Let this cup pass, my Father; I am sinking,
In the deep waters which surround my soul.
And bitter grows the draught which I am drinking,
And higher rise the waves that round me roll.
Forsake me not in this my need extremest;
Let not thy strengthening hand elude my grasp;
I know thy love even when thou harshest seemest;
Father most merciful! let this cup pass!
Life hath not lain her hand upon me lightly,
I have known sorrow, disappointment, pain;
Have seen hopes clouded when they beamed most brightly,
And false love fade, and falser friendship wane.
But now fresh chains about my heart are linking,
And to my lips is pressed a fuller cup.
And from the draught my shuddering soul is shrinking,
Father! I cannot, cannot drink it up!
What have I said? Will not thy grace sustain me?
Is thine arm shortened that it cannot save?
Powerless indeed if thou, my God, disdain me.
I can do all things with the help I crave.
Haste thee to help me; that on thee depending
I may have strength to say, “Thy will be done.”
If this cup may not pass, thine angel sending,
Aid me, as thou of oldst did aid thy Son.
Copied for the Review by E. E. SPURGERS.
Tuscola County, Mich.
GUARD WELL THY WORDS.
By V. O. Cross
How often in an unguarded moment are we led to say a word which often causes many a sorrowful hour, the memory of which may perhaps follow us with bitter regrets to our dying day. How many fond hearts are thus made to bleed by some hasty, thoughtless word we may utter; and thereby inflict a wound which perhaps we nor time can never heal.
Perhaps this may be the greatest failing some of us have to contend against; at least it has caused me rather, many a severe struggle, and, being often overcome, many a sorrowful hour.
How easy and natural, when things go a little crossing to us, to speak fretful and impatient words. And then again, when in society, how apt to let our conversation get down very low upon the earth, and indulge in vain, light, and trifling words, which are idle; and for which we must give an account in the day of Judgment.
If we hear or see a fault or failing in others, how natural to repeat it, perhaps much to the injury of the erring ones, which instead of winning may drive them farther from the right.
Had we the love of God in our hearts, and did we carry out the true principles of that law which is love to God and love to our neighbor, we should go to them in pity, love and kindness, and tell them their faults, which would be far better than retailing them to others.
While thinking of these things some time since I noted down some rules, which, when I have tried to live up to them, have been a great help to me. They are as follows:
When about to speak of others' faults or failings, let me stop and inquire, Would I be willing others should speak thus of me?
When in society let me ever reflect, What influence will my words have upon others? Will what I am about to say wound or grieve the hearts of any, and more particularly the tender Spirit of God?
When about to speak in a light and trifling manner, let me inquire, Will such conversation instruct and administer grace to the hearer? Will it exemplify the religion of Jesus, and show to those around that I believe what I profess?
“So let our lips and lives express,
The holy gospel we profess;
So let our works and virtues shine,
To prove the doctrine all divine.”
V. O. Cross.
Vermont.
WHEN sin is hell, Christ is Heaven.
HOW BLIND!
By J. M. A.
The old adage which declares that “there are none so blind as those who will not see,” is most forcibly illustrated in the case of Eld. T. M. Preble, with respect to the Sabbath question. How can his exceeding blindness on this question be accounted for in any other way, than in the fact that he will not see? for the truth, however plain it may be, he seems determined to avoid. The readers of the Review are not ignorant of his optical derangement on this question.
Recently I had occasion to notice through the Review an article in the “Voice of the West,” in which it was claimed that the Russian territory lately purchased by the United States has “two Sabbaths” each week, occasioned by a derangement in the days of the week, in traveling from one hemisphere to another. Eld. P. thought proper to reply.
