p. 204 | Review and Herald, Vol. 13, No. 26. (5/19/1859)

PERPETUITY OF THE MORAL LAW. No. 2.

By Editor

We resume this subject for the purpose of noticing a few points in W. G. Springer's article of last week which we had not space there to do.

He scouts the idea that any inability has occurred to man in consequence of the fall, in regard to his rendering, of himself, acceptable obedience to God. What does this mean? It denies the fall of man, which is the very ground-work of the plan of salvation. Are we reasoning with a Bible believer; or with one who is wading in the bogs of infidelity? Does W. G. S. deny that man inherits a fallen nature? Does he deny that he loves darkness rather than light? that naturally he tends to evil and not to good? There is not a plainer truth in the word of God. It may be in S.'s mind an "old fogyism;" if so, the Bible is an "old fogy" book. We had not dreamed that it would be necessary to cite particular chapter and verse on this point. As he is however inclined to be captious, we can do so. A state of sin the Bible represents to be a state of carnality. Rom. viii, 14. And what about this carnality? Hear Paul: Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. Rom. viii, 7. Is this sufficient proof that man in his natural or carnal state is not subject to the law of God? What then is to be done? The first thing is to put away this carnal heart, put off the old man, become dead to sin, that we may put on Christ, that in him we may be reconciled to God. Rom. vi, 6; Gal. ii, 20; v, 24; vi, 14; Eph. iv, 22; Col. iii, 5, 9; 2 Cor. v, 19, 20. This we do through Christ. To say as W. G. S. interprets our position, that God, when man had once transgressed, debarred him from obeying in the future, is a most unfair and uncalled-for interpretation. Man placed himself in a state of estrangement and alienation from God. And when he had done this, God, so far from debarring him from obedience in the future, provided assistance for him that he might again become reconciled to him and "subject to his law." His remarks about our needing a new redemption, if we "transgress the gospel" (?) deserve no attention whatever; as they proceed upon the remarkably obtuse assumption that Christ is limited to one application of his grace.

Paul speaks, says W. G. S., of the "obedience of the gospel," &c., as though this was distinct from, or took the place of, obedience to the law. He strangely misunderstands the Apostle here. The gospel is not something to be transgressed or obeyed in the proper sense of those terms. The gospel, as the word signifies, is simply a proclamation of good news. It tells us how we may recover from the effects of sin, (transgression of the law. 1 John iii, 4); it offers to us life and salvation through Christ. We may accept or may reject these offers; but to talk of obeying or transgressing them, as we would obey or break a law, is absurd. Whoever applies these terms to the gospel, shows that he has but a limited understanding of its nature or object. The "obedience of the gospel," and of faith, is simply that obedience to the moral law which the gospel everywhere requires as the condition of its blessings. Those who deny this are bound to show us whether or not we have any rule by which to act, any standard of right by which we are to regulate our conduct, and where we find it; for the gospel, as such, furnishes us nothing of the kind.

He contends that repentance is not the first step towards justification. But that it is, is so in accordance with all reason, that we did not suppose that any would presume to doubt, much less to deny, it. It is the order which the Bible lays down. "Repent and be baptized." Acts ii, 38. This repentance, it may be said, was spoken and belongs exclusively to the Jews then present, who had crucified the Lord. If this is so, the direction to be baptized, is exclusively theirs also; which none will admit. But even if it did all belong to them, the example is all-sufficient for our purpose. If in their case, repentance, according to divine direction, was the very first step towards justification of their past wrongs and sins, so it is in ours. It is everywhere, first, repentance towards God, and second, faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts xx, 21. First be slain by the law, die to sin, put off the old man; then, put on Christ. Rom. vi, vii. We would like to see the sinner who had ever been led to amend his ways without first feeling repentance for his past course. If Bro. S. has never taken this first necessary step, we would exhort him, instead of meeting us with wholesale denials of God's word, and like a caviler standing off and calling upon us for proof of the plainest sunshine of truth, to take it immediately; for the day cometh on, which will try his righteousness of what sort it is. We hope that ere it arrives, he may obtain that kind which will abide its searching test.

