THE following intensely interesting extracts we take from a communication of Dr. Cheever to the Independent of November 10. Speaking of John Brown, and his attempt to liberate the slaves, at Harper's Ferry, he says:
"It is exceedingly interesting to watch the operation of men's minds, and note the expression of their thoughts and feelings, in various portions of the country, in regard to this tragedy, the sound of which comes up from the great caverns of the great wickedness, like an alarm-gong, or the roar of an unexpected volcano. Many feel that it is but a preliminary warning, that God is about take off his restraints from the ministers of vengeance, and to let loose his avalanche. It might have been prevented by the church and the ministry doing their duty with the word of God; but repentance itself, when merely forced by terror, is too late. Woe to thee that spoilest, and thou wast not spoiled; and dealest treacherously, though they dealt not treacherously with thee! When thou shalt cease to spoil, thou shalt be spoiled, and when thou shalt make an end to deal treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with thee. *
"The mind and heart of the country are being stirred in their depths, conscience is being roused up, the vast domain of sentiment and reasoning, and of abstract principles, concerning the rights of men, so long repressed and stagnant under political platforms, caucuses, presidential horse-races, party quarrels, struggles for patronage, spoils, and power, is agitated and heaving as at the outbreak of the French Revolution; and as at that time those who threw themselves upon the safety-valves, determined still to press the tyranny of old conservatism, were blown into the air among the fragments of the government, so will it be now with those who are endeavoring to keep down the volcano by the repression of freedom and refusal of right. God himself is about to uncap the volcano, if an insensate, hardened people persist in the violation of his law. And we present, as the language and the convictions of another large portion of reflecting Christian men in our country, the following resolutions, communicated to us from another quarter, which men would do well to ponder and discuss.
""Resolved, That the recent rash attempt at insurrection in Virginia, while it calls for our sincerest commiseration with its author, whom repeated wrongs at the hands of the slave power have evidently goaded to madness, should also teach us that the only way to prevent the recurrence of such disastrous attempts, with all their bloody issues, is for the church earnestly to undertake the deliverance of the enslaved, as the legitimate work of Christianity, by means purely moral and peaceful.'
""Resolved, also, that fearing, as we do, from the continued deferring of emancipation, and refusing to render to the African race in our land that which is just and equal, a violent termination of slavery under5the retributive providence of Almighty God, (in regard to which Mr. Jefferson said, fifty years ago, 'I tremble for my country, when I remember that God is just, and that his justice will not sleep for ever,') we feel that the church of Christ should immediately bring its influence to bear upon the conscience of the slaveholders, by refusing them its fellowship unless they repent of and abandon the sin of slaveholding; and that if the church and the ministry do not faithfully interpose between the oppressed and the oppressor, the tragedy at Harper's Ferry will prove but the beginning of horrors.'
'Good resolutions; but what if even the church should awake too late, after having been, by its most treacherous and pernicious silence and sanction of the sin, the great instrument of desolation? What if, in regard to a people driven to untimely action only by terror, God should say, There remaineth no place for repentance after the selling of your birthright for a mess of pottage, though it be sought carefully with tears!'"
VOLUME XV.
By Editor
THERE are many thoughts and reflections which naturally suggest themselves on the opening of a new volume. But these are so often expressed and so readily understood, that we will not repeat them here. Allow us however to say that we enter upon the present volume with as good courage as though there was but one volume to be published first or last, and this was that one. Assured that not many more volumes will have to be commenced and closed, more fully than ever do, we feel determined to labor on till the twelfth hour of the great gospel day shall expire, and the Master shall reward his servants each as their work shall be.
Our salvation is nearer than when we believed. Our spirituality and zeal ought to increase in proportion as our journey shortens. This volume of the REVIEW ought to exhibit more life and vigor, bear a testimony more pointed and stirring, exhibit more of the impelling energies of God's Holy Spirit, and the subduing influence of the love of Christ, than any which has gone before. This point assumes, not the mild terms of exhortation merely, but the stern demands of duty. There is an ought in the matter. The editors will do what they can towards the attainment of this end; but with you, friends, patrons and correspondents, lies in a great measure the burden of the work; and a living faith will show itself by works.
