and fashions they adore—
With these the world has bought them,”
Tried, discouraged, and grieved, to see such a want of consistent church government and discipline, I was glad when the Lord interposed, and sent us an Advent messenger, who preached the “commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” A few of us received the truth, and heeded this last call, “Come out of her my people, 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.
“Well may thy servants mourn, my God,
The church’s desolation;
The state of Zion calls aloud
For grief and lamentation.
Once she was alive to thee,
And thousands were converted;
But now a sad reverse we see,
Her glory is departed.”
Oh! that others would heed this call from Heaven, and identify themselves with God’s remnant people, who “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”
GEO. WHITE.
Hamilton Co., Iowa.
THE WORK OF WISDOM.
By THIERA M. FOSTER
“Wisdom hath builded her house, she hath hewn out her seven pillars; she hath killed her beasts; she hath mingled her wine; she hath also furnished her table; she hath sent forth her maidens; she crieth upon the highest places of the city, Whoso is simple, let him turn in hither; as for him that wanteth understanding, she saith to him, Come eat of my bread, and drink of the wine, which I have mingled. Forsake the foolish and live; and go in the way of understanding.” Prov. ix, 1–6. We are here informed of certain events wrought out by wisdom; one of which is, a feast is prepared, and an invitation given. In this we feel an especial interest. We want to attend this feast, and share in its blessings. In order to do this, it is necessary for us to know when, and where, it is celebrated. We will look to other portions of God’s word for light upon this important truth. The wisdom here spoken of, we see by comparing its characteristics with the inspired definitions of the word, is not the wisdom of this world, which Paul tells us is foolishness with God; but heavenly wisdom, which is from above; and originates with Him, “who is the immortal, invisible, and only wise God.” Then the house which she hath builded, is not a costly edifice, erected by one of earth’s wise and skillful artificers; but we look for one built by the wisdom and power of God. In Heb. iii, 5–6, we read, “Moses verily was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after; but Christ as a son over his own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope given unto the end.” Again, in 1 Pet. ii, 5: “Ye also as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house,” &c. Also, in 1 Cor. iii, 9, we read, “Ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.” In Eph. ii, 20, we have a more definite description of the plan and foundation of this building, thus: “Built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone.” May we not see by these, and many like testimonies, that the church of Christ is the house which wisdom hath built. “She hath hewn out her seven pillars.” The workman in erecting a temporal house, hews his timber out of the rugged forest trees, by laboring upon it with proper implements, thus, in the building of God’s spiritual house. The Lord sends forth his servants with his word, which, directed by his spirit, works upon the hard and unregenerate heart of man; and while it hews down every evil tree, it prepares the good, and sets them in his building, “where, all fitly framed together, they grow up a mighty temple in the Lord.” In Rev. ii and iii, we find a representation of the seven states of the church, commencing with the apostolic church, and ending with the Laodicean or last church. Next in order, she prepares a feast, and a call is sounded from the highest places of the city. The simple and those wanting understanding, are invited to come, that they may eat, drink, and live. Let us compare this entertainment with the great supper brought to view in Luke xiv. Here the servant is commanded to go into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in the poor, the maimed, the halt, and the blind, and in the third place, “the Lord said unto his servant, Go out into the highways, and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be full.” But where shall we look for the fulfillment of these things? As the supper time is in the afternoon, and the supper is the last meal in the day, we believe we have here a representation of the closing hours of probation, and the last gospel feast; and what a rich banquet hath wisdom prepared. How wholesome are her viands! present truth, the commandments of God, and the testimonies of Jesus Christ. Well may we exclaim with David, “The entrance of thy words giveth light, it giveth understanding to the simple.” Then while our ears are saluted with the last call, while wisdom invites us to come, and the Spirit and the bride say, Come, let us not linger, but hasten to partake of the feast, while yet there is room. Now mercy lingers. Now the voice of God’s servants are crying aloud. The guests are collecting. Soon the house will be full; and when the Master hath risen up, and shut to the door, many will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. A famine will be felt in the land, “not a famine for bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the word of the Lord.” He that is filthy will so remain—Jesus will quickly come, and his saints who have waited in patience for him, with shouts of victory, will be gathered home.
THIERA M. FOSTER.
Vienna, Wis.
FOR CHRIST'S SAKE.
By Mary Stratton
What have I done for Christ's sake? I have done a great many things for the people of God, but have I done them for Christ's sake? If not I shall lose my reward. While looking over the past I can see that there has been too much selfishness in my heart. The Lord could not do much for me, I have superseded the necessity of that, by taking such good care of myself. I have not always done all I could to help the sick and the poor, have not denied myself of food and raiment necessary for my comfort, to help others who were more needy.