Why not say with the Apostle, says W. G. S.: "We are become dead to the law by the body of Christ?" It is a great thing to be able to say this in truth. Every true child of God, however, can say it. But does this kill the law? Does our dying to it abolish it? No more than hanging a man abolishes capital punishment for murder, where such is the law against it. We are only dead to the law, when, being justified through Christ from our past sins, we live in obedience, so that it can exercise over us no condemning power. Then we have put on Christ; then we bring forth the fruits of the Spirit; then we occupy a position against which there is no law. Gal. v, 18-23. We are released from the law as a conditional covenant of life. That is, we are not to enter into life on the ground of obedience only; for on this ground we never could enter; for we have all been disobedient or transgressors. But a remedy for our transgression and sin has been provided in Christ. A way is provided by which we may have life notwithstanding we have not kept the law. But who can suppose that on this account God would alter the standard of purity and holiness? Be ye holy, for I am holy, is his declaration to all men in every age, and under all circumstances.

We might enter into a lengthened argument in regard to the Sabbath commandment's being the seal of the law, the source from whence we derive our knowledge of the truth of God and consequently a sign between him and us. But this is only incidental to the main question at issue: we therefore pass it.

In conclusion we call for the question. To arrive at this, let the six queries which we propounded be considered. We give them again that they may be kept distinctly before the mind: 1. As we are required to develop moral characters, must not God give us a standard by which to do it? 2. Where do we find this standard? 3. If man had never broken the law would he have needed a Saviour? 4. Will God judge the world at last by diverse rules of judgment? 5. After we are justified by Christ, shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 6. If not, what shall be our course of action?

"MESSENGERS OF THE CHURCHES."

By James White

By this title the apostle Paul designated his brethren in the work of the Lord, As the work of the ministry is an important work, and fearful responsibilities rest upon those engaged in it, so must a great responsibility rest upon the churches whose duty it is to approve of and co-operate with the messengers. While they pray (as we hope they constantly do) the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers, it is their duty to watch for the development of gifts, and exercise a wise judgment both to approve that which is according to the mind of the Spirit, and reject that which appears to be raised by the enemy to mar the work of God and spread confusion in the churches.

Had the churches indiscriminately accepted of all who have presented themselves as candidates for this office, the number of those endeavoring to preach the Third Angel's Message, would doubtless have been ten times greater than it now is, while the truths that are now being brought so clearly and powerfully to bear on our present position, would have been obscured and nearly lost amidst the rubbish of false and fanatical teachings. Sometimes our brethren grow weary and almost discouraged at the slow manner in which the work seems to move; but when we consider the times in which we live, the confused state of the world in every class and department, the unpopularity of truth, and the nature of the opposition we have

to meet, and then consider the experience we have passed through, and the great amount of truth that has been cleared of obscurities and freed from objections, thus at once laying the foundation for a firm confidence on the part of those who have embraced the faith in the past, and a more powerful work in the future, we are led to exclaim, "What has God wrought!"

Some of our brethren, with feelings far different from those of Moses and Jeremiah, have considered themselves slighted and their rights infringed upon by the refusal of the church to sanction their efforts to preach the word. With some the trial is deep and the wound lasting, merely because they cannot account for the feelings and impressions they have had on the subject.

Having carefully marked the course of several who have been nearly or quite ruined by a deception on this subject, I wish to offer a few words of caution to those who may be similarly impressed.

An individual hears and believes the truth, and of course desires that others may hear it also. His mind has been opened to new fields of thought and study, beyond the utmost bound of his former conceptions; and with ardent feelings he enters into conversation with those who are strangers to it all. They are interested, and perhaps astonished at his knowledge of scripture subjects, and ask him if he is a preacher; perhaps expressing surprise that one of his ability did not preach. Flattered with his success, he repeats the experiment with the same result; and the coincidence of a few such remarks on his ability, duty, &c., he takes as providential, and concludes he has a clear call to the ministry. Then if the church oppose him he argues first his own deep impressions, and second the remarks of those who have heard him advocate the truth, and are best acquainted with his ability.

