Earlier text: NEW THEMES FOR THE PROTESTANT CLERGYWe read in the prophetic word that a time shall come when men shall cry Peace and Safety: and the singular characteristic of this period is that they are deluded into the expectation of exactly the opposite of what they are to receive. They cry Peace; and war cometh; they cry Safety; and sudden destruction bursts upon them. 1 Thess. v, 3. We are reminded of this prediction, by the sayings and doings in relation to the friendly visit of the Prince of Wales, the eldest son of the Queen of England, to this country, with which almost every paper in the land is just now alive. The event is everywhere hailed as a token of a great era of coming PEACE! Hear the N. Y. Independent. Speaking of the relation which England bears to America, it says:— "In token of PEACE she sends to us her chiefest son; her future monarch! Then let the earth ring and re-echo, and let the very skies be shaken, by the spontaneous jubilee of our welcome!" Again, "But it was greeting, and not defiance, that the voice of the cannon carried forth. It was a smile that broke before him along those lines of polished muskets, brilliant and still, with every ball extracted from them. The bugle and drum tuned to festival strains, the cannon led in procession before him as if they had been yielded to his bidding and were henceforth to do battle with his enemies—his own uniform, so hated by our fathers, the very red-coat which they with such exultation and triumph saw departing forever from this city on the 25th of November, '83, but which now shone conspicuous again in every foremost place of honor—all these were signs of amity fixed, and not presages of anticipated strife." "It was not the Prince only, it was a great coming era of Peace, represented or at least foreshadowed by his visit, which called forth the almost unexampled enthusiasm." Speaking of the visit of the Prince to our national capital, and to the tomb of Washington, the Washington correspondent of the same paper says:— "Instead of horrid war, gentle Peace. A few years ago and our national capital was ablaze, set on fire by British torches, and Washington was full of hostile British troops. All this is changed. The new order of things is more consonant with Christianity. England and America will never again war with each other." Another paragraph from the same article says:— "It is the moral character of the extraordinary event which I would notice—an event which will take its place on the page of history, solitary and alone, for there is none other like it. When Kings visit Presidents, when royal princes visit the graves of rebel democrats, may not the millennium be dawning?" That there is significance in this event, we doubt not; and no more do we doubt that men are inclined to carry its significance one step too far. They look upon it as an omen of actual and enduring peace; whereas we can but regard it as an omen of the time, not when there shall really be peace, but only when men shall cry Peace. They regard it as a token of a time when safety shall actually reign over the earth: we are compelled to regard it as only a token of that time when men shall falsely think themselves secure, as a thirsting man may dream that he drinks, or a hungry man that he is full, but when sudden destruction from which they shall not escape, is even hanging over their heads. It is no spider disposition, which extracts poison where the bee finds honey, which leads us thus to speak. But the Lord forbid that we should see visions of peace when there is no peace, or help swell the cry of safety and security, when the sword is coming. With a watchful eye, brethren, let us behold the signs of these times, not being like the Jews at the first advent, who were wiser in temporal than in spiritual things, who could discern the face of the sky, but could not read the plainer signs which appeared in the moral heavens, to denote the time of their visitation. Let us take heed to the sure word of prophecy, by which word we learn that the world's great cry of Peace and Safety will only be another token of its speedy and sure destruction. WESTERN TOUR.