While he holds that the “Seventh-day Sabbath” was given to the Jews in Palestine and peculiar only to that people and locality, he still insists that it would be “nonsense” to claim any such thing in regard to the “Sabbath;” for says he, the “Sabbath was made for man—all mankind—in every place and confined to no definite locality.” From such premise he immediately draws a conclusion as follows: “And of course the first-day Sabbath does not get out of place [in going around the world] as well as the seventh-day Sabbath, as J. M. A. asserts.” “Logical, isn’t it!” “Seventh-day Sabbath” given to the Jews,—“Sabbath” made for all men,—hence the first-day Sabbath never gets out of place like the seventh-day Sabbath! But he reasons further on this point: He says, “Seventh-day advocates have claimed that God sanctified the definite seventh day of the week in which God rested in Palestine for the Sabbath, and of necessity such a peculiar definite-space-of-time-Sabbath, confined to a certain definite locality as Palestine, gets out of place in different latitudes and longitudes.” This surely sounds quite logical, for if the seventh-day Sabbath is an institution “confined to Palestine,” it would be very likely to “get out of place” in going around the world, or even in coming over to America! But, Eld. P., you assume too much in your premise, therefore your conclusion is not correct.
It is true that Seventh-day Adventists have claimed, and do claim, that “God sanctified the definite seventh day of the week.” This is a Bible truth so definitely stated that a child cannot fail to discern it. But it does not therefore follow that the seventh-day Sabbath would be “confined” to any “definite locality.” Such conclusion and Eld. P.’s assumption that “God rested in Palestine,” might appropriately originate in the same brain.
“But not so,” he says, “with the first-day Sabbath.” And his reason is this: “The word Sabbath signifies rest; not the seventh, or any other day of the week, but rest. Therefore Christ could say: ‘The Sabbath was made for man.’ Mark it. He does not say that the seventh day of the week was made for man. But the Sabbath, as an institution, was made for man—all mankind—in every place. The seventh day of the week was observed for this ‘rest,’ or Sabbath, under the Jewish dispensation; and the first day of the week is now observed as this ‘rest’ or Sabbath in the Christian dispensation. Hence J. M. A. is wide of the truth when he says ‘the first-day Sabbath sometimes gets out of place as well as the seventh-day Sabbath,’ as we travel east or west, or by a variation of latitude [?] or longitude. The true Sabbath or septennary ‘rest’ never ‘gets out of place’ as the definite seventh-day-of-the-week theory does.”
How conclusive! With all his blindness, I presume Eld. P. thinks he sees clearly. He gives us the authority of Christ that the Sabbath “was made for man—all mankind in every place.” Very good so far. And Eld. P. will also admit that the command, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy,” applies to “all mankind in every place.” But “the seventh day is the Sabbath (or ‘rest’) of the Lord thy God.” The Lord wrought six days, “and rested the seventh day,” and therefore “blessed the Sabbath day, (or rest day) and hallowed it.” Now if this seventh day on which God rested, and which he blessed and hallowed, was not the seventh day of the week, will Eld. P. be good enough to name the period of which it was the seventh day? If he fail in this, or if he be forced to admit that it was the seventh day of the week, then he must also admit that the command to keep the Sabbath day holy, applies to the seventh day of the week; and all his great cry on this week question, is, to say the least, weak, in a different sense.
But this “rest, or Sabbath,” he says was observed on the “seventh day of the week” under the Jewish dispensation, but in the Christian dispensation on the “first day of the week,” and yet insists that the seventh-day Sabbath “will get out of place in different latitudes and longitudes,” while the first-day Sabbath is entirely free from any such liability! If Eld. P. can reconcile such inconsistencies he will do exceedingly well. Again, if the Sabbath was made for “all mankind,” and “NEVER gets out of place,” as he so emphatically admits, how was it “confined to a certain definite locality as Palestine” when observed as he admits on the seventh day of the week under the Jewish dispensation! If it could be observed then in “different latitudes and longitudes” without suffering derangement, who, but Eld. P., can deny that it may now be observed with the same freedom from the difficulty in question?
Really Eld. P.’s discrimination between the seventh-day Sabbath and first-day Sabbath, is an exhibition of blindness, pitiable to behold, and in fact the whole of his great noise on this question is simply thunder without the lightning.
J. M. A.
“THE SEVENTH-DAY SABBATH—IS ITS OBSERVANCE BINDING.”
