WE shall insist that our opponents on the Sabbath question be consistent in the positions which they occupy. When they are strenuous for certain principles which are essential to other portions of their belief, and then ignore those same principles when they come to an investigation of the Sabbath, we say that they are inconsistent; we might say more; for dishonesty is evidently involved in such a course. If they will allow certain principles, the validity of which they acknowledge on most points, to have their full bearing on all questions in which they are involved, we have no fears for the Sabbath. The following extracts from religious papers of the day will illustrate.
“ONE BAPTISM.
“It is a principle of law that “when a statute limits a thing to be done in a particular form, it includes in itself a negative, viz., that it shall not be done otherwise.” The soundness of this principle cannot be disputed. The command to a child to do a particular thing is a prohibition to do some other thing. This principle is the justification of Baptists. The thing commanded, as the visible act, in making a religious profession, is baptism. Baptism therefore is the act to be performed, under the precise conditions, and by the precise mode of the original institution. Substitutes, modifications are forbidden. The one original baptism was the immersion of believers. That was the baptism required, and the inference of the prohibition of every other is conclusive. The same may be said of the order of observing Christian ordinances—first baptism—then communion. This was “the pattern in the Mount,” and therefore the law of Christian churches.”
It is not to call in question the “soundness of this principle,” that we have introduced this extract, but to show that it has a wider application than to the one subject of baptism. “When a statute limits a thing to be done in a particular form, it includes in itself a negative, viz., that it shall not be done otherwise.” Very well. There is a statute incorporated into the law of Jehovah, which limits us to a particular action; it is that we shall keep the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath of the Lord. Does this include in itself a negative? It does; namely, that we shall not act otherwise. “The command to do a particular thing is a prohibition to do some other thing.” We accept the principle. See if it is not good in the following proposition: the command to keep the seventh day is a prohibition to keep any other day. This prohibition is expressly contained again in the commandment when it says that six days we shall labor. According to this principle then, the fourth commandment commands us to labor, and prohibits us from resting on the first day of the week.
According to the quotation, “this principle is the justification of Baptists.” Give it an untrammeled application, and it becomes the justification of the Sabbath-keeper also. This is all we claim.
“Substitutes, modifications are forbidden.” How true must this be as applied to the Sabbath; and it cannot be shown that Sunday-keeping is anything else. Pursuing the argument we reason as follows: that as “the one original baptism was the immersion of believers,” so the one original Sabbath was the seventh day of the week; and as that is the Sabbath required to be kept, “the inference of the prohibition of every other is conclusive.” This was the “example” at creation, and therefore the law for every child of God from that time onward. But yet the mass of the Baptist denomination, and doubtless the writer of the above also, live in a barefaced violation of this principle from week to week.
We will not, reader, detain you longer on this point, but invite your attention to the following:
“RESERVED FROM THE CREATION.
“Rev. Theo. L. Cuyler writes in the Christian Intelligencer—During the present exciting agitation of the “Sunday rail-car question,” it is well to bear in mind these two words—God’s day. It is not man’s day. It never was; it never will be. Man did not institute it. Man does not own it. When man attempts to take it away from God, and use it for his own ends of selfish pleasure or profit, he is a thief. God never gave him any right to the Sabbath, except to “keep it holy” to the Lord. In social and public worship, in reading and meditation, in getting good and doing good, the sacred hours are to be spent; but never in whipping poor overworked brutes along, before cars overloaded with idlers, excursionists, and Sabbath-breakers.”
A perusal of these lines leaves us strongly impressed with one of two things; either the “Rev. T. L. Cuyler” is intensely and totally blinded himself, or he presumes on the total blindness of his readers. It was the “Sunday rail-car question” which called forth his remarks; it is the Sunday, therefore, of which he speaks. Now take Sunday, and “these two words—God’s day,” and put them together, and what do you have? You have two objects that are entirely distinct from each other, two that bear no relation to each other, have no connection with each other, no dependence upon each other, and neither of which would remind us of the other. For Sunday is not “God’s day.” It never was; it never will be; that is, while we understand by the expression, the day which God set apart and sanctified as his Sabbath at the creation of the world. Did God rest upon Sunday? Did he set apart the first day of the week? Has that been “reserved from the creation?” Then how is it that we meet with such a tissue of contradictions as is contained in the above, publicly given to the world? A series of utter misapplications which render their author liable to the charge of being a knave or an ignoramus. Out of the declarations made, six, if applied to Sunday, are totally false; and the others cannot be applied to Sunday in any way whatever; yet the Rev. gentleman gives them to the public as vitally affecting the “Sunday rail-car question.”
