“WHILE we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen, for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” 2 Cor. 4:18. Faith in God and in his word opens up a theme of great and sublime realities; subjects vast and comprehensive appear before our eyes as realities, bringing peace and joy to the heart.
No earthly treasures or fortune can compare in importance with the considerations which faith presents to our view. The hope of eternal life, ripened into assurance, is a treasure, compared with which, all earthly pomps, and honors, and treasures, sink into insignificance.
Nor do we here undervalue earthly blessings; but we rate these things at their full value, as blessings of great worth; gifts from our Heavenly Father, gifts which, if well improved, may not only give us much comfort here, but may afford us many opportunities of doing good.
Earthly treasures are not to be viewed as small favors, to be despised and made light of; to be wasted or mismanaged, but as talents committed to us, for which we must finally give an account to the Lord of Heaven and earth.
But the unseen things which faith sees are heavenly, they are infinite and lasting.
Connected with everything earthly, we find uncertainty and care, labor, weariness, and pain; but connected with heavenly things are no such contingencies; but there all is permanence, all is purity and perfect peace, freedom from pain, freedom from weariness and sorrow.
There will no shadow of sin cast itself across our pathway, no labor there will fail of its reward, no fires will consume, no waves overflow, no lightnings scorch, nor earthquakes terrify, the peaceful inhabitants of paradise.
There will no ingratitude or pride magnify itself. There will be no stings of conscience, no remorse, no impure act, nor wanton look will shock the heart of virtue; no sharp trader will banter, nor adroit thief will break the bond of confidence. There will be no bolts or locks, no prisons or hospitals, no lunatics or idiots, no alms-houses, or courts of justice, or houses of correction.
No physicians or surgeons, no sheriffs or police, no armies or navies, will be needed there. No poisonous drugs, no death-dealing arms, powder, or balls, will be called for in that happy realm.
No long-complicated system of law will cast its pall of uncertainty over both just and unjust. No conflicting systems of medical science will wrap up the truth in a knot of uncertainty. No clouds will cast their gloomy shades, no tornadoes, or whirlwinds, will scatter the works of man.
Faith brings to view realities. She carefully weighs evidence, and is satisfied with sufficient and abundant proof. She does not gloomily survey the dark side of things, and then avert her eyes from the bright glory of God; but she opens her heart and mind to his sweet influence. JOS. CLARKE.
“Can Ye not Discern the Signs of the Times!”
By C. O. Taylor
SOME portions of God’s word have been fulfilled in every age. There have been some to fulfill the word. There have been others to believe in the fulfillment of the word. Those who have believed have done so because another class has taken a course that has fulfilled the word of the Lord, as spoken by the prophets, Jesus and his apostles.
Those who are fulfilling the word of God, generally speak very lightly of those that believe, thinking sometimes they are hardly fit to live, and being confident that their society is not worth possessing, and that to cast in their name and interest with them, would be a great disgrace. This is very plainly seen in those who are “lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, &c.,” 2 Tim. 3, all of whom are fulfilling the word of God that marks the last days.
You can hardly look amiss; you will see in every direction some one fulfilling the words of some holy man that has spoken by inspiration. 1 Peter 1:21. Yet these same persons deride, and would laugh to scorn, those who thus believe. Very many children, by their disobedience to their parents, are strengthening the faith of God’s people in the soon coming of the Lord. Very many lovers of pleasures are doing the same. Yet they generally think and sometimes talk it, that those thus looking for the Coming One are very foolish, nearly deranged.
It has been left to a few days in the past to show a clear and great fulfillment of the cry of peace and safety. 1 Thess. 5:3. One would nearly think the good time had come, or was coming, in and around the famous city of Boston for the last two weeks. While they cry peace, and are expecting a common brotherhood of all mankind, they are doing just what God’s word says some one will be doing when destruction, sudden destruction, shall come upon them. Yet they think those who are looking for the sudden destruction and saying it is coming, and who are seeking a hiding place from the gathering storm, a very strange class of persons, rather weak-minded, easily given to fanaticism. Oh! very good persons, generally, good neighbors, but there is a weak place in their heads somewhere. Truly, a strange world this. Yet the saint hopes on ever. C. O. Taylor.
