Review and Herald, Vol. 41, No. 6.
OUR PRESENT POSITION: or, the Waiting, Watching TimePage 1
Earlier text: Reproving SinThe Devil's Clock: Deceiving Young and Old
The devil's clock is ever too fast or too slow; to the young he saith, “Rejoice in your lusts and passions; gulp down the pleasures of this life; there is time enough.” The older he endeavors to drive to despair, saying, “The door of mercy is shut; it is too late; there is now no hope.” Power to Work Miracles.
By H. C. Miller
A CORRESPONDENT writes: “By reading Mark 16: 16, it appears plain enough that in order for a man to be saved he must first believe and be baptized; but in reading verses 17 and 18, it also appears plain [to me] that he must be able to cast out devils, and to be proof against poisons, &c. How is it?” If the writer means that in order to be saved a man must be in such a condition that the Holy Spirit can manifest its power through him when the Holy Ghost shall desire so to do, we answer, Yes, to his question. But if he means that believers must be able to do these things at will, at all times, and under all circumstances, we shall answer, No. The texts do not teach any such view. They simply declare that these signs shall follow them that believe. God has never said that we must be proof against poisons, in order to be saved. The apostle Paul in Eph. 4: 8, refers to this very time when our Lord gave these gifts unto men. And he informs us for what purpose they are given. He says they are given for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. He shows in 1 Cor. 12 that they are divided to every believer as the Spirit wills. And by this word divided, and by his questions in verses 29 and 30, he shows that all the gifts are not possessed and exercised by one person. Are all apostles? Have all the gift of healing? &c. If this be true, then it settles the question of a necessity to be able to do them in order to be saved. If any are tempted to make an effort to cast out devils, or to swallow poisons in order to prove themselves believers, we would suggest that they meet the tempter as the Saviour did in the wilderness. “Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” PROF. YOUNG, of Dartmouth College, observed on the 7th of September, and has recorded in the Boston Journal of Chemistry, what appears to have been a very sudden and violent explosion on the surface of the sun. He was examining an enormous protuberance or hydrogen cloud on the sun’s eastern limb, which, by his calculation, was 100,000 miles long by 54,000 high, floating at a height of 15,000 miles above the surface, and sending down to the sun pillars of its own substance like a vast banyan grove. Being called away from the telescope a few moments, he was astonished, on returning, to find that the whole cloud had been blown into flying filaments, which rose, as he gazed with a greater rapidity than had ever been before observed in this substance, to a height of more than 200,000 miles from the solar surface. Hydrogen, in this state, has never before been recorded as rising so high. As these broken filaments streamed upward, they melted away like wisps of filmy cloud. Meanwhile, a little cap or knob which has been noticed near the substance of the sun developed wonderfully into a pyramid of flame 50,000 mile in height; there its summit was drawn out into long filaments and threads, which were most curiously rolled backward and downward like the volutes of an Ionic capital, and finally it faded away, and at half past two (the first change was observed at five minutes to one), had vanished like the other. A fine aurora borealis occurred during the evening which succeeded. Earthquake Kills Fifteen Hundred at Soonghur, India
LONDON, Jan. 13.—A dispatch from Bombay says the report has reached that city of a terrible earthquake at Soonghur, a town of India in the detached district of the Baroda dominions, 114 miles north of Bombay. Fifteen hundred persons are said to have been killed in that town alone. Nothing has been heard from the surrounding country, but it was feared that there was much additional loss of life. Pennsylvania Railroad Accident and Lack of Rescue Tools
In the Pennsylvania railroad accident, the other day, wherein a train of cars ran off a high trestle-work bridge, twenty-five passengers were roasted to death by fire, because only two axes could be procured, after much precious time wasted, with which to cut open the cars, and let the inmates out. Only two axes, no saws, and no jack-screws to lift timbers. In Michigan, every passenger car is required by law to carry two axes and a saw, hung in plain view of all the passengers; and each train is required to carry two powerful jack-screws. Pennsylvania will do well to copy our law. If the train had been provided with these tools, probably nobody would have been roasted to death.—Detroit Post. Buffalo Water Supply Fails as Niagara River Drops
