"And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
This verse, containing the confession of the Eunuch who was baptized by Philip, has long been the sole basis of personal obedience to baptism among the Disciples. I say sole basis, because I have often heard Disciple ministers ask this question to those who "came forward" in the congregation, and proceed to baptize them on the "good confession" found in the above text. But of late they have been taken aback somewhat, on their standing practice, by learning that the passage is spurious. Not that this fact was not known till lately, but their attention has not long been called to it. A few evidences on this point may be interesting.
Dr. Clarke says: "This whole verse is omitted by ABCG, several others of the first authority, Espin's edit. of the Arabic, the Syriac, the Coptic, Sahidic, Ethiopic, and some of the Slavonic; almost all the critics declare against it. Griesbach has left it out of the text, and Professor White in his Κρισεις says 'Hic versus certissime delendus,' this verse, most assuredly, should be blotted out. It is found in E, several others of minor importance, and in the Vulgate and Arabic. In those MSS. where it is extant it exists in a variety of forms, though the sense is the same."—Comment.
Dr. Barnes says: "It is not easy to conceive why it has been omitted in almost all the Greek MSS. unless it is spurious."—Notes.
Dr. Bloomfield says: "There has been no little debate as to the authenticity of this verse, which is not found in many of the best MSS. and most of the ancient Versions, including the Pesch. Syriac, and is omitted in several citations of the Fathers, as also in the Edit. Princ. It is, therefore, cancelled or rejected by Grot., Mill, Wets., Pearce, Matth., Newc., Griesb., Titm., Knapp, Kuin., Gratz, and Vat. It was indeed defended by Whitby and Wolf—strenuously, but not, I think, successfully."—Gr. Test. with Notes.
In Sawyer's Translation it is omitted.
In Whiting's Translation it is placed in brackets.
It is put in brackets by Murdock, in his Trans. from the Syriac, with the following note: "This 37th verse is not in any of the earlier editions, and is excluded from the text of the London editions of 1816 and 1826."
It is omitted from the text of Campbell's N. Test., and placed in the Appendix with other "Spurious Readings."
H. T. Anderson, author of a Translation in high repute among the Disciples, says: "The 37th verse of Acts viii is not in the best Greek Texts." He omits it.
Another highly esteemed Disciple author says: "By the almost universal consent of recent critics, the whole of this verse is excluded from the original text, and should be from all versions. For the reasons on which this decision is based, we refer the reader to Bloomfield's Com. on the passage, 'Tregelles's History of the Printed Text,' and other critical works."—J. W. McGarvey, Rev. Vers. and Com. on Acts.
Greenfield marks it in the Greek as "a reading entirely rejected as spurious."
Olshausen says: "At a later period, however, offense was taken at the precipitation with which the baptism appears to have been administered, and therefore an ample clause was added, embracing a kind of confession of faith of the treasurer. But the different shapes in which this clause appears are of themselves sufficient to raise doubts of its genuineness, which are carried to certainty by the agreement of the best codices, A. C. G. and others, in omitting it."—Com. on N. Testament.
Testimonies like the above might be given to much greater length; but these are sufficient, I think, to show that this verse is no part of God's word to us.
J. H. WAGGONER.
Battle Creek, Mich.
The First and Second Advents of Christ.
By D. M. Canright
About the time of Christ's first advent, both the Jews, and also many of the heathen nations, were looking for the appearing of some great personage. On this point Nevins, in his Biblical Antiquities, p. 252, says, "Not only was the expectation of the Messiah universal among the Jews, but there was, likewise, a general agreement about the period when he might be looked for. Ancient prophecy had pointed to the time, as well as the place, of his appearance. Gen. xlix, 10; Dan. ix, 24-27. It came to pass, accordingly, that in that very age in which our Saviour appeared on earth, the people were expecting the promised Deliverer as just at hand. The opinion prevailed, that the time was then come for all to look for the speedy accomplishment of the sure word of prophecy on this subject. Thus Simeon and Anna, and many more in Jerusalem, we are told, were waiting. The Samaritans united with the Jews in this hope, and seem, on the whole, to have juster notions than they had of the character of the Messiah. Jno. iv, 25, 29, 42. Nor was the expectation confined to the land of Palestine. The Jews, being scattered at that time into many foreign countries, caused it to take root in other regions; so that there came to be a general idea through the East, that a great prince was about to rise out of Judea in its low estate, who should obtain supreme dominion in the world. This fact is mentioned by two of the most respectable heathen historians of those times. It was foretold also by the Spirit, that the Messiah should have a forerunner, to come immediately before him, and prepare, as it were, the way for his manifestation."
