Earlier text: Five of Them Were FoolishSectionalism in the Work of God.
By W. H. Littlejohn
Among the many perplexities that surround the servant of God, those are not the least which spring from the necessity of combating a natural disposition on the part of brethren to have their own particular localities favored with the proclamation of the truth. While we would by no means carry the impression that they should feel any less anxiety for their own neighborhoods than they do already, and while we are ready to admit freely that there is a greater responsibility resting upon them to see that those in their immediate vicinity are, at the proper time, instructed in the work of God which is now going forward—we desire simply to confine their anxiety within certain limits of propriety, and to prevent them from defeating by zeal which is devoid of discretion, the very object which they would secure. That there is in the history of every community a period which is especially favorable to the introduction of the message, no one of extended observation will deny. Nor is this fact peculiar to our times. The apostles felt it, and acted in reference to it. And when at times, through indiscretion or want of light, they seemed to have moved contrary to this idea, the Holy Spirit appears to have made special revelations—as in the case of Paul’s vision of the man of Macedonia—for the purpose of bringing them back to action which should be agreeable to this principle. It was not necessary that Paul, in order to obtain hearers for years to come, should leave the vicinity of his birthplace. Labor sufficient to occupy his individual attention, and that of the little handful of evangelists of his time, might have been obtained in the region of Jerusalem, or in the countries of Palestine and Syria. But this would have confined the new light for centuries to a limited district. This was not God’s plan. Hence by scattering the church and by directing through the spirit of prophecy those whom he had called to the work, he caused that even in the first century the gospel should be preached in all the then known world; not indeed in every hamlet or insignificant village, but so generally that in process of time those living among the nations through which the great apostle and others traveled, might obtain through the intercourse of communities the knowledge which they so much needed. By taking an ancient map and tracing the line of Paul’s travels from Jordan through Asia, Macedonia, and Greece, to Rome, you will be convinced that, from the very outset, the grand idea which animated the soul of the indefatigable gospel preacher was that the work in which he was engaged was not one that was to be done in a corner, but rather that the field of its operations was co-extensive with the world. In fact, in the early part of his history, while surrounded with perils on every hand, and burdened with labors which could not have failed to crush a common man, we hear him talking of a proposed visit to Spain and Rome which were separated from him by thousands of miles. Doubtless while he was proceeding in this manner, there were many Christian hearts which, failing to comprehend the scope of his design, and weary with anxious labors for their own neighborhoods, became restive, and almost felt like murmuring that they were called upon to make such great sacrifices for the cause which near and dear friends could not have the privilege of hearing vindicated by the living preacher. But we, after the lapse of centuries, feel like thanking God that these men had a just comprehension of the magnitude of the work, and persisted in pushing it forward to the extreme limit of civilization. Had it not been so, the good news might not have reached us even at this time. Let us, then, learn a lesson from the past. If that which we believe is important, it is because it is true. And if it be true, we are giving the last message of mercy which is destined to go to the whole world. Can we not, then, be patient a little while till God shall have established the plan of campaign by throwing out outposts into the more distant regions, which, in the final struggle between darkness and light, will render mutual assistance to each other, even as the division of an army which, while invading the enemy’s country seem at first to be operating without design, but at last prove the wisdom of the leader by occupying through concert of action the grand object of the campaign. What we want as a people is, first, to look at this matter in all its vast proportions as it relates to States and nations. Having done this, we shall be prepared to attach to the work in our own communities just the importance which its relation to the whole really gives to it. All narrowness of conception will have departed from us, and we shall be saved from the terrible mistake of supposing that there is nothing being done at all, simply because those who are laboring in the field are remote from our doors. We say, therefore, to our brethren, that while we are glad to see them anxious for those among whom God has seen fit to raise them up, they should always remember that his ways are higher than our ways; and that before him the salvation of the soul of one man, no matter where may be his place of residence or birth, is equally precious with that of another. Let them also bear