Earlier text: EXAMINATION OF T. M. PREBLE'S FIRST-DAY SABBATHBorrowing and Lending.
By Adolphus Smith
I HAVE frequently discovered considerable evil growing out of the habit of borrowing. A contemplation of the subject has led me to examine, on this point, the only recognized authority for Christian usages,—the Bible. The first instance noted, is that of Ex. 12:35: “And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment.” On this point Josephus remarks: “They also honored the Hebrews with gifts, some in order to get them to depart quickly, and others on account of their neighborhood and the friendship they had with them.” In a note appended, it is declared, that the Hebrew word rendered “borrowed,” in our translation, is falsely so done. God required gifts at the hands of the Egyptians for services long rendered them by the Hebrews in bondage. See Gen. 15:14; Ex. 3:22; 11:2; Ps. 105:37. The subject of borrowing is again brought to view in Ex. 22:14. “And if a man borrow ought of his neighbor, and it be hurt, or die, the owner thereof being not with it, he shall surely make it good.” Here borrowing is introduced as a contingent circumstance, to the abuse of which, is appended the emphatic “he shall surely make it good.” The next instance of borrowing is noted in 2 Kings, 6:5: “But as one was felling a beam, the axe head fell into the water; and he cried and said, ‘Alas! master, for it was borrowed.’ Probably no miracle would have been wrought to recover the axe, had it not been a borrowed one. The obligation to carefully use and properly return borrowed articles, seems to have been a sacred one among the Israelites. Should God’s people be less particular now? Has God changed? Does he now approbate what he once condemned? Many professed Christians get all the good they can out of a borrowed article, and then return it in an injured state expressing sorrow that the casualty should have occurred, and promising reparation “As soon as I go to town,” or, “As soon as I get some money,” &c., and, in violation of God’s command, forgetting ever after to fulfill their promise. But the lender does not forget, ever looking with discredit upon the borrower’s professions of religious principles. “The wicked borroweth and payeth not again.” Here, borrowing without making restitution, is spoken of as a sin. Contravening this principle, the last clause of the text brings to view the legitimate consequent of a godly life;—“but the righteous showeth mercy and giveth.” Ps. 37:21. In Ps. 112, following the same train of thought, we read in the fifth verse, “A good man showeth favor and lendeth.” That it is right to borrow under certain circumstances is admissible; but to abuse this right, is a sin. Borrowing, to save ourselves expense, or because we are too negligent to provide for our own wants, is all wrong. On the other hand, when borrowing becomes proper, to fail in making the just returns for consumable articles, amplitude in weight and measure, and for others, compensation for damages, and a cheerful reciprocation of the favor, is also wrong. The subject of lending is so intimately connected with the one under consideration, that it cannot, in this connection, be passed over without a brief notice. The duty of lending was explicitly taught by our Saviour. The example of our Heavenly Father, in sending his rain, and sunlight, freely upon all, was quoted as an example of liberality, which we are commanded, in our degree, to imitate. “Do good and lend,” said Jesus, “and your reward shall be great.” And again, “Him that would borrow of thee, turn not thou away.” Christian reader, not for that which you have lent and received a full equivalent in return, nor for that you have lent or given grudgingly, will you receive a great reward at the resurrection of the just; but for what you have lent, or given cheerfully, “hoping for nothing again.” If you have not received the value of your loan in some tangible earthly good, you have, perhaps, enjoyed the satisfaction of being highly esteemed by man for your generosity. If so, you have in this accepted, at least, a partial payment of your loan. “He that giveth to the poor, lendeth to the Lord.” How large a stock have you taken here? “The Lord loveth a cheerful giver.” Does he love one who gives grudgingly, or because others do, and he is ashamed not to? Manifestly not. If a King, or governor, or any great man of earth, were, by chance, for the time in need, and should call at your humble dwelling, you would accommodate him with the best you had. But many lend to the Lord as if they did not expect him to pay them again. For what will many receive reward at the resurrection, in the presence of angels and redeemed men? It may be for an old slouched hat, a ragged, dirty coat, an untidy dress, or a pestilential, service-ventilated, pair of shoes. A Bible Christian will be slow to borrow, apt to lend, accommodating, cheerfully benificent, courteous; and at the resurrection receive the welcome plaudit from his Saviour, “Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.” Silent Influence.
