"The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will, only in the Lord." 1 Cor. vii, 39.
Although these words refer to marriage under peculiar circumstances, yet when considered in the light of those scriptures which declare that the Christian should do all to the glory of God, they may be regarded as applicable to marriage under all circumstances. And we fail to see why the injunction, "only in the Lord," is not as necessary, and as applicable to a first marriage, as to a second.
Marriage and the Sabbath were instituted in Eden. They were both made for man, and the fall and expulsion from Eden with all their evils upon a degenerating race have not diminished, but, rather, increased man's need for both institutions. Both have lost much sacredness in the hearts of the people, and both institutions have been, and still are abused. And we suggest as a rule to guide Christians upon the subject of marriage, the injunction we have chosen as the caption of this article, "Only in the Lord." Let Christians carry out this rule, and marriage would appear in its original garments of sacredness and beauty.
The patriarchs regarded marriage as sacred, and considered it of vast importance that a proper selection be made, as may be seen in the case of Abraham securing a wife for Isaac.
Gen. xxiv, 1-7. "And Abraham was old and well stricken in age; and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh, and I will make thee swear by the Lord, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I dwell, but thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.
And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land; must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest? And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou, that thou bring not my son thither again. The Lord God of heaven, which took me from my father's house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that sware unto me, saying, Unto thy seed will I give this land: he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence."
As we read this narrative we are forcibly struck with the deep solicitude which the father of the faithful felt for his son of promise in securing for him a worthy wife. He does not leave this important transaction to his son, but puts his most experienced servant under a solemn oath to fulfill his will in the matter. All this looks consistent and right; yet how widely it contrasts with the customs of our times in leaving children at an early age to form acquaintances as they please, and to select for themselves. In matters infinitely less in importance parents are expected to counsel and dictate. But in selecting companions for life, a matter upon which the happiness and prosperity of the parties for life, and perhaps of the parents, may depend, the children, moved by fancy and impulse, are generally left to take their own course. Not so with Abraham, of whom God said, "I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him." As far as human agency was concerned, the selecting of a wife for Isaac was left with his aged father's most reliable servant.
The abuse of the institution of marriage is the great sin named in the inspired record, which was visited by the waters of the flood.
Gen. vi, 1-3. "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."
Marriage was most certainly right in the days of Noah. It was the abuse of the institution that kindled the wrath of God and called for destruction by the flood. If the men of that age had married "only in the Lord," instead of taking "wives of all which they chose," Heaven would have smiled upon them instead of giving them a watery grave. And we would suggest that if those who had a knowledge of the true God at that time had repudiated polygamy, and intermarrying with the worshipers of idols—had the glory and honor of God ruled in the marriage of them—they would have been sufficient salt to save the world from the flood. But with their abuses of the original design of the marriage institution, they were not only guilty of wrong which separated them from God, but they were brought into close connection with the powers of darkness, so that they could not retain purity and holiness of life. "A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump."
Who that has read the record of God's dealings with his ancient people, has not been struck with the repeated prohibitions of their intermarriage with the heathen? In connection with these are the instances of anguish to the chosen leaders of the people, and the manifest anger of the Lord. God has evidently designed that in all ages his people should be separated as widely as possible, considering their duty to the unbelieving world, from sin, and the contaminating influences of sinners. In this respect the New Testament is not out of harmony with the Old. Says Paul, 2 Cor. vi, 14-16, "Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers, for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? and what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? and what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."
We by no means apply the above quotation to marriage alone. It is enough for us here to state, however, that the text having a broad application to our relations to society in general, must have a special bearing upon the closer relation of marriage. How is it possible for any Christian with this text in view to become united in marriage with an infidel, a spiritualist, a scoffer? Can a Seventh-day Adventist conscientiously become thus united with one who stands in unbelief as to the duty of keeping the Sabbath? In some few cases where believers have married unbelievers, the scale has turned well, and both are now united in the truth, while in ten-fold as many cases the believing have lost their faith, and both are united in violating the Sabbath.
