Earlier text: Power to Forgive Sin. Matt. 9:1-8Christian Unity.
By S. N. Haskell
There is nothing more clearly taught in the Bible than that union and harmony should exist among the people of God. Not that all who profess to be the people of God will be in harmony; for it is plainly taught that men in their midst would “arise speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.” There always will exist a class of murmurers and complainers that will have no realizing sense of sacred things or of the necessity of order; and these will speak evil of dignities. Acts 20:29, 30; Jude 8, 16. Such will need a pasture of their own liking. The apostle speaks directly upon this point, “For there must be also heresies [sects, margin] among you, that they which are approved may be made manifest among you.” 1 Cor. 11:19. Those that go out from the church of Christ are not of the church. 1 John 2:19. This is also manifest. But with the true followers of Christ, there is to be a oneness. The Saviour says, “I and my Father are one;” John 10:30; and this oneness is shown to be of the same nature as would exist among the true disciples. “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which believe on me through their word; that they may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us; that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou hast given me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” John 17:20-23. No language can be more explicit than this. First, that there should be a oneness, and, secondly, that the character of this oneness should be the same as that which existed between the Father and the Son. The apostle Paul, in Eph. 4:4, uses language equally as strong upon this point: “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” Here, in three verses, spoken in reference to the church, oneness is referred to at least six times, embracing body, hope, Lord, faith, baptism, and God the Father. Two essential features characterize this oneness: First, a oneness of sentiment, embracing faith, hope, baptism. When faith is spoken of as it is in Eph. 4:5, it means belief, or a system of doctrine, something they could keep or obey. See Rev. 14:12; Acts 6:7; 13:8; 19:5. Secondly, a system by which the work of God can be carried forward in the earth. The necessity of a union here is shown by the effort of the apostles to secure it both in practice and teaching. Eph. 4:4; Gal. 2:11-14; Acts 15:1-32, 41; 16:4, 5. The Saviour showed the importance of this in the following words: “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in Heaven.” Matt. 18:19. One office of the Spirit of God is to accomplish this, and the gifts were placed in the church for this purpose, and were to continue “till we come in the unity of the faith.” Eph. 4:13. In every epistle in the New Testament, there are expressions touching this point as conclusive and comprehensive as language can make them. “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus. That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” “Finally, be ye all of one mind.” “Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.” “Fulfill ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, and of one mind.” Rom. 15:5, 6; 1 Cor. 1:10; 2 Cor. 13:11; 1 Pet. 3:8; Phil. 2:2, 3; 4:2. No one can doubt that the apostles believed and taught this doctrine. The church also believed it; so that when the apostles went forth to preach, they had their hearty co-operation. The deepest sympathy was manifested on their part to have the work prosper. Paul felt he could be helped and sustained by their prayers; hence in writing to the churches we find expressions like the following: “Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me.” “Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons, thanks may be given by many on our behalf.” “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; . . . that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel.” “Brethren, pray for us, that the word of God may have free course, and be glorified.” “Withal praying also for us, that God would open unto us a door of utterance, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in bonds.” Rom. 15:30; 2 Cor. 1:11; 2 Thess. 3:1; Col. 4:3; Eph. 6:18, 19. Not only was their interest manifested in praying for the apostle that an effectual door might be opened before him, and that God would sustain him, but the work was liberally sustained by their means. The Philippians supported Paul in Thessalonica. Phil. 4:15, 16. They gave of their means to sustain the poor saints at Jerusalem. Rom. 15:26; Acts 11:29, 30. Gospel equality and Christian unity were taught and practiced by all the churches of which we have any history in the New Testament. 2 Cor. 8:13, 14. Many incidental circumstances are mentioned which show that a uniformity of action existed in the different churches in their efforts to carry the truth into new fields, and also in times of trial and seasons of affliction a sympathy was manifested for each other. There was a system inaugurated by them of such a character that their influence was all brought to bear unitedly in the work of God against the powers of darkness. This was the secret, on the part of the church, of such power and success as was manifested during the apostolic age. They believed the gospel they had received was of God. They could say, “We know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.” 