in mind that our preachers are largely dependent upon their judgment as to when a course of lectures should be delivered in the communities where they reside; and, therefore, that should they plead the claim of such places, they will be held largely responsible should the time prove to be an inauspicious one for such a work. No one should ever allow himself to urge unreasonably the holding of meetings at a given point, without first making the subject a matter of serious and prayerful consideration. In fact, should they fasting with their prayers, they would do nothing more than the circumstances of the case would abundantly warrant. Should they question whether we are right in this, let them reflect that while our preachers are devoting their time to these unfruitful fields, the means which are necessary to meet their expenses, as well as the labor which they must put forth, are not only lost to the cause, but, had the same been devoted to other places where there were ears to hear and hearts to receive the truth, they might perhaps have raised up a church of from twenty-five to fifty members, who would not only be prepared for eternal life themselves, but also would swell the number of the little army of those who have entered the service of their Master. If there is any place in the world where sound judgment is required, and where inconsiderate and selfish action should be condemned, it is in the case before us. The consequences of a failure are such that no person should presume to act in the premises until it has become very manifest that there is little liability to mistake. At all events, the representations which are made to preachers, should never be colored more highly than the facts will warrant. Indeed it would be far better to fall short rather than to exceed the truth in this direction. An expression of a desire to hear on the part of a few individuals, should never be mistaken for the unanimous voice of the people. It should also be remembered that it is not an uncommon thing for some to give utterance to these desires simply from an inclination to please those whom they are addressing; and that these same persons are found many times among those really the least desirous of listening, and who are the farthest of all, having heard, from obeying. But above all things, it should be recollected that nothing is more essential to a favorable reception of our doctrines than that the church where they are to be presented, should be living them out in their purity and perfection. If, therefore, they find upon examination that they have not done this, nothing could be more proper than that they should give their first attention to their own spiritual condition. Having done this, and having established among those with whom they live a firm confidence in their Christian integrity, they may then safely conclude that the field is prepared for the seed, and that God in due time will send there one who shall scatter it in the confident hope of reaping a rich harvest. Brighton, Iowa, April 30, 1871. The Health Reform as Connected with the Third Angel’s Message.
By R. F. Cottrell
The health reform is important to the people who believe the truth, and would be prepared for the trying times that lie between us and the coming of Christ. When people believe the message that warns of the time of trouble and the pouring out of the seven last plagues, they are then prepared to be interested in a reform that will strengthen their bodies and minds to endure the trial. The saying of the negro, that in being wise as serpents and harmless as doves, the mixture should be three parts of dove to one of serpent, sounds pretty well; but when we throw aside the idea of serpents and doves, and think only of wisdom and harmlessness, we shall discover that there is as great a demand for the former as for the latter. We do not found the health reform upon the law of Moses. If we did, we should go as far as that went and no farther—we should reject pork and other things declared to be unclean by the law, and eat beef and other kinds of flesh said to be clean. But we go farther, and say that even these are not the healthiest kinds of food; and from the fact that almost all these animals are diseased, more or less, and growing worse and worse in this respect, we take the ground that, viewed from the standpoint of health, the wisest course for us to pursue is to return to grains, fruits, and vegetables, the only diet given to man in the beginning, and that which is best adapted to promote health and strength. But although we are not bound by the law of Moses, yet “whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning”; and we may justly conclude that those things that were declared unclean and abominable, are not in their very nature as good and wholesome as those which were called clean. God did not act arbitrarily or by caprice in this matter. The subject of health reform should be handled judiciously. It will not do to press it upon those who are not yet convinced of the leading truths of the message. If men are so blind that they cannot see their obligation to moral law, they will need the compelling power of disease, or some strong appeal to self-love and self-preservation, to cause them to correct their habits and refrain from their violation of the physical law. Gratitude for Blessings Received.
