Earlier text: Parental DutyThe Atonement.
By J. H. W.
Some time since, a question was asked, and answered in the Review, relative to the justice of God in destroying the wicked after Christ has died for all. In the answer I endeavored to point out the difference between paying a debt and ransoming a soul by saving it from sin. The following remarks I copy from the “Christian System,” by Alexander Campbell. I think them very clear on this point:— “The redemption then which is in Christ Jesus is a moral and not a commercial consideration. If sin were only a debt and not a crime, it might be forgiven without atonement. Nay, if sin were a debt, and sacrifice a payment of that debt, there could be no forgiveness at all with God. For if the Redeemer or Ransomer of man has paid the debt, justice, and not mercy or forgiveness, commands the release, not the pardon of the debtor. Some there are, however, who, from inattention to the sacred style and the meaning of biblical terms, have actually represented the death of Christ, rather as the payment of an immense debt than as an expiation of sin, or a purification from guilt; and have thus made the pardon of sin wholly unintelligible, or rather, indeed, impossible. Every one feels that when a third person assumes a debt, and pays it, the principal must be discharged and cannot be forgiven. But when sin is viewed in the light of crime, and atonement offered by a third person, then it is a question of grace whether the pardon or acquittal of the sinner shall be granted by him against whom the crime is committed; because, even after an atonement or propitiation is made, the transgressor is yet as deserving of punishment as before. There is room, then, for both justice and mercy; for the display of indignation against sin, and the forgiveness of the sinner.” Mr. Campbell mentions the names of eminent men who erred on this subject; and we need not be surprised that some, who are now seeking for light on present truth, should become perplexed. Indeed, Mr. Campbell himself leaves room for a misunderstanding of his point by following the usual error of making the atonement identical with the sacrifice. When it is understood that the sacrifice is an offering to divine justice, preparatory to making an atonement, and makes the forgiveness of sin possible, consistently with eternal justice, there is really no difficulty remaining. J. H. W. Official Corruption.
By James White
We consider it an indication of the lax morality of these last days, that very few men can be found who will retain their integrity when public money is placed in their hands. Our legislatures are, very often, scenes of unparalleled bribery and malfeasance; and stealing in office is passed by as a “defalcation,” to which is attached no penalty, although the officer was sworn to the faithful discharge of his duty. It has long been claimed that New York City was the worst governed city in America, and lately there have been exposures made which have caused even the political friends of the officials to stand aloof. As the articles coming to us deal largely in the political bearings of these exposures, we refrain from publishing them, but the following extract from a brief article in the Methodist will show somewhat the state of things:— “The financial corruptions of the New York City government, as declared by the Times, are more stupendous than any similar crimes ever known of any municipality in the history of the world. There is no exaggeration whatever in this assertion, and yet the Times says that it has still more appalling revelations to make. “Our quotations [from the Comptroller’s books] have,” it affirms, “only scratched the surface.” The figures given by the Times, however, already amount to nearly ten millions of dollars. Nobody now doubts the general truthfulness of these astounding charges.” Church Fairs and Lotteries.