1 John 5:19. In view of the afflictions which awaited the apostle in every city, he exclaimed, “None of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself.” Acts 20:24. In short, they had a heart full of praise and thankfulness that they were counted worthy to suffer for Christ’s sake and the gospel’s. It was in view of the oneness that existed with them and their feeling of thankfulness for the privilege of thus suffering, that God shook the place where they were assembled and gave them “great power to witness for his name’s sake.” See Acts 16:25-33, and 4:23-35. They were missionaries and went forth with courage and zeal to warn the world. Rom. 10:18. We also have a message of warning to the world. Courage, zeal, and system, are as requisite to accomplish this work as they were in the early part of this dispensation. If we follow the example of the primitive church, and give heed to scriptural instructions upon this point and possess the spirit of sacrifice and consecration that others have had before us, success will attend every effort. It is the work of God in which we are engaged, and if we faithfully discharge our duty, God becomes responsible for the success of the work. The prophet says, “Blessed are ye that sow beside all waters.” Isa. 32:20. “In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand; for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.” Eccl. 11:6. We have the assurance that God’s word will not return unto him void, but shall accomplish that which shall please him, and it shall prosper in the thing whereunto he sends it. Isa. 55:11. Therefore we are not engaged in a doubtful enterprise. Neither do we engage in this warfare at our own charges. We need a heart imbued with the spirit of the gospel of Christ. We need unshaken confidence in the work of God, that he is able and will accomplish what he has spoken, and then with one united effort and courage in the Lord much can be accomplished. The various moves that are being made by the people of God to get the light before others, and the certain steps which are being taken to spread the truth of God, are in keeping with the faith of God’s people. We expect to see a general coming up in the work of the Lord. Now is the time to rally under the banner of Prince Immanuel and put forth an effort, although it be feeble of itself, relying upon God for his aid. There are opportunities for doing good, so that each one can move out and do something in the cause of Christ. “Kind words never die.” Kind acts never lose their power. By scattering tracts, and obtaining subscribers for those periodicals which go out heavily laden with the precious truth for this time, prompted by a spirit of disinterested benevolence, and with our hearts glowing with love to God and our fellow-men, we shall make impressions that eternity will not obliterate. Weaker and Weaker.
By D. T. Bourdeau
So-called Arguments from the Types and from Prophecy in Favor of the First-day. It is claimed by some that the frequent reference to the eighth day under the law, as being a great day; and even a Sabbath in connection with certain feasts, Lev. 23, as being the day on which the rite of circumcision was performed, etc., clearly prefigured that the eighth day, or first day of the week, would be exalted as the Sabbath under the gospel. If there was even one plain declaration in the New Testament that the Lord had exalted the first day as a weekly Sabbath, and if the expression, “the eighth day,” in the cases before us, always meant the first day of the week, then would there be some plausibility in the claim under consideration. But as these points cannot be maintained by Holy Writ, the claim before us is but a bare assumption, and an abuse of the law of types, which makes it necessary that types relating to events and ordinances in the gospel be interpreted in harmony with plain gospel facts. Every male child was to be circumcised on the eighth day, reckoning from the day of his birth, and as there were male children born every day in the week, circumcision would be performed every day. Should we therefore keep every day as the Sabbath? So of the eighth day of certain feasts which commenced with certain days of certain months. Thus the eighth day would one year fall on one day of the week, and another year on another day of the week, the same as New Year's day and the fourth of July. Some pretend that this feast always fell on the first day of the week, while others deny this. But whether this feast did or did not fall invariably on the first day, the vital question to be settled is, whether the Pentecost did typify a weekly first-day Sabbath. In the absence of any Bible statement to this effect, and, more than this, in the absence of any Bible testimony, proving the first-day Sabbath of divine origin, we safely conclude that God never designed to have the Pentecost merged into a weekly Sabbath. If this had been his design, he would have said so in his word. Certainly God would not institute the Pentecost to typify a human institution conflicting with his immutable law. THE DAY THE LORD HAS MADE.
