Earlier text: The SabbathPraying for the Fulfillment of Prophecy.
If prophecy is to be fulfilled, why pray for it? If the time has come for Rev. vii, 3, to be accomplished why pray for that event? We will let Daniel answer. His remarkable prayer, as recorded in the 9th chapter of his prophecy, presents many features which are parallel to the circumstances of the church at the present time, and affords us an example which we may consistently and profitably follow. He gives the occasion of his prayer in verse 2, as follows: "In the first year of his reign [the reign of Darius], I Daniel understood by books the number of the years, whereof the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that he would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem." It was the fulfillment of prophecy, then, that called forth this action on the part of the prophet. Daniel was in captivity, with his people. That captivity had been a subject of prophecy, as to when it should commence, and when it should close; and at that time the power of Babylon was to be broken. Daniel understood from the prophetic word, the prophecy of Jeremiah, that "the time had come" for the seventy years' captivity to expire. The time had come for the prophecy to be fulfilled; and this was the occasion of his prayer, and of his humiliation before the Lord. He continues: "And I set my face to the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes; and I prayed unto the Lord my God, and made my confession, and said, O Lord, the great and dreadful God, keeping the covenant and mercy to them that love him, and to them that keep his commandments." What language could express more fervent supplication, and deeper humility! and how the prophet adapts it to commandment-keepers, by reminding us that it is with such that God will keep the covenant and mercy. He then goes on to confess the sins of his people, how they had departed from the Lord, rebelled against his precepts and judgments, and had not hearkened to the voice of his prophets. He acknowledged that righteousness belonged to God, but unto them shame and confusion of face. After confessing his sins and the sins of his people, he then states the object of his prayer, in verse 17, as follows: "Now, therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of thy servant, and his supplications, and cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary that is desolate." Daniel, it seems, had mistaken the application of what he had heard respecting the 2300 days, Dan. viii, 14, so far as to suppose they would end with the seventy years' captivity, and that the sanctuary was to be cleansed at the close of the captivity, which had then come. Hence he prayed, "Cause thy face to shine upon thy sanctuary which is desolate." But it matters not that he mistook in the application of this prophecy. His example is equally to our purpose, and Gabriel was immediately sent to set him right in this matter. The point before us, is that while the time had come for the fulfillment of that prophecy which he supposed involved the cleansing of the sanctuary, he set his heart to seek the Lord, and with fasting and sackcloth, prayed for that event. May we not, therefore, understanding from books, even the Revelation of the Lord, that the time has come for the winds to be held, consistently pray for that event? And if Daniel, the man who though he had not a testimony worded like Enoch's that he pleased God, yet had the testimony that he was a man greatly beloved—if such a man in view of the accomplishment of a prophecy in behalf of his people, had occasion for such humiliation, fasting and prayer, how much more have we occasion for the same things! And if in anything we can and should exercise living faith, it is in those requests which find an immutable foundation in the sure word of prophecy. Saying Lord, Lord.
By R. F. Cottrell
The article in Review No. 11, present volume, from the Earnest Christian, is deeply interesting. The text declares some truths of vast importance, which all would do well to take home to the heart and consider with the most solemn and prayerful attention. "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven. Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you; depart from me, ye that work iniquity." Matt. vii, 21-23. Alas! how many will be disappointed in that day! Think, O my soul! shall I be one of that number? One fruitful cause of that dreadful disappointment, will be the absurd and criminal mistake, that the gospel of the Son has superseded and abolished the law of the Father—that a professed faith in Christ, calling him Lord, Lord, releases us from our obligation of doing the will of his Father, i. e., keeping the commandments of his law. The language of Christ when coming into the world was, "Lo, I come; in the volume of the book it is written of me, I delight to do thy will, O my God! yea, thy law is within my heart." Ps. xl, 7. And it was his object to put the same law, which he loved, in the hearts of his people. The ten commandments then as God gave them from Sinai, is the law which ought to be in every Christian's heart, and should be practiced in his life. Another idea is naturally suggested by the disappointment of the "many," spoken of in the text, that are to be disappointed "in that day," i. e., the day of judgment. "Think of the disappointment!" says the writer in the Christian. "Here are souls that will go right up to the gate of Heaven, expecting to enter, and saying, Lord, here we come; we have been prophesying in thy name, been doing wonderful works for thee, open the gate, Lord, let us enter, that we may receive our reward." But instead of opening the gate, the Lord will say, 'I never knew you, depart from me ye that work iniquity.' O, my soul! art thou to meet with such a disappointment as that, in the day of God," &c. The idea I refer to is this: If souls have been in hell torments from the day of their death, some for hundreds, others for thousands of years, how is it that they do not, in all that time, learn their doom, but come up in the day of the Lord, saying, Lord, Lord, with the expectation that their good works will be their passport into Heaven? Have they not, rather, been asleep from their death to the resurrection? Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer.
