THE Apostle calls a lack of faith "the sin that so easily besets us;" but without faith it is impossible to please God. Therefore Satan's great effort has always been to destroy confidence in the word of God. When the "Man of sin" arose, the Bible was denied the people, and declared to be "the foundation of all heresy." The Reformation brought the Bible to light, and placed it in the hands of the people, but the idea spread and prevailed that it was not sufficient without the addition of a creed, or articles of faith. Within a few years past some have been boldly advocating the Bible as a sufficient creed; and Satan is now busy to carry their minds beyond this important truth, to a belief that only a small part of the Bible is of any use: and this in direct contradiction of the New Testament, which refers to the Old Testament for its authority, and says that "All scripture" is given by inspiration of God and is profitable.
While lecturing before a church of the Christian denomination, last Spring, in northern Wisconsin, a brother in that church said that they were under obligation to receive the things then spoken because they were the teachings of the Bible, and their covenant bound them to receive what the Bible taught. At the close of the meeting another member denied that their covenant embraced the Bible, and affirmed that it acknowledged the New Testament only. The covenant was examined, and it was found that its basis was the Bible. This member then made the remark that he would not belong to a church that took the Bible for its rule!
To me these words sounded very singular coming from a professed Christian; and I hoped that the church would repudiate such an expression of anti-Bible bigotry. But by a letter lately received from that county I learn that the church was afterward called together and the majority voted to amend the covenant so that it would embrace only the New Testament. Thus "the Bible" was ruled out of the church.
Opposition to the Scriptures is gaining ground in the churches faster than we have realized. A few years since we could scarcely have believed that Methodists would now be teaching the abrogation of the Old Testament and its morality, or that Presbyterians would so soon turn antinomians. But such is the case. They have found that the only way to avoid the claims of the fourth commandment is to deny the claims of the entire Old Testament; and rather than to humble themselves before God and in109the sight of the world, they are taking this last fearful step. Truly the sins of Babylon are reaching unto heaven. Rev. xviii. J. H. W.
A Call for Laborers in Michigan
By Editor
Bro. M. E. Cornell wishes Bro. Bates or some other zealous laborer to spend about two months in the vicinity of Canandaigua and Lapeer, Mich. Several neighborhoods, he says, within six or eight miles of those places are almost decided on the truth, but have heard but little. He thinks no portion of the State offers, just now, so fair a prospect for successful labor.
The Atlantic Telegraph Cable
By Editor
Long before receiving this paper our readers will doubtless have heard of the successful laying of the Atlantic Telegraph Cable, connecting Europe with America. We are glad the enterprise has proved successful, inasmuch as we are glad to see these last days filling up their catalogue of wonders. The avidity with which people will seize upon every great event to prop up their vain and delusive notions of a world’s conversion and temporal millennium, is wonderfully shown in this event. Popular theologians are everywhere hailing it as the “great event calculated to hasten the triumphs of civilization and christianity!” and they are everywhere singing doxologies in its praise. But if its moral effect shall be other than to render man self-confident, proud, presumptuous, and defiant of his Maker, it will be different from that of any other great achievement which science and civilization have effected in modern times.
By this wonderful achievement the United States is placed in telegraphic communication with thirty-one nations; and the news of Europe instead of waiting the tardy progress of steamers across the Atlantic, as heretofore, will be flashed to our shores with the instantaneousness of lightning. Says Henry Ward Beecher, “I dare scarcely any longer think of what shall be. I am now prepared to believe almost anything. All I ask is that the story shall be big enough!”
MEETINGS IN SOUTHERN MICH.
By A. S. Hutchins
BRO. SMITH: We returned to this place last evening, having visited the brethren in Burlington, Hillsdale, Burr Oak, and Colon. At each of these places, I think some are striving to enter in at the strait gate; while others seem to have but a faint idea of what it is to be a zealous and faithful follower of Christ.
