Earlier text: ESSAY ON SECRET PRAYER"This Gospel of the Kingdom
SHALL be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matt. xxiv, 14. Joseph Wolfe D. D., according to his Journals, between the years 1821 and 1845, proclaimed the Lord's speedy advent in Palestine, Egypt on the shores of the Red Sea, Mesopotamia, the Crimea, Persia, Georgia; throughout the Ottoman Empire, in Greece, Arabia, Turkistan, Bokara, Afghanistan, Cashmera, Hindoostan, Thibet; in Holland, Scotland and Ireland, at Constantinople, Jerusalem, St. Helena, also on shipboard in the Mediterranean, and at New York City, to all denominations. He declares he has preached among Jews, Turks, Mahommedans, Parsees, Hindoos, Chaldeans, Yescede, Syrians, Sabeans and Pachas, Sheiks, Shahs, the kings of Organtsh and Bokara, the queen of Greece, etc., and of his extraordinary labors, the Investigator says, "No individual has perhaps given greater publicity to the doctrine of the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, than this well-known missionary to the world. Wherever he goes he proclaims the approaching advent of the Messiah in glory."-Voice of the Church, pp. 343-4. Sir Isaac Newton used to say that "about the time of the end, in all probability, a body of men will be raised up who will turn their attention to the prophecies, and insist upon their literal interpretation in the midst of much clamor and opposition." "How exactly," says Wm. Thorpe, "has this observation of that sagacious man been verified."-Voice of the Church. WE this week present our readers with the index of another completed volume. The field to which the reader's attention has been invited is a large one; the truths which have been presented are important: we trust they have made an impression which will be lasting on many hearts. It is proper that we at this time make a few statements concerning the condition of the paper. We are happy to be able to make statements, which, as they are encouraging to ourselves, will also be gratifying to the tried and zealous friends of truth. We make no allowance now for those who have earnestly been wishing our downfall, and who behold with sorrow anything which indicates the prosperity of the cause we love. We would only remind them that any work which is the work of God, cannot be overthrown. Our friends have well done the past year, in that they have, by their liberality, annihilated the debts which had accumulated upon the Office, and to a great degree have been prompt in renewing their subscriptions, so that the REVIEW now stands forth free from debt and unembarrassed. Every friend of truth can but be gratified at this result; and doubtless all desire that it may continue to be thus situated. How then can this be effected? The first thing necessary to this end, is that all remember that no efforts may be relaxed, but rather new ones put forth. From henceforward to the kingdom, as it is in private experience, so it will be with the outward prosperity of the cause, and the support of all those means whereby the truth is publicly sustained—it will be uphill continually, a continual rowing against wind and tide. No efforts then may be given over. Let every true soldier, therefore, who has enlisted for the whole war, put on a little more armor, and gird what he has on a little tighter; for there is before us a heavy battle, though short, and then "the victor's palm, and conqueror's crown." The paper would support itself, could all who receive it make remittance, according to its published terms. But we have upon our list one hundred and fifty-four who receive the paper at half price, and about seventy to whom we send it free. This leaves a deficiency in the course of a year, of about $294; and we may expect besides to lose a sum of between two and three hundred from those who, though entered as paying subscribers, fail to answer these expectations. This deficiency will have to be made up by donations from the special friends of the cause. There will then be no embarrassment in the work, if each one, so far as able, will keep his own subscription good, and as the Lord hath prospered him, make donations "For REVIEW to Poor." The bare mention of these things will of course be sufficient. There is another enterprise, which has been carried forward the past year in a manner which we cannot forbear to notice. We mean the Church Book Fund. While the REVIEW has been freed from debt and promptly sustained, means have been freely pledged for the Book business. The whole amount pledged is $1343,86. Of this $1067,75 have been paid in, leaving $276,11 still due. This we hope will be forthcoming that the Fund may be completed as soon as possible. The sales of books since they became the property of the Church, amount to $670,31. We have received, since this volume commenced, two hundred and thirty-nine new subscribers. During the same time one hundred and twenty-nine have discontinued; and we have stopped at our own discretion, one hundred and one more, from whom we had given up all hopes of hearing. While this leaves us no great increase in numbers, it is nevertheless no small gain to our list; for whereas we have heard nothing from those we have stopped, those that have been added are mostly paying subscribers, and thorough converts to the present truth. Number one of volume ten, will be issued May 7th. The field of truth which we are exploring is broad, and intensely important; and we trust that through the blessing of Heaven, and the co-operation of all our brethren, the REVIEW may be such a paper as no one who wishes light on the crowning truths of revelation, the purposes of God, and the destiny of the world, will be willing or content to do without. THE TRUE COURSE.