By John Norton Loughborough
A LOTTERY is clearly defined in the penal Statutes of California as follows: “A lottery is any scheme for the disposal or distribution of property by chance among persons who have paid, or promised to pay any valuable consideration for the chance of obtaining such property, or a portion of it, or any share or interest in such property upon any agreement, understanding, or expectation, that it is to be distributed or disposed of by lot or chance, whether called a lottery, raffle, or gift enterprise, or by whatever name the same may be known.” The time was when it was considered a heinous offense to engage in lottery schemes. Strict State statutes condemned lotteries, and the utmost caution was requisite to draw the numbers in a lottery scheme without detection by government officials. It is one of the evident tokens of the spirit of evil in the world that the mania for these things has so increased, and the public mind so pandered to these things, that the last legislature of California could legally sanction the sale of the tickets of a gift enterprise amounting to one million of dollars, and the prizes distributed amounting to half that sum. It is true that some church “advocates” spoke against this lottery scheme. Still multitudes of men in high standing in the church bought more than one $5.00 ticket in hopes that some one of their $5.00 might suddenly become $100,000 or less. One of the judges of this city, claimed that the action of the legislature in granting license to the mercantile library association to carry on its $1,000,000 gift enterprise had virtually abolished the law of California upon the subject of lotteries. On the back of this, rise up four or five different gift schemes of no small magnitude, and the mania spreads like wild fire in this and other States. Judge Stanley comes to the rescue of right, and discards this slip-shod manner of abolishing laws without any express statement to that effect. He says that “law cannot be repealed while the organic law remains unchanged.” On this basis that the original law against lotteries still remains in California, he is waging quite severe warfare on venders of lottery tickets. As very severe criticisms have been passed upon the course of the Mercantile Library Association for projecting their lottery scheme, the president, Mr. R. B. Swain, took occasion to state in his report that “the principle of such lotteries has been recognized as right in most of the church fairs and festivals, in this and other States.” We appeal to all candid persons to say if there is not force in Mr. Swain’s statement. What difference is there between paying twenty-five cents for a chance for a $3.00 ring in a guess cake, and paying $5.00 for a ticket in the hope that it will suddenly become $50.00 or more? For my part I cannot see but that the charge of Mr. Swain is just. While he would claim, perhaps, that the lottery was right because the church sanctioned the principle of it, we claim that the lottery is wrong and the church fair wrong that fosters the gaming spirit. Praying for Light.
By L. E. Orton
PERSONS often go to others for advice when their minds are fully decided on a certain course of action; and, if the counsel given happens to be in accordance with their ideas, they think, “That is good, sound advice. I’ll follow it!” not realizing that they are only following their own inclination. Instead of advice, they wanted approbation of their course. In this same spirit many go to the Lord for light, with their hearts inclined to do what their judgment and conscience condemn; and unless he send an angel with a drawn sword to bar the way, as in Balaam’s case, they fancy they are doing the Lord’s will. When they awake to their mistake, they will tell you, “I prayed to the Lord for direction, and, as he did not hedge up the way, I thought it could not be very wrong.” “But ne’er to a seductive ray
Let faith be given;
Nor deem the light that leads astray
Is light from Heaven.” If we are not earnest in prayer, and of a teachable mind, Satan may deceive us by appearing as an angel of light. God’s ear is ever open to the whole-hearted, importunate prayers of his children. He says, “If any lack wisdom, let him ask of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not.” But he knows, too, just how sincere our prayers are. Actions Speak Louder Than Resolutions
SOME one, feeling that actions are better than words, has said, “We read of the acts of the apostles, but never of their resolutions.” The Sabbath Question at the Iowa Tent
By R. M. Kilgore