I am greatly surprised that some who have been keeping the Sabbath of the Bible sufficiently long to be strong and steadfast in the truth, should be found so weak and feeble at this late hour of the work. For there are those who should have been living members in the church of Christ, and prepared to help others, who need lifting out of one trial after another, till I conclude if they themselves make good their own escape and reach Mt. Zion, it is all we can expect of them. Oh, what a pity, what a pity, that some for whom God has done so much, should do so little for him and his cause!
In Burlington we felt quite free in presenting the truth. Our last meeting here was comforting to us all. May the Lord help the church here to arise and stand where they should. O brethren and sisters, do seek for victory, sweet victory, over everything that hinders your progress. You can have it, you should have it.
At Hillsdale, we felt grieved and our spirits well nigh sunk within us for awhile, as we reflected upon our wearing labors here with Bro. Waggoner last Winter, and learned how soon the Devil led others in a way so well calculated to wound, weary and hinder the advancement of the church.
But we felt that we could only leave our decided testimony against the wrongs of the erring, which we endeavored to do to them separately, so far as we had opportunity. And we felt that God was pleased in our so doing. We also had liberty here in preaching the Word.
We earnestly desire the prosperity of this church; but it is our firm conviction that until there is more of that love felt and manifested one for another which must characterize the followers of Christ, as a body, the church labor in vain for success.
Oh, dear brethren and sisters, may God help you to carry the convincing evidence with you that you are his disciples. "By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one for another." John xiii, 35.
At Burr Oak, I preached the funeral sermon of a child of Bro. Strickland's, with good freedom. Bro. and Sr. Strickland have a love for the truth which endears them to the saints of God. And we doubt not but what they are loved of the Father and the Son.
We had a good victory at Colon before the close of the meeting. We expect to meet some from this place, with the redeemed of the Lord, if we are so happy as to get through the perils of the last days in safety. Opposition to the truth still reigns here. The Baptists do not feel well that so many, formerly their members, are keeping the Sabbath. One preacher, (L. A. Alford,) said if he had been there when the tent was there, he should have exposed our folly and saved the church from losing its members; or to this effect.
On hearing this, one sister handed him the Bible, to show her her error in keeping the seventh day. Well what did he do? He was in a hurry; could not stop then. He says he hushed the Sabbath question to rest in Pa., while preaching there.
Last First-day, went out about five miles from Colon, where I preached at 2 P. M., on the subject of the Sabbath. A brother rode from C. to this meeting with a Methodist preacher who had an appointment just beyond us. On the way out, the brother asked the preacher for his reasons for keeping the first day instead of the seventh, as the Sabbath. He told him he would give them on their return (as they were to return together,) provided his lungs were not too weary. But yesterday morning I learned that his strength was too far exhausted to state his evidence this point.
That the hurry of one preacher, and the weariness of another are the greatest obstacles lying in the way of proving the first day theory, our readers may believe if they can.
Yours in love of the truth. A. S. HUTCHINS.
Battle Creek, Mich., Aug. 10th, 1858.
The Spirit of Christ
By Frederick Wheeler
Now if any Man have not the Spirit of Christ, He is none of His. Rom. viii, 9.
This declaration of the Apostle should come home to every heart, especially at this day, when we are nearing the closing scenes of man's probationary state; for unless we are His, unless we belong to Christ, we shall fail in our anticipations of entering that rest reserved for the faithful. Says the Apostle, And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise. Gal. iii, 29. However correct our views of truth may be; unless we have the Spirit of Christ dwelling in us, it will not avail to gain for us an admittance into that rest. Says Jesus, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven." The will of the Father we cannot do unless the Spirit of Christ be in us; because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom. viii, 7.
