We do not believe that the word of God on any points of doctrine is yea and nay. It does not contradict itself; but as it requires the saints to speak, so it always teaches, the same thing. It follows therefore that when two individuals take different positions on the same question, and each claims support from the sacred oracles, one or the other does not understand the teachings of those oracles; when they arrive at different conclusions from the same record, one or the other does not rightly apprehend the meaning of that record.
We are taught that we must be born again, and that without this birth it is impossible to enter the kingdom of God. We wish to know therefore, what it is, when it takes place, and since it is conditional, what we are to do to attain it. As far as we know only two positions have ever been taken on this question: one is that the new birth is conversion; the other, that it is when this corruptible shall put on incorruption, and we enter from this mortal, dying state, upon a higher life of immortality and glory. Whichever of these it is, we may expect to find it plainly pointed out, and not only the necessity for the change but its reasonableness also made very apparent; for our Lord told Nicodemus not to marvel at the idea that he must be born again.
The question is purely a Bible one. No records of history, nor customs of antiquity, nor chronological reckonings, are required to determine it. All that is necessary is simply to learn what the Bible says in regard to it. But we must remember that upon this subject as upon some others, there are expressions used, which would seem from the terms employed to relate to the subject, but which nevertheless have no bearing on the point at issue. For instance, on the subject of the marriage of the Lamb, [Rev. xix, 7; xxi, 9, 10,] it has been inferred from the expressions of Paul, [Eph. v, 23; 2 Cor. xi, 2,] and Jer. xxxi, 32, &c., that the church was the bride; but we find upon examination that these expressions have no bearing upon the specific event called the marriage of the Lamb. So with the New Birth: there are certain expressions which would seem at first to go far towards determining what it is, but which, nevertheless, are not relevant to the question. For instance, we are many times called, children, sons, and are said to be begotten, and born, even, when these expressions are used only to express certain states and relations, and do not result from any idea of birth. We find the expressions, children of promise, [Gal. iv, 28,] children of wrath, [Eph. ii, 3,] followers of God as dear children, [Eph. v, 1,] children of light, [verse 8,] children of this world, [Luke xvi, 8, xx, 34,] children of disobedience; [Eph. v, 6,] and we are told that God dealeth with us as with sons, [Heb. xii, 7,] that he will on certain conditions call us sons and daughters; [2 Cor. vi, 18,] and Paul tells his Corinthian brethren, that he has begotten them through the gospel; [1 Cor. iv, 15,] but we cannot suppose that our Lord has reference to any of these things when he says, Ye must be born again, or from above.
What then is the birth of the Spirit? We turn to our Lord's instruction to Nicodemus. John iii. When told that he must be born again, Nicodemus evidently did not understand the nature of the birth brought to view; for he at once asks, How can a man be born when he is old? Under the symbol of a birth, our Saviour wishes to impress upon his mind a great truth; he therefore proceeds to explain the nature of the change, which he denominates a birth, which is necessary to fit men for an entrance into the kingdom of God, and mentions some of the characteristics which will belong to those who have passed it. As the idea of a natural birth is at once suggested, we may reasonably expect that there is a certain analogy between that event, by which we are introduced into the present life, and that change which our Lord tells us is necessary to introduce us into the kingdom of God. "Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit, is Spirit. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth; so is every one that is born of the Spirit." Verses 5, 6, 8.
Several important facts are here settled; namely, that as the result of a natural birth is an earthly body, a body of flesh, so the result of the birth of the Spirit, is a spiritual body; for it is of the body, the person, that the Saviour speaks, and not of the inward affections and disposition. Again, we learn that every one that is born of the Spirit, is like the wind, unseen and unheard in his movements. Here is a point which all should mark well, it does not say that so is the Spirit of God in its operations, as some would have the passage read, but so is every one that is born of the Spirit.
(To be Continued.)
WESTERN TOUR.
By James White
IN our last under this heading, Dec. 15th, we stated that we were at Green Vale, Ills., blocked up by snow drifts, but designed to journey onward to Wawkon, Iowa, as soon as practicable. On our way we had interesting seasons, introducing our views at all the hotels where we stopped, and were invited by the several landlords to give lectures in their villages. As our time would not permit us to then accept of their invitations, we gave them from our scanty assortment of tracts, and passed on, much regretting that we could not furnish each hotel with a good assortment of tracts, for the benefit of travelers, as well as landlords and their families. Much will yet be accomplished in this way.