By W. C. G.
(Continued.)
We promised last week to give what we considered the true meaning of Rom. vii, 1–6, quoted by Mr. Bailey to prove the abolition of the ten commandments. For this purpose we can do no better than to quote from the review of Eld. Preble, on pp. 55–7 of Both Sides on the Sabbath Law.
“Scarcely ever do we read an exposition of this portion of scripture by an opposer of the law, without being pained at the amount of unnatural effort expended to wrest and pervert this language of the apostle. Somehow it must be made to teach, according to their programme, that the law is abolished, though the apostle designed no such thing, as a few words will suffice to show. Under the figure of marriage, Paul represents the condition of a person before and after conversion. In the illustration are four things, the woman, the law, the first husband, and the second husband, to whom she is at liberty to be married after the first husband is dead. In the case illustrated there are also four things: the sinner represented by the woman, the moral law represented by the law of marriage, something to which the sinner is bound, represented by the first husband, and Christ, represented by the second husband. In the illustration, the husband dies, and then the woman is free to marry another. In the case of the sinner, that also which is represented by the first husband dies, and that alone. Now, it will be seen, the whole question is, What constitutes the first husband? Do you say it is the law? Then you violate Paul’s illustration; for in that he makes the husband distinct from the law, and it is the husband, not the law, that dies. And again, if you say it is the law that has died, then you make the law the first husband, and represent Paul as teaching the following pitiful absurdity: The sinner is bound by the law to the law as long as the law lives; but when the law is dead, and there is nothing to show or condemn his sin, then he is ready, all reeking with moral pollution, to be received to the bosom of his Saviour!”
“Again we recur to the question on which the whole controversy of Rom. vii turns, namely, What constitutes the first husband? We have seen what unpardonable confusion it introduces into Paul’s figures to call it the law. What then shall we call it? Answer: That which dies when the sinner is converted. And what is that? It is what St. Paul so often speaks of as the ‘old man,’ the ‘body of sin,’ the ‘carnal mind.’ And this is always represented as being ‘crucified,’ ‘destroyed,’ and ‘put off,’ when the new man is put on. The sixth of Romans is introductory to the seventh. The reader is requested to examine it in this connection. Paul there gives us a discourse on conversion and baptism. He represents the sinner as slain by the law, or dead to sin, the old man crucified, and the body of sin destroyed: then he is ready to be buried with Christ by baptism, and rise to walk in newness of life. See the following scriptures, where the putting off of the old man, and the putting on of the new, or the release from the first husband and the union with the second is described. Eph. iv, 22–24; Col. iii, 9, 10; Rom. vi, 6. Then to illustrate his subject, Paul introduces the figure used in chapter vii, a woman bound by the law to her husband, and not being allowed to marry another till her first husband was dead. Now, mark the conclusion to which he comes through this illustration: Is it that the law is dead? No; but ‘wherefore, my brethren, ye, also, are become dead to the law by the body of Christ.’ Verse 4.”
“‘But,’ says the objector, ‘do we not read in verse 6, “But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held?” and does not the word that, refer to the law, and show that the law is dead?’ By no means. The expression, that being dead, does not refer to the law. Turning to the Greek Testament, we find the word from which that expression comes, to be ἀποθανόντες. Did this word refer to the law, it should be in the genitive singular, the word law, just before it, being in that case and number; but it is in the nominative plural, and therefore refers to the word we: we are delivered from the law, we being dead to that, &c. The margin of our English version has the same reading, which is a literal rendering of the Greek. But even if we take it as it stands in the text, our opponents cannot make out of it what they claim; for the expression is qualified by the words, ‘wherein we were held.’ Wherein were we held while in sin? Not in the law, surely; but in a state of condemnation, or inseparably united to our old man of sin. This must die before we can be free from it. And the expressions, that being dead, or we being dead to that, are synonymous expressions; but the Greek forever settles the question that it cannot refer to the law. Therefore, look at it in whatever light we will, Rom. vii contains no intimation whatever that the law is in any degree relaxed, or we in any wise released from its claims. Rightly understood, there is a beautiful harmony in the illustration that Paul here uses, and the seventh of Romans becomes a strong citadel, not for those who would have the law abolished, but for those who ‘delight in the law of God after the inward man,’ and who esteem the ‘commandment holy, and just, and good.’”
