EVERY individual who has experienced a change of heart, or has been truly converted to God, has become a new creature. Says Paul, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17. The character has exchanged its old garments stained with sin for the robes of purity made white in the blood of the Lamb.
No greater attainment can be made by mortals than to obtain an interest in Christ. To be in Christ is to be separate from the world. No person can be in friendship with the world and in fellowship with Christ at the same time. “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.” James 4:4. Our Lord bears testimony to the same point as follows: “If ye were of the world, the world would love its own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” John 15:19.
He that takes the steps necessary to unite himself to Christ will meet with a small loss, but, at the same time, acquire great gain. He will lose the love of the world, but gain in its place the love of God shed abroad in the heart. He will lose what the world calls pleasure, but gain the joy that is unspeakable and full of glory. He may lose his earthly treasure, but he will gain a treasure in the Heavens that will not wax old. He may lose his life even, as did many martyrs of olden time, but finally gain eternal life in the kingdom of glory. Happy exchange! The effort put forth in making it will never be regretted.
“Repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ,” are required of every one that obtains this change of character. The first step in repentance is conviction of sin, and this cannot be intelligently taken without a knowledge of the moral law. This is the law of God which every sinner has violated, and therefore it is by this same law that he is convinced of his error. Says Paul of himself, “I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet.” Rom. 7:7.
The part the law acts in the change of an individual from nature to grace is to convince of sin; for, says the apostle, “By the law is the knowledge of sin.” Rom. 3:20. Let this law be applied to the sinner’s mind, and it will expose the defects in his character at once. He will see that he is under condemnation, and must suffer the penalty for transgression, which is death, unless he can find a way of escape.
There is a way open, but it is down through the valley of sorrow and humiliation. This is another step in the sinner’s experience. His sorrow for past transgression must deepen into “godly sorrow” in order to bring about true repentance. Paul says, “Godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of.” 2 Cor. 7:10. Godly sorrow will set a person to work. He will feel that a strong effort must be made to break loose from the power of Satan, and get free in the Lord.
But even this is not all there is to true repentance. Let us illustrate: A stranger traveling takes a wrong road and loses his way. On being convinced of his mistake, he feels very sorry. Now if he continues in this wrong road, will his conviction or sorrow help him out of his difficulty? No; he has something to do; he must turn about and find the right road.
So with the sinner. He is in the wrong road, the broad road that leads to destruction. He might become convinced of this, and feel very sorry, yet if he continued in the same downward road, would he not go to destruction? His only hope is to turn about and find the narrow way that leads to life. Christ is the door at the entrance of this narrow way, and no individual can go through that door with his sins upon him; so he must lay them off and receive pardon first.
Here a third step is taken, which is turning from sin. It is ceasing to transgress the law, and commencing to obey it. This is the all-important point in true repentance. The Lord, by the prophet Ezekiel, has made this very plain. “Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions; so iniquity shall not be your ruin. Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” Chap. 18:30, 31. Here lies the true secret of success in finding the favor of God. If there is no turning from sin to obedience, there is no evidence that repentance has taken place.
Said John the Baptist to the Pharisees and Sadducees that came to his baptism, “O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruit meet for repentance;” or, as the margin reads, “answerable to amendment of life.” Matt. 3:7, 8. John saw no fruit of a change of life and character in these proud Pharisees, which must accompany true repentance, hence, his severe rebuke was in place.
Fruit is the result of action. Good fruit is the result of good works, and bad fruit, of bad works. A man given to swearing, Sabbath-breaking, thieving, lying, and covetousness, could give no better evidence to the world of true repentance than to forsake his evil ways, turn about, and obey the very commandments he had been violating. All that knew him would be ready to say, Truly, he has experienced a great change, and become a new man.
It will be seen by the above reasoning, that repentance relates directly to the law of God; for it is the transgression of that law that makes repentance necessary. The sinner’s great difficulty is rebellion against the government of God, which is based upon the principles of his holy law; and true repentance brings him back into full obedience to that law.
