THAT day is fast hastening. Christ will appear the second time. He is coming without sin unto salvation, to those that look for him. He went away bodily. The men of Galilee saw him. He will come again, in like manner, even as he was seen to go into Heaven. Says Jesus, “If I go away, I will come again.” He has gone away. He will come again. Blessed promise. Says Paul, “Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Says John, “But we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.” “Behold he cometh with clouds, and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him.”
Again says Jesus, “Surely, I come quickly.” That coming will be visible: “And they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven.” “And ye shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” “When the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from Heaven with his mighty angels.” “Every eye shall see him.”
How can men, professed ministers of the gospel, scoff at the doctrine of the second advent, when we find so many passages like the foregoing? Not long since a preacher in this place tried to quiet the fears of his congregation, by telling them that this doctrine was not correct, and that the Corinthian church was a tolerably pure church till they began to imbibe the notion that Christ was coming. But Paul told them not to be troubled. But ever since that time there had been a few here and there who had believed that Christ would come again. When I hear men scoffing at this “go up doctrine,” as it is called, I sometimes think of those forty children, who mocked good old Elisha after Elijah had been caught away from him in a chariot of fire, caught up to God. They said, “go up thou bald head; go up thou bald head.” They were torn in pieces by wild beasts. And way down here, so long since, men have learned no better, for in 1844 after the time passed, as the wicked would meet our brethren, as they began to go about their business, with sad hearts, the salutation they would receive, would be, “Well old,”—calling them by name,—“You haint gone up yet.” Oh! if God took vengeance on children for mocking one old man, who said that his master had gone up, what, I ask, will be the portion of those who are guilty of mocking, scoffing, ridiculing, and persecuting, those who, according to his promise, are looking for the return of their blessed Master in the clouds of heaven. Let such now read their fate as given by the same One who has promised to return. Paul says, the Lord is to be revealed from Heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power.” Then again all such shall flee from his presence and shall try to hide themselves, in the dens and rocks of the mountains, and shall say to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of his wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand?”
Sinner, that day will surely come; it hasteth. Not long will his chariot wheels stay. That day is a day of vengeance. Who may abide it? “He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart.” Are your hands clean? Have you a pure heart? Am I ready? Am I able to abide that day? These are questions of great importance. Let us answer them now before it is too late. Now is the accepted time. Jesus still pleads. The fountain for uncleanness is still open. The stream of mercy still flows. If you accept to-day, you can be safe. To-morrow may be too late. You may be lost, eternally lost. You want salvation, do you? Come, now. The Spirit and the bride say, Come, Jesus says, Come, and whosoever will let him come and drink of the water of life freely. May God help us to be wise before it is too late!
HENRY F. PHELPS.
Christian Courage
Chrysostom before the Roman emperor furnishes us with a most impressive and beautiful example of true Christian courage. The emperor threatened him with banishment if he would still remain a Christian.
Chrysostom replied, “Thou canst not, for the world is my Father's mansion,—thou canst not banish me.”
“But I will slay thee,” said the emperor.
“Nay, but thou canst not,” said the noble champion of the faith again: “for my life is hid with Christ in God.”
“I will take away thy treasures.”
“Nay, that thou canst not,” was the retort; “for, in the first place, I have none that thou knowest of. My treasure is in Heaven, and my heart is there.”
“But I will drive thee away from man, and thou shalt have no friend left.”
“Nay, and that thou canst not,” once more said the faithful witness; “for I have a friend in Heaven, from whom thou canst not separate me. I defy thee. There is nothing thou canst do to hurt me.”
Heaven: Keeping the Eye Fixed on the Mark
HEAVEN.—He who seldom thinks of Heaven is not likely to get there; as the way to hit a mark is to keep the eye fixed on it.
If earth were more satisfactory, Heaven would be less longed for.—Smith.
How sweet to work all day for God, and then lie down at night beneath his smile.
A SLAVE TO THIS, A SLAVE TO THAT.
By Author of “Shining Light”.
“Break every yoke, the gospel cries,
And let the oppressed go free!