By Editor
"The path of the just," says Solomon, "is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." If this is true of an individual, it is true of a church, or company of believers, so long as they maintain their integrity. But there is an implied necessity of keeping in the true path, in order to behold light increasing more and more; or, in other words, to follow on to know the Lord; as it is said by the Prophet, making use of the same figure, "Then shall we know, if we follow on to know the Lord: his going forth is prepared as the morning, and he shall come unto us as the rain, as the latter rain and former rain unto the earth." It has been said that we, as a people, would not long maintain our simplicity and fervency in the profession of our faith, but become sectarian, formal and lifeless, like the sects that have gone before us. But, brethren, how is this? Shall this be so? This is the very point we wish to avoid. We have seen the causes of declension in other bodies, and we must be indeed poor scholars, if we do not learn something from the experience of others, as well as from our own. One thing is certain, The path of the just is as the shining light. There will be those who will walk in it, rejoicing more and more in the increasing light, being changed into the same image from glory to glory, even to the perfect day. So will it be with us, unless we reject the light of truth as it is revealed to us. Truth is onward, and its advancing light must be kept pace with. What has caused the decline and spiritual death of the nominal churches, and some branches also of Advent believers? It is their resting down with what truth they had, ceasing to follow the light, and letting truth move on without them. For instance, the Advent Herald, since the Lord did not come at the close of the 2300 days, in 1844, has denied that the days there ended. This position makes necessary another assertion; namely, that the seventy weeks are no part of the 2300 days. With this view, there is no soul living that can tell of what possible use the prophetic period of the 2300 days can be, or inform us from what the seventy weeks are "cut off." Thus two chapters of Daniel's prophecy are partially converted into nonsense, and inspiration laid open to the charge of cumbering the sacred page with useless lumber. Acknowledging that according to the best light we have, the 2300 days ended in 1844, the Herald still contends that the passing of the time has demonstrated that the days did not there end. Now, it has demonstrated no such thing. There is no promise of the coming of the Lord, and the renovation of the earth by fire at the end of the days. All that is affirmed is, that then the Sanctuary shall be cleansed; and it has not been, and cannot be, proved that the earth as a whole, or in any of its parts, constitutes that Sanctuary. It would certainly be the part of true wisdom, joined with an honest and earnest desire for the truth, as we found ourselves205 so grievously disappointed at the passing of the time in 1844, to inquire whether we might not possibly be mistaken in the event to transpire at that time. It would have been reasonable, before making any rash move, to inquire what the prophecy really warranted us to expect at the end of the days; what the Sanctuary was, and what was the nature of its cleansing. No such inquiries as these were instituted by the Herald; but it has, step by step, blindfoldly and rashly, renounced its former position, torn asunder two important prophetic periods which are mutually dependent upon each other, and, in the eyes of those who put any faith in its teachings, demolished some of the main bulwarks of the Advent faith. Now what use can God make of a people who exercise no better guardianship than this over the treasure of his truth? None! absolutely none! It is no wonder that the vital principle long since fled from their ranks. Since 1844 more light has risen upon our pathway. "The shining light" has thus far shone "more and more" upon us. We have been enabled to rejoice in truths far in advance of what we then perceived. But we do not imagine that we yet have it all, by any means. We trust to progress still, our way growing continually brighter and brighter unto the perfect day. Then let us maintain an inquiring frame of mind, seeking for more light, more truth, endeavoring, the while, to keep ourselves in the love