In regard to such impressions, an ardent temperament, a misguided zeal, with even a small addition of self-conceit, will give them a strength and tenacity equal to any purpose. But of the judgment of those who have innocently been the instigators, at least in a measure, of such a movement, I wish to speak. Those who have urged him to preach are entirely unacquainted with the truth, and the qualifications of a messenger. A man of judgment and experience would attach no weight to their expressions; for though they may be honest and desirous to hear, yet they could not detect error and distinguish between faith and fanaticism. In these matters the church alone is qualified to judge, and the Head of the church has constituted her the judge, to approve and ordain the messengers of the truth. If the churches stand in the light of truth, they will sympathise with those who are truly called of God, and be able to detect the work of the enemy.

We have had some sad experience on these points in the past, and as we look at the fulfillment of prophecy, we have reason to fear that, as the church increases in the grace of God and the gifts of his Spirit, these counterfeits will increase and greatly disturb the peace of the church and hinder the work, unless we constantly watch against the encroachments of the enemy.

Some think that this is not a part of our work; that we are to preach the word, and leave others to act entirely according to their convictions. But this is a great mistake. Our labor would be of little avail did we not nurture and cherish what has been planted. Those who have been the instruments for the development of this message have toiled on through many cares and much anxiety, and they could only expect to incur the displeasure of their Lord by neglecting any part of their duty, and suffering the enemy to destroy the fruit of their labors.

Another danger in these cases is this: Some who have no duty in this work, and even after the church has so decided, will go on filling appointments, not professing to be qualified messengers, but only for the purpose, as they say, of getting up an interest, and thus preparing the way for the messengers. Let such understand that no messenger wishes to labor where an interest is so got up.

"Getting up an interest," as it is called, is a particular thing, and requires care and caution. The veriest humbug in the world can easily get up an interest. We want to know how the interest is got up and on what ground it is based. In such places we often conflict with what has been taught as present truth, and the community becomes distrustful. Our burdens are thereby increased, and time and labor lost.

Let none hereby judge that we are not praying for laborers, or anxiously watching for their development in the churches. All who appear to be called of God will be encouraged to go forward as fast as is for their good, and the good of the cause, and we shall still earnestly enquire, "Who is sufficient for these things?"

J. H. W.

CLOSE OF VOL. XIII.

By Editor

THIS week brings the close of another volume of the REVIEW AND HERALD. In glancing over its table of contents, and thinking upon the testimonies it has borne, we feel the assurance that all who have perused its colums, must have found something from which they could derive instruction and profit. And if the testimonies, warnings and exhortations that have been given shall be heeded, they will result in deep and lasting good.

Well, leaving the things that are behind, we press onward to those which are before. Another volume is now to be commenced. Onward and upward is still our motto. We trust the REVIEW has a large place in the hearts and prayers of the remnant. If we so live that the blessing of God can attend us, we shall meet with success in this his great work. Our desire and prayer is, that all who write may be deeply imbued with the Spirit of Christ, that every line may breathe it forth, and meet a response in the hearts of all who read. Let the Spirit of God be the all-pervading medium among us in which to move and act. So shall we be prepared for the coming of the great day which hasteth greatly.

REPORT FROM BRO. WHITE.

By James White

Bro. Smith: Our second meeting at Caledonia was one of deep interest. For the first time the church engaged in the humbling ordinance of washing feet, according to John xiii, followed by the Lord's supper. It was a refreshing season. We all felt the force of these words of our Lord, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them." John xiii, 17. Next day drove to Allegan; on the way came up to some natives stuck in the mud. The Indian and squaw got out and waded through the water and mud, and their famishing team drew out their papooses. But we sat in the carriage, and between hope and fear watched the desperate struggles of our team, who soon took us to the dry land.