Let every burdened captive rise,
And taste sweet liberty.”
Your tea, brother, are you not as much a slave to it as the tipler is to his morning dram, his wine cup, or brandy bottle? or as the tobacco-monger is to his pipe, his quid? “Does this affect my salvation?” “Salvation,” indeed? Talk about salvation, meanwhile wedded to the lust of appetite! “Know ye not that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? Every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things.” Rom. vi, 16. “And if a man also striveth for masteries, yet he is not crowned except he strive lawfully.” 2 Tim. ii, 5. Whence your fidgety and rickety spells? Your often doubts touching your safe and joyful “admission into the everlasting kingdom?” Your nervous system is affected injuriously by the use of this narcotic to which you are a slave. “The taste or habit of tea-drinking is unnatural and acquired, as much as a relish for the intoxicating bowl, or the vile Indian weed.” Look at your example. Consider the millions expended to gratify a perverted taste, worse than useless, that ought to go to build up the Redeemer’s kingdom, not Satan’s; to save souls, and not destroy them. Brother, break loose from this tyrant, and be a free man. What! preach to sinners to repent, put away their evil deeds, be temperate in all things, “and yourself a bound slave, an idolator?” A slave? Yes you are, equally with the smoker, chewer, and snuffer of the vile “Indian weed,” or the man wedded to his wine-cup or morning dram! Awful! “Physician, heal thyself.” Then that preachest a man should not steal, dost thou steal?” Mothers, what are ye doing? Allowing your “little ones” to sip their tea at meal-times, acquire a vicious habit that will prove a curse in time and jeopard their souls eternally! Stop! Stop this wickedness. Stop and think before you further go.
Little folks, one word to you, and we are done. What say you, with the Try company?
“No tea nor coffee do we drink,
Tobacco we despise;
And liquor as a beverage,
Ne’er comes before our eyes.
So we are a healthy, happy band,
Our minds are bright and clear.
No awful dreams at night we have,
And terror we don’t fear.
We have escaped from Satan’s snare,
In this respect, at least;
And while others go to early graves,
We still remain to feast.”
Some of the most poisonous mineral substances, including arsenite of copper, are used in the preparation of good (?) green tea from a poor kind of black tea, which, in its turn, may not have a particle of the tea plant in its composition. To such an extent is cheating in the tea trade carried on in the “Flowery Kingdom.”—AUTHOR OF “SHINING LIGHT.”
LABORS IN MAINE.
By John Nevins Andrews
The labors of Bro. and Sr. White in Maine during the past two months have been productive of great good to many of the people of God. Plainness of speech, faithful reproof for wrongs, words of compassion and encouragement for the trembling souls who feel their need of the Saviour, and for the erring who seek in humility to put away their faults—these are things that have entered largely into their labors. The testimony of Sr. White, reproving wrongs in the case of many individuals that she had seen in vision, has been borne with great faithfulness, and with the most excellent effect. As her gift was new to many in this State, and as some of those who were reproved had been much prejudiced against her visions, it is not a matter of surprise that a state of trial and confusion with quite a number existed for a season. But though some protested that they were set forth in a wrong light by her reproofs, it was the unanimous testimony of all who were acquainted with their cases, even of those who felt some degree of trial with this work, that the reproof was truthful and just. And though some measure of confusion has thus existed for a time with some, it is a matter of thanksgiving to God that such is not now the case. Even those who have felt the greatest opposition to the reproofs they received, have, with scarcely an exception, on calm and serious reflection, acknowledged that they were justly reproved, and have made an earnest effort to heed the admonition addressed to them.
I have had great opportunity to judge of the truthfulness of these testimonies by witnessing their faithful and exact delineations of character in a very large number of cases, presenting very widely dissimilar features. I have every reason to know that these things were almost entirely unknown to Sr. White, and in some cases absolutely unknown, only as given her by the Spirit of God. Yet a most perfect and exact representation of the faults, as well as the virtues, of many persons has thus been given, so that even those who know them best have said they could not so well have described them.
