Earlier text: Present Standing of SpiritualismLeadership.
By George I. Butler
There never was any great movement in this world without a leader; and in the nature of things it is impossible that there should be. As nature bestows upon men a variety of gifts, it follows that some have clearer views of what best advances the interests of any cause than others. And the best good of all interested in any given object will be attained by intelligently following the counsels of those best qualified to guide. There never could be real union of counsel and action without the judgment of some person was regarded of importance and especial weight. While the minds of men are so various and contradictory, and while the counsels of some would lead to destruction, success will be apt to attend that movement which closely follows the suggestions of those whom experience teaches give intelligent and judicious advice. A true leader represents and embodies the views and will of those who follow his counsels. His success is their success. The difference between the true leader and the tyrant is this: While the latter exercises influence and authority to gratify his own wishes or caprice, the former labors for the good of those he represents, and to carry into effect their wishes. Never can much be accomplished in any movement until those interested become settled in their minds that the one of their choice is worthy of their confidence and support. Confusion will mark their counsels, and their strength will be wasted in laboring to no purpose, or in opposite directions. Efficiency is the result of wise leadership. All therefore who are interested in the success of any cause are interested in the success of the ones they have chosen to lead out. They represent the united interests of all. And in supporting them they are really supporting their own cause. An intelligent support of leaders is best obtained when confidence is founded on past faithfulness, and sufficient evidence of fitness, or by reliable evidence of God's special selection. And when all these are combined, the evidence in the case is overwhelming. When plans are laid, somebody must lay them, and carry them into effect; and it is self-evident to all that those should do this who give most evidence of fitness. And the success of all interested will be most likely obtained by a careful attention to the counsel of such. It is fully believed that the facts of history and the declarations of God's word show the truthfulness of the above principles. The Bible authorizes the existence of human governments. And what are governments but an application of these principles among mankind? What would an army be without a leader? What would a government be if all concerned in its administration were of equal authority? What would it accomplish if all were captains, equal in authority? The whole economy of God, as brought to view in the Bible and in the universe, recognizes this principle. There is not a single important movement spoken of in Scripture but that some person was chosen in it, to lead out. Noah, Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Jephthah, Samson, Gideon, Deborah, David, the different kings, Ezra, Nehemiah, and many others in the Old Testament might be mentioned, while John the Baptist and Christ's apostles furnish examples in the New. And in every great religious movement since their time, God's providence has plainly shown the fact of his selection of proper instruments to accomplish his work. We are free to grant that these have been weak, fallible men, with human infirmities. But this matters not so long as we have plain evidence that God chooses to work by such means. An objection may be raised here that the spirit and genius of the New Testament are against this idea because our Saviour says, “But be ye not called Rabbi, for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father which is in Heaven. Neither be ye called masters; for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant; and whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased, and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted;” Matt. 23:8-12; and because it is repeatedly stated that Christ is the “head of the church.” We are as ready to grant the full force of these statements as any. But such a view of them should be taken as will harmonize with other scriptures and with Christ's own appointment. There is a plain rebuke here to man worship, and seeking for ourselves honors and titles of men which is so natural to the human heart. Man is nothing, only as God honors him. And the one he honors is the one who will labor most, and sacrifice most, in his cause. It is not for us to seek place and position for our own aggrandizement. This we are forbidden to do. Christ is the head of all his people. His life must be our example. His Spirit must be our guide. He is the one we must follow. No man must pretend to take his place, or take honors to himself which belong to Christ. But does it follow from this that there is no authority in the Christian church? that all are exactly upon a level so far as position is concerned? Has Christ forbidden the church to assign to those best qualified to guide and direct any office of authority or influence? Let his word decide this point. “And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples; and of them he chose181 twelve, whom also he called apostles.” Luke 6:13. When he sent them out, he gave them especial instructions and authority. As he closed his charge to them, he said, “He that receiveth you receiveth me; and he that receiveth me, receiveth Him that sent me.” Matt. 10:40. The word apostle signifies “one sent with commands or a message.”