A correspondent once wrote to this Office desiring a visit to his neighborhood from "some of the messengers of truth." He probably meant the messengers of truth; but we could not help thinking that he was not so far out of the way after all; for we trust that all the messengers of truth are messengers of "through;" that they preach nothing less; that they exhort their hearers to nothing less than to go through; and are determined to do nothing less themselves. Nothing short of this will answer. Whoever aims at anything less we advise to stop now. Take not another step unless you intend to go through. Truth calls for valiant and determined supporters, those who are fearless to take a decided stand on the side of right however humble may be the form it assumes or the representative in which it appears. Of all men, most pitiable are those who dare not place themselves otherwheres than right on the line of demarkation between the enemies and friends of truth, so as to be themselves neither one thing nor the other. Therefore we would say in the language of the officers of Israel anciently [Deut. xx, 8], "What man is there that is fearful and faint-hearted, let him go and return to his house." All such may go back; for the true-hearted, though no more numerous than Gideon's small but tested company, will eventually receive divine orders to "break their pitchers," and put to flight the armies of the aliens.
To the services of the "through" company the REVIEW is dedicated. And, friends and co-laborers one and all, we calculate largely upon your co-operation and aid for Vol. xv, and as much longer as it shall be needed; nor shall we believe till compelled to do so, that this our confidence is misplaced.
THE RESURRECTION.
By Luke Maxson
Before the gospel dispensation, the doctrine of a universal resurrection was generally unknown. No philosophical speculation ever fully attained unto it. But all the impossibilities attending the resurrection of the dead, were buried in the Saviour's tomb when he left it. If Christ rose from the dead, even so them also which are Christ's will God bring with him at his coming. But now is Christ risen from the dead and become the first fruits of them that slept. And this, Christian, is the pledge of our resurrection from death; and all our hopes spring from that tomb from which Jesus' rising brought immortality to light.
When the world's long week is done, and that which is pre-eminently the day of the Lord shall dawn upon us—the time so long foretold by prophets, Christ and the apostles—the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with the voice of the archangel and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first. We shall ourselves be known as Jesus was among his friends. So may we suppose that we shall know our friends. And Jesus! we shall know him; for we shall see him as he is, and behold the glory.
"The resurrection of the Lord teaches us that there is a day to dawn when there will be restored to us all that we have loved and lost. There is not a treasure over which the jealous eye of the Lord does not watch. Nothing good perishes; it is impossible. Out of the world's wreck, all that is worth saving will be saved. Oh then what a glorious morn will the resurrection morning be! Behold the glad procession coming up, a multitude whom no man can number! See them adorned in robes of white, with crowns of everlasting joy upon their heads, and palms of victory in their hands! Hear their shouts of gladness as they cry, Victory! worthy is the Lamb that hath redeemed us! Fathers and mothers grasp children long lost. Husbands and wives separated for many centuries, fall into each other's arms. Behold the re-union of those whom the grave and the sea had buried, but who now are all restored forever with the coming back of Jesus."
Let us, therefore, as we love the doctrine of the resurrection, contend earnestly for the faith that was once delivered to the saints. I believe the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead to be the foundation and chief corner stone of the gospel. The doctrine of the resurrection was given to the world by Christ as a test of the truth of his Messiahship. It was the first business of the apostles after the ascension of their Lord, to choose one of his disciples to be a witness with them of his resurrection. That was the doctrine that Peter preached on the day of Pentecost, which God blessed by the influence of the Holy Spirit, in the awakening and conversion of three thousand in one day.