But in the matter of plain and faithful dealing, without fear or favor, I desire to bear witness that there has been no lack. If base and evil motives were the controlling power in this work, flattering words would fill the place of searching testimonies and faithful reproofs. Others may feel glad that they are not connected with a people who regard these testimonies; but from the depths of my heart I thank God for these indispensable mercies toward the people who are seeking to prepare for translation.
I believe that many in Maine who have felt fearful that these things were not safe to receive, now view the matter in a very different light. The labors of Bro. and Sr. White have been untiring, and we trust the good accomplished will be of lasting value to the cause of truth in Maine.
I cannot refrain from speaking of one point that deeply interests my feelings. It is this, that some who have in their past lives wronged others by their business transactions must make reparation of those wrongs or never stand the test of the day of Judgment. No one who reads the Bible attentively can doubt that this is one of the fruits meet for repentance that will be exhibited in the life of every man who truly seeks God, if his past life has been one of overreaching and of fraud, whether in great matters or in small. Who will say that these are hard sayings? Faithful testimonies on this point have been borne. May they result in salvation to those who have needed their reproof. It will be of small account indeed to hide our sins from our fellow-men. The Judgment is at hand, and none can hope to escape the notice of the all-seeing Judge. It is an honorable thing to confess our sins and to make reparation for our wrong acts. It is certain ruin to suffer our sins to remain upon our own heads. Those are our true friends who are most faithful with our souls. I trust that these things will be held by us in lasting remembrance.
J. N. ANDREWS.
REPORT FROM BRO. VAN HORN.
By I. D. Van Horn
Nov. 18, I left Ohio and returned home for the purpose of resting, visiting friends, and making preparations in the way of clothing, for winter. Battle Creek, with the church all alive in the truth, is a good place for refreshment for the worn and weary spirit that has been depressed by the labors of the past. It is truly a feast to enjoy the meetings that are now held in the church in this place.
The 28th, in company with my wife, I went to my father's, near Jackson; and it gave me much joy to have the privilege of once more seeing my parents and other kind friends whom I dearly love. No sooner had my friends and acquaintances learned that I had come among them, than I was solicited to preach to them. I gave out appointments, and, though I was with them only six days, I gave six discourses. Many of them were deeply anxious that I should remain and give a course of lectures, and if I could not stay now, to come back as soon as I could; for they wanted to hear our views of the prophecies. During the time I enjoyed a good meeting with the brethren and sisters in Tompkins. It was truly cheering to spend a Sabbath among those with whom I first met after embracing the truth.
The first Sabbath in December I spent with the brethren in Parma. This was their Monthly Meeting, and brethren and sisters from other places were present. The Lord gave us his Spirit while we tried to draw near him by faith. On first-day I gave two discourses in the village. There was a good attendance and we have reason to believe that good was done. The brethren and sisters received strength, and prejudice was allayed in the minds of others.
Sabbath Dec. 14, I attended the Monthly Meeting at Convis. Some of the brethren and sisters from Newton were present. This was a good meeting. The Lord gave us the aid of his Spirit while we tried to speak to this people. The burden of our testimony to them was to show the contrast between bearing the image of the world, and the image or likeness of Christ. To bear the image of the world is to act and do like the world. But to conform to the world is to bring upon us the frown of God. What the Lord requires us to do is in direct opposition to the world. Therefore to conform to the will of God, or, in other words, to bear the image of Jesus, will make us peculiar in our appearance before the world. But God cannot save us unless we do all that he requires of us. When we walk out in all the light he gives us, then we place ourselves where he can reach us by his Spirit. But to reject light is to place ourselves beyond his reach, and to bring upon us condemnation. By this may be seen the importance of moving out in the Health Reform, that, by so doing, we may make a full consecration to him, and so purify our bodies that they may be fit temples for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.
These evidences so affected the minds of the brethren and sisters, that in our social meeting which followed, confessions were made, and new resolutions formed. All earnestly desired to get nearer the Lord, and it was evident to all that his Spirit was in our midst. Bro. White, of Newton, made a confession of his coldness, and backward state in the cause, and with tears flowing from his eyes, asked to be remembered by all before the Lord. He had scarcely taken his seat, when his son Charles, arose for the first time and said, he “wanted to be a Christian and go with this people to Mount Zion.” This gave us all encouragement and we felt to give the Lord all the praise for his goodness to us.