Sabbath the 7th, spoke three times to the church in Monterey with some freedom. The house of prayer was so crowded that it was very uncomfortable for hearers as well as speaker. It was, however, a good Sabbath-day for the church in Monterey. Our meeting houses are too small, and too far between. Our faith as a people in the great gathering work of the Third Angel is much too small. Brethren, let your faith stretch, and give the Lord room to work.

First-day forenoon we drove to Otsego, and found an appointment out for us to speak at 2 P. M., and a large congregation assembled in the tavern dance hall. We were near an hour late in consequence of a heavy shower; yet the congregation waited. It was an odd place to preach. We declined occupying the fiddler's stand, and took the middle of the floor, with the people all around us, and preached as well as we could to the attentive assembly.

We were glad next day to see the sills of a house of prayer soon to be erected in Otsego; but sorry they were so short. I think the brethren, however, will exchange the two short ones for some about twice as long, and thus double the size of their house. The Otsego brethren have had a good share of trials and discouragements; but Bro. A. Hilliard and wife from N. Y. have joined their number, and the Lord has not left them, and they feel encouraged to build a place of worship, and to sustain occasional preaching. May the Lord bless them.

J. W.

PEACE AND SAFETY.

By M. E. Cornell

“Because with lies ye have made the heart of the righteous sad, whom I have not made sad; and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life.” Eze. xiii, 22.

From the connection of this passage it is evident that it refers to the present time. The popular sentiment, “The days are prolonged, and every vision faileth, and he prophesieth of times that are far off,” &c., is there referred to, also the refusal to go up into the “gaps” to prepare the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the Lord; and the seeing “visions of peace for Jerusalem” (age to come) also, the great hailstones of the time of trouble are mentioned. There can be no doubt about its application to the present time.

The hands of the wicked are now strengthened by promising them life without repentance. The practice of preaching popular unbelievers into heaven on funeral occasions is becoming quite general.

A young man of rich parents in — Co., Mich., who was a notorious ball character, was killed instantly by a limb falling from a tree and dashing out his brains so instantaneously that he had not time scarcely to speak a word. The Methodist preacher in charge, while preaching his funeral sermon, said, “— is now praising God in heaven.” I was astonished, and could hardly believe that I heard it. But such things are now becoming quite common. The same minister accepted money that was gambled for, remarking that he did not care how they got it he could make good use of it.

Another Methodist Elder preaching a funeral sermon over his brother Mason, extolled the lodge and brotherhood very highly, remarking that “Our earthly lodge is preparatory to the great, grand lodge in heaven.” The deceased brother Mason was as near an infidel as anything, and died without change, yet the Methodist minister called him a worthy brother, and represented that he was saved.

If these things be so, then go on, vain youth; if you are not more rude and wicked than — was, you are safe. You cannot die more suddenly than he did; never fear, there is safety.

As the Masonic lodge is now exalted above the church, if you are only a member of that, no difference if you are an infidel, you are perfectly safe. You may be killed never so suddenly, yet all will be well, for you know that the minister of your order will preach you into heaven, and the order in procession will drop sprigs of evergreen upon your coffin, signifying that your immortal soul (?) still survives, and is flourishing.

Thus they “cry peace when there is no peace,” and say, “Thus saith the Lord, when he hath not spoken.”

Ministers of different orders are fast becoming Masons, or Odd Fellows; are joining hands with the ungodly, and standing in the way of sinners, and sitting in the seat of the scornful. They prophesy smooth things, and the people love to have it so.

A circumstance was related to me of a poor and rather a loose member of the Methodist church, who beat in his name for admission to the lodge. A noted infidel in the lodge objected on the ground of immorality. The pastor of the Methodist church remarked that it was a singular idea that a member in good standing in the church should be rejected from that Order, on the ground of immorality. The infidel replied that it was time he was made acquainted with the fact that their institution required better morals in order to fellowship than the M. E. Church. What a comment is this upon the fall of Babylon!