W. C. G.
(To be continued.)
$15,000 WANTED IMMEDIATELY.
By E. S. WALKER
We are now in want of means to complete the new building for the Health Reform Institute. And we have that faith in our people to believe that, if we lay the matter fairly before them, and present the wants of the cause, the necessary amount, as it always has been, will be forthcoming. Up to this time there has been no lack of means. The brethren generally have responded nobly, and supplied means sufficient to carry on the business; and the Institute thus far has prospered beyond the most sanguine expectations of its friends.
During the first eight months of its existence it paid a dividend of ten per cent. per annum on the amount invested; and it is still in the same prosperous condition. We have been for some time laboring under disadvantages for want of room, being compelled to rent rooms in the vicinity, at high rates, to accommodate our patients. The Directors, after mature and prayerful deliberation, have resolved to put up a suitable brick building, with apartments adapted for cooking,169dining and lecture rooms, and other conveniences which we could not have in the buildings now occupied, which were built for private dwellings. Acting on this resolution, we have purchased and had delivered on the ground about all the timber and finishing lumber necessary for the building, to the amount of about $6,000.00, and have completed the lower story of stone, all of which is paid for. We are now ready for the brick, and have expended all our ready means. The question now is, Must we stop here for this season, and continue under the disadvantages spoken of for another winter, and incur the extra expense in hiring rooms outside; or shall we have the necessary means to purchase the brick and immediately complete the erection of the building, and finish off the first floor for kitchen, cellar, store room, and dining room; and the second floor for parlor, lecture room, and Physicians’ and Treasurer’s offices? This much is needed, and the wants of the cause certainly demand it. This would enable us to vacate rooms that we are now using, and give us ample room for forty or fifty more patients. The remainder of the building could be finished as means came in and the wants of the cause demanded.
Now brethren, the matter is before you. What shall be done? What will you do who have unpaid pledges? What will you do who have means and have not yet pledged any? What will you do who have pledged and paid to sustain the enterprise thus far, and who still have spare means at your command? Let the receipts in the Review answer.
We have no doubt that you all know your duty, but we are all so liable to forget that we think a few short quotations from Testimony No. 11, would not be amiss to stir up our minds by way of remembrance.
“I was shown that the Health Reform is a part of the third angel’s message, and is just as closely connected with this message, as the arm and hand with the human body. I saw that we as a people must make an advance move in this great work. Ministers and people must act in concert. God’s people are not prepared for the loud cry of the third angel. They have a work to do for themselves which they should not leave for God to do for them. He has left this work for them to do. It is an individual work. One cannot do this work for another. Sabbath-keepers who are looking for the soon appearing of their Saviour should be the last to manifest a lack of interest in this great work of reform. Men and women must be instructed. Ministers and people should feel that the burden of the work rests upon them to agitate the subject, and urge it home upon the people.
“I was shown that we should provide a home for the afflicted, and those who wish to learn how to take care of their bodies that they may prevent sickness.
“I was shown that there is no lack of means among Sabbath-keeping Adventists. At present their greatest danger is through their accumulations of property. Some are continually increasing their cares and labors. They are overcharged; and the result is, God and the wants of his cause are nearly forgotten by them; and they are spiritually dead. They are required to sacrifice to God an offering. A sacrifice does not increase, but decreases and consumes.
Here, I was shown, was a worthy object for God’s people to engage in; and where they can invest means which will advance the glory of God. I was shown that there was an abundance of means among our people which was only proving an injury to those who were holding on to it.
“There is a liberal supply of means among our people to carry forward this great enterprise without any embarrassment, if all will feel the importance of the work. All should feel a special interest in sustaining this enterprise; and especially those who have means, should invest in it. A suitable home should be fitted up for the reception of invalids, that they may, through the use of proper means and the blessing of God, be relieved of their infirmities, and learn how to take care of themselves, and thus prevent sickness.
