Since our last communication, published in the Review of August 7, we have been holding meetings in Springfield, Mass., Berlin and Middletown, Ct.
Our meetings in Berlin continued over two Sabbaths. The weather was very favorable, so that both First-days quite a number came to hear, and some appeared anxious to know the truth. At our first meeting a colored preacher from Upper Canada attended, and added his testimony in favor of a closer walk with God. He is lecturing in the State of Connecticut, to obtain means to ameliorate the condition of our oppressed countrymen, escaped from the slave power of our boasted land of freedom, who have found a refuge from their cruel bondage in the British dominions. When about to leave he declared himself fully settled in the belief of the Sabbath of the Lord our God, and said he should teach it. He was supplied with a few such books as he desired, and said he should pass through Rochester, N. Y., on his way to Canada, and call at the office for the Review. Thank the Lord, that he is qualifying teachers who have influence with this class of our fellow men who are now free, and have the privilege to keep the weekly Sabbath of the Bible when they hear it taught.
At our second meeting in B. a young man came out fully decided to keep the Lord's Sabbath, and walk in all the ordinances of the Lord's house, blameless. Some others were also deeply interested, and came for books, to still further enlighten their minds on our position. In accordance with the command of the great head of the church, three were baptized, henceforth to walk in newness of life.
In answer to prayer the Lord healed the sick, strengthened and refreshed the living members of the church, and encouraged us to still labor on for the salvation of precious souls. All praise to his holy name.
On the 17th inst. we pitched our tent in the city of Middletown, on the Connecticut river, and held meetings on Sabbath and First-day, 18th and 19th. How perceptible the difference between a city congregation and one in the "highways and hedges." The first so much more prejudiced against the truths connected with the doctrines of the second advent than the latter.
The parable of the three invitations to the great supper, in Luke xiv, 16-24, given by our Lord, answering to, and in agreement with, the three angels' messages in Rev. xiv, 6-12, makes this all clear; viz., the third and last invitation answering to the third angel's message, is to be proclaimed in the highways and hedges; the preceding invitation, answering to the second angel's message, in connection with a cry at midnight, having already been given in the streets and lanes of the city, that is in the midst of the professed organized churches, where God's people were to be found. But before the third invitation closes, the loud cry of the third angel's message will gather God's people from every section of the wide-spread harvest field, that his house may be filled.
We would not be understood by the above that all our hearers were prejudiced against our position, for some we learn are much troubled about keeping the Lord's Sabbath, and walking in all the ordinances of the Lord, blameless. We have hope that they will now decide to keep all the commandments of the Lord. The Church have kindly cared for our wants, and aided us much by their efforts to sustain and carry forward the meetings. Bro. and Sr. Belden opened their house to entertain the Brethren for two successive meetings in B. Bro. and Sr. Chamberlain, of Middletown, opened their doors for all the lovers of truth. In our praying seasons we have heard their thanks and praise to God for aiding, strengthening and greatly blessing them in the performance of their respective duties, and how glad they were to have the people of God come in with them, and partake of what their homes afforded.
This we have also noticed in the several places where we have held tent meetings this season. The message is God's. It is his last work! It would be marvelous indeed if he did not bless his self-sacrificing37people, who were endeavoring to carry out the work he has laid out before them. He has, and still does, and will, bless all who willingly work to promote his cause. There are two other places in Connecticut to which we are invited to give the message, by men not with us in the truth. We go, believing that God will also bless them for opening a door for their neighbors to hear and judge for themselves.
JOSEPH BATES.
Middletown, Ct., August 21, 1855. E. L. BARR.
At Home.
By Editor
We reached home the 30th ult., having been absent from the Office eleven weeks. One great object of this visit—the restoration of health—is partially obtained. Too many hours of most wearing care in the Office when at home, and too frequent, and too lengthy speaking when from home, for several years, brought us near the grave; but with a proper amount of care and toil with the blessing of God, we hope to enjoy a comfortable state of health. Our remaining energies are most solemnly dedicated to the precious cause of truth. The thought that we should be compelled to leave the work has been most heart-rending.
