FAMINES, PESTILENCES AND EARTHQUAKES IN DIVERS PLACES—THE SEA AND THE WAVES ROARING.
Say, why are these tidings of suffering and woe
From all quarters coming, and what do they show?
Say, whence are these ills? why is old mother Earth
To such heavings and tumults and woes giving birth?
Lo! the solid earth trembles, the fast-rooted rock
Now reels to and fro at the earthquake's dread shock;
The abyss of great waters is heaved in its hand,
And the tidal wave swept with a flood o'er the land.
Loud roars the volcano with furious fire,
Belching torrents of lava and vomiting fire;
Vine-covered Vesuvius its thunders gives forth,
And bellowing Hecla responds from the north.
The wild-raging tempest with furious sweep
Strews with proofs of its power the whole face of the deep;
The Eastern typhoon and the cyclone's loud roar
Are answered by storms from the far Labrador.
But hark the sad tidings that load every gale!
From all lands north and south comes the heart-rending wail;
Gaunt Famine's abroad on its mission of fear,
And death-dealing pestilence stalks in the rear.
Now why is all this? why is old mother Earth
To such monstrous progeny now giving birth?
Say, why do convulsions and terrors abound?
Why raves the wild tempest? why trembles the ground?
Philosopher, sage, men of science and lore,
Come answer these questions, and tell us wherefore.
You cannot—your skill can no answer afford,
But the cause is revealed in the word of the Lord:
Earth's cup of iniquity nigh runneth o'er,
And the long-suffering God can endure it no more;
His wrath long restrained will soon burst forth like fire,
And the wicked who scoff be consumed in his ire.
The shock of the earthquake, the hurricane's breath,
The famine and pestilence scattering death,
Are but the precursors of wrath to be hurled
By a sin-hating God on a sin-loving world.
Then kneel, sinner, kneel, ere the trumpet is blown,—
While vacant as yet stands the awful white throne;
Call loudly for pardon while mercy is near,
And the sin-hating God you will meet without fear.
NOTES.
The Need of Daily Experience
By ANNA H. HALE
From Sister Hale.
DEAR BRN. AND SISTERS: Without an experience from day to day, in divine things, how can we write with acceptance, or to edification, in the Review? Is it not necessary, if we would speak to others in a way to do them good, to have our hearts burning with love to God, and the cause of present truth? And should not this be our condition, as we come from the presence chamber of our King—from holding sweet communion with our blessed Redeemer, who has redeemed us from the dreadful slavery of sin, and made us fellow-citizens with the saints, and heirs to an inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled, and which fadeth not away? Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God. We had fallen low, but to what a dignity he raiseth us.
Jesus stooped low to save us; died for us while we were yet his enemies. We have spurned his authority, and his love, ranging ourselves on the side of his enemy and ours. We grieved his Holy Spirit; but he did not leave us to our fate. He saw the misery and shame we were bringing upon ourselves, and the terrible death which would end the scene. He sent us warning after warning, and entreated us to flee from the wrath to come. He set his truth before us so plainly that we could not evade its force. He sent his Holy Spirit to impress upon us our duty, and our danger, if we refuse to obey. He held up before us the glorious rewards of obedience. He showed us the beautiful city with its many mansions, the crowns and harps of gold that might be ours, not for a day, but forever. He told us what he had endured to purchase this inheritance for us, and the love that had sent him to suffer our death, that through him we might be saved. And when our hard hearts were softened, and we turned to him from whom we had revolted, how quickly his arms were opened to receive us, and how readily he forgave all the cruel past. How he encourages us to come to him, and meets us often in secret places. How, when the powers of darkness gathered around us, and strove with cruel hate to press us back into their service, and our feeble strength had well nigh yielded in the struggle, he appeared for our deliverance. He never forgets nor forsakes us; though we often grieve him by coldness and neglect.
In view of these things we love him, and are willing, yea, count it joy, to suffer for his sake. The world looks at us with pity, or scorn, as we turn from them, to walk the narrow way, but we heed them not. Our Beloved leads us on in the path he trod before; and how safe we feel as we follow. “Wisdom’s ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.” The light that shines from the heavenly sanctuary upon our path is sweet.
Over two and a half years I have been trying to walk in the light. Sometimes I have felt lonely and sad, for the want of the sympathy of earthly friends; but not for a moment have I regretted turning my feet into this path, or wished to retrace my way. I have found that the promise to those who forsake all to follow Christ, is sure, and I feel, as I hear you, dear brethren and sisters, speaking, from week to week, in the Review, that I should not be silent.