Vermont Meetings in West Bolton, Charleston, and Sutton
By A. S. Hutchins
Vermont.
After the organization of the church in West Bolton and Jericho, I remained there through the month of May, holding meetings both Sabbaths and first-days. Our last meeting was held in the house of Bro. H. B. Smith, where the ordinances of the Lord’s house were celebrated with this church for the first time. It was a precious season, and a good impression was left upon the minds of all.
June 8 and 9, attended meetings in Charleston. Sabbath, 15, spoke to the church in Sutton. On first-day, the 16th, spoke twice in the Freewill Baptist house. As when here last January, some listened with deep interest to the word spoken, while the majority of this large church are afraid of “new things,” even though they are found in the word of God, the great and unfailing rule of the Protestant’s faith.
My soul feels most deeply for the Freewill Baptists, my former brethren. Oh! that they might return to their former devotion and consecration to God, to their zeal and sacrifice in his cause, to the ardent love for perishing souls which characterized preachers and people in the rise of this denomination. Then would they most earnestly seek to know the will of God, and cheerfully bear the cross, amidst reproaches and persecutions.
Sabbath and first day, 22 and 23, held meetings in Sutton. The Lord was truly with us in the celebration of the ordinances of his house. It was one of the happy hours of my life, to be permitted to baptize Bro. Dean and his companion. May they be numbered with the overcomers.
On the 24th, by request, I spoke at 5 P. M. in the Whipple school house. Had freedom in presenting the hope of the Christian. I hope and trust our visits and feeble labors here may not be lost. May some of these dear ones be gathered when the Lord shall come.
Sabbath, 29, preached twice at the house of Bro. Barrows, in Irasburg. Let none of the brethren and sisters be discouraged in this section of the State, that tent and camp meetings are brought no nearer to them. The cause of God is one, and his servants are trying to move in his fear, and we all need your prayers. Hope on, hope ever; there are souls yet to be saved in your section. Let your light shine.
Sabbath, July 6, spoke to the dear friends in Johnson. Their testimonies and good resolutions were cheering. Truly, God is good. To serve him is inexpressibly sweet, and the great gathering of the saints, and rest, unending rest, in Heaven, desirable beyond the power of language to describe.
“In that eternal day
No clouds or tempests rise:
There gushing tears are wiped away
Forever from our eyes.”
A. S. HUTCHINS.
Johnson, Vt., July 10, 1872.
Report of Labor.
By Stephen Nelson Haskell
It is not for lack of interest in the cause that I have not reported before, but more for lack of seeing accomplished that which would interest the readers of the REVIEW.
From May 17, to June 16, I was in the State of New York, where I held five general meetings in different parts of the State. These meetings were meetings of some interest. The brethren came from quite a distance to each of them. Considerable interest is manifested in this Conference in the Tract Society and other enterprises connected with the cause, more especially in the western and middle portions of the State, owing no doubt to the fact that other parts have not had that amount of labor.
The Tract and Missionary enterprise is a system that gives each individual the privilege of manifesting an interest, both as to their means, and actual labor in carrying forward this last message of mercy; and those that heartily enter into this work, and continue faithful, not being swerved from its object by difficulties that may arise, will hear it said in the day of Judgment, Because “thou hast been faithful over a few things I will make thee ruler over many things; enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.”
The truth must go, and the truth will go, and God has ordained man as his instrument to carry forward his work upon the earth; and if one fails to enter into the work and co-operate with the people of God, others will be raised up that will take hold of the work and receive the crown. A spirit of enterprise is needed in the cause of present truth if we would see it prosper, and prosper ourselves. The monotony of certain rounds of duty must be broken up, by reaching out for higher attainments, which will be accomplished by heartily embracing each truth, and co-operating fully with every step the people of God are taking. The religion of Jesus Christ is not a gloomy, long-faced affair; that sing-song tune which knows no change; but new victories are daily to be obtained, a “reaching forward to those things which are before.” This will give life and activity to the soul, and a living experience in the things of God.