On this late tour we have had the privilege of presenting Bible truth to many at the several Tent-meetings, and the pleasure of mingling with the pure in heart, in social and family worship. How cheering to worn pilgrims is the welcome home with those of like precious faith! How refreshing are the fervent supplications which go up to God from kindred spirits when bowed around the altar of prayer for their success. We feel indeed unworthy of the sympathy and care of the many dear friends with whom we have recently met. God grant that they and we may so pursue our pilgrimage as finally to meet with the 144,000 on Mount Zion.
The Office.
By Editor
WE are happy to say that the Brethren in Michigan cheerfully take upon themselves the responsibilities of the REVIEW Office. They will probably move it to that State this Fall. Brethren in Vermont are willing and ready to do the same, but regard Michigan to be more the center of the future field of labor, and are willing that the Press should be established in that State. The REVIEW will probably be issued weekly after the Press shall be established at Battle Creek, Michigan. It will be our duty and privilege to be freed from the Office at present, at least. God has raised up others who are better able to conduct the REVIEW, and bear these burdens than we are.
Going West.
By Editor
MANY of our Eastern Brethren think of moving West. We would say that the West is a wide and promising field for those of experience, who wish to do good in spreading the truth. The advancement of the cause of truth should be the great object with all believers. A good brother in Vermont, when speaking of going West, said that he should not wish his brethren who might go from the East to settle by him, but to settle 40 miles apart, and in each place raise the standard of truth, and make a home for the traveling servants of God.
With such views and feelings, we would say to those dear brethren in the East who think of going West, Go in the name of the Lord, and may your endeavors to raise the standard of truth in the great West be blest of the Lord.
Meetings in Saratoga Co., N. Y.
By A. S. Hutchins
In company with Bro. Sperry, I have just returned from West Milton, where we held meetings on Sabbath and First-day, Aug. 11th and 12th, and 18th and 19th.
The meetings held on the 11th inst. we trust were of profit to those present, though we had but few to speak to, as we did not arrive there in time to circulate the appointment extensively. On the 12th we held one meeting in a meeting-house at Rock City. A goodly number were present, and we had a free time in presenting the subject of the Sabbath.
On the 18th and 19th our meetings were held in a retired and beautiful grove. Here we felt the Spirit of God rest down upon us freely, and enjoyed much of its presence while proclaiming the glorious truths of the last solemn message of mercy. On First-day quite a number were present to hear. They listened with deep interest to three discourses, and there was not the least disposition on the part of any one to disturb us or the congregation. Some came to this meeting from Greenfield (an adjoining town) among whom was one friend who is a believer in the Advent faith. This friend evidently came to hear, and so urgent was the request for us to go the next day to Greenfield, and hold a meeting, that we felt compelled to do so.
At this place we found four friends who still continue to look for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Our interview with them was sweet and encouraging. We held an evening meeting there. Several of the friends were present, and listened with interest to the word spoken. As the meeting closed and we took the parting hand, and witnessed the falling tear, we felt grateful to God for this privilege with the friends in this place. May the Spirit of God guide into all truth, and save them with the redeemed.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Panton, Vt., August 24, 1855.
The General Conflagration.
By Thos. Dick, LL. D.
We are informed, in the Sacred Oracles, that a period is approaching, when "the elements shall melt with fervent heat, and the earth, and the works that are therein, shall be burned up." Science has ascertained certain facts in the constitution of nature, which lead us to form some conception of the manner in which this awful catastrophe may probably be effected, and also of the ease with which it may be accomplished, when the destined period shall have arrived. It was formerly stated that the atmosphere, or the air we breathe, is a compound substance, composed of two very different and opposite principles, termed oxygen and nitrogen. The oxygen, which forms about a fifth part of the atmosphere, is now ascertained to be the principle of flame; a lighted taper, immersed in this gas, burns with a brilliancy too great for the eye to bear, and even a rod of iron or steel is made to blaze under its energy.