—Greenfield. In the ministry of Christ, he saw fit to choose just twelve. But the office was not confined to just those persons originally chosen, for upon the apostasy of Judas, Matthias was set apart to fill the vacancy. “And the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.” Acts 1:26. Neither was the office confined to just twelve, for Paul and Barnabas are expressly called apostles. They were first solemnly set apart to the work for which God had called them. Acts 13:2. And as they went forward in this work, the inspired record says, “Which, when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they rent their clothes and ran in among the people,” &c. Acts 14:14. Paul is many times called an apostle. Christ himself is also called an apostle. “Consider the apostle and high priest of our profession, Christ Jesus.” Heb. 3:1. And in the original, others are called so. “Yet I supposed it necessary to send unto you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labor, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger.” Phil. 2:25. The word messenger in the original is “apostolos,” the very word from which apostle is translated. Paul therefore called him an apostle. When Titus and the “brother whose praise was in all the churches,” and others, were sent to Corinth to attend to things there, Paul speaks of them as follows: “Whether any do inquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow-helper concerning you; or our brethren be inquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.” 2 Cor. 8:23. Read connection. In the Greek, the word messenger is the one from which the word apostle is always translated. From these plain facts, it will readily be seen there is no warrant for confining this office to just those twelve persons originally chosen. As the term signifies “one sent with a message,” it seems properly to refer to those specially raised up, and sent out by the providence or Spirit of God, to act a leading part in his work. It is evidently the highest office in the church, for in Paul's enumeration of the gifts, he says, “And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.” 1 Cor. 12:28. When he says, “first apostles,” he must refer to authority or position. Neither is there any intimation that these were designed to continue but a brief period. On the contrary, the connection plainly intimates they were designed to continue with the church. And in Eph. 4:11, Paul expressly states that apostles, prophets, pastors, evangelists, and teachers, were placed in the church for one and the same object, to continue the same length of time. While we are therefore willing to freely admit that Christ is “head of the church,” we must also conclude that some men are placed higher in authority in the church than others. There seems to have been a special precedence existing even among the apostles themselves. Peter, James, and John, were often the special companions of the Saviour himself, and shared most in his special counsels. And Paul, who reckoned himself not a whit behind the chiefest apostles, did, on a certain occasion, think it best to lay matters before these principal men. “Then fourteen years after I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas, and took Titus with me. And I went up by revelation, and communicated unto them that gospel which I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to them which were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run in vain. . . . They who seemed to be somewhat, in conference added nothing to me. But when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed unto me as the gospel of the circumcision was unto Peter; (for he that wrought effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles;) and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given unto me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hands of fellowship; that we should go unto the heathen, and they unto the circumcision.” Gal. 2:1-9. Some interesting facts are here stated bearing on this question. Paul, though a special instrument raised up by miracle, thought it advisable to consult with these highest in authority among the circumcision, lest he had “run in vain.” But these “pillars” in the church, led by the same Spirit which led Paul, perceived that God, in his providence, had specially appointed and qualified him for his work among the Gentiles. God had given Peter a special position in the work among the Jews. He had all he could do there. So he raised up Paul for another special position. Here was no conflict. Each was to work in his special sphere. But some were higher in position than others, and that by God's appointment. God carries on his work upon the same general principles in all ages. And we have every reason to believe that he has raised up special instruments all the way down to the present time to carry on his work. Luther, Wesley, William Miller, and others, we believe were such. Yet Christ is head of his people at the same time. He works through these agents, and leads them to exert a strong influence upon others; and thus far more is accomplished for man's salvation than could be were none especially led by him. But if there are those who still think no man is ever authorized to exert any authority in the Christian church, and that all stand upon a level, let them carefully consider the following scriptures: “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” Heb. 13:17. The word in the Greek rendered, rule, Greenfield defines to mean, to “lead the way, to be over; i. e., have authority over, be leader, chief; to preside, govern, rule.” Obedience is to be rendered to such, and submission. “Let the elders that rule well, be counted worthy of double honor,” &c. 1 Tim. 5:17. Here the word rendered, rule, Mr. Greenfield says means, to set over, to appoint with authority. In giving directions to Timothy and Titus, two gospel ministers, the apostle Paul defines their duty as follows: “Them that sin rebuke before all, that others may fear.” 1 Tim. 5:20. “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, . . . preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” 2 Tim. 4:1, 2. “Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith.” “These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” Titus 1:13, and 2:15. These scriptures are sufficient to show that there is authority placed upon some in the Christian church, if human language can show anything. Those who object to this must object to the Bible, for these passages are quoted from that book. This