By D. T. Bourdeau
INGRATITUDE is a sin which is so shameful that but few will acknowledge themselves guilty of it; yet all are more or less in danger of being ungrateful toward God and man. But ingratitude toward God is the worse kind of ingratitude, on the principle that the greater the being against whom we sin, the greater the sin that is committed. Ingratitude grows out of selfishness, which makes men think that they are of such importance that they deserve all the benefits that are bestowed upon them, and which, if their minds are not met, leads them to overlook blessings received. If we were for one moment deprived of all the favors that we receive, then would we have a realizing sense of the rich and numerous blessings that we daily enjoy at the hand of God, and be more inclined to “praise God from whom all blessings flow.” It is a moral duty to express gratitude to our benefactors. Justice demands that we should do this. Whatever is worth giving is worth acknowledging, and being thankful for. To say, Thank you, even for small favors, is cheap, but very becoming. But we should express gratitude in deed, as well as in word. And the more tokens of gratitude cost us, the more do they express thankfulness for and appreciation of blessings received. Therefore if we are to judge of the gratitude of some by their stinted offerings, we must conclude that it is small indeed. David’s example in giving is worthy of imitation. He says, “Neither will I offer burnt-offerings unto the Lord my God of that which doth cost me nothing.” 2 Sam. 24: 24. Under the old dispensation, thank-offerings were instituted to give God’s people an opportunity to cultivate gratitude, and these were often very expensive. God’s people were encouraged to present these for temporal and spiritual blessings. And have we not blessings to be thankful for under this dispensation? Has not God blessed us with his truth, even with present truth, and also with numerous temporal blessings? And shall we render nothing to God for all his benefits? Shall we be stinted and small in our offerings to advance his cause? God forbid. Doubtless there are many who read these lines who have been unexpectedly blessed with additions to their property. God has special claims upon such. They are not their own. They are but stewards over that which is another’s. If we are so disposed, we can, whether rich or poor, apply all the means that we have to our own use and convenience at the neglect of God and his cause, become more and more selfish, and wither spiritually. Every additional blessing brings with it additional calls for gratitude, and additional responsibilities, and unless we do more for God as he does more for us, we cannot expect to prosper in him. Oh! that we might all cultivate the feelings that David had when, having prepared with all his might for the house of his God, he said, “Blessed be thou, Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, O Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honor come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? for all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee.” 1 Chron. 29: 10-14. Thank God that all the sacrifices for the truth were not made at the start of the third message, but that as the work advances, those receiving the truth may unite with those who have long borne the burden and heat of the day, in manifesting a grateful appreciation of God’s mercies, by presenting thank-offerings for the furtherance of the different branches of the cause. In conclusion, we would remind the readers of the REVIEW that one way to express our gratitude to God for some of his mercies, at least, is to pay up our subscriptions for our good periodicals. And if we would receive more blessings at the hand of God, let us manifest an appreciation of those which we already enjoy. D. T. BOURDEAU. “Unequally Yoked Together.” 2 Cor. 6: 14.
By Dudley Marvin Canright
ONE of the most honorable and holy institutions that God has ever given man, is marriage. It was instituted by God himself in Eden, and from that day to this, he has sacredly guarded it in his holy word. It is therefore not a matter of small moment nor of little consequence. Generally there is no other step in one's whole life that is so important, so big with results of good or evil, as this one. This step once taken can never be retraced. It is final. Other mistakes may be corrected, but this never. The influence for good or for evil, for happiness or for sorrow, which two souls thus closely united have upon each other is incalculable. All outside influences are small in comparison. They are but for a day or a week, and then pass away; but this is continual. Each must largely partake of the feelings, the interests, the motives, the principles, and the conduct, of the other. Manifestly God designed that this should be so in order that they might work together in harmony. How all-important then that two souls be equally yoked together. If they are “unequally yoked together,” how sad must be the consequences! Let thousands who have tried it bear witness. “Marry in haste, and repent at leisure,” is an old, familiar, and true proverb; yet with it before their eyes, thousands are daily doing that very thing. Why will they not be wise in time? But no; they must all taste and learn for themselves when it is too late. But there are in almost every community or church some who have a special hankering for “match-making.” This seems to be their chief mission in life. They have great discernment, great wisdom, they know just who are adapted to each other; and, withal, they have a special interest in these young persons. They kindle a flame, fan the fire, and lay on the fuel, till they accomplish their object. Then the unhappy victims must bear the consequences of their folly and wrong advice. How persons who fear God dare take such a responsibility is unaccountable. We fear that such will have an undesirable account to settle in the Judgment. Worldly considerations alone are often made the object and basis of marriage. Wealth, ability, position, and worldly prospects, are the motives held out to the young to unite with this or that person; while the fear of God, real affection, and other most vital considerations, are ignored. Unhappiness and life-long regret are the sure and unavoidable results. If property fails, if misfortune comes, there is no consolation. That household is as cold and bleak as the mountains of Greenland. “Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith. Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a stalled ox, and hatred therewith.” Prov. 15: 16, 17. Indeed it needs no inspiration to tell us this. Whoever disregards this counsel, will always and surely do it at the cost of peace and happiness here if not hereafter. “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers,” says the Lord. Can we directly and deliberately violate this command and yet expect the blessing of God? But each one seems to think that his case will be an exception; that the one he marries will either embrace the truth soon, or at least not oppose him any. But so far as my observation goes, these hopes are never realized, or at most very seldom. Apostasy from the truth is quite generally the result. Then to the young who are in danger on any of these points we say: 1. Move slowly; don't be in haste. 2. Seek God earnestly till you do have light from him. 3. Do not violate your own judgment and feelings to please others. 4. Don't marry for riches. Nothing is more uncertain. 5. “Only in the Lord.” 1 Cor. 7: 39. CHILDHOOD is like the mirror, catching and reflecting images all around it. Remember that an impious or profane thought uttered by a parent's lips may operate upon a young heart like a spray of water thrown upon a polished steel, staining it with rust, which no after-scouring can efface. GOD says in his word: “I will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on me, because he trusteth in me.” Let us trust him. Vermont.