ONE would suppose that the Niagara River could be depended upon for an unfailing supply of water; but the telegraph informs us that the city of Buffalo was without water Dec. 26, in consequence of Niagara River having given out. It appears that a long north-east gale, accompanied by a driving snowstorm and sharp cold, had driven the water out of Niagara River into the lake, or else lowered the level of Lake Erie at the eastern end, so much that the surface of the river was below the mouth of the main supply pipe of the Buffalo City Water Works. The mouth of this pipe was intended by the engineers to be always quite a number of feet beneath the surface; so deep down, in fact, that the ice would not reach and choke it. Such a failure on the part of Niagara River was never before known; and it raises the suggestion that the river gods must have been unusually hilarious on Christmas, or else they have struck for higher wages. The city had some water, for drinking, contained in its reservoirs; but the factories had to close; and, if a fire of large dimensions had broken out, the city would have been almost entirely destroyed, as there was not water enough to keep the fire engines supplied for any great length of time. Fortunately for us, Detroit River is a reliable stream. It never indulges in any foolery; but attends to its business with exemplary regularity.—Post. Kitchen Range Explosions and Church Fires During Cold Weather
There is an “epidemic” of kitchen range explosions, and a “carnival” of church burning. In Cincinnati, the bursting of kitchen ranges or rather of the hot water pipes, was almost as deadly as the cannonading of Paris during any one day of the siege. One servant girl was killed, and two or three injured. There were four such occurrences in Cincinnati, one in Cleveland, and one in Harrisburg. On Sunday, a church was partly burned down in Cincinnati. Dr. Talmage’s church, in Brooklyn, with walls of iron, was consumed, and two churches in Rhode Island were partially destroyed. The cause is obvious: Frozen pipes in the kitchen and very hot fires in the churches. These occurrences, depending as they do upon the weather, ought to be included in the “probabilities,” and the range of the kitchen ranges thus exposed, mapped out every morning, although one would suppose that the premonitory evidence of cold weather now furnished might give a hint as to the necessity of shutting off the water. Norwegian Ship Sesostris Lost in North Sea Gale
The Norwegian ship Sesostris was wrecked in the North Sea during a terrible gale on Wednesday Jan. 8, and 14 of the crew perished. Hog Deaths Near Sublette from New Disease
W. D. TOURILLOTT, near Sublette, has lost 100 hogs within three weeks, by some new disease. The turkeys and chickens have it also. Labors in Ohio.
By S. N. Haskell
I CAME to Ohio, Dec. 12, 1872, and attended the quarterly meeting at Townsend, the 13th and 14th. From that place, visited each district in the Conference, holding a two days’ meeting at North Bloomfield, Bellville, Bowersville, and Bowling Green. We trust that in each place we had some of the blessing of God, especially at Bellville. This company was brought out under the labors of Elds. Van Horn and Lawrence, some five years since, yet they had not had the ordinances until this meeting. The free flow of tears, with broken sobs, gave evidence that the sweet, melting Spirit of God was in our midst. And if vows are carried out which were there made, the blessing of God will continue with them. Could all realize that “it is an honor for a man to cease from strife,” and that “it is his glory to pass over a transgression,” many a church trial and feeling of alienation would be saved. At Bowersville, we met with Bro. Waggoner. Here a special meeting was called on Monday evening, in view of confessing a lack of faithfulness in their stewardship on the part of some. Deep-settled piety that will give a contented mind, and a conscience void of offense toward God and man, are the essentials of Christianity. Men and women are not so much estimated in the sight of God for their profession and position in society as for their uprightness and Christian integrity. It is not in a spirit of controversy that a healthy moral influence is felt, but by a meek and quiet spirit, and godly life. “To this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and that trembleth at my word.” The Tract and Missionary Society in this State was in a better condition than we expected to find it under the circumstances. The finances are good, and the brethren generally manifest an interest in this part of the work, when they have a proper understanding of it. Much interest is being taken in establishing the advance-pay system. No doubt in this effort some papers will be stopped which ought not to be. That this may be prevented, as far as possible, the T. & M. Society here have adopted the following plan: 1. To notify all the delinquents of their present indebtedness by a printed letter and a year in advance added, with a stamped envelope inclosed, directed back to the agent. Thus all, whatever may be their circumstances, are expected to reply. 