Our mission to Wawkon was to visit brethren and sisters who have moved from Me., Mass., Vt., and N. Y., about thirty in number. The names of Andrews, Stevens, Butler, Lindsey, Hazeltine, Mead, Orton, Loughborough and Lamson, are familiar to the readers of the REVIEW. These with their families composed the number at Wawkon. We mention their names not only because most of them are well known, but because many of our brethren are anxious to learn their present position. We found them firm on the leading positions taken on the Third Message; but were doing very little to set the truth before others; being almost wholly occupied with the things of this life. And, by the way, this is necessarily the portion of those who move to the West to make farms with little means. They were generally rejecting the testimony to the Laodiceans, which would be calculated to separate them in feeling and interest from the body of the brethren. In this state of things we could not expect to be received by all these friends as affectionately as formerly, yet we were received and cared for with Christian courtesy.
Sabbath, the 27th ult., we spoke to them on the subject of the churches. Brn. Hart and Everts followed with remarks on the subject. Several brethren and sisters received the testimony to the Laodiceans as applying to the remnant. Others wished to hear the strength of argument against the position taken, so on First-day, the other side of the question was presented. This led to a most thorough and critical investigation of the subject, which was conducted in a most christian manner to the profit of all. It is at such times that the pure coin of truth is made to shine out the most precious and bright.
We were sad to find most of those brethren laboring under a mistake, supposing that we rashly moved the REVIEW Office to Battle Creek. On Second-day a meeting was called, when we had the opportunity of reading our past statements in the REVIEW, that in consequence of ill health, we should leave the Office, (which was the property of the church,) and could no longer bear up under the cares and responsible duties of the Office. We read before this meeting our urgent calls on the church to establish the Office on a proper basis. We also proved that we stated before the friends of the cause in Vt., (the same statement we had made before a conference held in Mich.,) that we should leave the Office, and should never move it from Rochester, if the type was sold to pay storage, and that it was a Committee, chosen at a conference in Mich. that moved the Office, and that the things of this local conference were sanctioned by the general conference held at Battle Creek, Nov. 1855. After this privilege of making our defense, the brethren were unanimous in freeing us from blame; that as we had given timely warning to the friends of the cause of our intentions to leave the Office, and had suggested that the Office would be moved from Rochester, it was then the duty of those who were opposed to the Office being moved, to speak, and to act, and as they were then silent on the subject, they should still remain silent. This we could but regard as just, and was all we could ask.
The tender spirit of confession and forgiveness was mutually cherished by all. It was a pleasure to confess past errors. We felt to heartily join in this work, and shared the blessing. And while others confessed and asked forgiveness, we could say from the deepest feelings, that the past was more than healed. God's holy Spirit touched all our hearts. And how strong was the union then felt between hearts broken and subdued by the grace of God.
At an evening meeting, an unusual spirit of prayer was rolled upon several brethren, who prayed most fervently for the Lord to pour out his Spirit, and work in our midst. These cries, indited by the holy Spirit, were answered in a wonderful manner. The Spirit rested upon us, especially upon two of our number who were slain by its power. And these words were spoken with great power, under the influence of the Holy Ghost, "Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord, and will heal all your backslidings." Precious words were these, full of hope and consolation to the erring and desponding. Brethren and sisters began heartily to confess the truthfulness of the message we had brought them, and their lack of consecration. And as they talked, and broke away from the spell that bound them, the Spirit of God filled the place. Some who had been almost silent for months, shouted the high praises of God. The words, "Glory," and "Hallelujah," seemed to fall far short of expressing the exceeding joy which filled nearly every heart. Those personally acquainted with Bro. and Sr. Loughborough will be happy to learn that the Spirit of God wonderfully attended Sr. L.'s testimony as she confessed her past lack of consecration, and gave herself anew to the Lord, and could say to her husband, Go forth in the name of the Lord to do his work. The Lord gave her a strong spirit of labor for others. It was remarked that it would not seem so wonderful for God to send angels to address us as some newly consecrated ones talked under the influence of the holy Spirit, for we should expect much of angels; but that so great a change should be wrought so soon was far beyond our expectations. Should we undertake to give a full description of the triumphant meetings at Wawkon, we should fall far short of doing justice to the subject. We close our remarks by adding that these meetings were the most powerful we had witnessed for years, and, in many respects the most wonderful we ever witnessed.