June 22 and 23, met with the brethren at Green Hill, R. I. In this State the Tract Society is proving a great blessing to the cause. June 29 and 30, met with the friends at West Rindge, N. H. On first-day afternoon, eleven willing souls were buried with Christ in baptism including one deaf mute who manifested great joy in coming out of the water.
July 6 and 7, I was also with the brethren here, and completed organizing the church. The bad effect of a wrong use of the tongue, which is so difficult to tame, was very apparent in this section. David exclaims: “In my distress I cried unto the Lord, and he heard me. Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips, and from a deceitful tongue. What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue? It is as the sharp arrows of the mighty man, with coals of juniper.” (Margin.) Ps. 120. James gives us to understand that “every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind; but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” Again, he says, “If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.” But when the tongue is subdued and brought in subjection by the grace of God, so as to be made to speak right words at the right time, “how good is it;” it “is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Conversational powers are a great blessing, and when rightly used will bring joy to many hearts, and much fruit that will be seen in the kingdom of God; but, wrongly used, they will prove the ruin of many, and fill the garments of the unconsecrated with the blood of souls.
S. N. Haskell.
Tent Mission Labor in Minnesota Towns
By Dudley Marvin Canright
Minnesota.
I HAVE been here now two months, and have gained a fair understanding of the situation. Have given one course of lectures, visited several of the churches, attended the camp-meeting, seen most of the brethren, and traveled over eight counties visiting the cities and villages of any size in them. I am much disappointed in not finding a promising field for labor. Nearly all the towns of any size are railroad towns, with a large proportion of foreigners. Then I have found hardly a place but what either the first-day Adventists or our own ministers have preached more or less in them, generally with a tent, too.
After spending all the time I dared to in looking around, we finally came to Albert Lea, county seat of Freeborn County, a place of some seven hundred inhabitants, full half of whom are Norwegians. But we shall probably have to close our meetings for want of interest; nor have we any idea where to go from here. We are confident that there are good openings in the State somewhere, though we have not found them yet.
I have tried very hard to find some one to help me with the tent, in preaching; but have entirely failed so far; and hence have all the preaching to do alone. I think I shall not be able to stand this long. Bro. Hanson tries to help me some by preaching occasionally in the Norwegian language to a few of that people who come to hear.
I have seldom labored under so discouraging circumstances; but shall do the best I can and hope for better days. D. M. CARNRIGHT.
R. C. BAKER
By R. C. Baker
Experience.
I HAVE just returned from the camp-meeting at Lodi, weary in body, but refreshed in spirit. I feel very grateful to God for the benefits of this meeting. I hope that from this time forward I may steadily advance in the heavenward way. I want to get out of this lukewarm state that is so distasteful to my Heavenly Father, and have that consecration to the work, that humility and contrition of spirit, that will bring me near to the high and lofty One, whose name is Holy.
I was very forcibly impressed by a passage quoted from the writings of John Bunyan. It was to this effect: “The valley of humility is a difficult place to get into, but a delightful place to travel in, when you once get down into it. Our Lord walked much through this valley in the days of his flesh. And this valley is so low that the shafts of hate, of malice, and of47scorn, fly high over our heads and do not hurt us.”
Brethren and sisters, shall we think it hard to follow in the path where Jesus has trod? When we trace his bleeding footsteps down into the valley of humiliation, will it not sweeten the bitter cup we are sometimes called to drink? I earnestly desire to take the yoke of Christ upon me and learn of Him who was meek and lowly in heart. I have professed to wear the yoke of Christ for many years, but I have sometimes thought it heavy, and the cross hard to bear. I want to sit at Jesus’ feet and learn of Him, till I can count the cross of Christ my greatest joy, till I shall find that rest my weary soul has so long desired. Thank God! I do feel some of his blessing—some of that peace that passeth all understanding.