But this is not all there is to conversion. All the sins of the past life must be forgiven and disposed of, and this can only be done through Christ the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world. Faith in the merits of the blood of Christ secures the pardon of sin, and the heart is made clean. The Holy Spirit bears witness to this work, and evidence is given of acceptance with God. At this point it can be said, “Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
What are the old things that have passed away? We would naturally conclude that it was the “old man of sin,” with all the corruptions of the natural heart. The apostle Paul bears witness to this as follows: “But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing ye have put off the old man with his deeds.” Col. 3:8, 9. The fact is, the deeds of the “old man” are all transgressions of the moral law.
But the “new man” is put on, and in this we shall see a great change. Paul testifies concerning this also: “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any; even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfection.” Col. 3:12–14. Such a character as this is in perfect harmony with the divine law. Charity, the bond of perfection, is supreme love to God, and equal love to your neighbor. “Love is the fulfilling of the law.”
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature.” No one should go along doubting his Christian experience, or hoping to be saved when there is no evidence of a change. It is possible for every one to have clear evidence of acceptance with God. True heart work will effect a change that God will acknowledge, and he will give his blessing in return. I. D. VAN HORN.
Seventh-Day Adventists.
We have received No. 3 of Himes’ Journal, published by Eld. J. V. Himes, Buchanan, Mich. In it, he speaks as follows of his recent visit to this place:—
“Friday, Nov. 14.—By special request of the Advent church in Assyria, Mich., and Eld. H. Holler, their pastor, I visited this people. On the way, I called at Battle Creek and spent a day with the
“SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS.
“I went first to the Health Institute, where I was cordially received by Bro. E. B. Gaskill, the superintendent. Subsequently I saw Eld. White and his wife, and Eld. J. N. Andrews, all of whom made me welcome.
“Their institutions are located in the west part of the city, where they occupy several buildings for printing and book-binding; two large brick, and one smaller wood structure. The brick buildings cost ten thousand dollars each, and are well suited for their objects. They are to add two new power-presses soon. They have a large stock of paper, as also books and tracts on hand, and paid for. They employ about fifty hands. Their weekly paper, entitled the Advent Review and Herald, has a weekly circulation of about five thousand copies. They also publish a paper for the Danes, in their language. Also, a magazine entitled the Health Reformer.
“In connection with the Publishing Department here, a Stock Company of brethren of this faith have established a Health Institute, on the principles of the Water Cure and health reform. They have convenient, comfortable buildings, and the house is made not only pleasant to their guests, but their treatment has sent many an invalid home rejoicing in improved or restored health.
“They have erected another brick building within the last year, at a cost of ten thousand dollars, which they purpose to use for a school for young men, especially those preparing for the ministry.
“Their General Conference was in session to-day, and I went in and heard Elder James White, the chief leader of this enterprise.
“It may not be known to all our readers that after the time set for the advent in 1844 passed, a class of believers took the ground that the time was right, but the mistake was in regard to the nature of the event, that is, the personal coming of Christ at that time; that the prophetic periods brought us to the time of Judgment, and the Advent would take place speedily after. And their peculiar explanations of the prophecies accord with these views.
“They have been greatly strengthened in these views by the visions of Mrs. White (the wife of Elder White), whose writings have given form and strength to the theory.
“While I look upon many things in the theory of this branch of the Advent body as erroneous, I am, as a journalist, free and frank to say that their devotion, piety, liberality, and industry, have not been exceeded by any other branch of the Advent family.
“But to the meeting: Elder W. read the tenth chapter of Revelation, and expounded it, with other prophecies, in a way to sustain their theory. They think the coming of Christ is at hand, but have no time fixed for the event. In connection with their theory of the prophetic events of the last days, they hold to the seventh-day Sabbath, as essential to be kept by the believers in this last time. They have prepared an elaborate history of the Sabbath which they affirm sustains their views. The work was first written, and has now been enlarged, by its author, Eld. J. N. Andrews, one of the most able writers of this school. It would not be possible for me, in a sketch like this, to speak of the merits of these expositions of prophecy, or of the Sabbath question. . . .