Doubtless God sent forth his Spirit to prepare the minds of men for this great event. These expectations were not disappointed. Christ came the promised Saviour of the world.
With regard to his first advent, several points are worthy of notice. 1. It had been foretold by many prophecies. 2. Prophetic periods were given pointing to about the time when it should occur. 3. At about the time those prophecies were fulfilled, it was a universal belief, that some great man was about to appear in the world. 4. It was prophesied that a messenger should come before him to proclaim his coming. 5. That messenger came at the right time and did his work. 6. Before that time, no such messenger ever came proclaiming the advent of the Messiah; nor did the people, previous to this time, have any expectation that his coming was near at hand. 7. But when the prophetic periods were accomplished, when the messenger had come and delivered his message, when the minds of the people were prepared for it, then Christ Jesus our Lord came and fulfilled his mission.
Now if we notice carefully, I think that we shall see that similar events will occur at his second advent with a like result. 1. It has been foretold by many prophecies. Heb. ix, 28; Matt. xxiv, 30, 31. 2. Prophetic periods have been given, pointing to about the time when it will occur. Dan. ii; vii; viii; Matt. xxiv; Rev. xii; xiv, 16, &c. 3. The prophets declare that just before his coming, a message will go to all the world, to proclaim the approach of that133event, as John proclaimed the first. "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble; for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand." Joel ii, 1. The same message is foretold in Rev. xiv, 6, 7, where an angel with a loud voice proclaims to all nations, "Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come." 4. The prophetic periods pointing to the second advent have now within a short time been fulfilled. Again we find the same universal belief, or feeling, pervading all minds, that some great event is about to transpire. Thousands are anxiously looking for the advent of their Lord, as was good old Simeon of old. Nor is this expectation confined to Adventists alone. Statesmen, politicians, worldlings, infidels, learned and unlearned, rich and poor, all agree that some great event is just about to occur. This is the universal sentiment of all minds. True they do not all agree as to what that event will be; some think it is one thing, and some another; but all instinctively feel that some mighty revolution is just impending. By turning our eyes to the prophetic word, we may all know what it is: viz., the coming of Christ and the end of the world.
5. The predicted messages of warning to the world which was to usher in the end of the world, and the second advent of Christ has been sounding for over twenty-five years. For this length of time, scores and hundreds of voices have been unanimously proclaiming in tones of thunder, to all nations, that the end of all things is at hand. Papers, books, and tracts, by the million, have been scattered in all parts of the world proving that Christ is about to appear. These are facts which the most determined unbelievers cannot deny.
6. It is a fact worthy of attention, that no such proclamation ever before went to the world. Never till this present generation did a person or persons arise saying that the last generation had come; but now we find thousands everywhere agreeing and saying that the last generation has come.
7. Will all these prophecies, warnings, and expectations, fail? We answer, No. Just as surely as they did not fail in the first advent, so surely they will not fail in the second. Yes, Jesus is coming, his advent is nigh, he will not disappoint his people. Now is no time to be discouraged. Let us watch and pray, and hold on to our faith a little longer, and we shall obtain the victory.
D. M. Canright.
Public Opinion.
By Wm. C. Gage
THAT Seventh-day Adventists are correct in their application of prophecy, especially in regard to the fallen condition of the nominal Christian world as a fulfillment of the second angel's message, and the anticipated union of Church and State as a fulfillment of Rev. xiii, 14, is most strikingly demonstrated by the present state of public opinion. The careful observer can scarcely fail to see that the former position must be correct, while the latter has every argument in its support.