By James White
Bro. Smith: After leaving you on the 9th, and the many cares which followed our General Conference, I found rest, and an opportunity of pleasant reflection as I rode upon the train to Chicago. Our conference was one of wearisome labor, yet let God be praised that a good degree of harmony prevailed, and that the dear servants of the Lord parted with increased confidence in, and love for each other. We look back with the greatest pleasure to the doings of our conference. The action upon securing church property legally is all that we have ever suggested, and more than we ever expected would be so unanimously adopted. This takes a great burden from our mind, and inspires courage to labor on in the cause. You, and our good printers, and all connected, will have to do the best you can in the old shell of an Office through another cold winter. Next spring we expect to begin to repair and build in good season, in good earnest, if the friends of the cause get their cash ready in season necessary to accomplish the work. From Chicago across Illinois to the Mississippi river we slept well, and felt refreshed to take the train at Burlington for Ottumwa, where we met Bro. Hull prepared to take us on to Knoxville. The first night we put up at a log tavern, and lodged in the chamber, in one corner of which was about two hundred bushels of wheat. The landlord in taking care to air his grain had taken off a board from the east end of his house, leaving an opening of about ten square feet. In the morning the chilling east wind was blowing directly upon us, and we were suffering with cold. We took a severe cold, in consequence of which we were almost useless during the conference at Knoxville.189 Brn. Hull and Snook were present to preach the word. The weather being pleasant, meetings were held in the tent. We tried to speak twice. The attendance from abroad was small, it being a season when farmers have much to do. The social meetings were deeply interesting. We were disappointed to find in this land of Campbellism so many to join in the spiritual worship of God, and with feeling hearts and streaming eyes speak of the love of Christ which they felt. We were very much disappointed to find the brethren so poorly prepared to meet the debts and wants of the cause in southern Iowa. The Knoxville church are building a place of worship, which is something of a tax on them, and many of those who should help the cause were not present. We fail to get the $50.00 due us on the tent, and received only one dollar on traveling expenses, which amount to $16.00, at this point. We feel to make due allowance for the difficulties in this country of raising cash; but times are growing better, and unless the friends of the cause in southern Iowa sustain the cause in their midst, their preachers will be obliged to answer calls in other States where they will be sustained. We wait till New Years for what is due on the tent, and advance about $150.00 from missionary funds for the benefit of three preachers in their midst, and leave it to the liberality of the brethren in southern Iowa to replace it in the treasury when they turn this year's bountiful harvest. We speak from experience in other fields of labor when we say that unless there is vigorous action on the part of the brethren (some of them wealthy) to sustain the cause, it will come to a stand still in southern Iowa. May God help the brethren in southern Iowa to feel the responsibility that rests on them now. Bro. Hull has gone to Missouri with Bro. Boltin who came more than one hundred miles for him. Bro. Snook goes with us to Richmond and Marion. The weather is fine, the roads good, and we have recovered from the cold, so we anticipate a pleasant journey and a good time. Notwithstanding the discouragements we have met, we have felt free in spirit, and sometimes triumphant in the Lord. Here is a wide market for our publications. Hymn Books and Spiritual Gifts are called for more than we can supply. The steam press must keep moving. May God help our people to have just views of the vastness of this work, and the importance of working with their might in view of the shortness of time. Those who keep their surplus property till they can turn it to better advantage, may keep it till it is not wanted.
J. W. MEETINGS IN OWASSO AND GREEN BUSH, MICH.
By Joseph Bates
After a journey of two days and a half through the country from Battle Creek to Owasso, Shiawassee Co., in company with Bro. E. Griggs, we met with the church on Sabbath and first-day, Oct. 6th and 7th, and were refreshed and strengthened in the Lord. I then rode with Bro. G. twenty miles to Green Bush. Trials, sickness and death in their midst had much reduced their numbers in their Sabbath and social meetings. After visiting and holding several meetings with them, they appeared much revived and strengthened in body and mind. Our last meeting was trying to the flesh, but spiritual and comfortable and profitable, respecting their present and future progress in the "finishing of the mystery of God." We held several public meetings: three in a new place, where some manifested an interest in our position, but we were obliged to leave to attend a conference appointed to be held in Owasso Sabbath and first-day, 20th and 21st. At this meeting we were cheered and strengthened by the coming of some of our brethren and sisters from Lock, Burns and other places. First-day was stormy and but few except Sabbath-keepers to hear. Yesterday, after the rain storm, a little company of us rode some three miles to the beautiful flowing Shiawassee river, where two were buried in baptism. In the evening we enjoyed a sweet refreshing from the presence of the Lord while attending to the ordinances of his house; after which we had an interesting season praying for a young man who had been an attentive hearer in all our meetings, and said he was fully decided to persevere in this way, and keep all the commandments of God.
JOSEPH BATES.
Owasso, Shiawassee Co., Mich. THE ACTION OF THE CONFERENCE.