We call your attention to one extract more, and close. It is from the American Messenger and reads as follows:
“WHEN IS THE GREAT WORK DONE?
“In the past months, God has poured his Spirit in various parts of the land. Many are now in the spring of their love to Christ and Christ’s work. They are gathered into the church, and a feeling of conscious and yet trembling security fills their bosoms. Once they were in the “slippery paths” of sin—now, are they not standing on the Rock of ages, safe?
“But the fact that they are numbered among the people of God, and their names inscribed on the church records, does not secure their safety. No doubt many indulge erroneous impressions on this point, feeling that they have come into the church, not so much to grace, and to be useful, as to be safe. They have been converted, they hope, and think the great work is done. Oh, what low and imperfect views. The great work is but begun. They have only got upon the right track. They have only taken a position to start from.”
The correctness of this position, so far as carried out in this extract, we presume no one can doubt; that is, that when a person is just converted, and has joined himself with the people of God, the great work for him is but begun. But there is another great work closely connected with this (perhaps we might almost call it a part of it) concerning which we presume these same individuals would not be willing to make this admission. Taken on another point, it suits their purpose better to call the work finished, and so they call it finished. We need not mention that we refer to Sunday-keeping as a memorial of redemption. The work of redemption, they tell us, was completed when Christ arose from the dead on the first day of the week. This is their first assertion. Their next is, that for this reason it is “more appropriate” to observe the first day of the week for the Sabbath. The first is evidently false in toto, and even if the first were true, the second is rank presumption.
Redemption, the great work of redemption, completed when Christ rose from the dead! No! Well might we retort upon them, “Oh, what low and imperfect views.” His work of mediation was then but just begun. Ever since then he has been acting as high priest “in the presence of God for us;” and who can assert that the work of redemption is completed before the last subject of redemption is forever redeemed! Then and not till then will it be accomplished.
But we can have a memorial only of a work that is finished; and when, therefore, the ground is taken that the observance of Sunday is a memorial of redemption, it must of necessity be claimed that the work of redemption is completed. But what a view is this! Would it ever have been adopted, were it not to subserve a purpose! We do not wish to be harsh or unjust. We appeal to the reader therefore, if we have not judged rightly in all this. If he decides fairly and candidly that we have, he will doubtless be willing to second our demand for consistency on the part of our opponents, and may then occupy his mind with some further reflections which it is not necessary for us to mention.
R. F. C
By Roswell F. Cottrell
From Bro. Cottrell.
BRO. SMITH: I have not time at present to write an article on pride, as I threatened to do in my private letter from which you published an extract. But I can truly say, I have the greatest liberty when laboring in new places. Nothing can move out the honest to take a decided position in favor of the truth, till they see the fallen state of Babylon. And no argument is more tangible to prove her fallen state, than her merchandise and costly attire. This I feel free to talk where I know that no one can stop my mouth. But when I meet with a company of brethren, to present the truth to the world, my mouth is stopped. For I know that if I attempt to show the corruptions of popular christianity, it may with propriety, be retorted, “Physician, heal thyself.” When brought into such straight places, my pride is greatly mortified. This will do me good, but I do not want to receive good at the expense of my brethren. If all that profess the truth would do just right in this particular, I know not how proud and exalted I might become. But since it is for the best interest of the cause of truth, and of the household of faith, for all to lay aside their Babylonish garments and superfluities, perhaps the Lord would give me some other “thorn in the flesh” to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. But should I be lost through the salvation of so many, God would certainly be glorified; therefore I say to my brethren, do right, let the consequences be what they may. I will try to do right too, and hope that I also may be saved.173
Who believes that all the proud shall be stubble? And also, that the outward appearance is a true index of the heart? When the rumseller determines to discontinue his ruinous business, he takes down his sign. Would it not be well for those who would discontinue their pride, to take down the sign; and not pray God to strip them of the last and least remains of pride, while they will not so much as strip themselves of their ornaments. But these are small things to mention, perhaps not in reality worth a farthing; only a little net-work, or laces, insertions or fringes, that can ward off neither heat nor cold, nor answer the purpose of a covering. They cost but little of the Lord’s money, and a little more of the precious time which should be spent in his service. It only causes a breach of those apostolic precepts which require that whatever we do must be done “in the name of the Lord Jesus,” and “to the glory of God.” Hold! this is quite an expense, I should think. But if they cost but little, it can be but a little sacrifice to throw them away. Do not talk about great sacrifices till you are willing to make little ones.