By Joseph Bates
Bro. WHITE : The church in Monterey most cheerfully responded to the call and earnest request of the General Conference Committee to observe Sabbath, Feb. 25; also from March 1st to the 4th inclusive, as days of humiliation, fasting, and prayer to God our heavenly Father, in behalf of his precious suffering cause, Rev. vii, 3, our bleeding country, and the down-trodden bondsmen, as per Review, Vol. xxv, No. 13. The evening following these series of meetings, viz., after the Sabbath, the church celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house, when the confessing, forgiving, melting Spirit of the Lord caused his people to rejoice and125 praise him. One brother said that he had enjoyed more this evening than he had for eighteen months before. The fast, also, in reference to the present war, for Feb. 11, was specially observed here, and was a profitable season to God's loyal people. And we trust that each successive one for the second Sabbath in each coming month will bring the house of Israel into a closer walk with God. Feb. 18, held the Allegan Co. Monthly Meeting in the church in Allegan. The meeting was well represented, and was a good harmonious and spiritual gathering of God's people. Until after the Annual General Conference, all the Allegan Co. Monthly Meetings are appointed to be held in the church in Allegan. My Experience. No. 3.
By P. C. Rodman
SOME time has passed since No. 2, of my reports, but I have the more to relate. After confessing my faith in the third angel's message, I was requested to return to North Stonington, where I had held some grove meetings the previous summer, and quite a number of meetings the following winter, just before embracing present truth. Accordingly I went and preached some six times on prophecy and the perpetuity of God's holy law. The Lord was with me to make truth effectual; and the result was, three confessed they had been enlightened, and two of them are now keeping the Sabbath of the Lord. Returned home praising the Lord that I could be instrumental for good. In a few days I moved to this place and went to work in the factory, as was my custom to do in the summer, preaching some here on Sabbath in my own hired house, then in a small chapel that was offered me, until my health forbade my doing even that, if I continued to work in the factory. The factory stopping some, by the request of the brethren in Kingston, I visited them and endeavored to strengthen and comfort in the truth, in doing which I was greatly blessed, as they also confessed themselves to be. But my health was poor, and I sometimes almost decided I must sleep, and rest in the grave, until Jesus should come; but again I would be impressed to pray unto him in whose hand our breath is, and was not a little comforted; and I live yet to praise the Lord whose word I love more than gold, yea, more than fine gold, and prize above rubies. And often the thought would come into my mind, Ought you not to devote your time to proclaiming this new light to others that are just as honest and sincere followers after the Lord as yourself? Yes, if I understood it perfectly, I would say, perhaps it would be my duty. But this did not satisfy my mind fully. At length I decided as follows: If I ought to give my time and energies to the work of proclaiming the third message, others will be persuaded of the same. Thus I decided to have a talk with Elds. White and Loughborough at the Conference then appointed at Peacedale. I met them there, and received encouragement beyond my expectations, and in a few weeks started on my mission. My first labors were in Kingston at Curtis' Corners, with the brethren who had embraced the truth under Bro. Cornell's labors. They confessed themselves not a little comforted; and one more decided to keep all the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, and be prepared to escape the mark of the beast, and so be saved from the unmixed wrath of God. About this time, the Advent church of which I was a member, sent me a letter to know if I wanted to remain a member of that church any longer. I attended their church meeting, and was satisfied that I was not wanted among them, by some of their members, while I held the present truth. Their action plainly showed this; for they withdrew the hand of fellowship, while they acknowledged me a Christian. I asked for the reason as they had it recorded, but they replied they had recorded none. I suppose if the true reason had been recorded, it would have read something as follows: "For keeping the commandments of God;" for I had done no more than before, except to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. Others were served in the same way. Some of these had belonged to the church for years while living worldly and careless, and now had begun to serve the Lord with diligence; but they, also, were guilty of keeping the Sabbath and striving to obey the Lord in all things, and so out they must go. Well, God is judge, and he will not err. So brethren we need not fear; only love and obey him, and we shall at last be blessed with the right to the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. Amen. And no one will be disposed to put us out of that happy place forever. The Lord will give grace and glory. We need not be discouraged; for Jesus is our friend. He never leaves nor forsakes, unless first forsaken. Then let us, like Enoch of old, walk with God, and he will finally take us, whether we wake or sleep. I find some trials, but out of them all the Lord delivers, and will, to the end. May we impose all that confidence in him that draws the needed grace, to enable us to perfectly obey him to the end. The work is onward in this State, notwithstanding the opposition. God will make the truth to prosper in our hands, if we only meekly obey and advocate the same. So if men will oppose the truth, one thing is certain, they can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. God speed the right in preparing a people to stand in the day of the Lord which will soon be here. Truth is like a river rising from a never-failing spring. Its onward course may be apparently stopped for a time; but when the impediments are overcome, it has only caused its waters to deepen and widen. Thus its strength is increased, rather than diminished. So it is with the work of God. And I believe the truth of the third angel's message will yet go in mighty power. Already is it gathering strength. The Lord help all its followers to be humble walking with God.