May the Lord help us to appreciate all he is doing for us, and strive more earnestly to do his holy will.
Mr. Morton in his excellent vindication of the Sabbath gives a large number of versions of this text in different languages, all having the same idea, to wit: that it means, “by himself at home.” Here, with many, is a difficulty. How do the words “by him” of necessity bear such a construction?
The answer is this: The English phrase “by him” does not express the true sense of the original; nor have we in our language any exact equivalents of the original words. Greenfield in his Greek lexicon gives the definition of the original παρ’ ἑαυτῷ, “with one’s self, i. e., at home;” and Robinson says, “by or with one’s self, in one’s house, at home.” Herein the translators of our version erred. In very many cases they have followed as nearly as possible the original in form, without coming up to its signification. Many of the words placed by them in italics as “supplied,” are absolutely necessary to an understanding of the original, and hence are not supplied.
On first reading Mr. Morton’s vindication where he gives the various versions as the signification of each, the query arose in my mind, whether these were his explanations merely, or the necessary significations of the phrases. To satisfy myself further I took the “German of Luther” which he gives, bei sich selbst, with its rendering “by himself, at home,” as an example. I examined Ollendorf’s German Grammar, which is of undisputed authority, and found the following statement or rule:
“The preposition bei signifies with or at the house of.”
Of course to get the general idea of by him, irrespective of that locality, a different preposition must be used. But so we cannot do in the English, having no prepositions so extensive in signification. Therefore, as before said, to give the true sense of the original, without which we have not a correct translation, the words at home should have been inserted in our version of that text.
In regard to the “gatherings,” Dr. Bloomfield, in Gr. Testament with notes, remarks: “The difficulties started by many commentators at ἵνα μὴ γίνωνται [that there may not be], may be removed, by supposing that the apostle only meant that there should be no private and petty gatherings, then first to be made, when he came, but only one συνεισφορά [joint contribution] formed, containing all the sums which had been gradually laid up by each in private.”
J. H. Waggoner.
Battle Creek, Dec. 15, 1867.
Reading the Bible for 1868.
By A. S. Hutchins
In Review No. 25, Vol. xxx, is a suggestion under the above head, which I think much of, and which if we act agreeably to, we shall read the Bible through in 1868. How many will act upon it? Some have not health and strength to, but let those who have, pursue the system there proposed and doubtless many would read this sacred volume through next year who never did before in any previous year.
A faithful servant of God now laboring in the great harvest field, who has traveled and preached much, has in addition to a great amount which he has written, and all of his other reading, read the Bible through nineteen times.
In order to have accomplished this, he must have read it through or nearly so each year since commencing to read it by course, even if he began when a youth.
It is a fault with too many of us, that we study this great and precious fountain of light and truth so little. It is a lamp to our feet, and a light unto our path. O, may we peruse its sacred pages more, and live more in harmony with its teachings.
“Lord, make me understand thy law,
Show what my faults have been;
And from thy gospel let me draw
Forgiveness for my sin.
Here I would learn how Christ has died,
To save my soul from hell;
Not all the books on earth beside,
Such Heavenly wonders tell.”
A. S. Hutchins.
Courtesy Toward Others, Like Good Lighting for Pictures
If you are looking at a picture, you try to give it the advantage of a good light. Be as courteous to your fellow-beings as you are to a picture.
NOTE FROM BRO. BYINGTON.
By J. Byington
I had three meetings last first-day, in Alaedon, Ingham Co. There has never been any preaching on present truth in this town. Sister Fuller moved to this place with her daughter and son-in-law, Cornelius Smith, some two years since; and since going there her daughter and daughter’s husband have embraced the truth, and with papers and tracts have awakened quite an interest in the place. They think the time has come for a thorough course of lectures. There is now a protracted meeting held by the Methodists in the school-house, which will close in a few days. The preacher is saying all he can against us, which awakens an interest to hear the other side. I think, if possible, a messenger should be there before the interest dies out. They would find a good home at Bro. Smith’s. If one can go he will meet them at Mason, Ingham Co., seven miles from his house. I would willingly spend some time there, but it wants a strong man that can make thorough work; my health is not sufficient. Please inform them through the paper or by letter soon, whether any one can go. Our meetings there were interesting. J. BYINGTON.