By A. S. Hutchins
Though it has been some three months since I have made any report of my labors, I have met with the church at some point every Sabbath in this time, besides visiting scattered brethren in different towns and counties. Owing to the light fall of snow in this State the past winter, and the fact that nearly every storm was quickly followed by high winds, the traveling has been bad. Sometimes it would be good wheeling, while in the same county it was good sleighing, or the hill roads might be almost impassable by reason of snow-drifts which rendered it difficult for brethren to come together from any distance. Sabbath, Feb. 11, held two meetings with the church in Wolcott. Two were received into the church by letter. On the 17th went to Roxbury. Was about four hours driving the last five miles on a mountain road. The brethren received us kindly, and we had a good relish for our dinner between four and five P. M. We were also glad to meet a few brethren who came in from another direction. With these, and the two families residing in the Cram neighborhood, we had a good meeting on the Sabbath. Others would doubtless have met with us, but it was almost next to impossible to get onto the mountain that day. On first-day, we re-arranged and settled s. b. The church in this section have ever set a worthy example on this point. One sister was received into the church, and arrangements made for holding meetings in the future, which we hope have not been neglected. God will bless and encourage the humble and obedient who meet in the name of Jesus, though but few in number. Dear brethren, let not the enemy, or self, or the influence of worldly associates, hinder you from pressing together and loving one another with “pure hearts fervently.” We are in danger of spending time in visiting and otherwise, where we can neither do good nor receive any. The closing message to a perishing world is committed to us to bear to precious souls. Oh! how solemn, how important that our lives correspond with our high, holy, and sacred profession! We visited the friends in Granville, and spoke to them one evening. One candid friend in whom we were much interested, heard our views preached for the first time. We hope and pray that he may unite with his companion in keeping all the commandments of God. On Sabbath the 25th, with Bro. Evans, held a meeting at Bro. Cardell’s, in Warren. Here we met an Advent brother and his companion, both of whom gave a good testimony. They seem to have the spirit of “love and good-will.” May they yet “delight” in the law of the Lord, and love all of his commandments. On first-day, we spoke in the meeting-house with freedom. Here we were happy to meet our friend Chipman from Waitsfield, who had come with his companion ten miles; also to meet the friend from Granville (nine miles), above referred to, notwithstanding his ill health and the poor traveling. At W., there are a few who love the truth and earnestly desire the prosperity of the cause. We feel an interest for these dear friends. Bro. Evans has preached to them as circumstances have seemed to admit. It does seem as though souls may yet be gathered here, if the brethren and sisters follow close in the footsteps of the blessed Jesus. A. S. Hutchins. Wolcott, Vt., May 4, 1871. Baptisms at East Otto
By R. F. Cotterell
We have had an interesting meeting at East Otto. Bro. Saunders met with us according to appointment. He first preached the truth in this place, a little more than two years ago. The friends here were glad to see him again, and feel they that his time should be devoted to preaching the message. On first-day we had the privilege of baptizing eight, most of them young persons, who have heeded the admonition: “Remember now thy Creator in the days of thy youth.” May God bless them all; and may they be faithful to the end. There are others that we hope will embrace the next opportunity to follow the Lord in this ordinance. R. F. COTTERELL. Report from Bro. Byington.