“Many who profess the truth are growing close and covetous. They need to be alarmed for themselves. They have so much of their treasure upon the earth, that their hearts are on their treasure. They have much the largest share of their treasure in this world, and but little in Heaven; therefore their hearts and affections are placed on earthly possessions instead of on the heavenly inheritance. There is now a good object before them where they can use their means for the benefit of suffering humanity, and also for the advancement of the truth. This enterprise should never be left to struggle in poverty. These stewards to whom God has entrusted means, should now come up to the work and use their means to the glory of God. Those who through covetousness withhold their means will find it will prove to them a curse rather than a blessing.”
E. S. WALKER,
Sec’y Health Reform Institute.
QUARTERLY MEETINGS IN MICH.
By Joseph Bates
Our last report was from Centerville, Tuscola Co., July 24. We spent two days with the church here, and held four meetings. This church, though but recently organized (two years ago), manifest a desire to go forward in keeping the commandments of God. They are in advance of many of the churches in the dress reform. Bro. Morse came seven miles for me at Watrousville, and kindly took me back again when our meetings closed.
At Watrousville we labored with the church from July 25 to 29, holding seven meetings and celebrating the ordinances. Since the labors of Brn. Waggoner and Van Horn with them in June, they are encouraged to press forward. Our prayer for them is, that God will strengthen them through obedience to his will, to check the inroads of the enemy and become valiant in the cause of truth.
Passing from Watrousville to Vassar, on the 29th at the going down of the sun, we baptized six believers engaged in the work of the third message. One of them was a young man recently returned from the ranks of the Union army, and now volunteered his services under the banner of the third angel.
From Vassar we passed through Saginaw and thence to St. Charles in the steamer. Here we remained from Aug. 1 to 5, visiting from house to house. On Sabbath and first-day we held six interesting meetings and enjoyed much freedom in the celebration of the ordinances. A way is now opening by railroad in which it will be easier getting to St. C. than it has been heretofore.
August 6 and 7, we held three meetings with the church in Chesaning. Sister McCormick, who died here last December, left one daughter who has manifested a strong desire to fill her dear mother's place in the church. On the morning of the 7th inst. she was buried with Christ by baptism into his death, and united with the church. The Lord help her to walk in newness of life. An effort on the part of the citizens is being made in this place to draw away Sabbath-keepers into the lodges of the Good Templars, Knight's Templar, Sisters of Rebecca, &c.; but we trust they will succeed no further. We hope our brethren will see that it is a snare to draw them away from the sacred work of the third message. Sabbath-keepers should be on the side of abstinence from all intoxicating liquors, indeed they should be foremost in this matter; but to enter into lodges (and as some tell us they are secret lodges), is advancing toward the Masonic order. In the language of the apostle we say, "From such turn away."
We came to Owasso, Aug. 8. On Sabbath and first-day we held four meetings, and celebrated the ordinances. Removals, deaths and other causes have reduced the members of this church during the past two years. On first-day some of the families in the neighborhood came in to hear an explanation of our position and a discourse on the Bible Sabbath. After meeting they acknowledged that it looked clear, and they seemed well pleased to receive and read some of our tracts published on the Sabbath question.
August 12, Bro. B. Griggs brought me in his carriage to this place. Our meeting last evening was thinly attended, but free. Two sisters walked five miles to the meeting, saying that they came to hear about the Health and dress reforms. Said they were Sabbath-keepers and felt that they were well paid for coming, and left here after nine in the evening to walk home through the woods alone. JOSEPH BATES.
Woodhull, Aug. 14, 1867.
SERVING GOD EVERY DAY.
By R. F. COTTRELL.