By John Byington
DEAR BRO. SMITH: I had felt a degree of satisfaction in view of attending the late conference, as there I should hear for myself from brethren from abroad, and learn their views and spirit on important subjects there to be investigated and settled; and also to meet with some brethren whom the Lord has raised up as recent laborers, and hear the truth from their lips. But being taken sick with the ague and fever on my way there, I was deprived of the privilege anticipated, and probably shall never meet some of those dear brethren, unless I am so happy as to meet them in the first resurrection. I am glad to learn that the Conference saw eye to eye in forming a legal association so that there may be order in the temporal matters of the church. If it is right for a brother to give or take a deed of a house, in my mind it is equally so for an association to so arrange that they can legally hold a meeting-house or printing establishment. God is a God of order in temporal as well as spiritual matters, pertaining to his church on earth. As to a name I have sometimes thought the plain scriptural term, "Church of God," was all that is necessary. But in reflecting more on this subject, I see that God has given to his people and to individuals names suitable to the time and circumstances under which they were placed. The Lord said Jacob should be called Israel, and though in many places in the inspired book after this we read the name Jacob, yet Israel was the significant name for he had power with God and with men and prevailed. Gen. xxxii, 28. The first followers of our Saviour were called disciples, as a disciple is a learner. Christ was their teacher in person, and when about to leave them, he says, "Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you." The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch. Acts xi, 26. I know not whether by friends or enemies, or both; but I do know that the name Christian at that time was very significant, as Christ was very dear to his saints, but by the mass he was called an impostor. I would say to my brethren scattered abroad I cannot see a reasonable or scriptural objection to the name Seventh-day Adventists, as it is significant of the position the church of God must occupy in the time of the end. THE CAUSE IN ALLEGANY CO., N. Y.
By B. F. Robbins
BRO. SMITH: I wish to state through the Review for the encouragement of the brethren and sisters of like precious faith, the precious blessings that God has bestowed upon us in this region. But a little over a year ago there were but five or six of us in this county in the third angel's message. Through the summer and fall, a year ago, three of us in Friendship met once a week in the evening in a grove to pray for the success of the truth and for a preparation for usefulness, which we felt could be nothing less than holiness, or a whole, living sacrifice of ourselves to God and his cause. In the course of that season a few brethren and sisters in the town of Willing came out with us upon the truth, and in the winter four in Alfred, under the labors of Bro. Barr. The second Sabbath in August last we met at Willing, and with the assistance of Bro. Fuller, organized a church with twenty-two members, and arranged meetings to be held in different parts of this county. The first meeting in Alfred was a blessed season of encouragement and strength to the church, and all resolved on an entire consecration to the work of our Master. The second meeting in September was in the Niles settlement, in the town of Wellsville, where there were but two Sabbath-keepers, Bro. Sanborn and his wife, both recent converts to our faith from the Methodists. In this meeting Bro. Fuller and a few of his brethren from Ulysses came to our help, and God by his Spirit wrought powerfully for us the two days we were together, in the conversion of the people in the settlement. I can truly say I never before saw such power as the Lord gave his truth, nor such deep emotion and love as he gave his dear consecrated people, such fervent effectual prayers; the influence was irresistible, so that when we left there were eighteen Sabbath-keepers in the place; in fact, nearly all of the people except those in the settlement who belonged to the Methodist society; and of these converts to the truth, all except one, were until then unconverted. We have just closed the third meeting of the church, which was in Friendship last Sabbath and first-day. This was also a blessed time from the commencement to its close. The church with but few exceptions were together, and the most of the recent converts to the truth were present. In looking over the assembly of believers congregated together in the school-house at Nile, where the few of us in months past have felt our loneliness, and endured many trials from our former brethren, where we have hoped almost against hope to see the salvation of God, I could but think what a change in a few short months. Instead of three of us meeting in a grove weekly to pray with and encourage each other, now were assembled some forty or more brethren and sisters firm in the faith and determined in obedience,190their countenances radiant with the love of Jesus and to each other, cheerful and prompt in confessing to each other the truth and faithfulness of God, and, to the youngest convert, all striving for holiness in obedience to all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. O blessed be the faithful, prayer-hearing God. Here again I would say that three we trust were converted from the ranks of the unconverted, to the determination to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Bro. Fuller was present and rendered us efficient assistance. But I wish especially to say that the church, on first-day, adopted the plan of systematic benevolence to raise the means to sustain a laborer in the field occupied by the church, and pledged one hundred dollars to send me out. This, to me, is a precious privilege indeed. I have for some time labored as I could, while working at my trade to support my family. But while I was forced to deny many calls for help, and realized that there was sufficient means in the hands of some of our brethren, I have felt at times almost discouraged. I know of others more efficient than I can possibly be, pressed down with cares and debts, and forced to work at a disadvantage to sustain themselves, and what little they have to depend upon going from them little by little, until soon all will be gone, and they left destitute. I know as a people we have not much worldly wealth, but I do believe that there is enough among us to keep in the field, and unembarrassed, our few faithful preaching brethren. Brethren and sisters, all of you think of this subject, pray over it, and I beseech you act upon it. Belmont, Alle. Co., N. Y. SPIRITUALISM.