√READING
By Jos. Clarke
The student reads law a few years, and straightway he becomes a disciple of Blackstone and Story; he is versed in legal forms and phrases, and law becomes a part of his organization.
Or he reads medicine, and shortly he is skilled in the art of healing; he assumes the air of a physician. He perseveres, and becoming an adept in the science, he learns to describe the symptoms of disease, and its causes, and ere long the study and practice of medicine becomes a part of his being; it is inwrought into his character.
So with the teacher, the artist, the mechanic; he reads much and deeply, and makes his business a constant study; it becomes his own, a part of himself; in fact, is his pride, his glory, if I may so speak. Such a man generally succeeds.
So with the Christian: if he reads much and faithfully those standard and classic authors, Moses and the prophets, and Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, Peter, James and Jude, and makes it his favorite pursuit, his great theme of life, you soon see the fruits of his labor.
There is no mistaking the well-read lawyer, the skillful physician, the ingenious mechanic, and the intelligent architect; so with the well-read Christian; his improvement is manifest to all.
But such is the blinding effect of the world, the flesh, and the Devil upon man, that unless this course of reading is continually kept up, his past knowledge of the Bible fades out, like the leaves of autumn. You need it fresh every day. As the food we ate yesterday can not strengthen us to-day, so the devotions of yesterday will not answer in lieu of neglected ones to-day.
You must come to the fountain of life for a fresh supply to-day. The manna of yesterday was good yesterday, but for to-day you need a fresh supply, which you must gather for yourself.
A very good suggestion was that of Bro. Canright of reading three chapters daily for six days, and five for the seventh. Thank you, Bro. Canright. Already have I tried the plan, and I find my heart is warming with love to God in consequence. This lukewarm state is dreadful; we forget, we neglect, we sin, we become cold, languid; sometimes we shudder at our state, and again gape and yawn, like one only half awake. But this plan is waking up our interest; and we would recommend from experience, the addition of some eight or ten pages daily of Spiritual Gifts, in connection with the chapters from the Bible, with meditation and prayer. I would suggest that Spiritual Gifts Vol. 3, be read with the corresponding subjects in the Old Testament.
What is there more soul-inspiring than the Bible, which interests you in God's wonderful works and ways, thousands of years ago? And his sentiments at this time, we find in the volumes of Spiritual Gifts and testimonies; and here is evidence that he is the same; they are one, from the same head and heart. Man as a hero, we lose sight of in these works. God is all and in all; man is a rebel on probation, with the offer of immortality if faithful, and the Bible gives us the history of these poor rebels (self-conceited heroes), a few of whom only acknowledged the fact, and transferred their allegiance to their rightful Lord. Of such, we have the story of their sufferings and penalties, also their victories, conquests and hopes.
Jos. Clarke.
REPORT FROM BRO. STRONG.
By Philip Strong
Since my last report, Oct. 14, I have again visited Duplain, and found that my return was none too soon. Having been in Gratiot eight weeks, the enemy took some advantage of our absence, and brought darkness to the minds of some; and this, too, from a source that we least expected. Oh! when will visiting brethren and sisters learn wisdom, and keep their darkness to themselves, if they will visit. To such I would say, it would be better to obey Paul: “To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, . . . that the word of God be not blasphemed.” Tit. ii, 15. But the Lord blessed our labor on the Sabbath, the 19th, and the little flock are cheered to go on still. Spent the next Sabbath and first-day also with them, and the time between, visiting.
Nov. 2, met the Gratiot churches in Quarterly Meeting in Alma. Meetings commenced with the Sabbath. Sabbath morning had covenant-meeting at half-past nine, followed by preaching, after which three united with the church by vote, and eight moved forward in baptism. Meeting again in the afternoon and evening, in which most moved forward in the solemn ordinance of the Lord’s supper. It was a time long to be remembered.