of God, and the patient waiting for his Son from heaven. Above all, we may not be satisfied with a mere theory of the truth. This may be harmonious and fair and lovely, as indeed it is; but without the Spirit of truth to set it home, all its beauty is but the beauty of the cold, immovable statue, with fireless eye and speechless lips. May the Spirit of God animate his Church! Without this we can neither maintain a christian's life, nor make a christian's progress. Without this the REVIEW cannot attain to that degree of spirituality and vigor where we all wish to see it, breathing forth the Spirit of Christ in every line, and speaking out the truth in boldness, but in love. The morning cometh! The path of the just is growing brighter! and more and more should we become the children of the light as the day draws nearer. "Let us then be up and doing,
With a heart for any fate;
Still achieving, still pursuing,
Learn to labor and to wait." By John Norton Loughborough
"For the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light." THIS is the language Christ used in closing the parable of the unjust steward, and it is painfully true of the mass of those who profess to be the children of light. What! Have the children of this world more true knowledge than the church of God? No; but they are wiser. Webster says: "Wisdom. Right use of knowledge; choice of good ends, and of the best means of obtaining them." Campbell translates the portion of this verse which I have quoted above, "For the children of this world are more prudent in conducting their affairs than the children of light." So it is with the mass of those who profess to be the children of light. They take less care and forethought how they can gain the kingdom, than they do about the things of this world. They are laying but few schemes for the advancement of the cause of God. The worldling is devising every means and straining every nerve to get hold of the white and yellow dust. The professed christian is joining with him. Brethren, shall it be so with us? Shall we who have had the glorious light of the Message, and of the near approach of our Saviour, and who are now so solemnly counselled by the message to the Laodiceans, lose our energy in the cause of God? Shall we not rather arise, and as we sympathize in the last work of our great High Priest, seek to have as the principal object before us the advancement of his cause, and be exercising true wisdom, that we may gain this great object? This text I have quoted at the head of these remarks has rested with some force upon my mind for the past week. A train of reflections has been passing before my mind, and the thing which gave rise to these meditations was an illustration of the sacrifices worldlings are willing to make to gain their worldly objects. I was passing from Wawkon, Iowa, to this place. I was detained over night, waiting for conveyance, at Prairie Du Chien, on the east bank of the Mississippi. While I was detained, the first train of cars from Milwaukee, on the Milwaukee and Mississippi R. R., came in with the Rail Road officers of the road. They came to the hotel, where I was stopping, to celebrate the completion of the road. After partaking of a rich supper they proceeded to make speeches in regard to the road, giving a history of the difficulties they had waded through to complete their Rail Road. One individual stated that at one time the contractors of the road mortgaged themselves for more than they were all worth, thus sacrificing all they had, and at a time when prospects looked dark about their ever completing their road, and when they had to hope against hope, and were liable to lose all they had; but said he, The victory is achieved! What, thought I, men sacrificing their all for a Rail Road, and that when they are liable to lose it too! Yes, so it was. Ought we not to be as wise, and lay ourselves and our all upon the altar of the Lord for the advancement of his glorious cause, and that we may also gain eternal life? The Lord help us to heed the admonition, "Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness, that when ye fail they may receive you into everlasting habitations." The Lord help us so to conduct ourselves while we have to do with this world, that we shall have those for our friends who can open the heavenly city to us, is my prayer. Cambridge, Wis., Apr. 20th, 1857. Letter from Bro. Bates.