It was the doctrine of Jesus and the resurrection of the dead that Paul earnestly contended for in his epistles, and preached to the Gentiles, which subjected him to cruel mockings, persecutions and imprisonments. This was the life-giving and energizing power that aroused the dormant energies of a slumbering world, in the early ages of Christianity, and continued to spread, although opposed by fire and sword, until it overran the Roman Empire. This is the gospel that the apostles preached with such success; and they have warned us against receiving any other, though an angel from heaven should proclaim it.
I think the great lack at the present day of that life-giving power in the church, in extending the cause of Christ in the world, and the conversion of sinners, is owing in a great measure to this: that the doctrine of the resurrection of the dead has in these latter days almost ceased to be preached; and if at all, it is like angels' visits, few and far between.
The world is receiving another gospel, and climbing up another way. They have not patience nor self-denial enough to wait for the coming of their Lord. They have substituted death, instead of life and the resurrection of the dead, for the door through which to enter heaven. The doctrine of the apostles was, that without the resurrection of the dead there was no salvation: that if the dead rise not their faith was vain, and their preaching was vain, and they were yet in their sins; and those that had fallen asleep in Christ had perished. If in this life only we have hope in Christ, said they, we are of all men most miserable. But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept. Even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.
I would earnestly invite all the heralds of salvation who have any faith in the primitive doctrine of the resurrection to rally to its standard. It would prove a mighty barrier against Spiritualism and its kindred errors, which are pouring in like a mighty flood upon the world and like the locusts of Egypt are spreading devastation, darkness and blight throughout the land. I believe God is unchangeable; and if the same gospel was preached now that was preached in the early ages of the church, and with the same faith, it would produce the same effect, and a mighty change would take place, and bring glory to God, and salvation to the people.
LUKE MAXSON.
Alfred Center, Alleghany Co., N. Y., Nov 1859.
THE ARCH.
By J. Clarke
THE consistent Christian character may be fitly compared to the arch; strong, useful, durable, symmetrical; and if the Christianity of the day is not thus, it will not bear the test; for we may be sure that the wise Master-builder will not accept any but the most perfect material and workmanship. No wood, hay or stubble can stand the rigid tests required. All such material will be swept away. O let us build according to the bill of specifications.
Foundation, Christ. Other foundation can no man lay (here is a little feebleness in the figure, for the arch has timber for its foundation, which, being not exposed to the air, will last untold centuries). Here we find a foundation already laid, and by repentance of sin, and renunciation of the world, the flesh and the Devil, we clear away the rubbish, and having found the Saviour, who is the sure rock foundation, we are then enabled to lay the first row of stones in the arch; viz., faith.
Not a dead but a living faith, that manifests itself by works of obedience, that takes hold within the vail, the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen, a faith that has a crucified and risen Saviour as its foundation, and a coming King as its hope. This faith in lively exercise, next follow virtue and strength. What would all good principles be without strength to practice them? strength to resist the evil and retain the good, strength to overcome temptation, strength to break the fashions of the world and a corrupt church, strength to keep all the commands of God, and the faith of Jesus? With this indispensable grace laid in proper order, he proceeds to lay down the third layer; viz.,
Knowledge. The moment a man becomes truly converted he is desirous of knowledge. He delights no longer in the darkness of ignorance, he longs to know more of God and of his works and ways; he invites wisdom to preside over his board; he cries out for wisdom, and lifts up his voice for understanding, and values her more than silver or fine gold. Open thou mine eyes, he prays. Give me the eye-salve that I may see, and then he discovers that he needs
Temperance, for the next layer. What is faith, or virtue, or knowledge, without temperance? Only fuel for fanaticism and error to feed upon. The Christian must be temperate in all things if he would win the race, must keep the body under, the tongue must be governed, the roving mind, and wandering desire chastened; and in doing this he often is tempted and tried, and so sees the propriety of adding to his temperance,