Perhaps no better expression of public opinion, on religious subjects can be found, than the action of churches, synods, and other ecclesiastical bodies. The reports of such meetings, so far as made public, have possessed to me a good degree of interest, and have furnished strong confirmation of our position on these points. Two items from among the many, we present to the readers of the Review.
The pastor of a popular church near Boston was recently compelled to resign for taking strong ground against gambling, or "raffling" at church fairs. The church persisted in thus conducting their levees, &c., against his earnest protest, and a council was called, who sustained the minister, but considered it "unadvisable for the pastoral relation to be continued." While the religious press had comparatively little to say in regard to the matter, the secular papers expressed their disapprobation of this act and the cause thereof in no measured terms. It has often been asserted by the defenders of present truth that the popular clergy would run the risk of losing their salaries if they openly denounced the sins of their people, and this incident proves the assertion to a demonstration.
Shortly after the above occurrence, another popular church dismissed its pastor for uttering "unscriptural views in relation to the Sabbath," which, if we are correctly informed, consisted in opposition to the "Puritanical rigor of Sunday-keeping." Notwithstanding the church was of the most "liberal" order, this darling dogma of Papacy must not be assailed; for while so few are strict Sunday keepers, its advocates are found in all classes and grades of society, while not a few are openly advocating rigorous Sunday laws.
Thus do we see that public opinion is being moulded to suit the corrupted descendants of the "mother of harlots." May we shun the "broad road," and be with the "little flock" who will "inherit the kingdom."
WM. C. GAGE.
Manchester, N. H.
Report from Bro. Taylor.
By C. O. Taylor
JAN. 6, spoke to the church at Adams' Center, from the words of Amos iv, 12. "Prepare to meet thy God O Israel." The 7th, attended to business with the church. The 13th, was at Mannsville. This was the time for the Monthly Meeting for this county, but we put it over one week, to have the labor of Bro. Whitney, and permit all the church to be present. The 20th, we met at the same place. The good Spirit came to our help, and good testimonies were given. On first-day, the storm was so great that we were not able to get to the meeting-house. Yet the Lord did not forget us, but worked for us in our scattered condition, at the homes of the different brethren, where we were stopping for the night; and I am inclined to think that as much good was done as though we had been at the public place of worship; for the sinner, the wanderer, and the saint, were strengthened in the way of the Lord.
From the 26th to the 30th, I was in the town of Granby, Os. Co., where Bro. Whitney a month before had given lectures, in a new field. I found two families keeping the Sabbath, and the Review taken by four or five. I endeavored to strengthen those who had taken their stand on the side of truth, and to enlighten others. The congregation gave good attention. We hope that they will yet obey the truth.
Jan. 31, in company with Mrs. T., Bro. and sister Goodwin, and Bro. Cross from Enosburg, Vt., we went on to Roosevelt to attend the Monthly Meeting for that county. We often found our hearts saying, and at times would say to each other, that we should have a good meeting. A few met on the evening of the Sabbath and offered prayer to God. We were encouraged. Sabbath morning it was snowing and blowing quite hard, and when we commenced our public meeting, we numbered, including myself, twelve, and we could not see how our hopes could be realized as far as number was concerned. But the brethren began to come and kept coming, till we numbered some forty, and as they came in all snow and cold, my heart was drawn out in love for them, for the love and zeal they had for the truth. The storm continued two days, and when they would return home they could not. We continued the meeting four days. The good Spirit commenced to work for us at the first, and continued till it closed. The hand of God was seen in this meeting in permitting the storm, which prevented the brethren from getting away. Many of our public gatherings would be profitable, but for the scattering influence that comes in, by the brethren leaving at the close of the Sabbath or first-day. They make their arrangements to stay just so long, whether the Lord or his cause wants them to stay longer or not; and with the most of our churches, it takes about two days to get waked up, so that they can begin to work, and as they begin to be interested and take hold, and the interest begins to rise, the meeting must close. But at this time they had to stay, and I attributed this good meeting to that fact. God has been waiting to work for this people, for all this church. It would be greatly to the honor of his cause, if we would put ourselves where he could give us more of his salvation. The result of our keeping under the truth and spirit on account of the storm, was, the church was greatly strengthened, and some four or five gave their hearts to God, and their hands to his people to go with them to the kingdom. I am confident that the time has come when we must be more ready to give up to the great work to which we are called, and get ourselves ready for the coming of the Lord, give this truth a larger place in our hearts, get away from this lukewarmness, get more life and power, feel that we are more dead, and that our life is hid with Christ in God. We want, and must have, more of the gold, white raiment, and eye salve. We need an advance step in devotion, and spirituality.