We parted with our dear friends in tears, feeling the sweetest union with them, and grateful to the Lord for his merciful dealings to his erring children. We felt that the increase of light and evidence that we were living in the last of the seven periods of the church of Christ was ten fold, and that we were already85many times paid for facing the prairie winds and storms on our long and tedious journey to Northern Iowa. Bro. Loughborough returned with us to Illinois, and joins Brn. Everts and Hart in their labors in the West. J. W.
THE SEVENTH SEAL.
By E. Everts
BRO. SMITH: In Review of Dec. 18th, I notice remarks on the seventh seal. I view your remarks very correct and appropriate; and inasmuch as all scripture is given to perfect us, "and thoroughly furnish us to all good works," I believe that to search diligently to know every truth, especially all that have a fulfillment near the end of the world and the coming of Christ, is reasonable, duty and safe.
The seventh seal of course comes in numerical order, and the sixth opens to our vision the great day of the wrath of the Lamb, which develops the most distressing scene that mind can rest upon. It is a scene when the kings, great men, rich men, chief captains, mighty men, every bondman and every freeman will join in the most awful and distressing prayer-meeting that can be imagined. It takes place when there is no Daysman, no Intercessor, to plead for poor sinful mortals. It must be when our great High Priest has finished his unequaled work of mercy, of pleading the merits of his precious blood for poor sinners, and has laid by his priestly garments, and clothed himself with garments of vengeance, and with zeal as a cloak." Isa. lix, 16, 17.
O, truly that awful day is rolling on; yea, it hasteth greatly—it is near. Yea, this is the generation; our neighbors, our dear friends, our families, yea, my dear brethren, ourselves must witness it. What part shall we act in this awful drama? Shall we enjoy the unspeakable consolation, that the "44" consecration and faithfulness afforded when we felt that we had done all that we could by works of entire consecration to God, and solemn warnings in tears to all around? O may the Lord help us to ponder well the coming events.
What will transpire at the close of the scenes of the sixth seal? "And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour." Rev. viii, 1.
This short description of what transpires under the opening of the last seal, has left a field open for many conjectures. But does not the word of God afford us light on which we may rest our weary thoughts? "Silence in heaven." How stupendous the thought! Never since "the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy," [Job xxxviii, 7.] have the holy angels who cry day and night, Holy! holy! holy! making all heaven's arches resound with the high praises of God, permitted silence in heaven.
But our Saviour has pointed us to a time when we may reasonably conclude that there will be silence in heaven; for he says, "When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory; and before him shall be gathered all nations; and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth the sheep from the goats." Matt. xxv, 31, 32. When this emptying heaven of all the holy angels takes place, will not there be "silence in heaven?" "About half an hour." Will it not be some seven days? for a prophetic hour is fifteen days.
My dear brethren, will not the high praises of God from the redeemed break the silence of that half hour? When they sing the songs of redeeming love, and raise such shouts of victory, as heaven never before witnessed; when saints of all ages, from righteous Abel to the last sealed saint, from the sea, from the land, shall be gathered by the great Jubilee trump, ascend with Jesus and the bright retinue that escorted the King of glory upon the white cloud, join in the greeting of patriarchs, prophets, holy apostles, and near and dear friends; will they not together break that silence that paved the way for an abundant entrance through the pearly gates to approach the tree of life? Amen. E. EVERTS.
Round Grove, Whiteside Co., Ills., Jan. 4th, 1857.
"He Being Dead yet Speaketh."
By Editor
The following excellent letter from the pen of Bro. Miller, to a brother, was published in the Advent Herald in Dec., 1844. It breathes the sweet spirit of "former days," when the Advent body was "illuminated" with the bright and cheering rays of the pure gospel of the kingdom, and were deeply imbued with its sanctifying power. We think his view of the book of James is correct. But alas! how few of James' brethren can be found among those with whom Bro. Miller once associated. Certainly, there never was a time when the admonitions and instructions found in the book of James, or the excellent advice of Bro. Miller, were more needed than at this present time. But as neither have been heeded, we can but rejoice that the good old man sleeps in Jesus. James' brethren will, however, yet be fully manifested before the second advent. The church of Christ will yet "come into the unity of the faith."