Patience. When he discovers the hold which sin and Satan have upon him, he is sometimes impatient at himself and others, and often his trials within and without, are grievous he thinks to be borne. Then he considers Him who endured the contradiction of sinners against himself, who never murmured nor repined, and then he prays for patience, and as he receives it, he aspires to be more like the Saviour. He prays for
Godliness. Christ is the express image of his Father, in him dwells the fullness of God; and the Christian is exhorted to follow Christ. "Come, learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart." He was pure and without guile. In him was no sin. Satan got no advantage of him. Before Pilate he witnessed a good confession. He loved his enemies, and died to redeem them while they were lost and ruined. With such a foundation, such material now laid down,
Brotherly kindness follows, of course, and now the arch approaches completion. If the Christian follows Christ, then he loves his brother with unfeigned love. He could die for him. No unkind words or acts will flow from the godly person. His brethren are dear to his heart. Union of sentiment, union of interest, and union of soul cement them in one. Then follows
Charity—love to God and man, the key-stone of the arch. This confines the whole. Now take away the6staging, take away the wooden stays, let him have room for the exercise of his powers. The arch is finished—he can now go forth in his Master's service. Such were the prophets and apostles. Such was Paul. Love, the name of God—"God is love"—is cut upon the key-stone.
O how glorious the arch! It is the work of God. He has named the materials, and he will own his work by the witness of his Spirit. Hallelujah to the Lamb, who hath bought us with his own blood.
J. CLARKE.
DANGERS IN PRAYER.
By E. GOODRICH.
IN approaching God by way of prayer and supplication, there is danger of coming before him in such a manner as to fail of obtaining the blessings sought and so much needed. There is danger, as the apostle James teaches, of asking and not receiving because we ask amiss, or to consume upon our lusts, or pleasures (Margin).
But this is not the only danger. There is danger also of coming before God, having with us a spirit of self-commendation, approving and justifying ourselves in what we have done; in which case we set aside the mercy of God by destroying the necessity for its exercise. For the man that commends himself, does not ask for mercy, but approbation.
Again there is danger of running into the extreme of self-abasement, and of feeling so unworthy that we don't believe God will have mercy upon us; in which case the grace of God is made unavailing, because it cannot reach us.
The danger in both the above instances is alike fatal, because in both, self is the paramount object seen. The first is an exhibition of faith in self-sufficiency; the latter is an exhibition of unbelief, based on self-insufficiency.
The medium ground and proper remedy is true godly faith, that faith which is a firm reliance in the word of God and that enables us to come boldly to a throne of divine grace, and in the name of Jesus ask for mercy and that we may obtain favor in every time of need. And when we thus come, feeling and realizing our need, our entire dependence, and our unworthiness, yet believing that God is and is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him; and when we thus pray having the mind of the Spirit, praying with the Spirit and with the understanding also, we have whatsoever we ask; because, as the Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God, we, having the mind of the Spirit, will only ask for those things we actually need in serving God and our fellows, and in making our peace, our calling and our election sure.
God enable us to worship him in Spirit and in truth.
E. GOODRICH.
Edenboro, Pa.
HOLINESS.
By John Angel James
Selected for REVIEW.
HOLINESS is a very comprehensive word and expresses a state of mind and conduct that includes many things. It is the work of the Spirit in our sanctification; the fruit of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ; and the operation of the new nature which we receive in regeneration. Holiness may be viewed in various aspects, according to the different objects to which it relates. Toward God, it is supreme love; delight in his moral character; submission to his will; obedience to his commands; zeal for his cause; observance of his institutes and seeking his glory. Toward Christ, it is conformity to his example, and imbibing his spirit. Toward man it is charity, integrity, truth and mercy. Toward sin it is a hatred of all iniquity, a tender conscience easily wounded by little sins, and scrupulously avoiding them; together with a laborious self-denying progressive mortification of all the known corruptions of our heart, and diligent seeking for such as are unknown. Toward self it is the control of our fleshly appetites; the eradication of our pride; the mortification of our selfishness. Toward divine things in general, it is spirituality of mind or the habitual current of pious thoughts, and devout affections flowing through the soul. And toward the objects of the unseen world, it is heavenly mindedness, a turning away from things seen and temporal, to things unseen and eternal.