“The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner. This is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” “Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord.” Ps. 118: 22–24, 26. Several passages of the New Testament apply this prophecy unmistakably to Christ; Mark 12: 10, 11; Luke 20: 17; Acts 4: 11; Eph. 2: 20; 1 Pet. 2: 4, 7; etc.; but none of these state, or even give the most distant intimation, that “the day” mentioned therein is the resurrection day, or the first day of the week, or a new Sabbath, or a day which should receive any more honor than other secular days. The best authority on the true meaning of a prophecy is those scriptures in which is recorded its fulfillment. These scriptures are its inspired commentary, and we should not go beyond what is written. As the last words of this prophecy, “Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the Lord,” were fulfilled at the time of Christ's entry into Jerusalem and before the resurrection, and evidently set forth some of the rejoicing figured in the prophecy, we give to the term day before us a broader scope than that given to it by some of our first-day friends. As an illustration, we refer to the declaration of Christ: “Abraham rejoiced to see my day.” John 8: 56. In this day Simeon rejoiced, and in the same day the disciples rejoiced as Christ entered Jerusalem; and though their joy was taken away by the death of their divine Lord, yet it was revived by his resurrection, of which we have a fit and divinely-appointed memorial in the ordinance of baptism. John 6: 4, 5, etc. Hence, there is no necessity of commemorating the resurrection by keeping the first day of the week. Choosing a True Friend's Counsel
ACCOUNT him thy real friend who desires thy good rather than thy good will. Battle Creek and Wisconsin.
By Geo. J. Butler
Having recently spent between two and three months at Battle Creek, and having been closely connected with the work there, it may be proper to say a word upon my leaving for another field of labor, for a time. The numerous references to this matter by others make it unnecessary for me to speak at any great length. There are always periods of embarrassment and perplexity in every undertaking in which man engages, which do not specially appear on the surface. We have our share of these at times. And it is no small cause of gratitude that thus far the Lord has guided us through all these in safety, and granted us prosperity. We discern the guiding hand of our Lord in all of these crises which have risen from time to time since this work started. But a few years have passed since then, and now the cause has reached that state of prosperity which gladdens all our hearts, and gives increasing hopes of good for the future. We are not unwilling to apply that test which Gamaliel applied to the work of the apostles, “If this counsel, or this work, be of men, it will come to naught. But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it.” It started in feebleness and poverty. Many of those high in position among Adventists, and in the world, despised it for its apparent insignificance, and could hardly speak of it with sufficient contempt. But the great wheel of Providence has been turning over since then, and some of those very ones have lived to see this insignificant movement take shape and consistency, till it now promises great and beneficent results to the world; while they have lived to see their work sink into anarchy, and their influence become small. We speak not of these things with a spirit of triumph, but with pity and sympathy for those who have not discerned the true character of this work, and of profound gratitude to God for his prospering hand toward us, and that his Spirit has led us on thus far successfully. The last few weeks I spent in Battle Creek were weeks of hard labor and perplexity. The many responsibilities centering there call for careful study and earnest prayer. As these increase, the labor and care will also increase. But the prosperity attending our enterprises there is very gratifying. Our publishing work is rapidly increasing. Our Institute promises a large increase of usefulness. The scholars who have come in to attend our school from many different places in our land speak in the highest terms of the school. The teachers are of good courage. Our present building is almost full. We cannot delay much longer the erection of larger buildings. The lectures of Bro. Uriah Smith, upon the different points of our theory of truth, are of great interest and moment. I attended one morning, and as I looked upon his class of upward of forty intelligent, earnest, interested listeners, drinking in the precious truths of God’s word, and thought of the probability of many of these going forth in some sphere of usefulness to make their fellow-men acquainted with the same truths, I could hardly refrain from weeping aloud for joy. Bro. Smith has unwonted freedom in his efforts in this direction. God is greatly blessing his servant. Our school site is purchased, and it is all that we could wish. Buildings will soon be erected. We aim to have the best school in the land; not that we expect to have any better facilities for a merely literary education than some others, but while we hope to equal them in this, we expect to excel in order, and in those moral and religious influences which are well calculated to hold in check the loose and debasing practices so common in the schools of the present age. We expect our school will have a reputation, not for show and ornament, but for thoroughness, efficiency, and a high moral tone. The last Sabbath we spent in Battle Creek was a day of great encouragement to all. The Lord gave great