The modern infidel, like the scoffers of old, scouts the idea of the dissolution of the world, and of the restitution of the universe, "because all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation; not knowing the Scriptures, nor the power of God;" and not considering the principles and facts in the system of nature, which indicate the possibility of such an event. But, from the fact now stated, we may learn how easily this effect may be accomplished, even in conformity with those laws which now operate in the constitution of our globe. For should the Creator issue forth his almighty fiat—"Let the nitrogen of the atmosphere be completely separated from the oxygen, and let the oxygen exert its native energies wherever it extends;"—from what we know of its nature we are warranted to conclude that instantly a universal conflagration would commence throughout all the kingdoms of nature—not only wood, coals, sulphur, bitumen, and other combustible substances, but even the hardest rocks and stones, and all the metals, fossils, and minerals, and water itself, which is a compound of two inflammable substances, would blaze with a rapidity which would carry destruction through the whole expanse of the terraqueous globe, and change its present aspect into that of a new world:—at the same time all the other laws of nature might still operate as they have hitherto done since the creation of the world.
I do not mean positively to assert that this is the agent which the Almighty will certainly employ for accomplishing this terrible catastrophe, (though we think it highly probable,) since Infinite Power is possessed of numerous resources, for accomplishing its objects, which lie beyond the sphere of our knowledge and comprehension. But I have brought forward this fact to show with what infinite ease this event may be accomplished, when Almighty Power is interposed. By means of the knowledge we have acquired of the constitution of the atmosphere, and by the aid of chymical apparatus, we can perform experiments on a small scale, similar in kind, though infinitely inferior in degree, to the awful event under consideration. And, therefore, we can easily conceive that He who formed the expansive atmosphere which surrounds us, and who knows the native energy of its constituent principles, may, by a simple volition, make that invisible fluid, in a few moments, the cause of the destruction of the present constitution of our world, and, at the same time, the means of its subsequent renovation. For as fire does not annihilate, but only changes, the forms of matter, this globe on which we now tread, and which bears the marks of ruin and disruption in several parts of its structure, may come forth from the flames of the general conflagration, purified from all its physical evils, adorned with new beauties and sublimities, and rendered a fit habitation for pure intelligences, either of our own species or of another order. For, though the "heavens," or the atmosphere, "shall be dissolved, and the elements melt with fervent heat;" "yet," says the Apostle Peter, "we, according to his promise, look for a new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." Whether, after being thus renovated, it shall be allotted as the residence of the redeemed inhabitants of our world is beyond our province at present to determine. But if not, it will, in all probability, be allotted as the abode of other rational beings, who may be transported from other regions, to contemplate a new province of the divine empire, or who may be immediately created for the purpose of taking possession of this renovated world. For we have reason to believe that the energies of creating power will be continually exerted, in replenishing the boundless universe throughout all the ages of infinite duration, and that no substances or worlds which God has created will ever be suffered to fall into annihilation—at least that the original atoms of matter will never be destroyed, whatever new forms they may assume, and however varied the combinations into which they may enter.
[Thos. Dick, LL. D.]
A Preliminary Inquisition.
Whether a dream or an imaginative reverie, it is not important to determine, but methought I stood in a large church structure, crowded with anxious spectators, eagerly intent, as it would seem, on some solemn procedure which was about to commence. Two personages of commanding appearance occupied a raised platform, one of whom, as I soon learned, was the representative of the World, and the other, with angelic countenance, the representative of the great Head of the Church. After a breathless silence of some minutes, the latter arose, and addressing the assembled congregation, said, "Ye who are here congregated have all publicly professed discipleship to my Divine Master; and as he who stands by my side has put in a claim to the service and allegiance of some here present, I have been commissioned to test his claim according to the rule of righteousness. All, therefore, will prepare for the investigation which is to follow." Each one, in his order, was then called by name, and after close scrutiny a verdict was pronounced, and agreeably to this the individual took his position on the right or left of the platform, as belonging to Christ or the world. A specimen only of these examinations can be given, and yet they may answer for the whole.