WHEN we closed our last report, we were in the midst of the Sabbath question. As usual, this awakens an interest among the people to inquire if their practice in the past has been in accordance with the word of God. Positions are being taken by the leaders which astonish some of their followers. That the law of God is abolished; that we have no Sabbath in this dispensation, are doctrines that they cannot accept. And even to doubt that the first day of the week is of divine authority, was a matter unthought of by them, until its denial, and the claims of the seventh day were set before them. The ministers of the place were invited to show the falsity of our positions, and to sustain the claims of the so-called Christian Sabbath. One of the ministers who had labored in this vicinity for fifteen years, seeing danger, journeyed two days to secure help. Having obtained the services of Eld. J. K. Cornell, Disciple, with whom Bro. Canright held a discussion at Richland two years ago, he proposed to accept the above invitation, and offered a resolution on the claims of the seventh-day Sabbath, saying that they would be ready the following Tuesday, when his colleague should be present. On being pressed to sustain in the affirmative his “Christian Sabbath,” or “Lord’s day,” he proposed that he would discuss with “friend Butler” the following: “Is it right to meet together on the first day of the week, to preach, to break bread, and for prayers?” Bro. B. replied that he would affirm that of Tuesday or any other day of the week, as he could not conscientiously negative our practice of holding meetings on that day. As nothing could be effected, further arrangements were postponed until the arrival of Eld. Cornell. The interest is still deepening and widening, until we have the best general attendance that we have ever had in the State. The tent is well filled every night with attentive hearers. According to previous announcement, about one hundred and fifty persons convened Sabbath morning at our first Sabbath meeting. This exceeded that of any other we have ever seen on a like occasion. After the discourse were a few testimonies; two of which were borne by those who previously were avowed infidels, now bearing testimony in favor of the Bible and the truth of God. At the conclusion of our meeting twenty-five voted that they should now begin to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and meet with us in our Sabbath meetings. Eld. Porter, Disciple, announced that he would preach on the law, Sunday forenoon, and continue the subject in the evening. Bro. Canright heard his first, and replied in the afternoon. At night we dismissed our meeting in order to give our congregation an opportunity to hear the Elder. This was reviewed on Monday evening before a large audience. This effort gave an additional opportunity to show up their untenable positions, and to rivet in the minds of the people the difference between the two laws. At the close of this meeting, Eld. Cornell being present, it was desired to perfect arrangements for the debate. The Elder said that he had come to accept a challenge, yet could not urge it if none had been given. As we are not of those who “back down,” he was informed that we were ready to defend the claims of the seventh day, if he would affirm the first-day theory. He was then challenged to discuss the following propositions: The Holy Scriptures teach that Christians should keep holy the seventh-day Sabbath of the fourth commandment. And to affirm either of these: 1. The Holy Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Christian Sabbath; or, 2. The Holy Scriptures teach that the first day of the week is the Lord’s day; or, 3. The Holy Scriptures teach that Christians should meet upon the first day of the week for religious services and to break bread. This would bring the whole subject before the people. But this he utterly refused to do as he had not come to defend the first day, but to tear down the Sabbath of the fourth commandment. When he had been pressed to bring the issue right before the people, and dared not defend that which he had been teaching, and when all were well convinced of the true position held by the Elder, their proposition was accepted as the best that we could do. The people see the unfairness of our opponents. We hope for good. The discussion begins to-morrow. Leon, Iowa, July 25, 1871. Essex Co., N. Y.
By S. B. Whitney
SINCE my last report, I have visited the friends in North Elba, and found the family I mentioned in a former report keeping the Sabbath and apparently much interested in the present truth. Have spent three Sabbaths in Vermontville, visiting among the brethren and community, and one Sabbath in this place. Attended a Methodist quarterly meeting in each place. In Vermontville some effort was made to cast an influence against the advent doctrine, which stirred up a spirit of opposition somewhat, but did not affect the believers unfavorably. Some of them are having some trials, but they appear to do them good. The candid and thinking portion of community are favorably disposed toward us and bid us God-speed. To their credit, I would say, that we are allowed the use of the meeting-house freely. Some bigoted ones have proposed closing it, but the influence is so strong against it that they do not succeed. To the Lord be all the praise. Keene, N. Y., July 24, 1871. H. S. GURNEY
By H. S. Gurney