authority is not contrary to the leadership of Christ, but by his direct appointment, and can only be exercised by those who are appointed by his direction, and who live in harmony with his Spirit. When they cease to do this, none are under obligation to obey them. While it is thus seen necessary, and in accordance with Christ's appointment, that certain ones should exercise authority and influence in the church in ordinary times, there are occasions when God evidently designs to accomplish a special work, and to this end raises up special agencies to carry out his design. The natural tendency of humanity is downward, and during the six thousand years of man's history while the great controversy with sin has been going on, there have been different epochs in which God has seen fit to make a special manifestation of his power for the purpose of causing his truth to take more effect upon the hearts of men. These epochs have been after long periods of backsliding and settling down in the public mind, until some of the great principles of God's government were lost sight of. Then the Lord raised up agencies and prepared them to go forth and give the message to the people which was necessary that his truth perish not from the earth. The preaching of Noah, the leading out of Israel by Moses, the work of Elijah, and several of the prophets, the preparing of the way by John the Baptist, the work of the apostles, and other reform movements since the Dark Ages, are illustrations of these special movements of God. These come in the time of religious declension, and are always unpopular. Through them the loyalty of man to his Creator is tested. He shows by his conduct whether he loves the down-trodden truth of God most, or the approbation of the world. The responsibility of leading out in such a work is great, not to say fearful. Nothing short of special instruction by the Spirit of God can qualify feeble man to do it. When God calls a person to this position, and the one called works with his counsel, it is no small thing to hinder him in his work. Doing so really works against God, who has made him his agent. We must acknowledge this to be true, or deny that God ever does work by special agencies. In carrying forward such movements, perfect union among those in leading positions is most important to success. Without it, success is next to impossible. Satan and all his allies will do their utmost to hinder God's special work, and in no way can he work more successfully than by hindering and discouraging those who have a leading part to act. These being weak and fallible men, are exposed to his temptations, and only can overcome them by walking in the counsel of God. When they fully do this, God's arm will support them, and those not willing to receive their testimony, or, standing in the way of their work, will certainly bring upon themselves the frown of God. One illustration from the Bible will suffice. The case of Moses is in point, because we have a particular account of his trials and life, and because the apostle Paul tells us the conduct of Israel toward him is an ensample or type of those upon whom the ends of the world come. He was specially prepared for his ministry by his experience in exile until he had learned humility and how to walk with God. In every instance when that people murmured against him (and they were many), it was counted as murmuring against God. Why? Simply because God had chosen him and instructed him. He chose to lead his mind, and talked with him. They had evidence of this, and yet in every trial they complained of Moses. I think there is not a single instance on record where the people complained directly of God, but only of his servant. This principle is seen to be the same in all ages when we admit that God has chosen to raise up any special agent to accomplish his work. Even wicked Saul, when placed in his position by the providence of God, David dared not to harm. The Lord had placed him there. David had no right to injure him, though the prophet Samuel had anointed David himself to be king. The meekness and respect of David toward wicked Saul, because of his position, is not only one of the most beautiful traits of his character, but clearly shows our duty to respect God's appointments. I now propose to come to our own cause, and apply these principles. We believe we have the truth of God for the last days—a special message of warning to the world, containing the most fearful threatening in the Bible, and the principles upon which a grand reform is based, preparatory to Christ's coming. God's downtrodden Sabbath and law must be vindicated by his people, and their majesty proclaimed. The great issue in the closing work turns upon these. The great apostasy which ruled for 1260 years has buried them in the dust. A partial reform in Christendom has not given them their proper position. The final struggle between God and Satan turns upon these. Is not the issue broad enough? important enough? It comes at the close of six thousand years of wickedness, and here the great controversy closes, with the destruction of all wickedness, and the eternal salvation of the righteous. Never in the history of the world was there a movement more important than this. It is clearly foretold in prophecy in many places. It is impossible for us to overestimate the greatness of it. It is the grand point of interest in all revelation. The coming of Christ, the destruction of the wicked, the salvation of the righteous, the purification of the earth, who can sense the magnitude of these issues? We profess to be giving a special warning concerning these things. And has not God raised up and qualified any agencies to lead out in this work? Has no person or persons any special responsibilities laid upon them in such a time as this? When we reach the closing message of probation, the greatest of all movements, has he placed everybody upon a level so far as responsibility or authority is concerned, and that right against his uniform course for six thousand years? Has God changed? or learned better by experience? I leave others to answer. GEO. I. BUTLER. The Outlook.