A. B. was called up. Had been a professor for ten years, and the father of a large family; did not believe that paternal influence should be used to constrain children to read the Bible, learn the catechism, and attend church; children should be permitted to exercise their own liberty in such matters; was accustomed, however, to require strict attention in them to their worldly duties; had never established family prayer, because it was not convenient, and had known some who were very strict in such matters, while they were no better than they should be; did not think he should be questioned as to his attention to secret prayer, as that was nobody's business but his own; his motive for becoming a member of the Church was because he considered himself as good a Christian as any around him.
"I claim this man," said the world's representative; and, as there was no objection, he was placed on the left side.
C. D. was then called. He had been a professor from youth; was a merchant, in fair business; made it a point to attend Church once on the Sabbath, and38considered it right to rest or take recreation in the afternoon; thought that too much religion unfitted a man for worldly occupation; had never been guilty of any great sin; he did, indeed, get his letters from the post-office on a Sabbath, as they might contain some important information; had sometimes travelled on a Sabbath, when the claims of business seemed to require; did not make it a practice to read newspapers on that day, but would occasionally do it on the arrival of a foreign mail; thought himself bound to attend to business strictly, that he might provide for his family; would take advantage in making a bargain, as it was the way of business men, and was considered as an evidence of shrewdness.
"I claim him," said the world's representative. "The claim is admitted; let him take the left hand."
E. F. was summoned. Had been a professor for forty years; was not sixty years old; had, by industry and business tact, accumulated a large fortune; wished to leave his children in independent circumstances; denied that he was prodigal, although his position required him to live handsomely and make as much show as his rich neighbors; did not give much to religious objects, as he did not think he was bound to give the fruit of his labors to others; had not much opinion of missionary and such like societies, and thought it foolish to expend so much money upon them; paid his pew rent regularly, and thought that was all that should be required of him.
"I claim him," said the world's representative; "pass to the next."
G. H. was a very old man, and rich withal; considered himself a pattern of prudence; had never expended a farthing unnecessarily even on himself; had no family to provide for; was chiefly occupied in finding out investments for his money; by care and economy had struggled from a poor boyhood to a rich manhood; never gave anything in charity, but intended to leave his money for benevolent objects.
"I claim him," said the world's representative; the claim admitted.
I. J. was called. Was the mother of a family; devoted herself to her children, in introducing them into the best society; had no opinion of puritanical preciseness; indulged her children in all innocent amusements, such as parties, dancing, operas, and the theatres—could see no harm in it; had had her own pleasure in her younger days, and was not averse to occasional participation still; considered her hope of heaven as good as any of her neighbors.
"I claim her," said the world's representative; claim admitted.
K. L. was called forward. Was devoted to literary pursuits; his life had been without a blemish; avoided time-consuming amusements; listened to a sermon with pleasure, when it was logical and eloquent; believed in the Christian religion; was chiefly anxious to secure literary fame; sometimes felt envious of the successes of others; acknowledged that literature had more charms for him than religion.
Claimed by the world's representative, and claim admitted.
M. N., O. P., Q. R., and others of the same class, were called forward, when it appeared that they were men and women against whose outward conduct nothing could be alleged; they attended church with considerable punctuality, and were thrifty in the management of their secular concerns; but, on close examination, it appeared that their notions of religion were only superficial, and that they had no conception of a religion which consisted in a holy and daily walk with God. These seemed much surprised when they were adjudged to belong to the world.
