A religious or holy life has a voice; it speaks when the tongue is silent; and is either a strong attraction, or a perpetual reproof to those around us.
J. D. WRIGHT
By J. D. Wright
From Bro. Wright.
BRO. SMITH: Thinking it might be gratifying to the saints scattered abroad to hear from the little church in Marshall, planted by so much zealous labor, and I might add, strong cries and tears on the part of God's messenger and others, I will endeavor to give a brief account of our situation. Since I moved here (which was about five months since), we have had meetings regularly on the Sabbath; and Jesus, true to his promise, meets with us. When we commenced there were only six of us, but thank God, the number is increased to eleven, all striving to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We are often cheered by visits from brethren living in Battle Creek, Ceresco and Convis. Last Sabbath Bro. and Sr. Byington were with us, and encouraged our hearts with a word of testimony suited to our wants. May the Lord reward them for their efforts in our behalf. We should be glad to see any of the messengers, or other brethren and sisters, whom duty may direct this way. I think as a church we need instruction, as most of us are young in the present truth. We desire to do our whole duty and be indeed good and faithful servants.
It is a little more than a year since the Lord opened my eyes to see the light of the second and third angels' messages, and my love for the truth increases more and more every day. But I feel that there is much to overcome before I am prepared for the coming of Jesus, which is near and hasteth greatly. My prayer is, Lord, give me wisdom and strength to live out the truth, that when Jesus rewards his saints I may have part with them. Remember us in your prayers.
J. D. WRIGHT
Marshall, Mich. Dec. 3d, 1859.
Extracts from Letters.
Sister E. Degarmo writes, Nov. 19th, 1859: “I feel to praise the Lord for the glorious work that is going on at West Monroe, N. Y. Two weeks ago to-day I met with the brethren there. There were eleven that then had planted their feet on the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus; now there are seventeen. Although they are of different tongues, yet they all speak the language of Canaan. False theories and traditions of men walk the streets in glowing colors, yet the simple Bible truth will bear away the victory. Let us give God all the glory for what he has done for us. For myself I feel more than ever to struggle for holiness till I can have the witness that my ways please God at all times.”
Striving Against Opposition
SISTER Jane R. Ginley writes from Bowne, Mich., Nov. 30th: “We are still striving to row up the stream against the wind and tide of opposition, knowing that our only safety is in keeping steadily at work and our eyes earnestly fixed upon the bright light ahead, and that by so doing we may finally out-ride the storm and reach our desired heaven. The little church here are striving to arise and gird on the armor that they may be prepared to stand in the battle of the great day.”
True Philanthropy
By J. A. Wilcox
Does not consist merely in being liberal in money matters; for, says the Apostle Paul; "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned and have not charity it profiteth me nothing."
Therefore true philanthropy or love of mankind is something more than giving alms to relieve the poor in destitute circumstances; it embraces also all the other noble and generous principles taught in the Bible by patriarchs, prophets, the Lord Jesus Christ and his apostles.
The christian philanthropist being led by the holy Spirit will have exalted views of the great benevolence and tender compassion that moved the dearly beloved Son of God to leave the glory he had with the Father before the world was, to come down into this dark world of sin and woe to open a plan of salvation broad enough that all (who will believe in him and obey his Father's just and righteous law according to their best ability and the light which God giveth) might be delivered from the sad effects of sin and eternal death and thereby obtain everlasting life in a state of complete happiness. Our great and adorable Redeemer in his life of spotless purity while in this world exemplified the true spirit of philanthropy or charity in his many acts of kindness and benevolence to the sick and afflicted, the disconsolate and oppressed.
In the philanthropy which he possessed the world has had a living illustration of heavenly wisdom as described by the apostle James, chap. iii, 17. "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy."
His acts of goodness and generosity were all prompted by pure motives, for the sake of doing good, because of righteousness and justice and equality, and not merely to acquire a reputation among men. In his life of self denial and suffering he manifested no partiality in respect to persons, though he showed distinction in relation to the development of moral character.
Whenever an opportunity presented for doing good he graciously improved it by example as well as precept, whether to the high or low, rich or poor—all classes, grades and conditions of men shared alike his bountiful acts of goodness and mercy in relieving their sufferings and also administering kind words of consolation to the sorrow stricken and desponding in heart, according as their various circumstances in life needed, of which he was well qualified to judge. Jesus is our perfect pattern; he set us an example that we should follow in his steps. But alas! for the frailty of human nature! There is danger of selfish motives being mixed up even in the best acts which any of mankind are capable of doing, unless the "carnal mind" is thoroughly subdued by the grace and love of God; for the word testifies "that the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God neither indeed can be."
How often have we read accounts of individuals giving large sums of money for the missionary cause or for some other charitable purpose, while perhaps at the same time the widow and the fatherless, the sick and afflicted around them have been left to suffer for the common necessaries of life. Such have been held in high esteem more or less among men and extolled as christian philanthropists.
If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God that giveth to all men liberally and upbraideth not and it shall be given him. James i, 5. The meek will he guide in judgement and the meek will he teach his way. Psalm xxv, 9. Therefore it is not only the duty of all professed christians to be noble and generous hearted, but also to know how to act consistently in the disposal of our Lord's money or "this world's goods" whether we possess little or much.
O for more fervent charity, or the love of God, to dwell in my heart and in the hearts of all the people of God that we may be willing to cheerfully forego all selfish interests for the good of others. "As we have therefore opportunity let us do good unto all men especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Gal. vi, 10. J. A. Wilcox. N. Y. Nov. 26, 1859.
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To Correspondents.
By Editor
L. L. L., of Vt.: The promise of Christ to the thief [Luke xiii, 43] is a simple declaration. Transposing the subject and verb makes no difference whatever in the sense. It is the same whether we say, thou shalt, or shalt thou. The Gr. is simply ἔσῃ [ese], the future of eimi, "you shall be." Placing the comma after to-day, makes Christ declare upon that day what he would do in the future. Leaving it before to-day as in the common version, makes Christ utter a promise the fulfillment of which he emphatically denies three days after, in Jno. xx, 17. In regard to the rest mentioned in Heb. iv, 9, it is evidently the rest of Canaan, which the children of Israel entered upon under Joshua, and which was a type of the "rest that remains" for God's people. Hence it is evident that the Jesus of verse 8, is Joshua, as you will see by the margin, and as you will also see by reference to Acts vii, 45,
APPOINTMENTS.
By M. Hull
Providence permitting I will meet with the brethren of western Iowa as follows:
Decatur City, Jan. 5.
Afton, " 12.
Bro. Decker's, " 19.
Oceola, " 23.
Bro. Jones', or where he may appoint, " 26.
All the above meetings commencing at early candle-lighting. May the Lord give us a good time.
M. HULL.
The P. O. Address of Bro. Joseph Bates is, Allegan, Allegan Co., Mich.
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