2. It is proposed to drop the names of all that fail to report either at the Office of publication or to the agent, at the time of their next general quarterly meeting, about the middle of March, 1873. If there are any who by mistake do not receive a printed letter, we hope that the effort that is being made at the Office of publication will be sufficient. The worthy poor can have the paper; but they should make their cases known within the above specified time. The effort that is being made to extend the circulation of the periodicals, is an efficient manner of laboring in the T. & M. Society. The stronghold of the enemy is prejudice. When this is once broken through, men and women can be reached; and nothing is more effectual in accomplishing this than to have people become acquainted with us as a people and with our views. And in no way can this be accomplished more effectually than by reading our periodicals. The REVIEW gives fresh reading weekly, and the Reformer and Instructor, monthly. Hence the importance of sending the REVIEW on a trial trip of six months, and of obtaining subscribers for the Reformer and Instructor, cannot be overestimated. The cause is onward, and a systematic effort with a heart warm with the love of God will speak volumes in the spread of this truth. Missouri and Kansas.
By Geo. L. Butler
For upwards of four weeks I have been laboring in this Conference, although I have had no appointments in the REVIEW. Because of uncertainty concerning the time of holding the General Conference, and perplexity as to when I should go, owing to other calls for labor, I had not time to put appointments in the paper before I wished to start, so I notified the friends of my coming, by letter. I left home, Dec. 4. Called at Bro. T. J. Butler's, on my way to my first appointment at Civil Bend, Mo. Bro. B. was away from home, laboring in the cause. Had a pleasant visit with the family. Four families embraced the truth there from the labor bestowed in the tent. No doubt others would, had not the weather been so cold, and had there not been so much sickness in the community. Held seven meetings with the church at Civil Bend, from Dec. 6 to 10. The numbers of this church have been much reduced by the removal of members to other parts, so that our meetings seemed small. I am sorry to say that some of these left a bad reputation behind them, which caused many regrets to those remaining; and while noticing this unpleasant point, I feel constrained from a sense of duty to my brethren in the ministry, as well as to all concerned, to offer a few words of caution about bestowing labor and organizing churches in Kansas and other new fields where Sabbath-keepers have moved from other parts. Many worthy Sabbath-keepers have moved from other States to new fields, especially Kansas, for the purpose of bettering their condition, and to do good. But it is also a fact that quite a number have moved whose past record would not bear examination. Some have even gone off between two days, leaving debts behind, or other disgraceful circumstance to curse the good name of our people. And some of these very persons who could not get letters from the church they lived in, and who had been a constant burden where they lived for years, when they get out where they are not known, become very zealous in profession, and are among the very first to invite ministers to their vicinity to labor, and put on a great outward show of piety. And I fear some of our ministers have lacked in caution when organizing churches. If our system of church organization amounts to anything, persons moving from one church to another place should be obliged to present letters of recommendation from the church to which they had belonged, or else wait till the circumstances which hindered them from receiving any be inquired into, before joining a new church. The good name of our people, and the cause we love, are of too much importance to be jeopardized by receiving every one that offers himself without any inquiry into his past record where he has been a Sabbath-keeper for years, and can get no letter of