Earlier text: A SHOUT FOR FREEDOMTHE sum total of human influence is comprised in these three words. In one of these three channels it must flow; for it has no other. Every sin that has ever been committed, has been done in some one or all of these three ways; and every good deed that has ever been performed, has been confined to the same channels. All that goes to make up character, takes its place under some one of these three heads; and when character is weighed at last, the estimate will be formed on these three points alone—the thoughts, the words, and the actions. How important then do these channels of our being become! How important that they be carefully closed against the insidious ingress of the enemy, and sleeplessly guarded against all his attacks! In each of these ways we may go wrong, in each of them sin against God; while only by being right in all of them can we be accepted with him. And here we are never idle. In thought or word or act we are always busy; and in neither of these can we be neutral: we are therefore constantly moving on one side or the other. Think of this, and say, reader, if the importance can be estimated of knowing how to be, and then of being, on all these points without sin. Let us then look at a few of the declarations, directions and warnings of the word of God touching these divisions of our conduct. Considering the importance of our outward actions, and the direct influence we thereby exert on those around us, we are not surprised to find throughout that blessed word so many exhortations to those deeds which are good, and so many warnings against those which are evil. By the Lord, we are told, actions are weighed. 1 Sam. ii, 3. A law has been given us by which to regulate our lives in this respect, enforced by suitable rewards and penalties; outward manifestations of God's displeasure against sin, have been recorded for our admonition; and finally we are told that according to our deeds, whether good or bad, so shall be our sentence beyond this life. Next to our acts, we exert an influence for good or evil by our words. What directions have we concerning these? By these we may accomplish good. "A word spoken in season," according to Solomon, "how good is it!" And words fitly spoken are like apples of gold in pictures of silver. Prov. xv, 23; xxiv, 11. Profane and vain words "will eat as doth a canker." 2 Tim. ii, 17. The man that offends not in word is a perfect man. Jas. iii, 2. The Psalmist prayed that the words of his mouth might be acceptable to the Lord. Ps. xix, 14. The words of the tale-bearer are as wounds. Prov. xviii, 8. There is more hope of a fool, than of a man who is hasty in his words. Id. xxix, 20. In coming before God our words should not be hasty and rash, but few. Eccl. v, 2. Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord. Prov. xii, 22. We are to keep from speaking evil and guile. Ps. xxxiv, 13; Prov. xxiv, 28. The tongue must be bridled. Jas. i, 26. And, finally, for every idle word we must give an account; and by our words we shall at last be justified or condemned. Matt. xii, 36, 37. Thus definite and precise is the word of God in reference to our acts and words; and thus constantly are we to guard against the everpresent danger of sinning therein. But what of our thoughts, those unexpressed and invisible messengers that hold council in our own bosoms? May they become tainted with sin? Yes; even here sin may enter: and here too we must erect our works to bar it out. In what way may we sin here? By harboring unprofitable thoughts. "The thought of foolishness," says the wisest of men, "is sin." Prov. xxiv, 9. We are not to let over anxious thoughts for the future disturb us. Matt. vi, 25. Simon sinned in thinking that the Holy Ghost might be purchased with money; and Peter said to him, Repent therefore of this thy wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of thine heart may be forgiven thee. Acts viii, 22. Vain thoughts are to be hated. Ps. cxix, 113. The unrighteous must forsake his thoughts, as well as his wicked ways. Isa. lv, 7. The Psalmist prayed that not only the words of his mouth, but also the meditation of his heart might be acceptable in the sight of his Lord. But may not wicked thoughts and temptations arise, it will be asked, and yet not be sin? Assuredly; but they are not sin simply because we do not harbor them. The state of the converted person is well defined by the apostle, as that in which every thought is brought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 2 Cor. x, 5. And when every thought is thus brought into obedience to Christ; and the tongue bridled that we offend not in word, and our actions regulated by the law of God, the whole sphere of man's volition is spanned. Let us extend a little the prayer of the Psalmist, and have the thoughts of our hearts, the words of our mouths and all our acts acceptable in the sight of the Lord, our strength and our Redeemer. NOTES AND QUERIES.
By Editor
"NOR THY STRANGER WITHIN THY GATES."