DEAR BROTHER: Yours of the 23d inst., was received yesterday, and I am now seated to answer it. The disappointment which we have experienced, in my opinion, could never have been foreseen or avoided, and we have been honest men and believed in the truth of the Bible. I have had time a few weeks past, to review the whole subject, and with all the aid of Stuart, Chase, Weeks, Bush, and the whole school of modern writers, I cannot see why we are not right. And even by taking the whole together, instead of disproving the position we have taken, as it respects prophecy, they confirm me in my views. But say you, time has shown that we are wrong. I am not so certain of that. Suppose Christ should come before this year of Jewish time should expire; then every honest man would say we were right. But if the world does stand two or even three years more, it would not in the least alter the manner of the prophecy; but would affect the time. One thing I do know, I have preached nothing but what I believed, and God's hand has been in with me, his power has been manifested in the work, and much good has been effected, for the people have read the Bible for themselves, and no one can honestly say they have been deceived by me. My advice has always been for every one to study the evidences of their faith for themselves.
Again, I can see no object that Satan could have in publishing a doctrine which his own subjects would so generally oppose. No one can possibly plead that those who have excited the mobs, or the mobs themselves who have committed violence, were obeying the example or spirit of Christ. This would be blasphemy in the highest sense. Very well; then Satan would be opposing Satan, but on the part of the Adventists, Satan would be a non-resistant. Can this be true? If it is, then I have no rule by which to judge where the Spirit of Christ may be known. To tell us that those who have headed the most violent mobs in our country were performing the will of God is an insult to common sense. Yet in no case have the nominal churches dealt with their brethren for such an offense.
It cannot be that we are deceived. That Christ will come and justify us yet, I will not doubt. Our meetings are like yours, sweet and heavenly refreshings from the presence and Spirit of God, with no wicked to molest us; they have left us entirely. For some time in October they crowded our house day and night; but now "there is room enough;" the trap is laid for them, they appear to know that Christ will never come; they that were crying for mercy, a few days since, are now scoffing and mocking us, and ridiculing each other's fears. Even some old professors are worse than the world. Have not such individuals sinned against the Holy Ghost? And when they say "peace and safety," will not sudden destruction overtake them? While the wicked were thus expecting him, how could the Scriptures have been all fulfilled if he had come? They could not. But now they are ready for the snare, and out of their own mouths God will judge them; for they well knew they were unprepared, and the way they knew, or why so anxious for mercy? But when the danger was past, all of their preparation was over.
I feel confident that we shall see very serious times. We shall need much patience. And this peculiar grace will last us through "unto the coming of the LORD." But I will try to be patient. James v, 7-11. To whom did the Apostle address himself in his exhortation? To what age of the church? To that age where the coming of the Lord draweth nigh, and the Judge standeth at the door. Why did he mention them to be patient? Because he supposed they would be impatient to have the Lord come. Is there any sign among our nominal churches and sects, that they are impatient for Christ to come? No; evidently it is the reverse—they desire him not to come. Then, if the Judge standeth at the door, they are not James' brethren? No. Will you tell me who are James' brethren in this age? They are those who are converted from Judaism and scattered; [James i, 1-4;] they ask wisdom of God in faith, not wavering, [verses 5, 6.] the poor among them are exalted, and the rich are made low, [verses 9, 10.] they endure temptation without wavering, and after their trial are blessed with a crown of life, [verse 12.] they are begotten of God with his word of truth, and doers as well as hearers of the word, [verses 18-22.] they have forsaken creeds, and look and continue in the law of liberty. [verse 25.] they visit the afflicted and have no fellowship with the world. Verse 27.
They must not countenance nor support war, for that cometh from lust, [James iv, 1-3.] they must not have respect to the rich and despise the poor, for that is judging unrighteously, [James ii, 1-10.] they must show their faith by their works, and have no boasting where their works are not made manifest, [verses 14-26.] they must not strive to be masters or rulers of their brethren, and have but few D.D.s or A.M.s among them, [James iii, 1-12.] they must have no envying or striving against the truth, and be possessed of that wisdom which cometh down from above, [verses 13-18.] they are to humble themselves, and speak no evil of the brethren, [James iv, 10-17.] they are to cry unto the Lord in their afflictions and persecutions, and make no resistance, [James v, 4-6.] they will stablish their hearts in faith by patience, and grieve not the brethren, [verses 7-9.] they will take the prophets for their example, and remember that the end of Job's trials from the Lord was his patience, [verses 10, 11.] they will not swear nor take any oath. Verse 12. If afflicted, they will pray, if merry, sing, if they are sick, call for the elders to pray, and if they sin, confess their faults, and if others sin, restore if possible. Verses 13-20.