commendation. Let people tell their own story, and they can often make a very plausible showing. But some information should be obtained from the parts from whence they come. It is a bad-looking circumstance, to say the least, if old Sabbath-keepers, moving to new places, have no letters from the church to which they belonged; and before being received as members anew, these things should be inquired into; and before ministers go to labor in such places, it should be known whether those inviting them are in good standing. If it be asked, Cannot those who have left a poor record repent and regain the confidence of their brethren? we answer, Most certainly. But the finest way to do it that I know of is to commence right back where the bad record was made. Pay up the debts, make their wrongs right by confession and restoration, and there will be no lack of confidence on the part of their brethren. I say these things because I know there is cause for it. My labor in the church of Civil Bend was mostly practical, designed to stir up the minds of the people to renewed interest and zeal in the work of God. My design in coming to this Conference to labor was especially to help the financial interests of it. While the Conference has two tents already purchased, and men enough in its own limits to man them, and while there is a most promising field of labor in all directions, and a population made up from the most intelligent of the American people, among whom there must be many ready to receive the truth, the financial condition of the Conference has been in a very discouraging condition. In fact, there has been, as we may say, really no State Conference treasury at all. Times have been hard. Those settling here have had calls for all their means, and the cause has been neglected. There are a good many Sabbath-keepers in this Conference, enough, we believe, if they would all promptly come up to their duty to put the cause upon a flourishing basis. It was with the hope of being instrumental in bringing about this good result that I have been laboring here. We are glad to say that the church at Civil Bend have done well in the past—better than any other church in the Conference; yet when the matter was set before them, although their numbers were few, they raised their figures some. They pledged the sum of $135.00 for the ensuing year. Others who were absent will doubtless swell the amount somewhat. Brn. Rogers and Long were with me at this meeting. They had just been out laboring near Hamilton. Upwards of twenty had embraced the Sabbath in a few weeks. We were very glad they had received this encouragement, and hope they may see many brought to the knowledge of the truth. My next meeting was at Centerville, Kansas. Held seven meetings there. This is a small church, and the friends seemed to be laboring under some discouragements, which we trust will not prove serious. At a business meeting, Bro. Smith Sharp was elected elder in place of Bro. Brown who resigned some months since. Systematic Benevolence was raised from $20.00 to $78.00. My experience in getting to my next appointment at Avilla can only be appreciated by those who have traveled this winter where the epizootic rages. I started from Centerville, Wednesday morning, hoping some of the friends at Ft. Scott would take me over; but they had not received my letter, sent a week before. I went out three and a half miles from there to see a brother, and get him to take me through; but the disease had reached there, and his team was not usable. I walked back and took the train to Columbus, intending to take the stage. On my arrival, found all the stage horses were laid up; not a hack or livery team could be had. The conductor told me to go down to Baxter Springs; said there were several hacks running from there. But before I reached that place, every stage line, hack, and livery team, was laid up. So I left my trunk, shouldered my carpet-bag, and started afoot, but found a man in the country who took me through to Carthage, within twelve miles of Avilla. The weather was bitterly cold, even for a northern morning. The mercury, at one time, was down as low as 15° below zero. I hardly expected to see such cold weather as far south as the southern part of Kansas; and from the reports of all the people, it was unprecedented for years. Owing to all these obstacles, I was unable to reach Avilla till after the Sabbath. But there was no disappointment on the part of the brethren; for they were not expecting me, as they had not received my letter containing the appointment sent nearly two weeks before. I remained there over a week, and held, in all, ten meetings. Some of these were very small on account of cold weather. We should have held