A Correspondent writes: "We should like to hear from you through the Review on that part of the fourth commandment which reads 'Nor thy stranger within thy gates.' We think it might be acceptable to many." The fourth commandment is very definite. It gives direction to the man concerning his son, his daughter, his manservant, and maidservant, and it places the stranger, while within his gates, on the same footing, and under his control. But what are his "gates," and who is the "stranger?" Ans. We understand by "thy gates," any real estate under the control of the individual, and by "thy stranger," any person who does not sustain to that individual the relation of son or daughter, manservant or maidservant. Does an individual call upon a Sabbath-keeper on the Sabbath? He is not to do any work while within his gates or on his premises. Should he presume to (other of course than works of necessity and mercy) it would be the Sabbath-keeper's duty to make known his wishes for him to desist. If a Sabbath-keeper has a piece of land or a farm, it is his gates while he holds personal possession. And if he suffers on such farm or land labor to be carried on on the Sabbath, we cannot see how he lives up to the commandment which makes it incumbent on him to see that all within his gates, son, daughter, manservant, maidservant, cattle and stranger refrain from labor. Would this exclude those who keep the Sabbath from taking as boarders those who do not? We think not; provided such boarders performed their labor outside of the premises of the Sabbath-keeper, in which case they would not sustain the relation of strangers within his gate. F. Woods : For an exposition of 2 Cor. v, 8, we refer you to our published works on the subject of man's nature, intermediate state and destiny. REPORT FROM BRO. COTTRELL.
By R. F. Cottrell
Bro. Smith : For a few weeks past, Bro. Saunders and myself have been laboring at a school-house on the Hess road, in Newfame, Niagara Co., N. Y.53 Have had sixteen meetings, and there is a good interest among the candid, thinking part of the community. The opposition, however, is strong, as it usually happens. A minister was invited from Somerset to come and vindicate \"old Tradition,\" and his work was performed to the satisfaction, doubtless, of latter-day scoffers, and the thoughtless youth who love to spend an evening in loud and boisterous laughing. In short, the speaker descended(?) to the level of a circus clown, in his disgusting mimicry and blasphemous jesting upon Scripture teachings. As a sample, he represented that we were for having the earth \"singed over\" and burnt to a sufficient depth to destroy the \"pussley and pig-weed,\" so that we should not be obliged to weed our gardens. Such things as this Peter foretold—that in the last days scoffers should come. \"But,\" said he, \"the day of the Lord WILL COME as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and the works that are therein shall be burned up.\" The words of the scoffer, \"Where is the promise of his coming?\" were almost literally uttered by the speaker. Said he, \"They have been disappointed once and they will be again.\" He told a new story about Bro. Miller, one which he could not have expected that his hearers would believe. He said that on the set day for the Lord's coming, some of the brethren thought it would be a fine thing to go down to father Miller's and go up with him. So they got ready and went down, and when they got there they found the old man building a stone fence. The speaker would bah like a sheep, and when he had got off what he thought was a good joke, would even laugh at his own folly, to keep the house in frequent bursts of laughter. All this of itself is not worth the time of telling; but it is a sign of the times, and for this reason I have written it. When professed orthodox ministers of the gospel can descend to such things and still retain their standing in the popular denominations, true piety and a veneration for sacred things must be at a very low ebb. But this discourse failed to produce the desired effect. It was over-wrought. Serious-minded people were disgusted. The next Sabbath three more commenced to rest according to the commandment. May they be faithful to the end, and have a crown of life. At our last monthly meeting we were rejoiced to learn that Bro. Lindsay's oldest son and his wife had commenced to keep the Sabbath. Neither of them were professors of religion, but they had deliberately and alone, in a neighborhood where there are no Sabbath-keepers, made up their minds to obey the Lord, and had kept three or four Sabbaths previous to our meeting. They attended the meeting, and expressed their resolution to serve the Lord. He expressed his regret for his opposition to the truth in the past, and his grieving his parents while they were praying for him. He believed their prayers had been heard. All of Bro. Lindsay's children are now keeping the Sabbath. Three of the five have been baptized, and we expect the others will be ere long. Also their son-in-law and daughter-in-law are with them in the truth. I have spoken thus particularly of this family because many of the brethren, some east and some west, have been acquainted with them, and will rejoice to learn what the Lord has done for them. In hope of still witnessing the triumph of the truth, I am yours to labor on till victory is gained. ERE this paper reaches a majority of its readers, a new year will have dawned upon us. The old year will have completed its circuit and finished its record. The time will have come for new determinations and fresh resolves. Twelve months ago we no doubt, many of us, formed many purposes aud resolves of this nature. How have they been carried out ? Let us review the past and from it learn wisdom for the future. The past year has brought us its fifty-two Sabbaths radiant from the throne of heaven. How have we kept them ? Can we look back upon them as so many bright gems in our pathway unsullied by our own words, or our own ways? Another year is before us. Years, in these last days when the events of months are crowded into days, are important eras. What new revolutions it will witness, what new signs of the times it will develop, we canuot tell. Let us commence it aright, and if we are permitted to see its close, live through and end it aright, that it may be to us a profitable year's journey on the road to translation. REPORT FROM BRO. CORNELL.