By Uriah Smith
OTHERS have spoken in this paper of the cheering and encouraging opening of the present session of the General Conference. Strong confidence prevails that the Lord will work signally for his people at this time. He has already commenced. Light is being elicited, of which we have long stood in need. A basis will be found for strong and permanent union among all lovers of the cause of truth. The time has fully come for the people of God to take their stand like a well-disciplined army, the ranks all closed up, and all alienation of attitude or feeling banished from their counsels. By the evident workings of the providence of God, and much to the joy of our hearts, Bro. and sister White are present with words of counsel and good cheer. The Lord is leading out the mind of Bro. W. in reference to the great work before us; and we believe that those who should especially stand by him, as well as believers everywhere, will be ready to second his efforts as they have not been seconded in the past. Those who have made failures are determined to retrieve them. The time that has been lost shall be redeemed. The foundation has been well laid, and now the building must go up. The time has come for an onward movement, and there must be an advance along the whole line. So our leaders feel and talk, and so our hearts respond. And when we all find our position, and understand and do our duty, and purses which have long been empty and collapsed shall be filled with the gold which the True Witness counsels us to buy of him, and with love as the ruling motive, and with joined hands and united hearts, all take hold to push on the great work, it will go forward as surely as Israel went through the divided waters of the sea. Be that day not far distant. LIKE the gush of morning light, truth must go forward. THE more we help others to bear their burdens the lighter our own will be. Essentials and Non-Essentials.
By Roswell F. Cottrell
We believe that all of God’s requirements are essential; and that men have no right to sit in judgment on the doctrines and duties of revelation, classifying them as essentials and non-essentials. Who shall say that some of the doctrines and duties taught in the Bible are essential to be believed and observed, and that some are of no particular importance? Is it not to the honor of God to say that all he has revealed in his word is important to be believed and obeyed? And do we not dishonor God by calling anything he has revealed and required non-essential? Yet men professing godliness talk of the essentials and non-essentials of their religion. If indeed they have doctrines in their creed not taught in the Scriptures, they are worse than non-essential; but to characterize anything which is taught in the Scriptures as non-essential is impious. When God speaks, it is not for man to decide that what he says is of no special importance. To elucidate the subject we quote the following item of news:— “American missionary societies are almost in exclusive possession of the opening field in Japan. In Yokohama, the Reformed, the Baptists, the Presbyterians, and the Woman’s Missionary Union, are established, and now the Methodists have joined them with one missionary, who has just entered on his work. Sectarian lines, however, are very wisely ignored, and the native Christian church in that city, comprising fifty members, has confined its creed to the essentials of the Christian faith. The same policy is adopted also in other places which are open to missionaries. The number of American workers in Yokohama is nineteen.” Now if sectarian lines are “very wisely ignored” in a foreign missionary field, would it not be equally wise to adopt “the same policy” at home and everywhere. If there is no essential difference between these different sects, why not discard entirely these non-essentials that divide them, and not only ignore, but break down and utterly destroy these sectarian lines? But if plainly revealed truth and duty separates any one of these sects from another, what right have they to compromise the truth of God by acknowledging error to be equally good? We think it would be well for every Christian church to “confine its creed to the essentials of the Christian faith.” But when these sects speak of the essentials of their faith, it is implied that there are also non-essentials among them. What are the non-essentials? Evidently they are those doctrines and duties which divide them. All that they are agreed in is essential; and all that they are not agreed in is non-essential. This is the only rule, we think, by which they can agree in a decision. For example: they differ in regard to baptism. Therefore baptism is a non-essential. The Lord says, “Repent and be baptized every one of you.” But this jury