others, but were prevented by the same cause. I found the church in a very discouraged state. It was very evident that there was need of labor from some source. Bro. Blanchard was taken sick last summer, at the commencement of tent labor, and did very little all the remaining part of the season. He had much sickness in his family. His health is now much improved. He attended but one of our meetings. We regretted very much the lack of his assistance. He hopes to be able soon to give his time to the work once more. Toward the last, our meetings seemed more free, and the clouds partially broke away. The weather moderated, so we had quite an attendance of the brethren, and quite a number from the outside world. Financially, this church has been in a very discouraging condition. They were much behind on past pledges. We trust they now realize these obligations and will do their best to meet them. The church signed again on S. B., those present signing $169.00 for the ensuing year. If those who were absent sign the same as last year, the whole pledge for the church will amount to as much as $240.00, which would be an advance of some $70.00 on last year's pledges. Altogether, we felt encouraged when the meetings closed, believing that good had been done and the cause advanced. The following Monday, I started for Howard Co., Kansas, in company with Bro. Chas. F. Stevens, who had come in his wagon one hundred and forty miles to take me there to hold some meetings. We were nearly five days upon the road, coming through Jasper Co., Mo., and Cherokee, La Bette, Montgomery and Howard Counties, Kansas. These lie on the extreme southern boundary of the State. The ride was not as pleasant as I have taken, owing to the weather; but we arrived in safety, and have commenced our meetings, which we trust will result in good. GEO. L. BUTLER. Elk Falls, Howard Co., Kan., Jan. 6, 1873. THE PILGRIM'S PRAYER.
By E. Gorham
I go on pilgrimage. The road in view,
Lies fair revealed;
But, when the sun shall drink the wayside dew,
Be Thou my shield! The soft wind shifts, and lo! gray mists of doubt
My pathway hide.
With bruised feet and hands I grope about;
Be thou my guide! Now tempests rise, and o'er the wind-swept way
To 'scape the shock,
Seeking some covert vainly as I stray,
Be thou my Rock! Though after storm, stealing through sun-touched rift,
Calm comes at length,
O'erborne and prone, mine eyes I may not lift;
Be thou my strength! One draught from thy life-giving fountain send,
And let me quaff—
Refreshed, I'll gird me for my journey's end;
Be thou my staff. When pilgrimage is o'er, and life's day lies
Low in the west—
While the night shadows dim my weary eyes,
Be thou my rest! East Charleston, Vt.
By D. T. Bourdeau
I HAVE just held two more meetings in a private house near Westmore, Vt. The Lord was with us. Six at least have taken hold of the Sabbath. We had an excellent meeting here, last Sabbath. One interesting feature in the meeting was the presence and testimony of brethren from Irasburgh, &c. We were forcibly impressed with the fact that these brethren have something to do besides paying Systematic Benevolence. Their worldly affairs should be so arranged that they can devote a considerable portion of their time in building up the cause in new fields, &c. They can visit, sing, and pray, and give young believers the benefit of their experience. After engaging in this work awhile, and learning the value of souls from personal experience in laboring for souls, they could not be satisfied in burying their talents in the earth. Two or three such men, watching and ready to help where help is needed, could save the time and strength of one preacher to push the work in new fields, or to labor in other branches in this great work. Time-and-labor-saving machines are highly recommended in this age of physical degeneracy. Well, the missionary societies, recently formed, were designed to save time and strength in the noblest and most important work that mortals ever engaged in, in proclaiming the last message of mercy to dying men, and preparing a people for translation at the coming of Christ. And shall we set in motion these mighty agencies to advance the precious cause of God? or will the cause lag for not using the instrumentalities placed under our control for its advancement? We need missionary labor in the East, if anywhere. We need power and earnest, well-directed labor to break up the influence of old associations, and remove prejudice caused by fanaticism, and foolish and repeated time-setting, &c. We have the means in our power to do this. Shall we use them? The prosperity of the cause in Vermont will depend largely on carrying out the object of missionary societies. New Year's Reflections.
