THE Bible teaches that God’s providence extends over all the works of his hands. It even embraces the smallest objects. “Not a sparrow falls to the ground without his notice.” “Even the hairs of your head are all numbered.” It is impossible with our finite minds to grasp the Infinite, or to conceive how these declarations can be true. But the inspired page plainly teaches them; and the care with which even the smallest objects are made, proves that God considers these things, however insignificant they may appear to us.
We cannot question the fact that God exercises a certain general supervision over all his works. This supervision is such that it is consistent with man’s free moral agency, in order that he may form a character; otherwise, he would not be amenable to judgment. The fact that man is to be judged by his Creator for his actions of course shows that he has power of choice granted to him, and can do right or wrong as he chooses. It would be strange indeed if God should punish a man for what he was absolutely forced to do against his will.
Nevertheless this free agency does not shut the providence of God out of his own universe, or destroy his supervision of it. This would be contrary to observation, common sense, and Scripture. In his infinite wisdom, God has so arranged it that trains of circumstances are set in motion which affect individuals by bringing to bear upon them influences and motives, which lead to important results. Their free-will agency is not destroyed by these, but they afford opportunities by which they may show forth their true character.
When persons act in a limited sphere, they may, by force of habit, become quite accustomed to their duties, and perform them mechanically and with apparent acceptance; but let them be providentially thrown into another sphere, which they are wholly unacquainted with, and they might appear to great disadvantage.
The ever-changing circumstances, overruled by the providence of God, constitute the school in which men are taught, and in which the good or bad qualities of their natures manifest themselves. Here their characters are formed. It is the use we make of the providential circumstances which surround us that constitutes us worthy or worthless members of society. One man may so conduct himself under a special train of circumstances that he will be growing better and better all the time. Another, under the very same, will be getting worse and worse.
Now, if he realizes the exalted position his Creator designed him to fill, he should be the master of circumstances and not their slave. To explain my meaning more fully, let me say, he should so use them as not to be lowered in degradation by them, but make them a means to call out more and more the noble powers of the human soul. It is not station, honor, or wealth, that makes the true man, but it is to make such use of our circumstances and surroundings as to develop traits of character worthy to shine through an endless eternity.5
Lazarus was saved, and Dives was lost, simply because the former, in his unfavorable condition, perfected a character worthy of being saved, while the other did not, though surrounded by every blessing. Dislike it as much as we may, those providential circumstances which we, in our short-sighted views, are apt to think very much against us are the ones mainly by which those traits are developed which really ennoble humanity. Pity for those in distress, patience under adverse circumstances, meekness and humility of mind, faith and hope in times of trial, are among the most valuable traits of character. These most surely grow out of apparently adverse circumstances rightly borne. God in this manner takes the dross out of our characters. We could not learn these principles in any other school. We must therefore accept the means or not secure the end desired.
Murmuring is simply an expression of unreconciliation at providential circumstances around us. Things occur which are beyond our control. We cannot hinder them nor change them. How should we receive these things? By allowing a feeling of complaint to arise in our hearts at the providence of God? To feel unpleasant and even hateful because of them? Should we cultivate a spirit of complaint, unreconciliation, or the opposite? Here is the whole question before us. We can use these to a good purpose or a bad one just as we please. We can so school ourselves that nothing can annoy us out of our self-control, or we can be the mere sport of circumstances.
If there is a sad sight anywhere in this world, it is to see a man made in the image of his Creator, who has no control of himself. Anybody can throw him into a passion. His reason, which should guide his steps, for the time being, he cannot use. Passion rules the hour. Scarcely less to be regretted is the sight of a person ever complaining at some of the providences of God toward him. There is no excuse for such conduct. It is downright sin.
Here we see an explanation of the apostle’s statement “that all things work for good to them that love God.” The man who loves God makes the right use of the circumstances around him to develop noble traits of character. This is why the apostle “gloried in tribulation.” He knew he could draw such graces out of them, through the help of God’s grace, as he could from no other source. He could say, “I have learned in whatsoever state I am therewith to be content.” He was in a state of quiet or peace. He was satisfied. It is impossible to conceive of a more desirable state of mind. He was master of the situation. Nothing could move him.
His circumstances were of the most painful kind, or would be considered such by most men. He was whipped, stoned, and abused in every way. But he could sing in the jail when his back was ridged with stripes. Nothing could make him unhappy. If this condition of mind was desirable in Paul, would it not be in us? Certainly it would.