By Joseph Bates
BRO. SMITH:—We reached Waldron, Eaton Co., Mich., the 14th inst., the day after the close of our Conference at B. Creek. If the friends here had not been so urgent for laborers in this region I should have been much pleased to tarry in B. Creek until our brethren and sisters had left for their respective homes. Our meeting was indeed blessed of the Lord. It was sweet and harmonious: a blessed foretaste of the future union and harmony with the saints of all ages and Jesus Christ our King, so long foretold by holy men of old. Thank God for the harmony of feeling and action at this last gathering of the remnant at B. Creek. I feel the effect of it yet. How evident it is, that God's blessing and peace flow into the hearts of his willing and obedient children who "keep his Sabbaths and reverence his Sanctuary." How cheering and manifest also was the oneness of feeling in our meetings for business; and the responses by letter, and in the meeting to the call for a power press, of $100 subscriptions, until $1600 were freely offered, five of the subscribers having but recently embraced the truth, two of them but a few weeks since. The calls also for tent, and other operations, so readily met, all indicate the oneness of feeling to carry out and finish the last work of God. What a startling and solemn thought! that the remnant of the saints are understandingly and cheerfully appropriating of their substance for a power press, to help move out the loud cry of the last message of mercy, to sound the last notes of warning to a fallen world! When the loud cry of the First Angel's Message was given in the Fall of 1844, it was indeed thrilling and soul-stirring. Two power presses were kept in continual operation in Boston night and day, until about 100,000 copies of the last number of the paper were finished, which closed up that prophecy forever. Judging from the past and present messages, how evident it is that we are now coming to the crisis. The Lord help the remnant to get ready for the closing scenes of mortality. The evening we reached here, six of our brethren, some of whom had traveled on foot from thirty-five to fifty miles to attend the conference, stopped at Bro. Campbell's. While praying the Spirit of the Lord came upon us, and Bro. C.'s daughter was converted, and declared that henceforward she would keep the commandments of God. We had a good time. Praise the Lord! The friends that invited us to come to Waldron the second time, opened the way in a district schoolhouse about three miles east of the former place. We preached nine times to interesting audiences, with increasing interest, from Wednesday evening till First-day evening. The major portion of our hearers admitted the truth; and many said, If any day was the Sabbath it was the seventh. Several declared their intentions to keep it henceforward. Four send for the weekly Review. At the close of one of our meetings one who had listened very attentively, cordially invited us to visit him at his home, about a mile and a half distant. On my way here I had a very pleasant interview and season of prayer with him and his family. He had professed to believe in Universalism. Said he, I never saw the Bible doctrine in this light before. Said he, I want the truth, and I believe the seventh day is the Sabbath, and gave his name for the paper. I have appointed to commence a series of meetings in East Windsor this evening. JOSEPH BATES. Windsor, Eaton Co., Mich., Apr. 22d, 1857. Note from Bro. Frisbie.
By J. B. Frisbie
BRO. SMITH:—I have been preaching in the township of Convis, about five or six miles north of Marshall, where quite a number have been convinced of the present truth, and some eight or ten have commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. Others are convinced, but I am afraid it will not be convenient to obey until it be forever too late. We have just returned from attending our meeting at Newton. The brethren and sisters were mostly present from Ceresco. But few were present in the day, except commandment-keepers. Some others have decided to keep the Sabbath since we lectured there before New Year's, and two or three of late. Our meetings, we believe, were profitable, on the whole. There was good liberty in speaking the Word, although the audiences were small on the account of rain on First-day, which disappointed us some in not seeing many present, which otherwise would have attended. About thirty have embraced the truth, as nearly as we know, where we have labored the past Winter. Yours in the present truth.
J. B. FRISBIE.
Battle Creek, Mich., Apr. 27th, 1857. Essay on Secret Prayer
By Editor
The Essay on Secret Prayer, this week concluded, is from a tract published by the Methodists in 1825, written by Joseph Entwistle. Testimony to the Church, No. 3, is published, and can be had by addressing E. G. White, Battle Creek, Mich. Of Temptations.