But some have taken down the sign. Thank the Lord! I hope they will keep it down, though their very appearance may serve as a reproof to others. Persevere till the idols are utterly abolished. No one will regret in the end, that they have stood firm for the truth. When the loud cry is raised for the saints to come out of Babylon lest they partake of her sins, there must be some place besides Babylon to which they may flee. “If any wish to have their influence tell in favor of truth, let them live it out, and imitate the humble Pattern.”
R. F. C
YE ARE THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD.
By A. S. Hutchins
This declaration was made by Christ in his sermon on the mount. When multitudes were gathering around him, he withdrew from them to a mountain where he preached to his disciples the most instructive sermon ever listened to by man. Every sentence of this sermon is weighty and full of meaning. We should do well to read it often, to study it closely, and to be sure that its sanctifying, saving truths have a large place in all our hearts, and that we are influenced in our daily walk and conversation thereby.
In concluding this memorable sermon, Jesus teaches the necessity of heeding his sayings. "Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man which built his house upon a rock; and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it." Matt. vii, 24-27.
The day is near, "and hasteth greatly," when every hope based upon anything but the word of God will perish. The high expectations of many will be brought low like the house built upon the sand: "and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place." The seven last plagues will then fall heavily upon the wicked; but the hope of God's people will stand unshaken.
"A Temple on the Rock."
Said the Saviour, "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." This is as true of the church of God to-day, as it was eighteen hundred years ago. How divinely eminent then is the position of the true church. Like the firm and towering light-house, erected to guide the weary and storm-tossed mariner safely through the perils of some rock-bound coast, to his destined port; the church should ever stand where their light will so shine before men that perishing sinners may be guided in safety through the perils of "time's tempestuous ocean," to the haven of endless bliss.
"Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." "Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evil-doers, they may by your good works which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation." 1 Pet. ii. 12. "That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world." Phil. ii. 15.
We ask, where are those that shine as lights in the world? Where is the light of the world? Where shall we look for the preaching of Bible doctrine, of Bible faith? and for the preaching of that holiness of heart and the entire consecration to God, that his word requires of the Christian?
Shall we look into the proud and world-loving church for the light? or go to their teachers for the gospel in its purity as it fell from the lips of Him who taught as never did man; or watch these churches from day to day to learn of them the holiness of heart, and consecration to God, we must possess to enter the kingdom? If so, we look, we watch and wait in vain to learn the way to eternal life from them, as bodies; for they have passed the day of their glory, they have lost their communion with the great Head of the church, and are sinking into darkness and death.
We have reached the perils of the last days: the covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof, are before us. "From such," says the Apostle, "turn away." 2 Tim. iii.
Those who walk in the light as it shines from the pages of inspiration, will heed this injunction. The word of God, (not creeds, nor traditions of men,) will be a lamp to their feet, and a light to their path. "Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart. The path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day."
Until the work and sufferings of the church of God are completed, until their last testimony is borne in the world, the light will shine more and more. Notwithstanding the fallen and corrupt state of the sectarian churches of the present day, notwithstanding the darkness which envelopes them, the hand of the Lord will gather his faithful, truth-loving followers together upon his word. Praise his holy name. For this purpose the first and second messages of Rev. xiv. have been proclaimed; the light shines brilliantly upon the truths contained therein; and we are now listening to the sound of the Third Message, to complete the work. The Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus will test the depth of love of the professed followers of Christ, for God and for his word, and for heaven. The honesty of such as say Lord, Lord, will be known by all. And sinners that will bow to the word of God, and do his will, will be gathered with the ransomed of the Lord.
The Saviour embraced an early opportunity in his preaching to teach the perpetuity of the Law of his Father; to shew that the law of commandments, the moral law was and would be binding "Till heaven and earth pass." "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled." Matt. v. 17, 18.