“Though I was known to be an unbeliever in many of their views, I was received and treated with the greatest kindness.”
Minnesota and the Swedes.
By George I. Butler
Since my last report from Johnstown Center, Wis., I have held meetings at Maiden Rock, Wis., and been nearly two weeks with Bro. Lee, and the Swedes who have embraced the Sabbath.
At Maiden Rock, there was a good attendance from those who were not believers with us, so good an attendance that the school-house was well filled. I preached mainly on theoretical subjects, as I knew there were some desirous of hearing our views. Some proclaimed themselves convinced upon the Sabbath question, and others appear to be candidly seeking for light. If the church there will set a high and holy example before the outside world, I believe there may be an ingathering of souls to the Lord.
I was glad to meet Brn. Olsen and Downer of the Wisconsin Conference at this meeting. They came, with several others, quite a distance. The former is holding meetings among the Norwegians and Danes; the latter, among the Americans. Bro. Chas. Lee, who has been doing a good work among the Swedes, was also present. And Bro. Stephen Rosie, who will soon be laboring among the Germans, lives in this place. These, with myself, made up quite a mixture of ministers of different nationalities. Here, at one small meeting, were five ministers in four different tongues. This is quite a significant illustration of that message which the Scriptures declare must go to “peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.”
Bro. Downer preached once to the Americans, and Bro. Lee held one service in Swedish, quite a number of that people living in this vicinity. They gave good attention. A number of them extended to him a cordial invitation to return and hold meetings among them, offering to pay his expenses back. This seems to be a promising opening, and one which Bro. Lee designs soon to fill. Bro. Olsen also found what appears to be a good opening among the Norwegians, within a few miles of Maiden Rock, which he will also fill.
Our meeting with the Swedes at Chisago Lake, Minn., was to me a very interesting one. There were several from Isanti County. We met in a private house, and there were about twenty-five grown people in all. Some could speak English, and some could not. So the services were entirely in Swedish. I preached four times. I would talk five or ten minutes, and then Bro. Lee would translate to the people. I felt very free in spirit while with them, and felt much at home. In their social meeting Sabbath afternoon, though I could not understand a word, I could feel the good spirit of the meeting.
The people seemed to be very devotional and earnest. During the meetings, many eyes were filled with tears. They set our American people a good example in their demeanor during religious services. When they come in, many of them bow their heads in brief, silent prayer, and there was a marked absence of that light and chaffy spirit, so often seen before services commence in many American congregations. They acted as though they had really come to engage in the worship of God. Certainly, seriousness is most appropriate at such a time.
So far as I could discover, this people have made very rapid advancement in their knowledge of the doctrines of our people. And they seem to have more love for them than American bodies of believers do with the same instruction; while in simplicity and devotion they generally excel our people. I was happily disappointed to find them free from tobacco and pork, and on the road to good health-reform habits. Their advancement in this shows that they have had proper teaching upon these points.
The Swedes who have embraced the Sabbath seem to me to be above the average of our foreign population in intelligence and refinement—much above what I expected to find. I have not been better cared for, or found more neat and comfortable homes, generally, among Americans, nor as good on an average.
This people seemed greatly pleased and encouraged by my presence among them, and wondered why I should take so much pains to visit the “poor Swedes.” They greatly rejoiced at the interest I take in their spiritual prosperity, and at my desire to see the work move forward among their people. It was truly refreshing to my spirit to see a class of people so simple, earnest, and devoted, who have so recently embraced the truth of God from another nationality.
Having the week before me, before my appointment at Medford was to be fulfilled, I visited another company of Swedes with Bro. Lee, west of Minneapolis. We held three meetings with them. The weather was cold, and the appointment was not understood, so there were not as many out as there would otherwise have been. Here the Swedes are better acquainted with the English language, and they could understand me.