P. C. RODMAN.
Ashaway, R. I. Reasons for Loving Jesus.
By Mary M. Cook
I love my dear Saviour because he first loved me, and shed his precious blood that I and all the fallen race who will, may inherit eternal life. Oh how highly I prize this great and glorious plan of salvation! And I am trying to render the gratitude of my heart to this lovely Being, who suffered the agonies of death that I might enjoy so rich a boon. I love my Saviour for the joy he bestows when I maintain communion with him. I love him for his sustaining power to bear me up in all my trials. When with care and sorrow my heart droops like the willow, he calls to me, I look, and by an eye of faith I view him whom my soul loveth. His dear promises126 opened anew to my weakened vision, quiet the turbulent emotions of my heart. All is well, and I "draw from Heaven that calm repose that none but he who feels it knows." I fall at his feet helpless as a child, begging his holy protection. He hears my weak petitions and is so near to me I almost think I lean on his mighty arm. Oh what a privilege! Every anxious care gone, and I bathing in the pure atmosphere of Heaven, with every thought subdued to his holy will. Oh who would not love such a kind Saviour! Who could help loving such a lovely being, so richly bestowing his choicest blessings upon us! Oh I am charmed with his matchless worth. His loveliness is past description. His comeliness and beauty, oh, how great! The more I commune with him the better I love him, the brighter his glories shine. Sandyville, Iowa, Feb. 1865. Report from Bro. Lawrence.
By R. J. Lawrence
BRO. WHITE : Since my last report I have spent my time at home except as follows : Sabbath, Feb. the 4th, met with the church in Shelby. The 18th and 25th, met with the church in Oakland. March 1-4 was observed for fasting and prayer according to appointment in Review. The first day, after reading Rev. vii, 1-3 ; Daniel x, 4, and James v, and making some remarks we had a season of prayer, when it was evident that our minds were not prepared to enter into the work properly. Further remarks were made and explanations given in regard to the national movements, as relating to the third angel's message, when the importance of our position began to be apparent. From this time fervent prayer began to be offered, and heartfelt confessions began to be made, and the interest increased until the Sabbath, when the obstructions gave way. The falling tear, the throbbing heart, and faltering voice gave evidence that the foundations of the deep of the heart were broken up. Several who never made any profession before, have manifested a deep concern. At the close of the meeting, by request, a good number of them arose as special subjects of prayer. Accordingly we appointed meetings on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, which were well attended, and a good interest manifested. Last Sabbath I spoke to a large gathering of Sabbath-keepers, and some from without, from Luke xxi, 34, followed by prayer and conference. A good interest. We are to have a meeting to-morrow afternoon. May the Lord bless the effort of his people, and hear their cry for the staying of the winds, and for the opening of the way for the message to swell into the loud cry, is our constant prayer. Yours in the patient waiting. ENVY, if surrounded on all sides by the brightness of another's prosperity, like the scorpion, confined within a circle of fire, will sting itself to death. Natural and Spiritual Life
In regard of natural life, we live in God; in regard of spiritual life, Christ lives in us. Working Like Leaven.