By M. E. Cornell
We, as a people, have believed and taught from the very beginning of Spiritualism, that it was a foretold sign of the speedy termination of this age. The popular sentiment at that time was that it was a humbug and could not last but a few months at the longest. About twelve years have now past and still its power is increasing. No system ever existed since the creation, that we have any record of, that gained converts as fast as modern Spiritualism. What is it but Satan increasing his snares, knowing that he has but a short time. "For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty." Rev. xvi, 14. This testimony shows both the extent and object of this last mighty work of the enemy. It goes to the "whole world," its manifestations were to be in every part of the habitable earth. Its declared object is "to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty." In the late convention of Spiritualists steps were taken towards a permanent organization, and of course their work will be more effective in the future. To show how well the purposes and expectations of Spiritualists agree with the scripture quoted above, we quote the words of Dr. P. B. Randolph: "I believe there is a principle at work from one end of the world to the other, and the day is already dawned when all society will be swept on by the rushing tide of truth and common sense, to the ultimate belief in modern Spiritualism." If, then, the above prophecy is about to receive its fulfillment, how important the verse following: "Behold I come quickly, blessed is he that watcheth," &c. O then, in view of these things, let the Advent doctrine and faith, be a living reality among us. Are any laying down their watch? The true Witness says to them, "TAKE HEED," "Be ye also ready." How often we hear it remarked by pious, well-designing persons in prayer-meetings that they are bound to press forward and have a part in the kingdom to come, and then wind up by saying, "for eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither has it entered into the heart of man to conceive of the glories that God has laid up for them that love him." We think the meaning of this verse is too often misunderstood. The apostle Paul never gave it as a reason why we should "try to prove faithful," that we knew nothing of the nature of our reward, and the felicity of the future world—but just the opposite, and it is proved by this very text, when taken with its connection. The passage probably means that we know nothing of the future world by the testimony of our senses—by seeing and hearing—for it is all a matter of faith. This text when correctly quoted (for it is seldom quoted right), reads, "Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him." But is this all, as it is generally used? Listen to the next verse. "But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit; for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God." What has God "revealed unto us by his Spirit?" Answer. The very things that "eye hath not seen, nor ear heard;" those things "which God hath prepared for them that love him." Therefore we conclude that although in the present imperfect state we "see through a glass darkly" in comparison with the reality, yet by the help of the Spirit which "searcheth all things," we may have unspeakable conceptions of our glorious inheritance, for Christ in describing the office of this Spirit said, "He will show you things to come." G. W. A. WEEP NOT FOR THE DEAD.