By E. R. D.
MAN is so constituted, that he is more susceptible to silent, than to conscious influence; for if he thinks he is swayed by the opinion of others, he loses his self-respect, while on the contrary if he believes himself capable of withstanding the influence of another it gives him a feeling of independence. It is not so much by great and heroic acts, which take place occasionally, that we are influenced, as by little deeds of kindness. God speaks to us not so often by the flashing lightning, the roaring cataract, and the fiery volcano, as by the beautiful in nature, the trials of every day life and the still small voice of conscience. Varied are the influences which different things exert over us; when wearied and oppressed with trials and cares, we go forth to commune with nature, how each little bud and flower seems to draw our thoughts from ourselves and fill our hearts with love and gratitude toward Him who created them! for “God might have made the earth bring forth
Enough for great and small.
The oak tree and the cedar tree
And not a flower at all.” The stately oak rearing its head far above us, inspires us with lofty thoughts and seems ever to whisper, “Look up,” while the pine—who can sit beneath its branches, and hear the sad, mournful tones which issue from its boughs, without a feeling of sadness stealing over him? What emotions are incited while standing beside the sparkling water as it ripples in its pebbly bed! Does it not lead us to desire, that our lives might be as pure, and bright, as the stream at our feet? Do not those better thoughts have a power over our whole life? Are we not unconsciously molded by the teachings of nature, so that we are better fitted to perform life's duties? But it is not from nature, alone, that we are silently influenced, for we all exert upon others an influence when we least think of it, which is either for good, or for evil; it is impossible to have it otherwise. We may say, and perhaps think, we have no influence in the world, but we forget the unconscious influences which we daily both give, and receive. It is these little things, the small duties of life, of which we scarcely think, the silent influences, which help to make up the history of our lives. Many think, they can have no influence, unless they try by argument to change the purpose of some one. They do not consider that their actions, or lives, may have a far greater power, than words, and that, perhaps, the opposite of what they would wish. Though we may fail in exerting the influence we desire, when intentional, yet, unconsciously, we are ever leading some one, either toward the right or giving them an excuse for wandering from the path of rectitude. Solemn thought! But this is a law of nature, and the influence we exert is a true index to our character; for it is in our unguarded moments, more than when we are vigilant that we influence others. A distinguished writer has said that “our conscious influence is the result of intention, and on the whole does little; but our unconscious influence is the aggregate result of our whole character, manifesting itself in looks and acts that are not meant to affect anything, but which will inevitably mold others.” How necessary then that this powerful influence be for good and that it may tell upon the side of truth. That this may be so, we must live truthful lives; be true to ourselves, our profession, and our God, ever remembering the high duties that rest upon us and that though the whole world may applaud, yet the approval of our own conscience and of God is the one thing needful for our happiness. Lord, help us to be wholly sanctified; then, if our thoughts are holy, our lives, and actions, will be holy, and our influence will tell upon the right side.
E. R. D. Correction
By John Nevins Andrews
Correction.—In my sixth chapter, in Review No. 20, near the top of the right-hand column of the first page, for “unmasked abridgments” read “unmarked abridgments.” J. N. A. Good Soldiers.
