THE subject of life and death is the first of all Bible subjects. Man first enjoyed life. He received it from the hand of his Maker, and next lost it by sin, and from that time onward only lives by permission of the divine Law-giver; and the object of all subsequent revelation to man, is to present to him eternal life with the conditions necessary to be complied with, in order to the enjoyment of this inestimable blessing in the world to come.
Man's nature and destiny is a subject of great interest. A correct understanding of it is indispensably necessary to an understanding of the Scriptures. What is man? is a question on which philosophers have descanted, and theologians have theorized much, to but little profit. He that made man, knows him best, and has given the best treatise upon his present and future conditions.
We present the following proposition for the subject of investigation in this article: Man in his organization is material and mortal. The proposition consists of two predicates:
I. It is predicated of man that in his organization he is material; that is, he is altogether earthy in his composition. We are informed by the learned theologians of the day that man is a compound of soul, body, and spirit, and that it takes all these to make or constitute the man. We ask for the proof of their vain assumption, but are never furnished with a single text in its support. We turn from them to the sure source of unerring light, and ask wisdom of Him who never turns a faithful, humble child away without the truth.
1. Abraham, the father of the faithful, said, "Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord which am but dust and ashes." Gen. xviii, 27. Had the faithful Abraham but been instructed by some of his pretended sons, he would have said, "I am mortal and immortal, matter and spirit;" but as he lived in a day in which God led his people, and they hearkened to his word, they could not have the benefit of the popular theory.
2. Job says, "How much less in them that dwell in houses of clay whose foundation is in the dust; which are crushed before the moth." Job iv, 19. Here man's whole foundation is spoken of as being in the dust. But, says the querist, may not the man be one thing, and the house of clay in which he dwells another? We will answer by referring to another testimony from the same book, chap. x, 8-11: "Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about, yet thou dost destroy me. Remember, I beseech thee, that thou hast made me as the clay, and wilt thou bring me into dust again?" Here it is plainly taught that the one dwelling in a house of clay is the me that is made like the dust, and is to be brought to dust again. Hence there is no ground left for the assumption that the me is an immortal soul, unless that soul is made of the dust, and will return to it again.
3. Ps. ciii, 14. "For he knoweth our frame, he remembereth that we are dust." From this testimony one of three conclusions must follow: (1.) That there is nothing in man's nature but materiality, or (2.) That God does not know it if there is anything besides; but the text says he knoweth our frame, or (3.) That if he ever knew it has forgotten it, and hence has a poor memory.
4. To get the whole truth on this part of the subject, we will go to the history of man's creation, and there avail ourselves of the benefits of the revelation of Him who knoweth our frame.
1. Proposition to make man. "God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth." Gen. i, 26.
2. We learn of what man was made. Chap. ii, 7. "And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul." Three important points are involved in this scripture: (1.) Man's formation of the dust of the ground. This is not a predicate of his body, or a part of him, but of the whole man. All that constitutes man is of the dust of the ground. (2.) As man, he received the breath of life from God himself. But be it remembered that he was man before he received the breath of life, but was unconscious. This breath was not an immortal soul, or He who knoweth our frame would have said so, and would not have forgotten it. (3.) Having received the breath of life, he became conscious and active—a living, intelligent agent, with whom God conversed freely. But all of man's consciousness and life depended upon the breath of life. Having proven by the above pointed and clear testimony the materiality of man as a unit, we will show,
II. That he is, as a unit, wholly mortal. The word mortal signifies that which can die. Immortal is a negative word, and signifies that which cannot die. Adam was on probation for immortality and eternal life, which he would have received by obeying God and partaking of the tree of life. This is most forcibly proven in Gen. ii, 22. "And now lest he put forth his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever." "Therefore the Lord sent him forth from the garden of Eden." Verse 23. "So he drove out the man, and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way of the tree of life." Verse 24. Why was God so careful to guard the tree of life? Lest man should eat and become an immortal sinner. Man had no immortality before he left the garden, and after he was driven out of it his access to the only source whence he could get it in the garden was cut off. This is positive proof of man's entire mortality.