But how can we know that we have the Spirit of Christ? If we have the Spirit of Christ, it will lead us to be Christ-like, and to walk after the example he has set for us. Our first object will be to do the will of God. Christ came not to do his own will, but the will of him that sent him. John vi, 38. So those in whose hearts the Spirit of Christ dwells, their wills are lost in the will of God. They seek to honor him in all things. With meek resignation their inquiry is, "Lord what wilt thou have me to do?" And when the will of God is learned, a willing obedience is rendered. It will enable us to keep God's commandments. Christ kept the commandments of his Father. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. John xv, 10. The Spirit of Christ will lead us to sacrifice for the cause of Christ, and the salvation of our fellow men. He gave his life for us. So will those in whose hearts the Spirit of Christ reigns be willing to lay down their lives, if need be, for the salvation of their brethren. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us; and we ought also to lay down our lives for the brethren. 1 John iii, 16. And inasmuch as the Spirit would lead us to make the greatest sacrifice possible, (even our lives,) of course every smaller sacrifice will be cheerfully made by those that possess his Spirit.
Where the Spirit of Christ dwells, self will be greatly abased, and God and Christ exalted. It will lead us to heed the exhortation of the Apostle, Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Phil. ii, 3, 4. Also Gal. vi, 10. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
But how little of this Spirit do we see manifested in the world around us! How little among the professed people of God! Nay, it is to be feared that there is too little of the Spirit of Christ even among those who profess faith in the present truth. There is too much seeking our own ease, our own wishes, too great tenacity for our own ways or our own peculiar views, &c. These things are not the fruits of the Spirit of Christ, but of the opposite spirit, the spirit of the world.
The Spirit of Christ leads to humility, even as Christ, "who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God," yet "made himself of no reputation, and took upon himself the form of a servant." Yea, "He humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross." Thus those who possess the Spirit of Christ will manifest a spirit of humility and meekness, a spirit of long-suffering and forbearance towards the meek and erring, of forgiveness to the repenting, and patience towards all men. It will with boldness rebuke sin, in meekness reprove the erring, patiently instruct the ignorant, and seek to lead all to the knowledge of the truth.
Nor is it by outward acts alone that we are to test our state. For we are taught that though we may possess faith that will remove mountains, and give all our goods to feed the poor, or our bodies to be burned, and have not charity, (or love,) it will not profit. 1 Cor. xiii, 2, 3. And without the Spirit of Christ there is no genuine or gospel love. We must have the inward fruits of the Spirit, the love, joy and peace that are the sure and certain fruits of the Spirit of Christ wherever it has possession of the heart. "He that humbleth himself shall be exalted." Let us then search ourselves and examine our daily walk and see if we have the fruits of the Spirit. If we have not we are none of Christ's. If we have his Spirit we shall be Christ-like.
We are exhorted to be filled with the Spirit. The closing instruction of the faithful and true Witness to the Laodicean church is, "Behold I stand at the door and knock; if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him and sup with him and he with me." If we heed this call we may be filled with the Spirit. But remember the spirit of the world, of pride or selfishness, and the Spirit of Christ cannot fill the heart at the same time. If we would be filled with the Spirit of Christ, the other spirit must first be put away.
The day of final decision is near. They alone who have the Spirit of Christ will be able to stand. It is only such, that will be found keeping the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ, and have right to the tree of life and enter in through the gates into the City. F. WHEELER.
Hubbardsville, N. Y., Aug. 1858.
A Striking Incident.
By John Norton Loughborough
DEAR BRO. SMITH: Mr. Wm. Humphrey, a citizen of Townsend, (where our tent is now pitched,) has just related to me an incident of his life which so interested me that I have concluded to write out the facts as stated by him, thinking it may be of interest to others.
When 18 years of age he was at work in the town of Goshen, Litchfield Co., Connecticut, turning a drum wheel for a shingle machine. He had nearly finished his job, when a young lady came in and asked him what he was doing. He replied, "I will tell you in a minute." He went and hoisted the gate to proceed with his turning, and perceived that he had too much motion on his lathe. He thought, "I will go and shut the gate." At that instant the drum burst into four pieces, and a piece weighing about sixty pounds struck him on the breast, shoulder and head, dislocating his shoulder, breaking his collar bone twice, and crushing his right temple so that his skull was badly depressed upon the brain. Physicians said it would be useless to trepan him. His skull was fractured in so bad a place they could not do it. Most of his friends gave him up to die.