By J. LAMONT
“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” 2 Tim. 2:3. When a man enters the service of an earthly government as a soldier, he obligates himself to obey all laws, rules, and regulations, of that government; and, also, to accept such food, clothing, and wages, as it stipulates, or is able to give him. If he is a good soldier, will he grumble or complain at the duties assigned him? He knew, before he enlisted, that there would be hard battles, toilsome marches, lonely, weary, and sometimes dangerous, guard duty. All these, and many other hardships must he endure; else he is not a good soldier. If he deserts, death is the penalty. The Christian is called a soldier of Jesus Christ. When a person enters the service of “the Prince of the kings of the earth,” is he under a less solemn obligation to obey his laws, perform the duties he assigns him, and accept the toils and dangers of the way without murmur or complaint, than the soldier of the earthly government? If he refuses to perform his duties or performs them negligently, (becomes lukewarm), is he a good soldier? If he deserts, (backslides), is he a good soldier? No; and he must forfeit his life, unless he speedily returns and sues for pardon. And then, indeed, would it not take him a long time to gain his former standing? Let us, then, dear reader, heed the injunction now, “endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ,” and soon he will promote us to be “kings and priests,” and we shall reign with him a thousand years, until this earth is purified and made ready to receive the “holy city,” and becomes the permanent residence of all the good soldiers of Jesus Christ. J. LAMONT. “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of Judgment.” Matt. 12: 36. Thus it is that our Saviour speaks of idle words. And he further informs us that we shall be justified or condemned by the words we use. Verse 37. But why is it that there is so much stress laid upon our words? Because they are an indication of what is in the heart; “for out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh.” Verse 34. And by this we are judged. It becomes us, then, to let our words show that our hearts are right in the sight of God. But we are informed that no man can tame the tongue. James 3: 8. True it is, and the psalmist thought so too, when he prayed, “Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips.” Ps. 141: 3. If we try to tame the tongue without seeking strength from God, we shall find that the “prince of the power of the air” is stronger than we, and our efforts will be fruitless. But if we seek the strength that comes from God, we can be victorious; for “we can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth us.” Glory be to God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. A. WEEKS. Bless God for What You Have
BLESS God for what you have, and trust him for what you want. In company with Bro. H. B. Stratton, of Boston, we left Battle Creek for New England, Nov. 1, at 3 P. M., and reached Worcester, Mass., in the evening of the 2d, at 10 P. M., a distance of about nine hundred miles. Bro. Stratton had been spending a week with the brethren at Battle Creek, very agreeably to them, and to himself. Partly by his invitation, and partly to leave for the East on business, and that rest which change sometimes gives, we have come to New England. We have left behind the cares of home business, pertaining to the work at Battle Creek, and are becoming free and hopeful. This we enjoy so well that we decide to remain away as long as possible, and give others a chance to see how well they can manage in our absence. We are weary of incessant care. Our home at Battle Creek has been the home also of so many, that the cares of such a home are burdensome. Our children are so far grown that we decide best to even cast off the care of the family, and for a while travel, preach, and write, in different localities of the wide field, as the providence of God opens the way, and provides for us temporary homes. We have given up the idea of fully separating ourselves from the work at Battle Creek; therefore, our property at Washington, Iowa, is for sale. We have also become decided upon the impracticability of spending as much time in Battle Creek as we have done for two years past; therefore, our property at Battle Creek is for sale. If we have a home at all at present, we think it should be on one of our railroads not far from our institutions at Battle Creek. For more than a year past we have been sinking in health, faith, hope, and courage, under the many cares and labors placed upon us in the interests of the General Conference, Publishing Association, Health Institute, church at Battle Creek, and the cause generally. And what has made the matter worse, a feeling of grief, and of murmuring, almost irresistible, has pressed upon our spirits, that so much should be urged upon us, and that so few, who were willing to work, and that could leave to do the work at head quarters, could be urged to make the sacrifice, and run the risk of moving to Battle Creek. But we finally came to the point to decide that we would not fully leave the work at Battle Creek, without the clearest providential proofs of duty so to do; but stand by the work there at all hazards till God shall raise up, and qualify, others to take the oversight of it. Since this decision has been made, we have enjoyed unusual freedom, and mental and physical embarrassments are rapidly disappearing. And Mrs. White, also, is sharing very largely the divine blessing. For two years past she has, most of the time, suffered from painful and discouraging evidence of a growing cancer in the breast. About the time we decided to never leave the work at Battle Creek, until the Lord and his people gave us unmistakable evidence that we were released, Mrs. W. gave herself to the Lord anew in a covenant to trust in his power fully. We bowed before God together in solemn covenant to be wholly his, and to labor