of sects, instead of deciding according to law, become judges of the law, making a part of it non-essential. Accordingly it is decided that baptism is a non-essential; and you may practice immersion, pouring, or sprinkling, or no baptism at all. Suppose them to be divided on the subject of Sabbath observance, some holding to the original Sabbath, some to a change of the day, and some to no Sabbath at all. Of course it is decided that the Sabbath is non-essential; and so you may keep either day or no day at all. Now I submit that all this talk about the essentials of Christianity, implying that there are doctrines and duties belonging to the system that are non-essential, is an insult to the Majesty of Heaven, and a libel on the revelation that God has given us. If men will take the Bible for their guide, there will be no necessity of a division on the commandments of God or the institutions of the gospel. The fault is not in God and his word, but in men. They will hold their traditions in preference to what God has plainly said. He has not spoken to us of non-essentials, but he says, “In all things that I have said unto you be circumspect,” that is, do just what I say. “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.” Ex. 23:13; Deut. 12:32. It has been the aim of certain classes of professors of religion, for more than a thousand years, to get religion into such a position in society that there would be no cross connected with it. From the days of Constantine till now, men have been trying to dress up religion so that the offense of the cross should cease; and the masses have succeeded in doing this in our day, most effectually. This has been done by compromise. People think, because the religion of the day has become so popular, that the world is almost converted, and the “good time coming” looked for by sages, poets, philosophers, spiritualists, and doctors of divinity, is about to dawn. Has the gospel changed? Was Jesus mistaken when he said, “Ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake”? Was he mistaken when he said, “He that taketh not up his cross daily, can not be my disciple”? Was the apostle in the wrong when he said, “All that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution”? No; the Master was not mistaken. The gospel has not changed. The trouble is with men. Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Men are trying to invent another and smoother way; but I find, upon examination, it leaves its travelers outside the kingdom of God. The way that leads to “life” is a narrow one, and few there be that find it. The standard of popular religion is lowered so much that men can be all bound up in the spirit, fashions, honors, and pleasures of the world, and think it is all right. But whoever will stand up boldly against these things in advocacy of the Bible doctrine, that “if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him,” will still find a Christianity with a cross in it. Many seem quite unwilling to follow Jesus, unless they can do so without associating with the poor and ignorant. They forget the footsteps of Jesus in the lanes of the lowly. He that is not willing to come down on a level with the poor, can never enter the kingdom. This aristocratic religion is an abomination in the sight of God. James says if we show preference to the man with a gold ring and goodly apparel, we are carnal. And yet this spirit is among us everywhere. There is a great bowing and scraping to the rich, while the poor are passed unnoticed. Jesus Christ is the poor man’s Saviour; and if the wealthy, or those in easy circumstances, are saved at all, they must be converted the same as the poor man. The high must be brought down, or they can not be saved. If ministers of the gospel show any preference at all, it should be to the poor, and such as feel forsaken by the upper class. But alas, how few do it! The rich are applauded if they do a benevolent act. They are put forward in almost everything, while God’s worthy poor are too often crowded aside. These things ought not so to be. “The poor have the gospel preached unto them.” “Hath not God chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom?” We must be willing to follow Christ in his humility. The cross precedes the crown. We shall never “reign” with Jesus unless we are willing first to “suffer with him.” One way of suffering with Christ is to bear burdens and reproaches with his “little” ones in this world of toil and tears. “Ye have done it unto me,” is the glad greeting that awaits all such in the dawn of that day that shall never be followed by night.—Golden Censer. Retreating From Duty Is a Compound Loss
ONE step backward is equal to two steps forward; hence, retreating from duty is a compound loss. Encouraging Meetings.