Bless the Lord, we can live out the truth in any place. If we are willing to do right, He will open up a way, and make a way of escape out of all our temptations. Let us then press on, with our eye fixed on the mark, and our hearts warm with the love of Christ—happy even to suffer reproach for his name; for soon his glory will be revealed, then we shall be glad with exceeding joy. Oh! then how small will the trials of earth appear.
I feel that God is leading this people in great kindness and mercy. I am thankful that he condescends to instruct us by the gift of prophecy. My dear young friends, let us heed the warnings that have been given us, and make sure work for the kingdom. I am trying. Pray for me. ANNA H. HALE.
Holiness and Love
As holiness works a likeness to Him that begot it, so it works a love to those who enjoy it.
Testimony on the Sabbath and Immortality
By W. Gatchell
From Bro. Gatchell.
Bro. Smith: Nearly thirty-one years ago I obtained an evidence of sins forgiven, and was baptized and joined the church. From a child I was instructed that I had an immortal soul that would exist forever, either in happiness or woe. It was so deeply rooted in my mind that I truly believed it so. But after I had read the Bible through several times, and searched it diligently, to my astonishment I could not find any text in the book to inform me that a man had an immortal soul, or that when he died his soul went to happiness or misery; but I did read there that man became a living soul, after the breath of life was breathed into his nostrils, and it looked to me that that was the active, vital principle, that the sentence of death was pronounced upon for disobedience. A good many things were preached that I could not see into, but I thought the ministers knew best about it.
When Elders Cornell and Loughborough were here with their tent, I went to all their meetings, all that my health would admit of. Most of their discourses met my views. The Sabbath question was dark to me; but I determined to be like the noble Bereans, and search the Scriptures, and see if these things were so. I was told, there, that the seventh day was the Sabbath. I thought much on the subject; and I read the vindication of the true Sabbath, by J. W. Morton, and attended the monthly meetings. My mind was very much agitated on the subject, but I felt that I wanted more light, in order to move forward. Last fall I attended the Monthly Meeting, and spoke of my feelings there. A sister was in the hall, who arose and told about my urging upon her, some 25 or 28 years ago, the necessity of her seeking an interest in the Saviour; and now, said she, I think it is your duty to embrace the truth, and keep the commandments. I felt condemned, and there I resolved to act on the light I had got, without waiting for more, and try to keep the Sabbath of the Bible. My mind became calm, and I enjoyed great peace. I have often thought of this passage since: “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is staid on thee.” Why? “Because he trusteth in thee.”
I followed up the weekly meetings, regularly, but thought I would avoid saying anything about the Sabbath. But I felt, most powerfully, that I must say something about the Sabbath, and when I began to speak, light broke in upon me like the morning, and I felt that I could truly say, “Oh! how I love thy law, it is my meditation all the day.” Since that time I have not been sorry for the step that I then took; and by the grace of God, I mean to be an overcomer, through the blood of the Lamb, and the word of my testimony, and have an inheritance in the earth made new, with God’s remnant people, who keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
My object in penning these lines, is to lead others to act differently from what I did, and to plant themselves on the promises of God, and keep his commandments, whether they have all the light they want or not; and the God of the Sabbath will cause the light to spring up in their minds.
W. Gatchell.
Cumberland Co., Maine.
Testimony of Sister Preston
By A. M. Preston
From Sister Preston.
BRO. SMITH: I feel thankful that our Heavenly Father is not confined to large assemblies, but condescends to meet with us two lonely ones. I am glad that I was ever called out from the church. How cold, blind, and dead they are. I endorse the health reform, and am striving to live it out in a measure. I cannot do as I would like to, surrounded with the wicked as I am. My prayer is that they may see the error of their ways, and turn to the Lord and live. I am striving to so live that I may meet all my brethren and sisters when the Lord calls. Pray for me, although unworthy. A. M. PRESTON. Ogle Co., Ill.