It is always a source of consolation to see those who profess to love the truth all ready to advance and seek the whole truth. The third angel’s message brings new truths to our consideration. Not a new revelation, but a revival of truths that have been lost sight of by the people of God; consequently the revival seems like a new truth, and an individual receiving the new light seems like a new convert. A new field opens before his mind; he wonders that he never saw these things before. I have been an unyielding Adventist for more than thirty years. I know all the crooks and turns that so many professing the name have made. I know the reason why so many calling themselves Adventists are so bitterly complaining of a lack of order and union among themselves. It is because they refuse to receive that message which has the commandments of God in it, obedience to which brings order and unity. Hence those who add the third angel’s message to their faith and practice are led to exclaim, “Great peace have they who love Thy law, and nothing shall offend them.” This was exemplified last first-day when Bro. Lawrence led four into the water to be buried with Christ in baptism. They came out of the water rejoicing in full assurance of faith. Twenty in this vicinity have signed a covenant to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ; others intend to unite soon. How sorry I am for those who should be engaged in a better cause, yet are so blind that they find fault with the perfect law of God. I was talking with a minister the other day. The only difference we really found between us was touching the law of God. He gave signs of great impatience. It was very evident that the law of God made a division between us. And I was led to inquire whether obedience to the law is safe. But the most painful thought is this, he was an Adventist, professing not to be creed-bound. Shall I say that such, unless they repent, are in the broad road? Oh! the fate of an unfaithful shepherd! Those engaged in the third angel’s message are doing a very solemn work. The day of Judgment will tell how this work is done. But it makes division. How can we help it? The world must be ripened and divided into wheat and tares before the Lord comes. As it was in the days of Noah and Lot, &c. Remember Lot’s wife. The law will draw a straight line in justice, without respect to persons. I must go forward, if my friends and fellow-laborers and partners in the faith turn from me. The parting may be grievous, but I must go on and let them feed on husks. Their choice in this will prove their ruin. I would exhort them to stop and seriously consider what they are doing, and whether they are not uniting with those who are turning away their ears from hearing the law, and must sink with the blood of souls upon their garments. By giving all diligence it may be we shall be hid in the day of the Lord’s anger. Zeph. 2: 3. Brockway Center, Mich., June 27. From Sr. Gurney.
By A. E. Gurney
THERE remaineth a rest to the people of God. But the hour for this rest has not yet come. The benefits of trial must first be gathered. The heart must be disciplined; faith must be cultivated; the power of the soul’s endurance must be tested. It is not the design of God that the Christian should “Be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease.” He must “strive to enter in at the strait gate.” He must run with patience the race set before him. All the expressions of Scripture on this point imply the necessity of earnest effort. The battle63 must be fought before the triumph is celebrated. A great work must be accomplished in self-discipline, in the development and growth of holy principles, ere we are prepared to wear the victor’s crown. In all the afflictions and temptations of life, the design of the Creator is discernible, and it is only when the Christian lives near the throne that he can enjoy serenity, that perfect peace; he can experience the fullness of a Saviour’s love which “passeth all understanding.” That far-distant height storms can never reach. Clouds that cast shadows upon the earth float beneath it. The strifes of wicked men do not ascend to it. There is infinite wisdom in making the throne of God the seat of perfect peace; for had we satisfying enjoyments here, we should be more attached to this world. Amid all our trials and disappointments, its charms continue to fascinate us, and its cares absorb too much of our attention. How much more becoming to “lay aside every weight,” lighten ourselves of burdens that are taken on and do not profit, and seek earnestly for the “rest that remaineth to the people of God.” For five weeks I have not seen the REVIEW, and I have felt much disappointment when daily the mail came and no paper for me. Many times I thought of the lonely ones scattered through the country with no other preacher but the REVIEW, and how they must miss it if from any cause it failed to come at the appointed time. But yesterday five papers were brought me from the office, and I was glad to get to my room, and so nervously did I look over the papers I could hardly wait to look one article through, I was in such haste to read the next. What a feast I am enjoying; it is meat in due season, like pure, sparkling water to the thirsty, every piece is good and filled with interest to those who love the pure, strait testimony, who want their true state discovered to them that they may put away their sins and errors. I want to be among this people. Let their God be my God, let their hope be my hope. Let me share in their sorrows, help bear their burdens, that by-and-by I may enter into the rest the weary are to enjoy forever in the presence of their Saviour. Oh! what a rest remains to the people of God! It is but a little while and the struggle will be over, the victory won; and every child of God will long enjoy the blessed rest, the heavenly and eternal rest, in the kingdom of our Father. Your sister striving for victory,
A. E. GURNEY.
West Wareham, July 24, 1871. BITTER SWEET.