Oh, what a word is holiness! How much does it comprehend. How little is it understood, and how much less is it practised! Who can read the above description of it and not admit that we need much, very much more of it than we possess, and that we may well make it the subject-matter of our prayers. Let us study it as a whole, and in all its parts. How important is that view of it, which brings our conduct under the notice of man, and by whom, not only our own religion may be suspected, but all religion will be reviled, if they see any want of consistency between our actions and our profession; and how important also is that view of holiness, which considers our conduct in reference to God and Christ.
Is not this the design of all God's dispensations of grace and providence toward us? For what were we chosen in Christ Jesus before the foundation of the world? To be holy. Eph. i, 4, 5. What was Christ's purpose in dying for us upon the cross? Eph. v, 26, 27. Titus ii, 11-15. For what is the Spirit poured out from on high? To make us holy. Gal. v, 16-26. Eph. v, 22-32. John iii, 4-8. What is the nature of our calling? A holy one; "for we are called to holiness." 1 Thess. iv, 7. What is the design of the Bible? To make us holy. John xvii, 17. Why are we afflicted? To be made partakers of his holiness. Heb. xii, 14. What is heaven? The perfection of holiness. Eph. v, 27. 1 John iii, 3. Rev. xxi, 27; xxii, 11.
WHILE traveling in the West, I found it convenient to stop a little time with our brethren at Milton and vicinity, Wis. On perusing the back numbers of the Recorder (which is always a pleasure to me), I discovered a short article written by Bro. "J. M. T.," in which, it seems from its style, that he thought I, in my article, intended to laugh him out of the position, taken by him in a former article, on Mal. iv, 1: "For behold the day cometh that shall burn as an oven," etc. I had no idea of laughing him out of his position; although I confess I did laugh when I read his article. The time has been when I might have read such an article, and thought nothing of it; but that was when I thought the old school, or orthodox doctrines were all correct, and no mistake. But since the subjects of the intermediate state of the dead, the destruction of the wicked, and the setting up of Christ's kingdom upon the earth, etc., etc., have become subjects of investigation and discussion, I have tried to investigate some of those subjects for myself, without pinning my faith upon any one's sleeve. On examination for myself, I have concluded that some of my orthodox training and education, looks a little foggy.
On reading "J. M. T.'s" article, I thought that looked a little that way; not that I doubted his sincerity, or his honesty in his position, in the least. I suppose his object was to try to head off the doctrine of the destruction of the wicked. I have worked at that myself. I was once selected to assist in a debate upon that subject. At that time, I was, (as I thought), a confirmed believer in the doctrine of the endless punishment of the wicked; and of course, took that side of the question. And as every good soldier would do, I set myself at work to prepare gun and ammunition for the contest. After I had searched the Bible from the commencement of Genesis to the end of Revelation, for ammunition or proof, to sustain my position, to my astonishment, I found the most of the proof, best adapted to the other side of the question. It seemed to be death and de-struction all through the Old Testament, and when I came to the New, I did not find the proof as abundant as I had anticipated. But not liking the idea of backing out, I collected what I could that hinged in that direction, and thought I would do the best I could. So into the contest I went. On firing a few rounds, I found my gun kicked tremendously, on the account of my ammunition not fitting first rate; and as my opponents continued to pour in such a volley of well-arranged ammunition, such as death and destruction, I found it very convenient for me to retreat. Since that time I have acknowledged the doctrine of the destruction of the wicked, as a Bible doctrine.