By J. Byington
MONDAY morning, April 17, I left Bro. Perkins to visit several families of the church in Wright, Mich. I was called in to visit a Methodist family in deep affliction. A son twenty-five years of age and a neighbor's boy of sixteen years, while engaged with others in fishing, used hard words to each other, when the youngest raised a club, struck the other on the head, and in a few hours he was dead. He rode home some three or four miles, walked into the house and said to his mother, “I am going to die.” These were his last words. He sat down in a chair, then went to the bed, and spoke no more. As the sheriff was passing with the boy to jail, he took him into the room to view the corpse. I stepped in to witness the scene. The deed was done; it could not be recalled. Hard words led to blows. Had they sought the Lord in their youth, it would have prevented all this trouble. Dear youth, take warning. The 18th, had evening meeting in Gaines. Spoke of watching and praying always, Luke 21: 36, especially watching against the wrongs spoken of in verse 34. The 19th, met with the church in Leighton. Warned them to beware of an unbelieving heart. Heb. 3: 12. Sabbath, 22d, met with the few brethren in Hastings. Our meeting was with sister Althouse, and family also the family of our deceased Bro. Owen were with us. What a mercy that his dear children have turned to the Lord. I spoke on the hearts of fathers being turned to children and those of children to their fathers. May all the children of dear sister Althouse turn to the Lord. Report from Bro. Strong.
By P. Strong
ATTENDED the monthly meeting at Bushnell the first Sabbath in March. There was a general turnout of brethren from Greenville and Orleans, and a number of outsiders were present. The brethren wished for more meetings, and I verily believe if this church would take a firm stand on the truth, and live it out, that much good might be accomplished there yet. Their neighbors are hungry for the word, and they can help them if they let their light shine. May the Lord help them to make a desperate effort for life; for they are in great danger. The second and third Sabbath, I spent in Leighton. This church has been laboring under trials on account of slackness. Some have been dropped from the church. My visit was timely and resulted in good. They have had much opposition from without lately, and one of the members, without consulting the elder, rashly gave out an appointment to review a slang discourse. He invited me to fill it, which I did by letting the review alone as being unworthy of attention. I think that as a general rule after our brethren have learned that when they attend certain meetings, liberty is taken to misrepresent our views, it would be better to remain at home, and save their own feelings, and those ministers the sin of telling so many falsehoods. The Lord gave me freedom in speaking to the people on the second advent. From March 20 to April 16, I spent in Oceana Co., holding meetings in five different places. Held in all eighteen meetings. The brethren are so scattered here in this new county that it will be impossible for them all to get together every Sabbath. They will for the present hold their prayer-meetings in three different places in the county, and all come together the last Sabbath in each month. I baptized seven, and organized one church in the town of Grant, making it a county church, which will be known as the church of Oceana. It numbers twenty-two members. Others I trust will soon unite. Systematic Benevolence was organized, amounting to one hundred and ninety-eight dollars and sixty-four cents ($198.64), eighty per cent of which is pledged to the Michigan Conference. They ask to come under the watchcare of the Conference. Their regular place of meeting for the present, is at Bro. B. F. West's, seven miles north of White Hall, and they would be glad to receive a call from any of our ministers. There are two daily trains running into White Hall from the south, and two stages running north, passing by Bro. W.'s house. Speak gently to the little child,
So guileless and so free;
Who with a trustful, loving heart,
Puts confidence in thee.
Speak not the cold and careless thought,
Which time hath taught thee well;
Nor breathe one word whose bitter tone
Distrust might seem to tell. If on his brow there rests a cloud,
However light it be,
Speak loving words, and let him feel
He has a friend in thee;
And do not send him from thy side,
Till on his face shall rest
The joyous look, the sunny smile,
That make a happy breast. O, teach him this should be his aim—
To cheer the aching heart,
To strive, where thickest darkness reigns,
Some radiance to impart;
To spread a peaceful, quiet calm,
Where dwells the noise of strife:
Thus doing good and blessing all,
To spend the whole of life; To love with pure affection, deep,
All creatures great and small,
And still a stronger love to bear
For Him who made them all.
Remember 'tis no common task,
That thus to thee is given,
To rear a spirit fit to be
The inhabitant of Heaven. The Discussion at Rochester Colony, Mich.