By Samuel W. Duffield
LANKMAN the wise received a bitter gourd—
Harsh rinded, acrid, evil to the taste—
Bestowed upon him by his generous lord,
While many sweet and juicy went to waste. Men looked to see what the wise man would do,
Getting instead of fruit a thing most vile;
But he, regarding old gifts more than new,
Stretched forth his hand, and took it with a smile. Then grew the wonder, as, in sight of all,
He broke the rind and ate with face serene;
Leaving no portion, whether great or small,
To bear them witness what the gift had been. And then he said, as on their lips he saw
Amazement putting on the garb of speech—
Hearken, O friends, and gain the royal law,
That he who will not learn can never teach. And shall not I, so long sustained and fed
From that kind hand which lifts me by degrees,
Receive whatever for my daily bread
His bounty furnishes, and be at peace? For thus appears a wisdom truly wise!
A service free from self; and if we take
That which at first we view with doubtful eyes,
It is transformed when eaten for his sake. O Lord, my God, how often in my pride
I craved the sweet and let the bitter go!
Forgetful that no gifts are misapplied,
And that I know not as I ought to know.
—Rev. Samuel W. Duffield. Report from Bro. Rodman.
By P. C. Rodman
June 30, I left home to attend the quarterly meeting in Amherst. I reached the place of meeting about 3 P. M. The brethren here have fitted up a hall which Bro. Mace gives them the use of; and it makes a good place for their meetings, and a very convenient place for quarterly meetings. Our first meeting, Sabbath evening, was good. The one Sabbath morning, at nine o’clock, was better; yet there was not such an earnest taking hold as we love to see in such meetings. Brethren, shall we not improve? Let us live our profession better at home and then when we meet again, we will be ready with full hearts to obey the apostle’s words, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works; not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another; and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” Heb. 10:24, 25. Bro. Andrews gave us two searching discourses, impressing our minds with the importance of the work of God at this time. It was decided to hold our next camp-meeting in Amherst, N. H., and it is hoped that none who ought to attend will stay away this year; for here we may help and be helped as at no other meeting. At these meetings we have the benefit of the counsel and testimony of God’s experienced servants, which we so much need. First-day morning at nine o’clock, we had the report of the Tract Society. Bro. Smith spoke at half-past ten on Rom. 7:1–6. He made his subject plain and interesting. Bro. Haskell spoke at 2 P. M. on the two laws. Another discourse was given at half-past five, the object of which was to show that the Lord is coming soon, even in this generation. Good attention was given to the preaching throughout our meeting; and we hope good was done. From Amherst I went to Lancaster, Mass., and attended two meetings. July 7, I went to Blakeville. I held four meetings there, and visited all the families at that place and in Sharon. I find all that started last winter holding on their way, with the exception of one. Hope he will take the cross anew and follow the Saviour, seeking eternal life while mercy lingers, and pardon is offered to the transgressor. July 14, I came to Dartmouth, Mass. We had meetings on the Sabbath, and since then have been calling on the friends here. I hope to be of service, with the blessing of God attending. P. C. RODMAN. California Sabbath-School Convention.
By J. Ferguson
OUR first Sabbath-school Convention on the Pacific Coast was held on the fourth of July, 1871, near Sebastopol. The churches were well represented. Introductory remarks were made by Bro. Loughborough, by whom Bro. Cornell was introduced to the schools, who delivered an address to the children. The singing was enjoyed by the children. A committee of two was appointed to receive funds to defray the expenses of Bro. Cornell’s coming to this coast. The amount was nearly raised on the ground. Also a committee to solicit donations for the book fund, to which nearly all responded liberally. A committee of sisters then arranged for a dinner. The cake and pie were of graham, though all was not strictly hygienic. After dinner we returned to the speakers’ stand; after singing and prayer, lessons were recited. The exercises closed by repeating the last chapter of Revelation in concert. Dear brethren, the cause in which we have enlisted is not ours; it is the Lord’s, and “ye are not your own, for ye are bought with a price.” 1 Cor. 6:19, 20. Windsor, Cal., July 7, 1871. From Bro. Wales.