By E. S. Brooks
As we enter upon another year, solemn thoughts come rushing to my mind, and sad feelings gather around my heart. Another year, with all its load of good and evil, joy and sorrow, smiles and tears, hopes and despairs, has rolled away, and its history is written on the pages of the heavenly record. As I look over the past, and fain would peer into the dark, dark future, I think of the eighth chapter of the epistle to the Romans. There comes to mind the sufferings of “this present time” compared with the glory that shall be revealed in the sons of God, and the solemn thought of old creation groaning for nearly six thousand by-gone years. She has just groaned away another year, and begun a new year of travail. Soon, oh! soon, will her last and deepest throes shake the earth from pole to pole and from shore to shore. Long, long has the creature in earnest expectation waited for the manifestation of the sons of God. But the story will soon be told. “This present time” will soon be numbered with the things that were, and the voice of sin be hushed in the silence of death. A few more days of humiliation, and the hope of the saints of all ages will find a bright fruition in the “world to come.” Oh! what will then our portion be? “Oh! to resolve one doubt
That tears my anxious breast!
Shall I be with the lost cast out?
Or numbered with the blest?” Why Sleepest Thou?
By S. Hoxie
How sweet to think of Jesus who is coming soon to take us home to dwell forever in that heavenly land that he has prepared for those that have followed his teachings and kept his commandments. The time is short in which to prepare for that great event. Do we realize it as we should? If not, let us awaken from this slumberous state, put on the whole armor, and get ready. It is a matter of great importance that we look to our future welfare. This certainly is the extent of our future hopes. Then why not be more in earnest in the work? Are we skeptical in our belief? God forbid! Brethren, awake from your drowsiness. Come forth and be bright and shining lights, that others may join us in preparing for the Bridegroom. Soon he will be seen coming in the clouds of heaven. Soon the harvest will be ripe. Oh! let us not be one of the tares, but ready and waiting for his appearance, that when he comes, we may say, “Lo, this is our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us.” S. HOXIE. Davenport, Mass., Dec. 11, 1872. “Did not our Heart Burn within Us?”
By A. M. Lindsley
So said the two disciples of Jesus after he had traveled with them to Emmaus, and made himself known to them in the breaking of bread. Their hearts were sad at the loss of their Master and Lord,—he who they supposed would have delivered Israel. While their hopes seemed blasted, he comforted their hearts by rehearsing those scriptures which speak of him, and explained them to their understanding. Their hearts warmed as they were again encouraged by the fulfillment of those passages which speak definitely of his advent, death, and work of redemption. But still they did not perceive that it was he that was speaking. Their eyes were holden, for, says another writer, “he appeared to them in another form.” They had been looking for a king in the line of David. Their hopes had been well-nigh fulfilled, as they thought; but now how great their disappointment! They failed in not understanding that which was written. They had need of the Comforter, the Spirit of truth, which Jesus promised them they should have. When that came, the veil was taken away and they were able to expound with a clearness and power which convinced their hearers by the thousand. The years that were to intervene between the first and second advents, have nearly expired; and from the same source of light we are looking for him; for he said plainly, “I will come again.” When the first angel’s message first sounded in our hearing, and the Scriptures began to unfold to our understanding, how our hearts burned within us at the glorious news of his speedy coming; but we too were the subjects of a disappointment nearly as bitter as his disciples’ at the first. It is true, we did not see him literally crucified before our eyes, but there was not wanting the bitter hate that might have sought his life had he been present. Since that disappointment, the seeming difficulties have been reconciled, and we are again encouraged to believe that our Deliverer is at hand. Our hearts again burn within us, as we feel that we shall not again be disappointed, while we are led by the light now shining so clearly from the sacred page. God is indeed in the work. How much reason have we to be glad! Remembering the words of Jesus, we will lift up our heads and rejoice, for the time of our redemption is near, even at the doors. Earth’s history is a sad and bitter one. Man, from the effects of sinfulness and depravity, has not reflected much the character of his Creator; but the scene is about to change; the day of glory is soon to dawn upon us. Old things will pass away. “He that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.” “Our hearts burn within us” at the prospect. Then, from valley to hill-top, from sea to sea, let the glorious refrain be sounded,—Jesus is coming! He is coming!! HE IS COMING!!! Laughing and Joking are Unprofitable.