The testimony of Paul throws much light on this part of the subject. "And so it is written the first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit." "Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual (pneumatikos, spiritual pertaining to the nature of spirits—partaking or relating to the influences of the Holy Spirit, pertaining to that spirit or disposition of mind produced in Christians by the Holy Spirit, Greenfield), but that which is natural (psuchikos, animal, having animal life, existing by breathing, natural, accomodated to animal existence, Greenfield) and afterward that which is spiritual." The first man is of the earth earthy (choikos, of dust, earthy, terrestrial, corruptible, frail, mortal, Greenfield), 1 Cor. xv, 45-47. This settles the question. It shows clearly that all that constitutes man is of the earth, earthy, frail, and mortal. No exception is made for an immortal soul, for the reason that revelation knows of no such thing. Additional37testimony is given in the Scriptures in which man as a whole is called mortal. "Shall mortal man be more just than God?" Job iv, 17. Justice is predicated of the intelligent man. Mortality is predicated of the same beings. "Behold, happy is the man (enoush, mortal) whom God correcteth." Chap. v, 17. "Is there not an appointed time to man (enoush, signifies mortal) upon earth?" Chap. vii, 1. "I know it is so of a truth; but how should man (a mortal) be just with God?" Chap. ix, 2. "Hast thou eyes of flesh? or seest thou as man (a mortal) seeth?" Chap. x, 4. "What is man (a mortal) that thou art mindful of him?" Ps. viii, 4.
It is useless to multiply witnesses upon a point already sustained by evidence that can never be overthrown. Having proved the entire mortality of man, we will close this with a list of questions for the consideration of the believer in the immortality of man:
1. As the word soul, or rather the Hebrew and Greek from which it is translated, occurs in the Bible eight hundred and seventy-three times, why is it not said to be immortal, deathless, or never-dying, even once?
2. As the word rendered spirit occurs in both Testaments eight hundred and twenty-seven times—if it is immortal, is it not a great wonder that it has been overlooked by all the divine writers who have spoken of the Spirit?
3. If all men are now immortal, how can the scripture be true that says that God only hath immortality? 1 Tim. vi, 16.
4. If all men are naturally immortal, how could Christ bring it to light by the gospel? 2 Tim. i, 10.
5. If all men are now immortal, why are Christians commanded to seek for it? Rom. ii, 7.
6. If all men are now immortal, how can the saints, only, put it on in the resurrection? 1 Cor. xv, 54.
7. If all men are now immortal, in the resurrection the immortal soul, as they teach, will put on immortality; and if so, how can the scripture be true that says, "This mortal shall put on immortality?" 1 Cor. xv, 53.
8. If the immortal soul puts on an immortal body in the resurrection, then the immortal soul must of necessity be corruptible and mortal; for Paul says, "For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality." Verse 53. The thing that puts on immortality is both corruptible and mortal.
Vermont Annual Conference.
By D. T. Bourdeau
WITHOUT controversy this was one of the most interesting, encouraging, and profitable Conferences ever held by Seventh-day Adventists in Vermont. There was quite a large gathering of brethren and sisters from different parts of Vermont and from Canada East, who seemed to be interested in the advancement of the cause of present truth, and who were made glad by the presence and help of the messengers from the west. We trust that these servants of God will be encouraged by the thought that their labors among us were not in vain.
Bro. Loughborough's experience and help in organization and in settling church difficulties was needed and appreciated. Our business transactions moved on in union and harmony. The principles of organization were set forth in their beauty and loveliness, and were carried out as far as we could expect. Truly, if we are to judge of a tree by the fruit it bears, we must conclude that organization is good. As far as it is cherished and received it produces union, equality, love, and peace.