By D. W. Emerson
BRO. SMITH: Having been shown an article sent to the REVIEW Office by Eld. R. Faurot, which is intended as a reply to Eld. Cornell’s report of the discussion at Rochester Colony, in REVIEW, No. 18, in which article Eld. Faurot seems to accuse Eld. Cornell of dishonesty, &c., and as I heard the whole of the discussion, and think I occupied a position at that time to judge impartially, I must say that his reply to Eld. C. shows the same lack of Christian spirit that he, Eld. F., manifested throughout the discussion. This was particularly noticed and commented upon by every one not decidedly prejudiced in his favor; and whenever the mild, pleasant, and Christian-like spirit which was manifested by Eld. C. was spoken of by outsiders in the presence of his brethren, the reply invariably was, “Oh! well, Eld. Cornell only put that on for effect; he would have been as bad as Faurot if he had dared to be.” After the acquaintance I have had with Eld. Faurot, and the course pursued by him, I can form but one conclusion, and that is, that he rushed into the discussion blindly and got most completely defeated, and now feels that he has learned something and could perhaps do better next time. But the best thing he can do, in my opinion, is to leave it where it is. If he is so extremely anxious for further discussion, why did he point-blank refuse to discuss either of the four propositions submitted by Eld. C. at the last session of the debate? In regard to the claim which he sets up that his friends think Eld. C. has misrepresented him, meaning, of course, his brethren, I do not consider them the proper ones to decide the matter; for if it is ascertained that a man has prejudged a case, that fact is sufficient to exclude that man from acting as a juror in the case; but the impartial portion of the community, so far as I have heard from them, have given their decision in favor of Eld. C.; and it looks to me that the more Eld. F. agitates the matter, the lower he will fall in the estimation of a discerning and intelligent community. After laboring two evenings to prove that Christ’s kingdom is already set up on the earth, and that the church is the door to that kingdom, in his last speech of the debate, in order, as he doubtless thought, to give Eld. C. a finishing blow, he stated that that kingdom could never be inhabited by flesh and blood neither in this world or the next. And finally in the first two speeches the last evening, he used language which disgusted the larger portion of the audience; and it is hard telling where he would have been driven in that direction, for want of argument, if the moderator had not called him to order. In regard to the statement that he could not fill up his time except by exhortation or poetry, it was currently reported as coming from some of the most prominent members of the Disciple church, and was never contradicted to my knowledge. Besides it is a fact that he did so fill a very large portion of the time especially on the kingdom question, which was very good proof to every one that the report was true. I think his reply to Eld. C.’s report is too decidedly one-sided to require further notice from any one.
D. W. Emerson, M. D. Report from Bro. Sterling.
By J. G. Sterling
BRO. SMITH: Let me say to the brethren and sisters who feel interested in the cause of present truth, that I am at home once more after an absence of six months, lacking seven days. I have labored in the counties of Kent, Newaygo, and Muskegon, Mich. A Baptist minister who was present on one occasion gave an exhortation after the discourse, urging the people to go forward, i. e., by Sunday-keeping, and not backward to Judaism. I told him that was what we wanted, to go forward and not backward, and requested chapter and verse for his authority for the term “Christian Sabbath,” he used so frequently. His answer was that the Christian Sabbath was the term commonly applied to the Sabbath after it was changed. Here again testimony was called for. He assumed it as a well-known fact, patent to all, and finally gave the following: “It is very evident from Paul’s language, Let every one lay by on the first day of the week, and bring together your collections,” &c. I thought that the passage would bear reading. This he said was unnecessary, as he had it about right. However I read it, and showed that all that he got out of it to favor his view was like getting milk out of a sponge; it must first be put in. This passage he said was not material to the argument, as there were others, and quoted from Acts 20. I made him admit that the meeting was an evening meeting, and therefore Paul’s journey of nineteen miles Sunday morning did not compare very well with the supposed idea of its sanctity. He then claimed the commandments not binding as they read, “for love is the fulfilling of the law.” Very well, I replied; suppose you had told your son to do a piece of work, and like the man in Scripture he says, “I go, sir, and went out.” You demand the cause. “Oh! I am doing it,” he replies. “You say love fulfills God’s commands; then I will love you and that will fulfill your commands.” He claimed to be misunderstood. He only meant that the law did not now come to us with a compelling force, but we