S. T. was the next in order. She seemed much abashed and downcast; feared she had no religion; was daily examining her heart by the word of God, and could see little but her own defects. She very frequently besought God in her closet to reveal his Son in her, and although she thought she loved Christ, yet she was grieved that she did not love him as she ought; she still hoped, however, that he would not leave her to perish, for he was the only Almighty Friend she wished to appeal to.
"Enough," said Christ's representative, "I put in a claim for this humble woman," and the world's representative had not a word to say.
U. V. was a man of bright countenance. He said he had nothing to say in his own behalf, except this; that he had fled to Christ as his life, his strength and his righteousness, and that it was his pleasure to serve him with the fullest purpose of his heart.
The world's representative had no claim to put in here.
W. X. and Y. Z. were found also to be professors, who lived consistently, worked the works of righteousness, lived lives of prayer, set not their affection on earth but on heaven, and were claimed as the true property of God.
Here I awoke from my reverie, and thought seriously on the last great day of accounts.—Presbyterian.
Communication from Bro. Cottrell.
By R. F. Cottrell
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—The Lord is opening the way for the spread of the truth in this vicinity. Last First-day there was a discourse delivered to a large congregation at the Disciples' house in Clarence, on the subject of the seals, trumpets, and vials of the book of Revelation. The speaker took the position that the seals have all been opened, the trumpets all sounded, and that we are living under the sixth vial, when the nations will be gathered to the battle of the great day of God Almighty; that the prophetic history contained in the twelfth and thirteenth chapters was all in the past, and that the place that we occupy is in the sixteenth chapter, where it is said, Behold, I come as a thief. This coming of the Lord, he thought, might mean his coming in his providences, in the fulfillment of these predicted judgments upon the nations, and he thought all Europe would be involved in war. And though the wrath of God upon the nations was to be filled up, completed, finished, in these seven vials, yet he seemed to see no danger this side of the Atlantic. It seemed that he had forgotten that Jeremiah had said that all the kingdoms of the world that are upon the face of the earth, should drink of the wine cup of the wrath of God. Chap. xxv. For all that he said, his hearers might think that "this wicked, ambitious, idolatrous, Sabbath-breaking and slave-holding nation" (to use the words of K. D. Nettleton,) might escape.
As to the coming of the Lord, it might be soon or it might be many years in the future. He trusted that he and his brethren were prepared for that event now, or would be, whenever it shall come. And though he fully believed that we were under the sixth vial, yet he was very careful not to excite the fears of his audience. Said he, "I am not an alarmist." He knew not whether Christ would come literally and reign, or we should have a thousand years spiritual reign.
Now, I have not a word to say against this man; he is a stranger in this place, and he may be one that loves our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Perhaps he is seeking for the truth as for hidden treasure. But this I am confident of, that he is not one that the Lord has called forth by the prophet Joel to preach to the people that the battle of the day of the Lord is immediately impending. He is too fearful of alarming the people. The Lord says, "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion, and sound an alarm in my holy mountain: let all the inhabitants of the land tremble." Why, what is the matter? "For the day of the Lord cometh; it is nigh at hand." When my friend gets this commission he will not so careful not to alarm the people.
The Lord is over-ruling all things for the good of his people, and for the spread of the third message. The subject of the prophecies is being agitated; the spirit of inquiry is in the minds of the lovers of truth, and it will not be satisfied with anything but the truth. It will not be hard to convince the candid that this government has something to do in the fulfillment of the prophecies that relate to the last days. That the vials of wrath containing the seven last plagues are the wrath without mixture threatened by the third angel; and consequently not one of them can be poured out till Mercy has ceased to plead, and probation is ended.
Oh, Lord! speed on the message, and seal thy servants before the day of wrath shall come—before the four winds are loosed, and the great day of his wrath is come, when none will be able to stand but those that have the sign of the living God in their foreheads.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Mill Grove, N. Y., Aug. 28th, 1855.
Communication from Bro. Curry.