By M. E. Cornell
Bro. Smith: Since my last report the Lord has greatly blessed our efforts, both in the revival and comforting of his people, and the awakening and conversion of sinners. From Milford we went to Rochester and Shelby, where we spent two Sabbaths. They were in a sad state because of a general lack of faithfulness to each other; talking over the faults of others behind their backs. As this is a source of great evil in some places I will here refer to some of the scriptures quoted on this occasion. "Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee, leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." Matt. v, 23, 24. What a perfect rule is this for the settlement of difficulties. According to this we have not done enough when we go to those we have aught against, but we are to go to those whom we know have "aught against us," and if we strive to restore in the right spirit our efforts will be blessed. Again our Saviour says, "When ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have aught against any; that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses." Mark xi, 25, 26. This rule requires that we forgive even without a confession on the part of the one who has injured us. Jesus on the cross forgave his greatest enemies, and that without any confession. And he has taught us to pray, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Says the Apostle, "Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned; behold the Judge standeth before the door." James v, 9. The connection of this last text clearly shows its application to the present time. Bro. Lawrence stood shoulder to shoulder with us to enforce the scriptures, and the Spirit of the Lord worked powerfully, so that the spirit of confession came in. Most hearty, heart-broken confessions were made, and the Lord returned to his people. Several that had left off all religious duties took a new start for mount Zion. Bro. and Sr. Lawrence were made to rejoice by their eldest son's deciding to go with them to the kingdom. It was the occasion of great rejoicing to us all. Another occasion of rejoicing was the restoration of sister Miller from a sickness nigh unto death, in answer to prayer. Truly the Lord has done great things for the church in Shelby. All praise to his name! We next went to Lapeer, and in company with Bro. Lawrence took earnest measures to drive the enemy out of the camp. The same spirit was there that had almost destroyed the cause in Shelby. At the conference the hurt was only slightly healed; this we feared at the time, but a hurried spirit drove us away before the work was done, and the Lord in his providence turned us back to finish what we had begun. It seemed that discouragement had come over the church since the loss of their house of worship, and lukewarmness, and a train of other evils had followed. At first it appeared like a hopeless case, but when we saw a general willingness to confess and forsake wrongs we took new courage. At a business meeting it was ascertained that the church was in debt $180, besides their subscription for tent enterprise, which they have not the means at present to liquidate. They also need another house of worship, which they are not able to build and pay what was behind on the house that was burnt. In consultation with Bro. Lawrence we decided to recommend that this church be released from their tent pledges, and that they be somewhat assisted from abroad if possible. This church have manifested a willingness beyond their means. May the Lord open the way for them. On our return from Lapeer we held two meetings in Canandaigua. The house was crowded, and the friends of truth there were revived. Before taking our final leave of the church at Shelby we felt it duty to attend to the ordinances. This was a precious season indeed, and we feel more than ever attached to these churches. Nearly two years had passed since I had labored with Bro. Lawrence. The Lord had greatly blessed our united efforts, and it was truly a privilege to again unite our voices in the same place with those the Lord had given us. The Lord has made us to feel "how good and pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity." Of late we have had unmistakable evidence that the Lord is returning to his people. In offering the prayer of faith, we have been reminded of former days, when the candle of the Lord shone around his people. The Lord is pleased with his children that walk by faith. O that we may live better, believe more, and be more ready to every good work. These are perilous times. There is danger of being too "slow of heart," and also of running too fast. Satan desires to keep us too far back, or drive us beyond the work, as in the case of some in Wisconsin reported by Bro. White. The admonition, "Be not deceived," is worthy of our attention just now. And if in our honest desire to be and do right, we get on the wrong track, we must be humble enough to back out, and confess the wrong and take a more humble place with the body. May the Lord save all the honest from the snare of the enemy. Any movement in favor of sanctification that does not have as its leading feature the soon coming of Christ and the third angel's message, may be reasonably questioned. Present truth is a good regulator, and we cannot prize it too highly in these awful moments of peril. We go next to East Saginaw, where I expect to give a course of lectures, if the way opens. Through the good mercy of God my health is almost entirely recovered, and my heart is of good courage. Brethren, pray for us. RELIGION ILLUSTRATED BY PHRENOLOGY.