In not a few cases have the unbelieving become very favorable, until they have fully gained the affections of the believing, who have given their hands in marriage in confidence that they would walk with them in the truth, but to be bitterly disappointed with their unbelief and opposition. In this the believing risk too much. It would be much better to wait for unmistakable proofs of sound conversion to the present truth.
"Only in the Lord." By this we understand that when believers contract marriage, they should do it in the fear of God, with his honor and glory in view, in accordance with those teachings of both Testaments which bear upon the subject.
It is required of Christians to do all to the glory of God, and, certainly, in a matter upon which so much depends for happiness in this life and that which is to come, Christians should move in the counsel of God. We feel clear in making the following brief statements:
1. Christian parents should know with whom their children are associating, and should faithfully teach them the importance of their being very select as to their associates.
2. They should teach their children that to encourage and indulge in feelings of special partiality while they are minors, is a decided wrong.
3. They should teach their children who have grown to man's and woman's estate, that in marriage, as in other important matters of this life, the parents should be their counselors, and that their judgment should be respected. In no way can children more effectually break the fifth commandment, and dishonor their parents, than in entering upon the marriage relation without their counsel, or against their wishes.
4. Parents should especially guard their children against marrying upon a brief acquaintance. Of all the transactions of life, this calls for most careful deliberation. How many a mother daily weeps over the hasty marriage of a lively, or, perhaps, beautiful daughter, to some stranger young man, who at first appeared quite well, but soon developed a worthless character, plunging her pure-hearted daughter beneath the level of society. Young men, too, may be deceived by first appearances. A young lady may appear well in company. There only her good qualities may appear. And to appear well in company may constitute the principal part of her education. Has she a good home education? Is she well educated in the affairs of the kitchen, wash-tub, and all? These are among the essential qualifications of a young lady of worth. Let these be added to a pure moral and religious education of a young lady who has passed out of her teens, and with the blessing of God, she is prepared to make the home of him who possesses corresponding good qualifications and correct ideas of things, a happy home.
5. Christian parents should teach their children that in marrying too young they abuse the sacred institution of marriage, and sin against God and against themselves. Many are the evils resulting, which we cannot here name. Every man and woman should form a substantial, reliable character for usefulness before marriage. He or she who has not formed such a character, is unfit for the marriage relation.
6. Many marry in poverty, before they have had time to acquire anything, or their poverty may result from sickness, or a lack of ability to acquire a competency, and they drag out a miserable existence in poverty. And they entail their miseries upon a numerous family, who, when grown up, are as poorly prepared to take the responsibilities of life as they were. But such miserable creatures, lacking, perhaps, mentally, physically, and morally, are generally in haste to get married, and so the tide of misery rolls on. No really sane young man will marry until he has around him a competency, and in himself the ability to honorably sustain a family.
7. And seventh, in the name of decency, reason and revelation, we protest against foolish and ill-matched marriages among the cheaper class of professed Adventists under the excuse that it matters but little as the "Lord is soon coming." Better "let all things be done decently and in order."
The Sanctuary.
(Continued.)
WHAT IS THE SANCTUARY?
This is exclusively a Bible question. With the testimony of the Bible only, then, have we to do. The object of our inquiry can only be, What does the Bible reveal to us respecting the sanctuary? And we shall find its testimony neither brief nor obscure on this important subject. The word occurs in the inspired Scriptures one hundred and forty-six times; and more times than this does it offer us instruction by prediction, definition, or historic record, concerning this wonderful object.
Perhaps no language can better introduce this subject than that of the apostle Paul in his letter to the Hebrews. In chap. viii, he contrasts the two covenants, the first and the second, the old and the new, under the latter of which we now live. In chap. ix, he then speaks as follows:
"Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary. For there was a tabernacle made; the first wherein was the candlestick, and the table, and the shew-bread; which is called the sanctuary; and after the second vail, the tabernacle which is called the holiest of all; which had the golden censer, and the ark of the covenant, overlaid77round about with gold, wherein was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron's rod that budded, and the tables of the covenant, and over it the cherubims of glory, shadowing the mercy-seat,' &c. Verses 1-5.