Says Justin Edwards, in commenting on verse 17, "Christ came not to make void the moral law as a rule of action, but to establish it, and give it practical efficacy over the hearts and lives of men, by leading them to love and obey it."
"It is worthy of observation," says Clarke, speaking on the same point, "that the word gamar among the Rabbins, signifies not only to fulfill, but also to teach." Both Christ and the apostles taught and pressed the claims of the law of God upon their hearers. May the Lord help us to do likewise, to let our light shine upon the whole law, the Bible Sabbath not excepted. The law of God is nothing that we have forced into the sermon on the mount, it is there. And as we would heed all the sayings of Christ, we will endeavor to keep the Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus.
O, ye followers of Jesus, ye are the light of the world. Set not your light under a bushel, but let it shine on every point of Bible truth. Hold it up. Hold it high. Patiently and perseveringly press forward, and your reward will quickly be given.
A. S. HUTCHINS.
McDonough Co., Ills., Sept. 1857.
ISRAEL.
By John Norton Loughborough
BRO. SMITH: I read with interest the remarks that appeared in Review No. 18, under the above caption. I have been strongly convicted for the last few months that all those speculations "that there are ten tribes of literal Israel somewhere existing, who must sometime in the future be restored," were without foundation in the Bible. I am also satisfied the more I look at this subject that many prophecies which have been supposed to relate to the future, have met with a literal accomplishment in the past, and to talk of their being fulfilled in the future must give them a second fulfillment.
It appears to me that proof is at hand to sustain the position taken in your article, that all Israel were recognized as existing in the land after the ten tribes had revolted. My object in writing this is to pen a few testimonies I have in addition to those you have quoted. They seem to teach that there were twelve tribes in the land three hundred years before Christ.
During the reign of Ptolemy Philadelphus (after the death of Alexander,) he sent to the Jews the following request: "Send six of the elders out of every tribe, and those such as are most skillful of the law, that by their means we may learn the clear and agreeing sense of these books, and may obtain an accurate interpretation of their contents, and so may have such a collection of these as may be suitable to thy desire." Jos. Ant. Book xii Chap. ii, Sec. iv. (According to Rollin's history, Ptolemy Philadelphus commenced his reign about 290, B. C.)
Again, in Sec. 5 of the same chapter, Josephus represents Ptolemy as saying to the Jews, "I have determined to procure an interpretation of your laws, and to have it translated out of the Hebrew into Greek, and to be deposited in my library." In Sec. 6, he gives us Eleazar's reply, "We have chosen six men out of every tribe, whom we have sent, and the law with them."
Now the question is, how many men did they send? If there were but two tribes in the land they could have sent only twelve men; but Josephus states that they sent seventy-two. This of course shows that twelve tribes were recognized at that time in the land, for six men of a tribe would require twelve tribes to make seventy-two men.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
White Rock, Ills., Sept. 16th, 1857.
"SIDE QUESTIONS."
By William S. Ingraham
BRO. SMITH: In perusing the Advent Herald, of Sept. 19th, 1857, I was somewhat astonished to learn the position of Eld. J. V. Himes, in relation to some particular points in connection with our faith. In his journal he speaks of calling on a Methodist preacher in Smethport Pa., and also of a conversation that passed between them. I should conclude from the manner he speaks of us in the Herald, that we are far beneath his dignity; and that we are looked upon as "selfish sectarians," and are represented as departing from the true faith, and taking "side questions for the purpose of bringing in strife and dissension."
But this is not all: In referring to his conversation with the preacher he further states that he seemed to be acquainted with the "shut-door, seventh-day Sabbath and annihilationists, as he called them." I would inquire what Eld. H. says of the same class. He says, "It seems this class of believers have in the last year introduced and pressed the above dogmas in some places, upon the people in this vicinity."
We see from this testimony that the writer does not hesitate to speak diminatively of the seventh-day Sabbath, and the doctrine of the destruction of the wicked &c.
It is much easier for some to get away from the Sabbath God has commanded everlastingly to be kept by calling it a delusion or a dogma, than it is to take the word of God and show that our faith is not in harmony with the Scriptures on this point. The same might be said in relation to the destruction of the wicked.