By Manning Curry
DEAR BROTHER WHITE:—I have been shaping my business for the last year, since I saw the light on the Sabbath of the Lord, to devote my time to the work of preaching the word. I have been hindered some by the ill health of my family. I now am in the field, and hope to be until the Lord finishes his last work of mercy to a fallen world. I have just been to Windsor, to visit for the first time the little flock who came into the faith last winter, under the faithful labors of our beloved brother, J. B. Frisbie. At the time they received the truth they had only a very few discourses, yet they are fully established on the Sabbath, and most of them are clear on the Life and death, yet they have not heard, as yet, a discourse on that subject. I found them steadfast, having the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace. They are all intelligent believers, and well prepared to give a reason of their hope. The brushings that they have passed through, some of which have been noticed in the Review, have only fortified them on the rock of truth, and convinced the candid part of community that they have the truth of God for their foundation.
I gave them a discourse on Baptism, touching the design and importance of that institution. They saw the force of the truth, and four of them obeyed the Lord in baptism; others will doubtless follow their example soon. We had a joyful time in obeying the Lord, in attending to this institution of his word. The brethren journeyed with me on my way some miles on Monday morning, to the Grand River's bank, where, after singing and prayer they put on the Lord Jesus Christ by baptism. They returned rejoicing, while I went on my way to carry the word of life to others. May the Lord preserve us all unto life eternal.
MANNING CURRY.
Delhi, Mich., Aug. 21, 1855.
Eloquent Extract.
The brightness of the brightest names, pales and wanes before the radiance which shines from the person of Christ. The scenes at the tomb of Lazarus, at the gate of Nain, in the happy family at Bethany, in the "upper room" where he instituted the feast which should for ever consecrate his memory, and bequeathed to his disciples the legacy of his love; the scene in the garden of Gethsemane, on the summit of Calvary, and at the sepulchre; the sweet remembrance of the patience with which he bore wrong, the gentleness with which he rebuked it, and the love with which he forgave it; the thousand acts of benign condescension by which he well earned for himself from self-righteous pride, and censorious hypocrisy, the name of the "friend of publicans and sinners;" these, and a hundred things more, which crowd those concise memorials of love and sorrow with such prodigality of beauty, and of pathos, will still continue to charm and attract the soul of humanity, and on these the highest genius, as well as the humblest mediocrity, will love to dwell.
These things lisping infancy loves to hear on its mother's knee, and over them age, with gray locks, bends in devoutest reverence. No, before the infidel can prevent the influence of these compositions, he must get rid of the gospels themselves, or he must supplant them by fictions yet more wonderful! Ah! what bitter irony has involuntarily escaped me! But if the last be impossible, at least the gospels must cease to exist before infidelity can succeed.
Yes, before infidels can prevent men from thinking as they have ever done of Christ, they must blot out the gentle words with which, in the presence of austere hypocrisy, the Saviour welcomed that timid guilt that could only express its silent love in an agony of tears; they must blot the words addressed to the dying penitent, who, softened by the majestic patience of the mighty sufferer, detected at least the monarch under the veil of sorrow, and cast an imploring glance to be "remembered by him when he came into his kingdom;" they must blot out the scene in which the demoniacs sat listening at his feet, and "in their right mind;" they must blot out the remembrance of the tears which he shed at the grave of Lazarus—not surely for him whom he was about to raise, but in pure sympathy with the sorrows of humanity—for the myriads of desolate mourners, who could not, with Mary, fly to him and say, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my mother, brother, sister had not died!" they must blot out the record of those miracles which charm us, not only as the proof of his mission, and guarantees of the truth of his doctrine, but as they illustrate the benevolence of his character, and are types of the spiritual cures his gospel can yet perform; they must blot out the scenes of the sepulchre, where love and veneration lingered and saw what was never seen before, but shall henceforth be seen at the end of time—the tomb itself irradiated with angelic forms, and bright with the presence of him "who brought life and immortality to light;" they must blot out the scene where deep and grateful love wept so passionately, and found him unbidden at her side, type of ten thousand times ten thousand, who have "sought the grave to weep there," and found joy and consolation in him, "who, though unseen, they loved;" they must blot out the discourses in which he took leave of his disciples, the majestic accents of which have filled so many departing souls with patience and with triumph; they must blot out the yet sublimer words in which he declares himself "the resurrection and the life"—words which have led so many millions more to breathe out their spirits with child-like trust and to believe, as the gate of death closed behind them that they would see him who is invested with the "keys of the invisible world," who opens and no man shuts, and shuts and no man opens, letting in through the portals which lead to immortality the radiance of the skies; they must destroy these and a thousand other such things, before they can prevent him having the pre-eminence who loved, because he loved us, to call himself the "Son of Man," though angels call him the "Son of God."