The meetings on Sabbath and first-day were held in the Vermont tent which was pitched on a beautiful spot of ground near the Lamoille river, and about half a mile from the meeting-house. On first-day the tent was filled to overflowing. It was estimated that there were about eight hundred persons present. Sabbath morning the exercises commenced with a social meeting, in which many took an active part. Rich present experiences were given, and the language adopted by many, and which expressed the feelings of most present, was, "We be well able to go up and possess the goodly land." These exercises were followed by a practical discourse by Bro. Hull from Titus ii, 11-14.
In the afternoon Bro. Loughborough spoke from Titus i, 5. In this discourse he dwelt largely on church order and on the proper manner of sustaining the cause, and to illustrate his subject he gave a brief and interesting history of God's people, showing the steps that God led his people to take to carry on his work, and exposing the extreme view, that those who believe the Lord is coming, should sell all their property to support the cause.
In the evening Bro. Hull spoke with clearness on the evidences of Christianity, as drawn from the resurrection of Christ. Bro. Hull is naturally possessed of good reasoning powers, and those who were troubled with a skeptical turn of mind must have been helped by the evidences he presented.
First-day morning Bro. Hull spoke with usual freedom on the messages, especially on the commandments, and in the afternoon Bro. Loughborough spoke on the seals of Rev. vi, and on the present war. Previous to this it had been reported that we were secessionists, and the news had come that if we sympathized with the rebellion, our tent should be torn in pieces. But Bro. Loughborough gave his hearers an opportunity to learn that it is against our principles to sympathize with the rebellion, and we heard no more about the people's tearing our tent down. In the evening Bro. Hull gave the closing discourse, on the seal of God and mark of the beast. This discourse was interesting and encouraging to the dear saints, and had a tendency to confirm and strengthen the faith of those who have lately embraced the truth.
We think we express the minds of many when we say that we look back to this meeting with a good degree of satisfaction, hoping to profit by what we saw and heard, and to so live out the truth that we shall finally meet with God's servants, and with all God's humble people, when the warfare is ended, and when the saints receive their rich reward.
D. T. BOURDEAU.
Doings of the Vermont State Conference.
This Conference met at Wolcott, Vt., to transact business, June 12, at 9 o'clock, A. M. Prayer by Bro. Hutchins. On motion of Bro. Hutchins it was
Voted, That we extend an invitation to Brn. Loughborough, Hull, and Taylor, to take a part with us in our deliberations.
The number of delegates present was eleven, representing eight churches. Some time was spent in reading the letters and credentials brought by delegates, after which the minutes of the last meeting were called for, read, and accepted.
The ministers present belonging to the Conference were A. Stone, S. Pierce, A. S. Hutchins, D. T. Evans, A. C. Bourdeau, and D. T. Bourdeau. These ministers brought in a written report of their labors, receipts, and expenditures.
Moved, by Bro. A. C. Bourdeau, That a committee of three be appointed to examine the report of preachers, and decide what they shall have as a compensation for their labors, and that Brn. J. Barrows, R. Loveland, and J. Herrick, be that committee. Carried. Bro. Loughborough was invited to assist the committee.
Bro. Hull presented the following resolution, which was adopted by the Conference:
Resolved, That we consider the constitution recommended by the General Conference and adopted by the Michigan State Conference.
Adjourned to 2 o'clock P. M.
Afternoon session. Prayer by Bro. Loughborough.
The Conference took up the constitution, item by item, and fully discussed and adopted it.
The churches of Irasburgh, Roxbury, Troy, Enosburgh, and Johnson, were then voted into the Conference.
The next business of the Conference being the election of officers, Bro. Pierce was chosen President, D. T. Bourdeau, Secretary, and A. C. Bourdeau, Treasurer. Brn. L. Bean and J. Barrows were chosen as the remaining members of the Executive Committee.
Moved, by Bro. A. C. Bourdeau, That agreeably to the direction of the Executive Committee of the General Conference, we invite Bro. Loughborough to aid our Executive Committee in distributing the labors of ministers in this Conference. Carried.