Now if Paul was satisfied or content in whatever state he was, he certainly did not murmur, for that is but the expression of dissatisfaction. He says, “Do all things without murmurings or disputings.” This gives no place at all for murmurings. In short, it is a sin to murmur. It stands in the way of securing the very blessings we need.
“Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed by the destroyer.” 1 Cor. 10:10. Murmuring is forbidden, and the punishment of those who did it, set before us. The Israelites are our examples. Because their circumstances were unpleasant, they complained of those whom they thought were agents in bringing them about. The Lord was displeased, and many of them fell in death. In complaining of these agents, they complained of God’s providence.
We should ever make a distinction between murmuring and complaining at things we cannot help, and an effort to cause others to see a moral wrong they are committing. In the one case we simply wrong ourselves and others, and cause trouble generally. No good is accomplished by this. We might learn a lesson of patience by the unpleasant circumstances surrounding us, and grow better all the time, if we would firmly close our mouths, and teach our hearts submission. But our murmuring is simply a curse to ourselves and others. It darkens the circle of society in which we move, causes unpleasant feelings, and discourages all within reach of our influence. How much better to gladden other hearts, with words of good cheer, of meekness and reconciliation, at the providence of God. Thus our influence would be salutary and cheering to those around us.
While it is thus an injury to others to murmur and complain, yet as we are responsible to a certain degree for the influence we exert upon others, where there is a reasonable prospect of helping others to see any wrong course they are pursuing, we have a plain duty to do it. Possibly, we might thus save a soul from death. This duty specially belongs to the Christian ministry. They should have a watchcare for souls. This should never be done with a spirit of murmuring or peevishness, but, in plainness and love, wrongs should be set before their minds for the purpose of helping them.
But murmuring and complaints are all wrong. They do no good to those who indulge in them, or to others, and only hurt. While the most precious lessons which it is possible for a human being to learn can be secured by unpleasant providences around us, by murmuring and complaining we throw them away, and plant in our own hearts bitterness, hatred, and unreconciliation toward the providence of that wise and good Being who rules his universe aright. This is worse than folly. It is wickedness.
The case of Job is an excellent example for murmurers to consider. His case shows that God has a care for his people, and that Satan can go no farther than God permits. Satan says to God, concerning Job, “Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about all that he hath on every side?” He knew he could go no farther than God would permit. Every righteous man is as truly an object of God’s care as was Job.
This shows that the providence of God is overruled by him, and that nothing comes upon them except what he permits. When Job was brought into the furnace of affliction, at first he bore his trials with surprising patience; and it may be safely said that no man can ever compare with Job in patience, when we consider the intensity of the trials to which he was subjected.
But he did murmur and complain, nevertheless. He questioned the providence of God, and wished to speak with God face to face, and plead his own cause. His three friends tried to account for his terrible affliction, by supposing there was some secret sin that brought the displeasure of God upon Job. He solemnly denied this, and argued his own case. He knew he had tried to do right, and they could not convince him of lack of integrity.
God at length speaks from the whirlwind, and shows Job the folly of trying to fathom his plans, and the wrong of complaining of his providence. Job saw it, and abhorred himself, and “repented in dust and ashes.” What, then, was Job’s sin? It was murmuring at God’s providence. If this was wrong in Job, it certainly never was right in any other man, for Job’s lot was harder than that of any other person on record. How well it would be if all the murmurers would repent of their sin as thoroughly as Job did. But most of them think it is not wrong, and have no sense at all of its sinfulness.
Having shown that murmuring in general is wrong, I wish to say a few words, in conclusion, in regard to special cases.
God has, in certain cases, chosen special agencies to accomplish his work. Noah was a man raised up of God to preach a coming deluge. Moses was a chosen instrument, called to lead out God’s people to their own land. John the Baptist was called of God, and pointed out by the word of prophecy, to go before his Son and prepare his way. Paul was a chosen vessel to do a work among the Gentiles, as Peter was among the Jews. These men were raised up, and specially fitted for their work. God’s watchful care was over them.