Ministers now generally strike against the leading features of the present truth. They ridicule the idea of Christ's soon coming, the mortality of man, and the true Sabbath. These are essential truths, which are very important at the present time, and the fact that they are generally opposed by the churches, is good proof of their fallen state. They have departed from their own first principles, and have lowered the standard to the very dust; and well do they know they are fallen, for they often speak of it, although some of the ministers here stoutly deny it, and some of them claim that what we call pride is only civilization.

Yesterday a Methodist Elder said the claims for the seventh day were wholesale assumptions. His objections were, the darkness toward the north pole, and the law required only one seventh part of time; and finally quoted Dr. Peter Acre's chronology, which says that Sunday is the original seventh day, and then remarked that he should stick to the old ship of Methodism, for it had landed thousands safely over, &c. The spirit of the whole discourse was “Peace and safety,” and “So they wrap it up.”

M. E. CORNELL.

Owasso, Mich., May 2d, 1859.

LETTER FROM BRO. INGRAHAM.

By William S. Ingraham

DEAR BRO. SMITH: When I take into consideration the onward march of God's truth from the time Bro. Wm. Miller entered the field, the gospel trump to blow, I can but admire the wisdom and power of the great Head of the church in our redemption from much error and also our protection from the power of the Devil, who with untiring zeal has sought our destruction. Our path has been beset with evil, and marked with trials from the commencement up to the present time. But notwithstanding our trials have been great, we are prepared to say, the pathway of the just shines more and more. When the first angel's message was given, it had the glorious effect to bring out thousands whose hearts exulted in the expectation of soon seeing Jesus. Our whole beings were so enraptured and ravished with the glory of this message, we saw no chance for succeeding ones, until we were brought near the closing up of the loud cry of the message. When the line of distinction was made between those that loved the truth and those that rejected it, the second angel's voice was heard, saying, "Babylon is fallen." There was a response from the church of God to this great and solemn truth. Our disappointment came. The prophetic periods ended; but the long looked for Messiah had not come. Some said he had come spiritually, but this was not the coming for which we looked, and we could not believe it. The churches were scoffing at our hope, and joining hands with a wicked world in persecuting us. We were in trouble. And when God's messengers passed through the land from church to church, from many an anxious heart the cry was made, "Watchman, what of the night?" But none could unfold the mystery. We were sick certain days, (home-sick at least,) but none understood the vision. At length the third angel was seen coming from the east, having the seal of the living God. We heard his voice. We knew it, for it was the Shepherd's voice. (My sheep hear my voice and follow me.) We listened to the cry of the angel and followed him until we were conducted to the place where Jesus was. We found him in the most holy place; for the temple of God had been opened in heaven and

Jesus was standing before the ark. We had followed him there before; but like ancient Israel, when Moses went up to Sinai's top to receive the law of God they thought he tarried too long and forgot where he was. But honest ones found the truth in time to be saved if they will obey it.

Brethren, can we doubt? The truth is onward. Opposition, strong, will meet us. The creeds of men will be thrown in our way, but the truth will bear off the victory. The future-age doctrine may wind its way among the western lakes, and spread its dark wings over the church of Christ, and leave devastation and death in its wake; but those that keep pace with the third angel, will live and sing when the theories of men are dead and buried in endless night.

Bro. Smith, be encouraged in your toils in connection with the Review to advance the truth. I have no doubt that the Review will prove a savor of life unto life to thousands. It must be supported. Let me say to the church like one of old, "Men of Israel, help." When you are laboring for the things of this world, remember the just demands of the Third Angel's message, and bless the truth and those that are publishing it, with the means over which the Lord has made you stewards. What will our brethren do in a little from this with their good farms, worth from five to ten thousand dollars? What will they do with their money that is out at interest? Jesus says it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Jesus probably refers to small gates in Jerusalem called the needle-eye gates, through which it was impossible for a camel to pass without having his burden removed and then bowing upon his knees. And history informs us that men had to throw off their burdens in order to pass. Brethren, do you expect to enter the kingdom with your riches? Battle Creek is an excellent place for you to roll off part of your burdens; and some of the poor messengers can assist a little; and in this way you can be relieved of your burdens, and the cause of truth advanced, God be glorified, and we, in the performance of this duty in connection with all others, may be prepared for that rest that remains for the children of God.