By S. A. Hastings
"Why mourn for the weary who sweetly repose,
Free in the grave from life's burden of woes." Why should we weep for those whom God has suffered to be laid away in the silent grave, to rest for a little season, until the morning of the resurrection. Their toil and care is ended. No more shall the ills and woes of life disturb their peace. They are at rest. The tempter can no more allure their steps away from God. They are safe. Oh! blessed thought! Safe from all that can have power to destroy. Thrice blessed are they who die in the Lord. Ah! could we realize as we stand by the bedside of death, and behold the breath of the dying growing fainter and fainter, that they are being taken from the evil to come, that they are escaping many sorrows which we living must endure, we should not feel such anguish to yield them up. Such bitter tears would not flow, that God had robbed us of those we so fondly loved. Far more reason have we to weep for the living, than the dead. Each succeeding year of our lives brings with it its weight of care and suffering. How often when pressed with trouble, surrounded by temptations, our weary hearts almost famishing within us, we droop beneath the burden, and as we gaze on the mound of earth beneath which rests the saint of God, we almost envy a spot by his side. Yet though a blessing is pronounced on those who sleep in Jesus; though they escape the sorrows and perplexities to which all in life are subject, it is not right to desire that their lot might be ours unless it can glorify God. A selfish motive may often cause us to desire the grave. The influence of the world may seem so powerful, its temptations so great, that we feel we cannot resist. We may lack energy and boldness to struggle for victory, and we feel it would be sweet to lie down in death beside the dear ones who have gone before us. We may question why some who were so consecrated to God, and possessed so much talent for doing good, should fall by the destroyer, and we yet live on. But God knows why. He suffers nothing to befall the Christian that shall not work for his good. Let us not then murmur and complain, but toil on a little longer, realizing that our reward awaits us above. Let us strive to make life an object. Feel that we live for something, and God requires of us faithfulness. Satan will try hard to discourage, but God is mightier than he, and able to deliver to the uttermost all who will come to him in faith. Though it is blessed to die, yet it is blessed to live when we live wholly for Jesus, and our lives are hid in him. How much reason we often have to mourn that the world possesses such power to fascinate the mind and lead it from God, thereby casting a vail over the beauty and glory of heaven, shutting out the light and presence of Jesus from the soul. But we can resist its power. It is possible. May God aid us by his Holy Spirit to tear away from every influence that is opposed to pure and undefiled religion, that whether we live or die, we may at last have a place in the kingdom of Jesus, where no tempting enemy will ever more be suffered to annoy us. May God enable me, dear friends, to meet you there. THE SONG OF SOLOMON.
By D. Hildreth
THIS is one of the most beautiful poems in the Bible. The graces of Christ and the church are described in highly figurative and glowing terms. To many, this book is a dead letter, instead of being the living word of the Lord as it verily is. It is supposed to be a love-sick ditty, written by Solomon when he loved many women. 1 Kings xi, 1. But when the plan of the book is understood, it becomes an interesting portion of scripture. The Song of Solomon is written in the form of a dialogue; the three principal speakers are Christ, the church, and the daughters of Jerusalem. Christ invariably addresses himself to the church, the church directs most of her discourse to Christ, but in some cases a conversation takes place between the church and the daughters of Jerusalem. The daughters of Jerusalem no doubt refer to nominal churches. It may assist those who have never paid attention to this book to shew the manner in which it is divided. The whole of the book will not be noticed but the attentive reader will soon discover the form of the composition. Chap. i, 1. "The song of songs, which is Solomon's." This merely shows the name of the inspired writer. His writings all commence in the same manner, also other books of the Bible. In verses 2-4 the church directs her discourse to Christ; in verses 5, 6, to the daughters of Jerusalem, and in verse 7 again to Christ. Christ answers her, verses 8-11. She again speaks to him, verses 12-14, &c. In chap. ii, 2, Christ shows how much more he esteems the true church than those who are only so in profession. "As the lily among the thorns, so is my love among the daughters." The church replies, "As the apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among the sons." The church generally calls Christ her "beloved," while Christ calls the church his "love." Chap. iii, 6. This shows the condition of the church when she has obtained of the merchant those things necessary to her perfection. See Rev. iii, 18. Chap. iv, is a glowing description of the church. Verse 7 shows the perfection of the church