By R. C. Farrar
THE science of phrenology proves conclusively that the seat of the mind is the brain; and so intimate is the connection between mind and matter, that any derangement of one produces a marked effect upon the other. How plainly the results of the fall can be traced in our feeble and shattered frames, as well as in the natural depravity of our hearts. My mind is carried back to the creation of man. When he came from the hand of God, how perfect he was, physically, mentally and morally. All the faculties of his mind were blended together in just that proportion necessary to the development of a perfect character. Benevolence, or love to our fellow-men, veneration, or religious reverence for the Deity, firmness, or fixedness of purpose, resolution, fortitude, conscientiousness, or love of justice and right, occupy the most elevated position of the brain, showing that they are to govern and control the rest of the faculties. When Adam partook of the forbidden fruit, he reversed this order of things very materially. Appetite is one of the lower faculties, and occupies a lower position in the brain. So do the domestic organs, love of home, family and friends, the principle of self-defense, love of property, &c. These faculties are all right in their legitimate use, but they are designed to be held in perfect subjection to the moral powers. Even our reason is not a sufficient guide in morals. Men of the mightiest intellects have gone fearfully astray from the path of rectitude. God has not made us self-sufficient beings. The faculty of veneration recognizes our dependence upon God, reason teaches us our obligations to him, and conscience enforces the decisions of reason. But does reason teach us what our duty is? I answer, No. We shall find, however, that man was not left to study out his duty by the light of finite wisdom. God's universe is governed by a perfect law. That law he gave to man as a rule of action—the perfect standard by which he was to develop a perfect character. But alas! man has fallen. His mind has lost the just balance of its powers. It has been degenerating ever since the fall, and, among the mass of men at least, the lower faculties assert their ascendancy. How shall we recover from the fallen state? The gospel holds out the only remedy. Jesus has died to redeem us from the effect of Adam's sins and place us again on probationary ground. But we are not perfect as Adam was. We are not capable of that perfect obedience which God's law requires. God cannot accept us on our own merits at all. O, how necessary then that there should be a mediator between God and us. And while we endeavor with all our ransomed powers, to conform to the holy law of God, he graciously grants us the aid of his Holy Spirit to help our infirmities, and through the intercession of Jesus we are accepted. God's law is our rule of perfection. And not only have we a perfect rule of action, but we have a perfect pattern or example to follow, which makes the way much plainer before us. To illustrate this more perfectly, we will suppose that a rule is given me for cutting out a certain article, and cutting by rule is something I am quite unused to doing. The rule tells me how long it shall be, how wide, whether curved or angular, long or short. I measure it this way and that, according to the rule, drawing from one point to another according to the best of my judgment.54 But suppose I have a pattern that is cut in perfect accordance with the rule. How much easier to cut by a pattern. I shall not have to stop and decide how to mark it from one point to another, for there is the pattern right before me, perfectly agreeing with the rule, and I know if I cut the garment just like the pattern, it will be just right. Jesus is our Pattern. His character is in perfect accordance with the law of God. Here we have in his example, not only the ten principal points, but all the minute particulars. Here it is filled up with meekness, long-suffering and patience, and there with self-denial, compassion, and forgiveness of injuries. O, let us emulate our glorious Example! Let us truly in heart and in life keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. It is the design of religion to restore back the just balance of the powers of mind, that each may have just that development God designed at the first. We must not discard a faculty altogether, because its excessive development has led us into sin. We must curb and restrain it within just the limits that God prescribes. God's word is plain on every essential point. We may walk understandingly as long as we walk by God's truth. Paul says, "I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also." Paul believed that his understanding, that is, his reason, or intellectual powers, had a part to perform in the worship of God. Let us endeavor to keep this truth in mind. Dear brethren and sisters, let us purify our hearts by obeying every truth in God's holy word. We are living in perilous times. Let us take heed to ourselves. Satan has spread his snares on the right hand and on the left, but with a right understanding of the will of God, and a willing obedience to the same, in the strength of Jesus, we shall at last get safely through. Kingston, Green Lake Co., Wis. “Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried.” Dan. xii, 10. Shall you and I, dear reader, be among the purified ones? is the all-absorbing question which should engage our earnest attention. Let us appeal to the infallible guide to know our duty in this matter and compare our hearts, our thoughts, our conversation, our habits, with the book of God. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Here is a precious promise. Again, “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” How free! how full! Truly the tender mercies of our God are over all his works. “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be; but we know that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him [Christ] purifieth himself even as he is pure.” 1 John, iii, 2, 3. It is a great thing to be a son or daughter of the Lord Almighty. The apostle Paul makes a most affectionate appeal to his Corinthian brethren in view of what the Lord had promised, namely, “I will be their God and they shall be my people; wherefore come out from among them, and touch not the unclean thing.” 2 Cor. vi. In view of this he continues, “Dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” The word, all, in the text comprehends, to my mind, every filthy habit, every unholy passion that the carnal mind is subject to. It is stated by those who know that in the rural districts of England the poor peasantry are remarkable for their cleanliness, especially in the cottage where God is revered and worshiped. No matter how poor, you will find their scanty clothing clean and whole, and an air of neatness and order within doors and all pertaining to them. Wesley and his coadjutors did much to bring about this happy state of things. I call to mind one or two of his admonitions: On seeing some ragged members he called out, “Mend your clothes, or I shall never expect you to mend your lives.” Cleanliness is next to godliness, is another; but I would go further and say it is a part of godliness. Again, we find him quoting from an old poet,
“Let thy mind's sweetness have its operation,
In thy clothes, person and thy habitation.” Some have entertained the view that a general slovenly appearance was an evidence of humility. This is a great mistake. Trace the history of God's people in the typical dispensation. We find that God required them to cleanse and purify their persons and dwellings, and to my mind nothing destroys one's influence for good more than a filthy exterior, especially among strangers. Does God require less of us in this respect than he did of his people anciently? Let us see, “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, adultery, fornication, uncleanness.” Gal. v, 19. In short, if any man be in Christ he is a new creature. Is it not reasonable to expect if the old man has been indulged in filthy habits, the new man will be striving to overcome them, or else what evidence have we that he is a new creature? If old things have not passed away he is the same man still. I am satisfied, dear brethren, that many of us are occupying too low ground. Quite a number whom I know personally, and among them those I love tenderly, are indulging in the use of tobacco. The Methodists in the days of Wesley and Clarke, when God was with them as a body, would not fellowship any who would not give up the use of tobacco; but now in her fallen state, from her bishops down to laymen, use it without rebuke. I speak what I know. Some eight years ago I was personally acquainted with Bishop S., of C. W. He used the filthy weed to that extent that he was scarcely ever without a pipe in his mouth except when preaching or asleep. How are the mighty fallen! Nine men out of ten even in the world will acknowledge it to be a bad habit. I have heard many say they would give half they were worth if they could only give it up, or had never commenced. Brethren, think of the position we occupy before this ungodly age, called to be burning and shining lights, God's peculiar people. Be entreated by one who loves you, to overcome this habit. Commence now. Use means you spend in this way, to the glory of God. Lay it up in heaven. I know that old habits are hard to overcome. But remember you have the same Saviour that Paul had when he declared, I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Do not trust in your own strength. Overcome in Jesus' name. If we do not overcome these things soon, it will be said, Let him that is filthy be filthy still. Now is the time to separate the precious from the vile. Now we may have all the dross taken away while the refiner is at the crucible. The trying time is just before us, and who shall be able to stand when the storm that is gathering shall burst? We cannot be too pure. “And does one short, preparing hour—
One precious hour—remain?
Rouse then, my soul, with all thy power,
Nor let it pass in vain.”
GEO. WRIGHT.
Lapeer, Mich. CHURCH OF SCOTLAND.