A sacrifice that does not cost anything will not be acceptable to God. If it should be my lot to die before the Lord comes, I do not care to be missed in the halls of the rich, but I do care to be missed in the humble cots of the poor. It is a libel on Christianity, a reproach on every member of the church of Christ when one among us suffers for the comforts of life, while we are surrounded with plenty. The precepts of our blessed Lord will have to be spiritualized to a great extent if we cannot there learn our duty. He everywhere speaks of the poor with the greatest sympathy and affection, while of the rich he says, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God.
If we have a religion that does not teach us to look well to the wants of the poor, we may be sure it is spurious. James gives us the best definition of pure and undefiled religion in the whole Bible. There is no alloy here. He says it is pure. If we have been bought with a price, and are the property of another, it is not ours to say what we shall do with what he gives me in charge, but just to ascertain what our Master requires, and then do it with all our hearts.
May the Lord ever help us thus to do.
MARY STRATTON.
Religion and Reason
RELIGION is as necessary to reason as reason is to religion—the one cannot exist without the other. A reasoning being would lose his reason, in attempting to account for the phenomena of nature, had he not a Supreme Being to refer to; if there had been no God, mankind would have been obliged to imagine one.
Alas!
ALAS! how much of our life is an empty romance! a religious show without substance! Is it not a sad defect in our method or education, that God's word is so excluded and children's minds stuffed with pagan fooleries and romantic fancies?
Happiness, Home, and Heaven
It has been said that the three sweetest words in the English language are happiness, home, and Heaven. About these cling the most touching associations, and with them are connected the sublimest aspirations.
Sorrows and Coming Joy
SORROWS are like tempest clouds; in the distance they look black, but when above us scarcely gray. As sad dreams indicate coming joy, so will it be with the so called torturing dream of life when it hath passed.
Appointments.
By Benn Auten; Chas. Stratton; P. C. Rodman
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
The next Monthly Meeting of the Sandyville and Knoxville churches will be held, Providence permitting, at Sandyville, Iowa, Feb. 13 and 14, 1869. Brethren from Monroe, Clark and Decatur counties, are cordially invited. Brethren let us have a full attendance.
BENN AUTEN.
The next Monthly Meeting in the Southern District in Maine is to be held with the church in Portland, Feb. 20 and 21. We hope to see a goodly number from the different churches. Come to the work and the Lord will bless.
CHAS. STRATTON.
Monthly Meeting in Rhode Island for February, will be held at Green Hill, Feb. 20 and 21. Those coming by rail will stop at Shannock Depot. Inquire for A. P. Green.
P. C. RODMAN.
THE NEW SONG.
BRO. SMITH: We would ask for instruction in regard to your position as set forth in “Thoughts on the Revelation,” upon Rev. xiv, 13. If those who die in this message are raised to form a part of the 144,000; and as they all sing the song which none can learn but the 144,000, and we are told that that is the song of experience learned during the pouring out of the seven last plagues, how can those who “rest from their labors” have this experience, and so join in that song? In behalf of the Bible Class of this place.
D. M.
Vassar, Mich.
ANSWER. We understand that those who die under the third message come up in time to share with the rest of the 144,000 in their final and glorious deliverance, and this must be that part of their experience which constitutes the chief feature of the song which they sing. Perhaps it would be proper to say that the song had reference wholly to that. They sing the song of Moses and the Lamb. The song of Moses was his song of triumph as he and the armies of Israel stood safely on this side the Red Sea, while the hosts of Pharaoh were swallowed up therein. His deliverance was the burden of that song: “I will sing unto the Lord, for he hath triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.” Ex. xv, 1. Those who fall asleep in the third message, go down in full view of the troublous times before them. When they arise, they at once make the experience of the living who have passed through these scenes, their own, just as those who receive the truth under the third message, take the experience of those who had a part in the first and second messages, and enter into the spirit of it, as though it was an experience which they had themselves had. These resurrected ones then hear the everlasting covenant of peace pronounced, share with the 144,000 in their final triumph; and hence join in their song of victory. See Vindication of the Visions, pp. 55, 56.
MEETING IN OTSEGO, MICH.
According to appointment, Bro. and Sr. White met with the church in Otsego, Sabbath and first-day, Jan. 23 and 24. The brethren there, with commendable zeal, and a noble spirit of sacrifice, have just completed a neat and commodious house of worship, of brick, 30 feet 8 inches by 50 feet, outside. The present meeting was for the purpose of dedicating this house to the worship of God under the proclamation of the third angel’s message.