By E. P. Daniels
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven, . . . a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.” Eccl. 3:1-4. There are some people to whom this very simple language is as enigmatical as the Greek, from the simple fact that with many there is such a strong desire for the gratification of their selfish habits that they mistake their false interpretation for the true. And it is not because they cannot be readily comprehended, for the terms are simple; but it is owing, principally, to the fact that they are blind to the truth through a love for an error, which, when indulged in, proves a source of pleasure to them; for worldly pleasure of to-day is an incentive that leads many poor souls back to Egypt. Laughter is a convulsive expression of merriment, mirth, and gayety, and, when heartily indulged in, it leaves a broad field for conjecture as to one's consecration. Well, says one, “To every thing there is a season,” and why may I not indulge in a season of laughter now and then as the opportunity may present itself; for I love to laugh? But let me answer the question by asking another. Did you ever read in God's word that Jesus went about laughing, jesting, and making all around him merry? Contrast the one who stands up and declares himself the representative of Christ, while he indulges in a habit that belies his solemn profession, with the meek and lowly Saviour, who, while upon earth, sought no time to jest and joke, laugh, and make merry, but was many times seen to weep over the sins of this wicked world, and with a voice of pathos, invite the return of the wandering ones that had been so long from their Father's house. Yes! Jesus wept. Oh! that we might more fully realize the priceless value of those tears. No man ever wept like the Saviour; for his weeping was not occasioned by trifling disappointments, by scoffs and jeers. But when he looked down through the vista of time and saw the misery and suffering in the world, its hopeless and apostate condition before God, his loving heart was melted into tears, and he uttered the welcome invitation, “Come unto me all ye that are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest.” Jesus knew no pleasure save in obedience to his Father's will. It was his greatest joy to suffer the ignominious death of the cross, that he might ransom his children from their sins; and gladness fills his heart when he beholds his dear children striving to possess a meek and lowly spirit, having no will save to glorify God in their bodies and spirits which are his. We cannot do this by laughing and jesting, however innocent it may appear to some, for this is the spirit of the world; and, if we possess a worldly spirit, we are none of his. We are unsanctified, having the form of godliness, and by our lives we deny the power thereof. How displeasing it must be in the sight of God to see those who claim to represent his Son (in whose life was found nothing impure, and who frequently wept, was often in prayer, and who sacrificed things temporal for things eternal, to be bestowed upon those that should follow him afterward,) going about jesting and laughing at every foolish thing that is said or done; but mourning and weeping over every trivial disappointment in life. With what disdain the God of Heaven must look down upon such representatives as these, pretending to be like Jesus, but more like the world. Oh! that we might feel more interest in those things that pertain to eternal life, and dispense with that which gives no life, neither imparts to us spiritual vitality, but rather lessens our chances for eternity. Let us lay off every weight and the sins that so easily besets us, and run with patience the race set before us, looking unto Christ, who is the author and finisher of our faith, for our reward. Blessings of the Faithful.
