DEAR BRETHREN AND SISTERS: If any of you are becoming disheartened on account of the slanders and scorn of the world, let me say a word to you. Have we any other expectation but that we shall receive scorn and persecution from the world around us? It was what the dear Saviour suffered while in the world, and the servant is not above his Master; and we who are living now in the last days cannot expect anything else but that the world will disown and hate us. Even those who were our dearest friends before we embraced the present truth will now shun us, and pass coldly by with a sneer or bitter mockery. Nay, even those who are our relatives according to the flesh will often be the one who will heap the bitterest reproaches upon our heads, invent the cruelest lies, and circulate the wickedest slanders about us, of any people in the world.
But, dear friends, let us bear it all for the sake of the Saviour, who endured so much shame and suffering for us. And let us remember, through all, that we have a promise that if we suffer for righteousness' sake, we shall be happy, and we are enjoined not to be afraid of their terror, neither to be troubled, but ought always to remember that we have a sure Protector, one that will never suffer us to be moved. And we ought always to be ready to give to them that ask of us a reason of our hope with meekness and fear, and always imitate the example of Jesus, who, when he was reviled, reviled not again, but prayed for his persecutors, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” I know it is not in human nature to do this, but blessed be the Lord, through Christ all things are possible unto us, and through him we can even accomplish this difficult task, even to love our bitterest enemies, and pray for them. But it takes a close searching of heart, a resolute crushing down of the old man within us, a determination to follow Christ in all things.
We must not let our passions get the ascendancy over us. And we must apply to our hearts the searching testimony of the Lord Jesus, “If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Heavenly Father forgive your trespasses.”
So if we are angry at those who persecute us, and wish evil upon them, instead of praying for them, we have no right to expect that our Heavenly Father will hear us when we call on him. Then let us not, when we are slandered, become angry and quarrel with those that injure us, but the rather let us think we are happy when they shall revile us, and persecute us, and say all manner of evil against us falsely for Christ's sake; for even so persecuted they the prophets that were before us.
Not that I think that we should never vindicate ourselves from false charges brought against us. Far from it; for this is absolutely necessary at times, that the cause of truth be not injured. And when it is necessary let us do it in such a meek, dignified, and Christ-like manner as will best glorify the cause of the Redeemer; and let us endeavor by our meekness and gentleness to win them to Christ. And if they obstinately persist in their wicked malice, then the consequences will be on their own heads; and if we have faithfully done our duty, we shall have delivered our own souls and will most surely obtain our reward. The word of God says, and the Strength of Israel will not lie, “The mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children, to such as keep his covenant and remember his commandments to do them.” Precious assurance! How it revives the drooping soul!
May we, my dear brethren and sisters, so live as to receive the reward of the overcomer, and have a right to the tree of life in the day the Lord shall come to make up his jewels. JOSEPHINE MOTT. Peoria Co., Ill.
A LITTLE WHILE.
“A little while,” our Lord shall come,
And we shall wander here no more;
He’ll take us to our Father’s home,
Where he has for us gone before—
To dwell with him, to see his face,
And sing the glories of his grace.
“A little while,”—he’ll come again;
Let us the precious hours redeem;
Our only grief, to give him pain,
Our joy, to serve and follow him.
Watching and ready may we be,
And those that long their Lord to see.
“A little while,”—’twill soon be past;
Why should we shun the promised cross?
Oh, let us in his footsteps haste,
Counting for him all else but loss:
For how will recompense his smile
The sufferings of this “little while”!
“A little while,”—come, Saviour, come!
For thee the church has tarried long;
Take thy poor, wearied pilgrims home,
To sing the new eternal song—
To sing thy glory, and to be
In every thing conformed to thee!
Who Shall Be Saved ?
THE disciples at one time asked: “Are there few that be saved?” Jesus gave no direct answer, but said: “Strive to enter in at the strait gate.” Whatever may be the destiny of others, if we would be saved, we must be in earnest about it. There are difficulties in the way, and an earnest effort is needed to overcome them. The way is open, but we must strive to enter in. Christ has died, but we must believe in him if we would be saved. We must be new creatures in Christ Jesus, we must be born again. And we must be watchful and prayerful, and persevere unto the end. For if Jesus tells us not whether many or few shall be saved, he does tell us who shall be saved—he that endureth unto the end, the same shall be saved. He that endures! To endure, we must believe in Christ, we must depend on his grace and we must use the means he has appointed; we must read the word, watch and pray, walk in the strait and narrow way, and ever confide in him who alone can keep us unto the end. May we endure unto the end, so that we may be saved. —Sel.