Your brother in hope of eternal life, WM. S. INGRAHAM.

P. S. The cause is still prospering in our vicinity. About one year ago all that were keeping the Sabbath within 25 miles of Monroe, was Bro. Sanborn and wife with three others. Now within 15 miles we number over 60. Bro. Sanborn and myself are continually breaking into new fields. I trust we have the prayers of the church. W. S. I.

Babylon.

By J. CLARKE

WORKING MAN. I think I heard you say in your sermon last Sunday that Christ died because God's law was unchangeable, and rather than that the law of God be broken, Christ must die, and thus satisfy the law, thus reconcile man to God, that God might be just, though he save the sinner.

PREACHER. That was the substance of my remarks on that point, and it is I believe sound doctrine, confirmed by the word of God.

W. M. Why then do you not keep the day set apart by God at the close of creation week, the seventh day, confirmed on Sinai, and by the prophets, and even endorsed by the New Testament writers?

P. O that was the Jewish Sabbath. There has been a change made of the Sabbath, from the seventh to the first day, or from the Jewish to the christian Sabbath. J. CLARKE.

Letters.

By Washington Morse

“Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.”

From Bro. Morse.

BRO. SMITH: I take my pen to give vent to my feelings in writing a few words to my brethren by way of confession. After the communication from me came out in No. 10 of Jan. 27th, I felt that freedom and peace for several days that I had not felt before in this State. But at length I began to feel a consciousness that I had not fully done my duty; and I began to have much trial, and little or no freedom while in meeting with my brethren; still I was blessed in secret prayer, and in my family devotions. I have struggled along in this way for several weeks, praying earnestly the Lord to show me my duty, until I am brought to feel a deeper sense of my wrongs than I ever have before. I have reviewed my past life over and over again, and have tried to humble myself before the Lord, and seek forgiveness. I see that I have been greatly out of the way. I have not been honest in my deal. I have not heeded the counsel of the church as I should. I did not heed the advice of Brn. Pierce and Hart, who advised me not to leave Vt. As their letter did not reach me until I was about ready to come west, I was fearful, and thought it was duty to come. I did not heed the injunction of the Saviour which says if any man will sue thee at law and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. I see that I have brought a deep wound on the cause, that I fear I cannot heal until I am able to obtain means enough and return to free me from all my embarrassments. This I shall do as soon as possible.

I have had too much of a spirit to justify poor self, forgetting that I had been taught it was safe to follow the advice of the church. Such has been my feelings in view of these things that I cannot longer hold my peace. Forgive one of the most unworthy, and pray that I may yet be an overcomer, and find admittance into the everlasting kingdom of our Saviour Jesus Christ.

WASHINGTON MORSE.

Deerfield, Minn., April, 1859.

Note to Sister Rice.

By John and Catharine Byington

DEAR SISTER RICE: In the Review of Apr. 28th, we were happy to read a letter from you; and in it you mention our names as though you would be glad to hear from us. Now we would say in the language of the chief butler of Egypt, we do this day remember our faults. Some seven months since, after having sold our home at Buck's Bridge, N. Y., where we had spent some twenty-five years of the vigor of life, we left that place to pitch our tent in the West. We found a stopping place in a cabin in the town of Newton, Calhoun Co., Mich. We found the place of our dwelling was too straight for us, and if we did not go to Jordan, we went to the woods to fell a beam to make a place for us. 2 Kings vi, 2. Now this move has not been made without care, labor and trials many. Yet we have no reason to complain. The kind hand of our heavenly Father has upheld us. We have left many dear brethren in the East, some, probably, we shall never see again in this mortal state. We have written to some, and should to many others, had not care prevented, or had we done all our duty. But we would say to all, our heart is with you to try to do our duty, and get ready for the end.