We now inquire, Would God have called it a light sin to hinder these men in the work, which he had raised them up to do? Certainly, he would not. We are plainly informed in the case of Moses that murmuring against him was esteemed as murmuring against God himself. There are several instances recorded in his five books in which this people are said to have murmured against God, yet the connection plainly shows that they did not speak against God personally, but against his servant Moses. And yet God regarded it as murmuring against himself. Why? Simply because God had chosen Moses as a special agent in his work.
We believe God has a special work in the earth in these last days. This work is pointed out in many prophecies. It is to be very important. It must go to “peoples, nations, tongues, and kings;” for so the Revelator declares. It is the closing work of the Christian age. Probation closes with it. The time of trouble then commences. The vials of God’s wrath then fall. The saints are raised. The wicked perish from Christ’s presence. We believe this work has commenced. If we cherish a spirit of murmuring and fault-finding in regard to this work, and toward the agents God has chosen with which to carry it on, it certainly can be no light thing in his sight.
If God has a work in the earth of special importance, it is important for every one that fears him to be in harmony with it. If he has no such work, why, it is another thing—a matter of entire indifference. Let us decide the question once and forever, and act accordingly. If we conclude he has a work, let us be on the Lord’s side; and in faith, love, and union, move on to victory.
Murmuring is all out of place in every respect. We hope people will think of their course in these things, and see if they are fulfilling the scripture which commands us to “do all things without murmurings and disputings.” Phil. 2:14. Amen.
GEO. I. BUTLER.
Battle Creek, Mich., Dec. 6, 1873.
The Office of Faith.
By S. N. Haskell
NOTHING is more clearly taught in the sacred record than the importance of good works. It is “not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, [that] shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven.” Upon this point, thousands will be deceived, for “many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” It is the formation of a holy, righteous character which is acceptable in the sight of Heaven. And faith will not take the place of works in the forming of this character. The language of the apostle James is very much to the point: “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say that he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” “But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered his son Isaac upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect.” “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.” James 2: 14-17, 20-22, 24, 26.
Faith is never referred to as coming into the Judgment, and such expressions as imply a reward according to our faith are never found. But whenever the Judgment is referred to by Bible writers and the rewards spoken of as being rendered to mankind, it is according to their works. “For we must all appear before the judgment-seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” “And behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” See 2 Cor. 5: 10; Rev. 22: 12; 20: 12; Rom. 14: 12; 2: 6; 1 Cor. 4: 5; 3: 13, 14. Faith is a handmaid to works, to enable mankind to form such characters as will stand in the Judgment. We “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” “There is none righteous, no, not one.” However righteous we now may become, we cannot atone for the past. We can have no good works to spare, for we can only do what present duty requires. Hence, “to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.” Faith in Christ brings a pardon of past sins. “Being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God has set forth to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”
Faith, therefore, does not form the character, but it lifts the burden of the past, and Christ’s righteousness is accepted in our behalf. And in the second place, it brings grace and strength to form a righteous character. Hence the words of the apostle, “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh: that the righteousness [i. e., right doing] of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Rom. 8: 3, 4.
It is, therefore, readily seen how that “without faith it is impossible to please God.” For first it makes a reconciliation with God the Father by our accepting Christ as the only being that can deliver us from our past offences, and in him is the all-sufficient strength to enable us to do right, which strength is obtained by faith. While, therefore, the provision is ample, and while there is a fountain filled with blood, it is the act of the sinner himself by faith to plunge beneath that flood, and thus lose all his guilty stain. In the language of inspiration, the redeemed “have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” Rev. 7: 14. The fine linen, clean and white, “is the righteousness [or represents the right doing] of the saints.” Rev. 19: 8.
Our life record, as it will appear in the day of Judgment, will show the nature of the faith we possessed in this life. If it was a living, practical faith, the works will show it. If it was a cold, lifeless faith, which led the possessor to be satisfied with a certain round of duty, without any heart in it, and without any reaching out after God, which gives a living, Christian experience, the works will show it, and “every man will be rewarded as his works shall be.”