It is vain to tell men it is an illusion. If it be an illusion, every variety of experiment proves it to be inviolate, and it will not be dissipated by a million of Strausses, Newmans! Probatum est. At his feet, guilty humanity, of diverse races and nations, for eighteen hundred years, has come to pour forth in faith and love its sorrows, and finds there "the peace which the world can neither give nor take away." Myriads of aching heads and weary hearts have found, and will find repose there, and have invested him with veneration, love and gratitude, which will never, never be paid to any other name than His.
[Defense of Eclipse of Faith.
How to Interpret the Bible.
"THE grand rule of interpreting, or explaining the Bible, is, to let the Bible mean as it says. It is a revelation from God, designed for the use of all classes of people. It would be an impeachment of the divine wisdom, to suppose the meaning of any part of it to be so dark and obscure, as not to be adapted to answer the end for which the Holy Spirit dictated it to the inspired penman. Timothy, from a child, had known the holy Scriptures; and why should it be supposed that other young persons should not be able to know them as well as he? To ascertain what any passage says, consider what the words mean, according to their common acceptation, and according to their usage elsewhere in the Scriptures; if they have more meanings than one, consider their connection and subject of discourse; and then conclude that the plainest and most obvious sense of the words, when used in such a connection and on such a subject, is most likely to be the true sense in the passage before you."
"Feeling for the Pillars."
WHEN Luther was at Coburg he wrote to a friend, "I was lately looking out of my window at night, and I saw the stars in the heavens, and God's great beautiful arch over my head, but I could not see any pillars on which the great Builder had fixed this arch; and yet the heavens fell not, and the great arch stood firmly. There are some who are always feeling for the pillars, and longing to touch them. And because they cannot touch them, they stand trembling, and fearing lest the heavens should fall. If they could only grasp the pillars, then the heavens would stand fast." Thus Luther illustrated the faith of his own soul, and wished to inspirit others with the same strong confidence in God.
Nothing Lost by Prayer.
We know not the secret history of this world's mightiest transactions and its proudest monuments; but from the little that we know, we can affirm that the men who have prospered best are the men who have taken time to pray. It was to prayer that Henry IV. of France ascribed his crown, and Gustavus owed his victories. The father of the modern fine arts was wont, before he began any new composition, to invoke his inspiration who in other days taught Aholiab; and the Goliath of English literature felt that he had studied successfully when he had prayed earnestly. And what Michael Angelo and Milton and Johnson found so hopeful to their mighty genius cannot hinder us. You have read in our own history of that hero who, when an overwhelming force was in full pursuit, and all his followers were urging him to more rapid flight, coolly dismounted in order to repair a flaw in his horse's harness. While busied with the broken buckle, the distant cloud swept down in nearer thunder; but just as the prancing hoofs and eager spears were ready to dash down on him, the flaw was mended, the clasp was fastened, the steed was mounted, and like a swooping falcon he had vanished from their view. The broken buckle would have left him on the field a dismounted and inglorious prisoner. The timely delay sent him safely back to his huzzaing comrades. There is in daily life the same luckless precipitancy and the same profitable delay. The man who, from his prayerless waking, bounces off into the business of the day, however good his talents and great his diligence, is only galloping on a steed harnessed with a broken buckle, and must not marvel if, in his hottest haste, or most hazardous leap, he be left inglorious in the dust; and though it may occasion same little delay beforehand, his neighbor is wiser who sets all in order before the march begins.