And now, my brother, if you can find such a band, they are the Apostle's brethren. Say to such, "Be patient, therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts; for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh." Read this to all the holy brethren; for it is the best and only advice I can give them; and tell them I request their prayers, that I may follow the same advice; for their prayers are better to me than the world's love, and much more to be desired than a good name from those who hate my King. I ask no favors of Caesar's household, but that I may enjoy in peace my blessed hope. I have never courted the smiles of the proud, nor quailed when the world frowned. I shall not now purchase their favor; nor shall I go beyond duty to tempt their hate. I shall never seek my life at their hands; nor shrink, I hope, from losing it, if God in his good providence so orders. I thank God for your steadfastness in the truth, and pray him that you may endure unto the end. I remain, as ever, looking for and expecting the King in his glory soon. WM. MILLER.
DIVISIONS.
By Francis Gould
Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. Rom. xvi, 17.
The above text has been much referred to of late, by certain persons, and applied to the Commandment keepers, as that class which, as they say, have caused the greatest part of the divisions that now exist in the church, by teaching that the churches are fallen, and that we should leave them in order to escape the seven last plagues; and by teaching also that men must keep another day for the Sabbath; thus building up a new sect or party, and making divisions in the church. That there are divisions among the different professed churches of the land, we all know; and it shows plainly that they are not of God. I apprehend there is no such thing as the true church of Christ being divided.
Let us hear the language of Christ: "I am the vine, ye are the branches. He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit; for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered, and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned." John xv, 5, 6. We learn from this that every true disciple of Christ bears the same relation to him as the living branch does to the vine. We are taught that the church is the body of Christ, and he the head of that body; consequently while we stand so intimately connected with the great Head of the church, and receive from him the engrafted word of life, we shall be able to stand in the unity of the Spirit, and bonds of peace.
The question may arise here, How do divisions seemingly get among us? Paul answers in the language of the text: it is by those who teach doctrine contrary to that which ye have learned. By this means some would be influenced by them, and go out from us, because they are not of us. The primitive disciples learned from the mouth of the prophets, Christ and the apostles, that, this same Jesus which was taken up from them into heaven, would so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. Acts i, 11. They learned that there was to be a resurrection of the body, and also its order; for the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 1 Thess. iv, 16, 17. They learned that death is not the "gate to endless joy," but that the living know that they shall die, and that the dead know not anything, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Eccl. ix, 5. They learned that immortality comes alone through Jesus Christ, and that the saints receive it at the resurrection of the just. They learned that the ten Commandments which constitute the law of God, are binding upon all men, through all probationary time; for says Christ, think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. Matt. v, 17. They learned that these signs should follow them that believe, which the Saviour declares as follows: "In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing it shall not hurt them. They shall lay hands on the sick and they shall recover." Mark xvi, 17, 18.
We infer from the foregoing scriptures, that those who come among us teaching not the doctrine there inculcated, but teaching for doctrine the commandments of men, are those that cause divisions, whom the Apostle tells us to avoid.
Again the Apostle draws the line still closer when he says, If any man preach any other gospel than that ye have received, let him be accursed. Gal. i, 9. Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed. 2 John 9, 10.
But says one, What does Christ mean when he says, Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you nay; but rather division. Luke xii, 51. In Matt. x, 35, 36, he gives an explanation. For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and a man's foes shall be they of his own household. I do not understand here that Christ makes any allusion to a division in the church, but draws the dividing line between the church and the world, between him that serves God, and him that serveth him not. The gospel of Jesus Christ is calculated to make a separation, and call out from the world a people for his name. They are to be one, perfectly united in mind and judgment.
Now I beseech you, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment. 1 Cor. i, 10. Paul here teaches his brethren how they may avoid those who would cause divisions, by being perfectly joined together in the same mind, and in the same judgment. A house divided against itself cannot stand. But union is strength, and is the great bulwark which bids defiance to all the stratagems of the enemy.