On the 18th day from the time he was hurt, consciousness was restored to him, which he had been deprived of during this whole period. The instant consciousness returned, he spoke out and said, "SHUT THAT GATE!" He said those 18 days were an utter blank in his life. He knew nothing during the whole period. He further states that since that time when he has heard it preached that men have a soul that is immortal and always thinks, this incident at the age of 18 would always come up, and he could not harmonize the two; but since we have been proclaiming the doctrine of no immortality out of Christ all is plain.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
Townsend, Ohio, Aug. 5th, 1858.
Sirs, What Shall I do to be Saved?
By M. Hull
NOTHING less than obedience to the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus our pattern can insure to us salvation. The Jews expect salvation through keeping the commandments of God alone, while the mass of Gentile expounders teach that we are to be saved through the faith of Jesus alone. But either alone is insufficient.
‘The law reveals and makes us know
What duties to our God we owe;
But ’tis the gospel must reveal,
Where lies our strength to do his will.’
That it is necessary to obey both the law and gospel in order to be saved, the Scriptures abundantly teach. Our Saviour says, ‘If thou wilt enter into life keep the commandments.’ Matt. xix. Paul teaches that the law is not made void through faith, but established by it. Rom. iii, 31.
If the introduction of the gospel makes void the law, why will not the introduction of one part of the gospel make other parts of it void? Some suppose it does, and thus we hear them saying that even the New Testament is full of nonessentials. One supposes that baptism is not essential to salvation, while another thinks that some other duty enjoined in the New Testament, is not essential, and another makes void some other portion of the Christian faith; and thus they accuse the Author of the Bible of dealing in nonessentials.
To show the Babel into which Protestantism has run, allow me to present their theories in the form of a dialogue. The question, What shall I do to be saved? is one which should interest every one; but truly the doctrines taught in answer to this question, well deserve the name ‘legion;’ for ‘every one hath a doctrine,’ and every one tries to answer it in Bible language. But the truth is, the question is not answered in any one place in the Bible. Mr. A. first comes forward and attempts to give a full and definite answer, and in doing this he asserts that we are saved by faith alone, (not knowing that he is disputed by the voice of inspiration, Jas. ii, 24,) and in order to prove it, he quotes, ‘Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.’ Acts xvi, 31. But Mr. B., seeing A’s failure, attempts an answer by saying, A’s doctrine is untrue and he can prove it by Paul; for he says, ‘godly sorrow worketh repentance unto salvation.’ 2 Cor. vii, 10. Now it makes no difference what we believe, provided we repent. Repentance is all God requires.
But Mr. C. thinking their answers are both wrong, concludes to try it himself; so he takes his Bible and opens to Rom. x, 10, and reads, ‘With the mouth confession is made unto salvation.’ There is the important thing, all others are nonessentials. While he is yet speaking, Mr. D. comes into the company and says, I am tired of these ordinances. I believe in taking the plan laid down in Luke iii, 11, ‘He that hath two coats let him impart to him that hath none, and he that hath meat let him do likewise.’ But says E., You are all wrong; just turn to the Bible and you will read, ‘The blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.’ 1 John i, 7. Now it is impossible for any thing to save you but the blood of Christ. Mr. F., who has been listening all this time, begins to tell them of their contradictions. Now I will propose a remedy; all of you come to the Bible which says, ‘The like figure whereunto even baptism doth also now save us.’ 1 Pet. iii, 19. Now you may say what you please, baptism is the great thing after all. Just as he gets through, Mr. G. says you are all wrong yet. You can do nothing in this life which can in any way affect your future condition. Now let me prove it by Paul: ‘For by grace are ye saved.’ Eph. ii, 8. At this Mr H. joins the crowd, and says, Hear me; I will give you the Bible on the subject. Paul says we are saved by hope. Rom. viii, 24. Here Mr. I. speaks and says, I have ever been inclined to scepticism; but now I am a confirmed infidel. There have now been eight answers given to the one question, and every answer has been proved by the Bible. Now my Bible says, ‘If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments;’ this is the ninth answer, and I know not how many more can be found in the same book. I am now satisfied that the Bible is nothing but priestcraft.