It rejoices my heart to see the cause advancing; to see souls encouraged that have been cast down; to see the goodness of God in answering prayer in the restoration of the afflicted, and to see some of the young interested in the salvation of their souls.
But still the cry of my heart is, “Nearer my God to thee.” I want the testimony that Enoch had, that God looks upon me with approval. I want to abide in Christ, and have his words abide in me, that he may condescend to take up his abode in my heart. But I know that Jesus will not dwell in a heart where self reigns. Self must die, that Jesus may be all and in all.
“Oh! for a humble contrite heart,
Believing, true, and clean;
That neither life nor death can part,
From Him that dwells within.”
R. C. BAKER
Mackford, Wis.
Indian Lake, N. Y.
By W. W. Locke
THERE are a few persons in this place who have commenced to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. We had our first Sabbath meeting yesterday. There were six testimonies given, and three or four others present that are trying to keep all the commandments. There are twelve in all that have embraced the Sabbath under the labors of Bro. S. B. Whitney. May the Lord lead us into a large place and establish our goings, and to this end we ask the prayers of the faithful. W. W. LOCKE.
Almont, Mich.
By D. H. Lamson
The tent-meeting here is still in progress. Have had in all thirty-four meetings up to the present writing. Have quite thoroughly canvassed the subject of the Sabbath, yet the interest is apparently on the increase. Our congregations are respectable in numbers and character, and the best of order is preserved and good attention paid. Our first Sabbath meeting was held July 6, a large delegation of brethren and sisters being present from Memphis, fifteen miles distant, and some from Lapeer. The blessing of the Lord attended the word preached, and the social meeting which followed was exceedingly interesting. Many testimonies were given from hearts imbued, we trust, with the Spirit of the living God, and a corresponding love for the truth. Eighty-five were present, exclusive of children, and nearly all were directly interested in the present truth.
We hope that this meeting may result in a rich harvest of souls, as the multitude that come to the meeting are almost, as a whole, in close sympathy with us in our work. A goodly number are already united on the main features of our faith, and have expressed their determination to obey God, keeping all his commandments. Some have embraced the truth that never before professed religion, and some just tottering on the verge of the grave. We do believe that God in his mercy will accept them, even at the eleventh hour. We still look for others that are halting between two opinions. May they yet serve the living God.
We have not been able to stay in Almont so long without meeting opposition. This culminated for the first time in a public attack upon the views we advocate, by Eld. J. T. Hankinson, of the M. E. church, in their house of worship, yesterday (Sunday) forenoon, July 7. He followed, almost verbatim, Dr. Aker’s Sunday seventh-day theory, but did not, however, succeed in convincing many of his hearers of the truthfulness of his position. In fact, the subject was more befogged than elucidated.
The same congregation, nearly, listened to a candid review of his discourse in the afternoon, in the tent. Hundreds were at the meeting. At its close, an expression was called for to know how many believed the seventh day of the week, or Saturday, to be the only weekly Sabbath of the Bible. A large proportion of the audience rose to their feet. Upon calling for an expression for the other side of the question, not one of the hundreds arose, clearly showing the unsatisfactory evidence for Sunday-keeping.
This was the first review of this phase of the Sabbath question that ever fell to my lot to undertake. We have reason to hope that it will result in good, as the blessing of the Lord was evident in all the meeting. We do praise the Lord for the beauties and harmony of the truth. Its every tower is impregnable. Bro. E. B. Lane left for Matherton, last Thursday, and returns to-morrow. We expect to remain here another week, perhaps longer, then remove, as is now expected, to Holly, Oakland County.
D. H. LAMSON.
Lincoln, Vt., July 8, 1872
By D. T. Bourdeau
From the Vermont Tent.