should keep the law because we love to. You have it now, said I; keep all the commandments because you love to. Come, brother, “Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy. The seventh day is the Sabbath.” Obey this because you love to obey. He then objected, arguing that really we had no Sabbath now. I now drew a Baptist tract from my pocket on the subject of “Sabbath-breaking,” and read. He did not seem pleased to hear this Baptist tract at this time, and suggested the propriety of closing. I did not get an interview with him after meeting. His brethren said that the trouble with the elder was he could not express himself—could not get out what he wanted to. Several confessed that we have the truth in the main. Bro. and sister Sischo, living two miles from here, attended the meetings when they could, and were, I trust, much benefited. They were led to embrace the truth through the influence of Bro. and sister Waters. I labored last in Hesperia. As I have previously spoken of my labors here, I need only add that, notwithstanding the strong tide of opposition here, there are some who are not satisfied with the no-law theory by which we were opposed. A Call for Present Truth Preaching
Bro. J. Wilmot writes from Carroll Co., Mo.: We have never heard a sermon on present truth, but we do hear a good deal against it. But they cannot crush the truth, so but that it will rise. Our prayer is that God will put it into the hearts of some of his servants to come into this region to declare his truth. We try to scatter the truth, what little we are able to get, the best we can, hoping that God will sanctify it to the bringing out of many from worse than nature’s darkness into the true light of the gospel. Living Christians.
By Addie E. Welch
Some people cannot read the Bible, and many that can, do not; but all men can and will read a Christian; for a Christian is known and read of all men. It has ever been a Christian's duty to be heavenly-minded and pure in heart; but we now have reached the time when we believe the day of the Lord is about to be ushered in. What manner of persons, then, ought we to be? We profess to believe these things, and men read our professions, and our lives also, and then compare the two. Do they read anything in our lives that is out of harmony with the spirit of this great message? Do our lives correspond with what we profess? Where our treasure is, there will our heart be also. If we are heavenly-minded this principle will shine out; but if we are worldly-minded, it will be a task to live a Christian long at a time; and even a garb of hypocrisy will prove but an imperfect covering. Many will read us; and therefore we must let our light so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in Heaven. WHEN any one was speaking ill of another in the presence of Peter the Great, he at first listened to him attentively, then interrupted him. “Is there not,” said he, “a fair side also to the character of the person of whom you are speaking? Come, tell me what good qualities you have remarked about him.”—Sel. THE envious man is like that rich man in Quintilian who poisoned the flowers in his garden, so that his neighbors’ bees should get no more honey from them. Beware of Impatience or Contradiction
BEWARE of impatience or contradiction. Do not condemn or think hardly of those who cannot see just as you see, or judge it their duty to contradict you.—Wesley. Come, Holy Spirit.
By H. C. MILLER
EVERY true prayer for the Holy Spirit, God always grants. But are not many mistaken in the matter, and greatly disappointed from a wrong impression as to what are the ways of the Spirit? how its influences are manifested? They pray for the Holy Spirit to be bestowed. Soon a crushing sense of their own sinfulness is imparted, now they begin to doubt. Oh! I am too sinful, &c., they cry; and they begin to sink. They think God does not hear. But let such stop and consider what are the Spirit’s ways. We read that its first work is to convince of sin. This heavenly occupant comes to our hearts—the house we offer him for a dwelling and he finds the place in an unfit condition. Like any sensible tenant, he says: “I cannot dwell here; here is a bad leak, much filth there—this is sadly out of repair, that needs mending,” &c. He will not dwell with sin. As fast then as he points them out, put them away and see if he does not soon sup with you, and you with him. It has been presented to me as when one agrees to occupy a house if in good condition. He comes to take possession. But he finds the roof leaky, the chimney smokes, there is water in the cellar, &c. He says at once, I cannot live here with things as they are; make these things whole, and I will remain contented, and will do what was promised. He waits for a time. If it is done, well; if not, he perhaps pleads for a few times, and then he is gone. Let us be wise in these things and heed the Holy Spirit’s voice, and be content to be pure, then happy, instead of happy first. After we have prayed we may have a cutting testimony from one who is led by the Spirit. What then? doubt? repine? seek for sympathy? No. Rejoice, bless God, repent. “There are diversities of operations, but it is the same God who worketh all in all.” H. C. MILLER.