Sunday, Nov. 3, held two meetings, and as their numbers are on the increase, it was thought advisable to choose a deacon to help Bro. Nelson in his labors. Had three meetings through the week, and spent the days in visiting from house to house.
Nov. 9, Sabbath, preached Bro. Huntington’s funeral discourse, who died while I was away. He embraced the truth under Brn. Van Horn and Canright’s labors, and has tried to walk humbly before God since. At the close of this meeting, one was disfellowshipped for Sabbath-breaking, and two received by letter. Steps were then taken to establish a Tuesday-night prayer-meeting.
Nov. 10, Sunday evening, held meeting in Ithaca. This closes our meetings in Gratiot Co. May the good work of reform still go on, till all are united in perfect brotherly love. From this place I came on to join labors with Bro. Cornell, as reported in Review.
Our present field of labor does not look very bright, but we hope for light and fruit. We were favored Sunday with two discourses against us, called, “Death in the pot.” 2 Kings iv, 40. Bro. Cornell replies to them next Sunday evening.
PHILIP STRONG.
Midland, Mich.
MEETINGS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT, MICH.
By Joseph Bates
Our last report was from Hillsdale. We were with this church from Nov. 28 to Dec. 2, visiting from house to house and holding meetings. Sabbath and first-day our meetings were encouraging, spiritual and interesting, especially at the celebration of the ordinances, after which a number of friends from without came to hear and become better acquainted with our positions. Two were added to the church. More feeling and interest was manifested in the health and dress reform than had been for some time, owing to some misrepresentations and misunderstanding of the matter.
December 3 and 4, we held four meetings in Burr Oak with the scattered brethren from the Colon church and Parkville. These brethren and sisters seemed very glad to get together, and also decided to press onward in the good work of the third angel’s message. Neighbors and friends came, and manifested deep interest to hear. Blessed Lord, help thy people to press onward into the work of the third angel’s message.
From Burr Oak we are visiting the churches in northern Indiana. JOSEPH BATES.
North Liberty, Dec. 12, 1867.
Urgent Calls for Preachers in Michigan Fields
By Editor
Remarks.
The above was doubtless intended for a private note to the Conference Committee; but we publish it as a specimen of the calls that are coming in from every quarter. Only a few days ago, Bro. Howe, from Orange, was here, hoping to secure some one for a course of lectures in his place, for which the way seems to be just now remarkably open. Still later, Bro. Root, from Wright, was here, hoping to take some one back with him to hold a few meetings in his place, and then occupy a very promising field just opened, a few miles from there, and which is now, as it were, stretching out its hands for the servants of God to come in there and make known the truth. Still further north, in Oceana and Newaygo counties, south in Kalamazoo county, and in other places, the way is open, and urgent calls are coming in. But where are the men to fill them? A change has certainly come, and is coming, over the people. They have an ear to hear as never before. But “how shall they hear without a preacher?” And how shall a person “preach except he be sent?” What shall be done? Answer, you who have power to prevail with God in prayer.
WHAT ISRAEL OUGHT TO DO.
By H. A. St. John
I WAS forcibly struck with a remark made some time since by Bro. Amadon, that we ought to be very thankful that there were those among us that knew what Israel ought to do. Truly the Israel of God have cause to exercise the deepest gratitude of heart that this encouraging and soul-cheering statement is a plain fact. When a deluge was impending upon a guilty world, there stood one, who, by revelation from God, knew exactly what people must do to escape the flood of waters. Nor did he keep this knowledge to himself; but for many years he ceased not to warn the world of the great danger, and point them to their only way of escape. Noah knew what Israel ought to do.
And when the Lord would destroy the cities of the plain for their great wickedness, there was one to whom God imparted the knowledge of what the righteous must do to avoid the terrible destruction hanging over them. This information was faithfully given, and though the people scoffed and mocked, this did not arrest their doom, but, if possible, only made it the more sure. It did come. Lot knew what Israel ought to do.