Let this language of the apostle be carefully considered. It both introduces and settles one great division of this question. It tells us definitely what, for a time, constituted the sanctuary of the Lord. During the period covered by the first covenant, while the tabernacle, ordained as then plainly described, was in existence, there can be, in the face of these words of Paul, no controversy as to what constituted the sanctuary. Turning to the records of these times, we find a more definite mention of this singular structure, which from its bearings and relations in the temple of divine truth, deserves to be examined with absorbing interest.
Go back to the time when Israel, crowned with deliverance, stood on the shore of the Red Sea, while the Egyptians were perishing at their feet in the returning and angry waters. Listen to that song of triumph which Moses sings, and mark this language, 'The Lord is my strength and song, and has become my salvation; he is my God, and I will prepare him an habitation.' Ex. xv, 2. In this we receive the first intimation of that building that was afterward to be erected by the direction of the Lord, that he might dwell among his people. In verse 17 of the same chapter, is the first occurrence of the word, sanctuary, which we find in the Bible.
Pursuing the sacred record, we find in the twenty-fifth chapter of Exodus and onward, more definite information respecting the sanctuary. Here we read the commission which God gave to Moses for the erection of this building. In the third month after their departure from Egypt, the children of Israel came to the wilderness of Sinai. There Moses was summoned up into the mount, to an audience with his Maker. Forty days and nights were consumed in that memorable interview. During this time Moses was shown the pattern of the sanctuary, and all the sacred vessels, and received full instructions in relation thereto.
Into a particular description of the tabernacle, as erected by Moses, we need not here enter. It is minutely set forth in Exodus, chapt. xxv-xxxi. Suffice it to say that it was a structure of extraordinary magnificence, formed of upright boards overlaid with gold. It was thirty cubits in length, about ten in width, and ten in hight. At the east end, which was the entrance, there were five pillars of shittim wood, overlaid with gold, having hooks of gold and sockets of brass. Over the tabernacle, thus erected, were thrown four different coverings. The first and inner covering was composed of fine linen, embroidered with figures of cherubim in blue, purple, and scarlet. By this would be formed a ceiling of surpassing beauty and magnificence. The second covering was made of goat's hair; the third of ram's skins dyed red; and the fourth and last of badger's skins. A richly embroidered curtain suspended from the five pillars overlaid with gold, that stood at the entrance upon the east, formed the door of the tabernacle.
The sacred tent was divided into two apartments by means of a vail suspended from four pillars of shittim wood, overlaid with gold, set in sockets of silver. In what proportion the sanctuary was thus divided we are not informed; but it was undoubtedly the same that was afterward observed in the temple, 1 Kings vi, in which two-thirds of the space was allotted to the first apartment, and the remaining one-third to the second.
In the first apartment or holy place were three things worthy of notice: the golden candlestick, the table of show-bread, and the altar of incense. The candlestick was of solid gold, the table of show-bread and the altar of incense, of shittim wood, but overlaid throughout with pure gold. In the second apartment, or most holy place were also three things to claim attention: the ark, the mercy-seat, and the cherubim. The ark was a chest of shittim wood, two cubits and a half in length, a cubit and a half in breadth, and the same in hight. It was overlaid within and without with pure gold. The mercy-seat was the cover of the ark,
of solid gold, and the cherubim were likewise of pure gold, on either end of the mercy-seat. It was above the ark, over the mercy-seat, between the cherubim, that God manifested his presence, and from whence he communicated with his people. Ex. xxv, 22. And so David prays, 'Thou that dwellest between the cherubim, shine forth.' Ps. lxxx, 1.
It will be observed that neither the holy nor most holy place, had any window; hence in the first apartment there was need of the candlestick with its seven lamps; and in regard to the second, where God dwelt, Solomon said, The Lord said that he would dwell in the thick darkness. 1 Kings viii, 12.