O that the church may arise from her Laodicean state, and put on strength! that she may look forth as the morning, fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners. Song vi, 10.
Randolph, Vt., Dec. 30th, 1856.
COMMUNICATIONS.
By H. M. Kenyon
'Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another.'
From Bro. Kenyon.
BRO SMITH:—I feel to praise the Lord that he has opened my eyes in these last days to see where we are in the world's history. Sometimes, when thinking of these things, it seems almost an impossibility that they should come to pass in my day; but when I look at the signs of the times, my doubts are all removed and the light shines as clearly as the sun at noon-day.
When I see how the world hates and despises those that are striving to do the will of God, I think of the words of our blessed Saviour: 'If ye were of the world, the world would love his own; but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.' John xv, 19.
I feel like looking away from these dark things of earth, and placing my eyes on the prize which I believe lies just before us. Praise God for the blessed hope! I believe with all my heart that we soon shall see the Lord descending in all his glory. Then will all the tribes of the earth mourn when they shall see the Son of man, coming with power and great glory.
I feel willing to take my place among the humble few who keep the commandments; for I believe we shall be exalted in due time. May God help us all to humble ourselves under his mighty hand; and we shall soon reap a rich reward if we faint not.
H. M. KENYON
Monterey, Mich.
L. M. JONES
By L. M. Jones
From Bro. Jones.
BRO. SMITH: I rejoice that I was led to believe in the Third Angel's Message and the near coming of Christ; and also, that I was called out of Babylon. I am willing to have my name cast out as evil, and be called the filth and offscouring of the world. It is enough for me to know that I am owned and approbated of Him who is soon to come. I want to be among those whose sins go beforehand to judgment, and there have them all blotted out.
We have certainly arrived at a solemn period in the Message. It seems to me that it is now life or death. Those that will heed the counsel of the True Witness are soon to have a great work done for them. I believe the Message is soon to go. And may the inquiry go through the camp of Israel, Am I ready for the reception of God's Spirit, which is about to be poured out upon those who bring all of their tithes into the store-house? Has not the last deep struggle come. O, brethren, let us arise in the strength of God, and put the armor on. May the Lord help us to repent, and buy gold tried in the fire, and white raiment that we may be clothed, and eye-salve that we may see.87
The church here are struggling for liberty. O God remove the dark cloud. Help thy children to exercise living faith.
Yours in hope of life.
L. M. JONES
Monterey, Mich. Jan. 4, 1857.
THE BEAUTIFUL HEREAFTER.
In the beautiful hereafter
Once again the Eden trees—
Life's undying harmonies—
Shall from mortal dust outbloom,
Sunshine triumph over gloom.
Man now treads the burning rafter
Thrown across the burning sea—
Hark! the angel sings to me:
"In the beautiful hereafter;
Once again the Eden trees
Out from God's own harmonies,
Shall upon the earth unfold,
Blooming through the age of gold,
Vain is thy derisive laughter,
Critic; can a single sneer
Blot out Summer from the year?"
In the beautiful hereafter,
Hark! I hear that angel-strain,
God in man's own heart shall reign,
Man become a Spirit pure,
Earth in heaven's own form endure;
Seraph hosts shall re-appear,
Then shall bloom Love's endless year.
[Practical Christian.
Encouragement for the Scattered Flock
By E. O. Meacham
From Bro. Meacham.
DEAR BROTHER: The question has been asked "Why dont they write"? To this I can only answer for myself; that is, "while I am coming another step-peth down before me." Still I can offer no excuse for not speaking to the scattered ones and telling them of my prospects, hopes and fears, and also offer a word of encouragement to them.
Many of the scattered flock are like us, having no teacher but the Review; and being alone, the communications from the dear brethren and sisters are a stimulus to encourage us to press on through trials and persecutions, until we are called away. Yes, the warm hearted letters published in the Review are to us like pools of water to the parched earth. And since we prize them so highly, we wonder why more of them do not write. I feel that I have neglected the brethren in not writing oftener; but much of my time has been spent in trying to present the truth at the fireside of families who are yet in darkness.
I believe the time has come that we must be zealous and repent, and heed the counsel of the True Witness, for if we "buy gold tried in the fire, white raiment that we may be clothed, and eye-salve to anoint our eyes" we may yet see the truth in a clearer and more forcible light. The time has come that we must go out and raise the cry "Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen." God works by means; and if we heed the counsel to the Laodiceans we shall receive the gifts of the Spirit, and become a peculiar people—a holy people—a people through whom God will work; for the Saviour has promised that they that believe on him shall do the works that he did. And whatsoever we shall ask in his name that he will do.