But by this time Mr. K. has joined the crowd and wishes to talk with them all. Says K., This question is one of great importance, yet it is not answered in any one place in the Scriptures. There is a series of steps, by which together, we can ascend the hill of salvation; but you have them broken apart. Some of you have one step and some another. Now if you will put them together as you should, and each of you ascend every step, you will each of you be saved; but not without.
Mr. A., your step is an important one, and B. cannot step upon repentance until he has been upon yours; but you cannot gain salvation without ascending the other steps. B.’s doctrine is true, but you cannot exercise repentance toward one upon whom you do not believe. Confession is also necessary; but you will not confess Christ unless you have believed on him. Mr. D.’s doctrine of baptism is very true; it initiates us into the death of Jesus Christ; [Rev. vi, 7;] now we can wash our robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb. Rev. vii, 14. The blood of Christ will not save us unless we go to it, and we cannot get to it without taking the steps laid down in the Scriptures. If our robes are washed in the blood of the Lamb, it will still be done by our own hands. But says Mr. G., you have not got any grace in your system. Hold on: we will show you. Does not the law justly condemn every man? It does, ‘All have sinned.’ Rom. iii, 23; and ‘the wages of sin is death;’ therefore all must die; hence if we are justified at all, it is by the grace of God, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. Rom. iii, 24. Then it is through the grace of God that he spills his blood, and tastes death for every man. Heb. ii, 9.
Reader, let us die by the body of Christ; we are then prepared to keep the commandments, and enter through the gates into the city. M. HULL.
The Great Motive Power.
By William S. Foote
"If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love, even as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love." John xv, 10.
Here we have the condition upon which we may have Jesus as our greatest, our perpetual friend; and how can we be his followers unless, like him, we keep his Father's commandments? Love to God and to our neighbor cannot exist in a heart defiled by sin, and we are told that sin is the transgression of the law. Let the world get the ascendancy in our affections, or if we are led away by the temptations of the "strong man armed," how soon the Spirit of God leaves us.
Followers of Jesus! ye happy few who have received the glorious truths of these last days, ye who are rejoicing in the light, amid opposition and surrounding darkness, you may, if you will, by faith and keeping the commandments of God, out of pure love to him, stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ has made us free. Remember, too, it is the time of the patience of the saints. "Be patient therefore unto the coming of the Lord."
The truth, unadulterated by the traditions of men, and unstained by the filth of Rome, is being proclaimed; Satan is in a rage; ignorant and false teachers, armed with the panoply of evil, are doing the bidding of the enemy of righteousness; the battle between truth and error, grows stronger and stronger; and where the truth has been proclaimed, the honest in heart have received it, and through the grace of God are trying to live according to its requirements. This enrages Satan and makes false teachers mad. But amidst it all brethren, stand fast. Some of us may be called to resist unto blood, but let us keep our eyes upon the mark for the prize of the high calling of God, in Christ Jesus; and, armed with faith and love, when persecuted, let us bless; when cast down, let us look up; for the city is just in sight, and our redemption draweth near. Let love impel us forward and upward. Seek meekness, it may be ye shall be hid in the day of the Lord's anger. Zeph. ii, 3. By faith and glorious hope, look forward to the period when those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, shall stand with the King of the new earth on mount Zion, having the Father's name written in their foreheads. Rev. xiv, 1.
WM. S. FOOTE.
Pendleton, O.
Fear.
By A. P. Lawton
IT is reasonable and proper that we should fear lest a promise being left us of entering into rest, any of us should seem to come short; also that we should not be high-minded, but fear. We are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.
But there is a kind of fear, against which we are warned; a fear to trust God and his word, and to throw ourselves by naked faith on the promises of God. The fear of man also brings a snare; but perfect love casteth out fear. (Slavish fear.) A child111may, and should fear its parents, but to a loving and obedient child, it is not bondage; it is love more than fear that prompts.