By F. T. Wales
Dear Brethren: With pleasure I drop a few lines to the REVIEW to let you know that I am still striving to overcome. Though the way to the celestial gates is very narrow, and sometimes rough, I am resolved with all my heart to travel in it. Oh! how good and merciful my Heavenly Father has been to me that while I was selfish to the extreme, tenacious, and willful in too great a degree toward my dear brethren, God bore with me, and was so kind to me as to send touching reproof and correction to me, though so unworthy and undeserving of his notice. Oh, how blind I was! I thought I was about right. I was deceived. But thank God, he has helped me to see. Dear brethren, the Lord being my strength, I am going to the celestial city. I am trying to help my dear family to travel with me, and they are trying, God does bless, praise his holy name. I feel thankful for all the means of grace, and to appreciate and highly prize the privileges with which God has favored me and my household, to help us on to Mount Zion. If I am not mistaken in my feelings, I rejoice in this present precious truth. How I prize our camp-meetings! No sacrifice shall keep me and my house from them. Nothing but sickness or death can debar us from that feast of tabernacles. I am resolved to live out the light which I have received, first before my family, secondly before the church, and thirdly before the world in all my deal, that I may not put a stumbling-block in the way of any, but that I may be the means of saving some, and that my works may be approved by the great Master-builder. I believe we are living in a solemn time, and shall my course of action show that I believe it? We are in the shaking time, and shall I be shaken out? God forbid. Peter in his second letter speaks of the divine power of God that had given them all things that pertained unto life and godliness through Christ, &c. Peter does not say that God had given them godliness, but only those things that pertain or relate to life and godliness. It was for Peter’s brethren to add these virtues to their faith. They had taken the first step in taking a stand on present truth. They had embraced faith in Christ as being the promised Messiah. They saw what they had escaped of the corruption that was in the world. They also rejoiced in those exceeding great and precious promises which came through or by Jesus Christ. Peter now exhorts them to add to that faith, or truth that they had embraced, all those Christian virtues spoken of in the succeeding verses, that they might not fall. I understand that we have the last truth that will be given to the world and church, and if we fail to add to our faith or to the first principles or theory of present truth, we shall fall, shall be shaken out. I am determined to double my diligence to make my calling and election sure. Let us be faithful a little longer, crucify the old man, put away self, be humble before God, that we may in due time be exalted to ride upon the high places of the earth, and be fed with the heritage of Jacob. Though it is a very solemn thought, yet it is a glorious one that we are so near our journey’s end. Is the Rebellion Quelled?
By Jos. Clarke
The following is a letter from Hamilton Jay, Esq., who went to Florida, strong in the belief that there was nothing to be apprehended from the Ku Klux:— “Tallahassee, Fa., April 26, 1871. “My Dear General: Another one of our band has just been killed. Hon. John P. Mahoney was assassinated at Lake City this morning. He was a young, ardent Republican, a member of the Legislature from Columbia County. He was my personal friend, possessing many noble qualities. Congress must pass a strong Ku Klux bill, or we have no safety, for Republicanism in this State means death. This makes the fifth murder since I came here, all Republicans. “Very truly yours, Hamilton Jay,
“Gen. James F. Rusling, Trenton, N. J.” We also have below a letter from Senator Brownlow, of Tennessee, relative to the state of things in the South:— LETTER FROM SENATOR BROWNLOW—HIS OPINION OF SOUTHERN DEMOCRATS.