While I make this confession, I am aware that I lay myself liable to the frowns, and perhaps the indignation of some of my orthodox brethren. Some have already called me infidel, and atheist, etc. I do not wonder at this; for the first men that (in days gone by) advocated the principle of the rotundity of the earth, were put down as fanatics, and if they escaped with their lives, they did well. So with an individual who advances a new idea that the present orthodoxy has not adopted in relation to the Bible. We can occasionally, at the present day, find a man that believes that the earth stands still, and that the sun, moon and stars roll around in a sort of shell, or concave around the earth, like apples rolling around in a basket. I know a man in Allegany Co., N. Y., who says to believe this, and claims that he can sustain this position by the Bible. "Why," he says, "if the earth turned over, the seas, lakes and rivers would all spill out."
So it seems to me in relation to "J. M. T.'s" application of the above text. If he admits that it has an allusion to the end of the world, his eternal and endless punishment doctrine all spills out. I hope "J. M. T.," or any other brother, will not take any exceptions to my abrupt manner of expressing my thoughts, and hope he, or some one else will take the responsibility of collecting all the texts touching the subject of the endless punishment of the wicked, and present them to the public through the columns of the Recorder; and if no one else should see fit to take up the other side of the question before I arrive at my home, at Nile, Allegany Co., N. Y., which (if providence permits) will be as soon as March or April, and I am not convinced by the proof presented, that my position is incorrect, I will endeavor to take up the subject. I find the above mentioned subject is enlisting much attention wherever I go, especially in the West.
The people will investigate, notwithstanding the remonstrances of some of our orthodox ministering brethren. Some complain of our Publishing Board for allowing these subjects to be discussed through the columns of the Recorder, and complain bitterly about "Poor Pilgrim's" articles. Well, some people will complain, especially if their row looks a little hard. Here let me say a word about "Poor Pilgrim." I have had the privilege of a short acquaintance with him since I have been traveling in the West. Allowing me to be judge, he is a man of no small ability, argumentative, answers questions readily, is free and social in his manners, well posted on the reforms of the day, and perhaps is the best posted in Church history of any man in our denomination. The man that makes up his mind to attack him on any of the above named subjects, had better look well to his lock, flint, and ammunition; or, ten chances to one if he does not come out second best in the contest. He is not a disorganizer of churches, as some seem to represent, but is in favor of remaining together as a denomination, notwithstanding the differences of opinion upon those subjects; but wishes to investigate, that we may know the truth in relation to these great subjects.
As for myself, I am for investigation, and while we investigate, let us cultivate love, charity, and long forbearance towards each other, that we all may learn the truth; for the truth only can make us free.
E. L.
Edgerton, Wis., Oct. 14th, 1859.
LETTERS.
By J. A. Wilcox
"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another."
From Bro. Wilcox.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS : Suffer me to suggest some solemn thoughts which demand serious consideration of us all as we desire the prosperity of the glorious cause of present truth.
Have we as a people faithfully heeded the counsel of the faithful and true witness (which most if not all of us profess to believe applies to this people in these last lingering moments of probation) as recorded in Rev. iii 14-20.
Is there not a cause why the message moves so tardily here in the east? If so is it not our imperative duty to search and see where the hindrance lies.
Have we done all that a righteous God requires at our hands in order that the King's highway may be cleared for the car of salvation to move steadily on?
Have we carefully examined this highway of holiness which is cast up for the ransomed of the Lord to walk in, to see whether there be any obstacles or hindrances in the way?
If we as a people have neglected this part of our work too much, is it not our duty according to our profession to set about the work most earnestly without delay?
Is it not exceedingly dangerous and presumptuous in view of the many deep laid snares of the enemy to entrap our wayward feet in this evil day of procrastination, to put off these things.7
Has not God a people who are not yet identified with us, who are yet to be reached by the saving influence of present truth?
Are there not others upon whom God has his eye who have never tasted of the good word of God and of the powers of the world to come, whose hearts will yet be touched with his love and be led to obey his truth? We all profess to believe so.