A good representation of brethren and sisters came in from Allegan, and Monterey, with the scattered ones from adjoining towns. But the greater part of the congregation in the various meetings, was composed of the citizens of the place; and from first to last the house was densely crowded. To see the multitude come out, many of them in advance of the hour of meeting, to secure a comfortable seat, was a pleasant sight; but to see them listen with all the respect, and apparent interest and candor, that could be asked, was more pleasant still.
Bro. White spoke three times, Sr. White, twice. The Lord gave his servants freedom. The truth was spoken with clearness, and made an impression upon the people. Especially was this the case first-day afternoon. A room more densely packed with people, than was the house on that occasion, we have never seen. Sr. White addressed them with great freedom. And though many were standing, and others were in uncomfortable positions, all were held in almost breathless attention for nearly two hours. It was remarked by some of those without, that they never saw it on this wise before. An interest seems to be awakened on the part of the people, as they begin to get acquainted with what Seventh-day Adventists really are. A good impression is made; and we believe that if the work could be properly followed up, good would be accomplished, and the cause greatly built up in that region.
The Mystery of Godliness
H. D. C.: We understand that the infant Jesus was himself the Son of God. He took upon himself our nature. How this was accomplished we can answer only in the words of the apostle: “Great is the mystery of Godliness, God manifest in the flesh;” &c.
The Generation That Shall Not Pass
By N. J. Lucas
N. J. Lucas. We think Matt. x. 23, refers to the manifestation of Christ as the promised Messiah to the Jewish people, the heralds of whose approach the apostles were sent forth to be. Then he came to his own, and his own received him not. John i, 11. A later time is referred to in Matt. xxiv, 34; a time after the signs in the sun moon and stars have been fulfilled; and the generation mentioned, we believe to be the present one, who hear the proclamation, based partly upon these signs of the near coming of the Son of Man. This generation shall not pass till the event in all its grandeur and glory shall be witnessed.
New Hymn Book Progress
By James White
The first thirty-two pp. of the new hymn book are printed. The compiling is being carefully done, and it is hoped that an excellent book will be ready by the time of next General Conference. Those who have valuable hymns and pieces of music, not in the old book, will please forward them without delay.
J. W.
J. W
By James White
The Association will probably issue an edition of the Apocrypha with references soon, which, well bound, can be sold for about seventy-five cents a copy.
J. W
Fidelity and Good Humor
INVIOLABLE fidelity, good humor, and complacency of temper, outshine all the charms of a fine face, and make the decay of it invisible.
The Choice Friend
That is a choice friend who conceals our faults from the view of others, and yet discovers them to our own.
THE REIGN OF CHRIST.
Bro. Smith: Will you please answer the following question through the REVIEW: Will Christ reign as king on the earth after the one thousand years? or after he has put all enemies under his feet? Some contend that when Christ has put all enemies under his feet, he returns to the place he had with the Father before the world was, and then the Father becomes all in all, or the Son delivers up the kingdom to the Father. W. E. C.
ANSWER. We think many people mistake in supposing that Christ is the one who puts his enemies under his own feet. The enemies of Christ and his people are put under the feet of Christ by God the Father. See Ps. cx, 1, in connection with 1 Cor. xv, 25. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death; and this takes place when the righteous, the subjects of Paul's argument, are delivered from its power at the resurrection of the just; for as the enemy of the wicked, death never will be destroyed, but will hold them forever in its dominion. While his foes are being subdued under him, Christ is associated with his Father on the throne of universal dominion. Zech. vi, 12, 13; Rev. iii, 21; Eph. i, 20, 21. But when the last enemy, death, is destroyed, at the close of this dispensation, then Christ delivers up to the Father his associated throne of universal dominion which he holds during this dispensation, and takes his own throne. The relation between Christ and his Father is clearly set forth in 1 Cor. xv, 24–28 when read in the only way in which it can be read and make sense, as follows:
“Then cometh the end [of this dispensation] when he [Christ] shall have delivered up the kingdom [of associated universal dominion] to God, even the Father; when he [God] shall have put down all rule and all authority and power [that is opposed to Christ,]; for he [Christ] must reign [on the throne of universal dominion with his Father] till he [God] hath put all enemies under his [Christ's] feet. [Ps. cx, 1.] The last enemy [of Christ and his people] that shall be destroyed, is death. For he [God] hath [in purpose, now soon to be done in reality] put all things under his [Christ's] feet. But when he [God] saith, All things are put under him [Christ], it is manifest that he [God] is excepted which did put all things under him [Christ]. And when all things shall be subdued unto him [Christ] then shall the Son [Christ] also himself be subject unto him [God] that put all things under him [Christ] that God may be all in all.” When Christ takes his own throne he reigns a thousand years in the city above, and thereafter on the earth made new forever and ever; for of his kingdom there shall be no end. Luke i, 33. Then he is supreme alone over all the universe, excepting only subjection to his Father.