on, trusting his providential hand to uphold, to direct, and to save. And the Lord has been very gracious to us. Mrs. W. is free and happy, and has the best of evidence that the growing cancerous swelling, which had become large, and was very painful, is entirely removed. As we pen these lines, she is by our side, earnestly preparing her second volume of the Spirit of Prophecy for the press. Our meetings in this place (South Lancaster, Mass.) have been good and refreshing, and we find a very agreeable home with Eld. Haskell and family. From this point, we go to Boston to spend the Sabbath, and the first of the week following we go to see Dr. Trall in relation to publishing some of his most important works on the subject of life and health. Mrs. W. will remain in Boston, continuing her writing until our return to attend the New Hampshire meeting. And here we would state that our people where we may hold meetings in the different States, must excuse us from visiting from house to house, or from being visited at the places we may stop. We will meet them at their places of worship, and besides this, must be left free to pursue our writing without interruption. We are happily disappointed at finding the New England Conference in so prosperous a condition. The President of this Conference, Bro. Haskell, is an excellent manager, and has good brethren to second his efforts. A few years since this was missionary ground, and a discouraging field. Ministers from other States, who then labored here as missionaries, were largely sustained from the treasury of the General Conference. Now this Conference fully supports its own ministers, meets the expenses of those who labor among them from other States; and besides this, puts annually, several hundreds into the treasury of the General Conference. A few years since the territory of this Conference, embracing Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, was regarded as a hard field, principally from the existing disorganizing spirit that prevailed generally. But now, in this very field, under the well-directed efforts of Bro. Haskell, our people are in advance of those in any other part of the field, in systematic, energetic action for the advancement of the cause of truth. They have two preaching tents, nearly new. They had, at the close of their last camp-meeting, a camp-meeting fund on hand of more than five hundred dollars. Last spring, at a quarterly meeting, they took up the matter of our periodicals, and have acted systematically in the collection of dues, paying for the worthy poor, and obtaining new subscribers. And the result is, that the entire field has been canvassed, by visiting delinquents, or corresponding with them, and nearly every account for our periodicals has been squared up. The sum of about one hundred and seventy-five dollars has been paid to the Publishing Association on the accounts of delinquents, and to send our periodicals to the worthy poor. This was not taken out of the Conference treasury of Systematic Benevolence funds, however, but was raised by donations from those living within the Conference. And while some copies of our periodicals have been discontinued to unworthy persons, more new subscribers have been obtained than enough to fill their places. They also have missionary and tract societies which are efficient in looking after the wants of worthy widows and orphans, in corresponding with scattered and distant friends who need instruction and encouragement in the things of the Spirit of God, and in the circulation of tracts, pamphlets, and books. They are placing three of our bound volumes in all the best libraries within the Conference. Their records for the past year show that they have given publications, more or less, to about four thousand persons. This work they have done without any assistance whatever from any source besides the members of their own Conference. Neither have they drawn upon their Systematic Benevolence funds to do any part of this work; but have appropriated every dollar of that to the support of the ministry in their own Conference, having a surplus of five hundred and fifty dollars, which they donated to the General Conference. And this small Conference alone have raised, the past season, for the Publishing Association, and the Health Institute, the sum of three thousand dollars. We propose a change of labors on this wise. Let Eld. Haskell go to New York, Michigan, or some more western Conference, and give others the benefits of his financial talent, and let Eld. Canright, or Eld. Butler, or some other efficient preacher, come to this Conference to give himself wholly to the word. Things having been set in order by Eld. Haskell can be managed by those brethren here who may be called helpers, while one used to entering new fields might give himself wholly to the word. May the Lord direct in these important matters. But we urge that our brethren in the different States, and in the several counties of the States, go right to work, as best they can, to do this good work, the simple doing of which has given the brethren in this Conference much comfort and strength. In this work the weak may become strong, besides accomplishing a great amount of good. We feel upon the subject of publishing for the million as we never felt before. After a careful computation of all the expenses, we are now prepared to state that we can furnish our tracts, largest page, good paper, and first-class print, by the quantity, at Battle Creek, at the rate of two thousand pages for one dollar, provided the demand shall be large enough so that we can print ten thousand copies at one edition. It is a matter of devout gratitude to God that he, by the faithfulness of his dear people, has placed in our hands all the facilities and means necessary to do this work at the very best advantage. Now let the churches, and scattered brethren, everywhere awake, and take hold of missionary work, and let our publications, like the leaves of autumn, be scattered everywhere.