when she is presented to God without spot or wrinkle. Eph. v, 27. Chap. v, 2-6, evidently refers to the Laodicean church. Rev. iii, 14-22. The church in her sleepy condition awakes enough to hear her beloved say, "Behold I stand at the door and knock," "Open to me;" but after standing there till his head is filled with dew, he leaves her forever. Finally roused by God's judgments, she opens the door, but it is too late, he has gone. This is a solemn warning. May the Lord help us to open the door before he leaves. Verses 10-16, are the church's description of Christ. Chap. vi, 9, contains an allusion to the seven churches. "Sing O barren," &c. Isa. liv, 1. Paul proves this to be the New Jerusalem, the mother of us all. Gal. iv. In the prophetic song of Hannah she says, "The barren hath borne seven." 1 Sam. ii, 5. The seventh church is spoken of as the fairest of the seven. Verse 10. This is when she arrives at her perfect state. Chap. viii, 5. Here the church is seen coming out of the wilderness, whither she had fled from the face of the serpent. Rev. xii. Verse 8 fitly represents a church destitute of vital godliness, and therefore not pleasing to the Lord; but she finally attains such a state of perfection as to find favor in his sight. Verse 10. Many interpretations have been given to this book, but in my opinion this is the only correct one. If it contains instruction for the remnant, like Daniel and Revelation, it will be more fully understood at the time of the end. Dan. xii. Is generally considered an interesting and profitable study, and it is necessary to have a correct view of the past, in order to know our present position; and especially is a knowledge of history indispensable to understand prophecy. I am fond of reading history; was formerly exceedingly interested in ancient history as a means of pleasure and mental enjoyment; but I read it now as a means of information. I have just been glancing my eye over some of the sketches given by Hallam (middle ages) of the great men, who by their skill and ability founded empires and kingdoms, and viewing their splendid acts, their brilliant victories and attainments, I am struck with astonishment; but as an offset to this, the background view of their crimes and cruelty, and the oppressive acts which they considered necessary to enforce their authority, their conscriptions, their disregard of lesser interests of individuals, and small communities, their impure record of domestic cruelty and crime, the record of those (so-called) minor interests, sacrificed on the altar of ambition, individual rights and happiness always sacrificed when in the way of the conqueror's car, these grated harshly upon the ear. Wearied with the recital, and finding that the most virtuous characters in history are generally soon borne down with the force of the less conscientious, and my heart pained within me to find everywhere scattered along in the stream of time, ruined prospects, and blighted hopes, crimes of deepest dye staining the reputation of the most honored heroes; mighty kingdoms arising amidst injustice, oppression, bloodshed and fraud; and viewing these mighty governments advancing to greatness, and in a short period, falling into insignificance; changes, continually altering boundaries, cities depopulated by war, governments rising and falling;—wearied and sad I laid aside my book, thought a moment of this confused state of things in which historians themselves are almost lost amid the rubbish of historic records, thinking too of the fallibility of the historian, who is often partial, and with a stroke of the pen has often done injustice to the really virtuous, while the reckless but brilliant conqueror has been almost deified; with such thoughts as these, my heart was pained; where could I rest my mind? No spotless character combining power, heroism, virtue, loveliness, majesty and beauty, and empire, met my gaze; all was an arid waste, a wilderness of woe, a bloody field of battle, an adulterous, viperous crowd. I took up the Bible and opened to the book of Mark's gospel, and there I found my ideal in reality; there stood forth in the first ten chapters, our glorious King, combining in his character everything I desire to see; power with love, benevolence with justice, empire with humility, respect to the rights of the least, equally with the greatest; sympathy with the suffering, without any ambition to exalt himself above those he benefited, always relieving the burdened, and bearing the heaviest of burdens in his own glorious person; no stain upon his spotless character; I could look upon him, and gaze, and the more I gazed, the more I admired, the more I loved. What could we do without a model of perfection amid such a ruin of nations? See him stilling the191waves, healing the diseased, feeding the five thousand with a few loaves, I could look at him as the tower of defense, amid a million of foes, a noble model of character, a Deliverer, a King, a Conqueror; brave and true, of noble birth, of ancient family, of highest and boundless empire; no selfish designs lessen his influence, but purest, most disinterested benevolence appear in every one of his acts. He is the one altogether lovely; there is one hero in history. J. CLARKE. SABBATH EVENING.