How impressive must have been the scene presented by the interior of this building. There were its walls, having all the appearance of massive and solid gold, and reflecting in a thousand directions the light of the seven lamps of the golden candlestick; there were the table of show-bread, and altar of incense, glittering in its light like burnished gold; and there was the curtain that formed the gorgeous ceiling, with its mystic figures of cherubim in blue, and purple, and scarlet, adding its beauty to the brilliant scene. While in, beyond the second vail, was the glorious Shekinah, or visible manifestation of God's glory, into the awful presence of which, except the high priest's entrance once every year, no man could venture and live.
Before the door of the tabernacle were placed the brazen laver, and the altar of burnt offering, and around the whole was erected the court with its curtains of fine twined linen.
In the second year after Israel had departed from Egypt, in the first month, on the first day of the month, the tabernacle was reared up. And Moses spread abroad the tent over the tabernacle, and he put the testimony (the tables of the ten commandments) into the ark, and the mercy-seat upon it, and brought it into the tabernacle, and set up the vail; he placed the table of show-bread and golden candlestick in the first apartment, and lighted the lamps before the Lord; he put the golden altar of incense before the vail, and burnt sweet incense thereon; and on the altar, before the door of the tabernacle, he offered the burnt offering and the meat offering as the Lord commanded. Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. Ex. xl. He had now taken possession of his dwelling place, in the midst of his people.
We have now before us the sanctuary as Moses erected it in the wilderness of Sinai, 1490 years before Christ. With its ark of the covenant, its mercy-seat, and its glorious Shekinah, it constituted the heart and center of Israel's religious worship, under that typical system.
The children of Israel being at this time in the period of their wanderings, the sanctuary as first given to them was adapted to their condition. It was so constructed that it could be easily taken down and borne with them in their journeys, and immediately erected wherever the divine presence, which accompanied them in a cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night, should direct them to pitch their camp. Num. ix, 15-23.
From its entrance into Canaan, it is easy to trace the history of this building, till it was embodied in the larger and more glorious structure of the temple of Solomon, when the children of Israel had become settled in their own land, and the sanctuary had a permanent location. We trace it down to the period when it was overthrown by Nebuchadnezzar, and suffered to remain in ruins during the 70 years of the Babylonish captivity. From the time it was rebuilt by Zerubbabel, at the close of that captivity, we follow it to the days of Herod, by whom it was taken down and rebuilt, greatly enlarged and beautified, B. C. 19. We come to the days of the Saviour, who solemnly affirmed to the Jews, that their house was left unto them desolate. We behold its beautiful vail which divided between the holy and most holy place, rent in twain from top to bottom, amid the solemn scenes of the crucifixion, when the great sacrifice for the world was offered up, which rendered null and void all the typical services of the earthly temple. We trace it, after this event, through its brief and nominal existence, to the year A. D. 70, when the ungovernable violence of the Roman soldiers involved it in a ruin from which it has never since arisen.
This was the sanctuary of the first covenant. There can be no doubt on this point with any who yet have confidence in the Bible, either as a divine revelation, or even as a secular history. It is directly declared to be the sanctuary, by the apostle Paul; and of the one hundred and forty-two times of the occurrence of the word in the Old Testament, it refers in almost every instance to this building. Here, then, we occupy common ground with all parties. We have here a common basis on which to build further arguments on this subject. It is in the question, What is the sanctuary of the new covenant? or, in other words, What is now the sanctuary? that the great controversy is involved. This is our next inquiry. And we think we shall find the sanctuary of this covenant no less definitely defined and located than the sanctuary of the first.
(To be Continued.)
A Word to the Friends of Bro. and Sr. White.
By Editor
In view of the increasing demands upon the time and strength of Bro. and sister White, we deem it duty to say a word in their behalf in this public manner. It would be gratifying to them to render all the attention to their friends, either in the line of correspondence or entertainment at their home, that they might desire; but circumstances render it impossible for them so to do. These circumstances should be taken into consideration, and in view of them Bro. and sister W. should be, as we trust they will be, cheerfully excused.