We are in a time when God is weighing character, and it is moral worth that counts in God’s sight. Every secret motive of the heart comes in review before the Judge of all the earth. “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of Judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” The counsels of men’s hearts are to be laid open to the view of holy angels, and a final decision is to be rendered by God himself. A little space is now granted us to form a righteous character, while Christ is pleading his precious blood in our behalf. We are in a world of sin, surrounded by every evil; such circumstances as are well calculated to bring to the surface every evil trait of our nature. So that with the provision which is so ample, we may be overcomers. The promise is to him that overcometh, not to him that is overcome. There is an effort to be put forth, a battle to be fought, a victory to be won, and a crown to be given to him that comes off victor. We are now upon the battle field, and our watchword is, “Onward to victory.” Self should be lost sight of, and no time should be spent in dallying with Satan and his suggestions. Laborers are called for to enter the harvest field and gather souls. An excellent opportunity offers itself now to develop that principle of disinterested benevolence for our fellow-men that brought Christ down from Heaven. Happy is he that improves the present opportunity and thus secures an interest in Christ that shall never be lost.
S. N. HASKELL.
“The Beginning of the End.”
By R. F. Cottrell
THE recent report of the camp-meeting in California was cheering indeed. Such order and unity, and such evidences of the presence of God and holy angels, binding every wild spirit and evil influence, and filling believers with solemn joy, seem very much like the beginning of the end. And we may enjoy the like in other places. God is ready to pour his Spirit upon all who are ready to receive it. His hand is not shortened. He is not a respecter of persons, nor is he confined to places. He that does the will of God is accepted; and where true worshipers are, his Spirit is, and a pentecostal season may be enjoyed. If we prepare our hearts to receive the Comforter, if we open the door, we shall receive the great blessing.
But though this is our privilege, our trials are not ended. We shall meet with these all the way till our work is done. But God will sustain all who trust in him and are faithful in duty. The faithful in all places will ere long see greater things than these. The living God will vindicate his truth, and will save those who truly trust in him. Let me have a part with the humble few that keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Omens: Signs of the Times and Christ's Coming
Omens.
Is not He whose right it is to reign preparing his people for some great crisis which is to precede his coming to claim the kingdoms of this world? So we are disposed to think. The signs of the times are portentous. Let us, beloved, keep our lamps trimmed and brightly burning—looking for, and hastening unto, the coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Jesus, our absent Lord, has told us that he would come again. He has been away nearly two thousand years. Nearly six thousand years has he stood forth before a fallen, redeemed race, as the Lamb newly slain. The jubilee of Heaven and earth—the grand Sabbatic year—is about to break upon us. By the foreshowings of Scripture, we seem to see that there will be a short, sharp conflict with the man of sin. But though we may be called to pass through seas of blood, it will but quicken our heart-longing cry, “Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly!”—Guide to Holiness.
Losing Temper Is Lost Forever
If we lose a piece of good money, we may find it again; but if we lose a piece of good temper, it is lost forever.
Labors in California: Woodland, St. Helena, Sebastopol, Little River
By M. E. Cornell
California.
The last reference in the Review to my labors was at the camp-meeting, since which I have been constantly at work. From Sept. 26 to Oct. 2, at Woodland. Preached twice and visited seventeen families. Was glad to find so good interest there. Instead of dying out, as had been predicted, we found there had been a decided advancement in the almost entire absence of preaching for several months.
Oct. 3 to 19, at St. Helena. Held fourteen meetings in the Presbyterian church, and visited twenty-five families. Sixteen names were added to the covenant, making, in all, thirty-one.
Oct. 20, at Napa, and the 21st, at San Francisco. Visited several families in each place. All seemed of good courage. Sabbath, Oct. 25, spoke at Santa Rosa.
Oct. 26, began meetings at the house of Bro. Morrison, near Sebastopol, and gave six lectures. Extra seats had to be prepared, and a good interest was manifested by old and young. The family of Bro. M., having heard but few lectures on the present truth, were much strengthened by these opportunities.
On first-day morning, started for this place with Bro. Freeman and Wood. Our journey of three days was most of the way close by the sea coast; and old ocean, in all his glory, was in full view. We had along with us a tent, and camped out nights. I was very glad to have this good, hard time, for my health’s sake.
I am now at Bro. Reuel Stickney’s, at Little River. Have given sixteen lectures in the school-house, and there is some prospect of fruit. Two or three families have about decided to obey the truth. But the rainy season has set in, and the meetings are broken up. Shall try to follow up the work from house to house, with earnest talks on the great things of the present truth. I find here a settlement of people from Maine, who have heard on the Advent doctrine in years past. They are an intelligent, industrious and kind-hearted people, and I find among them a welcome home. May they cease to be of a doubtful mind, and take the third angel’s message with the same confidence that some of them did the first and second messages, in the past.