Your letter, sister, has reminded us of our feelings when Bro. J. N. Andrews moved to Iowa. For months, if not years, we looked in the Review for a few lines at least from this brother, which would tell us of his whereabouts. I presume he little thought how cheering it would be to have often a few lines from his pen. His poor health, with many trials and much care no doubt prevented. Not designing to place ourselves by the side of this brother, we can say with you, dear sister, we have felt much of the time that nothing could be acceptable from us. We would confess our faults, and try to do better.

JOHN & CATHARINE BYINGTON.

Ceresco, Mich., May 15th, 1859.

A Call to Watchfulness

By Helen E. Goodell

From Sister Goodall.

Bro. Smith: I have been the only Sabbath-keeper in this place since April, 1857, until last winter, when my Father (W. Phelps) came here, and delivered a course of lectures on the prophecies, and preached several times on different subjects, which served to open the eyes of the honest ones who came to hear. The brethren and sisters seem to be much engaged in their Master's cause, and I, for one, feel more than ever before, like pressing my way onward and upward, till I reach the heavenly Canaan.

We meet together every Sabbath to give in our testimonies on the side of truth, and to pray with and for each other. Besides our Sabbath meetings, we have one or two prayer-meetings during the week. I believe the cause is still gaining ground here, and there are some more who wish to be baptized the first opportunity. I feel that the time for us to awake is now. I believe the time is shorter than most of us think, and what we do must be done quickly. O let us be up and doing while the day lasts. Let us not sleep as do others, but watch and be sober.

As some of the brethren and sisters are confessing their faults one to another, I take the present opportunity to confess mine, for I feel it my duty. I think no one has committed more sin than myself in speaking hard things against the gift of prophecy manifested in the church; but thanks be to God, he has opened my eyes, and I pray that spiritual gifts may be manifested more and more, till we all have the Holy Spirit to abide in us continually. I think I can now see why I have been so lukewarm in this good and glorious cause, and I mean to be zealous and repent. I believe that God for Christ's sake has forgiven my heart wanderings, and I now ask my brethren and sisters to do the same, and hope and trust they will. I do feel as if I wanted to make an entire consecration to God. I want my whole will swallowed in his, and hope that I may evermore enjoy his good Spirit. My husband is now with me in this good way, and our house has become a house of prayer.

Brethren and sisters, let us not be discouraged. If God is for us who can be against us? I am determined not to let another take my crown.

Your unworthy sister, striving for the victory. HELEN E. GOODELL.

Sandusky, Wis., May 2d, 1859.

Gratitude for Healing Mercy

By W. Holden

From Bro. Holden.

BRO. SMITH: With heart-felt gratitude to God I can say, his mercy and goodness have followed me all the days of my life. When death seemed just before me and the grave soon to be my home, then I thought if my life should be spared, and my health restored, I should know and acknowledge that the Lord had done it. This blessing I now enjoy. "The Lord bringeth low, and lifeth up," blessed be the name of the Lord. With David I can say, I will pay thee my vows, which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble. Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what he hath done for my soul. I cried unto him with my mouth, and he was extolled with my tongue. If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me. But verily the Lord hath heard me; he hath attended to the voice of my prayer. Blessed be God which hath not turned away my prayer, nor his mercy from me.

My heart is in union with God's dear people, and with the message they are trying to obey. "My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed."

Yours desiring "truth in the inward parts."

Jackson, Mich. W. HOLDEN.

WHOSE COUNSEL SHALL I FOLLOW?

By A. P. Patten

When they tell me there is sadness marked upon my brow, And ask why I'm down-hearted, what it is that casts me down: Could they but sympathize with me, my feelings they might know; I would tell them all the sorrows of my poor sin-sick soul.

These youthful friends oft counsel me to join in earth's gay scenes, And drive away my sadness with its delusive dreams; But I'm well aware such counsel does not in wisdom stand; And have lately sought out Christians, to enquire for a better land.

They tell me to follow Jesus, all God's commands obey, To read the Holy Bible, to be sober, watch and pray: Forsake earth's guilty pleasures, its enchantments leave behind— Righteousness to seek for, and eternal life to find.