freedom in preaching, and our social meeting in the afternoon, it seems to us, it was the best I have attended there this fall. And this is saying much. Quite a number of the young who are attending school, in some of whom we have felt the deepest interest, took part. When young men of stability and good moral character move out to consecrate themselves fully to God, how can we but rejoice. Many perplexing questions have been settled satisfactorily during the last few weeks in Battle Creek. We go out to labor with hope and courage. The work is onward, and we mean to keep pace with it. Our meeting at Johnstown Center has closed. It proved to be a great success. This church is one of the oldest in the Wisconsin Conference; but certain difficulties in their midst have threatened even its existence as an organization. Those at the Wisconsin Camp-meeting, held in July, will understand my meaning. These difficulties were of pretty long standing, and affected others besides this church. After a careful and pleasant investigation, all parties seemed to come to a mutual understanding. Heartfelt confessions were made, and all greatly rejoiced at the good turn things had taken. We had quite a good attendance from neighboring churches at this meeting. Two loads came from Monroe, forty-five miles distant. We were much rejoiced to learn from them of the good work going on there. A protracted meeting for two weeks, evenings, had been going forward, and the spirit of confession and brokenness of heart came into their midst, and the brethren were sure that such a work had never been in progress among them before. That church was never in such a prosperous condition before. Here and there in the great field the Lord seems to be specially at work, and this occurs in just those places where the members take hold to make such efforts as the Spirit of God has pointed out. The Lord is ready to work for his people, and is doing it where they manifest an interest. I feel satisfied that the cause has advanced in Southern Wisconsin during the past year. There is far greater interest in the work, more union among the members, more faith in the special agencies God is using to carry on his work, and a more general taking hold of the light. As a consequence, the Lord is blessing the people. May the good work go on. Johnstown Center, Wis., Jan. 6, 1874. Responsibilities of Employers and Workers in Moral Reform
By D. H. Lamson
Every employer knows the difference in the real worth of men engaged by him for labor. Between two individuals, there may be no perceptible difference in solidity of muscle or weight of brain. To the casual observer, their prospects for success would seem to be equal, yet the capacity and ability of the one may far exceed those of the other. One may possess qualities that, if applied, would render success certain, yet lack disposition to do; another may be well-disposed, but deficient in calculation. The one needs energy and force of character; the other, a mind to mark out the channel to be followed. There are comparatively few who, with will power strong enough, could not overcome most difficulties and apply themselves. Of course, those who possess capacity, ability, and will, accomplish everything but impossibilities. In the work of moral reform, how sadly such men are needed! A few years since, a friend of mine was in need of employment, to gain a support for himself and family. He went among a class of farmers who had made life a success, and, calling on the family of one to whom he had been referred, made known his wants. The man was not at home; but the lady wished him to stay until her husband's return. He did so; and, in the meantime, under the partial direction of the lady of the house, did the ordinary chores about the premises. The gentleman returned late, and was not a little gratified to find all in perfect order, a large stock well cared for, and nothing to do but to supply the needs of the team he had driven. Perhaps it is needless to say that he was in a happy temper. Upon inquiry, he said he wished to employ a hand, and, said he, “You are just the man I want.” The one wishing employment replied: “Perhaps you will not want me when I state the conditions under which I can perform service. I am a conscientious observer of the seventh-day Sabbath, and can work for you but five days in the week, unless you would allow me to work on Sundays.” “Well,” said the gentleman, after a moment’s thought, “it is something of a drawback; but I will give you work; for I know you will suit me.” An agreement was entered into, and work provided for every Sunday in the season. Being able to adapt himself to circumstances, he gave this man a place. There is many a good servant who would not be a good master, but there is no good master who does not, in his sphere, subserve to the interests of all the world. The man mentioned above, not only found employment, but, by his integrity to the faith he had espoused, was able to obtain and keep the esteem of his employer, although a man of the world. Suppose principle had been sacrificed in this case to what might have been made to appear a necessity. There might have appeared a present good; but his feelings would have become known sooner or later, and he have been made to bear the justly deserved contempt of men of judgment. “He that gathereth not with me,” says Christ, “scattereth abroad.” There is no half-way ground, and no man, however humble his sphere of action, is without influence either for good or evil. The pure life and consistent course of a man, little in his own eyes and comparatively unknown, will naturally arrest the attention of some one, it may be, in a sphere above him in the eyes of the world, who