We have now held meetings in this place over three Sundays, and are in the midst of the Sabbath question. The interest is rather on the increase. New ones from the country are becoming interested. We have plenty of calls to make. It is all our faithful pony can do to take us from one point to another, in answer to these calls. We spoke twice in Jerusalem last week, but will have to suspend our effort there till we get through here.
We are glad to get encouraging letters from Kentucky. A brother from Locust Grove writes: “We are still keeping up our meeting and Bible-class, and are growing stronger in the faith every day. Had a good meeting last Sabbath. The children all took part. It was a refreshing season.” Another dear friend, whose kindness to us will not be forgotten, writes from another point, of a new one who has become “very strong in the advent faith. She went on home armed with a lot of books and papers.” A sister from the same place writes of a young man who has lately embraced the Sabbath. May God bless the young cause in Kentucky. May the friends there be faithful, though they should meet with reverses. A great field of usefulness is opening before them. Though they should fail in one direction and be disappointed, there will be other openings to do good if they are disposed to work. They may be tempted to think that they are accomplishing but little, while prejudice is being removed and deep and lasting impressions are being made upon minds.
I had but one rest-day after returning from Kentucky. I spent the first two weeks in traveling about three hundred miles by private conveyance to help find openings for tent-labor, etc. I feel worn. Pray that God may strengthen me, and give me wisdom to spend my strength to his glory. D. T. BOURDEAU.
Lincoln, Vt., July 8, 1872
Bridgewater, Me.
By J. B. Goodrich; W. H. Blaisdell
WE pitched our tent at Baird’s Mills in the town of Bridgewater on the first day of July. We have now given eleven discourses in all, three of which have been on the subject of the law and Sabbath. The interest has seemed to increase thus far. Our congregation has ranged from about fifty to two hundred and fifty.
Since we have presented the Sabbath question, some have said they are going to keep it, but we cannot tell how many will do so until the time comes to prove them. Satan is doing what he can to hinder the progress of the work.
We have given an appointment for meetings each evening this week and the following Sunday and intend to remain here as long as it seems to be duty. We hope for good results.
J. B. Goodrich,
W. H. Blaisdell.
Aroostook Co., Me., July 11, 1872.
Wisconsin Church News: Monroe Missionary Society Organized
By I. Sanborn
Wisconsin.
JULY 13 and 14 were good days for the church at Monroe. Brethren from Avon, Albany, and McConnell's Grove, were with us, and best of all, the Lord met us and greatly blessed us. We organized a Missionary and Tract Society in District No. 2.
All was union and harmony, and the brethren and sisters all seem to be full of courage and hope for the success of this good work that the Lord is doing for his people through the third angel's message. With the continued blessing of God, I will now visit all the churches in the Conference as fast as I can, of which I will give due notice in the REVIEW. I. SANBORN.
ABOVE THE CLOUDS.
By M. C. F.
[The scene here described was witnessed on the Pulney Mountains, in Southern India, in the year 1845.]
The darkest clouds; the poets say,
Have all a silver lining;
Above the storm and whirlwind’s roar
The sun is always shining.
’Twas once my lot this fact to prove,
With closest observation,
As, far above the clouds and storms,
I occupied a station.
’Twas in the sultry clime of Ind,
Upon the lofty mountains,
Where many rivers, long and broad,
Flowed from their tiny fountains.
The sun was pouring forth his beams
In a bright flood of glory,
While lightning’s crash and thunder’s roar
Shook all the hills below me.
Below, the clouds, with angry frown,
Were pouring down a torrent;
Above, their white and fleecy folds
Of peace gave truest warrant.
Their smooth, bright surface spread afar,
With scarcely any motion,
Whilst crags and knobs peered here and there
Like isles in a silver ocean.
Here, balmy odors filled the air,
From flowers perennial blooming,
And fairest landscapes everywhere
With radiant luster looming.
Here, of our lives behold the type,
The favored and the lowly;
The clouds that shroud our pilgrimage
Are shades to screen His glory.
While in life’s journey, then, we toil,
Though storms are bursting o’er us,
We’ll upward press our toilsome way,
For Heaven is just before us.