Here at Litchfield is a church of nearly forty members who have recently embraced the truth. They seem zealous and devoted. Some of them are quite well off, and are interesting and refined people. We shall be greatly disappointed if some of them are not valuable members.
There are four organized churches of the Swedes, recently brought out by Bro. Lee. Three of them are north of St. Paul in Chisago and Isanti Counties, and the Litchfield church is west of Minneapolis in Meeker County. These churches number in all upward of one hundred Sabbath-keepers.
The work of Bro. Lee among the Swedes is certainly remarkable, considering all the circumstances. He commenced about two years ago with no experience in this work, never having heard a course of lectures himself, and not being much accustomed to public speaking. He had been passing through most serious troubles in his own experience before he embraced the truth, which were enough to break down almost any man. These were brought upon him by others. Because of the effect of these upon him, some Sabbath-keepers were suspicious of him, and had no confidence in his making efforts in the direction of preaching. In fact, he received but little sympathy from our American Sabbath-keepers anywhere. He was without friends or influence, and wended his way on foot from Central Iowa to Central and Northern Minnesota, and went to work in such openings as he could find. He suffered privations, such as very few of our preachers know anything about.
He met opposition from priests, and those under their influence, most bitter and determined. Even his life was threatened in some instances. And after the most careful inquiry, I cannot learn that he provoked this by any personalities or improper conduct; but, on the contrary, he was usually mild, and free from using unnecessarily cutting language.
If any think this noble work which has been wrought among the Swedes was easily accomplished, they very much misconceive the facts in the case. I think, after careful inquiry, that our ministers never met fiercer opposition. Our American people, always accustomed to free speech, do not understand the bitterness of feeling sometimes manifested by those coming from other lands where church and State are united, and the strong arm of power is made to be felt in religious matters.
That Bro. Lee should have had such success under these circumstances is good evidence that he learned to lean on a mightier Arm than puny man possesses. He learned to cry to God in distress and agony of soul for help, and he received it. The fruits of these labors eternity will show. Here is an example for some of our young men of culture and ability. We invite them to study it, and go to work for God. Go and do likewise.
Bro. Lee is happy in the Lord, and of good courage to labor anywhere. He will be very busy among the Swedes, setting before them the precious truths of the message. May God richly bless him and his people. My acquaintance with him and them will be long remembered by me with pleasure. GEO. I. BUTLER.
Medford, Minn., Jan. 26, 1874.
Indiana Mission Report: Mechanicsburg and Shelby County Labors
By S. H. Lane
Indiana.
At the time of last report, was laboring at Mechanicsburg, Henry County.
The interest was good from the first. Through the kindness of the citizens we occupied the Methodist meeting-house for nearly five weeks. The house is one of the finest in the county. The blessing of the Lord attended the effort, and a good work has been accomplished. A few years since, some embraced the truth near the place. They have been greatly strengthened and encouraged by hearing the truth and seeing some of their friends and neighbors embrace it.
Held several Sabbath meetings, which were well attended. Sixteen signed a covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, six of whom took a decided stand for the first. Several have commenced to observe the Sabbath who have not as yet signed the covenant. Obtained nine subscribers for REVIEW, two for Reform and one for Instructor.
Three meetings were called to consider the matter of organization. These resulted in the organization of a church of thirteen members. Several more expect to unite. To the Lord be all the praise. Through the kindness of the trustees, the church have the use of the meeting-house to hold their Sabbath meetings in. It is seldom we labor in a place where the moral influence of the community is so good as in this. The meeting-house was furnished and well lighted free of charge.
Have just commenced a course of lectures in a large Baptist meeting-house in Shelby County. By the blessing of the Lord we hope for good results. My P. O. address for the present is Lewis Creek, Shelby Co., Ind. S. H. LANE.
THE REMNANT CHURCH.
By Rebekah Smith
To do God’s will alone is safe,
On us he has a claim;
He’ll have a people who believe
And practice all the same.