By A. S. Hutchins
Our meetings at Bushnell, Sabbath, Oct. 25; exceeded in interest our most ardent expectation. From surrounding churches, a goodly number of brethren and sisters were present at an early hour. I do not know that I have ever seen more interest manifested to get out to Sabbath meetings than I have witnessed in Ionia and Montcalm Counties. The Sabbath previous to this meeting, I spoke on the Gifts of the Spirit, at Greenville, which I think did much to prepare the way for the good meeting at B., as nearly all who here met with us were present at Greenville. There seemed to be an awakening up anew with gratitude of heart to God for manifesting himself to his people in this direction. Many can testify that the gifts have to them been a great source of comfort and edification. The language of my heart this morning is, Praise God for spiritual gifts! Says Paul, “Prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.” We will not crowd the gifts upon the unbeliever, but we do ask the privilege to believe in them, and to rejoice in the Lord for the signal blessings they have been, and are, to the church. The same apostle says, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.” 1 Cor. 12: 1. If those dear brethren will carefully live in harmony with the resolutions made under the impress of the divine Spirit, I am confident a growth in grace and in the knowledge of the truth will characterize the church here. To this end, may every soul most earnestly pray and work. On first-day, our meeting was, owing to rain, small, but very encouraging. We feel a deep interest for the spiritual prosperity of this church, and would gladly have remained here longer, had it not been for the state of my health, and other circumstances. We hope those living where they do not often meet with the brethren will not neglect their pledges on Systematic Benevolence. It is very much desired to start the year 1874 with a clean list. On Sabbath, Nov. 1, spoke to the church in Orleans, on the self-examination and preparation of heart requisite for communion. The brethren generally seemed to be impressed with the importance of coming nearer to God, and nearer to each other. With this object in view, a meeting was held on first-day, with very gratifying results. The hearts of strong men, both leaders and laymen, were moved by the spirit of weeping and confession. May brotherly love and Christian union hereafter characterize this church. After this, by request of the companion of Eld. P. Strong, a very worthy sister, fast sinking to the grave by consumption, a few of us repaired to his house with the emblems of the broken body and shed blood of the crucified Redeemer, that our dear sister could once more join in commemorating the sufferings and death of Him who died for us. On being informed of the pleasing results of the meeting just held, her countenance radiated with heavenly light, and she said, “Praise God! I can go in peace now.” We seemed to be in the house of death, yet the occasion was rendered sacred and memorable by the gracious presence of the Spirit of the Lifegiver, who so quickly will come in person, to gather his saints unto himself. Taking the emblems in her emaciated and trembling hands, with a firm consciousness that this was her last privilege of the kind, she praised God for that redeeming love which enables her with a calm and sweet composure to pass down into the “valley of the shadow of death,” fearing no evil. From here, we returned to the house of prayer, where the church celebrated the ordinances together. May the language of every heart be, “O thou, my soul, forget no more
The Friend who all thy sorrows bore;
Let every idol be forgot,
But, O my soul, forget him not.”
Minnesota Mission Labor in Meeker County
By Charles Lee
My labor in Meeker County, Minn., has come to a close for the present, although it seems as if it was only begun. I was to be present at the quarterly meetings at Chisago Lake and the Cambridge churches, and they have now waited on me over two months; I am now on my way. The good Lord has blessed my labor of late far more than was expected. In the midst of opposition and confusion, forty-two earnest souls have taken hold of the commandments of God. Thirty-two of them have united in the brotherhood known as the Litchfield church. Eighteen have been buried with Christ in baptism. The s. s. is raised so as to exceed $100. Two months ago, when I began my labor here, there were six disheartened Adventists. The members of this church chiefly consist of the leading men and women of the community. Some have held valuable positions in the church to which they formerly belonged. In regard to nationality, they are a mixture of Danes, Swedes, and Norwegians. They have come out from the Methodist, Baptist, and Lutheran churches, which churches they now think, in taking a view of their position, in faith and practice, compared with the word of God, constitute a part of the “fallen Babylon.” Rev. 14:8. Oh! what a glorious truth the Lord has given unto us. What could unite hearts of different nationalities, and different religious sentiments, but this great truth? May the great God be blessed forever that I, poor mortal, have been thought of in his mercy, and have a part in this glorious work. It is daily bread to me. Our opponents here have become very quiet, to what they were once. The only thing we now hear from them is, that they are getting up a mob to drive me out of the settlement, and that the shepherds declare to their flocks that if they cannot succeed in getting quiet and becoming settled as before, they will mob them. I wonder if they cannot see and know that they give evidence to the truthfulness of the words of the Lord, when he speaks about hirelings! My prayer is to God that he may open their eyes, that God’s holy truth can lead them on the way of life. And may the great and merciful God bless the dear brethren and sisters, who here have taken hold of God’s covenant, that they may grow strong in the Lord and be received by Jesus in glory at his coming! My address is now Chisago Lake, Chisago Co., Minn. CHARLES LEE. The Glass Railroad.