A New Experience in Present Truth
By Sophie M. Crosby
From Sister Crosby.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: While seriously meditating in regard to the duty of Christians, I am forcibly reminded that excuses will avail us nothing when Jesus, our Redeemer, comes to make up his jewels. Oh! that I may be one of that number, is my prayer. I rejoice in the light of present truth. I praise my Heavenly Father that he sent his messengers this way, and that my ears have been permitted to hear the third angel's message. About nineteen months since, Brn. Waggoner and Cornell came here with the tent. Hearing that there were going to be Advent meetings held, my curiosity was somewhat excited, and I resolved to go and hear them, notwithstanding my mind was already biased, from the manner in which I had already heard Adventists spoken of. When I approached the tent, Sunday morning, having left my Baptist church to gratify my curiosity, for I had no idea of receiving any benefit, it was with diffidence that I entered; but once in, my attention was called to the prophecies, and I became much interested in the subjects brought from the word of God. The Bible seemed like a new book, and I could but exclaim, The Lord being my helper, I will hear them through; which I did, with the exception of two or three discourses.
When the subject of the Sabbath was presented, my heart rose in rebellion. The same with the immortality question, but the more I heard, the more I was convinced of the truthfulness of the same; and I feel to praise God that he gave me a heart to receive these truths—I could not reject them. A monitor seemed to stand at my side saying, If ye willfully sin after ye have received the light, there remains no more sacrifice for sin. Since then I have been striving to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, notwithstanding the opposition I have had to meet from near friends, even to being disowned by my father whom I dearly loved; but I felt to exclaim, If God be for us, it is more than they that be against us; and again, Our light afflictions work out for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. Truly such promises are enough to stimulate us to activity in the cause of our blessed Redeemer. Pray for me, dear brethren and sisters, that I may prove faithful, overcome all my sins and with you stand on Mount Zion. Sophie M. Crosby.
Oakland Co., Mich.,
Testimony of Sister Warren
By A. C. WARREN
From Sister „Warren.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: While reading the letters from the dear saints scattered abroad, my heart is encouraged, and I feel it duty to add my testimony.
We are commanded to speak often to each other, and so much the more as we see the day approaching. Truly all things proclaim that we are near the end; and the time hasteth greatly. I do feel to rejoice to hear and know that the Lord is at work for his people. I can say for one that I feel thankful for the way the Lord is leading us along, for the Review with its truths, and especially for the Testimonies. They are doing a great and good work for the church in these last days. I am trying to live out the health reform. Self-denial is what will do the work.
I hope to be an overcomer with the people of God. The apostle tells us that no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous; and again, Whom the Lord loveth, he chasteneth. I hope to be willing to be tested and tried. I sincerely desire the prayers of God's people, that I may have grace and wisdom, to help me live out all the truths in this life, and receive eternal life in the world to come.
A. C. WARREN.
Vermont.
B. G. JONES
By B. G. JONES
From Bro. Jones.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: It has been some years since I gave my testimony for Jesus and his soon-coming, through the Review. I have felt as many others have expressed, that I could not write so as to interest any one. I seldom have the privilege of meeting with those that keep the commandments of God; but I am still striving to overcome the world, that I may with the meek inherit the earth. I am thankful that the Lord is so kind to us as to let us have his good angels to protect us from the influence of evil angels, so that they may not overcome us with evil, and we lose our inheritance on the new earth. I want to so live every day that I shall be ready for the latter rain, so that at last I shall receive the “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
We see daily that we are in the land of the enemy; that he will afflict us in every way that he can, even to taking the lives of those we love. I want on the whole armor, so that I may finally overcome and have a part in the first resurrection, for on such the second death hath no power. I want to keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus, so that I can stand the trials of the way, that I may be of those who seek for eternal life when Christ comes.
B. G. JONES
Newport, N. H.
RUSSELL HOAG
By Russell Hoag
From Bro. Hoag.
BRO. SMITH: As I read the Review from week to week, I think of the apostle when he said, Exhort one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Brethren and sisters, Do we not see the day approaching? How it becomes us to adorn the profession we have made, by a well-ordered life and a godly conversation! I am trying to live more faithful than I have done, and be a living epistle known and read of all men.
Jesus has gone before us to prepare mansions for us. How important it is we should watch and pray. I am the only one that takes the Review in this large city. I hope the time is not far distant when this truth will be preached here. I believe there are some honest ones here. I hope we may be the means of doing some good in visiting our friends in different parts of the State. We have been to two conference meetings in this State. The interest manifested in these meetings was good, and the friends we have met with will not soon be forgotten.
We are now deprived of the privilege of meeting with those of like precious faith. We intend to settle with the people of God wherever duty directs.
RUSSELL HOAG
St. Paul, Minn.
Embracing the Present Truth
By Polly Holmes
From Sister Holmes.
DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: One year ago this present week, it was my privilege for the first time to attend a Seventh-day Adventist meeting in Springfield, Mass. Their members were few, but the Spirit of the Lord was with them. It was made a great blessing to me. I continued attending their meetings while I remained in the place, which was nearly two months. In the meantime the Lord in great mercy opened my eyes to see the light of present truth, and gave me a willing heart to receive it. They had no regular preaching. Bro. Daniels was with them two Sabbaths. May the Lord bless the little company of Sabbath-keepers in Springfield. They were the means, through the blessing of God, of bringing me out to embrace the glorious truths of the third angel's message. Praise the Lord! I am now rejoicing in the truth. I am one of the lone ones. There is not one of like faith in the place, that I know of, but I am trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I meet with much opposition, have many trials to pass through, even the fiery; and I sometimes feel to thank God for them; for
“Trials make the promise sweet,
Trials give new life to prayer;
Bring me to the Saviour's feet,
Lay me low, and keep me there.”
I want to be pure and holy. I want to be a meek and humble follower of my blessed Saviour. I want to lie low at his feet and learn of him. It seems to be the most suitable place for me, I am so weak and unworthy, so helpless and dependent. I cannot take one step without him. But thanks be to his name, in his strength I can do all things.
I long to see him; I love his appearing. Oh, that I may be ready and waiting his coming! I thank the Lord for what he has done for me. I am poor in this world's goods, but hope and pray that I may be rich in faith and an heir of the kingdom. I have but a few S. D. A. publications, but through the kindness of a good sister I have the Review. The last three Testimonies for the church have been sent me by some kind friends, for which they have my heart-felt thanks. I thank God for the visions; they are what we need at this time. I thank him for the health reform; am trying to live it out as far as circumstances will permit. I feel unworthy a name and place with the Advent people, but I am determined to go through with you to the kingdom. Pray for me that I may endure unto the end.
POLLY HOLMES.
Berkshire Co., Mass.
Returning to the Little Flock
By Wm. Hill
From Bro. Hill.
BRO. SMITH: I have been away from home all winter among those who obey not the truth, and have lately returned to my family and the little flock who are striving to keep the commandments of God. I found them still striving to run in the heavenly way, cherishing kindness and brotherly love toward each other. It was a good thing for me to meet with my brethren once more, and feel my heart encouraged to endure, even unto the end.
I would say to the dear brethren and sisters, that I love the cause of present truth, and that I want to feel its sanctifying influence upon my heart. How good the Lord is to take special means to make known unto us his precious truth in these last days of peril, to preserve his people from the strong delusions that are in the world. Let us show him that we appreciate his love by laying it up in our hearts and living it out in our lives, so that when the great day of the Lord shall come, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, we may be among his chosen ones that shall be saved.
Yours in hope of everlasting life.
Wm. Hill.
Faribault Co., Minn., April 7, 1868.
Letters from Sisters
SISTER O. COON writes: I think we have great reason to thank God for what he is doing for his people. I have only to regret that I come so far short of doing my part, and filling well and faithfully my humble station. I feel unworthy of a place among God's children, but I ask for your prayers, dear brethren and sisters, that I may be delivered from the power of sin and Satan, and be enabled to glorify my Heavenly Father in all that I do. May God help me to live out the glorious truths of the third angel's message, and be earnest and faithful in preparing for the soon-coming of Christ.
SISTER M. J. WHITMAN writes from Cook Co., Ill.: I am trying to keep the commandments of God with my little girl, 6 years old. We love the coming of our Sabbath, as our neighbors term it. We read our sermon in the Review, sing our hymn, and crave the blessing of God upon us, which is our forenoon service; and the cheering testimony of the brethren and sisters are our social meetings. They are indeed, blessed ones. I often see in our paper amounts receipted for Review to the poor. Could such but know the good that is derived from what they give, by myself, and I presume by many others, they would feel amply paid now; and in the coming day I trust they may see many sheaves that have been gathered into the garner of the Lord.
SISTER N. J. LUCAS writes from Maine: Dearly do I prize the sermons that come weekly through the columns of the Review, as they are all the preaching I get by S. D. Adventists. Life Incidents, by Bro. White, are of thrilling interest. The health reform I believe is of God, and I desire to live up to it as far as I can see clearly. My means being limited, I cannot procure books and papers to get the information I desire, yet I feel that the Lord is leading me step by step, and I shall reap in due time if I faint not.
THE EYES OF GOD.
By J. C. Ryle
Reader, think of the eyes of God. They are every where. In every house, in every field, in every room, in every company, alone or in a crowd, the eyes of God are always upon you; “The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good,” Prov. xv. 3; and they are eyes that read hearts, as well as actions.