BUSINESS AND PERSONAL.
A limited space will be given under this head for Business Notices from the brethren, at 20 cents per line for each insertion. Parties must give good reference as to their standing and responsibility.
WANTED.—To hire a man by the month or year, to work on a farm. Address ROBT. SAWYER, Battle Creek, Mich., Box 455.
FARM FOR SALE.—Twelve miles from Battle Creek City. A rare chance for purchasers. For particulars, Address A. A. DODGE, Battle Creek, Mich.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD TO which the money receipted pays,—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Papers. If money for the paper is not received in due time acknowledgment of the omission should then be given.
$1.00 each. H Goodrich 34-1, H Gold 34-5, J Frank 35-1, A A Balmat 35-1, G W Pierson 35-1, S Rider 34-1, P Luke 34-1, Rusha Evans 34-12, A M Preston 35-11, P McLaughlin 35-10, F Dimmick 35-1, S Barnes 33-6, H Carpenter 34-1, C A Osgood 34-1, T F Richardson 34-6, M T Hunter 34-6, O Greene 34-6, C G Suter 34-1, S G Hull 34-1, W Grant 34-1, F Anderson 34-1, J H Archer 34-1, Mrs H E Spalding 35-1, Harvey Olmstead 35-2, G L Davis 33-9, F T Smith 35-6.
$2.00 each. Philip Strong 35-6, E S Finch 35-1, E D Witch 35-1, L Hedman 34-1, G Leighton 35-1, A R Merriman 35-6, R S Webber 35-6, C Drew 35-8, H Royce 35-1, A B Hammond 34-1, C A Washburn 34-23, J J Conner 35-6, H Abbott 35-1, David Atkins 34-13, Mary Haskell 35-1, J Huffaker 35-1, J H Johnson 35-6, L P Harriman 34-13, H Smith 35-6, B Leech 33-24, N Carpenter 33-20, Richard Town 35-6, Mrs A Austin 35-1, D W Kellogg 35-1, Mary Olmstead 35-1, T S Harris 35-1, A Geer 35-6, L T Henry 35-1.
$3.00 each. Eli Wick 36-1.
Miscellaneous. Mrs L Pearce $1.25 35-1, J R Carson 1.08 34-5, L W Guiss 50c 34-6, E J Baine 3.07 35-1, Geo Bates 50c 34-6, Mrs J Power 50c 34-1, L Hersey 75c 33-6, M A Collins 2.25 35-1, H V Trembley 50c 34-6, Louisa Mann 2.24, S Pierce 1.50, Mary Judson 1.09.
Books Sent by Mail.
D B Staples $2.50, Mrs F Crandall 1.00, J W White 1.00, J R Carson 17c, J Z Lamb 75c, H Royce 10c, W W Jilz 1.00, Mrs T B Southworth 1.50, G J Colby 25c, J N Loughborough 1.13, S M Abbott 17c, F D Gilman 75c, H Abbott 2.60, B M Osgood 50c, A Dunlap 46c, Wm Cottrell 15c, G H Truesdell 2.00, R Town 3.00, C B Austin 25c, J E Tinsley 25c, T S Harris 50c, W Livingston 25c, Louisa Mann 2.24, S Pierce 1.50, Mary Judson 1.09.
For Review to the Poor.
A Friend $1.00.
Cash Received on Account.
G A Gilbert 1.00, S Pierce 1.50.
Michigan Conference Fund.
Church at Greenville $60.00.
General Conference Missionary Fund.
A Friend $2.00, Susan Elmer 2.00, Church at Greenville, Mich., 30.00, Warren Sanborn 13.78.
Books Sent by Express.
Warren Sutliff, Burr, Wis., $10.00, E B Saunders, Cattaraugus, N. Y., 17.35, Daniel Baker, Knoxville, Ia., 5.00, L W Carr 4.50, J W Raymond, Batavia, Steuben Co., N. Y., 10.58, John Bennett, Belvidere, Ill., 24.75.
Receipts for Benevolent Fund.
G B Gaskill $10.00, Tryphena Hulburt 5.00, N D Richmond 1.00, F Anderson 5.00, S Zollinger 1.00, Warren Sanborn 10.00.