By John Mason
Temptations are instructions. He is not overwise that goes out of God's way to escape a cross. God will either keep his saints from temptations by his preventing mercy, or in temptations by his supporting mercy, or find a way for their escape by his delivering mercy. A christian that lives here among his enemies should never stir out without his guard. If you follow Satan, you will find the tempter prove a tormenter; if you follow the Spirit, you will find the counselor prove a comforter.—J. Mason. BRO. A. G. Hart writes from Lisbon, Iowa, April 4th, 1857: "Our lot has been cast the past Winter in a hard place; but there are some that are investigating the truth; and there is one man that is about persuaded that we have the truth. Our prayer is that he may obey it. We have just moved into a new place, and as far as we have learned there is a prospect of doing good, if we only set the right example before the people. O brethren, pray for us, that we may so walk that we will not prejudice the minds of the people. We know how to feel for those that are scattered. We have no one of like faith within many miles. We believe the testimony to the Laodiceans to be meat in due time; but do we let it work like leaven in our hearts? That is the question: We often fear and tremble that we do not. We are striving, brethren, to get the victory over all our evil besetments. We pray that the time may hasten when some one may come this way and proclaim the last message that will be given to a perishing world. We believe that there are a great many honest ones in Iowa; and there are also a great many false teachers to lead them astray." A Scattered Sabbath Keeper’s Testimony
Sister A. O. Thompson writes from Canton, N. Y.: "I have been a reader of the Review for most of the time for five years, and do not feel as though I could do without it. When I first began to read the Review I read it with prejudice; but I feel thankful207 that the Lord opened my eyes to let me see that I was in an error. It is now most three years since I first began to keep the Lord's Sabbath, and I can truly say that I hail it with delight. Although I do not have the privilege of meeting with the saints on the Lord's day, but the Lord meets me in my chamber where I spend the most of my Sabbaths. It is cheering to read the communications from dear brethren and sisters. I can sympathize with the scattered ones; and would esteem it a privilege to meet with the brethren on the Sabbath; but we must expect to have trials and disappointments till Jesus comes: then if we are found faithful we shall receive our reward. I know that in order to meet the King in his beauty, I must have on the white raiment, possess the gold that is tried in the fire. O I want to overcome in all things. The Lord has said that his grace is sufficient. There has been much said about tobacco. I believe this is right; and I have thought that we as a people thought too much of our tea. There are some that cannot afford to take the Review, and at the same time will pay out enough for these things to pay for a number of volumes of the Review, in a year. I have erred here, but have been enabled to gain a victory over it, for which I feel very thankful. I need the prayers of the saints, that I may overcome at last, and be one that shall be ready when Jesus comes." THE TWO LAWS.
By E. R. Seaman
IT has been affirmed by a recent writer in the Crisis, with much emphasis, that there is no distinction made between the law of ten commandments and the various laws given to the children of Israel; or, in other words, that one had no distinction from the other. To prove this Deut. xxvii, 8 was quoted in part as follows: "And thou shalt write upon the stones all the words of this law." But if we read the connection, we shall see that this great heap of stones was first to be covered with a coat of plaster; and Joshua fulfilled the command of the Lord by Moses, [Deut. xxvii, 2, 4, 8,] as we find recorded in Josh. viii, 9-34. Then it is said afterwards, He read all the words of the law . . . that is written in the book of the law. We learn here a few facts which will help us in our examination of the distinction made between the laws written in the book, and those that were engraven on stones by the finger of God; that there was a book of the law, and that the laws written on the plaster could not be considered as imperishable as those engraven in the stones [Deut. v, 22] by the finger of God. This unfair attempt to show that the laws written in the book were engraven in stone may do for those that never read their Bible; but I am glad the truth is plain and needs no such effort. If I may be permitted then, I will compare a few texts on this point to show the plain distinction in the Scriptures of truth, between the law of ten commandments and the law written in a book. Before commencing however, I would remark that I never have found the testimony in the whole Bible, for calling the ten commandments the law of Moses. But the fact is plainly stated, that Moses wrote a law in a book, which is called the book of the law by the hand of Moses. We will first refer to some texts concerning the law contained in ordinances, or law of Moses. Deut. xxxi, 9. "And Moses wrote this law." Verse 24. "And it came to pass when Moses had made an end of writing this law in a book," &c. Verse 26. "Take this book of the law and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that it may be there for a witness against thee." The ten commandments were placed in the ark under the mercy-seat. Here is a plain distinction. 