By V. O. Edson
Lo! behind the western hills,
Sinks the sun's expiring ray;
When the six days' hours it fills,
Ushering in the sacred day. Sacred day of sweet repose,
To the weary and care-worn;
Welcome thy sacred hours to those
Who life's burdens long have borne. O! how sweet upon this day,
When from six days' labor free,
In our minds to soar away
To that rest we soon shall see. O! how sweet to meditate
On the goodness of our Lord,
And his rest commemorate,
As commanded in his word. When these earthly Sabbaths end,
When probation's hours shall close;
May I then a Sabbath spend,
Free from sorrow and from woes. THE LOVE OF GOD.—The man who attempts to run the Christian race without the love of God in his heart, must fail: his own natural heart, however full of love, will fail when hard pressed with provocation and sorrow; but he whose heart is supplied with the love of God, is like the well supplied from pure and abundant springs, the more you draw out of it, the more pure and abundant the supply. OUR OWN LOVES are various; as, the love of parent to child, and the love of child to parent; the love of brothers and sisters, the loves of the social circle, the ardent flame of the young, and the deepened friendship of the old; loves pure and impure, all these exist in the heart of the crowd, heedless of God the Creator, who first made man upright. Therefore when we speak of love, the mass of mankind associate the idea with something so low and groveling as to despoil the word of its true meaning. The love of God is something beyond even the comprehension of the wisest of men, and until it is felt, it is unknown: it fills the soul, and purifies and sanctifies all other loves; and keeps them in proper bounds. The love of God coming as it does from the creation of man, is exactly suited to his organization, and does not blunt the natural and social affections, but teaches them to work in harmony with law and order. Could all mankind be at once filled with the love of God, in such a degree as to thus purify the heart, such would be the benign influence of their love, that crime would disappear, and impurity would be unknown. Society would be in raptures at the change, and all natural affections being thus purified, would develop the kindliest acts, poverty would disappear, and disease would soon be robbed of its malignity, and in time would be eradicated; having nothing to feed upon; and the race would improve in physical and intellectual strength, and beauty, as generations pass away, and man would die only from age, and even hereditary disease would finally disappear. But alas! no such cure will man accept; for six thousand years he has resisted the good Spirit, has waxed worse and worse, and now the cup nearly full is filling up, and man only awaits his sentence. The love of God is too pure and holy for the carnal heart; those gross passions spurn the true love that would not give them a place, and the love of God is too pure to dwell with gross and sensual passions; to exist in the heart, it must rule, it cannot be subservient. RIVALRY.—Rivalry can hardly exist in the breast of the holy man; he feels that the more his brother advances in holiness, the greater his own power to go forward, and he knows too, that if his brother is held back in the course, his own progress is hindered, and that the very genius of holiness is opposed to rivalry. It cannot exist and be nourished at all in the heart of the Christian; for it would make such a soul the abode of devils, rather than of the Spirit of God. The enlightened Christian is happy in the humblest sphere, and he is conscious that rivalry is the work of an unhumbled heart, and eradicates it as he would malice and envy and every evil work. Christianity is benevolent in its nature, and he is the most thriving Christian, who most seeks the interest and prosperity of his brethren. JUDGING others by ourselves is a correct test in a general way as to the main features of humanity, but when this test is applied to acquirements, literary or religious, it fails; thus the novice whose backsliding experience extends over perhaps a score or two of years, whose moral sense is blunted, whose life has been a history of backslidings and heart-wanderings from God, whose family and friends have mourned, and suffered by his slackness and sins, even though he returns, can no more judge of the experience of his brother who has walked in the light, whose pathway has been lined with humility, charity, liberality, holiness of heart and life, than the blundering, plodding scholar can judge of the acquirements or the literary attainments of the ripe student. They will be rewarded “according to their deeds,” and let us consider our standing before we suppose all as ignorant as self. Sometimes the young student makes an acquisition which pleases him much, and enraptured, he instead of rejoicing over it attempts to teach his superiors who perhaps have long ago passed over the same ground. It is a natural characteristic of some to suppose that all that is new to them is new to others, and when such a person discovers that sin is exceeding sinful, he supposes that the fact will be just as new to his brethren, who, perhaps, have long tried to convince him of this important principle. APPRECIATION of others is a talent which conceited persons do not possess: they appreciate themselves more highly than any one else does, but the feelings, capacities, acquirements, &c. of others they are loth to acknowledge. TRUTH is a gem too precious to be hidden; let it come, no matter if in the ore, let it come and we can separate it from the dross afterwards; when dug up from the mine at first, of course we expect it in the ore, and we do not complain of its roughness. THE world call us (who venerate the law of God) fools, disturbers of the peace, of society, disorganizers, &c.; but the psalmist says, “A good understanding have all they that keep thy commandments.” Keeping the commandments restrains and regulates the temperaments of men. J. C.