Moved, That hereafter our annual Conference be held in the spring, and following the General Conference. Carried.
Adjourned to Sunday morning at 8 o'clock.
Met according to adjournment. Prayer by Bro. A. C. Bourdeau.
The Executive Committee having had the demands for labor before them, and having conferred with the preachers belonging to the Conference, and with Bro. Loughborough, made the following report on the distribution of laborers:
That Brn. A. S. Hutchins, A. C. Bourdeau, and D. T. Bourdeau, go with the Vermont tent in Vermont and Canada East as the way may open.
That Brn. S. Pierce and A. Stone visit the churches and attend the quarterly meetings as far as duty may seem to direct, and that if necessary they visit the tent and assist in laboring in connection with the brethren who go with the tent.
That Bro. D. T. Evans labor with his hands during the summer, except as the way may open for him to go out and labor with Bro. Pierce in holding meetings.
Voted, That we recommend to individuals within the limits of this Conference, to contribute by donations toward raising a missionary fund, aside from what they have pledged to raise a State Conference fund.
Voted, That we also recommend to the churches within the bounds of this Conference to apply the surplus of their S. B. funds to the Conference fund, that the wants of the Conference may be met.
Voted, That this Conference publish 150 copies of its minutes, for circulation by the committee of this Conference, in connection with the report of General Conference.
Voted, That the doings of this Conference be published in the Review.
Adjourned sine die.
STEPHEN PIERCE, Chairman.
D. T. BOURDEAU, Secretary.
Beware of the First Wrong Concession.
By M. W. Howard
THE time-honored custom of teachers' boarding around, made me for a season an inmate of a physician's family. They moved in the first circles of society, for the husband and father stood at the head of his profession, while the wife was genteel and well educated,38and withal devoutly pious. Their lovely girls gave evidence of the mother's gentle influence; while two wayward boys as clearly evidenced that tho father and mother were not in harmony. Indeed, one only needed to be a member of the family to realize that he who was the stern doctor when abroad, brought enough of that sternness into the home circle to spread over all an irksome restraint. He was a communicant in the Episcopal church; the mother and oldest daughter were members of the Methodist church. When we arose from the breakfast table it was usually to kneel at the family altar, when sometimes the father, but oftener the mother, led in devotion, closing with our Lord's prayer in which each member of the household audibly joined.
But, shall I record it? sometimes the father would arise from the table, where he had moodily sat, and abruptly leave the house and proceed to his business; the baneful example would spread, till one after another all were gone, and the sad consciousness of a day illy begun would fall like a pall over us all.
On one such occasion the mother remarked to me, that family prayer had been more neglected since her husband professed religion (which had not been many years), than in all the time previous, since she professed religion. This fact, with another which I knew from observation, though no remark was made of it, made me almost venerate her Christian example, and caused me to look in great amazement at her subsequent fall.
After tea on Sunday afternoon it was her custom to retire to an upper room with her children, where she instructed them religiously, and then could be heard from my adjoining room each one's voice, as they one after the other prayed. Years afterward, on removing among strangers, she yielded to her husband's will her religious preferences sufficiently to attend as a family the services of an Episcopal church. I had years before heard her remark that if she ever became an Episcopalian it would be because she was a Roman Catholic. Prophetic words! Ere long she became a widow. Next she married a man who had gone over to Romanism. Soon herself and youngest daughter performed a journey to Montreal for confirmation in a Romish cathedral! Thus one wrong concession followed another.
More than a score of years have elapsed since I was an inmate of their family, and I have never seen them since; yet associated with their memory is the old love I cherished for them, as the exemplary Christian mother, and the sweet confiding pupil. And often have I longed to meet them that I might ask them to tell the gradations through which they passed in their downward course to Catholicism. Beware of the first wrong concession!
M. W. HOWARD.
Malone, N. Y.