Among the sophisms by which the opposers of the “holy, just and good” law of God deceive themselves and others, is the very pious one that proposes to serve God every day. They tell us every day should be devoted to God—every day should be a Sabbath, &c. As though the Sabbath institution was subversive of this pious end—as though the setting apart of one day of the week to the exclusive service and worship of God would tend to cause men to serve the Devil all the rest of the week. If this is so, it is a powerful argument against the arrangement of the great God, the maker of the heavens and the earth. It shows that he made a great mistake when he instituted in Eden the weekly Sabbath. There, before man had served the Devil at all, the Creator blessed and sanctified the day on which he had rested, and thus instituted the Sabbath which the Lord Jesus said was made for man. What a sad mistake!
But to lay irony aside, this every-day Sabbath doctrine when fully understood amounts to no Sabbath. And instead of devoting every day to the service of God, it arises from an unwillingness to serve him one day, giving it exclusively to God, as required in his law. And when such people will cease to profane the day that God has reserved to himself, I shall be more ready to believe that they are willing to spend the rest of the week in his service, doing all to the glory of God.
Is it possible that men can deceive themselves with such sophistry as the above? R. F. COTTRELL.
REPORT OF MEETINGS.
By Merritt E. Cornell
By request of Bro. Byington I filled his appointments at Hillsdale and Ransom Center the 3d and 10th inst. I was very glad of the opportunity of visiting the brethren in these places, as it had been a long time since I had seen them.
Eight years had passed since I had been at Hillsdale, and I was glad to find that after many trials by the way, most of the old hands were holding on, and several new ones had come out decided on the truth. The church there seem to be trying to walk in the truth, and attend to the interests of the cause in their midst.
At Ransom Center the word had free course. We heard of two deciding to keep the Sabbath and go with us. There was a general attendance and an ear to hear. I should judge that with a proper effort a goodly number more would embrace the truth. The brethren there are very anxious for their friends and neighbors to hear, and they appear to be as anxious to hear. I hope the way will open soon for a full course of lectures in that place. The social meeting there was very good. In about one hour there were thirty-eight testimonies and all seemed to speak to the point, and the Spirit of the Lord was there.
Though we labored in much weakness we felt that it was good to be there.
On our return we had one meeting at Burlington, and were glad that some felt benefited by the meeting.
I am now preparing to start for my field of labor in Saginaw county. My health has improved much during the period of rest I have taken, and I hope to go out with new courage to labor in this best of all causes.
May the Lord's blessing still attend our feeble labors. M. E. CORNELL.
Battle Creek, Mich.
A CONTEMPORARY says that death has new terrors in these days, on account of the liability to be caught by some spiritual medium and made to talk nonsense post-mortem.
The FIRE—The preachers have preserved order and discipline; but the fire has been kept up principally by others of less official importance.—Bishop Asbury.
CAN WE KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS?
By Dudley Marvin Canright
As strange as it may appear, I have often heard those who profess to be serving God, and even ministers, say that no one can keep the commandments. They say that it is impossible; that no one ever has done or ever can do it. They say this to evade the force of the fourth commandment. But is this true? I think not; for the Bible plainly teaches the contrary. “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.” “He that saith, I know him and keepeth not his commandments is a liar and the truth is not in him.” 1 John ii, 4. Here John pronounces every man a liar who professes to love God, and keeps not his commandments. “For this is the love of God that we keep his commandments, and his commandments are not grievous.” 1 John v, 3. “Blessed are they that do his commandments that they may have right to the tree of life.” Rev. xxii, 14. Many other declarations might be quoted, saying most definitely that the commandments must be kept.
Now has any one ever kept the commandments? Of Zacharias and Elizabeth we read thus, “And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” Luke i, 6. Then they must have kept all the commandments perfectly. Of another good man God testifies thus: “Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.” Gen. xxvi, 5. God testifies of Job that he was “perfect and upright.” Other examples might be given to prove that both men and women have perfectly kept all the commandments of God. Then how does this correspond with this declaration, “For there is not a just man upon earth that doeth good, and sinneth not?” Eccl. vii, 20. This is the strongest language that can be found in the Bible on that subject. I understand it to mean, that there is no man that has ever lived but what has at some time sinned against God. It does not mean that he always sins during his whole life. If it did, there would be a plain contradiction between this and many of the above testimonies. Men may have lived and been great sinners for many years. Then they may repent and turn to God, and live perfect lives without any sin. John exhorts Christians thus, “My little children, these things write I unto you that ye sin not, and if any man sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” 1 John ii, 1. He first says that we must sin not; but if any are beguiled into sin, and do repent of that sin, we have an advocate to intercede with the Father for us. Thus it is plainly taught that men can, and must, keep all the commandments. But it at the same time shows that there is hope of mercy and pardon, when a man sins, if he will repent of that sin and forsake it.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Canaan, Me.