In a letter dated May 1, Senator Brownlow, of Tennessee, says: “The rebel party that we are dealing with are as bitter and insulting as they were in 1861, and are as haughty and overbearing as when in the field with arms in their hands.” We quote further:— “The truth is, this rebel party hate the old flag, and hate the Government of the United States. They have hopes of destroying it, and now seek to accomplish through legislation that which they failed to accomplish on the field of battle. They are sailing under the colors of Democracy and under false pretense of upholding the Constitution. The same Democracy furnished a Governor to each of the eleven seceded States just preceding the rebellion, hence their unanimity of voting themselves out of the Union. Their present plans and purposes are to elect a President, both branches of Congress, and to repeal all the reconstruction acts and grant pensions to the rebel soldiery. Also, to either have pay for their negroes or restore slavery, and by all means to do away with negro suffrage. Many of them openly avow that their toleration of negro suffrage and emancipation, is only an experiment, and if it don’t work to their notion, they will put it down. . . . It will be seen that I characterize the opposition to the Republicans as rebels. There are but two parties in this country. The one is the Union Republican party, that has saved the country thus far, and proposes to take care of it from this time forward. The other is the rebel party, which fought for four years to destroy the Government. The one is an army of patriots, the other an army of traitors. And the great mistake of the party in power was that they did not hang the leaders.” Can we long hope for quiet in this highly favored country, while such discordant elements exist? JOS. CLARKE. Men and Things.
By D. M. Carright
The following will show up the abomination of paid choirs which are now becoming so numerous and popular:— “The Western Watchman (Roman Catholic) objects to the employment of paid singers in churches: ‘Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, Jews, and infidels, are introduced into our choirs to sing out in chorus the Creed—they are paid to shout lies to Heaven, to roar in operatic quartettes a faith which they in their hearts despise and ridicule. We pay them to sing out solemn mockeries set to music to tickle the ears of worldly Christians. A Jew singing, ‘I believe in Jesus Christ.’ A Methodist soloing ‘and in one baptism.’ A Baptist melodiously protesting that he believes in ‘one holy Catholic and apostolic Church.’ An infidel sounding forth in masterly cadences the ‘Vitam Venturi sæculi.’ Absurd! Sacrilegious! Blasphemous! It is a wonder that God does not strike with muteness these desecrators of the church.” BEECHER ON THE SPREAD OF THE GOSPEL.
“Now, having looked at the forces which are at work for the spread of Christianity, let us look a little at the field into which it has been carried. The whole world has been ransacked and explored; there is not now a corner on the globe where Christianity is unknown. And the missionaries that have been, now for more than half a century, at work, have leavened almost every quarter of the globe. There is a leaven in operation among the nations of the earth that is beginning to work. There is a light kindled throughout the world that is beginning to send forth its rays.” Compare this fact with Christ’s declaration, Matt. 24:14: “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” Does Mr. Beecher know whereof he affirms? Does he tell the truth? No one will question it. Well, then the gospel has gone to all nations. “There is not a corner on the globe where Christianity is unknown.” Then the end must be near, very near. May the Lord help us to believe, and to hold fast a little longer. These were the words that I overheard while riding in the cars some time since. They arrested my attention, and I turned to hear what it meant. Two men were talking of a friend who came to Iowa, only a few years ago, entered into business, and in a short time acquired a fine property. Last year he made several thousand dollars. Everything appeared to be prosperous and happy. One day he went out hunting, the gun in his hand was accidentally discharged, mortally wounding him; and after a few brief hours of suffering, he died, a young man in the prime of life. “Too bad, poor fellow!” Yes, indeed, how true. How sudden his career of prosperity was brought to an end! How quick his cup of pleasure was dashed to the ground! Being a worldly, ambitious man, probably he died without hope in Christ; and thus his sun has set forever. His wealth can never profit him more. There is no more happiness, no more joy, for him. But this is only one case, out of innumerable ones which are occurring around us almost daily. To-day a man is in the prime of life, in health and strength, surrounded with friends, hopeful and prosperous; long years of promise stretch out before him. To-morrow all this is gone, and he himself is a corpse. How uncertain are human affairs. I once knew a family consisting of a young man, his wife, and one child. They were in fine circumstances; their