I send hereby greetings to old friends in the States, and to all the saints scattered abroad. I beg an interest in the prayers of all.
Striving to endure through the latter-day-perils, in hope of life. M. E. CORNELL.
Growth of the Cause in Oakland, Cal.
By A Friend of Truth
Some five months since, Seventh-day Adventists were almost unknown in our quiet little city. Only one sister of the faith could be found, and she kept the Sabbath a long time alone. Then a brother from San Francisco joined her in prayer-meetings in her little parlor, to which many were invited; and sometimes some interested one dropped in, when the brother would very clearly and satisfactorily explain the charts. This new system of religion which rejected Sunday and reinstated the original Sabbath, which God first blessed and sanctified, was a subject of deep and earnest thought to some, while others ridiculed the idea.
Time passed on. God blessed the work, and listeners increased, until in October, when Bro. Loughborough was here, six signed the covenant to keep the law of God, and a number of others doubtless will in good time. We have a Bible-class and a miniature Sabbath-school. Sabbath before last, old and young, we numbered eighteen. This is to us exceedingly cheering.
Efforts are still continued, and the people are gradually being interested. The little parlor has been exchanged for a more commodious place. Our coming together on the Sabbath seems to have more or less the approbation of our divine Leader, and we have warm hopes that the day will come when we shall have a church of our own faith in Oakland.
May Jesus grant to protect, and water with his own Spirit, every tiny plant which he can truly own, and enable us to grow in grace daily, until we are perfect in our living Head, is the prayer of
A FRIEND OF TRUTH.
Dec. 2, 1873.
To the Overcomer.
By W. W. Sharp
“To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” Rev. 3:21. This promise, the Son of God makes to erring, sin-polluted man. If thou wilt overcome the lusts of the flesh and the temptations of the enemy, thou shalt sit with me in my throne when I am proclaimed King of kings.
Glorious promise to our benighted race! And yet all this is offered to us for doing our duty; nothing more is required. For it is just as much our duty to obey the mandates of God as it was the duty of our first parents to do so. They were on probation, so are we. Life and death were placed before them, so they are before us. In the garden was the tree of life and the tree of death (the tree of knowledge). Of one, they could eat, and live forever; and of the other, if they ate, they should surely die. They partook of the latter, and death was pronounced upon them; and, as they could give no more to their descendants than they possessed, as they were subjects of death, so are their descendants. Thus we see how death came upon the whole race. “Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return.”
A sad condition we are in, indeed, but is there no way of escape? Is this death eternal? No; thank the Lord, we behold Jesus who “came to seek and to save that which was lost.” He comes and dies that we may live. “As in Adam all die, so in Christ shall all be made alive.” Yes, Jesus gives us life again. We now have the same chance that Adam had.
“We have all sinned and come short of the glory of God.” We must die because of the sin of Adam. This is the first death. Those who suffer the second death will do so because of their own sins. And, as we have all sinned, the second death has claims upon us; for “the wages of sin is death.” Rom. 6:23.
Now the query arises, Can we escape these claims? Must all who have sinned die the second death? No, there is a way of escape. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” How great the love of God. “Oh! that men would praise the Lord for his goodness and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” Believe in Jesus; for whosoever comes unto him he will in nowise cast out. “He that hath the Son hath life.” John 5:12. Then by believing on and accepting Jesus, we escape the second death and receive eternal life. This is the only way; for we know that “he that believeth not shall be damned.” God commanded Adam not to eat of the tree of knowledge. “He now commandeth all men everywhere to repent.” Acts 17:30. Shall we do so, and bring forth fruits meet for repentance? This is our imperative duty.
We are God’s created beings; it is therefore our duty to yield unto him perfect obedience. Then we must reform, forsake, or overcome, our sins; and if we do so, we shall receive the promise, or reward that Jesus has offered: “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life,” and “he shall sit with me in my throne.” It is true those who overcome their sins have a great work to do; for trials and temptations are many; but Jesus was tempted the same as we are. He overcame, and knows how to help us, and he is willing to do it. He says, “My grace is sufficient.” If we come humbly, trustingly, to the throne of grace, and ask for strength and wisdom to overcome our sins, Jesus will give freely, and upbraid not. And how great the reward offered to us if we will put away our sins. We were brought forth in sin, and have lived in sin. Jesus helps us to put it away from us, and then bestows upon us the highest gift we could imagine—an eternal reign with him in glory. It is far, far beyond the comprehension of the human mind.