2 Chron. xxxiv, 14. And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the Lord given by the hand (margin) of Moses. 2 Kings xxii, 8. Here it is called the law of Moses. Neh. viii, 1, 3. Here it is said the book of the law of Moses was read from morning until mid-day. It certainly could not have been the ten commandments; for they could have been read in a few minutes. Also Neh. ix, 3; Mark xii, 26; Heb. x, 7. One more plain text in the New Testament [Acts xiii, 39] shows that those that believe are justified by faith, but could not be by the law of Moses. Next let us look at the Scripture testimony on the law of God or ten commandments. First. Ex. xxiv, 12. And the Lord said unto Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there, and I will give thee tables of stone and a law, and commandments which I have written. Ex. xxxi, 18. And he gave unto Moses when he had made an end of communing with him upon mount Sinai, two tables of testimony, tables of stone written with the finger of God. Ex. xxv, 21. The Lord told Moses he must put the testimony that he gave him in the ark. Then Moses had a separate place for the ten commandments or testimony of God which was in the ark, while the book of the law was, as we have shown, to be deposited in the side of the ark. It appears that this testimony of God, or ten commandments, are the same that John saw in vision, [Rev. xi, 19,] which are now being seen by the remnant and obeyed that they may be covered with the white raiment in order to stand, and pass through the time of trouble, or third woe. Again, [Ex. xxxii, 15, 16,] And Moses turned and went down from the mount, and the two tables were written on both their sides, on the one side and on the other were they written, and the tables were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, graven upon the tables. Ex. xxxiv, 1, 2, 28, 29. Compare Deut. iv, 13, with Ps. lxxxix, 34; Deut. ix, 9-11. Enough has been quoted, I think, to show that there is a marked distinction between the law of God or ten commandments, and the law of Moses written in a book, which could fitly be represented in figure by the Apostle as nailed to the cross. Col. ii, 14. But the words of the covenant, the ten living commandments, must abide forever, and the figure would be very inappropriate which would represent two tables of stone as nailed to the cross; and I think Paul knew better than to use such a figure: but our no-law friends would fain make Paul thus inconsistent; and it seems to be a part of the work of some to misrepresent the faith of those that are trying to keep the commandments of God, as though they expected to be saved by so-doing, out of Christ. This is a great mistake, and can be no more true than that we are to continue in sin that grace may abound, to which the Apostle has said, God forbid. The light of truth is blazing forth in all its native beauty; and all the opposition that can be raised against it, will only tend to make it shine brighter unto the perfect day. It is evident that all this effort to destroy the distinction God has made between the two laws, is done chiefly to get rid of the fourth precept. May the Lord help us to keep humble, and not sink away into a dormant state, but contend for the faith once delivered to the saints, and finally get immortality through our merciful High Priest, is my prayer. The last note of warning is sounding, and the message will soon go with a loud voice. How solemn the moment! Who shall abide the day of his coming?
In the patience of the saints.
E. R. SEAMAN.
Lancaster, Mass. THERE have been moments when I looked
Upon this earth as beautiful,
With flowers gay, and sparkling rills,
That filled my heart with sweet delight.
But as I pressed upon my lips
The cup that I had fondly wished
To find with pleasure filled, a tear
Has started in mine eye: a sigh
A wailing sigh, escaped my lips,
That I had drank of sorrow's cup,
And drained it to the very dregs. Fair visions floated o'er my mind;
The earth I thought was full of bliss.
And pleasant vales, and shady groves,
And fields so green; all covered o'er
With flowers I did not dream could fade,
With rapture filled my childish heart,
And with a burst of joy I gazed
On things I dreamed so beautiful,
Till heaven and earth seemed interwov'n;
And love and beauty on each brow
It seemed by God's own breath were stamped. Imagined ne'er a cloud of care,
So soon would settle on my soul,
To hide the cheering gleam of hope
That I had vainly cherished. And
As I beheld the leaves all green,
A breeze that shook the forest trees,
Whispered to me of happiness.