Attributes of the Pope.
By D. M. Canright
1. He is the "Man of Sin" as he learns his subjects that the most solemn oaths taken by them, "which operate against ecclesiastical utility and the institution of the holy fathers are not to be called oaths, but rather perjurics," that the authority of the sacred and apostolic see (i. e. the pope) can absolve any one from his oath of fidelity;" and that "no faith is to be kept with heretics." Thus he commands them to lie to God and break his holy law.
2. He is "the son of perdition," as he has added to God's word, and taken from it; subverted morals and religion, and constantly violated his own most solemn engagements.
3. "He opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or worshipped," in that he claims superiority to all laws of right, and power to dispense with them, and pretend to forgive, not only past sins, but all that can possibly be committed in the future.
He lays his hand on God's law and changes it to suit himself, thus saying, that he knows what is right better than the Almighty does.
4. "He as God sitteth in the temple of God shewing himself that he is God," as he claims to be the vicar (substitute) of God upon earth; and professes infallibility which belongs to God only.
5. "He opened his mouth in blasphemy against God and his temple and them that dwell in heaven," by erecting a rival temple on earth, and giving the sanction of God and angels to the most fiendish atrocities.
6. That "he made war with the saints and prevailed against them" is but too fearfully confirmed by the massacre of the Albigenses, Waldenses, and millions of others.
D. M. CANRIGHT.
Coldwater, Mich.
Piety and Morality in London
THE London Record, referring to the supposed increase of piety and morality in that vicinity, very significantly asks, "How is it that in this vast metropolis, there are more than twenty-six public houses and gin-shops, or gin-palaces, to each Protestant place of worship, bad or good? How is it that our great brewers compel their publican tenants to sell gin as well as beer, under pain of forfeiting their leases? And Whence come the swindlers of this our day, in London and in the provinces, before whose gigantic frauds the aggregate of all the rogues of a former age must hide their diminished head? But these are questions that might with equal propriety be asked concerning some other cities that we know of."
Letters.
"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
From Sister Hicks.
Dear Brethren and Sisters: I am cheered so often by reading the letters in the Review that I feel like bearing my testimony again in favor of those truths we are trying to obey in this perilous time of war and wickedness. It truly is the time when men's hearts are failing them for fear, looking for those things that are coming upon the earth. The Union men of this community are forming themselves into leagues, and arming secretly to protect themselves and property from the traitors in their midst. Have not perilous times come? Are they not at our very doors? Oh, how it becomes us to watch and pray lest we enter into temptation.
How I long to meet again to worship with the children of God. I have seen but one Sabbath-keeper since we came here, sister M. J. Chapman, of Terre Haute, Ind. She has encouraged me much by her example and conversation, and I hope to profit by them.
I have laid aside every idol against which we are warned, and feel to thank my heavenly Father that he enabled me to do so. I feel the need of rising upon higher ground with the remnant, and having the whole armor of faith to resist the foes from without and within. I hope ere long that some of our elders will come here, that I may obey all the requirements of the gospel by being baptized. I often sin, but I have an advocate with the Father, even Jesus Christ the righteous. Cheering thought! though we are sinful, he is all righteousness, and our advocate for sin.
Dear brethren and sisters who are alone, I love especially to read your letters. We have greater need of strong reliance upon the almighty arm for support in our trials than those that have church privileges. They in a measure strengthen one another, and their letters strengthen us. When our paper comes to hand how eagerly I turn to the page where they that feared the Lord spake often one to another. Sometimes it is not to be found, and I feel as though I had missed a good meeting almost. It does not look right to me when there are so many intelligent persons who read the Review, that there should often be nothing written for this page, and I hope the brethren and sisters will not be slack in discharging this duty.
O, how I want to have my lamp trimmed and burning when the Bridegroom shall come. Sometimes I almost despair of being able to go through to the kingdom, but that I know is a device of Satan to tempt me to give up. Then the words of our Saviour come to mind, "Strive to enter in at the strait gate;" and again, "Ask and ye shall receive, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you." Let us strive to enter in.