Dear fellow-striver, cannot we afford to endure all the trials and troubles that will be brought upon us for trying to serve God when we realize that for so doing we shall have eternal life in that glorious kingdom? We cannot afford to pause to compare the trials of the way with the glory that shall be revealed hereafter. There can be no comparison. We have nothing with which to compare the Christian’s reward; for all we have here is but dross, and there can be no comparison between gold and dross.
I pray the Lord to help us in the warfare, that we may come off victorious, and at last drop anchor in the broad haven of eternal rest. W. W. Sharp.
Words of Encouragement.
By I. G. Camp
I FEEL like speaking a few words of encouragement to those who, like myself, feel that they are weak, and can do but little or nothing for God and his precious cause. He does not require us to work in our own strength, but to be strong in him and in the power of his might. How are we to become strong? Is it by sitting down in discouragement, and looking at our own sins and short-comings? Oh! no; we have tried this long enough, while we, and all around us, are perishing. Let us arise, go to work for God and for the salvation of our fellow-men, and then we may feel our weakness, and our need of help from him to enable us to win souls to a saving knowledge of the truth.
How many of us felt when we were at our precious camp-meeting that we must arise and consecrate ourselves anew to God, to labor in earnest to overcome all our wrongs, and for the advancement of the truth? And have we, dear brethren and sisters, humbled ourselves before God, and gone to work in earnest to save souls, trusting in God for grace and strength? Some of us, perhaps, can do but little besides having7our daily walk and conversation such as becometh the gospel of Christ. But we can pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into his harvest; for truly the harvest is great, but the laborers are few. And, too, if we are fully consecrated to God, we can help those who are already in the field, and those whose duty it is to start out to labor for souls. May God help us each to come up to our high calling.
I never loved the law of God as I do now. I delight to read the 119th psalm, in which David, the servant of the Lord, expresses so much love for the commandments and statutes of the Lord. He esteemed them above much fine gold.
I have just been reading the soul-stirring account of the California Camp-meeting. I have read it over and over again, and the tears will flow every time. It seems so blessed to read of the powerful manifestation of the Spirit of God to his poor, unworthy children. I hope we all shall duly appreciate his blessings, be more humble, and more earnestly seek for righteousness and meekness. I. G. CAMP.
STEWARDSHIP
By James Upham
No beggar is thy God; He needs no aid,
Poor child of clay!
The world's vast wealth, created by a word,
Is his to-day.
Yes, but a word, and other worlds shall fill
The space afar,
Beyond where light has failed, with tired wings,
From farthest star.
Think not to bribe a place in God's esteem
With gilt and gold,
E'en though thy gifts should hungry thousands feed
From stores untold:
Or structures rear, and every chair endow,
For learning's use;
Or gospel heralds to the heathen send,
Their bonds to loose.
God gives the work thy character to test,
Or mold complete;
'Tis love, and faith, and faithfulness, He seeks—
All else is cheat.
The love He asks is Godward, manward, too—
The twain are one;
Take heed, lest thine be sheerest love of self,
Or be undone.
'Tis faith in God and all that God has spoke—
A faith that works;
'Tis faith in Christ as Saviour, Teacher, King,
Nor service shirks.
'Tis faithfulness from faith, nor less from love,
To God and man;
'Tis faith and love co-working out in act,
Where'er it can.
Dost thou bring much, and yet keep back a part?
'Tis worse than naught;
'Tis not the smile of thy approving Lord—
Mere name is sought.
Hast but a mite to bring, and bringest that?
With God 'tis more
Than all the millions brought with noise and pomp
From hoarded store.
He in whose eye the millions are as mites
On motive looks;
Each is a steward of a sacred trust—
God keeps the books.
James Upham, D. D., in Watchman and Reflector.
H. F. PHELPS
By H. F. Phelps
Minnesota.
FOR about one year, Bro. Ellis and myself have labored together in this good cause. Our labors have been most agreeable. No jar nor discord has occurred to mar our union. As we look back, we can see that some good has been done, not by our strength nor wisdom, but by the blessing of God. To God be all the glory.