For instance, many are writing letters to sister W., wishing a reply by mail. If they do not receive it, they perhaps think it strange, and consider themselves neglected. Such should consider that while they have written and are expecting a reply, scores of others have done the same from all parts of the country; and though it might not take her a great while to answer any one of these letters singly, to answer them all, would occupy all her time, and take her attention completely from other and more important duties. They should consider also, the vast amount of labor that devolves upon her in consequence of the position she is called to occupy in the church. They would be surprised at the amount of writing she is obliged to perform in personal communications to individuals, besides the general matter which she prepares for the press. When she is at home, all her time, except a very small proportion, is spent at the Office in attending to these duties. Sister W. is, and ever will be, glad to hear from any of her friends, and will answer when in her power to do so; but if all do not receive answers to their letters, they must not consider themselves neglected, but understand that it is owing to some of the circumstances we have here mentioned.
Another point: Brethren visiting Battle Creek, are accustomed, as is perhaps natural, to make it their stopping-place at Bro. White's. This being the general rule, it brings too great a demand, considering his situation, upon his time and attention. Help of a suitable kind to take charge of their family, under these circumstances, is difficult to be obtained. Sister White's time and attention is occupied as we have already set forth, while Bro. White's head and hands are full of the cares and duties pertaining to the Office of publication, and the general interests of the cause.
Again: Bro. and sister White are so much of the time away from their family, in the wide field, laboring hard, and seeing, and forming acquaintances with,78so many brethren and sisters, that when they reach home it is a privilege to them to be retired. We know it is natural for those whose hospitality they share abroad, to immediately go to their house on visiting Battle Creek. Bro. White appreciates the kindness he has received at their hands, and enjoys their society; but it should be borne in mind, that for the many to entertain one, is a very different thing from the one entertaining the many. Bro. White has deprived himself of many privileges by doing more than his proportion in this respect in times past; even taking upon himself in the early stage of the cause, nearly the entire burden and entertainment of whole conferences. Besides, all the time that they can get from their necessary duties, while in Battle Creek, they owe to their children and family who are for so much of the time deprived of their instruction and attention; and of this instruction and attention they should not be robbed by company, while Bro. and sister White are at home. Brethren, therefore, should not calculate while coming to Battle Creek, to make it their home at Bro. White's; and this remark will apply especially to the valids, and all persons of feeble health, who may come expecting to receive, if not a regular course of treatment, at least special attention. Their own health, and that of their family, is all that they should have the care of in this direction. Those going there should be such as can render, rather than those who need assistance.
Persons who reach Battle Creek in the night will find hotels near the depot where they can find lodging till morning for a mere trifle. Especially persons arriving in the night should not go to Bro. White's. They should not be broken of their rest. Their worn bodily strength demands all the rest that their exhausting labors will permit them to enjoy.
We have thus said a few words in behalf of these faithful and toil-worn servants of the cause. Their friends will understand, appreciate, and acquiesce in the suggestions we make.
Brethren will understand that we are glad to have them visit Battle Creek. We are happy to see them; and there are plenty of places where they will find a cordial entertainment. Brethren, others, as well as Bro. White, beg a portion of your company when in Battle Creek. Inquire for U. Smith or G. W. Amadon, who will entertain you, or direct you where you may be entertained.
U. SMITH,
G. W. AMADON.
"God Is His Own Interpreter."
By R. F. Cottrell
I AM not certain that this was written by inspiration of God, yet I believe it is true. God is now interpreting the prophecies of his word by fulfilling them before our eyes. But the objector says, "Your theory looks plausible with your interpretation, but how does it happen that you, above all others, know how to interpret the prophecies?" I answer, We do not claim superior talents or faculties, and we need no extraordinary powers of mind. We simply accept of God's interpretation, i. e., when prophecy is fulfilled, we believe it; and our work is not so much to interpret prophecy, as to call the attention of our fellow-men to the fact that God is interpreting them.