Is it not a fact that some of these honest precious souls are halting and stumbling over the crooked inconsistent course of some who profess to believe and obey the solemn message of the third angel?
Hath not God said in his holy word, "Cast ye up, cast ye up, prepare the way, take up the stumbling-blocks out of the way of my people?" Surely this important injunction was written for our learning and admonition in these last days, as well as others.
Again, God solemnly declares that the stumbling-blocks shall be destroyed with the wicked.
May the Lord in infinite mercy stir us up to deeply realize and see all things which stand in the way of his cause, as never before.
In view of our unfaithfulness to the sacred trust committed to our care in the high and holy calling of God in Christ Jesus, have we not cause for deep sorrow and humiliation of heart before a holy God who is no respecter of persons, but of character.
Dear brethren, I am truly sorry for any cause wherein I may have dishonored the cause of my dear Redeemer in any way.
At times of late I have had some of a realizing sense of the exceeding benevolence and tender compassion that moved the dearly beloved Son of God, when he cheerfully condescended in amazing love to leave his Father's bright realms, to come down into this dark world of sin and woe. Yes, such was his tender love and great benevolence that he was willing to lead a life of suffering and self-denial, by doing good unto all men as he had opportunity, whether friend or foe. And what is still more wonderful, is that he condescended to endure the most intense agony in Gethsemane's garden, when he "sweat as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground," and insults and scorn of that cruel, relentless mob, who pierced his sacred brow, placing upon it a crown of thorns, and nailed his tender hands and feet to the infamous cross. And all this he bore without a murmur, for his enemies, when his earthly friends forsook him and fled. In the midst of this cruel treatment he feelingly prayed, Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.
O that the Lord in mercy may give me and all his remnant people a large measure of that same forgiving spirit that characterized our adorable Redeemer while bleeding in agony on the cross; and also more of that Spirit he had when with a pitying heart he wept over Jerusalem as he exclaimed, "O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets and stonest them which are sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered thy children together even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings and ye would not."
Were it not for the deep pity and feeling of tender compassion of that lovely Saviour, I might well despair of mercy; for I feel that I need his forgiving mercy extended towards me. But how can I, or others expect to feel his pardoning love in our hearts unless we are in deed and in truth willing to forgive men their trespasses. Says Jesus, "If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you your trespasses."
O that the Spirit of truth may work deep repentance in all our hearts and lead us to make all due confessions, whether to saint or sinner, and lead us to thoroughly amend all our ways that are sinful in the sight of a just God. And may the kind and compassionate Spirit exhibited by the meek and lovely Jesus while in this world, lead us also to "put on bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering," which will enable us with the grace of God to be very careful not to wound or grieve the feelings of any fellow mortal whether friend or foe unnecessarily; for God has many dear children who do not as yet see as we do.
And may all narrow-mindedness or contracted feelings be done away, and our hearts, may they be enlarged to act more and more upon the great benevolent principles set forth in the gospel of Christ.
Our hearts should be moved with tender emotions towards our fellow mortals who are out of the ark of safety; and we should watch every opportunity to do them good, and in the name of Jesus, with his tender love burning in our hearts, warn and entreat them to flee from the wrath (so soon) to come upon all them that love not God and obey not the gospel.
To this end may the Lord give us all much heavenly wisdom, good judgment and quick understanding, and lead us to make every due confession however humbling it may be to self, that the King's high way may be cleared of every obstacle in order that the message may soon go to the scattered ones in mighty power in the East as well as West, and that the blood of souls be not found on our garments. J. A. WILCOX.
N. Y. City.
THE BIBLE.
"Hast thou ever heard
Of such a book? The author, God himself;
The subject, God and man, salvation, life
And death—eternal life, eternal death—
Dread words! whose meaning has no end, no bounds.
Most wondrous book! bright candle of the Lord!