A Christian's Credentials
A CHRISTIAN'S CREDENTIALS.—What are they? Not the blossoms of a fair profession, but the ripe and mellow fruit of God-like actions. Cornelius' prayers and alms came up as a memorial before God—not his prayers alone, nor his alms alone, but his prayers and alms. Beautiful conjunction. Piety towards God, and an active charity towards all mankind; the twin personifications of vital, saving piety. Salvation is of grace, not of merit, not of works lest any man should boast. But faith, without works, is dead. It is like an index, without a book; like hands, without a clock; like sails, without a ship; like a tree with nothing but dry and withered branches. Professed disciple of Christ, to prove thy discipleship genuine, thou must surround thyself with widows, whom thou hast comforted—with orphans, whom thou hast succored—with the ignorant, whom thou hast instructed—with the wandering, whom thou hast reclaimed—with the hungry, whom thou hast fed—with the naked, whom thou hast clothed—with the sick, whom thou hast visited. These are thy trophies!
Encouragement to the Saints
By Cornelia Lawton
From Sister Lawton.
DEAR BRO. WHITE:—It is fifteen months since I embraced the Sabbath and commenced its observance with the Lord's dear people. The love I feel for the remnant, and for the cause, has prompted me to write; and if I can speak a word of sympathy or encouragement to cheer the hearts of the saints I shall feel that it has not been in vain.
Never did I desire more than at present, to be a laborer in the vineyard of the Lord, and to do my utmost to help forward his cause. When I look abroad upon the world, I behold the fields already ripe for the harvest. The harvest is great and the laborers few. O how we should pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into his harvest!
We may not all be messengers, yet we can and ought to labor to sustain those who are, not only by our fervent, effectual prayers, but with the means which God has placed in our hands. It should be given freely and cheerfully. We should rejoice that we have it to bestow. We who are looking for the speedy coming of the Saviour, cannot do otherwise. To be consistent with our faith, our property, our friends and all must be upon the altar. Our lives must be in conformity to the word of God. We should not conform to this wicked world by indulging in any thing needless. I like Bro. Cottrell's views on dress in No. 3. Let us lay aside all pride and pray fervently that we may be a holy people, zealous of good works.
The way is strait and narrow; and none but the pure in heart can stand before the Son of man. I have felt of late that God was about to pour the latter rain upon his people that they may be better prepared to help forward the cause. Praise God, the work is his, and he will carry it on.
The Lord was with his dear servants while holding a Tent-meeting in this place. Although the light shone in a dark place, where prejudice is strong, yet, thank the Lord, there are some who comprehend it; and through more labor bestowed, other jewels may be brought out, we have reason to hope. May the Lord hasten the time when the truth will be more fully set before this people.
To the dear saints I would say, Lift up your heads; for your redemption is near. We are pilgrims and strangers in this world, but the Saviour has said, Fear not, little flock, it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Then let us breast the storm; it will not be long; we shall soon get home and be forever with the Lord. My longing heart says, "Come Lord Jesus, come quickly."
Yours longing for immortality.
CORNELIA LAWTON.
Herkimer Co., N. Y., Aug. 26th, 1855.
Who Is Rich
Who is rich?—'When I was young, an old gentleman asked me, 'When is a person rich enough?' I replied, 'When he has a thousand pounds.' 'No.' 'When he has ten thousand?' I asked. 'No.' 'A hundred thousand?' 'No.' 'When then?' 'When he has a little more than he has got, and that is never.' So it too often is. If we once allow the beginnings of a covetous spirit, our desires will always keep in advance of our possessions. He only is truly rich who is truly contented.