By Uriah Smith
Bro. Smith: I send you some of the articles of faith of the church of Scotland, approved by the general assembly 1647, and ratified and established by Acts of Parliament 1649, and 1690 as the public and avowed confession of the church of Scotland. F. C. R. 1. God gave to Adam a law, as a covenant of works, by which he bound him, and all his posterity, to personal, entire, exact, and perpetual obedience; promised life upon the fulfilling, and threatened death upon the breach of it; and endued him with power and ability to keep it. 2. This law, after his fall, continued to be a perfect rule of righteousness; and, as such, was delivered by God upon mount Sinai in ten commandments, and written in two tables; the four first commandments containing our duty towards God, and the other six our duty to man. 3. Besides this law, commonly called moral, God was pleased to give to the people of Israel, as a church under age, ceremonial laws, containing several typical ordinances; partly of worship, prefiguring Christ, his graces, actions, sufferings, and benefits; and partly holding forth divers instructions of moral duties. All which ceremonial laws are now abrogated under the new testament. 4. To them also, as a body politic, he gave sundry judicial laws, which expire together with the state of that people, not obliging any other now, further than the general equity thereof may require. 5. The moral law doth forever bind all, as well justified persons as others, to the obedience thereof; and that not only in regard of the matter contained in it, but also in respect of the authority of God the Creator who gave it. Neither doth Christ in the gospel any way dissolve, but much strengthen, this obligation. 6. Although true believers be not under the law as a covenant of works, to be thereby justified or condemned; yet it is of great use to them, as well as to others; in that, as a rule of life, informing them of the will of God and their duty, it directs and binds them to walk accordingly; discovering also the sinful pollutions of their nature, hearts, and lives; so as, examining themselves thereby, they may come to further convictions of, humiliation for, and hatred against sin; together with a clearer sight of the need they have of Christ, and the perfection of his obedience. It is likewise of use to the regenerate, to restrain their corruptions, in that it forbids sin; and the threatenings of it serve to show what even their sins deserve, and what afflictions in this life they may expect for them, although freed from the curse thereof threatened in the law. The promises of it, in like manner, show them God's approbation of obedience, and what blessings they may expect upon the performance thereof; although not as due to them as a covenant of works: so as a man's doing good, and refraining from evil, because the law encourageth the one, and deterreth from the other is no evidence of his being under the law, and not under grace. 7. Neither are the forementioned uses of the law contrary to the grace of the gospel, but do sweetly comply with it; the Spirit of Christ subduing and enabling the will of man to do that freely and cheerfully which the will of God revealed in the law requireth to be done. L E T T E R S.
By H. S. Gurney
"Then they that feared the Lord, spake often one to another." Bro. Smith: The thought of being with the Lord of life and everlasting glory, sharing with him in all the glory of his Father, who is our Father through his merits, is a very stimulating thought. But there is a way through which such a blessing may be enjoyed which is based on the principle of love flowing in two branches, towards God and our fellow-men. God is infinitely good. He so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son to die for man. Will seeking solely for reward exhibit the principle of love before the world for whom Christ died? Christ exhibited a character which must be seen in the Christian before the world, or else character is a mere profession—a mockery. To acknowledge Christ, to put on Christ, to walk with Christ, is not all talk. The life of Christ must be considered and imitated. He that heareth the55sayings of Christ and doeth them is like one building on a rock in the midst of storm and tempest. There are a few, and they are as pearls and jewels, who are constrained on the principle of the love of Christ to render service acceptable to God. Such glory in crosses, losses, afflictions and persecutions for Christ's sake, and following his example in submission to his Father. Such are God's peculiar treasure, and the reward of sharing with Christ in glory, is as certain as the promise is sure. Dear brethren, I hope we shall not lose sight of the signs of the times, that we shall keep our loins girt about with truth. It is very evident that the Lord is coming in this very generation; the signs cannot be mistaken, or transferred to another age. God's hand has been in the work of moving out the Advent people, and it is done forever. When Christ was manifested in his earthly mission, in fulfillment of scripture testimony, such fulfillment became a sign, proving the Lord's hand in the work. Taking this view of the subject is the reason why Peter could so boldly testify that we have a more sure word of prophecy whereunto we do well to take heed. That our Lord is coming so soon is a glorious thought. I say that he is coming, I do not guess at this. The same weight of evidence applied to a case in an earthly tribunal would be considered the clearest possible circumstantial evidence, and yet we doubt, like John the Baptist in prison. May God forgive us, and stir us up from a lukewarm state. Yours watching and waiting for the Life-giver.
H. S. GURNEY. We are voyagers on an ocean, and our destiny we know,
For our chart, it has pointed out the way.