So says the prophet, here are they
Who God’s commandments keep,
They’ll have the faith of Jesus, and
A rich reward will reap.
From every nation, kindred, tongue,
They’re being gathered out.
When Jesus comes, they all as one
Will glad deliverance shout,
Exclaiming, Lo, this God is ours,
We’ve waited for him long—
At the loss of all things here, I would
Be one of that blest throng.
And is that great tremendous day
E’en now upon us here?
The word of God, and all the signs
Proclaim His coming near.
Our lamps we’ll trim, and be prepared
To meet him in the air,
Then evermore be with the Lord,
And all his glory share.
MRS. REBEKAH SMITH.
West Wilton, N. H.
Boston Church Renews Commitment to Missionary Work
By M. Wood
Boston.
The Boston church have been trying to consecrate themselves anew to the service of God. Our efforts have not been in vain. The sweet, melting influence of the Spirit of Jesus has manifested itself in our midst. Our hearts have become warmed up in his service. And those who never before manifested any interest in the T. and M. Society have caught the true missionary spirit, and engaged in the distribution of our periodicals and tracts with a whole heart.
Could you hear the reports of the brethren and sisters when given in at our missionary meeting of their labor from house to house, from depot to ship, you would come to the conclusion that Boston is anything but a desirable place to labor in, and that the laborers need the grace of God abundantly shed abroad in their hearts to successfully stem the downward current. Still with the abounding iniquity there is an increasing desire to read our publications, and to learn the mysteries (as they call them) of S. D. Adventists. May the Lord speed the work, and give us willing hearts and ready hands to engage in whatsoever the Master finds for us to do. M. WOOD.
Woodburn, Ill.
By Wm. Penniman
Bro. R. F. Andrews visited the Woodburn church, Jan. 1, and remained with us till the 15th. He spoke every evening, and on Sabbaths and Sundays in the daytime, and also visited much from house to house. The Lord has blessed his labors here in the adjustment of difficulties, and in the spiritual advancement of the church. We thank the Lord for his visit, for the good that has been done, and we trust all have taken new courage.
On Friday, the 11th, we had our first tract and missionary meeting. Bro. Andrews spoke on the importance of this branch of the work. All seemed to see the necessity of engaging in it as never before; yet we are not half awake, when we consider the nearness of the end. As a church, we have not been in working order, and have done but little. Before our meeting, only six of the church were members of the T. and M. Society. As the result of the meeting, we have taken fifteen names as members and $10 for membership; have also $25 pledged on donations. This is a small beginning, but we hope it will widen into larger and more extensive efforts.
Wm. Penniman.
Woodburn, Ill., Jan. 18, 1874.
Progress of the Cause.
By Charles P. Whitford
It is with gratitude to God that we hail the present indications that this great work in which we are engaged is soon to close up in mighty power. It is not difficult for those best acquainted with the progress of the cause to see that the last notes of warning are about to go to peoples, nations, tongues, and kings, and that by it a people will be made ready for the coming of the Son of man. The third angel's message of Rev. 14:9-12, warning us against certain sins, and bringing with it the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, is now sounding forth to the inhabitants of the world. God, by his Spirit, is stirring up the minds of the people to investigate the claims of his holy law, and in a special manner is it calling loudly upon all to cease trampling upon his authority by violating his holy rest-day.
The true and loyal people of God, those who have decided that Mount Zion shall be their future home, are, with renewed earnestness and zeal, taking hold of the solemn and responsible work of warning the world as never before. Books and tracts, bearing the last solemn message of mercy, are being scattered like the leaves of autumn, in every direction through the land. The REVIEW AND HERALD is finding its way into thousands and tens of thousands of homes where the light of present truth has never before penetrated. Honest souls are reading. God's Spirit is striving, and many are embracing the truth. Plans for the publication of papers in the French and German languages have already been laid, and soon there will be going forth from our Office of publication not less than eight periodicals, filled with the solemn and important truths pertaining to the age of the world in which we live.