What does the Elder mean by the shut door? I have labored in Northern Pa. about three years, and I can say I have preached a free gospel to all that have ears to hear. And to the praise of God I can174say, Sinners have been converted and saints have acknowledged the claims of the fourth commandment, and are trying to get ready for the immediate coming of Christ. A correct understanding of the work of our high priest in the Sanctuary, at the termination of the 2300 days will clearly show what our faith is in regard to the shut door. This point has been explained in the Review, time after time, and our friends ought to understand the matter.
Eld. H. says, "I do not feel called upon to spend any time in showing a distinction between ourselves and those who have gone out from us, for the sake of getting rid of reproach." I am glad that there is a God that knows what is in the darkness and also what is in the light. If I have ever tried to shun the reproach, that must come in consequence of following Jesus, I am sorry. But I must say I have been willing to suffer with Christ, hoping I might reign with him. It is very true there is a difference between us. But when Eld. H. will show that what we believe in relation to the above mentioned points are unscriptural, he will succeed perhaps in convincing some of his own fellow-laborers in the gospel, that they are believing and preaching heresy in regard to the destiny of the wicked; for many of them agree with us on his subject.
WM. S. INGRAHAM.
Colchester, Ills., Sept. 23d, 1857.
Faithful Christian Living
By Halta L. Daniels
From Sister Daniels.
How great and exceedingly precious are the promises contained in God's word. It is meat indeed and drink indeed to every hungry, thirsty soul. It is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; and how necessary it is that we live up to its rules and requirements, that we obey God and do his will at all times and in all places, walking after godliness, [Phil. iii, 20,] having our conversation in heaven from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself. How ought we to live in all holy conversation and godliness before this sinful and accursed generation. We want more of that faith which works by love, in order to stand in this evil day.
O my brethren and sisters, you who are looking for Jesus, let us examine ourselves to see whether we are pure in heart before a just and holy God. Be not discouraged, ye followers of the Lamb, for we shall reap in due time if we faint not. God has said it, who also will perform it. He will be a shelter to those who put their trust in him. Let us keep all his holy commandments that we may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. What a blissful thought! How great should be our thirst after righteousness and true holiness in the sight of him who cannot look upon sin with the least degree of allowance. The pure in heart shall see God. O let us strive to live right in his sight. Let us forsake everything which is of a sinful nature, or in any way has a tendency to destroy our peace and confidence in God. Let us not give heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils, which are at enmity with God.
There are many delusions in these last days, which are leading hundreds and thousands down the broad road to ruin. These are not holy, neither are they pure. We are commanded to flee these things, and follow after godliness. I do believe that Spiritualism and Mormonism are schemes of Satan to lead souls to perdition. Rational and intelligent beings will not be led by them, nor be influenced by them. 2 Tim. iii, 6. Of this sort are they which creep into houses and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts. From such we should turn away.
I feel to praise God for all the blessings I enjoy; and though many have tried to turn my feet from God's holy law, I am still strong in the faith of his glorious advent. Many have advised me very carefully to give up my foolish notions. I am alone in this place; that is, in my belief, and have not had the privilege of meeting with the people of God on his holy day for more than a year. There are no Sabbath-keepers here. Many are the snares and temptations which are continually thrown in my pathway; but by the all-sustaining grace of God I have traveled thus far in that good and narrow way.
It is nearly two years since I embraced the Lord's Sabbath, and towards three since I sought and found my Saviour near; and the greatest desire of my soul is, to follow Christ who is the way, the truth, the life; to speak the truth at all times even amid the frowns and scoffs of the ungodly. This is the duty and the privilege of every devoted Christian. I have found much peace and joy in the reading of a portion of God's word, namely, Matt. v. We have much here to encourage us on in the heavenly pilgrimage. Here we learn that our Lord came not to destroy the law or the prophets, but to fulfill. How plain is God's word, and yet how many err from the truth. I wish that all would read this chapter, and whoso readeth, let him understand. A wayfaring man though a fool need not err therein.
There is not the least doubt in my own mind concerning the Sabbath. It is one of the most glorious truths of the Bible. It is my delight to do the will of God. Never will I turn away my feet from God's holy law; for if we would enter into life we must keep his commandments, and they are not grievous. For verily I say unto you, says Jesus, till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law till all be fulfilled. Also, James ii, 10. For whosoever shall keep the whole law and yet offend in one point he is guilty of all. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whosoever shall do and teach them the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. What plain and glorious truths are these.