By Editor
THE following communication shows how the truth is working its way, even in advance of the preachers, into the by ways and secret places, where there are honest hearts to receive it. Eleven keeping the Sabbath, and others convinced, and the Review the only preacher they ever had! Such places would seem to present an inviting field for labor, and we would that some preacher might be able to visit them. BRO. WHITE : I would say to the brethren and sisters scattered abroad, that I am still trying to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I can truly say, that I rejoice in the light of the third angel's message, and praise the holy name of the Lord, that my eyes have been opened to see the truth. I believe that we hold the truth as taught in the word of God. And oh that we all may be sanctified through it, that we may be found without fault before the great white throne, when God shall judge his people. I for one feel determined to persevere, by the grace of God, unto the end of the race; for if we faint not we shall win the prize, which is eternal life through Christ our great High Priest and Redeemer. It is five years since myself and husband embraced the third angel's message. We were then living in Saginaw City. There were none of like faith there then, and we know not that there are now. Three years ago last fall we removed to the town of Jerome. Here we stood alone till this fall, when the Lord was pleased to give us some of our neighbors. There are now six of us that are full in the faith, and five more that are keeping the Sabbath, besides several that are convinced it is right, but have not decided to keep it as yet. There have none of us I believe, ever heard an advent preacher. What little light we have, we have found in a dark place. We all would like to have a messenger come here if there could be one spared. We live in a back place, twenty-two miles from Midland, and there are but few inhabitants. We have heard that there were Adventists holding meetings in Gratiot Co., and that they talked of coming to Midland. We sincerely hope they will. The Review is all the preacher we have on present truth, or ever had. Oh, how I love to read the cheering testimonies of the scattered flock and the many good sermons and warm exhortations from the ministers. Oh, we cannot do without the Review. "Lo here's and lo there's" will not disturb us, with the Review and Bible for our guides. We have some opposition. When meetings are held here, they do not like to have us talk out our sentiments and faith. They call it proselyting, and say it has a bad influence on the unconverted. We told the minister that if there were any converted we wished them converted to the whole truth. We have many trials and sometimes feel cast down but not destroyed. We do not feel weary but sometimes weak. We have prayer meetings every Sabbath evening, either at our house or Bro. Erway's. Some of our meetings are quite interesting, and we feel that it is good to wait upon the Lord. We desire the prayers of the brethren that our faith fail not, and that we may at last meet them where parting will be no more. Yours striving for the kingdom. "To be a Christian"
By Geo. Wright, Jr.
Is to be a true gentleman in the highest and broadest sense of the term: Oh the exalted privileges our dear Saviour has purchased for us; "think of it!" to be a son and daughter of the Lord Almighty. To be a Christian, let us remember, is to be Christ-like; to be in intimate relation with him, the author of our salvation, the fountain of all our joys. He that winneth souls is wise, Prov. xi, 30. And I know of no better plan to win our fellow-men to the truth, than by a uniformly kind, courteous, gentlemanly demeanor. Few are so incorrigibly wicked and lost to all the finer feelings of our nature, that they cannot be reached by the power of Christian kindness. Said a great and good man, "He who shows that he loves me, has access at once to my heart. He who does not, cannot make a way there, by any argument, eloquence, denunciation or learning." An inspired writer in giving his experience in winning souls says, "I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." 1 Cor. ix, 22. Horne, I think, gives a true idea of the apostle's meaning in the following: "With the most pliant condescension, bending his notions and manners to theirs, as far as his duty to God would permit, a conduct compatible neither with the stiffness of the bigot, nor the violent impulsiveness of fanatical delusion." Here we are, dear brethren, on the very threshold of eternity. A great work is to be accomplished, and all have a part to act. "Enter into my vineyard and work," says Jesus. A faithful record is being kept, and the hour of recompense is at hand. What is done must be done quickly. Oh let us be true, heroic, and kind, "in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves, if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledgment of the truth." 2 Tim. ii, 25. Lead the Children to Christ.