NO TIME TO WASTE.
By M. E. GUILFORD
We read in John ix, 4, that “the night cometh when no man can work;” and as we glance at the fulfillment of prophecy, we readily perceive that that time is swiftly approaching. Not much longer will the blessed Saviour stand pleading in the heavenly sanctuary for fallen, sinful, man. His work will soon be finished there, the door of mercy be forever closed, and sinful mortals left without an intercessor.
Yes, the time allotted us here in which to prepare for the kingdom of God is swiftly speeding away. Each twenty-four hours shortens the span of this mortal life, and brings us one day nearer the shores of eternity. Oh! how important, then, that we improve these precious moments in eradicating from our hearts everything which is evil and offensive in the sight of God. And this is no small matter. No, it requires earnest, assiduous, and constant labor. As we look upon ourselves we are led to exclaim, What are we? Invariably comes the answer, Poor, weak, unworthy worms of the dust, covered all over with sins, our bodies filled with disease and pollution, our carnal minds at variance with the will of God.
Then have we not a great work to do? Have we any time to spend in frivolous amusements, or in vain, trifling, empty conversation? In the book of divine inspiration we read that none but the pure in heart shall see God. Oh! then if we desire to share with saints in the exalted privilege of dwelling with God and holy angels, and basking forever in the smiles of our gracious Redeemer, does it not behoove us to closely examine our hearts, and eradicate therefrom every unholy thought, and impure motive, and labor earnestly to overcome every evil trait in our characters, and bring ourselves into perfect subjection to the divine will?
We also read in the same blessed book, that our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit; and that he that defileth the temple of God shall be destroyed. Then as the light of this testimony gleams upon our long-darkened minds, we find another very important task devolving upon us. We must cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh, as well as of the spirit, and thus perfect ourselves in holiness in the fear of God.
Dear readers, are we diligently striving to thus perfect ourselves? Have we no misspent time to account for? Are there no days of idle dreaminess, no hours of trifling conversation, nor moments spent in adorning our persons, that we may appear pleasing in the eyes of the world? Are there no hours of incessant toil spent in preparing “dainty dishes” of unwholesome food to gratify a perverted taste, the direct influence of which will be to undermine the constitutions of the partakers, and render them depraved and sensual?
Oh! if we are thus trifling away the golden hours of probation, let us not think to escape the just retribution of an all-wise God, whose laws we violate, and whose authority we thus defy.
Let us now, my Christian friends, earnestly consider what manner of persons we ought to be, professing godliness. And oh! let us be entreated to look well to our ways, and wherein we find ourselves trespassing upon the authority of the great Creator of the universe, let us hasten to make that reparation in our power, by turning to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and making amends for our former indifference and misspent time, by a well-ordered life, godly conversation, and perfect conformity to the divine will.
And be assured, kind reader, there is no time to waste. Let not these precious moments pass unimproved. God forbid that we should undervalue the great ransom that has been paid for us.