And again, when God would bring his people from Egyptian bondage to a land flowing with milk and honey, that they might worship him according to his will, with none to molest or make afraid, there were those among them that knew where, and how, to make every advance step in order to secure the blessing of God, and attain the desired object. Moses knew what Israel ought to do.
These instances will serve to remind the reader of numerous examples found in Holy Writ, of like character, and illustrative of the same interesting fact. Indeed, in every great work of reform, or preparation to escape danger, God has had living witnesses whom he gave a living testimony, which if faithfully heeded would enable his people to live in his sight. And now, in the closing days of probation, when the last solemn warning to sinful man is going forth, and the great controversy is almost finished, we need not expect otherwise than that God will faithfully instruct his people in what they ought to do. God's loyal, commandment-keeping people are the true Israel. Among them may be found chosen ones intrusted with the special work of warning, instructing, and directing the remnant church, while passing through the dangers and perils of the last days. That such should be esteemed very highly in love for their work's sake, needs no proof. And that Satan should make a special and mighty effort to destroy the confidence of the remnant in their Heaven-ordained leaders is also plain. The Devil has succeeded too well in this work in the past. Oh! that we may all learn lessons of wisdom from what we have suffered.
Dear reader, let us seek pardon for our past distrust and unbelief, and cherish the warmest love and highest respect for these worthy, devoted servants of God, and of the church, who know what Israel ought to do. H. A. St. John.
Battle Creek, Mich.
A LETTER OF CONFESSION.
By F. F. LAMOREAUX
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS IN CHRIST: Rejoice with me for the goodness of the Lord, for his tender mercies and long-suffering to me. He has brought me out of the pit of despair, and turned my feet from the broad way that leads to everlasting death, and placed them again in the narrow way that leads to eternal life. I have been bound by the enemy for two years past. I fell under the power of his most deadly weapon, unbelief; but thank the Lord, the wound is healed, and my life may be saved. May this be a warning to all who indulge in doubts and feelings of despair. It is hard to be a slave of the Devil; to be driven about at his will; to be distracted by his cruel suggestions. I can see where I have been. My eyes are opened now, for which I feel to praise the Lord.
When I first embraced present truth, some twelve years ago, up to the time that I suffered doubts and unbelief to come in, I know I enjoyed much of the love of God, and of his peace, that passeth all understanding. My hopes, joys, and anticipations were all centered in present truth; but when doubts arose, strengthened by affliction, it swept all my hopes away. Despair followed, and made room for the enemy. My good angel departed, and I was left a prey to Satan. The conflict has been severe, and I have just escaped with my life.
Dear brethren and sisters, I feel to mourn deeply over my sins. I have been led to utter words, and do things, instigated by the Devil, against my own will. At times I had a realizing sense of my condition, and would strive to break loose; but the enemy would tighten his cords, and I would be powerless. How true that the enemy is much stronger than fallen man. Without the help of God we could do nothing against him. I feel like repairing the breach in my faith. Wherein my Christian character has been marred, I want to fit in a jewel. First, faith; then love, hope, and charity.
Brethren and sisters, you whom I may have injured by any harsh saying or act, will you, can you, forgive me? I feel that the Lord has. Can not the golden links of brotherly love that have united us in the past be clasped again? Can we not replace all the links, and cement them with brotherly love stronger than before?
My hope of eternal life is brightened, my faith strengthened, and I am made to rejoice as never before. I feel solemnly impressed that the Lord is doing his last work. Let us cut loose from the world, cleanse ourselves, both soul and body, and make a speedy preparation for the coming of the Lord. The Lord is moving on the hearts of his people, and endowing them with a searching spirit, that they may find every sin that is lurking around them.
“Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! For he satisfieth the longing soul, and filleth the hungry soul with goodness. Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron; because they rebelled against the words of God, and contemned the counsel of the Most High; therefore he brought down their heart with labor; they fell down, and there was none to help. Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. He brought them out of darkness, and the shadow of death, and brake their bands in sunder.” Ps. cvii, 8-14.