By David Downer
“A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” THE above very important language is recorded in Prov. 28:20. First, let us consider, and if possible learn, to what class of faithful men the text refers. Does it refer to the millionaire, who has grown gray in pursuit of wealth? whose gold has become cankered, by being heaped up for the last days? He has been faithful in accumulating his treasures of gold. After having reached his highest aspirations in this direction, God pronounces him poor, blind, and naked. Men seldom accumulate great wealth without robbing the Lord of what justly belongs to him. Faithful men seldom fail to reach the desired object in life. We see Abraham Lincoln splitting rails, afterward occupying the presidential chair. Those of the most humble occupation have become possessors of great wealth by their faithfulness. We have but to look around us, to see that faithful men's labor is often attended with success. If men seldom fail to reach the desired object in this life, who make that object a study, an object for which they will sacrifice, how shall we account for there being so many who make a failure as Christians, unless it be by their neglecting duty? Why will people, Sabbath-keepers, in the blazing light of truth, sacrifice their hope of eternal life for a little of the filthy lucre of this world? How many families are there among us who profess to love the truth who say they are too poor to help the cause, who give fifty dollars a year for various things that are only an injury to them? How shall we account for their (professed) poverty? There are many Sabbath-keepers who, ten years ago, had not fifty dollars. They have toiled, sacrificed, and suffered; as the result, we see nice farms, teams, farming utensils, &c. God has truly prospered them. They have become converted under the light of the third angel's message. They seem to love its inspiring truths, but when God would take back a little of the much he has given them, they are very poor. And that which they have gained by God's blessing and their faithful labor, they withhold from the Lord, and still profess to love the truth. How can God continue to prosper with riches such people? More riches would prove a curse to them, as it would only aid them in their miserly plans. Shall we wonder to see God take back his own by various visitations, such as fire, disease, storm, &c.? The world has more riches than is being used, except as it is worshiped. I have sometimes thought that God, in the late fires, horse disease, and storms, is only destroying the idols of men, if possible to turn their minds to more important things. I am aware these things have been differently interpreted by some, who say God is only giving the wealthy an opportunity to show their liberality. When I see men, apparently rational men, in almost mad pursuit after riches that perish with their using, I would point them to the text: “He that maketh haste to be rich shall not be innocent.” Why can we not strive to gain riches and be innocent? The reason is obvious: Where a man's treasure is there his heart will be. He will neglect prayer, overreach in deal with his brother, break the Sabbath by planning for future business on the Lord's day, and be guilty of many other things that are contrary to the religion of Christ. If we do not rob God, and attend to the wants of the cause, we are promised plenty; but not any to worship. When we see Adventists with plenty around them, good crops every year, then hear them say they are so poor they cannot pay their S. B., can we say they are faithful stewards? We need not ask who are faithful; actions show. Many of us have been neglecting health reform to an alarming extent. Neglect is unfaithfulness. A person cannot neglect prayer, oppose health reform, give nothing to God for the support of his cause, and be a faithful follower of Christ. God has plenty, but he desires us to give for our own good. It is hard for some to give a small part of their means. Jesus gave his precious blood. Oh! how we ought to love him and follow his example of sacrifice. If every Adventist would commence with the new year and be faithful, what would be the result? Hundreds now wavering would embrace the truth, our S. B. would all be paid, our pledges redeemed, troubles settled, and the great work in which we are engaged would move on to victory in the presence of its enemies. Let us one and all occupy higher ground in 1873 than we have ever done before. When I read the stirring appeals in the REVIEW from the more earnest ones, I think my next visit to the churches will find them living more free from sin. But, alas! there are some who if they ever get into the kingdom will have to make a desperate effort. Let us not work for fame or wealth so earnestly, and be so reluctant in working for the Lord. We have a great work to do, and time in which to do it is short. Let us come up to the work, and do so now. Burns, Wis., Dec. 10, 1872. Judge not; the workings of his brain
And of his heart thou canst not see;
What looks to thy dim eyes a stain,
In God’s pure light may only be
A scar brought from some well-worn field,
Where thou wouldst only faint and yield. The look, the air that frets thy sight,
May be a token that below,
The soul has closed in deadly fight,
With some infernal, fiery foe,
Whose glance would scorch thy smiling grace,
And cast thee shuddering on thy face. The fall thou darest to despise,
May be the slackened angel’s hand
Has suffered it, that he may rise
And take a firmer, surer stand;
Or, trusting less to earthly things,
May henceforth learn to use his wings. And judge none lost, but wait and see,
With hopeful pity, not disdain;
The depth of the abyss may be,
The measure of the height of pain,
And love and glory, that may raise
This soul to God in after days.