Obituary Notices.
By C. W. HARTSHORN
Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth.
Died, in Caro, Mich., Jan. 9, 1870, of rheumatic fever, Maggie A., daughter of I. C., and F. A., Tompkins; aged 10 years, 9 months, and 6 days, C. W. HARTSHORN.
A Reader Hopes to Be Among the Redeemed
BRO. C. P. WILLIAMS writes from Grant Co., Wis.: I have not been permitted as yet to hear a sermon from a living preacher, but I read your books and the Review with pleasure, and hope to be of that happy number who shall wash their robes and make them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Trusting God Through Illness
SR. C. M’NEIL of N. H. sends an account of her experience in trusting in God, from which we take the following extract: I have been racked with rheumatic pains for more than three months, for two weeks unable to be moved from my bed, which seemed like a bed of thorns to me all the while; but my trust was in God, who doeth all things well, although I could see nothing but death and darkness before me. I began to sink down, and for twenty-four hours I could not get hold of any light, or faith that I should recover. It seemed I must go down to the grave. All I could do was to leave myself in the hands of the Lord, and trust my all with him. I cried to him to spare me a little longer. Light broke into my mind. I got the evidence that I should gradually recover; and so it has been. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and let all within me bless his holy name. Unto God be all the glory and all the praise. I surrender my all anew to his service.
Fish Lake Church Quarterly Meeting
By P. S. Thurston
BRO. P. S. THURSTON, writes from Waushara Co. Wis.: Most of the Fish Lake church are striving to be overcomers through the word of their testimony and the blood of the Lamb. We have some good meetings. We believe that the Spirit of the Lord is with us, to own and bless our assembling together for his worship. New Years day was our regular Quarterly Meeting. Seven of the brethren and sisters from the Mackford church met with us, and we had a profitable season in waiting upon the Lord. In the afternoon, we attended to the ordinances. As we were engaged in these duties, the Spirit of the Lord rested down upon us, and our hearts were made to rejoice and praise the Lord for his goodness and tender mercy toward his people.
A Request for Prayer
By J. B. Webster
BRO. J. B. WEBSTER writes from Washington Co., Iowa: Dear brethren and sisters, to you I feel constrained to appeal for help in my lonely and destitute situation. It is not for worldly goods that I am in want. With the blessing of a kind Providence, my industry supplies me with all the necessaries of this life. My request is that you help me with your prayers at a throne of grace.
I became a believer in the Advent doctrine in about forty-two, and for about eight years I have been trying to keep the Sabbath; but, situated as I am, without one friend of like faith to counsel with, or look to for help, I find myself often cast down and discouraged. Still I do not feel like giving up. I see a greater necessity of overcoming now, as we approach the end. I also feel that I have many faults and besetments that I must get rid of ere I can join the conqueror's song. Hence my request for your prayers.
Bible Class Established in Essex County
By D. D. Haines
BRO. D. D. HAINES writes from Essex Co., Mass.: The few members of the Seventh-day Adventist church in this place still love the cause of present truth, and are striving to do the will of God. Our hearts have been encouraged by the words of life which we have heard from Bro. Rodman and Bro Haskell. Through the influence of Bro. H., a Bible Class has been established, and a new and deeper interest is taken in our Sabbath meetings.
Three Begin Keeping the Sabbath
Bro. and Sr. D. B. Welch write from Northampton Co., Pa., that three persons at their place have commenced to keep the Sabbath, as the result of the labors of Sr. Lindsley.
E. Elma, N. Y., Feb. 16, 1870
From Bro. Reynolds.
DEAR BRO. ANDREWS: I have labored here since Thursday, Feb. 10, with the attendance steadily increasing. The interest appears deep and general. The school-house is crowded, hardly affording standing room. People come in from long distances.