Let us illustrate by an example. Some seven hundred years before the first advent of our Saviour, God gave through Isaiah the following prophecy: "The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make strait in the desert a highway for our God." Isa. xl, 3. Now this prophecy may have looked dark, and probably did, till God interpreted it. But time rolled on, and John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea preaching this message to prepare a people made ready for the Lord. Those who accepted of God's interpretation, were approved of God, while those who rejected it, "rejected the counsel of God against themselves." Even so at this present time, God is interpreting the advent messages of Rev. xiv, 6-12, as well as other prophecies, by fulfilling them.
"But John was inspired; and you should not compare yourselves with him."
God moved him to fulfill his word; but what evidence had the Jewish people of that fact? No more than people now have for believing the advent message. "John did no miracle, but what he said of Christ was truth. God moved the multitude to shout hosanna, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem; and he moved a multitude in 1844 to lift their voices and cry, 'Fear God and give glory to him, for the hour of his judgment is come.' And now, by the proclamation of the third message, he is bringing to light a people to 'keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus.' God is his own interpreter, and his interpretation is infallible. We have only to believe and obey.
R. F. COTTRELL.
Meetings at Lovett's Grove, Ohio.
Bro. White: The quarterly meeting held at Lovett's Grove, on the 18th and 19th of this month, was very profitable.
Brethren came from Gilboa, Cass, Leipsic, and all had a mind to work.
Our meetings were confined wholly to prayer, singing, and exhortation, Bro. O. Mears taking charge.
As we had not the help of a messenger, as is usual on such occasions, we were somewhat in doubt (previous to the meeting), lest it might prove a failure. Thanks to God, the brethren came heartily into the work, and we had a cheering and profitable season.79Had we been favored with the preaching of a messenger perhaps it would not have been more profitable.
We had meetings at half-past 10 A. M., and half-past 2 P. M. on both days, and the meetings increased in interest to the last.
It was just the kind of meeting we needed. For years we have leaned too much upon the labors of the ministering brethren, and have not realized that we were neglecting our share of the work.
But at this meeting, such was the arrangement that the brethren came with minds nerved for action, and nobly they responded to the call.
The responsibility being divided, and the meeting being dependent upon the general and united effort of all, and such being the general understanding of all, each one seemed desirous to move forward in duty. All moved with harmony and zeal, with moderation yet with power, and God being favorable to us, we had a blessed time.
Praise the Lord, for this meeting; we celebrated the holy ordinances of washing feet, and Lord's supper on the evening after Sabbath, and were greatly edified, strengthened, and felt much love for each other.
Such meetings as this, are needed in Ohio, to stir up to personal activity in the work.
Much was said, words were fitly spoken, and the good done at this meeting will no doubt appear hereafter.
At the close of the meeting, the brethren were warned of relapse, lest a return of lukewarmness and coldness, might be incurable. Doubtless some will heed the warning. Who will it be?
Brethren, let us press forward.
Con. Committee.
I Thought it Over, Concluded it Was Wicked, and Put it Away.
By W. S. Ingraham
DEAR BRETHREN : Permit me to address you a few lines on the great and all-important subject of holy living. When I take into consideration the word of God, and contrast it with our manner of living, I plainly see a wide difference. We are living in a very solemn time. God is calling out from the world and preparing a people for the holy city. Time is passing swiftly away, and the decisive moment is hurrying on. Our faults must be put away and our lives must be devoted to the service of God.
I have discovered many evils among us as a people, a few of which I will mention.
1. There is a great lack in our families in many respects. Family religion will give shape and color more or less to all the affairs of life. Prayer and praise should go up to our heavenly Father evening and morning. How reasonable to offer praise and thanksgiving every evening to the great source of all good, for his kindness and guardianship extended to us during the conflict of the day. And how rational to ask for divine wisdom and grace to guide and uphold us as we launch out upon the cares of the returning day. When we live out the principles of our holy religion at our homes and in all the business of the week, when the Sabbath returns we are ready to enter into the more public worship of God with spirit and delight. Some of our brethren have no praying in their families. This duty is neglected entirely; while some others can pray when they can afford to spend time. Such persons may dream of heaven, but in vain, until there is a great reform in these respects.