The 10th and 11th of Feb., I was with the church at Adams' Center, which was the Monthly Meeting for Jeff. Co. The Lord worked for us. The church took an advance step for holiness, and had not the Spirit been crushed, the work would have been more lasting and deep. Some for a time, not seeing the way the Lord was going to humble and deepen the134work in this people's hearts, rose up in their own minds against, and did not run with the Spirit, and before that could be counteracted, fully, and the Spirit brought to our aid, our two days were up and the meeting closed, and those that needed help the most, had gone home, as is generally the case. Yet I can say with Bro. G. it was the most profitable meeting we ever had. I think the effect will be seen after many days.
The 14th, in company with Bro. and sister Brown, (with his team) sister Lawton and Mrs T., I left home to fill my appointment at Brookfield, the 17th and 18th, distance, 100 miles. We stopped the first night at Bro. Tuttle's. While here, the wind changed, and it snowed and blowed the next day, so that it was imprudent for man or beast to be out. The Lord blessed our meeting with this family, we had sweet seasons around the family altar, and talking, and singing. By being delayed one day, we were obliged to disappoint the church at B., and the next best we could do, was to surprise the church at Roosevelt, which we did by driving 40 miles on the 16th. On our way, we called on Bro. Robinson, and there he was stirred up to follow us to R., 25 miles. We found them still under the influence of the last Monthly Meeting. They had continued the meetings every evening, with two or three exceptions. A good work is going on. Old wrongs of various kinds, that have had a scattering influence, are being taken out by the roots not by long church trials, keeping us up all or half of the night, but by the Spirit and word coming to our aid, and showing each one his fault, and then leading such to confess, and resolve to forsake. Parents confessing to the children, children to parents, and brother to brother. The interest out side of the church is rising some.
I copy a few lines written to Mrs. T., since we left.
"How often I look back to that meeting with feelings of pleasure, and feel to thank God for the good work which was then wrought for us as a church, and also as individuals. The sweet peace, and the even frame of mind I have enjoyed since then I had been a stranger to for months before."
In hope of life.
Influence of Diet.
By Jos. Clarke
It may seem like meddling to say to a man, that his dietetic principles and habits affect his character here and his destiny hereafter: to tell him that his habits are gluttonous: that he is a sybarite, and luxurious: to say to him, Sir, your wantonness proceeds from wrong habits as to eating and drinking: to say to him, Sir, your prayers are baffled by your appetite, and your resolutions in favor of reform are all vetoed by your late suppers: your highly seasoned food stimulates you to impurity: your tea and coffee have a like effect; and as a consequence, your moral susceptibilities are seared, your intellect is stupefied, your brain is disturbed and weakened, your judgment is perverted, and your hand is tremulous.
In a late number of the Review, Bro. E. Goodwin speaks of the importance of heeding the late testimony respecting our diet; he speaks as though this had much to do with gaining the victory. To all of this we say, Amen.
For about two years self and family have tried the two meal per day system, during which time we have not used meats of any kind; neither have we used tea or coffee, nor any highly seasoned food, and but a very small quantity of fish; we have used grains, fruits, and vegetables. The results of the system are, evenness of temper, clearness of mind, steadiness of nerve, increased mental power, and a better subjection of the physical to the moral power. I feel as if I were entering upon a new life, with new strength of hope and faith. Indeed, without the experience, I could hardly have believed it possible that the quality of our food, and the intervals between our meals, had so great an influence for good or evil.