A good parent may be exacting and prompt with his child; but the willing and obedient child has nothing to fear; for he says, I know my father is wise and good, and will require nothing unreasonable. If therefore, I render perfect obedience, which of course, I as a good child, of a good father, will find pleasure in doing, what have I to fear? Nothing. Let us then give to the winds our fears, and go confidently to our Father, and tell him all our wants. He will not say nay to any thing we need.
A. P. LAWTON.
West Winfield, N. Y.
TRUST.
By Mrs. R. Smith
My cause is with my blessed Lord, he does my footsteps guide;
He's led me in an unknown way, and laid my plans aside;
He's hedged up all my well-laid schemes, or what seemed so to me,
And O what wisdom I behold, now his designs I see.
I'll glory in his holy name, and pray, Lord guide me still,
In each event submission learn, and sink into his will.
His will is welcome tho' it lay each earthly prospect low,
God is too wise to err, and will what's best for us bestow.
The Psalmist made his boast in God; and we may do the same:
The Word exhorts to cry aloud, and praise his holy name.
Should those here hold their peace, whom God has his own Spirit given,
Where could he look for honor due, and whom make meet for heaven?
Regardless of the world's cold frown, we would march boldly on,
Nor right nor left would turn, but go where our dear Saviour's gone,
There's mansions there, and Jesus will prepare his saints a place,
Where they will never cease to sing of his redeeming grace.
Are we expecting to be there and share each proffered bliss?
The Father's love is not in those who love a world like this.
Then tarry not in all the plain, seek high and holy ground,
Lest in the balance when we're weighed, we should be wanting found.
Mrs. R. Smith.
West Wilton, N. H., July, 1858
Our Children.
By A. P. Lawton
THE question still comes up, What can be done for our children? Time is nearly closed, and our children, where are they? Much is to be done in many ways.
In the first place let us see what we are doing for, or against their salvation. Can it be said of any of us, that we are doing what we can for their salvation when we are furnishing them with means to purchase things to look pretty in the eyes of the world?
Most parents can be willing to dress simple and plain themselves; but when it comes to the children, then comes the struggle. Brother, sister, will you still gratify your children at the expense of their souls? Will you help them sell eternal life because they desire it? Do you not know that you are fitting them for the plagues?
If our grown children will have these things, let it be on their own responsibility. At the same time, rebuke, admonish and advise them with tears to repent of all their sins. It is mocking God to pray for our children, while we furnish the means for their destruction. A. P. LAWTON.
West Winfield, N. Y., July 23d, 1858.
Testimony in Favor of the Sabbath
By H. Rector
From Bro. Rector.
BRO. SMITH: I have been waiting for an opportunity of giving my testimony in favor of the Sabbath. When Bro. Bates was out here lecturing, I attended some three or four of his lectures, and also purchased of him first and second volumes of Bible tracts, and have studied and carefully examined the quotations from the Bible and have become fully satisfied that the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord. Myself and wife have come to the conclusion that we will obey God rather than man, although we expect to meet with opposition. We stand connected with the Methodist Society. At present we keep both days, one to the Lord, the other to meet our Methodist brethren whom we still love, though not of the same opinion. We believe them honest and would like to have some one that understands the subject well come out here and preach two or three sermons particularly on the Sabbath question. I could get the house where we worship, every other First-day, and a preacher would get a good hearing; and there might be some good done; at least I have some reason to hope so. I have a desire to become more enlightened on the Third Angel's Message. You will please send me paper chart, and oblige your friend and brother in Christ.
H. RECTOR.
Kalamazoo, Mich.