Endeavor, I beseech you, to remember this. Recollect that you have to do with an all-seeing God, a God who never slumbereth nor sleepeth, a God who understands your thoughts afar off, and with whom the night shineth as the day. You may lock the door, you may draw the blind, you may shut the shutters, you may put out the candle, it makes no difference. God sees you. God is every where. You may go away, like the prodigal, into a far country, and think that there is nobody to watch your conduct; but the eye and ear of God are there before you. You may deceive your parents or employers, you may tell them falsehoods, and be one thing before their faces, and another behind their backs, but you cannot deceive God. He knows you through and through. He heard what you said to-day. He knows what you are thinking of at this minute. He has set your most secret sins in the light of his countenance, and they will one day come out before the world to your shame, except you take heed.
Reader, live as in the sight of God. This is what Abraham did—he walked before him. This is what Enoch did—he walked with him. This is what Heaven itself will be—the eternal presence of God. Do nothing you would not like God to see. Say nothing you would not like God to hear. Write nothing you would not like God to read. Go to no place where you would not like God to find you. Read no book of which you would not like God to say, “Show it me.” Never spend your time in such a way that you would not like to have God say, “What art thou doing?”
Reader, I advise you to study the hundred and thirty-ninth Psalm, and learn it by heart.—J. C. Ryle.
THE TWO COUNSELORS.
By Helen M. Kilgoore
Satan. I hear you are feeling somewhat sad this morning, and I have come to give you a little good advice, which I hope you will be wise enough to heed. It has been some time since you made up your mind to become a Christian. You have learned something of the difficulties in the way, and now you see plainly, that it is impossible for you to lead a Christian life; for it is written, “As he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation.” 1 Pet. i, 15. Now you know that your disposition is such, that you often say things which you ought not, even when you are trying to guard against it. You will never be able to overcome this, and you may as well give up now; for, “Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.” Heb. xii, 14.
The word of God. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: and he is the propitiation for our sins.” “Abide in him.” 1 John ii, 1, 2, 28.
Satan. “He that saith he abideth in him, ought himself so to walk, even as he walked.” “Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth.” 1 John ii, 6; 1 Pet. ii, 22. You sin every day; how, then, can you walk as Christ did?
Word of God. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” “Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear.” 1 John i, 9; Isa. lix, 1.
Satan. But, you live so far from God that he will not hear you.
Word of God. “The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.” Ps. cxlv, 18.
Satan. Yes, he is nigh to them that call upon him in truth; but, perhaps you are not sincere after all; and unless you are sure that you are, you had better not call upon him.
Word of God. “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” “Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” “The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy.” John vi, 37; Matt. vii, 7; Ps. cxlv, 8.
Satan. It is written, “Being justified by faith, we have peace with God.” Rom. v, 1. Now, if you have faith, why need you be so particular about works? “Faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.” Rom. iv, 9.
Word of God. “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the Scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness; and he was called the friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only; for as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.” “These things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works.” James ii, 20–26; Titus iii, 8.
Satan. You have some pretty severe trials; why does the Lord permit this?
Word of God. “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise, and honor, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” 1 Pet. i, 7.
Satan. But you have so many temptations; you will certainly fall.
Word of God. “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man. But God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” 1 Cor. x, 13.
Satan. If you try to overcome your sins, and think you have succeeded, God is so perfect a being, that he will see sins in you that you are not aware of. How, then, can you hope to be saved?
Word of God. “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” “For in that he himself hath suffered, being tempted, he is able to succor them that are tempted.” Heb. iv, 15; ii, 18.
Satan. Well, if you must serve the Lord, why not serve him as other people do? You were once a member of a church, where all your neighbors respected you; but they do not respect you now; you will never be thought anything of again.
Word of God. “Fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings.” “Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name’s sake, said, Let the Lord be glorified; but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.” Isa. li, 7; lxvi, 5.
Satan. Then, here is another thing. If you do not keep the day other people do for the Sabbath, you will be able to work only five days in a week, and will be cut off from many kinds of business altogether. Now, how are you going to feed, and clothe, your large family?
Word of God. “Behold the fowls of the air; for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, that Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to-day is, and to-morrow is cast into the oven; shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt. vi, 26, 28–30, 33.