I first saw the practical working of the two meal per day system, upon a community, nearly two years ago; and having read Dr. Jackson's argument in its favor, I determined to test it upon my farm; and I find that I can do more work, with less fatigue, and do it better, upon this system, than with three meals per day as formerly.
It is now nearly two years since we began to practice upon this system, in all kinds of weather, at all work, in the long days of harvest and haying, and the short days of winter: whether at the plough or the hoe, the axe or the spade. I find I am not as hungry for my meals as formerly, when eating three meals a day and lunches besides; neither do I crave more at the meal, if as much; neither do I feel half as much inconvenience from faintness when hungry, as formerly.
At first I was so much pleased with the good effects of this system, that I feared it was enthusiasm in part, and that a re-action would follow; but sober reality, from two years' experience, has satisfied us that it is still better for us than our most enthusiastic dreams had pictured to our minds. Others in this vicinity have the same views of the matter, and will, I hope, bear testimony to the same.
The theory of intervals of nourishment and rest for the digestive organs, is ably treated upon in Dr. Jackson's health tracts; and more briefly and distinctly still in a work published at the Review office, entitled "How to Live." You cannot afford to do without it; send for it immediately, and don't be offended with me for saying, that tea and coffee, and hog's lard and tobacco, should never be the diet of a Christian.
Jos. CLARKE.
Deposed for the Truth's Sake.
By Wm. Cottrell
Bro. WHITE: Since last I wrote to you, the congregation of which I am a member, and over which I have presided as an elder for several years, have been induced by the remaining elders, J. C. Irvin, and E. Hussey, to remove me from the eldership of the church, and that too, without any charge being preferred against me whatever. I protested against their action, on the grounds of illegality, and demanded of them to prefer charges against me if they had any. The elders frankly acknowledged that they had no charges to prefer against my moral character. They induced a portion of the church to vote me out of office. It was a disorderly and unlawful proceeding.
By this, the readers of the Review may learn what a church, calling itself the Church of Christ, and professing to take the Bible, and the Bible alone, for its rule of faith and practice, will do with its members when they endorse the Bible as a whole, and endeavor to teach what the Bible teaches, and do what it bids.
This has all grown out of the fact that I will teach that Law, that David says, is perfect, converting the soul, in connection with the observance of God's holy Sabbath.
Eld. J. C. Irvin has commenced to give a series of lectures on the law of the Sabbath, endeavoring to show that they are all Jewish, and were nailed to the cross. He proposes to give one on the first day of the week. I expect to review him and show up the fallacy of his arguments to the best of my ability. I would plead for a minister to come and help us. Come over into Macedonia and help us. We are very anxious to hear some good messenger. The people are anxious to hear these great truths, and I am free to confess that I am not competent to the task.
We are poor in the goods of this world, but we will do all that we can. Truth is mighty, and will prevail to the glory of God, and the good of some even here.
Yours in hope of immortality and eternal life.
WM. COTTRELL.
Bowersville, Ohio.
Our Father.
By M. J. Cottrell
WHAT a privilege we poor mortals have of going before the Creator of Heaven and earth, and saying, Our Father. To address the great God by that endearing title. Just think of it, of going to him who holds the existence of worlds in his hand; who reigns over an immensity, too great for our comprehension; Him to whom nothing is impossible; to have the privilege of calling such a being, Our Father, and of going to him and asking for whatsoever we may need, with the assurance that he will grant our requests, if we ask in faith nothing doubting. With such a Father, we truly ought to be the happiest of the happy.
Dear reader, do you feel that you cannot address the King of kings, and Lord of lords, the great Creator, by so familiar a title? that he is too far above you for you to approach him as a child would a parent? If so, is it not for the reason that you regard him as a God of justice only, instead of a God of love? We are told that he is love, and if we consider his care for us, we see, that as a kind, loving parent, he orders all things for our good. And Jesus taught us to pray, "Our Father." Oh, it is sweet, to feel, when trials come, that the great God is our Father; that we may go to him and tell all our sorrows; that his ear is open to our petitions, and that it is pleasing to him, for us thus to come.