Behold the bleeding Lamb of Calvary! His precious blood was shed for you and me. And shall we slight the proffered salvation, that we may enjoy the pleasures of sin for a little season? Ah! let us bear in mind that the wages of sin is death—eternal death. But oh! there is a rich reward awaiting the earnest, obedient, working Christian. Let us then be found continually seeking for glory, honor, and immortality. The promise will never fail us. We shall reap the rich reward of well doing. Ah! shall we be idle while all Heaven is interested in our salvation? Holy angels go forth on their missions of love and mercy, beating back the powers of darkness, encouraging the feeble, cheering the lonely, consoling the afflicted, guiding, sustaining, and ever upholding the true, humble child of God. With such helps as these none need be afraid. God will aid us when we once put our shoulders to the wheel. But we must watch. We must labor earnestly, and see to it, that we overcome every inordinate lust, and crucify our unworthy pride, lest the angels receive their charge concerning us, “They are joined to their idols, let them alone.”
And have we not dear friends whom we are anxious to see keeping the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city? Then let this desire stimulate us to action, and lead us to put forth every effort in our power to rescue them from the snares of the wily adversary. Let us not think because we are weak we can do nothing. If we put forth an effort the Lord will aid us, and we may become humble instruments in his hands to accomplish much good. Let us then consecrate ourselves to the service of God, and devote our time, talents, and means, to the advancement of his glorious truth. Satan is busy sowing broadcast the seeds of distraction and error. He knows that his time is short, and he is working with all power of deceivableness and lying wonders; and he will, if possible, deceive the very elect. Then let us arouse and shake off this dull lethargy from our souls, and gird on the whole armor of God, be firmly established in the truth, that we may be able to withstand the wiles of this artful, designing foe. Delay not, for the time draweth near which will sound forth these solemn words, “He that is unjust let him be unjust still; and he that is filthy let him be filthy still.”
May we so improve the time, dear readers, that we shall daily advance in holiness, become bright ornaments of our profession, be shining lights to those around us, and lead many to a saving knowledge of the truth. And may we remember that there is no time to waste; for the day shortens; and “the night cometh when no man can work.” Let us then work while the day lasts, and neither faint nor grow weary under our burdens, but rejoice that the “morning also cometh,” which shall bring us a rich reward.
M. E. GUILFORD.
Castalia, Ohio.
THIRD MESSAGE.
By J. S. Miller
AIR,—Eden Above.
Do you heed the sweet voice of the third angel’s message?
'Tis the last note of warning to mortals below;
'Twill save you from wrath—'twill secure you a passage
To that bright, happy land where the saints will soon go.
They will go, they will go, they will go, they will go,
To that bright, happy land, all the saints will soon go.
The commandments of God, and the pure faith of Jesus—
It is this perfect rule we are bound to obey.
From tradition and error the message soon frees us,
And prepares us to live in an eternal day.
We shall live, we shall live, we shall live, we shall live,
We shall joyfully live in an eternal day.
If any man worship the beast or his image,
Receiving his mark in his forehead or hand,
The same shall partake of the wine of God’s anger,
Poured out without mixture—oh, who then can stand?
Who can stand, who can stand, who can stand, who can stand?
God’s wrath, without mixture! Oh! who then can stand?
Lo, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen;
It is thus she’s fulfilling the prophetic word;
She’s a dwelling of demons, a hold of foul spirits,
A fit cage of every unclean, hateful bird.
Come away, come away, come away, come away,
Partake not her sins, and receive not her plagues.
The saints shall come forth out of great tribulation;
It is thus they will enter the kingdom of God;
For all who would travel the way of salvation,
Must thus learn submission, ’neath his chast’ning rod.
They must learn, they must learn, they must learn,
they must learn,
They must thus learn submission ’neath his chast’ning rod.
J. S. MILLER.
DISCERNMENT.
By F. W. MORSE
The light of the body is the eye. The mind is the great light-bearer of the human system. How important that we keep it well balanced; under the most complete discipline attainable to mortal existence. We then “see through a glass darkly,” as compared to the broad daylight of heavenly wisdom; but how many there are whose minds are so dimmed and eclipsed with sensuality, that all their ways are Egyptian darkness! It is vain to suppose that such are able to discern between good and evil. They drift about hither and thither, with no well defined and distinctly illuminated plan before them. They run into darkness in the day time, and grope in the noon-day as in the night, the aimless vagabonds of evil purposes, the makeshifts of humanity. “If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light, but if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness.”