A few have embraced the truth and given their hearts to God. We should be glad could we look back and see that more had been accomplished. But could we be assured that two souls even from the past year's labors would be saved eventually, and that two more would be gained the next year, and so on year by year to the end, we could and would labor cheerfully on.
As for myself, I humbly deplore my past mistakes. But when I stumble, by the grace of God I will rise again, and will try to avoid the same pit-falls hereafter. Before me lies another year; and what shall its records be? They will be just what I shall make them. I will try to be upon the Lord's side. I will try to come “up to the help of the Lord against the mighty.”
Pray for me. In hope of life.
H. F. PHELPS
Edna, Minn.
S. OSBORN
By S. Osborn
Kentucky.
At my last report I was engaged in a course of lectures at Hood’s Run, with large attendance. I gave in all about thirty-five discourses, with crowded house until the last, and yet only four have taken their stand upon the Sabbath. Their idols—pork, coffee, and tobacco—are so much in the way here. The people would rather die than give them up; but those who have come out are clear of them. There are others of whom I have strong hopes. It is very hard to get the people to read; they must learn all from preaching.
The people are very kind and generous. To illustrate their generosity: Nearly ever since I have been here, they have been urgent that I should come to the county town to lecture. I finally agreed to commence on the evening of Dec. 12. The school commissioner said it should not cost me anything. He took the responsibility of furnishing the court house, fuel, and lights, and already I have several invitations to board free.
Another peculiar feature of this county is that where I have already lectured there seem to be as urgent calls for me to return and give another course as there were at first. I have a mind to try one of them when I get through at Greenup.
Oh! that the Lord would give power to his word. Pray for this mission.
S. OSBORN
R. M. KILGORE
By R. M. Kilgore
Iowa.
Nov. 30, I closed the meeting at the Hartford Center school-house. Gave about forty discourses. The meetings on the Sabbath were truly refreshing and encouraging. Sixteen have already signed the covenant to keep all the commandments and the faith of Jesus. I am now holding meetings at Victor, in the Presbyterian meeting-house, with a good interest.
R. M. KILGORE
Catching Fish—A Fable.
By A. Smith
Two boys went fishing. Standing side by side upon the same log, one carefully dropped in his well-baited hook and awaited “a bite;” but his fellow threw in his hook, unbaited, set his pole, and began to play in the water. “You can’t catch fish without baiting your hook,” said his companion; “and, besides, you so agitate the water that you frighten the fish away even from my well-baited hook.”
“As to baiting my hook,” he replied, “it is some trouble to do it; and, besides, if the fish are particularly interested to bite, they will do so without so much bother on my part; and as to my disturbing the water, I like the pleasure too well to desist for the sake of catching fish, or accommodating your notions of propriety.”
“I must leave you then,” said his companion, “and fish elsewhere, or I cannot catch any fish.”
MORAL. He who would succeed in winning souls, must not only use tact and skill, but must occupy a position above, or withdrawn from the influence of, unstable professors of religion. A. SMITH.
If I Feel Like It.
By Nason Hoyt
An article appeared in the REVIEW some time since, entitled “The Christian’s Shout,” which I think it would be profitable to reprint. It may do some other one as much good as it has me. I have tried the rule laid down nearly every day since reading it, and sometimes a good many times a day; and the result has invariably been a victory in the name of the Lord. And, though sometimes it has almost seemed like mockery to praise God for a victory before I had the evidence that I had a victory, yet, when I have claimed a victory in the name of the Lord, and praised him for the victory, the enemy has fled apace, and divine peace has filled my heart.
On looking over the many exhortations in the Bible to praise God, and seeing that we are so often brought under obligations to praise him, I have made up my mind that it is my duty, and that it shall be a part of my daily employment, to praise him whether I feel like it or not. The psalmist says, “Let everything that hath breath praise God,” not everything that feels like it. “Whoso offereth praise, glorifieth me;” not, Whoso feels like it. And again, “Every day will I bless the Lord;” and he does not add, If I feel like it.
If we do not feel like praising God, we do not feel right. I have often felt that it would be mockery for one so unworthy as I am, and one so sinful, and God could not accept the praise of so cold a heart as mine; yet, when I have attempted it, God has seemed to accept the offering. My heart has been filled with his love, and I would hardly know where to leave off praising him. And I am now resolved that, through the remainder of my life, a portion of my everyday employment shall be praising God whether I feel like it or not.