And Oh! believe it not; the boon
I sought to find, where sorrow reigns,
And sin makes desolate the heart
With withered hopes, and blighted love. But Oh! I'm very weary now
Of earth with all its cares and tears,
And I can never love again;
The tie that binds my spirit here.
My treasure I will lay up where
It never, never will corrode.
Where cooling shades by pleasant streams
Our eyes will e'er behold—and we
Can drink of them and never thirst;
Ah yes; and every tear be dried,
And wiped away by gentle hands.—
[Sel. Bro. T. Draper writes from Farmersburg, Iowa, April 10th, 1857: "There are many of the '43 & 4 Adventists that I think would be glad to know that I am striving to live the preparation life, standing by faith, and waiting with patience the coming of the Master. Praise his name with the whole heart! I am filled with praise and thanksgiving to see by the letters of the brethren and sisters that they are striving for the tried gold, (the faith once delivered to the saints,) and the white robe, (Christ's righteousness.) I am made to rejoice in that the progress of the cause has made a power press necessary to do the work of the Office. Although I am old (fourscore) and poor, I think I shall be able to help a little, according as the Lord prospers me. I think it is good to serve God by sacrifice. I would again notify the brethren that may come this way that I still have a home for pilgrims, one half mile west of the meeting-house in this town." Cleansing from All Filthiness
Sister G. A. Roe writes from Portland, Mich.:— "BRO. SMITH, Having the promises that we have laid before us, I feel like cleansing myself from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. What promises are referred to by the Apostle? This: that God will receive us and be a Father to us on condition that we will come out from the world and be separate from the same, and in no way be yoked together with unbelievers; for all that is in the world, and the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. The world is to pass away, and the lusts thereof; but he that doeth the will of the Father is to abide forever. Then if we would abide forever, the light of the eyes and all lusts of the flesh must be brought into subjection to the will of God. "The time has come for us to search the Scriptures with a prayerful mind and a heart submissive to the will of God. The testimony of the Apostle must be heeded, whether ye eat or drink, whatever ye do, do all to the glory of God. If there ever was a time when we should give heed to such testimony as this, it is now when Jesus is calling on us to be zealous. Let us turn over the sacred pages of that Word which we profess to take as a rule of faith, and compare ourselves with it, and if our life does not correspond, let us be swift to turn our feet into the path that is therein pointed out. The Apostle teaches us that seeing that we look for such things, the coming of the Lord, we should be without spot and blameless. We learn by like testimonies that it must be a holy life that will characterize us and number us with the saved in the day when Christ shall come. The Sabbath is a delight to my heart." The Test of a New Creature.
*"Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith." 1. Do I feel any pride; or am I partaker of the meek and lowly mind that was in Jesus? Am I dead to all desire of praise? If any despise me, do I like them the worse for it? Or if they love and approve me, do I love them more on that account? Am I willing to be accounted useless, and of no consequence—glad to be made of no reputation? Do humiliations give me real pleasure, and is it the language of my heart,
Make me little and unknown,
Loved and prized by God alone? 2. Does God bear witness in my heart that it is purified, and that in all things I please him? 3. Is the life I live "by the faith of the Son of God," so that Christ dwelleth in me? Is Christ the life of all my affections and designs? Is my eye single, and my whole being full of light—all eye within and without; always watchful? 4. Have I always the presence of God? Does no cloud come between God and the eye of my faith? Can I "rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, and in every thing give thanks?" 5. Am I saved from the fear of man? Do I speak plainly to all, neither fearing their frowns, nor seeking their favors? Have I no shame of religion; and am I always ready to confess Christ, to suffer with his people, and to die for his sake? 6. Do I deny myself at all times, and take up my cross as the Spirit of God leads me? Do I embrace the cross, being willing to give up my ease and convenience to oblige others; or do I expect them to conform to my hours, ways, and customs? Does the cross sit light upon me, and am I willing to suffer all the will of God? Can I trample on pleasure and pain? Have I