In whatever may be before us, trials and temptations, darkness and dangers, he will grant us grace, wisdom, and strength, and if we truly trust him, reach up and cling to his almighty arm, he will lead us safely through. Then let us strive to so live, that we may ever feel that we have a right to the precious privilege of calling the great God, Our Father.
M. J. COTTRELL.
To the Toiling.
By M. J. Cottrell
Toiling pilgrim, lone and weary,
Does the way seem dark and drear?
Lift thine eyes and gaze above thee,
Soon our Jesus will appear.
He will come in clouds of glory,
And will take thee to thy rest,
He has seen thy toil and sorrow,
All by which thou wast opprest.
Faint not then, but cease thy weeping,
List! thy Saviour calls to thee,
And his voice is full of pathos,
Deep in richness, "Come to me
Ye that labor and are weary,
Come, and I will give you rest."
This is cheering; and thou knowest
He sends trials but to test.
M. J. Cottrell.
The Death Bed.
By Henry F. Phelps
WHO has not been called to witness the solemn scene of a death bed?
Solemn, truly solemn, are such scenes. Standing around the bed of a dying friend, one whose senses are not beclouded, who is fully conscious of death's approach, how we feel as though we would run to the rescue; would grasp our friend from the enemy, would say to him, Go free. But no. We have no power to grapple with death for another; no, not even for ourselves. How many millions have fallen, and are still falling, victims to death's poisonous shafts; and seemingly there is no rescue. But there is a remedy. Thanks to God, it is "through Jesus Christ our Lord." Yes, Jesus will deliver us. He has the keys of death and of hell. He conquered death and the grave, and through him we can conquer also.
There will be a little company who will not fall in this struggle. They can bid defiance to death. Death will have no terror to them. They can shout "victory over death and the grave. O death where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory?"
Yes, reader, in a little time, you and I can join in this grand shout, as we rise to meet the Lord in the air. There we shall meet those of our friends who have "passed death's chilling billow," and with them join all the host of Heaven in praising God and the Lamb forever.
HENRY F. PHELPS.
Pine Island, Minn.
Rejoice.
By Delia A. Eddy
We should rejoice that we are travelers to Mount Zion. But, says one, How can I rejoice when everything turns against me? Well, afflicted one, you have reason to rejoice that God has permitted you to live, and has given you to understand for what purpose he created you and placed you upon the earth. You should rejoice that God has given you his word so that you may know how to escape his wrath by preparing your hearts for another state of existence, where the inhabitants will be forever happy.
Rejoice then, ye way-worn travelers; rejoice that time is short; that eternity is near; that the race is almost run. Do not faint by the way. Do not give up in despair, but struggle on, suffer on, a little longer. Experience tells us that continual striving to do right in all things will tend much to sweeten the bitter draught that we are called to drink.
Rejoice that we can be made pure and holy by passing through the furnace of affliction. It is written that those who will be arrayed in white robes and stand before the throne of God, are those who have come up out of great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Rejoice that there is one who knows all you have to bear, and is touched with the feelings of your infirmities, and is able and willing to help you in every trying hour. Yes, rejoice in Christ Jesus. Rejoice that you can suffer with him who was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. "Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again I say rejoice." "The battle's almost o'er, the race is nearly run," then let us take courage and press on that we may be accounted worthy to bear the cross, and at last wear the crown.
"O young soldier, are you weary
Of the roughness of the way?
Does your strength begin to fail you,
And your vigor to decay?
Jesus, Jesus will go with you,
He will lead you to his throne,
He who shed his blood to save you,
He who bore your sins alone."
Delia A. Eddy.
Where Is Your Boy?
WHERE IS YOUR BOY?—We saw him last evening, in the company of very bad boys, and they each had a cigar; and now and then, some of them used very profane language. As we looked at your son we wondered if you knew where he was, and with whom he associates. Dear friend, do not be so closely confined to your shop, office, or ledger, as to neglect that boy. He will bring sorrow into your household if you do not bring proper parental restraint to bear upon him—and that very soon. Sabbath and public school teachers can help you, but you must do most.—British Workman.