may also profit by his example, and carefully follow his practices. In the words of another, “God will not only hold us responsible for the evil we do, but for the good we might do and do not.” This being true, it is a fearful thing to live, i. e., great, exceeding great responsibilities are placed upon us. It is far more fearful to die with a mission unfulfilled. The moral acumen of some is not remarkable. A young man says, “I believe the seventh day is the Sabbath, and that there is a complete harmony in the whole Advent faith; yet I cannot well keep the Sabbath, nor accept the faith practically, as it will seriously interfere with my worldly prospects.” What a terrible mistake! Yet how many have, virtually, only this lame excuse. This man advocates the truth with his lips, yet denies it in his works, thus making his arguments quite as weak as his moral courage. Being a scholar, he might exert a strong influence for good; but, alas! he scattereth—his talent is hidden in the earth, and the Judgment approaches. Another man, in middle age, with a family on his hands, and engaged in quite an extensive business, being proprietor and operator of a saw-mill, employing a number of hands, comes into our Sabbath meeting, and, though he feels his affairs may be for a time disarranged, confesses the truth and lives it. With a diminished force, his mill is next day in motion, and from that time onward he has felt no inconvenience. The very men who left his employ soon seek their place again. The person last mentioned has a gathering influence. His words are weighty, and, as his practice corresponds with his faith, he commands respect. He is laying up treasure in Heaven, while the former, seeking worldly gain, is hastening to his ruin. “For to him that knoweth to do good and doeth it not, to him it is sin.” It is not seldom that persons are found who are willing to become conscience for others, taking upon themselves, as they say, the responsibility for their actions. Could such a transfer be made, it would perhaps do; but no such hope is held out in the word of God. In the Judgment, all will stand upon their own record. “For every man shall receive according to his works.” It is a saddening thought that many who would delight in an earnest Christian life are restrained, either by parental authority or other undue influences in the family relation. The day of God will reveal the fact that husbands and wives, parents and children, have worked hard, it may be unwittingly, to lose their own souls, because they have been stumbling-blocks in the way of others. It is no small sin to hinder any from following their honest convictions as to religious duty. There are some noble examples of sacrifice of personal feelings, when those under authority have been allowed to exercise private judgment in matters of conscience. God will respect such magnanimity as this, and it is what we would all desire for ourselves. Thousands of men have yet to learn the thoroughly unselfish lesson taught in what is so generally known as the golden rule. It cannot be denied that often in embracing what is known as present truth, no small amount of sacrificing is required. A friend writes: “We virtually sacrifice all our friends, do we not?” I answer, Those who have professed to be our friends may turn from us, and we thus lose their society. We need not, nay, we should not love them less, though they forsake us; but that friend whose esteem is lost because we follow a clearly marked line of duty is doubtfully a friend, to say the least, and hardly worth the keeping. If we seek for worldly honor, we can have it; its friendship is within our reach; but at what a terrible cost! “The friendship of the world is enmity with God.” “His hand will find out all his enemies.” He will “make them as a fiery oven in the time of his anger.” But to the “poor in spirit” is the precious promise of the kingdom of Heaven. “He that forsaketh not all that he hath, cannot be my disciple.” Dare we ask ourselves the question, What have we left behind us to follow Christ? Upon how many crosses by the way have we willingly fastened what were once dear, but forbidden, pleasures? Is it hard to believe what Jesus has said: “And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive an hundred-fold, and shall inherit everlasting life”? To doubt, even, is sin, and “the wages of sin is death.” I have in my mind this evening two friends, young ladies, accomplished, and, in social position, no difference between them; yet in taking and feeling responsibility, what a contrast! They are one in sentiment—both outspoken for the truth indeed—but only one is faithful. One looks longingly back; the other hopefully ahead. One scatters, and results already appear; the other gathers with Christ, and, if faithful to the end, will be rewarded. It takes some courage to say, as one has tremblingly said, “Though my raiment be scanty and my feet shoeless, I cannot forsake this truth that I love, and I will not, God being my helper.” These words were wrung from a heart already suffering the keenest pain. Oh! tried, and tempted, and smitten ones, take courage. Coronation day is just ahead.39 If we suffer with Christ, we shall reign with him. A short time after the crown of thorns, there came to Jesus the seat at the Father’s right hand on the throne of the universe. To us is promised as joyful a transition. In the company of Jesus and the angels, and in the presence of the Father, all earthly sorrow will be forgotten; for his hand shall wipe away all tears. “Light afflictions” will cease to be remembered in an eternal weight of glory. Peaceful, happy, glorious day, begin. “But hush, my soul, nor dare repine;
The time my God appoints is best.