I have faith that the Lord will bless the endeavor. Pray for us, and that the Lord will give me wisdom and humility needed for the solemn responsibility.
Yours in the blessed hope,
CHAS. W. REYNOLDS.
E. Elma, N. Y., Feb. 16, 1870
The Coming General Conference.
By Editor
FOR reasons already specified, this body convenes in March instead of in May as heretofore. A few words should be spoken relative to this gathering. Coming as it does at an earlier date than heretofore, it will be more difficult to entertain a large crowd than it has been when the meetings have been held in warmer weather. We therefore desire that persons in feeble health, and children, should not attend. Our camp-meetings give our people a chance to be present at general religious gatherings, where all can care for themselves. The church at Battle Creek will freely do what they can to care for those who attend, but the season of the year makes it necessary to say that those who desire merely to enjoy a social interview with their friends, should take a different season for it.
For the consideration of important business we have written to quite a number of our brethren in different parts of the country, to convene one week earlier than the general gathering. We trust that they will be punctual to attend.
Polygamy.
The first instance of this sin is to be found in the race of Cain. Lamech, the sixth from Cain, was the first polygamist; at least the first of whom there is any record. This man, like Enoch, was the seventh from Adam, and, therefore, his cotemporary. Gen. 4 and 5. The entrance of this sin into the ranks of the people of God is given as one of the causes of the flood. Thus Moses writes: “And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, that the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of ALL WHICH THEY CHOSE. And the Lord said, My Spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh; yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.” Verse 3.
This does not simply imply that they chose merely to please themselves, without any regard to the guidance of the Spirit of God, but it implies, also, that they chose just as many as they pleased.
The family of Cain did not worship God, so far as we are able to judge from the narrative. It was comparatively a light thing for them to be guilty of this sin. But when the sons of God adopted this wicked practice, it called for the vengeance of Heaven. But how hard to extirpate a sin when once it has gained a foothold! The ancient people of God allowed this evil thing for long ages, even through the whole period of the Old Testament. Yet this sin which received so terrible a rebuke in the very commencement of its finding a place in the church of God, (Gen. 6:1–3) was never anything but evil and wrong. It was the cause of very great unhappiness in every family where it entered. Witness, as instances, the cases of Abraham, Jacob, and David. See Gen. 16; 21; 29; 30; 31; 2 Sam. throughout. Moses tolerated it because of the hardness of the hearts of ancient Israel. Our Lord placed the whole subject on the original order of things in Eden. Matt. 19. This ought never to have been departed from. See the strong testimony of Malachi 3: 14–16.
The Position and Work of the True People of God
By Editor
A New Work.—We take pleasure in calling the attention of the readers of the Review to a new work written by Bro. W. H. Littlejohn, entitled “The Position and Work of the True People of God under the Third Angel’s Message.” The writer vindicates the position and work of the Seventh-day Adventists, by an examination of the prophecies which define the work to be accomplished by the proclamation of the third angel. This book is a candid, forcible statement of the distinguishing features of our position, and will be very generally appreciated. Price 10 cts., postage 2 cts.
The Height of the Ark.
THIS, we are told by Moses, was 30 cubits or about 55 feet. This would show that to each of the three stories in the ark an average of about 17 feet could be allowed. Such was the height of the rooms in the ark, and it is a strong proof that the height of man and of animals was greater then, than at the present time.
"A Great Multitude, which no Man could Number." Rev. 7:9.
By John Matteson
TO NUMBER, is to count, one by one. Num. 1: 2, 3. How many can a man number in 60 years? Allowing him to count 60 in a minute, it would make 3,600 in an hour. Working 10 hours per day makes 36,000 in a day, multiplied by 365—13,140,000 in a year, multiplied by 60—788,400,000 in 60 years. According to this a man could not number the people living upon this earth at present, though he should do nothing else his whole lifetime. And when we get into the kingdom it is not likely that any one of the saints would spend 60 or 100 years of his existence to do nothing else but number.
This is, then, an indefinite expression for a large multitude.
Heb. 12: 22: “An innumerable company of angels.” Greek: “Myriads of angels.” A myriad is 10,000.
JOHN MATTESON.