Our leader, he is cheering us as o'er the waves we go,
Saying, courage sailor, soon we'll gain the day. CHORUS.
Then we'll watch and we'll pray as our vessel bears away,
And we'll never be disheartened any more;
For the port is getting nearer, and I hear the leader say,
We soon shall reach the harbor and the shore. Though hard the winds are blowing and high the billows roll,
'T will only make us sigh for land the more;
Our rest will be the sweeter when we reach the final goal,
And we'll shout our voyages over on the shore. We have passed the coast of Babylon, and Medo-Persian line,
We have left the coast of Grecia far behind;
We've been sailing down the Roman shore for eighteen hundred years,
And our chart declares the port we soon shall find. Traveling Together Toward Zion
By F. C. Ross
Dear Brethren and Sisters: As we are travelers together, seeking for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God, waiting for the coming and kingdom of our Lord and Saviour, we find it cheering on the way to hold sweet converse; often our hearts are made to burn within us, as we hear from some dear brother or sister. It may be one whose face we have never beheld, yet our hearts run together, and we are brought nigh by the blood of Christ. O what a precious relationship is this! "Ye are all one in Christ Jesus." May our heavenly Father speed the time when his children shall be gathered together from all places where they have been driven in the cloudy and dark day; when they shall all see eye to eye. There is a part of a little verse in Isaiah that always dazzles my weak eyes whenever I behold it, and that is, "Thy people also shall be all righteous." It causes a thrill of gladness to pervade my whole being, in contemplation of it. O what must it be to be there! I mean steadfastly to set my face Zionward, and try to gain an entrance there. There, may be, we shall meet the long lost father, sister, or mother dear. O what will it be to greet them once again! "There'll be the good and blest,
Those I love most and best."
I want to give my dear Saviour my whole heart, and then I shall know that I have given all that he required of me, all that I have to give. I wish to say, that more than one year's experience in the present truth has not abated my love for it, neither has it in anywise shaken my belief in it, but rather the reverse. It seems to me that the third angel's message has come just in the right place; and I am constrained to believe that this generation will not pass away till all be fulfilled. I want to believe the word of God in preference to man's word. O let us all pray that that worst of all sins, unbelief, we may be enabled to tread under our feet. It seems strange to me to hear those who profess to love our Lord and Saviour say, It is no matter when he comes, in ten years, or ten thousand! No matter to the dead, and none to the living! I have never found any place between the lids of the holy Bible that responds to this; but rather, "Lord Jesus, come quickly." May God grant that we may be counted wheat, and gathered into his garner. F. C. Ross.
Carlton, N. Y. Remember the Lonely Ones
By Mary A. Beasley
BRO. SMITH: I would like to say to the dear brethren and sisters of like precious faith that it is over six years since I saw that I was breaking God's holy Sabbath. I providentially got hold of three or four numbers of the Review, and I very soon saw the light, and felt as if I could not resist it. I have been trying since that time to keep the Sabbath of the Lord, and my Bible has been a new book to me. I see very clearly that the doctrines taught in the Review are the doctrines of the Bible. This is so plain it seems as if every one might see it, but there are none so blind as those that will not see. I have lent my neighbors books and papers to read. When they see the word advent that is enough. They don't wish to look at it any more. Dear brethren and sisters I am truly one of the lonely ones. There is but one in the neighborhood in which I live that I can converse with on the subjects that most interest me. I have to labor under a great many discouraging circumstances. I often think if I could attend some of your good meetings it would be a great help to me. I never had the privilege of attending an advent meeting but once or twice, then I met with the brethren in Burdie Settlement about nine miles from where I live. I heard Elder Poole preach from the third chapter of Genesis, 3rd and 4th verses. I was glad to hear the truth. Remember the lonely ones. MARY A. BEASLEY.
Pharsalia, N. Y. The Influence of Believers
By Jacob Ayres
BRO. SMITH: I can say the Lord has been very good to me in giving the light of present truth. I firmly believe this has kept me from many dangers through which I have passed since I began to learn this blessed way. O, I do desire to be more thankful, and realize fully the responsibilities consequent upon this high and holy calling. How solemn the thought that very much of good or evil is inseparably connected with our influence. May the Lord help me, and all the dear brethren and sisters of the third angel's message to see to it with all carefulness that our influence is on the right side. Yours striving to be an overcomer JACOB AYERS.