Painful Inconsistencies.
By Jeremy Taylor
Some men talk like angels, and pray with fervor, and meditate within deep recesses, and speak to God with loving affection and words of union, and adhere to him in silent devotion, and when they go abroad are as passionate as ever, peevish as a frightened fly, vexing themselves with their own reflections; they are cruel in their bargains, unmerciful to their tenants, and proud as a barbarian prince; they are, for all their fine words, impatient of reproof, scornful to their neighbors, lovers of money, supreme in their own thoughts and submit to none. All their spiritual fancy is an illusion. They are still under the power of their passions, and their sin rules them imperiously, and carries them away infallibly.
Brooding on Self and Wrongs
BROODING on self is always corrupting; but to brood on self and wrongs is to ripen for madness and murder, and all crime.
L. C. TOLHURST
By L. C. Tolhurst
From Sister Tolhurst.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Having read "Our Late Experience," by sister White, my mind has been humbled before God in a manner I never experienced in past time. The last eight years that I have been trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, light upon the truths of the third angel's message has filled my mind, without any doubts to trouble or perplex. As I reflect upon the goodness of God in granting me the light so clear, beautiful, and full of comfort, and remember how unworthy and unfaithful my life has been, I am led to humble myself before God and cry, Unclean! unclean! Lord, be merciful to me a sinner!
I can say that in times of trouble and affliction, when I have desired anything of the Lord, I have not manifested earnestness enough. My prayers have not been often enough repeated, nor marked with importunity that would bring down the blessing desired. Now before God, and the brethren and sisters, I feel to acknowledge my short-comings in this respect, realizing that God is willing to bestow anything upon his children that will be for their good, in his own good time. If the blessing tarries, we are to wait for it, not ceasing to implore the same of our heavenly Father at all times, knowing that if our importunity cease, it may hinder the blessing.
This Experience has been to me meat in due season. May I profit thereby, and from this time forward consecrate myself anew to God. The great desire of my life is that my family may join me in keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Dear brethren and sisters, pray for me that I may live for it, be earnest and frequent at the feet of Jesus, and there drink richly of the Spirit of God, which he is willing and waiting to bestow upon all his people when they are in a position to receive it.
Having been one of the lonely ones most of the time while keeping the Sabbath, I have waited the weekly visits of the Review with impatience. They do me good. I drink their spirit, and feel refreshed, comforted, and encouraged to go on, ever sympathizing with, and loving Bro. and sister White, because they are the servants of the Most High God, feeling willing to receive the precious counsel given to us through the Gifts. My unfaithfulness will not hinder. God will carry on this glorious work. Let us arise and gird unto ourselves the whole armor, for the great and trying time before us. Jesus will help us, and ere long enable us to shout victory over the beast and his image, then the crown of life to wear, and reign kings and priests unto our God.
Your unworthy sister.
L. C. TOLHURST
Cleveland, Ohio.
Extracts from Letters.
Bro. Wm. Johnston writes from New Bloomfield, Pa.: The instruction I receive from the Advent Review, is truly precious to me. I sincerely pray that it will enable me to spread abroad more true light the few remaining days, than I have been able to do heretofore. I long to hear some of these Heaven-sent messegers, who proclaim the soon coming of the Son of man in power and great glory, to gather his dear children from the four winds of the earth, to reign with him in the kingdom of his glory. Yea, I not only long to hear some of his messengers, but I long to see the Prince of Life himself, come with his holy angels to change his living followers, and raise to life and immortality, the precious dust of his dear sleeping saints. My prayer is, Amen, Come Lord Jesus, come quickly.
Sister E. Garraw writes from Mishawaka, Ind.: I should not know how to give up the paper; but it is not all the time since I have had it that I have cared so much about it. And if the notice to pay had come when my first year was up, I should not have done anything about it. But lately I have been reading considerable. We have books that we got at the tent meeting at South Bend, and never have read them until now; and I find that I am not competent to deny what they say about the fourth commandment. I am a member of the Christian church, and of course meet with opposition.