"A soul inured to pain,
To hardship, grief and loss;
Bold to take up, firm to sustain,
The consecrated cross?" 7. Are my bodily senses, and outward things, all sanctified to me? Do I seek grace more for God's than my own profit, preferring the glory of all in earth or heaven? the giver to the gift? 8. Am I "poor in spirit?" Do I take pleasure in "infirmities, in necessities, distresses, reproaches," so that in the Lord, want, and danger, I may cast myself on his care? 9. Am I "lean to my own understanding?" Am I ready to give up the point, when contradicted, unless conscience forbid? Am I easy to be persuaded? Do I esteem others better than myself? Am I as willing to be a cypher as to be much respected, and does my zeal burn bright, notwithstanding this willingness to be nothing? 10. Have I no false wisdom, goodness, strength; as if the grace I feel were my own? Do I never take that glory to myself which belongs alone to Christ? Do I feel my want of Christ, and find joy in being thus nothing, empty, undeserving, giving all the glory to Christ? 11. Have I meekness? Does it bear rule over all my tempers, affections and desires; so that my hopes, fears, joy, zeal, love, and hatred, are duly balanced? Do I feel no disturbance from others, and do I desire to give more? If any offend me, do I still love them, and make it an occasion to pray for them? If condemned by the world, do I entreat? if condemned by the godly, am I one in whose mouth there is no reproof; replying only as conscience, and not as impatient nature dictates? If in the wrong, do I confess it? If in the right, do I submit, being content to do well, and suffer for it? If I am the greatest, do I make myself least "and the servant of all;" if a teacher, am I lowly, meek, patient, not conceited, self-willed, nor dogmatic? 12. Do I possess resignation; am I content with whatever is, or may be; seeing that God, the Author of all events, does, and will do, all for my good? Do I know how to suffer need? 13. Am I just, doing in all things as I would others should do unto me? Do I render due homage to those above me, not presuming on their lenity and condescension? As a superior, do I exercise no undue authority, taking no advantage of the timidity, respect, or necessity of any man? Do I consider the great obligation superiority lays me under, of being lowly and kind, and of setting a good example? 14. Am I temperate, using the world, as not abusing it? Is the turn of my mind and temper in due subjection, not leading me to any extreme, either of too much silence, or of too much talkativeness, of reserve, or freedom? 15. Am I courteous, not severe? Suiting myself to all with sweetness? Striving to give no one pain, but to gain and win all for their good? 16. Am I vigilant; redeeming time, taking every opportunity of doing good? Do I perform the most servile offices, such as require labor and humiliation, with cheerfulness? 17. Do I "love God with all my heart?" Do I constantly possess myself, my time, my substance, talents, and all that I have, a living sacrifice? Do I like or dislike, only such things as are pleasing or displeasing to God? 18. Are my spiritual faculties always vigorous? Do I give way to no sinful languor? Am I always on my watch? Do not business, worldly care, and conversation, damp my fervor and zeal for God? 19. Do I love my neighbor as myself? Do I think no evil, listen to no groundless surmises, nor judge from appearances? Can I bridle my tongue, never speaking of the faults of another, but with a view to do good; and when I am obliged to do it? Have I that charity which hopeth, believeth, and endureth all things? 20. Do I bear patiently the infirmities of age or sickness; without seeking to repair the decays of nature by strong liquors, tobacco, &c., or do I make Christ my sole support, casting the burden of a feeble body into the arms of his mercy? Too much grace cannot be desired or looked for; and to believe and obey with all the power we have, is the highway to receive all we have not. Happy are they who receive most of this perfect love, and of that establishing grace, which may preserve them from such falls and decays as they were before liable to. Jesus, Saviour of all, grant thy purest gifts to every waiting disciple. Enlighten us with the knowledge of thy will, and show us "the mark of the prize of our high calling." Let us die to all thou art not; and seek thee with our whole heart, till we enjoy the fullness of the purchased possession. Amen! Fletcher.