Brethren, let us have the strongest faith in God, and we shall through his power cast out devils and heal all manner of diseases. But we must cut loose from the world and be not conformed to its fashions, neither love the things that are in it, if we expect the smiles and approbation of our heavenly Father.
As for me I can say that I am trying to arise from the lukewarm state into which we have fallen; and I feel that what we have to do, we must do quickly; for soon the decree will go forth, "He that is holy let him be holy still, And he that is righteous, let him be righteous still, and he that is filthy let him be filthy still."
I would like to hear from all, whether they are determined to arise in the strength of Israel's God or be spued out as a loathsome thing.
Yours, striving to overcome.
E. O. MEACHAM
Savanna Ills.
Counsel to the Scattered Saints
By Isabel G. Meacham
From Sister Meacham.
Bro. Smith: Having no privilege of meeting with brethren and sisters of like precious faith, and enjoying with them a social interview, and 'sitting in heavenly places in Christ Jesus,' I would speak through the organ of the church, and let them know that I am still trying to keep all the Commandments of God and the Testimony of the Saviour. Although we meet with many cares and trials on the way, if we are faithful, he who led Israel through the wilderness into the land which flowed with milk and honey, will also lead us into that heavenly Canaan, where sorrow and sighing will flee away, and where all tears will be wiped from every eye by the kind hand of our heavenly Father.
I believe that the counsel addressed to the Laodiceans by the true Witness is the last that will ever be given to the church; and shall we not heed the warning? Or shall we let it pass unheeded by, and at last be found with foolish virgins with no oil in our vessels? Do we realize our condition? and are we willing to sacrifice all upon the altar of God, and become a poor, despised, outcast people, of whom the world will not be worthy? Shall we arise in the strength of Jehovah, and come up to the help of the Lord against the mighty, and go forth, 'fair as the moon, clear as the sun, and terrible as an army with banners'? Or shall we settle down with the idea that we are 'rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing,' and finally be found with those who have written on their garments, 'Weighed in the balance and found wanting?'
For one I feel like arising from this lukewarm state, and girding on the whole armor of God, that I may be able to stand in the evil day, and having done all to stand.
Yours striving to enter into the kingdom.
ISABEL G. MEACHAM.
Savanna, Ills., Jan. 1st, 1857.
Seeking the True Faith
By Phebe Brown
From Sister Brown.
Bro. Smith : Upon mature reflection, I greatly realize the blessings which have been, and are still being, conferred on me by the Lord, and those who send me the Review, which brings good news, and glad tidings from a far country. With pleasure do I peruse it, especially that portion of it which treats on keeping the heart, as I am deprived of the privilege of meeting with those who worship God in spirit and in truth. I often think that were I so situated that I could mingle my prayers and praises with those who revere the name of God, and worship the Creator more than the creature, I should rejoice with joy unspeakable.
A number of years ago I united myself with the Seventh-day Baptists, and thought them the favored people of God, and still think many of them are, but the majority I think have greatly departed from the true and living faith of the gospel. I remained with them several years, till, being constrained, as I thought, by the Spirit of God to leave, I accordingly did so, and am now trying to seek for a people who will labor with apostolic faith, willing that God should work in a miraculous manner, or by the smallest means.
I need wisdom from on high to direct me in the right way, while living in this sin-polluted world, while one on the right hand and another on the left are falling away, discarding the truths of the Bible, and calling them a fiction; and those too whom I once thought to be the salt of the earth, I tremble in view of the result. How much longer will the Lord suffer his creatures to violate his laws, and trample them under their feet, and set at naught his counsels? Soon the time will come when he will say to them, Vengeance is mine, I will repay; and that in language too plain not to be understood. O solemn thought! to rush into the presence of a great and holy God guilty and condemned! 'Tis enough to arouse the hardest heart.
I hope the Advent band will continue to cry aloud and spare not. Lift up your voices like a trumpet, and show the people their sins, till the Lord will call no longer, when probation shall be ended. And when you are bowing before the altar of the Lord, cast one prayerful thought to the Father of mercies for your lonely and unworthy sister.