—M. C. F., in N. Y. Observer.
Flushing, Mich.
By I. D. Van Horn; S. H. Lane
The interest at this point is still good. It has increased from the first. Notwithstanding the busy time of the year, many come in from the country to attend the meetings. The introduction of the Sabbath question made quite a favorable impression on the minds of the people; so much so, that our congregations have been on the increase since that time.
Some, however, have opposed from the first; especially is this true of the ministers of the place. Some of them have warned their members to remain away from the tent meeting, nevertheless many come and seem deeply interested. We have just presented the subject of the Nature of Man. This caused some who were inclined to oppose to take a decided stand against the positions taken.
Last Sunday, the Methodist minister spoke against our position on the Sabbath question. The discourse was reviewed in the evening at the tent before a congregation of about four hundred. The best of attention was given, and an excellent impression was left in favor of the truth.
We have held two Sabbath meetings. Last Sabbath several brethren and sisters from Lapeer met with us. After a short discourse they gave cheering testimonies in favor of the truth, which so encouraged those who have of late embraced our views that six testified that they had fully determined with the help of God to keep all his commandments. We look for several more to take a decided stand.
We have received several invitations to speak in school districts near here. Have done so upon two occasions. The house has been crowded to its utmost capacity. We have spoken four times in a grove about eight miles distant. The people in that vicinity turn out well, and seem much interested. We feel encouraged to labor on in the cause of present truth, ever praying for God’s blessing on our efforts.
I. D. VAN HORN,
S. H. LANE.
Tithes and Offerings.
By H. F. Phelps
Perhaps there are very few among us who do not feel to acknowledge the propriety of the plan of Systematic Benevolence, by which means are raised with which to advance the cause of God, and fewer still would be willing to dispute the hand of God being in the work of bringing his people up to this system. But what is the grand object to be gained? Is God dependent upon us for means with which to carry forward his work? Surely not. “The beasts of the forest are mine,” says God, “and the cattle upon a thousand hills.” Were it in his plan, he could rain gold and silver from Heaven with which to sustain his work. He is not dependent upon the small sum we might give. But it is for our own good, that he requires us to give to sustain or to help in the great work of saving sinners. To some, God has given talents of mental ability; to others, talents of means; and each will have to give an account to God for his stewardship. The plan of Systematic Benevolence is one by which all may share in the work. The selfish and greedy are not eased while the more liberal are burdened; but all may share alike, according to the several ability of each. And where it is carried out as it should be, it is a perfect plan. It is a test, a weekly test. I may know each week whether I am overcoming my selfishness or not. But there are those who do not carry it out according to its design, and are thus in a position to lose the blessing it is designed to bring, and are adopting a course which is certainly bringing upon themselves the frown of God, and unless they repent, will eventually bring upon them the just sentence, “Take from him the talent, and give to him that hath ten.” This system is founded upon the word of God, and what God has set his seal to will surely stand; and if man, no matter how high his profession, fails to obey, he must soon meet its just penalty. Abraham, the father of the faithful, paid tithes. Jacob vowed to pay a tenth of all that God gave him, if he was prospered and returned in peace. It was a statute in Israel. They were required to give a tenth of all, and it must be the very best. God would not accept a lame offering. God gave the bounties of earth to the children of men, but how far they come short of using it according to the first design. We share liberally in these bounties, but the tenth of our increase God never gave to us. “All the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land, or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s, it is holy unto the Lord.” Lev. 27:30.
God gave to man the six working days, but the seventh day he reserved to himself, and whoever takes the seventh day and appropriates it to his own selfish purposes, robs God of the time which he set apart as his own, and upon which we are to worship him. So God has given to us the bounties of earth, but the tenth of the increase he has reserved to himself. He says it is holy. And if we lay our unholy hands upon it, and appropriate it to our own use, we rob God of that which belongs to him. We have no right to it whatever. Hear the words of the prophet. “Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.” You see God calls it robbing him when we take that which he calls his own. And more than this, he calls for offerings, freewill offerings. And why is this? Let us see. The tithe of the increase calls for no sacrifice. Did you think you were sacrificing if you gave a tenth of the increase? You do not, for the principal remains untouched; and not only so, but it is on the increase all the time. The plan of S. B. supposes your property to be out at ten per cent, and you give a tithe or one per cent. Thus you are adding nine per cent to your property every year. How soon do you suppose you will have your treasure transferred to Heaven, at this rate?