Satan. How do you know but the church you left is right, after all? You acknowledge that there are good, pious people among them. There is Rev. Mr. A. He is a good man, and one who has been the means of leading many sinners to seek the Lord. Rev. Mr. B., and many others, that I could mention, are men of good understanding, and they utterly reject this doctrine of yours. How do you know but they have got the true light instead of you?
Word of God. “To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them.” Isa. viii, 20.
Satan. Well, doctrine has nothing to do with your salvation. “It is not the doctrine that is going to save anybody.”
Word of God. “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them; for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” “For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law.” 1 Tim. iv, 16; Prov. iv, 2.
Satan. It seems to me that this is a peculiar kind of teaching.
Word of God. “If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.” 1 Tim. vi, 3–5.
Satan. Well, perhaps this is the right way; but why not mingle a little more with the world’s people, and participate in their amusements once in a while? Perhaps by so doing you might destroy their prejudice, and lead them into the truth.
Word of God. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the Devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.” 1 Pet. v, 8.
Satan. Why need you spend so much time studying the Scriptures? You really cannot afford it. If any one wishes to know why you believe these things, send them to the minister. It is his business to explain them; and he can do it better than you.
Word of God. “Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” “But be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear.” John v, 39; 1 Pet. iii, 15.
Satan. You have to work hard, and sometimes get very tired; now if you happen to neglect prayer once in a while, what difference can it make? The Lord knows what you need, better than you can tell him.
Word of God. “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the Devil.” Eph. vi, 11.
Satan. I cannot stop to talk any longer now, but I will call some other time, when you are better prepared to listen to reason.
Word of God. “Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.” “There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless, the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.” “Now therefore hearken unto me, O ye children; for blessed are they that keep my ways.”349“I am the Lord thy God, which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.” “Whoso hearkeneth unto me shall dwell safely, and shall be quiet from fear of evil.” James iv, 7; Prov. xix, 21; viii, 32; Isa. xlviii, 17; Prov. i, 33.
Reader, which shall be the man of your counsel?
HELEN M. KILGOORE.
South Nortidgewock, Me.
A Request to Those Who Write for the Advent Review.
By George W. Amadon
The undersigned, a printer at the Office of the Review and Herald, would most respectfully request of all who write for this paper, to be more careful in one particular, viz.: In their quotations of the Holy Scriptures. As often as every week we have more or less trouble in correcting garbled quotations from the Word of God. Sometimes this is quite an expense, and always more or less perplexing. And it might be avoided, if those who have occasion to cite the Scriptures would always turn right to the place and see that they use them correctly. The proper way would be, never to quote any portion of God's word in an article, letter, appointment, or obituary, without knowing that it reads just as it does in the Bible. If our friends who write for the press will take the trouble of doing this, they will save editor and printers much inconvenience, and more than that, will be innocent of the charge of publishing any part of God's word in a garbled condition. Certainly it is more pleasing to Him to have his word printed just as the Holy Spirit inspired it, than in some other way. Then why should not writers be particular? Hoping these few suggestions will be productive of some little good, we patiently wait the result. G. W. AMADON.
MONTHLY MEETING IN BRUNSWICK, ME.
By W. GATCHEL
Our Monthly Meeting is past, but no doubt it will be kept in remembrance by the commandment-keepers for a long time. Bro. Canright gave us seven excellent discourses. It was refreshing to hear the word of the Lord expounded in its purity. It was meat in due season. We felt it was good to be there and hear the truth spoken in simplicity. We had two very refreshing seasons in social meetings. Most of the brethren and sisters improved the time in prayer and exhortation as though they meant to go through and possess the kingdom.
Best of all, the Lord was with us. Those who have started lately are striving to overcome and obtain the crown. Others are inquiring the way, but there is a good deal of opposition here. Well, let the dragon rage; he cannot do us any harm. If we are built upon the rock, the gates of hell cannot prevail against us. May the Lord help us to keep the commandments of God and faith of Jesus, that we may be saved in his kingdom. W. GATCHEL.
The Impeachment Trial
By Editor
We have been waiting from week to week for the conclusion of the impeachment trial. Our latest information is that the final vote is to commence Tuesday, May 12, at noon. Probably the result will soon be known. This is an important event, and one which is destined to have an important bearing on the future history of this government. We wait the issue with interest.
Presbyterians Going Mad After the World
In the reports of Presbyterian pastors at a meeting in Detroit, concerning their respective churches, Dr. Duffield reported that the people of the 1st Presbyterian church of Detroit were “going mad after the world, going to theaters, operas, balls, &c.”—Free Press.