Let two examples tell what I mean. I knew a father who never ceased to pray in secret with a daughter, at least occasionally, until she, a young lady, came forward and took her place by his side among the professed people of God. I knew a mother who never ceased to pray in secret with a son, until she was permitted to bring him with her to the table of the Lord. I hardly need to say that these were converted young, or that they beautifully adorned the profession of faith which they thus imbibed from their parent's devotion. Mark: we cannot send an infant into the street to learn to walk all by itself, because it has limbs of its own. We aid those tottering, stumbling little feet till they are strong enough to walk alone, and then let them go forth. Even so we are bound to sustain and guide the feet of prayer till indeed the little ones pray—not merely say their prayers. We are bound to lead them toward Christ till indeed they meet him, and we are sure we have put their little hands into his. In other words, parents are under the most sacred obligation to superintend the private devotions of their children till their little hearts catch from them the true flame of prayer, till they love prayer, till they can pray alone, and will pray alone. But how many parents, after having begun this work, it may be, in the earliest infancy of their children, drop it just at the point where there is hope of its becoming really effectual? The mother teaches the little one to "say its prayers" for the little time that it is too young to go to bed alone; but as soon as it is able to undress itself, or be trusted with a light, it is sent off with an occasional heartless injunction, "Don't you forget your prayers;" and soon she knows not whether or not any attempt is made to pray. God said to his ancient people, "Thou shalt teach these words which I command thee, diligently unto thy children * * * when thou liest down and when thou risest up." The quiet hour when "he lieth down," when the day can all be calmly reviewed in the light of conscience, is the time when the door of the child's heart is most open, when evil can be best turned out of it, and Christ be brought in. Lead the children till you are sure you have brought them all the way to the Saviour. Never let go their hands till then.—Evangelist. A Prayer for You.
By Christian Mirror
I HAVE a Saviour—he's pleading in glory—
So precious, tho' earthly enjoyments be few;
And now he is watching in tenderness o'er me,
But oh! that my Saviour was your Saviour too!
For you I am praying—I'm praying for you. I have a Father—to me he has given,
A hope for eternity, precious and true;
And soon shall I go to be with him in Heaven;
But oh! that he'd let me bring you with me too!
For you I am praying—I'm praying for you. I have a Crown—and I'll wear it forever,—
Encircled with jewels of heavenly hue;
'Twas purchased by Jesus, my glorified Saviour,
But oh! could I know one was purchased for you!
For you I am praying—I'm praying for you. I have a Robe—'tis resplendent in whiteness,—
Awaiting in glory my wondering view;
Oh! when I receive it, all shining in brightness,
Dear friend! could I see you receiving one too!
For you I am praying—I'm praying for you. I have a Rest—the earnest is given,
Though now for a time, 'tis concealed from my view,
'Tis life everlasting—'tis Jesus—'tis Heaven:
And oh! dearest friend let me meet you there too!
For you I am praying—I'm praying for you. I have a Peace—and it's calm as a river,—
A peace that the friend of the world never knew;
My Saviour alone is its author and giver:
But oh! could I know it was given to you!
For you I am praying—I'm praying for you. For you I am praying—for you I am praying!
For you I am praying—for you, yes for you!
And shall I not soon hear you joyfully saying—
"Your dear loving Saviour is my Saviour too!"
And prayer will be answered, yes answered for you. And when he has found you, tell others the story,
How Jesus extended his mercy to you;
Then point them away to the regions of glory,
And pray that your Saviour may bring them there too!
For prayer will be answered—'twas answered for you. Oh speak of that Saviour, that Father in Heaven,
That Harp, Crown and Robe which are waiting for you,
That Peace you possess, and that Rest to be given!
Still praying that Jesus may save them like you!
And prayer will be answered—'twas answered for you.
—Christian Mirror. Cold Water.
By John B. Gough
Look at that, ye thirsty ones of earth! Behold it! See its purity! How it glitters, as if a mass of liquid gems! It is a beverage brewed by the hands of the Almighty himself! Not in the simmering still, over smoky fires, choked with poisonous gases, and surrounded by the stench of sickening odors and rank corruptions, doth your Father in Heaven prepare the precious essence of life, the pure cold water; but in the green glade, and the grassy dell, where the red deer wanders, and where the child loves to play, there God brews it; and down, down in the deepest valleys, where the fountains murmur and the rills sing; and high up the tall mountain tops, where the naked granite glitters like gold in the sun, where the storm-clouds brood and the thunder storms crash; and away far out on the wide sea, where the hurricanes howl music, and the waves roar the chorus, sweeping the march of God—there he brews it, that beverage of life—health-giving water! And everywhere it is a thing of beauty, gleaming in the dew drop—singing in the summer rain—shining in the ice-gem, till the trees all seem turned into living jewels—spreading a golden veil over the setting sun, or a white gauze over the midnight moon—sporting in cataracts—sleeping in the glaciers—dancing in the hail-shower—folding its bright snow curtains softly about the wintry world, and weaving the many-colored iris—that seraph's zone of the sky—whose warp is the rain-drop of the earth, whose woof is the sunbeam of Heaven, all checkered over with celestial flowers, by the mystic hand of refraction—still, always it is beautiful, that blessed life-water! No poison bubbles on the brink; its form brings no sadness or murder; no blood stains its limpid glass; broken-hearted wives, pale widows, and starving orphans, shed no tears in its depth; no drunkard's shrieking ghost from the grave curses in the words of eternal despair; beautiful, pure, blessed, and glorious. Give me, then, forever, the sparkling, pure cold water! —Gough. Friends of the Church.