Now we are fast approaching the closing scenes of this world’s history, and the very last day must come very soon. The instruction of our Master is, “Lay up for yourselves treasures in Heaven,” “Provide bags that wax not old.” Now we can make, and it is our privilege to make, a transfer of what God has given us here, to the bank of the New Jerusalem. We may exchange the few rods or acres of this sin-cursed earth for an interest in Abraham’s farm. There our treasure will be safe from the fires of the last day. Soon it will be said, “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for the miseries that shall come upon you.” And oh! if our treasures are only secure there, how safe we shall feel.
What can we say to those who vow to God and do not pay. They feel that they must do something for the cause of God. Well-meaning souls, they may be; but they pledge, and that is the last of it. They have put down their property to the full amount. They do not wish to cheat the Lord; but in an evil moment, they stopped to listen to the voice of the tempter. They had money, but oh! says the devil to them (he came as an angel of light), charity begins at home. Your wife needs a dress, John a pair of shoes, Nelly a bonnet, and then there are your taxes, they must be paid. Thus he talks, and our brother listens. Soon the money is all gone. Self, Cæsar, and family, have it, and the Lord is left with only a promise to pay next time; but next time comes, and it is worse than ever before perhaps, for how can the Lord safely bless the man, who does not keep his promise.
But what shall we say to those who profess to come up to the plan, but like Ananias and Sapphira come with a lie in their mouth. They profess to put down the full amount of their property, but were they offered their figures, they would not begin to take it. Now Bro. A. do not begin to say, How this will hit Bro. B.; for it is written for you; I am afraid so, at least. Now stop and consider. Such manifest so much selfishness that they never can get into the kingdom of God unless it is overcome. Heaven would be marred if they were taken in. And though their just recompense may seem to linger, it will come full soon enough. Would to God that such would repent before it is too late. Oh! that every one that has named the name of Christ would depart from all iniquity. But what shall I do, says one. Make a sacrifice, pay your vows to God, “have faith in God.” Believe the promise, “I will pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” Do as the apostle says, “Lay by in store.” Take ten cents out of every dollar, or five out of every fifty. Give God what belongs to him. I will give the words of another upon this subject:
“In the arrangement of Systematic Benevolence, hearts will be tested and proved. It is a constant, living test. It brings one to understand his own heart, whether the truth or the love of the world predominates. Here is a test for the naturally selfish and covetous. They will put down their possessions at very low figures. Here they dissemble. Said the angel, ‘Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully.’ Angels are watching the development of character, and the doings of such are carried to Heaven by the heavenly messengers. Some will be visited by God for these things, and their increase will be brought down to their figures. ‘There is that scattereth, and yet increaseth; and there is that withholdeth more than is meet, but it tendeth to poverty. The liberal soul shall be made fat; and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.’ Prov 11:24, 25.”
Who can be saved? Who will fall by this test? May God save his people from the snare of the devil. Amen.
H. F. PHELPS.
To the Brethren in N. Y. .
By C. O. Taylor
The time for our yearly gathering is drawing near. Some of those that met last year will probably meet this. How true has proved the remark made last year, that not all who were then present would ever meet again. I was thinking, Will those that gave their hearts to God, last year, and have continued faithful, be sorry that they were there, and that they took the stand they did? We hope to meet them this year. Also, those that labored to get those there that commenced the service of the Lord, and did what they could for their eternal interest while there, will they have cause for regret for the labor bestowed? There can be but one answer to these questions. Then will you not all labor to get others there this year? Have you not some dear friend, brother, sister, parent, child, that you are anxious to meet in the soon-coming kingdom, that is almost persuaded to be a Christian, who, with some effort on your part, would give themselves to the Saviour?