THE ANNIHILATION OF THE WICKED.—
This doctrine, according to the Methodist Home Journal, is taking root and spreading among thinking men, both in and out of its ministry, with a growth that is both obvious and threatening. It is asserted that the question whether the Scriptures promise perpetual existence to any but the good, must soon have a thorough rehearing in that denomination—Sabbath Recorder.
Do Not Regret the Past
REGRET not a golden age that is behind. There is one before, and it beckons you. Its rewards are not for the idle, but for the brave hearts disciplined to toil.
Appointments.
And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
The next Quarterly Meeting of the church of Monroe, Green Co., Wis., will be held March 19 and 20. We expect that the brethren from Albany, and Avon, and Bro. Brown, with his brethren, will be with us. May we all be baptized anew into the good work. We invite Bro. R. F. Andrews to come if possible. The brethren will please be prompt in paying up Systematic Benevolence. In behalf of the church, FREDERICK KINBERT.
The next Monthly Meeting for the churches of Western New York, will be held in Parma, the second Sabbath and first-day in March. Teams will be at Adams Basin, at the twelve o'clock train from the east, and at Brockport at the four o'clock train from the west, on sixth-day. S. B. CRAIG.
Annexed to each receipt in the following list, is the Volume and Number of the REVIEW & HERALD TO which the money receipted pays,—which should correspond with the Numbers on the Posters. If money for the paper is not in due time acknowledged, immediate notice of the omission should then be given.
$1.00 each. T B Gourley 37-1, A B Pierce 37-1, Millie Roberts 37-1, J Warburton 37-1, Mrs R Whiteside 37-1, Mrs W Green 36-1, Mrs S Scapler 36-1, Wm T Orell 37-1, Jed Porter 37-1, J Robinson 36-21, C Renwick 36-21, Joseph Liddle 36-21, Wm Roack 36-21, Richard Preston 36-21, Alex Wigle 36-21, J A Baldwin 36-21, Jacob Her 36-21, A Binga 36-21, Mrs Savage 37-1, J C Brown 37-14, E K Burdick 37-10, E P Cram 36-7, S A Halsey 37-4, A B Stowell 37-1, Mary Laskell 36-1, Mrs M A Morrison 37-1, S J Hancock 37-1, John Gibson 37-1.
$2.00 each. P Smith 37-1, T Loomis 37-6, Adam Rund 37-1, A C Green 37-10, C Walter 37-1, A Shepherd 35-10, Loren Cram 37-8, Mrs Z A Curtis 37-1, Mrs H A Alexander 37-1, C S Eastman 36-9, P Meyer 37-5, A A Dylce 36-18, T Dammon 37-1, S Payne 37-1.
Miscellaneous. M H Bates $2.25 37-7, Mrs A G Pixley 1.12 36-23, Geo Roum 1.50 37-7, Mrs J Avery 4.00 37-1, O L Collins 50c 35-20.
Books Sent by Mail.
J M Avery $1.00, S M Swan 1.00, R G Cowles 57c, Wm Brink 1.00, J C Parker 3.00, F W Hake 50c, B S Whitney 32c, J C Bressler 1.00, C W Smouts 50c, S Pierce 1.50, G B McCrow 35c, S A Bullock 70c, M M Buckland 25c, Mrs S Cram 35c, A Silver 22c, M E Steward 70c, H S Zollier 50c, L V Smith 22c, E R Kelsey 58c, T Loomis 1.75, P Smith 25c, Elizabeth Bates 1.25, A G Pixley 38c, J N Loughborough 1.08, J M Cowles 22c, A G Gilbert 10c, S Paine 1.00, Wm Cramp 27c, W L Paine 5c, E Macon 1.00, H Hilliard 2.12, Almeda Wright 18c, M J Shattuck 27c, Harriet White 54c, J N Hartman 1.15, R F Cottrell 46c, S Crandell 30c, P W Crowell 41c, C Walter 34c, R Buckminster 2.75, Wm James 1.00, J Crandall 3.50, M B Phillips 50c, B G Williams 25c, E J Connet 50c, I G Royce 50c, Wm H Arnot 50c, J Valentine 1.50, Josephine Mott 13c, O C Bliss 34c, D Call 55c, L E Milne 45c, S O Winslow 25c, R T Payne 50c, ’N Orcutt 3.48, T A Kingsley 35c, J W Raymond 44c, John Kemp 1.72, O Hoffer 1.00, B B Francis 12c, S A Chamberlain 12c, A H Webb 12c, E Cash 12c, S Howe 12c, S P Pond 12c, J Hansen 