Yours in hope.
HARRIET HICKS.
Vigo Co., Ind.
MARY F. MAXSON
By Mary F. Maxson
From Sister Maxson.
BRO. WHITE: I have had the privilege of reading the Review for nearly a year, and it grows more and more precious to me. It seems to me that I could hardly get along without it. It is indeed an "angel visitant," and comes laden with words of encouragement, hope, comfort, and cheer, and I wait, almost impatiently for the Thursday nights to come and bring me the precious treasure.
I first heard the present truth last summer, from Brn. Andrews and Cornell, and was fully persuaded of its authenticity, but for various reasons did not embrace it; we did not withdraw from the church to which I belonged and take a decided stand with God's people. I did not see my way clearly. But a few weeks previous to Brn. Loughborough and Hull's visit here Jesus showed me plainly that if I would not deny myself, take up my cross, and follow him, I could not be his disciple. It seemed indeed like a great cross to me to give up my many friends and espouse the despised Advent faith; but I prayed earnestly for strength to bear the cross, yet did not feel that I possessed it, until I heard a discourse from the text, "Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named." I felt then that I could, from my heart, give up everything for the sake of belonging to the family of God and though I meet with opposition, am called crazy, deluded, &c., and my name is cast out as evil, yet I rejoice with joy unspeakable. O these truths, these precious truths, how dear they are to me! I would not give them up for all the world. I bless God that he ever permitted me to hear them, and inclined my heart to obey them. I count it as joy to be scorned and despised for Christ's sake, and it seems to me that I could go through "flood and flame," if he should lead.
We earnestly hope that you and sister White will visit39us this summer, and believe that if it is best, God will direct you here. Pray ever for me.
Your sister, striving for eternal life.
MARY F. MAXSON
Adam's Center, N. Y.
"All Is Confusion."
WHEN speaking of the present aspect of the nation, the New York Herald of June 6, says: "All is confusion, because the popular sentiment is in a transition state." True, the tide of "perplexity" still rolls on, and all things seem to be breaking up into chaos. The people are disheartened at the state of things. All their remedies for establishing order seem only to increase the "confusion." Every effort to calm the storm only adds to its terrible fury. The powers of darkness are let loose, and the hurricane of events appears ready to burst upon a wicked world and an apostate Christendom. The hour of repentance seems to be past, as in the days of Noah and Lot. Now their hypocritical fasts and prayers are of no avail. The cup of iniquity runs over, and the masses are steeping in its filthy pollution. We see no ground to hope for a better state of things till Jesus comes. Let the glad hour arrive speedily.—World's Crisis.
Obeying the Truth.
By Elizabeth M. Casey
I OFT am led to ask my God,
The reason he has chosen me,
Among the millions of the earth,
His glorious, precious truth to see.
While in deep sorrow and distress,
While hungering for the truth of God,
He did my longing spirit bless,
With light and glory from his word.
And this I plainly saw revealed,
The seventh is the Sabbath-day,
The fourth commandment is its shield;
And it shall never pass away.
Six days shall all thy work be done,
From labor must the seventh be free;
The seventh is the holy one,
In memory, saith the Lord, of me.
God's law is good, and just, and pure,
And long as here on earth we stay,
If we would endless life insure,
We must its righteous claims obey.
ELIZABETH M. CASEY.
Battle Creek, Mich.
Encouragement in the Truth
By F. A. Dayton
From Sister Dayton.