Star of eternity! the only star
By which the bark of man could navigate
The sea of life, and gain the coast of bliss
Securely! only star which rose on time,
And on its dark and troubled billows stole,
As generation, drifting swiftly by,
Succeeded generation, thence a ray
Of heaven's own light, and to the hills of God,
The eternal hills, pointed the sinner's eye.
This book, this holy book, in every line .
Marked with the seal of high divinity,
On every leaf bedewed with drops of love
Divine, and with the eternal heraldry
And signature of God Almighty stamped
From first to last—this ray of sacred light,
This lamp from off the everlasting throne,
Mercy took down, and in the night of time
Stood, casting on the dark her gracious bow,
And evermore beseeching men, with tears
And earnest sighs, to hear, believe and live.
And many to her voice gave ear and read,
Believed, obeyed; and now, as the Amen,
True, faithful Witness swore, with snowy robes
And branching palms, surround the fount of life,
And drink the streams of immortality,
Forever happy, and forever young."—Pollok.
B. M. OSGOOD
By B. M. Osgood
From Sister Osgood.
BRO. SMITH: We feel to thank God that we have his Holy Word, which teaches us to look forward to the soon coming of the Saviour as the time for the consummation of the christian's hope. O! what could we do but for that precious book to point out to us the path that leads to eternal life? I want to give good heed to its teachings that I may be found among God's chosen ones when Jesus shall appear. I find but few letters of late in the Review from the brethren and sisters. Is this because they have grown cold in their love for the Saviour? or is it from other causes? Do not we still need to "stir up one another's minds by way of remembrance?" I love to hear from those "who are keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." I have for many years been striving to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, but it is only about a year since I became fully convinced of the truth that the coming of the Saviour was near. I feel to thank God that I was led to investigate this momentous subject. I desire to be found among those who are "looking for that blessed hope." Your sister striving to overcome,
B. M. OSGOOD
Lairdville, Onei. Co., N. Y.
Sister McClure’s Testimony
By Lucinda S. McClure
From Sister McClure.
Bro. Smith: I feel to praise the Lord greatly for his wonderful mercy towards me. My errors have been many. I often wonder at the long forbearance and loving kindness which have brought me to see my true position. I feel to cry out, Lord what am I that thou art mindful of me.
I have been for many years a professor of religion; but the Bible had been so obscured by traditions and mysticism that its great truths have been hidden from my understanding. It has seemed a volume of inconsistencies, the right way hard to find. In this condition the present truth found me two years ago. By degrees it has found its way into my heart. I am convinced that the seventh day is the true Sabbath, God's holy day; that the third angel's message is now sounding, and soon we shall behold the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven. I am fully resolved to keep all the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus; counting the world but dross that I may win Christ.
There are a few here striving to overcome. The seasonable visit of the messengers to this place is an evidence of the Lord's care for his humble sincere followers. The church was greatly strengthened, encouraged and confirmed by Bro. Bates who expounded the word more perfectly, in all patience meekness and love, giving us meat in due season, administering the ordinances of baptism, washing of feet and the Lord's supper. He shewed us just where we stood in the third angel's message, pointed us back to the termination of the 2300 hundred days, and then bid us set our faces as flints toward the heavenly city which we are seeking. Many who heard him confessed the truth of his teachings; still they refuse to obey, regardless of their future fate. It seems strange they can turn a deaf ear to facts so plain and important. But as it was in the days of Noah so will it be in the end of the world.
My heart is often cheered by the comforting exhortations of brethren scattered abroad. I can sympathise with their trials and difficulties for I have many to contend with. I feel my responsibility. But if I so live as to be able to claim God's promises, all will be well. He has promised to be the widow's God and a father to the fatherless. I know I must be diligent in all things, spiritual as well as temporal, having oil in my vessel and my lamp trimmed and burning. The Lord will soon come and will not tarry. Brethren and sisters pray for me that I may be found ready with all commandment keepers to enter into the joy of our Lord and be forever with him.