Could you be an agent in the hands of God of their salvation, you would be greater in the sight of Heaven than an earthly king. Will you try? Jesus would have you. This may be your last camp-meeting, your last effort to do such a noble work, your last chance to secure a star in your crown, or to be one that will shine forever and ever. Dan. 12: 3. I repeat, Will you try? Will you do the best you can? The meeting is coming in a busy time of the year. Some may think they cannot attend. Let such begin now to ask the Lord to open the way for them. Let them ask each day, often each day. Let them then answer their prayers by their works, do all they can to bring the thing around. If you will, I venture to say you will be there if sickness does not prevent. Our earthly gatherings, where we can seek the Lord, and get prepared for his soon coming kingdom, is drawing to a close. The short space of time between this and the coming of Jesus will soon be past. These golden moments to secure eternal life will soon be over. The righteous will be saved, eternally saved; the wicked, lost, eternally lost.
C. O. TAYLOR.
A. P. LAWTON
By A. P. Lawton
Restoring.
ACCORDING to the common acceptation of this word, it means to return what has been taken; but it may embrace more.
David said he restored that which he took not away. Zaccheus said unto the Lord, Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him four-fold. Better be on the safe side, and restore what we have not taken than to withhold what should be restored. It is not sufficient that we confess and forsake our sins, but we are to restore as far as in our power. This tests our sincerity, and is pleasing to God: not that he has need; but we need this spirit: not that God would suffer loss; but we are the losers.
We are too near the Judgment to let the paltry things of earth get for a moment between us and our duty and crown. Soon the means over which we have been placed as stewards, which have been perverted from the right channel, will be cast into the mire of the street, and be trodden under foot of men. We should be in haste. Every moment of delay increases the wrong, and the difficulty of repairing it.
A. P. LAWTON
W. Winfield, N. Y.
Saying and Not Doing.
By C. Lawton
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of Heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven.” Matt. 7:21. Please take your Bible, and read to the 28th verse of the same chapter; also, James, 1st chapter, from the 22d to the 26th verse. These scriptures need no comment. They prove to a certainty the fallacy of not living out our faith in doing the whole will of God. A mere profession, or fair promises, will never take us through to the kingdom. And do not those who identify themselves with Seventh-day Adventists make a high profession? Certainly there can be no greater perfection than to keep all the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus, and do we expect to enter in through the gates into the city with any less? Then why not take a bold, thorough, decided stand for the truth? Do we not believe God is purifying unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works, and fitting them for translation, or the first resurrection. And the process we are to go through must be one that will separate us both in spirit and practice from the world; and if we live out all the light now shining on present truth, will not this cause a separation? and shall we not be a peculiar people? Certainly, we shall. Oh! then let the question come home with power to our hearts, Are we living out all the light? Can we be saved unless we do? Oh! are not the favor of God and the glorious reward that awaits the faithful overcomer of more consequence than the applause of the world? Oh! yes. I can say from the fullness of my heart, Let me suffer with my Master here. He has borne reproach for us, and his whole life was one scene of suffering; and if the Lord of glory will so humble himself, and suffer so extremely for us, shall we who are so depraved and fallen by nature, and depend wholly on the merits and atonement of our great High Priest to be saved from our sins, think it too humiliating to have the world frown on us because we do right? Is it asking too much to bear the cross, let it be ever so great? Oh! let the blush of shame tinge our cheek, and we prostrate ourselves at his feet, and implore his mercy for past neglect, and seek earnestly for that consecration which will subdue our pride and love of self and the world.
“Go to the garden, sinner; see
Those precious drops that flow;
The heavy load he bore for thee;
For thee he lies so low.
“Then learn of Him the cross to bear,
Thy Father’s will obey;
And when temptations press thee near,
Awake to watch and pray.”