Sister E. A. Dike writes from Wellsville, N. Y.: How truly solemn is the time in which we are living. When I read in the different periodicals of the day, and in our own loved sheet, of the increase of sin, debauchery, and crime, I can but shudder, and I am led to exclaim, How necessary that the people of God have on the whole armor of righteousness, and have our loins girt about with truth, that we may be able to stand in the trying time which we may be sure is just before us. Almost every day we see signs fulfilling which portend the near coming of our blessed Redeemer, and my heart responds, Amen. Can we say from the heart that we love the appearing of the dear Saviour? Let us cut loose from this dark, cold world, and get in a watching, waiting condition, with our treasure in Heaven, our faces set Zionward, nor cast one lingering look behind; for what is this earth compared with the everlasting inheritance promised to the children of God? Oh, I long to be there, I long to enter the gates of Heaven, and partake of the rich, golden fruit that hangs on life's fair tree, and drink of the pure river that flows from beneath the throne, in the paradise of God; I long to get my feet planted upon the new earth, and dwell with Jesus and the angels there. Praise the Lord for his promises and for theinfluence of his Holy Spirit, which is ready ever to lead us in wisdom's way if we will but yield to its gentle influence.
Let us be in earnest, Christians, and make a whole sacrifice, and cast all at the feet of Jesus, and be determined, by the assisting grace of God, to have a seat at his right hand. Let us arise and be more engaged in this good work, and strive to put away every little sin, and loose every idol from our hearts, and worship only God; for in a very little way from this we shall see the heavens open and Jesus revealed coming in the clouds with all the holy angels, to redeem his faithful people. While I ponder upon this blessed hope, I feel to bless God that the time is so short.
Letters.
By Editor
"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
This department of the paper is designed for the brethren and sisters to freely and fully communicate with each other respecting their hopes and determinations, conflicts and victories, attainments and desires, in the heavenly journey. Seek first a living experience and then record it, carefully and prayerfully, for the comfort and encouragement of the other members of the household of faith.
Communication from Bro. Hutchins.
By A. S. Hutchins
Bro. White: Permit me to say to all who sincerely love God and who are striving to do his commandments, that my heart still beats in deep sympathy with them. I love them. I love the glorious truths upon which the remnant are being united, and by which they will be prepared to stand in the battle of the great day.
Never did my heart rejoice more than when first I saw the Bible harmony of the three messages. Language could not express the exceeding joy of my heart when I found moral courage and decision of mind to say, by assisting grace, I'll go with the commandment-keepers.
For this decision, made some fifteen years since, I can testify that I am not sorry to-day. My mind often reverts with the liveliest satisfaction to some of the soul-cheering meetings with the dear brethren and sisters then. These are bright spots in my pilgrimage. I never shall forget the kind words of sympathy, and love of the dear friends at this time. Some of these dear ones are now asleep, others are toiling on in bright hope of the heavenly prize. Among these kind friends I remember with much gratitude my beloved Bro. E. P. Butler and his family now in the West. May the blessing of the Lord rest upon them and bring them to the home of the blest.
But pleasant and delightful as were these seasons, sweet and long to be remembered as they may have been, the mind need not linger here alone for joy and rejoicing. No, we want a living, daily experience, which will enable us to say, my heart is fixed; trusting in God.
"The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." Prov. iv, 18.
Says John, in speaking of God, "If we walk in the light as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin." 1 John i, 7.
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." O, who would not confess his sins? Who would not forsake them? Who would not be cleansed from all unrighteousness, and have his sins forever borne away. Who would not be God's free man, free forever and ever? Who would not choose to obey God, to enjoy his love in his heart now, and finally live and reign in a world of uninterrupted joy and endless felicity?
As we desire these inexpressible blessings, let us "walk in the light," and let us confess our sins, as God gives us light upon the great principles of truth and duty, and go on to perfection.
"Christian, the shadows will soon flee away,
O, do not fear, do not fear;
Then thou wilt enter an eternal day,
Be of good cheer, of good cheer."