By J. A. Wood
WHO are the best friends of the Church? Those who have the most of the spirit of Christ, and who, under God, do the most to lead sinners to seek pardon, and believers to seek purity. He who loves the Church most, other things being equal, will do most for her, and will watch over her purity, usefulness and interests with the deepest godly jealousy. Her true friends will never treat the hurt of the daughter of her people slightly. To be faithful to the Church, and point out her duties, her faults, and her dangers, is one of the strongest evidences of love for her. "He who tells me of my faults is my friend." To faithfully point out the duties, defects and sins of the Church, is very far from "stabbing," "bleeding," or "abusing" the church as some appear to believe. A time-serving, temporizing man who seeks more to please men, and make the church popular with the world, than he does to lead sinners to God, and believers on to holiness, is very far from being the best friend of the Church. And the minister who maintains a strict fidelity to God, and who, like Wesley and his coadjutors, deals faithfully—though kindly—with the Church and the world, and gives sin of every kind, either in or out of the Church no quarter, is very far from being an enemy of the Church. The worst enemies the Church has, are some within her own pale. A compromising, self-seeking, worldly-minded, backslidden minister will do more to run down her piety, kill off her converts, and scatter spiritual desolation through all her borders, than all her enemies from without, combined. Robert Hall says, "False professors care only to please;" and Bishop George says, "A temporizing Spirit has been the curse of the Church in all ages."—J. A. Wood. The Solace.
By Rev. James Smith
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”—Ps. xlvi, 1. God is whatever his people need, and whatever he is he is to them. Are they in danger? He is their refuge. Here they are safe from the avenger of blood, the justice of God, and the threatenings of a violated law. Are they weak? He is their strength. He will strengthen them for conflict with the foe, strengthen them while in the engagement, and bring them off more than conquerors. Are they in trouble? He is a help, a very present help in trouble. He will help them to bear trouble. He will help them to improve trouble. He will deliver them in six troubles, and in seven shall no evil touch them. Christian, in every danger run to thy God. His arms are open to receive thee. His heart is a refuge for thee. He will screen thee. He will shelter thee. He will defend thee. He will be thy protection in adversity and prosperity, in life and death. In all thy infirmities, repair to him for grace. He is the strength of the poor, and the strength of the needy in his distress. He has strengthened thousands of poor feeble ones, and he will strengthen thee. In all thy troubles go to him for solace and succor. He will help thee. Hear his own precious words addressed to his people, when in deep trouble and distress:—“Fear thou not, for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” He is thy shield in danger, and thy very present help in trouble. He is always at hand, always ready to help, always willing to bless thee.—Rev. James Smith. Christian Humility.