By E. R. Dewey
I once read a dream that made quite an impression upon me; and I have often thought of it as being applicable at the present time. It was something like the following:— “It seemed to me as though I had been suddenly aroused from my slumbers. I looked around and found myself in the center of a gay crowd. The first sensation that I experienced was that of being borne along with a peculiarly gentle motion. I looked around, and found that I was in a long train of cars which were gliding over a railway, and it seemed to be many miles in length. It was composed of many cars. Every car opened at the top, was filled with men and women, all gaily dressed, all happy, all laughing, talking, and singing. “The peculiarly gentle motion of the cars interested me. There was no grating, such as we hear on a railroad. They moved on without the least jar or sound. This, I say, interested me. I looked over the side, and to my astonishment, found the railroad and cars made of glass. The glass wheels moved over the glass rails without the least noise of oscillation. The soft motion produced a feeling of exquisite happiness. I was happy! It seemed as if everything was at rest within. I was full of peace. While I was wondering at this circumstance, a new sight attracted my attention. All along the railroad, on either side, within a foot of the track, was laid long lines of coffins, and every one contained a corpse dressed for burial, with the white face turned upward to the light. The sight filled me with horror. In my agony, I tried to scream, but could make no sound. The gay crowd around me only redoubled their singing and laughter at the sight of my agony. We went on, every moment coming nearer to the end in the road, far, far, in the distance. “‘What are those?’ I cried at last, pointing to the dead in the coffins. ‘These are the persons who made the trip before us,’ was the reply of one of the gayest ones near me. ‘What trip?’ I asked. ‘Why, the trip we are now making, the trip on this glass railroad,’ was the answer. ‘Why do they lie along the road, each one in his coffin?’ I was answered with a whisper and a hollow laugh which froze my blood: ‘They were dashed to pieces at the end of the railroad,’ said the person whom I addressed. ‘You know the railroad terminates at an abyss. It is lined with pointed rocks. As each car arrives at the end, it precipitates its passengers into the abyss. They are dashed to pieces upon the rocks, and their bodies are brought here and placed in the coffins as a warning to other passengers. But no one minds it; we are so happy on the glass railroad.’ I can never describe the horror with which those words inspired me. ‘What is the name of the glass railroad?’ I asked. The person replied in the same strain: ‘It is Habit. It is very easy to get into the cars, but very hard to get out. For, once in these cars, every one is delighted with the soft, gliding motion. The cars move so gently! Yes, this is a railroad of HABIT, and with glass wheels we are whirling over a glass railroad toward a fathomless abyss. In a few moments we will be there, and they will take our bodies and put them in the coffins as they have the others; but nobody will mind it; no one does!’” “I choked with horror. I struggled to escape. I made frantic efforts to leap from the train, and in the struggle, awoke. I knew it was only a dream, yet whenever I think of it, I can see that long train of cars moving gently along the glass railroad. I can see cars far ahead as they are turning the bend of the road. I can see the dead in their coffins, clear and distinct, on either side of the road, while the singing and183 laughing of the gay and happy passengers sound in my ears. I only see those cold forms of the dead, with their glassy eyes uplifted, and their frozen hands upon their shrouds. It was a horrible dream. But ‘there was a moral in that dream.’” The power of habit is great. It is far easier to pass carelessly along than to break away from a sinful habit. Satan so lulls us by his fair promises that we feel no great anxiety to break away from our old habits of sin; and although we may have been repeatedly warned of our danger, we cannot seem to feel it, nor to realize that it will soon be too late to escape the fearful doom of all who thus pass on regardless of their duty to God. It is an awful thing to become so stupefied as to be careless in regard to our eternal welfare; but how many of us are in danger of giving this world too large a place in our hearts, and thereby losing sight of the life that is to come. May the Lord help us to arouse to a sense of our true condition before it be forever too late. E. R. DEWEY.