Sister Hill’s Testimony of Truth
By M. J. Hill
From Sister Hill.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I feel to praise the Lord for what he has done for me in showing me the light of the present truth, and the glorious plan of salvation. The Bible is no longer a dark mystery to me, but a bright and shining light to guide me into all truth and righteousness. It has been about five months since I embraced the Third Angel's Message. It was under the preaching of Bro. Goodenough, that I was brought to see that I was violating the Lord's holy Sabbath; but I delayed not to keep all my Father's commandments and the faith of my blessed Saviour. There are five of us here that are striving to walk in the law of the Lord. My heart's desire and prayer to God is that he will give me grace to stand the persecutions which I am called to endure. In this world are many snares to intercept our way, but let us have on the whole armor of God that we may be found clothed and not naked when Christ comes.
M. J. HILL.
Hillsborough, Wis., Aug. 5th, 1858.
LETTERS.
By John Keeler
"Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another."
From Bro. Keeler.
BRO. SMITH: It is two years last Winter since I commenced keeping the Sabbath. I was brought to this position by the labors of brother Ingraham, who came into our neighborhood and preached a few discourses, showing plainly from the Bible that the Sabbath was still binding according to the fourth commandment. I was led to look into the subject and was soon satisfied that the Sabbath commandment was a part of the immutable law of God, and as unchangeable as the divine nature. That there has been a breach made in the moral law of Jehovah, is certain; but this was done by the authority of the man of sin. Thanks be to God that this breach is being made up, and the seal restored to the law. Isa. viii, 16. The 19th and 20th verses of this chapter show plainly that this is the period of time when this event is to take place; for now are the nominal churches and the world seeking unto familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep and that mutter.
I praise the Lord that he ever opened my eyes to see the present truth. The Third Angel's Message I firmly believe belongs to the present time, and is the last message of mercy that will ever be given to the world and to the churches.
The passing events and signs of the times indicate that earth's history is fast approximating to a close. I can view by an eye of faith the four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the winds until the servants of God are sealed. When this work is accomplished the winds will be let loose; and then will come that dreadful time, when the wrath of an offended God will be poured out in the seven last plagues. Then our great High Priest will have finished his work in the heavenly Sanctuary, and will lay aside his priestly garments. There will be then no more mercy for the sinner.
Dear brethren and sisters, let us be diligent and make sure work for heaven. If we are faithful a few days more, we shall receive a crown of glory.
Yours in hope of immortality.
JOHN KEELER.
Port Alleghany, Pa., Aug 5th, 1858.
Testimony of a Young Believer
By S. C. Edwards
From Bro. Edwards.
BRO. SMITH: I thank the Lord that he has spared my life to see the light of truth shining so brightly around me. We meet with much opposition here, but the truth is a mighty weapon to wield against our enemies. The brethren and sisters meet here every Sabbath-day, and we feel that the Spirit of God is with us. I am young in the cause yet, but may the Lord help me to grow strong. I find great pleasure in keeping God's holy law, O brethren let us get ready, for the end is near even at the door. I desire an interest in your prayers that I may prove faithful and meet you all in the kingdom of heaven. We have many trials in this world, but God will reward us for them all in the end, if we are faithful to him.
Yours in hope, S. C. EDWARDS.
Shunk, Ohio, Aug. 2d, 1858.
WM. F. COLE
By Wm. F. Cole
From Bro. Cole.
Bro. Smith: I would say to the friends of truth that I am trying to overcome and get ready to stand on Mount Zion. I am alone, as there is no one near here that keeps the Sabbath. I hope some one of God's messengers will come this way before long; for I think there are some here that would exchange error for truth. If some one will come I will try to bear a part of their expenses. May the Lord send some one before long. I am so unworthy it seems at times impossible for me to overcome all my besetting sins, and be able to stand when the Lord comes. I desire the prayers of those that keep the commandments of God.
WM. F. COLE
Riverton, Iowa, July 29th, 1858.
Getting to Heaven by the Cross
By Margaret Hipkins
From Sister Hipkins.
Bro. Smith: It is about eleven months since I first heard the Third Angel's Message through the preaching of Brn. Holt and Cornell. Since that time I have been trying to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. We find the road that leads to heaven is very rugged and thorny as well as strait and narrow; but brethren and sisters, let us not murmur nor complain of the straitness of the way; but let us remember what the faithful and true Witness says: "As many as I love I rebuke and chasten." May the Lord help us to bear his rebukes and chastenings as we ought, and be zealous and repent.