While here, to do his will be mine,
And his to fix my time of rest.” D. H. LAMSON.
Armada, Mich. “I partly believe it.” 1 Cor. 11:18. So said the apostle when he heard the report of the division and irregularities among the brethren in the church of Corinth. Of this, a Christian poet makes a use, pertinent in its application:— When Christians rarely, day after day—
Enter their closets to praise and pray—
“I hope I’m a child of God,” then say,
“I partly believe it.” When Christians always are seeming gay,
And never warble a sacred lay,
Yet hope at last in Heaven to stay,
“I partly believe it.” When Christians the word do not obey—
Never a tithe to charity pay;
Then hope they’re walking in mercy’s way,
“I partly believe it.” When Christians very widely do stray,
And find no warmth in the gospel ray,
Yet hope they’re not as lifeless as clay,
“I partly believe it.” Such Christians often will change and decay,
Their deeds be scattered like blossoms in May,
Their hopes of Heaven will vanish away,
I wholly believe it. Lafayette Co., Mo.
By J. H. Rogers
OUR quarterly meeting, the 27th and 28th of December, at Pleasant Ridge, Lafayette Co., was one of interest and encouragement to the cause here. Several of the brethren and sisters were over from Johnson County. We celebrated the ordinances the evening after the Sabbath. There seems to be a coming up on the part of nearly all to the positions we, as a people, occupy. Our views on health reform are favorably received, and some are making advancement in that direction. Organized Systematic Benevolence, all acting nobly. They have also a Bible-class, a Sabbath-school, and a weekly prayer-meeting. There seems to be a good disposition to work on the part of this church; and, if all will go forward and discharge their duty, they will gain an experience, which is so important for those to have who profess this truth. A new year has just commenced. Shall we renew our vows unto the Lord, brethren and sisters, and take hold with renewed energy and zeal in the department of the work to which the Master has called us? To the preaching brethren I would say, Let us seek to gather sheaves into the garner of the Lord, “work while the day is shining,” and let no worldly consideration keep us out of the path of duty, remembering the reward is “by-and-by.” We say that we believe time is short. How shall we prove it? Surely, not by withholding our efforts. A spirit of sacrifice is necessary on our part, if we prove our faith genuine. To say that we believe this truth is merely “cheap talk,” unless we do something, either by giving of our means, or by going out into the field. Then, as was said not long ago, “shall this work be sustained.” Shall we be content with being pleasantly situated, while souls are perishing around us for want of a knowledge of the truth? Page City, Lafayette Co., Mo., Jan. 1, 1874. What Faithfulness Will Do.