2. There is a great lack of sobriety. Our conversation should be in heaven from whence we look for our Saviour. Hours spent in idle conversation are more than lost. They will tell fearfully against us in the day of judgment. Hear the wise man, as words of fire drop from his lips: "For God shall bring every work into judgment with every secret thing, whether it be good or whether it be evil." Eccl. xii, 14. "Only let our conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ." Paul.
Evil witticism and idle words eat as doth a canker and destroy vital godliness. A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.
The cause of present truth calls loudly for simplicity, gravity, and sobriety. Christ, the son of God, views his last work with deep solemnity and inexpressible interest and anxiety. The angels of God tremble as they lay aside their harps and onward come, bearing decisive dispatches from the court of heaven to the church of God on earth. Ministers especially should be sober. To us the church is looking for example. An idle word, or light conversation from us quickly runs through the whole church, and all are led astray and become defiled. A wrong influence from a preacher is like the pebble thrown into the lake: its wake ceases not until it reaches the distant shore.
We do not begin to realize our condition. We are shorn of our strength too much, and the cause of Christ weeps in our midst. Oh awake, awake to life and to duty, and your beautiful garments put on! Cry aloud and spare not! Onward to fight and to victory!
ly vision, then? How often has the idolatry of the church been pointed out. Parents have been reproved for their pride. Some have reformed as they suppose, but still indulge their children in fashions that have been shown to be an abomination in the sight of God. The golden wedge and Babylonish garment have been too long in your tents.
My heart beats in unison with those who are crying against sin in every form. The great trouble has been when the straight testimony has been given, too many have been ready to take off its edge and thus render it powerless. We should be like Gideon's army, when the trumpet is blown all blow together. In giving our testimony against immodest fashions and pride, we should not leave any way of escape for the filthy. Filthy persons dishonor and reproach the cause of Christ. Christians are called upon to be pure in mind and person. Impure Christians would be a contradiction in terms. Let us labor to enter into rest. "Strive to enter in at the strait gate; for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in and shall not be able.
W. S. INGRAHAM.
Darlington, Wis. July 25th 1863.
The Minnesota Conference.
By Washington Morse
BRO. WHITE: Our General Conference for Minnesota has just closed, and our brethren and sisters have left for their homes. Brn. Sanborn and Snook have returned to Iowa. Truly this was the best conference ever held in this new State. We were favored with the labors of these dear servants of God at this place, commencing Tuesday evening, July 14. Meetings continued until Sunday evening, the 19th. In all, nine discourses were delivered, greatly to the profit of all who listened. Deep heart-felt confessions were made by the erring ones, so that I can truly say that perfect union was restored, and did prevail at the close of the meeting.
Myself, and brethren Allen and Bostwick, felt the blessing of God resting upon us while we endeavored to confess our faults to each other, and to the brethren and sisters generally. We can now say that we are willing to occupy any place in the church that the Lord would have us.
We are thankful for the testimony for us here in this far-off land. I hope and fondly trust it will be heeded by us all in the strictest sense of the word.
At the close of our last meeting we repaired to the place of baptism, some four miles distant, where two precious souls followed their Lord in baptism. It was a solemn and an affecting scene.
Our business meeting commenced Sunday morning at 7 o'clock, and continued until 10. Adjourned till evening. All was harmonious. Brethren Sanborn and Snook aided us much. I would say as many of our dear brethren have said, Thank the Lord that these dear brethren ever came many hundred miles to this distant land, in this time of our extreme necessity. It was indeed hard to part with them; but our prospects are much brightened, and faith strengthened by their faithful labors in this State. Our fervent prayers will continue to go up to the Father of light, that they may be instrumental in uniting God's people in Iowa, as they have been in this State.