prospects for life were excellent. Indeed their lot seemed to be one to be envied. But sickness came into the family. In one short week their child was stricken down and laid in the grave. In another week the husband was taken, leaving no will. Much of the property was taken from the wife. What a change in that poor woman’s prospects in the course of a few days! How sad, how desolate must her heart have been. While we talk of these things, it does not seem that we shall ever thus be called to suffer. But we cannot tell. How much better, how much easier, then, to seek our friends, our home, and our hope, in the land where these things can never come! Dear reader, there is such a land; it is not a myth, a fable. The great God lives to-day, Christ lives, and angels live. There is a happy land, where death cannot come, where there are no tears, no sighing, no sorrow. It is real. A home there with happiness and joy will be sweet. It will be more precious than the best of homes and circumstances here. Shall we not be wise and make sure of a home in that better country? “Too bad, poor fellow!” How these words ring in my ears! I can never forget them. May they not be said of me sometime? May they not be said of the reader? If so, are you prepared for the better world? Setting Our Faces Zionward: A Letter from Ottawa County
By M. P. Stiles
BRO. M. P. STILES of Ottawa Co., writes: I have heard of the beautiful city, and I must be there; you must be there; we cannot afford to be defrauded of this rich inheritance, to be cheated of the prize when just within our grasp, by that arch deceiver who is ever on our track, even though he offer us the kingdoms of the world. Let us set our mark high above the world and the things that are in it. Let us set our faces as a flint Zionward, not to be lured from our purpose, but to remember we have a mighty friend in Jesus; and that the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. Sister Hutchins on the Joy of Present Truth
By Elizabeth Hutchins
Sister Elizabeth Hutchins, Sandusky Co., Ohio, writes: I love the precious cause of present truth. I love to think that Jesus soon will come to take his suffering, sorrowing ones to himself to be with him forever, free from sin, when we shall love him with undivided affections. I love to believe that the earth will soon bloom again in its first Eden state. I love to behold the works of creation and dwell upon the beauties of nature. Though the curse rests so heavily on the earth on account of sin, yet there is some beauty left to assure us what it was before the fall and to point us forward to its restoration. The Lord is good to me in not cutting me off in sin long ago when wandering far from him. He is good in showing me the light of present truth. I am thankful for the privilege of meeting with God’s people on the Sabbath, though it is often wearisome to go seven miles, after the cares and labors of the week. But oh! how pleasant and joyful will it be to meet with all the saints in the new earth! How joyful is the Christian’s hope! “There is resting by-and-by.” A WORD, a deed, a smile, a prayer, a tear, may prove the salvation of some bewildered soul. Edgefield Junction, Tenn
By R. K. McCune
From Brethren in Tennessee.
DEAR BRETHREN: We would acknowledge our gratitude to God, to the church, and to Bro. E. B. Lane, that we have been permitted to receive the ordinance of baptism and to hear the truth spoken from a living witness. Truly, it was a feast of good things. Eld. Lane’s discourses here made a deep impression on the people, and quite a number seem willing to accept the doctrine taught, but are not ready to obey. Two have commenced to keep the Sabbath since he left, and very many are anxious to hear him again and wish him to come and spend next winter here. We would not be selfish, but hope Conference will see it proper to send him again. Brethren, let your prayers go up daily for the lonely ones who have to stand up and breast the great current of popularity, and meet the sneers and scorn of the (would-be-called) respectable Christians. Yet it is comforting to look to the reward; and while we keep our eyes fixed on Christ, the troubles are so much in the dark as to be hardly visible. We have a deep sorrow that all our friends and neighbors will not receive the message and be companions with us in keeping the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. R. K. McCUNE, and others. Study it carefully,
Think of it prayerfully,
Deep in thy heart let its pure precepts dwell!
Slight not its history,
Ponder its mystery;
None can e'er prize it too fondly or well. Accept the glad tidings,
The warnings and chidings,
Found in this Volume of heavenly lore;
With faith that's unfailing,
And love all-prevailing,
Trust in its promise of life evermore. With fervent devotion,
And thankful emotion,
Hear the blest welcome, respond to its call;
Life's purest oblation,
The heart's adoration,
Give to the Saviour who died for us all. May this message of love
From our Father above,
To every nation and kindred be given,
Till the ransomed shall raise
Joyous anthems of praise—
Hallelujah! to God both on earth and in Heaven.
—Sel.