Then with God's remnant people in meekness let me stand, And strive for life eternal with the little pilgrim band. When to gather up his jewels, our Lord and Saviour comes, I hope he'll take me with them to their blissful happy home.

A. P. PATTEN. Brewerton, N. Y.

A Letter of Encouragement

By Mary F. Carpenter

From Sister Carpenter.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: I am still alone, not so much as one Mary to rest with me on the Sabbath, "according to the commandment," but I am not in the least discouraged. I rejoice that God has yet a people on the earth, and it is my daily prayer that they all may be kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation, ready to be revealed in the last time. Yet a little while and He that shall come will come and will not tarry. O may we be found of him in peace, without spot and blameless.

I love the doctrine of entire consecration. Without this our religion is vain. God has said, Be ye holy, for I am holy. Jesus says, Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. God will enable us to do all he requires us to do, if we trust in him in the way of keeping his commandments. Jesus saves his people from their sins, and not in them. If we confess our sins he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Are not these precious promises? I feel they are to me.

I am glad to learn that prejudice is giving away in many places, and the people are having an ear to hear. I hope it may yet be so in this vicinity. I realize that God has made ample provision for all the sons and daughters of Adam.

“No mortal has a just pretence To perish in despair.”

God has said, “Look unto me, and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God and there is none else.” Jesus says, “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved.”

“Lord, how extensive is thy grace! How rich, how full, how free.”

Before the tent-meeting was here, three years ago, I was in the habit of drinking tea, but I saw that the brethren that called on us made no use of the article. The example looked good, and something seemed to whisper in my mind, you had better “do likewise.” I obeyed without any difficulty, and found (as it is with everything we give up for Christ's sake) that he gave me something better. The words of scripture frequently and sweetly flowed through my mind, “And from all your idols will I cleanse you.”

And now, dear brethren, suffer a word of exhortation. If there should be any of you that are yet indulging in foolish habits, such as chewing or smoking tobacco or taking snuff, drinking tea or coffee, or if you are tempted to be conformed to the foolish fashions in dress or in conversation, think of Him, who, though he was rich, yet for our sakes became poor. Think of Him, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; think of his seamless garment, his agony in the garden, and how he tasted death for every man. O if we will think of these things as we ought, we shall be enabled to say from our hearts, “Thy will be done.”

Yours striving to overcome.

MARY F. CARPENTER.

Waterville, Vt., Apr. 25th, 1859.

Faithfulness and Systematic Benevolence

By Elvira Sanford

From Sister Sanford.

DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: When I read the cheering letters from you, it gives me courage, especially when I read the letters of those who, like myself, are far from those of like precious faith. Though we are scattered here, we shall not be by and by, for He shall send his angels and gather his elect, and then if we are faithful we shall be found with them. In using the word, faithful, I mean it in its fullest sense, not to be partially faithful in some things while we neglect others. Like the Jews who paid tithes of mint, anise and cummin, but neglected the weightier matters of the law. Let us not only keep the fourth fifth and sixth commandments, but also the tenth. Let us not be covetous. Let us give willingly of what God has given us, to help spread the truth.

I rejoice that the plan of systematic benevolence is being established among the remnant, and although we cannot always lay by weekly, yet as often as we can I trust we shall remember our weekly benefits, and lay by something for the cause.

I feel like consecrating all I have to him who has done so much for me. I want to be free from this world, and ready to meet my Lord when he comes. Why be tied down to earth? Brethren and sisters, let us begin to cast off the weights that hang about us, and in their stead put on the armor of God. Although I have passed through deep trials of late, the waves of trouble have run over me, but the grace of God has been sufficient for me, and he has sustained me. I will still trust in him. Praise his holy name for overcoming grace. Yes, and he will still impart it to those who put their trust in him, until they conquer the last foe, and stand on mount Zion.

Yours striving to be there. ELVIRA SANFORD. Ashland, Min., Apr. 18th, 1859.

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