By Geo. Kennedy
Some three years since, Bro. Lawrence came to this place, and gave a course of lectures. We were strangers to the Advent faith, and had never heard a minister of that denomination. Ten or twelve accepted of the truth. Since then, we have been trying to live out the truth, and keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. We have received persecution, but it has only served to purify and drive us nearer to God. Our Bible-class and prayer-meetings have been sustained, and, as a reward of our faithfulness, God has added seven more to our number during the past summer. We have had no preaching since Bro. Geo. I. Butler was here last January. We feel to thank the Lord for all his many blessings to us as a little church through the past year. Oh! that all the churches scattered over this broad land may be faithful. While God sends his servants out into the world to proclaim his truth, let us who remain at home watch, work, and be faithful. GEO. KENNEDY. “Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.” Died, in Napa, Cal., Dec. 22, of pneumonia, after an illness of one week, sister Caroline M. Richie, aged sixty-seven years. Sister Richie kept the seventh day from the tent-meeting in Napa, and rests in hope of a part in the kingdom. J. N. Loughborough. Died, in Hastings, Oswego Co., N. Y., Dec. 5, 1873, of scarlet fever, Reuben Avery, youngest son of Alonzo and Jenett Dolly, aged four years and nine months. While they mourn their loss, they rejoice in the hope that the Life-giver is soon coming to bring their loved one again from the land of the enemy. Discourse on the occasion by Eld. Owen, Baptist. F. Wheeler. Died, in Pitcairn, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., Nov. 19, 1873, Bro. Edward Rose, aged thirty-two years, five months, and nine days. Bro. R. commenced to receive light on the message of Rev. 14:9 one year ago. His health was then poor. His faith took hold of God’s word, and, not being able to attend public meetings, he searched the Bible diligently to know its teachings. He was enabled to say of a truth that the Sabbath was a delight. His greatest struggle was to leave his wife and three children. Jesus gave him victory, and he passed quietly into the arms of death, hoping for a better resurrection among the blest and holy, when the Lord himself shall descend from Heaven. 1 Thess. 4:16. Discourse from 1 John 3:8. C. O. Taylor. Died, in Waterloo, Black Hawk Co., Iowa, Nov. 6, 1873, of pneumonia, after an illness of three days, my beloved companion, L. Lathrop, aged forty-five years. We laid him away to rest until the Life-giver shall appear to claim his own. Funeral services by A. A. Ellsworth, pastor of the Congregational church of this place. Sarah I. Lathrop. Died, Oct. 2, 1873, in Fine, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., sister Laura Butterfield, aged twenty-one years, seven months, and eight days. Sister B., though meeting with some opposition, was enabled one year ago to receive and obey the present truth, and cast her name and influence with those keeping the commandments of God. Her disease was quick consumption, and her death sudden. The funeral services were attended about six weeks after her death. Text, Heb. 9:27. C. O. Taylor. CHRISTIAN, don't fret! There is One who careth for you with all the solicitude of a fond parent, and who will suffer no affliction to come upon you except as a necessary correction for your errors, or, by the patience with which you endure, as a witness to the world of the transforming power of true religion, or as an example to those who are treading with you the narrow way to life. Close your eyes a moment to the eternal world, and ask yourself the question, Has my example in this respect always been what it should be? “Fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.” Parents, don't fret, lest your peevishness be written as with a pen of iron upon the tablets of your children's hearts. Your manner, your tones of voice, will be faithfully copied by them, and will give character to all their after lives. Like drops of water or spray upon polished steel, your scolding and complaining will corrode their minds beyond redemption. I know that I use strong terms, but examples in nature all around us will bear me out in the allegation. Though a fruit tree has been neglected until it has attained a large growth, yet by pruning and careful management it may be brought into tolerable bearing condition, but nothing like what it would have been had it been properly trained when young. So the evil of early misrule over a child may, by the help of Heaven, be overcome; but the strength expended in combating early formed evil habits might have been exerted in attaining greater heights in Christian excellence. Loveliness is associated in our minds with the terms wife and mother; but if we wished to form an idea of the torments of purgatory, we would associate with a family whose presiding spirit frowns and scolds. Children, don't fret. Never wear a frown upon your face; it would mar your beauty, and sully your character; it will be communicated to your companions, who, in turn, will communicate it to others, and the evil will never stop. A cow in a yard full of cattle, feeling cross, kicked one of the other cattle, which, in turn, kicked her neighbor, and she another, until they all got to kicking and hooking, and were generally unhappy. Don't be like that cross cow. A. SMITH.