I often think of our Saviour when he was here on earth. He was a man of sorrow and acquainted with grief. He has marked out the way for us. There is no other way to heaven but by the cross. Jesus says, If ye would reign with me ye must suffer with me. Hear also what Paul says [Heb. xii, 7, 8;] "If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not."
I feel like trying to get to heaven by way of the cross. Pray for me brethren and sisters.
Yours in hope of immortality and eternal life.
MARGARET HIPKINS.
Gilboa, O., Aug. 1858.
Extracts from Letters.
By Editor
Bro. A. G. Carter writes from Rubicon, Wis., Aug. 1858: Bro. Z. Andrews spoke to the people at Neosho on the Sabbath. One has commenced to keep the Sabbath, and others acknowledge the seventh day to be the Sabbath of the Lord. Some are now examining the present truth and have promised to come to the next prayer-meeting at my house. The prospect is that more will embrace the truth. One man (I know not his profession) has promised to prove the first day of the week to be the Sabbath of the Lord. I gave him the promise of one convert, providing he would prove it by the word of God.
REMARKS.—The above individual can have the promise of several thousands of converts, if he will do what he promises; that is, show from the Bible that the first day of the week is the Sabbath of the Lord; as no other proof can be brought to bear on that question. Let him show then that the Sabbath is not an institution as old as the world. Let him show that it is not confined to a specific day of the week. Let him show any intimation from the Bible that that day would ever be changed. Let him show that the blessing pronounced upon the seventh day has ever been taken from that day and placed upon the first day. Let him show the repeal of the law which enjoins the observance of the seventh day. Let him show the enactment of a law requiring the observance of the first day. Let him show any intimation from the word of truth that the resurrection of Christ should be commemorated by the observance of a day of rest. When he will do this in whole or in part, we will strike our colors and surrender.—Ed.
Praise for Present Truth
Sr. P. M. Rockwell writes from Berkshire Vt., July 8th, 1858. "We have great reason to praise the Lord for present truth, the truth that makes free. If there is anything that will stimulate me to action it is the truth of God's word. If there is anything I desire here on this old earth, it is that the cause of God may prosper, and the truth be spread abroad. Oh, shall we be careless and indifferent while so much has been done for our eternal welfare? I truly feel for one the need of heeding the admonition of the true Witness. The world has no charms for me. It seems but a bubble on the ocean of eternity."
OBITUARY.
By Editor
DIED in Convis, Mich., July 25th, 1858, Francis Marion Lane, the only child of Thomas and Maria Lane, aged one year nine months, and seven days.
TO THE BEREAVED PARENTS, ON THE ABOVE.
Still reigns the tyrant Death in sable power;
Sorrow and mourning wait at his command;
For tender bud, as well as blooming flower,
Fades 'neath the touch of his relentless hand.
And hath his summons to your hearts been spoken?
Hath his dark shadow crossed your threshold o'er?
Hath he the links of fond affection broken,
And borne a loved one from this mortal shore?
So hath a floweret from your pathway faded;
A bright star shining o'er you, set in gloom;
Bright rays of hope are from your vision shaded,
By the dark curtain of the silent tomb.
'Tis well to weep: stay not the burning tears,
If thus the burdened heart may find relief;
For this dark earth hath been, six thousand years,
A vale of woe, a charnel-house of grief.
Know then that here where dearest forms have perished,
There's nothing true on which our love to shed:
Not where death reigns, can hopes of bliss be cherished,
Which may not crumble 'neath his icy tread.
But ah! there is a land whose shores are nearing;
The ills of earth its soil shall never bear:
Of that bright world there stands this promise cheering,
Death finds no entrance, pain no victims, there.
To that fair land be now your footsteps tending;
Fix heart and treasure on that blissful shore;
Where friends shall re-unite in joy unending,
Nor taste the pangs of separation more. Ed.