12c, Wm Higley 13c, C A Bliss 18c, E O Hammond 13c, J Jones 15c, C Stratton 13c, T Hare 12c, N H King 13c, C Stebbins 13c, R Berd 15c, J C Mott 12c, G W Newman 12c, M A Stroud 13c, L T Ayres 9c, M A Brigham 12c, H F Phelps 12c, W McPheeter 10c, M H Brown 12c, J R Fulkerson 12c, S M Holly 20c, S Shrock 10c, A A Carter 13c, R F Klamer 12c, T Morris 12c, A B Williams 50c, O James 25c, A Paton 13c, J Fishell 13c, J Roberts 25c, H W Burcham 12c, M Wilkinson 12c, D V Miller 13c, C H Monroes 25c, W Lawton 13c, A M McAllister 20c, J P Smith 13c, S C Perry 10c, H Armstrong 10c, A W Atherton 13c, G W Wilson 12c, W J Chandler 12c, J A Smith 12c, J O Jones 12c, A A Covey 25c, Rev D Clay 13c, J G Wilcox 12c, A L Haulard 13c, E W Hutchins 13c, L Hackett 25c, J P Rogers 60c, J C Smith 50c, T Thornton 2.00, Joseph Armstrong 50c.
Foreign Missionary Fund.
Jno Clark and family $5.60, J Q A and Lavina Haughey 10.00, H S Merriman 5.00, Asahel Smith 5.00, C K Farnsworth 10.00, A Ryan 1.00, S E C 1.00, Carrie A Nichols 5.00.
Received on Book and Tract Fund.
Mrs M J Shattuck 50c, Hiram Hunter $5.00, O A Robinson (the widows mite) 50c, Richard Sisley 1.00, F F Camp 1.00, S E C 50c, E W Phelps 1.00, A Friend 1.00.
Michigan Conference Fund.
Church at Holly $39.10.
Cash Received on Account.
J N Loughborough $2.92, E A Church 2.00.
Books Sent by Express.
Geo T Adams, 167 Hanover St., Boston, $20.00.
Religion Refines Our Moral Sentiments
Religion refines our moral sentiments, disengages the heart from every vain desire, renders it tranquil under misfortune, humble in the presence of God, and steady in the society of men.
An Offer to Ministers of the Gospel.
By Editor
THE Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association offers to send the ADVENT REVIEW for one year, without compensation, to any minister of the gospel, of any denomination, who devotes his whole time to the ministry; provided such minister will himself write, stating his desire to receive it, and his purpose to read it with candor.
JAMES WHITE
By James White
At the present time we have none of the excellent works, entitled “The Old Red Horse,” and “The Story of a Pocket Bible,” on hand. We shall have them, also a good supply of English Bibles, before Conference, and will then fill all orders.
JAMES WHITE
Returned Books.
By James White
Some weeks since we stated that several important works were out of print at the Office, such as History of the Sabbath, Prophecy of Daniel, Signs of the Times, and Spiritual Gifts, Vol. 1; and that if agents had these works on hand, they would do us a favor to return them to the Office. Not a few have complied with the request, and they have our thanks. This enables us to fill orders till, as we hope, new and improved editions can be printed. But some send us not only these names, but other works soiled and worn. Remember: We called for only these works, and those only of these which have not been used.
But should any of our agents still have these works, or any other of our publications, of any editions, which they wish to exchange for others, let them bring them to Conference, or send them at their own expense, and receive others in exchange, or if they have paid for the books, they can receive the money for them if they choose it.
JAMES WHITE.
P. O. Address of E. Macomber Changed
The P. O. Address of E. Macomber is changed from Ashaway, R. I., to South Lancaster, Mass.
Hidden Religion
A HIDDEN light soon becomes dim, and if it be entirely covered up, will expire for want of air. So it is with hidden religion. It must go out. There cannot be a Christian whose light in some aspects does not shine.