By Octavius Winslow
If the Lord saw fit to place you in a position most obscure, or to assign to you a service the most menial, not calculated to catch the eye or win the applause, but rather the oversight and the slight of your fellows, it would be one of the sweetest tests of the reality of your love to him. When Morrison, the Chinese missionary, the man of God who first gave the Bible to China in its vernacular, offered himself to the directors of the London Missionary Society as a missionary to the heathen, his appearance was so uncultivated and unpromising, that, hesitating to accept him as a candidate, they inquired if he were willing to go simply as an assistant in one of the missionary schools. "Gentlemen," was young Morrison's noble reply, "while the temple of Christ is building, I am willing to be a hewer of wood, or a drawer of water." In a moment they decided that a man who so much loved his Saviour, who was willing to undertake any service for Christ, was the fittest for the higher office of a missionary to the heathen. They accepted him as such, and the result proved that they were not mistaken in their judgment. If you love Christ, you will be willing to undertake any service your Lord and Master may appoint you. Love will make drudgery for Jesus, pleasant and welcome.—Octavius Winslow. Fasting and Prayer Bring Blessing
By Ellen E. Walsworth
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel that I would communicate to you something of the precious time we have had waiting upon the Lord. The four days set apart for fasting, prayer, and humiliation before God, that he would have mercy upon us and our distressed nation, have proved a great blessing to the church here. We had felt for a long time that we were upon the back-ground, and we needed something to arouse us; and when we read the request in the Review, we felt that it was what we had long needed. The church did not fully realize at first, the object of the meeting; and as Bro. Taylor was not at home, it was a question with some how we were to keep up so long a meeting; but we felt that there was a stronger arm upon which to lean, than any mortal man, and in our imagination did we hear the sweet voice of our Saviour, saying unto us, “Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” And as we leaned upon him we felt that his promise was sure. Business was suspended throughout the church generally, and all, as far as they were able, met with one accord at the house of worship. Deep solemnity rested upon us the first two days of our meeting; but it was hard to break the chains of darkness which Satan had bound round us. But praise be to him who is ever ready to hear the cries of his children, the clouds were dispersed, and the sunshine of his loving countenance shone in upon us. As it was in olden time, so it was with us, we had “the best of the wine at the last of the feast.” We felt that the heavenly manna was descending upon us in plentiful showers. While meditating upon the great rebellion in our land, which has taken so many of our near and dear ones away, we felt to mourn; but again, we felt to rejoice when we think it has been the means of bringing one to our midst, for whom the prayers of a dear mother and sister have long been offered up, that she might become an earnest seeker after truth. She had from childhood been a faithful follower of Jesus, and would obey him at the cost of all earthly things. She had never heard any preaching upon the doctrine we set forth, but from what she has seen of this people, she believes we have the truth, and are trying to live it out. Oh how we felt to rejoice when she became fully decided to come out and unite with the humble people of God who are looking for the coming of our Saviour. Others are investigating. One has embraced the Sabbath, and is earnestly seeking to know the will of the Lord, that she may follow him fully. Truly the Lord is answering our prayers. Oh let us rejoice and be not discouraged. May the Lord help his children to have more faith, and not give up if our prayers are not immediately answered, but to hold on to the promises of God; for they are sure and steadfast. There are, I trust, better days for the church here. The language of every heart seems to be, “Nearer my God to thee,
Nearer to thee.” As we met together Sabbath morning, we felt that the love of God was still burning in our hearts. After the usual exercises the rest of the forenoon was spent in prayer; and as we came unto him in faith, the blessing came down in great power; and we sat in heavenly places in Christ Jesus. After a short intermission we met again in the afternoon, which was spent in hearing testimonies. All the brethren and sisters spoke as the Lord gave them utterance. I cannot describe the precious season we enjoyed. As one brother remarked, “Oh that these meetings were but just commenced.” We had great freedom in speaking, and we felt to praise God for such tokens of his love as we had witnessed. As we parted to go to our different homes, we felt that the chain of love had been drawn around us more closely than ever before, and we were determined to hold out faithful, believing we should be gathered home to our Father's kingdom, to enjoy his smiles of our Saviour to all eternity. Your sister in hope of the coming kingdom. Sister P. H. Moffett writes from Seville, Mich. : I feel assured that God is in the work of present truth, and that truly the time has come when the Lord has set watchmen on the walls of Zion. Although it has been eight or nine years since I started to serve the Lord, I feel that I have been traveling in darkness and still would have been in the dark, had I not received the knowledge of the third angel's message, that is spreading light and truth through the land. The first I was privileged to hear of this warning message was last summer, when the Mich. tent was at Alma. I there heard a few discourses, and commenced at once the investigation of the Sabbath. I could find no proof that the first day of the week was or is a holy or Sabbath day in the word of God. I also read the review of T. M. Preble, and soon became convinced that the seventh-day was, is, and ever will be, the Sabbath of the Lord our God. I then commenced to keep the Sabbath of the fourth commandment, and feel that I have been blessed in keeping the day that the Lord blessed and sanctified as his own. And though I started alone in this neighborhood, to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, I was not alone long. Some of my people soon commenced to keep the Sabbath. And it has now pleased God to send his messengers this way, that more may receive the truth. Brn. Van Horn and Canright have recently closed a series of lectures in this place. There was, at the commencement of the meetings, a number that were opposed, but prejudice soon began to give way. First one and then another stepped out on the truth, till at last we think we have a sufficient number for organization, and we hope soon to be organized that we may move forward with the body. Bro. C. M. Davis writes from Montgomery, Ills. : I have never heard any of your messengers preach; but I feel constrained, after reading the Review for two years, to say, This is the way and I can walk in it.