This chapter first convinced me of my obligation to keep God's royal law, and may we ever keep and do all therein contained.
Dear friends and fellow-travelers through this wilderness world, let us never give up. We are almost in sight of the prize. If we are faithful we shall soon receive the crown, and rest with our lovely Jesus. Let us live holy, for without holiness no man can see the Lord. Soon we shall see the King in his beauty, and Jerusalem a quiet habitation.
The pure in heart shall see God. May the Lord help us to be pure in heart, and we help ourselves to do the same, that we may have a part in the first resurrection, and an abundant entrance into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord. Let us continue to look for him, for unto such he will appear without sin the second time unto salvation.
HALTA L. DANIELS.
Elkland, Tioga Co., Pa., 1857.
A Call to Consecration
By D. S. Gardner
From Sister Gardner.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: Believing we are in a most solemn time, the closing up of all earthly scenes, and when the last work for the church is being done, and being taught by the word of the Lord to exhort one another and so much the more as we see the day approaching, I have been constrained to add my feeble testimony to others who have spoken175through the Review. It is six years last April since I commenced keeping the Sabbath of the Lord, but never before did I realize as I now do the narrow way and strait gate that leads unto life eternal. When I commenced keeping the Sabbath I thought I made a sacrifice of all, reputation, parents, brothers, sisters, and what little I possessed of this world's goods; but I have found my heart clinging to them, and I now know the reason it has been so hard for me to give them up was a lack of consecration to God.
For a few months in the past I have endeavored to heed the counsel to the Laodiceans, to be zealous and repent. I believe we have no time to lose. The faithful and true Witness says, Because thou art neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. If we remain in this condition there is no mercy for us. Brother, sister, do you realize this? How many have acknowledged themselves lukewarm for some months in the past, that have not the evidence it is otherwise with them now. Do you not see you are under the threatening of the Almighty? I entreat you to wake up. Do not let the enemy keep you in his snare any longer. How many of my sisters are putting on apparel they would not have worn when they first embraced the last call of mercy. How many indulge in impatience in their families, love of the world, pride of life, while God's servants that he has chosen to bear the Message of the Third Angel to the people have to leave all, endure fatigue and privations, that we know nothing of.
While I exhort you I would confess my own sins. I have not known how much I loved the world until my eyes were anointed. I can now see that I have been worldly and covetous. But O how forbearing is the lovely Jesus. I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire that thou mayest be rich, and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear, and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve that thou mayest see. As many as I love I rebuke and chasten be zealous therefore and repent. 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. Matchless love! O blessed Jesus, fill us with thy love! Jesus shows his love for us although we are lukewarm, and gives us the last chance to be saved. There is great danger of our refusing so long to open the door that the promised blessing will be given to others, and we left to blindness and unbelief.
I am striving to buy the gold, white raiment and eye-salve. All I have and am is the Lord's, and I want it all on the altar a consuming sacrifice.
We have but a little while to lay up a treasure in heaven. Let us try to lay up a little every day. Let the consecration be entire, and all will be easy. The yoke is easy and the burden light. Bro. White's address to Sabbath-keepers, parents and children is excellent. May we all heed his timely counsel.
Yours striving to overcome.
D. S. GARDNER.
Bristol, Vt., Sept. 14th, 1857.
THE PRUDENT MAN FORESEETH THE EVIL AND HIDEH HIMSELF, BUT THE SIMPLE PASS ON AND ARE PUNISHED.
By S. Elmer
Heavy clouds are gathering fast,
Tokens of destruction sure.
Sinner, now before the blast,
Seek a shelter to secure.
Hear you not the distant sound,
Of the thunder murmuring low?
Haste thee, e'er the trembling ground
Hide thee in the gulf below.
Thousand voices from afar,
Warn thee of thy coming fate;
Careless sinner, now beware!
Haste thee, e'er it be too late!
Crimes in every shape increase,
Judgments stalk throughout the land,
Signs are borne on every breeze,
That destruction is at hand.
Darker clouds will soon arise,
Louder still the thunders roar,
Fiercer lightnings pierce the skies—
But the sinner's day is o'er.
S. ELMER.
Charity and Unity Among Believers
By Jacob Ayres
From Bro. Ayres.