Bro. White : Although not acquainted with many of the readers of the Review in the flesh, yet finding while reading the heart-cheering letters, that we are one in spirit and faith and hope, I feel it a privilege to cast in my mite on the side of the truth we so much love. And why should we forbear to speak often one to another; for the Lord hearkens and hears it, and says that they shall be his when he makes up his jewels. O, the priceless value of such a promise! Then let us awake, excite every nerve, and run the race with patience that is set before us, ever lifting up our heads, knowing that our redemption is nigh. Let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, taking Jesus as our pattern, his word as our guide, which will guide us in that narrow path to the gate of the city. I feel thankful that I ever had a heart to receive the solemn truths of the third angel's message, and that the Lord chastened me with the rod of affliction until I was made willing to lay aside all my pride, worldly-mindedness, and covetousness, and lay hold of the truth decidedly. I ascribe the praise to Him whose arm alone has brought salvation. I can say, O Lord, great and marvelous are thy works, and thy ways past finding out. I often feel that great peace have they that love the law; and again dark clouds hover over my head, and besetments and snares at my feet, cause slothfulness in my Master's vineyard. But I mean to overcome them by patiently striving, ever looking unto Jesus; for the bright anticipation of a beautiful home so near to come has weaned me from the pleasures and vanities of this earth. I feel that the Lord has given everything to encourage us. Then let us run and not be weary. Let us strive to have our lives pure, so that every obstacle may be removed that hinders this glorious work from moving, and that ere long we shall become that pure church that shall be counted worthy to stand before the Son of man.
Your sister striving to overcome.
F. A. DAYTON.
Catlin Center, N. Y.
Alone in the Faith
Bro. J. McDonald writes from Ballinafad, C. W. : It is now about three years since I first commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. I cannot be too grateful to God for showing me his truth. I feel thankful for the light I have received on present truth. I was, like many others, brought up to keep the first day of the week as the Sabbath; but thank God, through the instrumentality of Bro. Osgood, of Bronte, C. W., and some tracts and pamphlets received from him, I have been led to search the Scriptures to see if these things were so; and I found I was following the doctrines and commandments of men more than the commandments of God. I am now striving by the grace of God to keep all his commandments.
I am all alone here, with the exception of my companion in life. We have no one of like precious faith to meet with us on the Sabbath, and no Sabbath-school for our children; but we are thankful that we have the Bible and the Review to read and study. The Review is our weekly preacher. Bless the name of the Lord for the paper!
Dear brethren and sisters, pray for us, that we may stand firm and unshaken; that we may resist all the fiery darts of the Devil, and walk according to all God's commandments, and be sanctified through the truth, and finally be saved in his everlasting kingdom. People here are very much opposed to the truth, but there are some even here who believe, but have not the courage to obey. If one of the preaching brethren could see it duty to come this way and give a course of lectures, I believe some good could be done.
Kept by the Power of God
By L. Dawson
Sister L. Dawson writes from Peesta, Iowa: Over ten years have passed since I embraced the third angel's message, and the truths connected with it. When I enlisted under its glorious banner, I endeavored to take a through spirit with me, and thus far have been kept by the power of God from falling out by the way, although for the last six years I have been deprived of the privilege of being with Sabbath-keepers, until last winter, when I had the privilege of being at the State Conference, and enjoying a heavenly sitting together with the saints, in Christ. I desire to be a humble, holy, and pure Christian in the sight of God, that I may
"Be as holy and as happy,
And as useful here below,
As it is my Father's pleasure,
Jesus only, Jesus know."
When I feel almost discouraged, and about to give up the truth, the Review comes with its precious draughts, fresh from the fountain head, in the way of a word of encouragement to the drooping spirit, and causes me to look up, knowing that my Redeemer draweth nigh. O may the time soon come when we shall be without fault or guile before the throne of God.
J. V. CANRIGHT
By J. V. Canright
From Bro. Canright.