And what do all these things mean? They mean strength and prosperity. They mean progress and final triumph. They mean that the third angel's message of Rev. 14:9-12, is to go before many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings (Rev. 10:11), and that it is now in full process of accomplishment, and will culminate in the revelation of our Lord from Heaven in flaming fire, to take vengeance on his foes, and to reward his saints.
Yes, this message is now sounding. Do you believe it? Have you faith in it? Or do you ignore this most solemn and awful message of the word of God, and expect the advent daily without a fulfillment of this prophecy? Let me assure you that this is the word of God and must be fulfilled. If the work now being done to restore the breach made in the law of God (Isaiah 58:12) is not the fulfillment of prophecy, what is? You should show us the fulfillment of this portion of the word of God, or else not claim to be expecting the Lord immediately, for it must be fulfilled before his coming, and it will not be done and nobody know it. Where is your faith? faith in prophecy, faith in what the Lord is now doing, faith in present truth?
If God is leading this people, go with us with all your heart. If not, be decided against us. Have faith in God. He lives, and is fulfilling his word.
CHARLES P. WHITFORD.
Berkshire, Vt., Jan. 10, 1874.
The Importance of Character Building
There is no business in this world that is half so important as character building. He that is building his soul is building to good purpose. He that is only building his property is building for the worm and the dust. He that is making the manhood in him tower high, and broaden, and is nourishing it, is a wise master-builder. He that is heaping up outward things alone, is working for an hour.
Goodland, Indiana.
By J. P. Henderson
There are three of us in this village, a brother, his wife, and myself, endeavoring to keep all God's commandments. We improve every Sabbath by meeting twice, evening and morning, for prayer and the study of God's word. These meetings are becoming precious, and are not without the blessing of God, promised to two or three gathered in his name. But a few months have passed since I took my stand on present truth, and not a moment must be lost in the work before me.
The seed is being sown around us by what little we can do with books and tracts, &c. A few are interested in reading, and we pray that there may be some honest hearts who, seeing the light of present truth, may walk therein.
But the enemy is also at work. One first-day brother proclaims the seventh day a “Jewish institution.” We answer, In one sense, “salvation is of the Jews.” John 4: 22. Our Saviour was born of the Jews, of the tribe of Judah. Besides we read of no other way into the holy city but through one of the twelve gates, on each of which is written one of the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Rev. 21: 12. We further read that “God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it.” Gen. 2: 3. And this was done two thousand years before a Jew was born. Abraham was chosen of God because he kept his commandments. Gen. 26: 5. The children of Israel observed to do and keep the seventh day, before it was written on tables of stone. Ex. 16. And God speaks of them as my commandments, verse 28, and my Sabbaths. Ex. 31: 13. Lev. 19: 3, &c. How grave is the charge to call it a “Jewish institution.”
But the Sabbath was made for man. Mark 2: 27; a perpetual covenant. Ex. 31: 16. How forcible then are the words of Solomon. Eccl. 12: 13. Fear God, and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. Could it be possible the fourth was excepted? For further light on keeping the Sabbath, read Isa. 50: 2, 4, and 58: 13, and the references.
Let honest hearts read, and reflect that it is better to stand on a sure foundation than to feel that once a week we are doubtfully keeping a day which God never blessed, never sanctified, and never commanded to be kept.
The light upon present truth is shining more clearly in my heart; but to be without religious privileges is the hardest of my trials. Pray for us, that God may increase our little band, and give us the true spirit of labor, that others, seeing our good works, may be influenced to go and do likewise.
J. P. HENDERSON.
Goodland Friends Plan Hall for Religious Meetings
Bro. J. P. H. writes from Goodland, Ind., that a friend, who is erecting a building, proposes to fit up a hall for religious meetings, the use of which they can share in, if they will seat it. This they have undertaken to do, in the hope that it may result in spreading the light before that people.