Bro. Smith: My companion and myself are the only Sabbath-keepers in this immediate vicinity who are fully agreed in sentiment. We do not mean to say by this that there are not others who may be the children of God; for we have learned that to err is human, and that therefore it becomes us, as we are human, to speak and think of others with modesty.
The doctrines and views, as taught and held forth in the Review, more nearly accord with our views of prophecy in its fulfillment, and the near coming of the blessed Saviour, than any other publications we have yet seen; and in view of the plain intimation in the word of the Lord that all shall eventually see eye to eye, and also from the fact that we are all learners in the school of Christ, is it not our privilege to cherish the glorious hope that all contentions and divisions are destined to cease forever among the Lord's people? O may it be hastened in its time. And in the meantime let us be very careful to cultivate a spirit of charity towards all who are manifesting an honest desire to know the truth, though they may be in error on some points. O, how necessary that we walk softly and carefully before the Lord in these days of extreme peril. May the Lord give us wisdom to glorify his holy, blessed name.
Dear brethren and sisters, let us remember the solemn vows that our souls in anguish have made to be wholly the Lord's, for we may rest assured the Lord will hold us to a strict account for all we say and do; so that if we are found unfaithful to our vows or professions of faith and claims to divine illumination, we shall be found false witnesses and judged out of our own mouths. O, how solemn and fearful the thought. While I write I fear and tremble lest after I have preached to, or warned others, I should myself fail at last of securing the prize.
I am thoroughly satisfied that we are living in extremely perilous times, when unless we contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints and fight manfully the good fight of faith we shall be sure to be overcome by the powers of darkness. I say not these things to cause needless alarm, but wo is me if I see danger in the way and give not the warning. It seems to me we are living right in the time when the words of our Saviour are directly applicable to us. Luke xxi, 34. O let us look out for the snare in eating, drinking, and cares of this life. May the Lord help us.
Another thing I would warn against is pride of opinion. If this is a snare into which the Sabbath-keeping remnant of Adventists have been taken already, making it so necessary to give the message of the faithful and true Witness, O how important that a double guard be set against every approach of a like nature. While I say these things to others, I am not, I trust, forgetful of myself as a poor, miserable, hell-deserving sinner as viewed in my own righteousness, in the sight of a holy God! O how dependent on the mercy of my Father in heaven for salvation. O may I never forget the hole of the pit from whence I have been digged, by the wondrous grace of God, but ever be humble, meek and lowly like the blessed Master. Let us be faithful and repent of all our evil doings, so that we may be found at last without spot and blameless before the throne.
Yours striving for eternal life through Jesus.
Jacob Ayres.
Bristol, Ct., Sept. 15th, 1857.
C. W. SMITH
By C. W. Smith
From Bro. Smith.
BRO. SMITH: I write to let you know that I esteem the reading of the Review a great privilege, and love the good, warm, spirited letters, from the scattered flock. It does me good, and I would be glad to do some of my brethren as much good by giving a word through the Review.
In the first place I want to confess I have been an Advent believer since the Fall of 1844 but have lived in neglect of duty in my family and in our meetings, until one year ago. I saw I could not live in this way any longer. I commenced praying in my family, and to do other duties as they were presented to me. I have begun to see that I had not always been actuated by a right spirit, that I had not the spirit of Christ when I was opposed. I had a hard, harsh, overbearing, fault-finding spirit toward some of my brethren, for which I am heartily sorry. I want to see all my faults, and confess them, and put them all away, that I may not be a cumberer of the ground in the Lord's vineyard.
O I want that gold that is tried in the fire, that I may be rich; and white raiment, that I may be clothed, that my nakedness may not appear; and eye-salve, that I may see. The testimony to the Laodiceans is to be zealous and repent, and I must confess that I did not know what to do till I went back and saw what was said to the first church; that they had left their first love, and that they were to be zealous and repent, and do the first works. And I was referred back to the parable where the kingdom was taken from the Jews and given to a people that would bring forth the fruits thereof in their season.
I would say for the encouragement of those that have gone to the West, that the churches in Bristol and Waltham are coming up. Brn. Pierce and Rhodes have met with us once each, and it was like the coming of Titus. We feel that notwithstanding the messengers have left us, the Lord is with us still, for which I praise his holy name. My prayer to God is that I may ever be possessed of that meek and quiet spirit of Jesus.