Bro. WHITE: Permit me once more to give in my testimony in behalf of the cause I so much love; and while doing so, I would express my regret at my backwardness in the cause of my Saviour. Since I embraced the present truth I have stumbled in many ways, but the Lord has been patient with me, and spared my life, and has not cut me off in my sins. By the grace of God I shall try to be more faithful. I want to be one of that number that shall have an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of God. I want to be one of those that shall keep the commandments of God before the world, that others may see the beauty of keeping God's law, that is holy, just, and good. We know that it is through much tribulation that we are to enter into the kingdom, and that we must bear the scoffs of the world, and endure hardness as good soldiers, if we would win the inheritance that fadeth not away. But in all trials we have the promise given by the Saviour himself, "Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom." Truly this promise is a consolation to the Christian while on his pilgrimage through this world of sorrow, pain, misery, war, and bloodshed. But we must keep our eye fixed on the bright morning star. Soon Jesus will come. Yes, the same Jesus who went away, the same one that made the great sacrifice, the same that now ministers in the sanctuary, will soon be here, as he promised when he went away.
This is a glorious hope. O may we all overcome, and sit down with our Redeemer on his throne, even as he has overcome and is set down with his Father on his throne, is my prayer.
Yours in hope.
J. V. CANRIGHT
Coldwater, Mich.
Formation of Character
FORMATION OF CHARACTER.—Have you ever watched an icicle as it formed? You noticed how it froze, one drop at a time, until it was a foot long or more. If the water was clean, the icicle remained clear and sparkled in the sun; but if the water was but slightly muddy, the icicle looked foul and its beauty was spoiled. Just so our characters are forming. One little thought or feeling at a time adds its influence. If every thought be pure and right, the soul will sparkle with happiness; but if impure and wrong, there will be grief and wretchedness.
Giving the Devil His Due
GIVING THE DEVIL HIS DUE.—As the children of an old lady who had made it an habitual rule never to speak evil of another, were speaking of this peculiarity, one of them remarked, "Mother has such a habit of speaking well of everybody, that I believe if Satan himself were the subject of conversation, she would find some virtue or good quality even in him." While they were amusing themselves with this idea, the old lady entered the room, and being told what had been said, immediately and involuntarily replied, "Well, my children, I wish we all had Satan's industry and perseverance."
Death-Bed Repentance
DEATH-BED REPENTANCE.—Rev. Mr. Barnes, in a deeply solemn discourse on death-bed repentance, preached lately, gave it as the result of forty years' observation in the pastoral office, that "he had not met with a single instance of sick-bed repentance which, upon the recovery of the individual, turned out to be genuine."
Obituary Notice.
By Joseph Bates
DIED, of diptheria, in Monterey, Mich., June 15, 1863, Jessie Alvira, infant daughter of Bro. Leonard and sister Laura Ross, aged 10 months and 15 days. This is the second child that Bro. and sister Ross have lost within one week by diptheria.
JOSEPH BATES.
Extracts from Letters.
Sister A. M. Clark writes from Charlotte, Mich. : I feel to praise the Lord that I was ever permitted to listen to the truth of the third angel's message, and that he inclined my heart to receive it. I have for about a year been striving, by the grace of God, to keep all his commandments, and the faith of Jesus. O, how I love the law of God! It is my meditation night and day. I feel my weakness and unworthiness; but Jesus is worthy. To him I go daily, and ask him for his aid, knowing that he will in no wise turn away any that come to him in sincerity, feeling their need of his assisting grace. I feel determined to make my calling and election sure; to lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset, and to run with patience the race that is set before me. I realize that we are living in perilous times. I have much to overcome, foes without and foes within; but thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. I believe that he that shall come, will soon come, and will not tarry. O how I love his appearing! My prayer is, Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly.
I love the Review. I love to read its sacred pages, and to hear of the good dealings of God with his dear people, and their determination of striving to be perfect overcomers until Jesus comes. O that God would revive his work in Charlotte, and elsewhere, until every honest heart shall flock to the standard of truth. I hope that great good may yet be done in those parts. I thank the Lord for past blessings received. May he reward the messengers which have been here during the year past, to proclaim the precious and present truth. If it is the will of God, I hope that he will send some messenger here again, to call our attention anew to the truth.